Spending Time With Ke Akua – Kawaiahaʻo Church https://kawaiahaochurch.com A Faithful Hawaiian Christian Church in Honolulu, Hawaii Fri, 05 Jul 2024 19:44:07 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/cropped-kclogo-e1676098650999-150x124.webp Spending Time With Ke Akua – Kawaiahaʻo Church https://kawaiahaochurch.com 32 32 Saved – Bible Study, Body and Mind, Ke Akua, Reflection, Saved https://kawaiahaochurch.com/saved/ Mon, 29 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1322
““You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and
whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who
is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother
will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the
hell of fire.”
Matthew 5:21-22 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/mat.5.21-22.esv
 
““You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to
you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already
committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Matthew 5:27-28 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/mat.5.27-28.esv
 
Matthew 5 is a wonderful chapter to really understand God’s Laws. When one
looks at what Jesus says, he says not acting out the Sin doesn't mean you have
not sinned. So, if you don't commit the sin but have sinful thoughts, you are just
as guilty of committing the sin.
 
What does this really mean? When you are a true Christian, your heart has been
purified through the Holy Spirit. It means leaning on the finished work of Christ
and God’s grace to receive salvation is crucial because you will never reach
God’s perfection.
 
How do we really know then we are saved? Once you accept Christ as your
savior, repent of your sins, and have a loving, regular relationship with God, you
notice a change within yourself. In my case, I have noticed I'm not an angry person
anymore. I think differently about so many things. I think about how I can better
help others. I look at my bank account and savings and see them as numbers
versus anything of value. As a matter of fact, I have been praying to ask God
where he wants these numbers shared. I care less and less about this world. I am
completely satisfied with meeting basic needs. I am easy to forgive when before
I held grudges. I want to read the Bible and listen to sermons more and more. I
want to pray more. I have gratitude for how well God cares for me. I am not
afraid. I am more apt to be truthful than hurt feelings. I have transformed
internally in thoughts and desires. I gradually realize my outward veneer
matches my inward heart. I don't feel fake by looking outwardly good when
inwardly I am angry, lustful, prideful, greedy, and spiteful. I have peace within.
Yes, Christ helps change you from the inside out. Your inwardness matches your

outwardness. Your heart goes from stone to flesh. Mahalo Ke Akua!

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

 

]]> The Potter – Body and Mind, Bible Study, Integrity https://kawaiahaochurch.com/the-potter/ Mon, 22 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1319
“You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his
will?” But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say
to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Has the potter no right over
the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and
another for dishonorable use?”
Romans 9:19-21 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/rom.9.19-21.esv
 
I had a lot of trouble trying not to question God. Questions like, “Why would
God threatened to kill the first born in Egypt if the Egyptians didn't let His people
go?” or “Why does God let people die of cancer?” or “Why is there a Hell?”
When I read the Bible, I question why God acted a certain way. Boy, have I got
that wrong!
 
The fact is God is my creator and I am created. As my creator, God can do
whatever He wants. Think of it this way. When you create something or own
something, how do you feel when others criticize you if you use something in a
way they don’t like? How would you feel if I came to the home that you built
and started painting your walls purple and orange? Who am I to do that?
The fact is God can do what He chooses with us. We can't pick and choose what
God should or should not do. We can't choose commandments that we like and
ignore what we don't like. We don't decide if God places evil people in this
world. God is the potter and we are His pottery.
 
So, when you're reading the Bible, read all of it. Don't pick passages you like and
ignore ones you don't. God is the potter so He decides and makes all the rules.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

]]> The Start of Kingship and Christianity – Believe, Bible Study https://kawaiahaochurch.com/the-start-of-kingship-and-christianity/ Mon, 15 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1316
““Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my
Father’s house is many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I
go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will
come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And
you know the way to where I am going.
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we
know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No
one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would
have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen
him.””
John 14:1-7 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/jhn.14.1-7.esv
 
The passages during the Last Supper are so telling. It really is the cross-over
between the Old Testament and the New. Now, Christ has revealed that He will
prepare a place. It is He who will begin the New Covenant. It is He who clearly
states He is the gatekeeper. It really was at this point that Christianity was
born. The sequence of events to occur shortly afterward solidified Christ’s
rightful place as King.
 
It took me a while to really think about Christ’s coronation as King because it's
actually opposite to what someone would think a coronation should be. What I
mean by this is Jesus was asked if He was King of the Jews. A crown of thorns
was placed on his head. He was mocked as King by the Romans and the masses
as he was carrying the cross to the place of the skull. A sign “King of the Jews”
was placed overhead of His mangled body on the cross. He asked His Father to
forgive “His Subjects.” When He died, He was glorified by the Father. His blood
and sacrifice were the glories.
 
“When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is
glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and
glorify him at once.”
John 13:31-32 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/jhn.13.31-32.esv
 
In John 13, Christ also creates a new commandment. It reads:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have
loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you
are my disciples if you have a love for one another.””
John 13:34-35 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/jhn.13.34-35.esv
 
A new commandment from a new King. Christ is actually preparing to be King.
He is stating His commandment before he is coronated as King on the cross.
When I reflect and re-read God’s Word, my understanding ever changes and
hones in. My understanding seems to go deeper and marvel because I start to
understand God’s way is different and higher than my ways. Who would think
crucifying one’s only son would trigger a whole new way to worship the Father?
and the Son? I encourage you to read John 13 and 14 carefully and reflect. The
Words of Christ are very telling of the changes in God’s plans.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

]]> This World, Advancements and God focused – Reflection, Today https://kawaiahaochurch.com/this-world-advancements-and-god-focused/ Mon, 08 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1313
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the
love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world— the desires of the
flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life —is not from the Father but is
from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but
whoever does the will of God abides forever.”
1 John 2:15-17 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/1jn.2.15-17.esv
 
Sometimes I think we live in one of the most difficult times. It’s because the
temptations of this World so abounded. The Internet and other
“advancements” are filled with worldly, fleshly desires. Technology has allowed
us to feed our fleshly desires more than at any other time. I think of it this way.
Imagine how people lived in Hawaii or in Canada 200 years ago. Life was simple
and focusing on God was easier. We lived day to day and our focus was on the
basics; Ohana, God, and survival. We had time to reflect on our spiritualism as
we weren’t distracted by a multitude of voices ranging from opinion to
advertisements to politics. Our stress was limited to meeting the basic needs of life.
We focused more on our neighborhoods than pondering what is happening in
another part of the world.
 
When times were simple, our span of knowledge was much easier to remain
focused. I am often reminded of what Jesus said with regard to knowledge:
“But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a
light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him, much will be required,
and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.”
Luke 12:48 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/luk.12.48.esv
 
With technology, we know much, are given much, and are tempted often. We
know about those suffering throughout this world. Our temptations to amass
stuff is higher than at any other time in history. Many movies are filled with
multiple sins that are simply pawned off as entertainment. Our focus on money
and wealth sometimes crosses the line to being “lovers of money.” We are
tempted to keep pace with our neighbors instead of keeping peace with our
neighbors.
 
Yes, sometimes I wished I lived in a much simpler time. I think it would make my
journey with Christ easier. The lack of technology would force me to zero in on
what’s truly important in this world. Yes, sometimes advancements are actually
regressions.
 
I am reminded of what Paul said:
“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God,
who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved
brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,
knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
1 Corinthians 15:56-58 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/1co.15.56-58.esv
 
Even though the race will be riddled with technological sideshows, my focus to
Continuing the marathon will make me victorious.
 
On a positive note, if one stays focused, one can use technology to do God’s
Will. They can better share the gospel and perhaps, in a small way, make a few
lives better no matter where they live. I suppose the key here is to remain
focused no matter what advancements do to try to derail God’s mission.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

]]> Walk with God – Bible Study, Prayer https://kawaiahaochurch.com/walk-with-god/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1310
“When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. Enoch walked with
God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters.
Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. Enoch walked with God, and he was
not, for God took him.”
Genesis 5:21-24 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/gen.5.21-24.esv
 
Where does God truly fit in your life? Is God behind, above, or in front of you?
Or, is God walking with you? When someone walks with you, it has a sense of
friendship, love, and equality. Yes, God has unlimited power, Grace, love, and
mercy. Yes, God should be in your driver’s seat. However, God loved Enoch so
much that Enoch avoided death because Enoch walked with God. So, it is clear
God wants to walk with you.
 
What does it really mean to walk with God? Well, I see it as treating God with
love by praying to Him often. This goes beyond just asking for things. It’s like
having a coffee with a good friend and/or loved one and talking about anything
for hours. While having coffee, you aren’t into asking for a gain or help, you just
enjoy the conversation. I have prayed many times actually having a conversation
with Him. I am not asking for anything, I just want His company. I pray to Him
“just because.” Sometimes, I have questions I pose to Him I just can’t answer.
Sometimes, I thank Him for loving a wretched sinner who still slips up here and
there. I might read passages in the Bible and ask Him what the passage truly
means. I have been known to simply ask Him if I will ever have all my questions
answered.
 
God loves faith. I have found God especially likes walking with you. You want
nothing but His company. You just want Him to be there with you. You want Him
to show you what He sees as important for you. It’s just a loving relationship
where you want Him in your life. He is all you really need.
 
So, when you pray, do you walk with Him at times? You want nothing but His
Company. You just want a conversation with no needs at the moment. If you
haven’t tried this, I highly recommend it. It will take your faith to a whole new
level.
]]> Kapuna – Bible Study, Fragile, Today https://kawaiahaochurch.com/kapuna/ Fri, 22 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1307
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is
being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us
an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things
that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are
transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/2co.4.16-18.esv
 
Whenever I read this passage, it becomes clear why I can sense those with
strong, beautiful spirits. It also explains why some of my most enriching times
were with Kapuna. Even though many Kapuna usually has more health
challenges, they just seem to have stronger internal spiritual strength. It
reminds me of when I was in my 20s and I was terrified to lose my hair. Now, I
don’t give two hoots about being bald and actually rejoice because I just shave it
off for free instead of paying 30 dollars for a hairstyle. My outer self is slowly
wearing but my inner self gradually transforms closer to God.
 
As we get older, we are ever reminded that this world is temporary. Most of us
increasingly don’t care about our stuff as we age and focus our energy on the
unseen. As my mom gets older, she spends more time telling me what I am to
do to dispose of her house, farm, and cash. It’s like she is naturally preparing for
something so much better. Her prized things now are our long conversations
together about God and the great memories we both have. Even 5 years ago,
 
these conversations just didn’t come up very often.
For you younger folks, having long conversations with Kapuna can be so valuable
because Kapuna gradually values the unseen. They value their memories,
relationships, learnings, wisdom, and character-building more and more. As their
outer self wears, their inner self pyramids up. Being younger, it takes a bit to
hone in because our sense of the future is completely different than Kapuna's. Being
younger, most think more of dating, earning money, and acquiring. It’s just so
refreshing looking through the lens of Kapuna because their thoughts in the
future gradually focus on succession and closure on this earth. Their outer sense
of mortality kicks in and their inner sense of what’s more important than is
unseen becomes keen.
 
God Bless our Kapuna! Their inner sense of what’s truly important is so valuable
for the rest of us.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

]]> Fear Not – Believe, Saved https://kawaiahaochurch.com/fear-not/ Fri, 15 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1304
When I read the Bible and pray, the theme of “Fear Not” just keeps popping up.
I was curious about how many times “fear not” shows up in the Bible and was quite
surprised it was 365 times. Could it be God wants us to know we should “fear
not” every day? I do know since I got serious with Christ, I really don’t fear
anything. I don't care about politics, the economy, current affairs, or anything else. I
just seem to fully trust God that I will be cared for. No matter what happens, all
is going to be fine. It's this “fear not” thinking that gives me peace and feeling
stress-free.
 
I almost think the feeling of “fearing not” alone is worth being a Child of God.
Too many people are stressed out today because they see the problems but
don't seek God for the solutions. Perhaps, they are too focused on this world
and bank on a future that may or may not come. With God, you know He will
care for you here and in eternal life. Every day is a gift from God. Each time you
take a breath, it's due to God’s Will. Imagine how fragile you truly are just
depending on God’s Will to take another breath let alone what’s going to
happen over this year?
 
So, if you don’t “fear not”, reflect on why. Perhaps you are focusing too much on
this world instead of God.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

]]> Self-proclaimed false prophets – Believe, Bible Study, Truth https://kawaiahaochurch.com/self-proclaimed-false-prophets/ Fri, 08 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1299
“I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in my name,
saying, ‘I have dreamed, I have dreamed!’ How long shall there be lies in the
heart of the prophets who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their
own heart, who think to make my people forget my name by their dreams that
they tell one another, even as their fathers forgot my name for Baal? Let the
prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let him who has my word speak
my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? declares the Lord.”
Jeremiah 23:25-28 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/jer.23.25-28.esv
 
“But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not
commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same
prophet shall die.’ And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word
that the Lord has not spoken?’— When a prophet speaks in the name of the
Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the
Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not
be afraid of him.”
Deuteronomy 18:20-22 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/deu.18.20-22.esv
 
The Bible is clear on being mindful of false prophets. Frankly, the only truth is
from the Bible itself. I am saddened when I watch or read self-claimed
“prophets” who claim they have more access to God than anyone else. The truth
is everyone has the same access. Every believer has the Holy Spirit within them.
Every believer has access to an unmodified Bible containing the same passages.
God transforms all of us through faith and the Holy Spirit. God wants a loving
relationship with everyone equally.
 
Do not be deceived. You are on a level playing field with God. Yes, you may have
unique gifts given to you by God to serve His Will but you can be as close to Him
as the next self-proclaimed “prophet.” God gives everyone equal access.
““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes
in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/jhn.3.16.esv
 
So, when you read or watch self-proclaimed “prophets”, listen with a grain of
salt. Read the Bible to garner truth and pray for truth. Allow God to guide you
on what you need to do. Let Him take the lead in your life. God, Himself will
never lead you astray. God, Himself will show you the truth. God, Himself will
demonstrate immense love and mercy for you as He does with everyone.
With the advent of technology, believers are more vulnerable to being led
astray. We are overrun with information. Perhaps, that’s why Jesus states:
“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your
Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Matthew 6:6 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/mat.6.6.esv
 
I take this passage simply as having a 1 on 1 with your Heavenly Father is so
important. Perhaps, Jesus stated this to protect you from self-proclaimed
“prophets.” Focus on God Himself and you will be rewarded with clear
direction.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

]]> Wisdom, Faith, Truth, and Unity – Truth, Unity https://kawaiahaochurch.com/wisdom-faith-truth-and-unity/ Fri, 01 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1296
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without
reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for
the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the
wind. That person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the
Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
James 1:5-8 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/jas.1.5-8.esv
 
When people ask me what's the one thing I ask God I want for myself, I would
say wisdom.
 
Wisdom comes from complete truth. One cannot be wise if the foundational
knowledge one has is false. That's why the Bible and prayer are so important.
One must go to the source to obtain the knowledge one needs to become wise.
One must have complete faith in God to understand what the words in the Bible
truly mean. Frankly, it's those who claim how the Bible has been interpreted
over the centuries that lead to false information being untrue. I would argue that
since the Bible has existed intact for 1900-plus years, it must be true because
truth never changes. I also argue a limitless, spaceless, holy being has the
power to ensure His Word remains untainted. It's that belief that drives faith
and, in turn, wisdom.
 
Truth can be corrupted by human beings. We see this all the time in the world
today. It's a deception that blurs truth. It's a deception that seeds disunity. Unity
cannot fully be obtained without truth because, unlike deception, truth never
changes. If everyone has the same truth, they are of the same thought and thus
are unified. It's the truth that unifies everyone because it ignites wisdom (unlike
deception which ignites ignorance and foolishness). It's the truth that extinguishes
confusion through deception.
 
So, if you want the truth to build wisdom, pray to God for help. Read the Bible
yourself. Clear your mind of all the opinions of what truth is. Have complete
faith God will answer your prayers for truth. Accept truth even though you don't
like what truth reveals. Once you have done this, your wisdom will improve.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

]]> God’s Urge – Love One Another, Saved https://kawaiahaochurch.com/gods-urge/ Fri, 23 Feb 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://kawaiahaochurch.com/?p=1293
The hand of God is simply amazing!
 
Have you ever had the urge to do something only to find out the party you
supported was actually praying for it? This has happened to me many times.
Allow me to give you one of my latest examples.
 
I ran into a family when I visited the Philippines about 4 years ago. I remember
when they welcomed me into their home for dinner and unknown to me at the
time, the dad slaughtered his prized goat for dinner. He has nothing else to give
so the goat got it. Fast forwarding, I now send his youngest daughter 10,000
pesos a month so she can have a small room and pay for her schooling. She is
regularly on the Dean’s list. The small room she rents is actually in her dad’s
home. Her dad’s sole income comes from renting five rooms attached to his
small home. Each room potentially brings in about 100 USD a month. Imagine
supporting seven people on that amount. Before, this young lady shared a room
that was 10 feet by 10 feet with her four sisters and 2 babies. Imagine trying to
study in an environment like that! I must say they have never asked for help
from me. I just had the urge to help. I believe it's from the Holy Spirit.
 
During COVID, this dad had four of his five renters leave as they were laid off
leaving him with just the room I rent for this young lady. I didn't know this at the
time. Supporting 7 people for 100 dollars a month would be challenging, to say
the least. One night, I had this nagging urge to rent a room for all his daughters.
So, I contacted this dad and asked him if he had any rooms left to rent. He
paused and asked me why I'm asking? I told him I would like to rent 4 more
rooms for the other 4 girls. He says to me, “God answered my prayers! I can
now feed everyone!”
 
Later, I found out through a friend that this family was picking food out of trash
cans around Manila to scrape up dinner. Their electric power was cut off and they
were on the verge of losing their home. No one told me, including the young
lady I support. It was the urge that told me to help.
 
Yes, God does work in amazing ways!

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

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