Protection – Kawaiahaʻo Church

Unity – Bible Reading Plan, Protection, Unity

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 15:00:00 +0000

“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I

come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in

one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and

not frightened by anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of

their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.”

Philippians 1:27-28 ESV

https://www.bible.com/59/php.1.27-28.esv

In John 17 Jesus prays that we are one just like the Father and the Son are one.

Paul confirms this by stating if we stand firm in One Spirit we will destroy our

opponents. United we stand; divided we fall.

The Holy Spirit within us is intended to be one. Yet, each one of us has a piece of

the Holy Spirit. When we received the Holy Spirit, we were a part of the temple,

not the entire temple itself.

I often wonder how being One is even possible. I must trust God on this one.

You see, there are multiple denominations of Churches and each has a variation

of what they see God as. We are, in a way, united through Christ but have

different thoughts on worship. Some have added books like the Book of

Mormon but still have full faith in Jesus. Others have masses that worship the

same God but structure it differently. Interpretations of verses can vary from

church to church. It’s these slight variations that break apart unity. When I talk

with other brothers and sisters about the same Bible, I am amazed at how they

get their backs up when I ask deep questions. They see it as me being rude or

condescending. I see it as trying to understand the rationale behind their

interpretations. I am really not trying to upset them. I am trying to understand

them. Yet, they seem more concerned about converting me over searching for

common truths.

I pray one day Jesus’ prayer in John 17 comes true. He and Paul are right. If we

are One with God, we will all be victorious. My hope is one day we are all One

Church with each one of our Holy Spirits combined building a strong temple for

God.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

I am ridiculously blessed – Protection, Truth

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 15:00:00 +0000

“You must remain in me, and my message must remain in you. Then you may

ask for anything that you want. And God will do it for you.”

John 15:7 EASY

https://www.bible.com/2079/jhn.15.7.easy

Wow! I can’t get over how blessed I am! Imagine a God of the Universe listens

to minuscule me and answers my prayers! Shut the front door! One of my early

prayers was asking God to help me see the truth. I’m confused with all the

deception around me that it shields the truth. The river ran over with ways to zero

in on the truth. I see the truth like I’m wearing x-ray vision glasses. I really think God

protects me from most deception. I do think my small, focused world helps too.

I prayed over Covid. During Covid, I am completely calm but surrounded by

many who are terrified. I recently prayed and asked God whether I take the

vaccine or not. I await an answer but I know it’s forthcoming. So far the answer

is not yet. When I write, the cup runs over with ideas. My thoughts are focused

but overflowing to the point my fingers can’t type topics quick enough and my

time is finite in the daytime.

God has always wonderfully taken care of me. I can’t express my gratitude for how

fortunate I have been so far in this life. Yes, some roads were rocky but all roads

ended up paved. There are times I just spend praying about how much I love

Him, how blessed I am from Him and I will do anything He asks. Many times

when I pray, I want nothing except to just feel Him near. Sometimes, I just thank

He on having a peaceful day. Sometimes, I pray about my day like a schoolgirl

at the playground with other school girls. Again, it’s just to stroke up

the conversation so I can stay near to Him.

One of the reasons why I didn’t want to be part of a local Church was so I could

have fellowship but temper it with God-focused. My main focus is God. I just

want to be with Him and Him with me. When I pray, I want my prayers focused.

I do pray for others but with intensity. Since they are intense, I am select on who

I pray for you. I really respect those who pray for many. I just can’t seem to do it

with many because when I do, they seem to lose that intensity they deserve.

Most of my prayers are answered in amazing ways and are too numerous to

count. Perhaps, it’s because the asks are few and the intentions are righteous.

I think the main reason I am so blessed is that I have faith in Him. He knows

me because I want to be near Him. He makes me unafraid and unworried. He

focuses me on the big things and minimizes the small stuff.

Yes, I am ridiculously blessed! Thank you Heavenly Father!

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Nothing ever Changes – Protection, Truth

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Sat, 07 Jan 2023 04:12:00 +0000

“Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of

the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.””

Genesis 3:1-5 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/gen.3.1-5.NKJV

The serpent has used the same play book since Eve. What God tells you doesn’t matter. You too can be like God or better yet a god. Don’t worry about sin. Live your best life now. You can LOLO it! Stay away from anyone who tells you this.

I was shocked to see the number of Christian book bestsellers pushing the idea that you have the power to change on your own. God is only a helper. If you are in the dumps and knee deep in sin, just pull up your socks. Jesus? He doesn’t matter much.

Remember what Satan said to Eve. You surely will not die. Your eyes will be opened. You too can be like god.

Well, I know the truth and that’s what saves me. My eyes are open thanks to Jesus. I am a sinner. I am a Loser with a capital L who needs the blood of Christ. I cannot change on my own. I need a new operating system that only God can give me. Without God’s grace, I am hopelessly doomed. I will not be tricked like Eve was tricked. I will stay on the narrow road with the help of the Holy Spirit and the Bible. If I do that, I will have the best life now and into eternity.

Father,

Thank you for showing me the truth in Your Word and slowly regenerating me. I am a helpless sinner who comes before You for help, guidance and renewal. Please protect me from the evil one and his tricks. I am Yours and Yours alone. No one can sway me any other direction. In Jesus name. Amen.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Prophesy. God protects His. – Protection, Today

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Sat, 24 Dec 2022 04:15:00 +0000

“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones grew old Through my groaning all the day long. For day

and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” And You forgave the iniquity of my sin.

Selah For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You In a time when You may be found; Surely in a flood of great waters They shall not come near him. You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. Do not be like the horse or like the mule, Which have no understanding, Which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, Else they will not come near you. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; But he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!”

Psalms 32:1-11 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.32.1-11.NKJV

I have known about Jesus since I was six. My mom explained Jesus to me and, because she was my mom, I believed her. I would bounce between Jesus and my own way most of my life. Yes, there were times I dove into sin with both feet. Actually, I think it was more like a belly flop than a dive. Each time I wavered, my head was lower in shame asking God to forgive me again. Yes, I couldn’t seem to make the faith stick to me like glue. I was a Teflon Don sliding off like the fried eggs I made. I was unfocused like the kids I taught with ADHD. Distracted by world around me, I would focus on whatever I saw benefitted me.

Like most stories that look wonderful, the house of cards fell on me. What do I do? I can fix this. The more I tried, the more I realized I was peddling against the current up a waterfall. Okay then, get on my knees again?

Fast forwarding, my faith became solid because this time I built a good foundation (remember Matthew 7: 24-27?). Just like David’s nose dive into sin, I knew I was forgiven. What a wonderful thing to be forgiven! I remind myself of what a great gift I was given when I need to forgive others. It doesn’t matter what sin(s) you have done. What matters is to lean on God for forgiveness and cleansing. Next time, remember to use cement on the foundation instead of sand you got from the beach. I think taking truckloads of sand from the beach in Hawaii might be illegal anyway.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Slavery or Freedom – Protection

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Sat, 13 Aug 2022 05:14:00 +0000

“For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

I Corinthians 6:20 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/1co.6.20.NKJV

Did you know you are a slave to Christ as you were bought at a price? What? A slave?

During Ancient Roman times, slaves were sold in the main square that was located at the center of town. People would actually ask the potential slave what they were good at to determine whether their skills fits the needs they have. Once a slave match was found, there was a monetary negotiation and a transaction made. Paul and Christ would certainly have seen this buying and selling of human flesh going on in their time.

This holds true when one asks to belong to Christ. Each one of us has unique gifts and talents. Christ buys you with his blood. In return, He expects your obedience as a purchased slave and uses you to purchase more slaves through the making of more disciples. His blood is so valuable, He can purchase all the slaves He wants now and forever. His wallet remains full!

Initially, this master-slave thing didn’t sit right with me until I prayed on this to fully understand. You see, I was a slave to my father, the devil, when I was born. He made me a slave to sin thanks to Adam and Eve eating the fruit. Their decision lead to me being with Satan by default. Jesus says,

“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.”

John 8:44 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/jhn.8.44.NKJV

So, no matter how I look at this, I am a slave. The question is, “Which Master do I want?” Do I want the Devil who I got from default or Christ?

Thinking even deeper, I am free of Sin paid for with Christ’s blood on the cross. So, my slavery now is obedience to righteousness and the consult of the Spirit. So, is righteousness really slavery? No! Jesus is my guide and teacher and I’m His disciple. He guides me, through the Holy Spirit, to fruits instead of what I am hardwired to be originally. I am now a servant of Him who teaches me to be Christ-like through the Spirit and His Word. As He is my Master, He protects me and saves me from destruction. The best part is He does all the work by changing my heart!

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”

Galatians 5:19-24, 26 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/gal.5.19-26.NKJV

So, I may be a slave to Christ but forgiven and freed from the bondage of Sin. My Spiritual guide actually is freedom and I am truly grateful for that!

Set yourself free of your original father everyday with Christ who is your new Master!

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Planoa – The Greatest Weapon! – Protection, Truth

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Sat, 09 Jul 2022 05:20:00 +0000

“And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”

Matthew 24:4-5, 11-12, 23-24 NKJV

https://www.bible.com/114/mat.24.4-5,11-12,23-24.nkjv

In Greek, the word Planao means to lead astray, to deceive, to confuse, to redirect and to cause doubt. Throughout the Bible, Planao is referenced often as Satan’s weapon of choice. His main goal is to sway us away from The real Christ using Planao. What is particularly interesting is Jesus says “the elect” will experience Planao but attempts will fail. This is because those saved are lovers of truth and God will help protect them from Planao.

Are you a lover of truth? How do you protect yourself from Planao? How do you know when attempts are made to deceive you? How do you remain on the straight path towards Jesus?

I can tell you how I protect myself, with God’s strength, from Planao. I pray often and ask God to help me reveal the truth. As a matter of fact, my first meaningful prayer was telling God how confused I was from deception everywhere and asking Him to reveal the truth. He answered my prayer(s) in spades! I asked to be a lover of truth and receive the truth regularly. I focus on the Bible. Any and all religious information is double checked with the Bible. That’s how I picked the Church I did. Sadly, many Churches out there are somewhat deceived and the only way to flesh them out is to consult with the Bible. I also limit who I listen to. I know Satan is lurking trying to Planao. Lastly, I shield myself from outside news. My focus is on Christ. Nothing else matters to me. Nothing will sway me any other direction.

Father,

Thank you for protecting the elect from Planao. Even though we are vulnerable to Planao, You will focus us in on You. You will show us the truth through the Bible. The Bible is your armor that Satan can never change or touch. Please continue to show me the truth and protect me from Planao. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada