Focus on the Eternal

There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him;

they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.

And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever.

Revelation 22:3-5

To not have any of the anxieties or worries of the world, to not have any of the heartache and pains that comes with the fallen world is unfathomable. I can't understand what this will be like. But God is revealing some awesome truths that are to come to those who choose His ways. We are so bound to this world that it's impossible for us to understand the great glory of God but if we hold onto Truth we will get to experience all that He's prepared.

I can't help but to be afraid of what I don't understand, I think this is natural for all of us whether we admit it or not; it's a control thing for me. I'm afraid because I don't trust Him enough. How do I raise my faith and trust so that I can face all things without hesitance? I gotta put myself out there and take risks. I gotta take risks for Jesus and just be bold, get out of my comfort zone and life more. I need to put aside all my insecurities and do the things I know is right.

Father God, thank You for an amazing 2009 year. There's so much that I haven't done, so much harvest that I have not reaped in Your name. Not because of opportunity but because of my fears. Fears of failure, insecurities & rejection... and loss of control. Help me Lord to grow further into Your image. In the matchless name of Christ Jesus I pray, Amen!

Back on Track

This isn't so much a reading devotion as it is a personal reflection of my direction. I've been struggling with things that are somewhat in my control but my flaw is that I'm allowing it to become my Lord, my God. I'm allowing things to capture my mind to where my worship is hallow and spirit is down. I cannot allow the devil to steal my joy.

The devil stealing my joy, that's an interesting statement because I don't go on blaming every little thing on the devil. Sometimes, it's our fault! Sometimes, our selfishness and pride gets in the way of God's blessings and WE are the ones who bring pain and suffering upon ourselves.

As my daily devotions declined so did my worldly influences increase. I began to once again think as the world does. Not in ways to dominate and control everything around us but the same thing internally. I'm trying to control my emotions and desires without worship, without Jesus at the center. I haven't been picking up my guitar to worship... yes I do to play, but not to honor the King.

So I need accountability really bad. But who should I turn to? Do I go to someone who can mentor me or someone I can just talk to, a spiritual friend and companion? But I don't want to see like a complainer either? And that's something I noticed too, that I tend to gravitate to accountability when I need something... not necessarily a bad thing but not what I'm envisioning for accountability.

Sometimes I wish I were back in ministry. I'm still in ministry at NHSI but really into it where I'm seeing my brothers and sisters weekly and not just once a month. Should I go back to Men's ministry? Maybe with my dad? Or should I get involved more at Farrington, maybe with the sound team again or audition for Frontlines with Dane? So many things but I need to center my life back on Jesus before anything else. I cannot seek something in this world to fill my heart, only Jesus can I and need to spend time with Him.

Stop Trying to Figure Him Out

Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven. And he swore by him who lives for ever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, "There will be no more delay! But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets."

Revelation 10:5-7

What would it be like to know the mystery of God? It really doesn't sound right... it makes me think of Adam and Eve, when they took the forbidden fruit and ate it because they wanted the knowledge; to be equal with God. To know what God knows almost seems like sin in our human bodies. But this scripture marks the end of the physical world as we know it and serves as a transition to a new time, a new world where exposing God's mystery marks an end and a new beginning. Only at that appointed time can we ever expect to know God's thinking. Until then, we must submit to the holy mystery.

Every single time something happens in my life where things get a little challenging I turn to my own understanding. At the same time my mind fills with the "why" questions. I ask God why this and that... why does it have to be so hard... is this really His plan? I will never know these answers but what I do know is the stance of my heart as I encounter these questions. I need to achor myself on His word, including all His mysteries. This will equip me to get through today because tomorrow isn't as bad as we dream it up to be and never as easy as we think. The shortcomings I have with dealing with my problems isn't due to today, it's due to the lack of preparation yesterday. So I need to be on guard, mentally, physically and most importantly spiritually so that I'll never need to question my Mighty God.

Heavenly Father, You hear my cries. You know what I'm going through even before I go through them. Thank You for being patient and compassionate with my strongholds. Lord, I release them to You so that I can serve You full-heartedly without restraint. Enable me to the wonderful works You have planned no matter what the task. Help me discipline my own mind to follow not the world but the guiding Light, my Savior! In the matchless name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen!

Intentional Sin

  ²⁶For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 

  ²⁷but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES.

Hebrews 10:26-27

This chapter talked about how the offerings and sacrifices in the OT could never save anyone.  The Lamb of God, Jesus the Christ is the only one who can provide salvation.  This verse follows up by saying that salvation is a wonderful gift but abusing it by making a mockery of this precious sacrifice will bring upon a mighty wrath from God.

I think about my life and how I carry myself as a follower of the Way.  Do I sin intentionally just because I know God's gift has been provided?  Do I sin to fake a servant's heart (to allow God's glory to shine through a situation)?  I think about the last couple sins I'm aware of and it's either selfishness or insecurities; but I don't think it's because I have a free ticket because of God's grace.  I'm a fallen creature and I know I will always struggle with my temptations but I pray that I'm always convicted of my transgressions and never comfortable.

Father God, in all Your wonderful glory You care with live and discipline.  Please capture my heart as I meet You at our meeting place to serve and obey as David and Abraham did.  I pray for my mind, heart and spirit to be restless as I go off the blessed path You paved.  In the wonderfule name if Christ Jesus I pray, Amen! 

  ¹It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 

  ²An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 

  ³not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. 

  ⁴He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 

  ⁵(but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 

1 Timothy 2:1-5

It all starts at home.  It's no wonder that people's first ministry starts with our wives/husbands, children and all the things involved with our families.  I must constantly remind myself that before I can step out into the world I need to make sure my home is well kept and in order.  Otherwise, the outside of the cup looks good but inside is a mess.

In studying for my classes I can't lose sight of why I'm on that path, to glorify God through discipleship.  But I cannot reach others apart from my family.  I need to prepare for what tomorrow will bring by being steady and faithful with today.  

Father God, thank You for blessing Your children in massive abundance.  You've prepared the way to reap the harvest we just need to get to work, not in tomorrow's agenda but the here and now.  Love You! In he powerful name of Christ Jesus I pray, amen!

Back to Obedience

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;

for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

Philippians 2:12-13

We are being taught in this passage to obey God not only while people are watching but all the time especially when you think no one is watching; God is always watching. The second verse is telling me that the reason why we follow God is because we want to. Being saved is about abandoning who we were and grasping onto our identity, God's beloved and showered with grace. We need to work it out in our own hearts so that we really want to do God's work. That's God's love... it's more than sacrificial, it's choosing because it pleases Him.

I've been tested greatly these past few months as I'm trying to discipline myself with academics. This past weekend's message by Pastor Wayne was so fitting for my life because I was reminded that I need to get back to my devotions because I can see my life becoming uglier by the day. I'm not responding out of love and I'm finding ways in my heart to distance myself from being like Jesus. I'm doing things based off of my own strengths; God cannot be made strong because of my failures. I need to focus my life back on Christ, with fear and trembling.

Lord God, thank You for making Your home in me. I cannot begin to express my appreciation for all Your wonderful works. Forgive me for making excuses and trying to take matters into my own hands. I re-commit my life to You O' God and want to serve You well. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen!

  ¹⁴What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be! 

  ¹⁵For He says to Moses, "I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION." 

  ¹⁶So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy. 

  ¹⁷For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE I RAISED YOU UP, TO DEMONSTRATE MY POWER IN YOU, AND THAT MY NAME MIGHT BE PROCLAIMED THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE EARTH." 

  ¹⁸So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires. 

Just Die Already

  ⁶knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; 

  ⁷for he who has died is freed from sin. 

  ⁸Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,

   ⁹knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. 

Romans 6:6-9

Sin has a massive grip on our lives.  The only way to live in Holy fellowship with Jesus and the community of God is to die to sin, to be crucified on the cross with our Savior.  What does this mean in our lives?  We need to put away, get rid of the things which tie us to our bodies of sin.  We need to place it as a sacrifice offering with no strings attached or chains that'll find it's way back.  We need to cut all ties to it.  Completely.

In my life, I realize how something innocent to me has affected my walk with Jesus.  I've held onto habbits, experiences, idols & and many other insecurities that has prevented me from dying to myself and to the flesh.  I need to clean that stuff, bury it and throw away the keys.  

Father God, thank You for blessing me with so much, even though I complain silently that my life isn't what I expected.  In fact, it's more than I could have ever expected!  I just want to be a selfish salad bar Christian, picking and choosing only what I want. Forgive me Lord for this insult to Your mighty plans.  Love You Father!  In the matchless name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen!

Miracle Repeated

Matthew 15

Jesus had just performed a miraculous event by feeding the crown of
5000 men on to be faced with the question of "Where would we get so
many loaves..." They just did it! But Jesus went on and took te few
loaves of bread and fish to feed this group of 4000. Why did He do
this without a rebuke or something from Jesus? I believe those
lessons were reserved for another time but this miracle was about
something else.

I think about my life, how many times I have to be taught the same
thing over and over again. It's not done for the lack of faith
(although it can be). It's more about laziness in my case. I fail to
keep myself consumed and in tune with God's Spirit so that makes me
lazy and unfruitful. I need to set parameters in my life to guard me
against distractions and to keep pouring in Jesus.

Father God, thank You for making Yourself completely available to Your
lost children. I pray Lord that I will be able to overcome my
laziness and procrastination. There's so much to do, the harvest is
great and I need to move in a Godly rhythm. Love You Jesus!

Jason K. Kaneshiro
(Sent from my iPhone)

Blessed

Matthew 5:

The Beatitudes are teaching is about how the opposite of God's
character is held in high esteem by the world. We look at what the
world values and realize how alike we really are. We don't want to be
with our minds but it's still very human and tempting. We are being
taught through encourgement and promises that it's truly a wonderful
blessing to resist temptations and love God.

I see temptations all around me, slowly becoming idols. I struggle
with remaining on the good and narrow path because I'm distracted by
the illusion and lies of better things I deserve. Basic truth is that
I don't deserve anything other than he'll and I must live my life with
so much appreciation and adoration of God's workmanship revealed
through His Son and the created universe.

Thank You Father Gid for investing in a fallen man like me. I pray
Lord that I choose wisely and with Your mighty hand in each
situation. Love You! In the most wonderful name Christ Jesus I pray,
amen!

Jason K. Kaneshiro
(Sent from my iPhone)

Speaking Through Humility

Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said:

"Who is this that darkens my counsel

 with words without knowledge?

Brace yourself like a man;

 I will question you,

 and you shall answer me.

Job 38:1-3

In the book of Job, Job was a blameless man in everything he did. God chose to expose him to all kinds of attacks from Satan to show the wonderful servant in Job. And when things fell apart in his life he did not turn on God or curse him, even if he was encouraged to. He remained faithful. Even his friends turned on him saying that he must have sinned in order that these things were happening. They kept on pushing and Job pushed back. And I think this is where Job erred. He because so resistant that he did nothing wrong that he didn't allow himself to be searched thoroughly. He just wanted to die already and wished never to be born because of all his sufferings. Even though he was blameless his one fault was that he claimed to know the situation. He failed to recognize God's mystery.

I, like lots of men, try to figure things out and try to fix the problem. I want to know this or that but that can lead me to my own downfall. We all have parts of this life that we are meant to understand but there are some things that God just says we can't understand, it's beyond what our minds can handle. That's the problem, we try to control the things we can't and fail to address the things that can. I need the wisdom to understand what they are... it's like the serenity prayer.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your blessings today and every day! Help me to scrub my own heart daily so that I can lead a life like Job before his trials so that my heart will be ready for his trials without the accusations. I will learn to lean on Your ways and understanding not mine. In the wonderful name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen!

Uninterrupted Fellowship

Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.

1 Corinthians 11:27-29

Eating of the bread and drinking of the cup acknowledges our Savior's sacrifice, death & resurrection through the power of the Father. Coming together to partake of this offering is a symbol or fellowship & remembrance, not to gorge ourselves with food and wine. And this isn't really about the filling of our stomachs either. It's about coming to God's table in pure fellowship not personal agendas and selfishness. It's not really even a time to have ministry type meetings. The apostle Paul writes that if we are hungry we should eat at home (v34) before coming to fellowship. This needs to happen so we can be like Mary, not Martha and sit at the feet of Jesus to experience each other as a body.

This is another classic case of wanting to do stuff instead of spending time with Jesus. You may even want to call it our Sabbath. I feel like I've had a good mixture of not being tied too much into ministry, work and home time with Michelle. I also need to study (which needs to increase) to keep up with my courses. So this message is very appropriate and God's reminding me not to lose that balance with everything; to keep spending time in devotions, worship & fellowship. Do the things that need to be done, yes, but don't bring them to the table when it's time to be with God.

Thank You Father, You are all knowing and I'm so appreciative that You continue to guide my thoughts. I know You have much for me yet and I cannot express how much You mean to me. I will guard my heart to be open but strong to withstand the attempts by my own flesh and the evil forces around me. Thank You for showing me the way. I love You! In the matchless name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen!

Loving Him Right Here, Right Now

What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Paul just came out of talking about if you're married you should stay married and if you were unmarried you should stay that way. Whatever situation you're in you should not seek to find a way out of it just because you're saved. This quoted passage explains it all; time is short and the world around is temporary so just start loving Him right here, right now.

I usually think about the next 5 situations that MIGHT be coming up... Like Pastor Elwin said, we worry about things we can't control 92% of the time, it's not in our control. So I fill my mind with anxiety and so much confusion because I'm dealing with stuff that probably won't even come true. What I need to do is focus more on the things that deal with today. I've always been conditioned to prepare for tomorrow... save for college, family, retirement, career... so on and so forth. That's all good but what I'm doing is putting all that stuff before my "today." What happens is that today will shape tomorrow and doing it without God today ensures not having God tomorrow. I need to spend more time focusing in what good I can do today and God will provide for tomorrow.

Thank You Father God for all Your provisions. I know You want to provide all my needs but I seize control over and over. Help me release my burdens. You've done so much and I need to will myself over my own stumbling blocks. Help remind me with Your mighty Holy Spirit to always seek truth... YOU! I love You! In the matchless name of Christ Jesus I pray, Amen!

Given Over to Satan

When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 5:4-5

I remember thinking about this passage thinking it meant to put this man out of the church or at least out of a certain group membership so that he can come to grips to God's counsel. This passage and the rest in this chapter leads me to think that we are to expel these type of people because they will infect the other members of the body. But what struck my heart this morning was that we aren't to get rid of these people but the sin itself. We are to do everything possible to lead the man into a confrontation with the source of his sin, the devil's work in his life. Not all bad things come from the devil as we've been led to believe. A lot of times it's our own mistakes and lack of God's discernment that results in consequences, not punishment. So we are to usher people to examine their own hearts to see the source of their troubles. They need to see what the devil is doing in their lives and engage in spiritual warfare. Their sin must be handed over to Satan to be destroyed.

This scripture, "generational curses" & so many other thoughts on spiritual warfare can make your head spin but the bottom line of today's lesson is that we need to see our place in the Divine-human relationship. We can be distracted even when it comes to whose sin is it, mine or from the devil. I acknowledge there's always a human element to it and we create our own situations, our own consequences, helping the devil out at destruction. I need to careful identify and be aware of sin and the equipping God has provided to conquer it in His name.

Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing me with the discernment to acknowledge light from dark. But I know this isn't enough, I need the volition to will myself to be more like You and fight the good fight. Protect Your children's minds with Your grace and correction today. Thank You for such wonderful gifts. In the precious name of Christ Jesus I pray, Amen!

Spirit Filled

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of
the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to
the Spirit, an the Spirit is contrary to the sinful nature. They are
in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But
if you are led by the Spirit, you ate not under law.

Galatians 5:16-18

In short this scripture is telling us that if we fill ourselves with
God's Spirit, we will obey. We won't follow our flesh but rather
Jesus, who overcame the slavery to flesh and this fallen world.

I need to really medidtate on this scripture, not to understand it but
instead to allow the greatness of it to sick in. Verse 17 says "so
that you do not do what you want..." Without the Holy Spirit, what I
want is what the sinful flesh wants. Consumed by the Holy Spirit, our
desires are in alignment with God's, we want what He wants; we are in
union and share in everything. At this point we want to do God's will
but our embodiedment leads us into sin. We do but really don't want
to... we stumble. I need to fill myself so much with the Spirit that
I give God the best chance to redeem this broken vessel.

Father God, thank You for the saving power of Your Son Jesus. We all
deserve death and separation from Your heavenly palace for eternity
but You delivered us from ourselves. Thank You so much! And thank
You for Your Spirit, who counsels and powers us for the harvest
ahead. Thank You, Thank You. In the wonderful name of Christ Jesus I
pray, Amen!

God's in Charge, We're in Control

I call on the LORD in my distress,
and he answers me.

Save me, O LORD, from lying lips

 and from deceitful tongues.

What will he do to you,

 and what more besides, O deceitful tongue?

Psalm 120:1-3

As I meditate on this scripture, I recall a topic of "generational curses" and "demonic spirits" infiltrating all aspects of life. I hear people talk about these things as often as I hear about how God created everything and I'm bothered by it. But God teaches us to "test the spirits to see whether they are from God." I also think that it's a lot of times nothing to do with the spirits but our own flesh (mind and body) influenced by our experiences; it's our own fault sometimes! This scripture is reminding me that I need to be like the author here and call on the LORD in my distress and He will answer me. There's deceitful tongues out there that are prideful and speak for the sake of wanting to be heard but we need to discern what others are saying according to the Spirit.

Last night we had a great discussion about the above. Not all of it covered under the topic but lots in our sharing of highs/lows. I'm reminded and encouraged that as embodied humans in a Divine-human relationship, we have a responsibility to do our part. We mess up a lot of times and need to take responsibility for our actions with God as our guide. Yes, He's in charge of it all but I'm in control of my willingness to obey. I cannot dismiss my responsibility and say God will handle it.

Thank You Father God for bringing our hearts together to worship You in wonderful fellowship. I pray that it grows in this new season and that we all mature in our own unique way to further Your kingdom. Help us to lift each other up in prayer and to be there when one stumbles. Thank You for Your beautiful teachings and support. Love you Jesus, Amen!

Wisdom-Understanding Relationship

"Where then does wisdom come from?

 Where does understanding dwell?...

And he said to man,

 'The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom,

 and to shun evil is understanding.' "

Job 28:20,28

Wisdom is about a personal and intimate relationship with the Triune God. I used to think wisdom was about how we apply knowledge but it's so much more. As I continue to grow in spiritual transformation, I realize the wisdom cannot be found apart from a health relationship with Jesus Christ. As it's mentioned in the book of Job, "Where then does wisdom come from?" It comes from the "fear of the Lord!" The relationship with God will mold our very core, the fabric of our being into one who displays the character of God; we become more like Him. In the process God invites us into His ways... His way is wisdom. This partnership we have with the Father involves our side of the equation, our choices. This is our understanding. We know and see the heart of God now it's our will, our volition to choose against things that are not of God. So as I see it today in my growth, wisdom and understand is a partnership of the Divine-human relationship. Wisdom is God's and understanding is our choices.

I'm not sure if my observation above is accurate. This was something that spoke to me and I needed to meditate on based off what I'm learning in my Spiritual Theology & Formation classes. But whether or not the words here make sense it's reminding me that we cannot find wisdom or understanding apart from God's presence in our lives. I need to put into practice this lesson about the core relationship to God. I cannot separate my intellectual hunger from my spiritual hunger, they're all connected through a basic relationship built of faith in Christ. I cannot grow in just one area.

Father God, thank You for remembering words a dear brother told me when I returned from Sri Lanka. I don't hold it against him because I know his heart. I know his warning was that stimulating my intellectual side of the relationship has the threat of running ahead of the spiritual side and that I needed to be understanding of that. Thank You Father for being faithful and present in every aspect of my life. Help me LORD to make it less about me. I rebuke my thoughts of seeing the speck in someone else's eye when the plank is so great in mine. I pray that I grow closer to You today as I walk in Your shadow. I love You. In the beautiful name of Christ Jesus I pray, Amen!

Job 21:13-16

Job was feeling down because all that happened. And to add to that
his friends weren't being encoraging, not even his wife. He was as
low a someone could possibly be and it started to reflect in his
rationalization of circumstances. He started saying that people who
reject God's love and embrace do well; nit just that but the prosper
and see good days until their death. But through this experience God
is telling me that He is not a God to be worshipped based off of
circumstances. We cannot look at one person and say how blessed they
are because of what they have and don't have. We mustn't fall into
the deception of favorable circumstances because God is a God of His
people, not of this temporary world.

I fall into this temptation all the time, whether it is with finances,
status or even place in ministry. I look at my circumstances around
me and gauge my next move instead of scrubbing my heart in holy
meditation and prayer through the works of te Holy Spirit. I need to
allow God's Mighty Spirit to transform my insides so that my outsides
are transformed through my obedience. That is how God will transform
the world.

Father God, thank You for Your glory! As I sat here Todd came up to
me thanking for praying for him yesterday. You deposited in Him Your
peace because it was nothing on my side, all You! I pray for an
ongoing transformation in my heart, a desire and hunger to experience
You beyond my imagination. I pray that I can move beyond where I am
today and share more in Your plans. I love You with all my heart,
mind, soul & strength... In the wonderful name of Christ Jesus I pray,
Amen!

Jason K. Kaneshiro
(Sent from my iPhone)

Acts 26:16

'Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint
you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what
I will show you.'

Acts 26:16

Everything is a means to an end that we don't quite understand.
Paul's conversion was absolutely brilliant and his obedience was
extended beyond measure; even to this day. We need to accept what the
Lord prepares for us in each moment without looking beyond ourselves
and into disobedience.

As I read this scripture my mind focused on something that happened
this weekend, a revelation so to speak. Saturday night we went to a
wedding and I felt discouraged because basically I was told I'm a dork
for being a good boy, never venturing out beyond what's correct. This
hurt and my mind started waivering to the point where I thought about
going back to some of my old habits, compromising my identity. This
went on until Pastor Elwin's message this Sunday. During his prayer
(in te beginning) he spike about the hncomprehendable nature of God
and also mentioned about not allowing our circumstances control who we
are. Michelle and I started talking about this and how we both feel.
I brought up how I felt Saturday night and she encoraged me to keep
doing what is right no matter who bad the world pushes back.

After the message she shared a little more and we spoke about a few
deeper feelings I had. My old stronghold of not feeling accepted was
brought to the surface again, and this is why I thought about Paul's
situation. Paul took his past struggles and used it for God's glory.
He was the persecuting Christians and now he's fighting for
Christians! He's putting himself in the very pot that he was trying
to boil. With me, I need to take my stronghold of beig rejected
(acceptance) and use that to be bold. I need to minister to others
where in the past I would've steered clear of. I cannot allow God's
blessings to sit unused because of my disobedience.

Father God, thank You for blessing me this wonderful day with Your
grace! You gave me air, body and a mind to think, pray and minister
to those around me. Help me to do my part on this fallen world and so
much more! In the majestic and glorious name of our mighty Lord Jesus
I pray, Amen!

Jason K. Kaneshiro
(Sent from my iPhone)

Humility Receives God's Spirit

Acts 19:4-6

This scripture definitely makes a point that there's a difference
between the baptism of water and Holy Spirit. The first one was about
repentance. What I've learned about baptism is that it's a public
declaring of our devotion to God through the blood of Jesus. It's not
a necessary thing but a public proclimation of our faith. We are
saved by believing that Jesus died and was resurrected for our sins.

How does this translate into repentance? Repentance is about
recognizing our unholiness, the sin passed down through our flesh.
It's more than acknowledgement, it's asking for forgiveness AND
equiping ourselves never to stumble again (doesn't mean to be perfect;
honest desire to overcome sin).

So where does baptism of the Holy Spirit come in? Does it really come
after water baptism? What I've learned about this is that once you
truly accept Jesus as Lord and Savior you will have been baptized by
the Holt Spirit.

In today's passage, the men in Ephesus only received John's baptism
and not the Holy Spirit's. Does this mean that they weren't really
disciples and weren't saved? In fact, they didn't even know about the
Holy Spirit, a critical piece of our Gospel and Triune God. Maybe
they were disciples under John the Baptist's teachings and just never
exposed to the good news.

What this scripture is telling me today is that no matter how much
knowledge and understanding you think you have, God's Spirit is what
matters most. John's disciples could've been prideful because they
had status but they were teachable and humble. They were open to the
Gospel and they were so blessed by it.

Father God, thank You for blessing me with Your Holy Spirit. You are
my strength, comfort, joy & and my absolute everything! Help me to be
a man who loves You with the appreciation and thankfulness You
deserve. Help me to worship You just for who You are and not so much
what You do for me... this is because You're so much greater. I love
You Father, Son & Holy Spirit! Amen!

Jason K. Kaneshiro
(Sent from my iPhone)

Today's Devotions

This is a test of today’s devotions posted on blogspot.com.
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Acts 14:14-15

Footprints

Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him. Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.

Acts 12:8-10

As much as we would like God's tangible works in our lives every moment, there are times when He must pull His angels and hedge of protection away from us. There are many reasons for this but a big one I think is so that we don't become dependant on the blessings. God's angel was with Peter just long enough, not a moment too little or too much. We can be spoiled with God's provisions, so much so that it's not that anymore. It becomes a crutch and disables us instead of enabling us. God knows what those limits are and we need to be satisfied with and without deeds; because it's all by His hand and it's always good.

I think about that poster and words on footprints. About how we can feel like God left us alone on our journey only to realize that we never were alone. In fact, He's carried us in the most trying of times. I look back at my life and see ups and downs; clearly seeing God's works in every step. But that's in my correct state of mind. When I'm down feeling helpless, no good, unworthy... these are the times where I need to really focus on God's presence in my life. I cannot ever forget that He's always with me no matter how alone I feel. I must remember that He'll reveal Himself as an angel sometimes, a friend or even a stranger... or maybe silence to my own thoughts. If it's drawing my thoughts back to Him, there He is.

Heavenly Father, thank You for making Yourself known in so many ways. I have a prayer today for a brother in Christ. No details have been revealed yet but I know there's hurt and a sense of urgency to talk to You again. Grant me LORD Your Spirit to accomplish the things You have laid out today; no more, no less. Allow me to serve You and be Your angel to this brother, Your son. I love You Father God & Friend. In the Most High of all Names... Christ Jesus I pray, Amen!

Discernment of Authority

Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord?" he asked.

The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea."

When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.

Acts 10:4-8

As I read this what caught my attention was the obedience of the men Cornelius sent. What would've happened if they didn't go? What if they went against his authority and said it can't be done. I think about the whole situation with Simon Peter and how summoning and Peter agreeing to go is such a monumental task. I think about those caught in the middle. They (assuming here) didn't hear from God directly but yet still carried out Cornelius' commands.

I reflect on the church and how ministries are carried out by leaders and their fractals above them leading up to the senior pastor. Are we to carry out the commands set through our leadership without question? This also reminds me of a personal experience with Frontlines. When asked to sing a secular song that had roots in political issues (John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change"), I initially agreed to do it. But then a stirring in my soul took over to the point of conviction and told my leader I can't do it. I was reprimanded and felt awful. I was told that if leadership asks me to do something, it's already been through leadership's blessings. I was told there was a "red flag" on me already because of my disobedience. My flesh was upset but understood the message being sent. I feel there's a level of discernment that still needs to be placed on authority but the lesson was well received.

So the lesson that I'm being reintroduced to is submitting to God's authority, in heaven and the authority He's placed around us. Those Cornelius sent didn't just obey blindly. They trusted their leader and knew him well. I'm assuming too that Cornelius was probably a stand-up guy who people could see that he was a man of God. We all obey as the Spirit prompts.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mighty leadership and guidance. Help me LORD to discern everything according to Your Spirit. Knock me off my feel when I'm going down the wrong path and open my eyes to Light's guidance. Thank You for this day and the opportunities to glorify Your Name! In the precious name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen!

The World Will Never Know

Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.

"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture:

"He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,

and as a lamb before the shearer is silent,

so he did not open his mouth.

In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.

Who can speak of his descendants?

For his life was taken from the earth."

The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

Acts 8:30-35

The world really doesn't understand the Gospel. They may know the story about what happened but the meaning of the parables, lessons and history is nothing more than information to them. God has blessed us with knowing what it meant for Jesus to die on that cross. It wasn't just a good man making a point or even taking a stand (a martyr). It was a sacrifice so that our chains to sin and death would be broken once and for all... for everyone who accepts this wonderful gift! Many non-believers may know lots of information about the phrase but they will never know with their hearts what it means for an innocent person to take the deserved punishment of all mankind.

Joyful Giver

"A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?" says the LORD Almighty. "It is you, O priests, who show contempt for my name.

"But you ask, 'How have we shown contempt for your name?'

"You place defiled food on my altar.

"But you ask, 'How have we defiled you?'

"By saying that the LORD's table is contemptible. When you bring blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice crippled or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?" says the LORD Almighty.

Malachi 1:6-8

To truly offer ourselves to God, our Father and Master, anything less than our best is contemptible to the LORD. When we spend time with Him, we need to pray without fancy words that would impress people who hear it. When we do a good deed, we mustn't look over our shoulder to see who's watching. When we forgive, we need to do it because God forgave us, not because we have to. In this passage in Malachi, people offered sacrifices that wasn't from the heart. Minimal effort was given because they only did it out of obligation and not love. It's like going to a function but we're detached emotionally because we really don't want to be there. Everyone knows something isn't right. But if we really love the person who asked us to go, we would take joy in serving them by giving ourselves totally. There's a big difference in serving out of obligation and serving out of love.

I'm convicted of this and know that my stubborn and selfish ways will lead to sufferings. I know every time I give only a portion of myself to God, He can see it and I can see it. So what do I do then when I'm not giving it my all? How do I know when this is happening? Am I to be reckless and just do things on a whim? Should not my faith be joined with discernment? What God is telling me here is that it's about doing what I say I'm going to do. If I say I'm going to tithe my 10%, I will do that but with the right heart. I know God will bless it many times over. Getting to this place where I can joyfully tithe took some time but now that I'm here I need to keep my heart checked and in tune with the Holy Spirit. God loves a joyful giver!

Heavenly Father, Master and Friend; thank You for Your daily lessons! I pray for Your mercies and grace as I learn to be a joyful servant. I pray that I can be obedient without having any hidden agendas. I pray that I can serve You without being distracted. I love You Father God, keep stirring that hunger within my heart to love You more and more each day. In the name of Your Son Jesus, who paid the price for all our sin, Amen!

You NEED Jesus

When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."

Acts 3:3-6

Most of the time we don't know what's best for ourselves. We go into a situation thinking this will be best and all our thoughts and efforts become tunneled, unable to see or listen to anyone else. In this scripture, the crippled man asked for money (for the profit of someone else) but Peter did something that Jesus had done before, he gave the crippled man something much better, healing.

Through this healing God's glory shone brilliantly. In our lives, we need to pray, meditate & pray some more... all this to enter a state of union with Christ Jesus through the Spirit of God. This will peel away the scales on our own eyes to see where God's working and join in. We will be able to see where our brothers and sisters are really hurting. We will know what to pray for and when carry out God's next step.

In my studies, there's a definite re-emphasis on prayer. God's work really needs to happen through us as we invite Him in. I think about this crippled man and how he was forced to ask people for money. I think about how many years that this man begged for things that wasn't what he really wanted. I imagine the prayers every day as tears flooded his soul... only to never be heard other than God Almighty. Then Peter comes along and sees exactly what his soul needs... Jesus. All he needed was Jesus! Through Jesus, miracles will happen but we must focus on the relationship first and foremost. His will be done in our lives.

Heavenly Father, You are so wonderful and compassionate! Thank You for choosing me to take in another breath, another day; no matter what the circumstances. I'm here because there's a harvest that I'm a part of and You desire my service. I say Yes, LORD; Your servant is listening! I pray for a releasing of my strongholds... free my mind to observe and praise Your creation. Help me to be lead by the Spirit and not by my eyes. I love You, precious Jesus... Amen!

Relationships Before Tasks

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 2:46-47

This scripture reminds me of John 13:35, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." What was happening after Pentecost was that the people were loving each other the way God commanded. It didn't say that they were out preaching & digging deep into theology or anything like that. They fellowshipped together by breaking bread and praising God! I'm sure this is more intimate than our common fellowship we enjoy today but what was happening was that their love of Christ & each other was being observed by others and they were being saved too. We can put too much emphasis on task-related ministry but what really needs to happen over all else is to build relationships that are brilliant as Jesus intended.

Driving in the Rear-View Mirror

Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, "This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep." For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.

Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

The Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve."

Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.

Nehemiah 8:9-12

This scripture took place during a time when the Israelites were beaten down already. They had come out of the Babylonian exile and returned to a desolate land that was once fruitful. The land was being rebuilt and Ezra began to read from the Book of the Law of Moses, the LORD's commands for Israel. The people broke down, grieving. I'm sure a lot of it was sadness for how they were so disobedient and also for many others who fell because of their transgressions. God put the Israelites through so much... rightly deserved for their lack of faith and disciplines. But in these verses God is encouraging the people, basically saying that today is new & holy; time to rejoice and move forward. He's saying to be encouraged and obedient to His ways because He's not going to dwell on the past, He has a future for the Israelites. We need to remember this when we've fallen. We need to draw upon God's strength to move forward and not grieve over our past.

I need to listen to this. I tend to kick myself down and focus on all the negative parts of my past. I sometimes live in regret, thinking what if I did this or that? What if I made this choice instead? It can drive me nuts... if fact in some ways I'm doing it today. Where did my disobedience or lack of faith play into the situation I'm in right now? I'm very analytical and I can split atoms over and over when it comes to my life. But God is saying this, fix my eyes on Him no matter what happened because He's a Father who cares about my future. I understand that I need to draw upon the lessons that I've learned in the past to serve as spiritual post-its as I look toward the future. God wants the best for His children, I need to want the same.

Heavenly Father, thank You for looking out for me when I don't want to do it for myself. I get stuck looking in my rear-view mirror instead of the pavement before me. So many warning signs and markers are missed because I don't live my life following rules, only regretting my choices. I pray LORD that I take my faults and strongholds and place them at the Holy feet of Jesus. I also pray this for all my brothers and sisters, that they will be able to observe today as sacred & holy, worthy of our best. In the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ I pray, amen.

God is Sooooooo Good!

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,

whose hope is in the LORD his God,

the Maker of heaven and earth,

the sea, and everything in them—

the LORD, who remains faithful forever.

He upholds the cause of the oppressed

and gives food to the hungry.

The LORD sets prisoners free,

the LORD gives sight to the blind,

the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,

the LORD loves the righteous.

The LORD watches over the alien

and sustains the fatherless and the widow,

but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

The LORD reigns forever,

your God, O Zion, for all generations.

Praise the LORD.

Psalm 146:5-10

We hear a lot of things we can or can't do but is that really the point of following God? What we can miss through the theology, studies & countless sermons is the heart and relationship with God. Reading this psalm it re-introduced me to something I already know... God is good! God is GREAT! He does so much for each and every one of us! He does so much for all creation! We must never lose sight of our ever-loving Father in heaven that doesn't get nearly the amount of credit He deserves for everything He's done... We need to really incorporate this lesson in daily unending prayers.

Giving God What's His

So the spies questioned him: "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" He saw through their duplicity and said to them, "Show me a denarius. Whose portrait and inscription are on it?" "Caesar's," they replied. He said to them, "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."

Luke 20:21-25

I've read this passage so many times and still yet it's amazing to me. "...give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's..." This is so awesome because it describes the heart and separation of the worldly and holy. It shows how God sanctified us to be His own and to live according to a new and holy standards. We aren't the lost children we once were, we now have our identity in Christ Jesus and our mission has been laid out for us. This doesn't mean everything is rigid and boring, we know enough to know that God is very dynamic, flexible and spontaneous; but it's within His plans and according to our individual design. So we must always give our innermost to the triune God and the world will fall into it's predestined place.

Do I give what's God to Him and the world what's theirs? Have I given to God my desires, motives, agenda, pains, joys, strongholds and every other thought and feeling in exchange for His desires for my life? Unfortunately not. My feelings of bitterness, anger, envy, pride... all these things God wants to exchange for love, peace, joy. Why can't I do this faithfully? It's because I don't want to give God what's His. What I do is I give these things to the world and expect the world to do something with it. Well, it does. It takes it and spits it right back out to me where there's a cycle of hate and pride. With each passing it gets worse and worse to where we hit our breaking point, or worse someone else's. I need to remember that whenever I humble myself according to the Spirit, I give God what's His: my heart.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your heart! Because of this wonderful heart countless others are saved by the blood of Jesus. Help me to change a little more each day; be transformed that much more each and every passing day. There's so much to do but You choose to do it through me so LORD, I submit my ways and give You my heart. I love You King Jesus! Amen!

Gifts are about Giving

"His master replied, 'I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? Why then didn't you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?' "Then he said to those standing by, 'Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.'" 'Sir,' they said, 'he already has ten!' "He replied, 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away. But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me."

Luke 19:22-27

God's teaching us about using our gifts. We encounter this tragedy everyday; He provides opportunities to bless someone by giving something of ourselves but we don't because we put value on hoarding the gift instead of giving it away.

In this scripture, I also took notice that the servants hated the master. Why is that? Was it because they hated the master as king or was it that they were comfortable where they were and didn't want to change?

All three started off the same, not wanting to serve the king but two were obedient and were blessed by using their gifts. One of these men didn't do anything with the gift, storing it away until the king's return. He hated the king and was afraid of him so nothing came of the gift and eventually it was taken away from him.

We are the same way, collecting what God meant to be distributed instead of using it for Kingdom purposes... I know I do. The sad thing is that sometimes I even know that I'm doing it but still refuse to obey. This past Sunday, I was walking in church and I saw a napkin rolling along the floor and without much hesitation I stopped it with my foot, picked it up and threw it away. I thought to myself, "did I just do that because others are watching?" I thought, no, I'd do the same even without others around. But just yesterday I was walking out of K-mart and a piece of rubbish was skidding across the floor but I did nothing. I walked a few more steps and was convicted, and I did nothing. I thought about turning around, even hesitating a little bit but still nothing. God convicted me at that moment saying my deed at church wasn't to please Him but rather elevate my own status through a good performance. I need to recognize that everything good and eternal flows through me and never collects within me. That prevents God's gifts from being used.

Heavenly Father, thank You for providing so many gifts even though I don't use them as desired. Some gifts I put on and keep on, to be used for myself. Other gifts I open and with my own eyes see no use for them so I throw them away. And there's other gifts that I leave unopened in its wrapping collecting dust and never used. I pray LORD that I open and learn to use every single gift to accomplish Your desires. I pray that I study it and know it so well that I can't wait to use it and share it with my family & neighbors. Help me LORD to have eyes that see and ears that hear. In the Lamb's mighty name I pray, Amen!

Procrastinating Faith

But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

Luke 12:45-46

Make no mistake, Jesus is returning. When it does happen it will be sudden (aside from the events prophesied to occur prior) and it will catch a lot of people off guard in their sin. A lot of people would have fallen away from faith because they thought they had a little more time. We as Christians need to be ready today. We need to be prepared to go home to the Father this very moment by fulfilling the desires of our Creator day by day. Leave nothing untouched.

I procrastinate with the best of them. I always feel like I have a little more time so I become lazy today and do just enough to get by tomorrow. This shouldn't be like this, especially when we're serving our LORD. We must strive for excellence in every way. I've been putting my studies off to the side so that I can study when I have time... that's my error. I can't just do it when I have time, I need to make time and hit the books. This is the only way to make progress. Same thing with other things in my life, I need to make time to do them and not wait for time to fall in my lap cause it won't happen that way.

Thank You heavenly Father for teaching me about time management in my daily life but most especially my Faith. These are the disciplines that will carry me over to the next level and will allow me to use my giftings properly. I pray for a better prayer life, study life, work life but most especially, family life worshiping You through my marriage. See and convict me of my faults in order to praise You! In the Most High's precious name I pray, Amen!

New Clothes Today

Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, "Take off his filthy clothes." Then he said to Joshua, "See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you." Then I said, "Put a clean turban on his head." So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the LORD stood by. The angel of the LORD gave this charge to Joshua: "This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'If you will walk in my ways and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here. " 'Listen, O high priest Joshua and your associates seated before you, who are men symbolic of things to come: I am going to bring my servant, the Branch. See, the stone I have set in front of Joshua! There are seven eyes on that one stone, and I will engrave an inscription on it,' says the LORD Almighty, 'and I will remove the sin of this land in a single day.

Zechariah 3:3-9

It seems to me that Zechariah received a vision or dream about this since Zechariah lived in a time way after the times of Joshua. But the message is clear, by God's grace we are free from sin through the blood of Jesus Christ. By God's sacrifice we are given pure, white robes to wear in exchange of the dirty garments we've been wearing. These dirty clothes were our sin and no matter how hard we tried to cleanse ourselves with sacrifices and offerings we would always be dirty because that's who we were. God exchanged them for priestly garments that have no traces of the filth we're so accustomed to wearing. We are definitely new creations in Christ Jesus and we need to act that way. Just like when we get new clothes, we feel a little better and have some dance to our step. The renewing of clean clothes is amazing and changes our attitudes. And this renewing isn't temporary or worn out, it will never get dirty with sin. But we choose to put on our old ragged and dirty garments because it's familiar and fits us so perfectly. But when we put it back on and look at ourselves we know that this isn't who we are anymore and need to put on the new again. Being saved isn't about never having our old garments around, that'll be around until we're in heaven. Being saved is about God delivering that new white robe and it's up to us to take it off the rack and wear it.

Every time I sin I'm reminded of this truth. I choose to put on the old instead of the new because it's easier and it makes me feel better. Wearing Jesus is tough... people think differently of me, my old friends don't find me cool to hang out with anymore, I don't get to satisfy my urges the way I used to... every thing's about someone else instead of me. It sometimes plays with my mind and I know 100% that the devil is taking notes. He knows what my price is and is scheming a way to steal my soul.

I need to clean and purify my mind with the things of God instead of dwelling on the things of men. The joy of seeing and having a hand in nurturing someone's faith or experiencing the salvation of a lost sheep; those are the things to get excited about! Those are the eternal events that ignite our spirits! See lives transformed and renewed from so much detestation and seeing God receive the glory... ah, that's pure joy!!! Seeing Jesus in every situation with His hand covering all the blessed in grace and compassion; now we're talking! Doing our part for the harvest and having eternal rejoicing with our Creator! I'm wearing my new clothes today!!!

Glory glory glory, LORD!! Thank You for this renewing of mind and refreshing of Spirit this morning! And thank You LORD for adopting 232 new children into Your family yesterday! I know yesterday was just a public proclamation but You won again! The devil is forever defeated and it's just the lost to discover this amazing truth. Praise to You my King! Keep this joy that I have burn brightly but constantly... In the most precious & loving name above all names, Jesus. Amen!

Entertaining the Devil

When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don't torture me!" For Jesus had commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places. Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" "Legion," he replied, because many demons had gone into him. And they begged him repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.

Luke 7:27-31

The part of this scripture that caught my eye was when Jesus asked the demon his name. I remember some spiritual warfare books saying that we shouldn't be making conversation with the devil. We should be exercising our authority given by the Holy Spirit to drive out demons with rebuke and boldness. Any time we allow the devil to speak to us we're giving him a foothold to attack us.

So why is it that Jesus asks for the demon's name? I read how the demons were going in and out of the man, driving him to solitary places. Was the reason because there were many demons torturing him and Jesus said this to catch their attention so that He could use His authority? Knowing the sinful ways of even my own heart, my default action is to point blame or turn a deaf ear so that others will be accountable, not me. Was this what happened? Is this like how a parent calls out a child's full name when they've been bad? I'm not certain how calling out the demon's name fits in with what I learned earlier about making conversation with the devil but it seems to me that all Jesus did was get the undivided attention of it so that He could drive them out and not provide the devil an opportunity to attack.

How many times have I entertained the devil by getting to know his character instead of turning to God Almighty? In recent occurrences I've been thinking about orbs. This was because of Michelle's experiences in Lanai and all the talk around it. We are asking questions trying to find out more about it. But why are we doing this? Is it to understand it so that we could properly rebuke it in Jesus' name or are we making conversation with it, allowing the devil opportunities to steal, kill and destroy? I do believe there's a fine line that we could accidentally cross over and we need to prayerfully explore God's glory within each of these areas... if we are of steady heart and mind. We need to be full of the Spirit going in and not shaky or fearful.

I said some things this past Saturday night where I reminded others to be careful of entertaining these things. I was told I was being hard on them and that I was lecturing them. I felt horrible and felt like I shouldn't say anything at all. I rebuked the devil's attacks on me and was renewed, still felt junk but I stood firm in what I said. I knew that when we are fascinated with the spiritual realm outside of biblical teachings, we are sitting at the foot of the devil and we cannot, absolutely cannot do this. This is what so many others have done, worshiping idols and false gods. So today's scripture was so meaningful and recharges my soul to keep pressing on no matter how much I'm persecuted. The peace within me solidifies and replenishes my spirit.

Thank You heavenly Father for going through all situations with me. You knew beforehand this would come up so You allowed me to read through lessons. You know how I would feel so You sent encouragement my way. And You also know what's going to happen tomorrow so You're building me up once again. These are the things that will build my faith and allow me to endure anything in Your perfect Name. I pray that I hear all Your teachings so that I can bless so many others one heart at a time. In the wonderful name of Christ Jesus I pray, Amen!

Judging Worship

"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."

Luke 7:41-47

We cannot look at another person's faith and be judgmental. The way someone worships, prays & draws closer to God is a personal, intimate experience that reflects how much love and grace that person received. This passage in Luke explains this. It reveals that some people will genuinely express gratitude with very little emotion and others will behave like this woman who wouldn't stop kissing Jesus' feet. We glorify Him by fulfilling our design and not conforming to what others expect of us.

I remember a few years ago at midweek service. I was worshiping in the back and saw this woman worshiping quite expressively, almost night-club-ish. It bothered me to the point where my worship was distracted and all my focus directed to her. I kept thinking to myself, why is she dancing like that and shouldn't someone tell her not to? An overwhelming conviction took place. I was reminded that worship has to do with God alone. Yes, others can become a distraction but where was my faith to overcome it? Is my faith paper thin where a breeze could throw it off course? I realized that we are all designed unique and God was taking such pleasure in seeing His child give everything in worship, just like David did. Who was I to hinder God's joy? This was a great lesson in balancing God's Word with individual design and bridging that with Truth.

Heavenly Father, thank You for creating me just the way I am. All the imperfections are there so that I can lean on You to work through them. I'm reminded that I'm in a training ground to go into battle. Every day I need to go through obstacles not for the sake of them but so that my faith can grow where I can live faithfully and obediently to Your calling in the world. Help me open my eyes and grant me Your wisdom to know the real race. I love You! In the beautiful name of Christ Jesus I pray, Amen!