Spending Time with Ke Akua – Kawaiahaʻo Church

God, me, and my heart – Love, Spending Time with Ke Akua

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 15:00:20 +0000

I would like to share a place very special to me. It’s the back deck in my home. As the sun goes down, I spend personal time with God nightly. Most of the time I thank Him for even giving a small sinner like me the time of day. I renew my promise to Him that all I can give is my deep love for Him and show that love every day by having Him always at the top of my thoughts. At times, I break down in joyous tears because the love I feel is so intense. I know He is literally arm’s length away from me just like Paul explained in Acts 17:27. When I talk, I don’t need fancy words. I just need a sincere heart. I let my heart do all the talking. The words that come out just naturally flow. It’s one of the main times I am not lost for words. I know He is listening and can sometimes literally feel the wind die down as I pour out my heart.

I have also prayed while watching the sunset go down in Hawaii and boy is that rewarding! Having the trade winds hit my face and hearing the sound of the waves crash in while having a heart-to-heart with our Creator is like having a taste of heaven. I find the more secluded I am, the better the conversation so I always go to a secluded beach or a ridge. The peace and love that surrounds me can bring even the most stubborn man to break down. It’s more fulfilling than anything else I could imagine. I find as I pour out my love to Him, He pours it out back. It really reinforces the fact that nothing in this world matters and that all the true rewards are beyond. I am not afraid so I really don’t care what happens on this earth. I know He cares for me and if I need to suffer, I still will remain grateful because I have Him.

All you can give God is your deep love. You have nothing more to offer Him. When you love the most is when it’s just you and Him. One on One. Be prepared to have Him come closer. Be prepared to tear up with joy. Be prepared to walk away fulfilled. Be prepared to have a direction in your life that glorifies Him. Feel confident that you have found the true treasure. Be prepared to have God reveal more of Him to you. Be honored by having the privilege to be loved by Him in ways I can’t explain.

Time alone with God and having a heart talk will stir your spirit in a way unimaginable. No fancy words are needed just pure, sincere conversation focused on Aloha. Ke Akua pu…in private.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

He wants ME?! – Spending Time with Ke Akua

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 23:29:00 +0000

“The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”” Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/zep.3.17.NKJV

I am always blown away that the God of the entire Universe and beyond wants ME. That thought is frankly beyond comprehension. My mind just can’t get around it. To add to the mind-blowing experience, He wants me so bad that He will let His innocent Son suffer on a cross and be pelted full strength by His wrath.

What really shocks me is the greatest gift anyone could imagine is refused by many. Some gladly accept a Christmas present and are grateful but when it comes to God’s gift, they pass. Is it because having a relationship with God requires effort? Is it because they want to be their own master? Maybe, it’s because they have it too good in this world and feel they don’t need God?

What really confuses me is we all want to be loved. We hate being alone. We constantly search for love. We go out looking for relationships. People make a living singing about love and heartache when love breaks. We date others in search of love. We have kids to love. We help our Kupuna out of love. We enjoy spending time with those we love. Most of the love we seek we try to find in our little worlds. Yet, the greatest love by far is not seen but can be within us through the Holy Spirit. God keeps knocking at our doors with flowers in hand and we fail to open them at times.

I do know this. I have found love. I opened the door and He rejoiced. I now rejoice too. I am never alone now or ever. My search for life is over. I can spend time with Him who is the Master of the Universe and be totally fulfilled. His river of love overflows and never stops. Thank you, Lord. No words can express how honored and grateful You are the focus of my life. I love you too and rejoice with your presence every day.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Why Church? – Spending Time with Ke Akua

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 04:11:00 +0000

“We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:1-6 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/rom.15.1-6.NKJV

God gave us tools to move towards Him. The Bible is for our learnings of what God commands and forbids as well as successful ways to maneuver within this world righteously. The Bible gives hope for something much better. The Bible is also a support in our common trial and tribulations in this world. We experience loss, wars, famines, persecutions, sufferings and the like just like those in Biblical times. God is rich in mercy and comfort and wants disciples to be together to support and learn from each other. God receives glory through common worship just like He does with individual worship. God didn’t want us to ever be truly alone no matter what life events are hurled our way. Churches aid in our learnings. Churches build up believers through discipleship. Churches provide a common thread of love through a common threads.

The Church is a product of God’s expression of love and comfort. It is charged with building discipleship and strengthening communities. Thank you Father for giving Your disciples loving tools that aid in moving closer to you.

As for moving closer to Him, Paul says:

“And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’”

Acts 17:26-28 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/act.17.26-28.NKJV

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Forgiven: Isn’t it amazing? – Saved, Spending Time with Ke Akua

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 04:13:00 +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

Fix only what you can. Pray for things you can’t – Prayer, Spending Time with Ke Akua

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Sat, 17 Dec 2022 04:16:00 +0000

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.”

Romans 1:18-21, 24, 26-32 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/rom.1.18-32.NKJV

I have often thought I could play a significant role in changing this world. I have recently come to the conclusion that all I can do is try to save the lost one soul at a time. Paul says in Romans there comes a time when God just lets sin go. He gives them what they want. If they want destruction through sin, destruction they will receive. If they want judgement over mercy, judgement they will get. Romans illustrates the signs we see when judgement begins. The one that really grabbed me was God lets the world “have a debased mind” or a mind that is scattered, empty and unfulfilled. I suppose God changes to an anything goes approach and let the chips fall where they may. The grace for us is God protects those who are His. We will be sheltered.

So, it’s folly to think we can change the world and are wasting our time trying. The chaos around us will get worse like birth pains Jesus mentioned in Matthew 24. What is worthwhile is trying to save the lost one at a time. We know that few will make it but at least a few is better than none at all.

The best advice I can give is pray often. Get to know Christ and Christ know you personally. Trust Him and he will shelter you from the storm just like Noah and the Arc. Separate from this world and invest in Christ. Place your investments in Him and cut your losses on this world. Change only what God has Willed you to change. Accept what you can’t change. Walk close to Him and He will walk close to you.

Father,

I know there comes a point when Your patience runs out. I can’t change the world but I can change a few lives around me with Your help. I can walk close to You. I can take one day at a time. I can Bless your holiness and place my full trust in You. I know I can only rescue a few drowning. I will thank You whether times are good or bad. You are Holy. I love You. In Jesus precious name. Amen.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

The real deal? – Spending Time with Ke Akua, Truth

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Sat, 19 Nov 2022 04:20:00 +0000

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.”

I Timothy 4:1-5 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/1ti.4.1-5.NKJV

“But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.”

II Corinthians 11:12-14 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/2co.11.12-14.NKJV

““Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.7.13-14.NKJV

“For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward. Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.”

II John 1:7-11 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/2jn.1.7-11.NKJV

I never was part of a Church in my entire life prior to Kawaiaha’o. I wanted to learn the truth first by studying the Bible. I wanted to at least have the basic, core doctrines written by God before I would listen to anyone else. I guard my spiritual being as it’s my greatest treasure. This is because the path to Christ is narrow, the road to destruction is wide and Satan/his demons uses deception of doctrines to move unsuspecting souls to the wrong Christ. Yes, Satan can even appear like an Angel of Light so you must dig deeper when “prophets” claim they had visions. Those who claim near death experiences are false too because they are still alive! One only meets Jesus when they are clearly “passed”. Frankly, the Bible is really my only defense from being deceived. If what I am told is not Biblical, it’s not true.

Here are some examples:

Over the years I have been told about different Christs. I have been told that Jesus is the brother of Lucifer when Biblically Christ is the creator. I have been told Jesus is actually the Arch Angel Michael when I know He is God Himself. I have been told God is an exalted man which is completely false biblically. God, the father, is a spirit. I have even been told I can become a God one day and have my own planet producing spirit babies if I follow the correct doctrine. My favorite is that I must do all the works I can and Jesus’ crucifixion will carry the rest of the load when the Bible is clear I have been saved by grace alone. I have been told Jesus is a prophet but is not the Son of God and didn’t die on the cross.

Knowing who is the real deal is crucial for salvation. You need to know who exactly you are worshiping. God steers you straight through His Word. That’s probably why the Bible exists and maintains in the first place. Brother and sisters, walk carefully and use the Bible as your treasure map. Just remember:

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Hebrews 13:8 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/heb.13.8.NKJV

Father,

Thank you for Your Word. It’s my only defense from deception. It keeps my path on the narrow road towards You. In Jesus precious name. Amen.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Bad Things Happen to Good People? – Fragile, Spending Time with Ke Akua

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 04:47:00 +0000

“At that time, some people were with Jesus. They told him what happened to some people from Galilee. They had been burning animals as a gift for God. Pilate sent some soldiers to kill them. Jesus replied, ‘Think about those people from Galilee. Perhaps you think that they had done more bad things than other people from Galilee. Do you think that is why they had to die? No! But I tell you this. All of you have done many bad things. So you must change how you live and you must turn to God. If you do not, you will also die as they did. And you remember what happened to those 18 people in Siloam. A high building fell down and it killed them. Perhaps you think that they had done more bad things than the other people in Jerusalem. But I tell you, no, they had not. All of you have also done many bad things. So you must change how you live and you must turn to God. If you do not, you will also die as they did.’”

Luke 13:1-5 EASY

https://bible.com/bible/2079/luk.13.1-5.EASY

Why do horrible things happen to seemingly good people? The news is just filled with terrible accidents and catastrophes. The answer to this question is answered by Jesus himself.

The crowd asked Jesus why worshipers in Galilee were butchered by the Romans while they were providing burnt offerings to the Lord. These people appeared to be good people as they were God focused. Jesus replied by saying we are all sinners who need to repent. You never know when you will die on this earth so the bigger question is are you ready to meet the Lord as a sinner at all times? When we hear of these tragedies, it is a reminder to repent and prepare. Life on this earth is unpredictable and fragile. The only thing predicable is if we don’t repent, we will have everlasting death.

God always uses situations in attempts to bring us close to Him as we are so fragile. He reminds us of the 10 virgins in Matthew 25 illustrating that Christ comes quickly. Thus, we need to be prepared at all times or we get locked out of the banquet. Tragedies are a wakeup call.

Jesus comes quickly (Matthew 24:44) and unexpectedly. That’s why regular repentance, prayer, acknowledgement to the Lord that we need His help and spending daily time with God is so important. Thinking you are a good person is self-deceptive. You are a sinner like all of us who needs regular support from the Savior.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Utterly Helpless – Prayer, Spending Time with Ke Akua

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Sat, 10 Sep 2022 04:58:00 +0000

“This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart;”

Ephesians 4:17-18 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/eph.4.17-18.NKJV

“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.” I Corinthians 2:14-16 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/1co.2.14-15.NKJV

“He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.”

Matthew 16:15-17 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.16.15-17.NKJV

As a sinner, it is impossible for me alone to know God exists, love God for who He is and fully believe in Him and His Word. I am utterly helpless in my natural state! I remain blind, confused, distracted and deceived. We cannot garner evidence in any human way. So, why am I completely convinced God exists, He loves me, He wants to save me and I am drawn to Him more every day?

It’s because God does all the work through the Holy Spirit once I understand I am utterly helpless as a natural person. As He opens my eyes through His Word and prayer, I know with complete surety He is there to teach, guide, love and support me. It’s Him who drives me to truth. It’s Him to soften my heart. It’s Him who builds the love connection. It’s Him who steers me towards pleasing Him. It’s Him who gives me peace. It’s Him who convicts me when I sin. It’s Him who makes me spiritually stronger.

The hardest challenge is taking that first step to understand I am utterly helpless. My pride, sin, worldly deceptions and distractions leaves me unbelieving and blind. I must stop self-deception by laying my plate before His throne with absolute sincerity. It’s me who chooses, through my free will, to hand the keys of dependency on Him.

The next step is to listen to Him. I remain confused by the world. I need to clear the confusion by zeroing in on Him. Reading the Bible and prayer daily achieves this focus. Steering clear of the worldly distractions allows me to focus. I know deceptions and distractions are the Evil One’s core strategies to keep me blind so I must show self discipline with God’s help.

Admit you are utterly helpless and zero in on Him through daily Bible reading and prayer. Do less social networking and listening to all the daily bad news and do more Bible reading and prayer. You will be amazed how He reveals Himself more and more. Then, you will love and know the truth deep within your core being.

As Jesus says,

“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”

Matthew 6:5-6 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.6.5-6.NKJV

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Always – Spending Time with Ke Akua

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Sat, 06 Aug 2022 05:16:00 +0000

““Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, And all the remnant of the house of Israel, Who have been upheld by Me from birth, Who have been carried from the womb: Even to your old age, I am He, And even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you.”

Isaiah 46:3-4 NKJV

https://www.bible.com/114/isa.46.3-4.nkjv

Do you know who is with you always? Everyone else comes and goes in this temporary world but God has been there from the beginning and will be there to the end. He is your rock. You are NEVER alone. You are NEVER abandoned. I have learned this first hand and can tell you that’s why I love Him so much!

So, when you feel alone, know that He is only one prayer away. He is a great listener and a wonderful supporter. He loves you beyond measure and that’s why He sent His Only Son to free you from the bondage of sin.

When you know you have a rock in your life, return that love through prayer and regular Bible reading. Even though many have abandoned Him for this temporary world, know He is with you knocking every day on your heart.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Be Still! – Body and Mind, Spending Time with Ke Akua

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Sat, 16 Jul 2022 05:19:00 +0000

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

Psalms 46:10 NKJV

https://www.bible.com/114/psa.46.10.nkjv

In my younger days I was a go getter. Working an average of 100 hours per week was commonplace. I suppose that is normal these days when I look around me and see others working two or three jobs, putting in astronomical overtime and doing side hustles whenever they come available. I have known many self-employed business people literally live and breathe work.

Although work is an important aspect of life, it is not the whole enchilada. Time needs to be set aside just for Ke Akua. Too many times in the past I spent my time acquiring leaving God to be low on the totem pole. He can wait as I have bills to pay. I have since changed this thinking a lot. I learned that being still gives me dedicated time with Him which yields an inner peace and fulfillment. Time with Him now comes first. Everything else can wait.

Although juggling work and family is important, consistently setting time aside to being still and focusing on Him is the most important. You will find an inner peace and a sense of fulfillment when you be still and focus on Him that goes beyond your daily bump and grind.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada