PRAYER

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ALOHA FAMILY AND FRIENDS,  Beloved of God and me,   John 3:16-18

PRAYER   “WORTH CONSIDERING”   4/2/30,   From Ken Smith   

Today’s Scripture     (Found in my mail box this morning for Texas.)
“…O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear; and in the night season, and am not silent.”  (Psalm 22:2, NKJV)

Seasons of Silence
In 1 Kings 17, after the prophet Elijah had spoken the word of the Lord to wicked King Ahab, God told him to go hide by the Brook Cherith. Elijah wanted to continue to speak to the nation, but for the next three and half years, he experienced a season of silence and waiting before going on to perform many miracles.

We all have times when we’re praying, but our prayers aren’t being answered. We’re being our best, but not getting good breaks, the problem isn’t turning around. It seems as though God is on vacation. But the silence is not a sign that God is not working. He may not be changing the circumstances, but He is changing us. God uses the seasons of silence to prepare us, to develop our character. You’re gaining experience, maturity, and strength that you’ll need for where God is taking you. Don’t fight the silence. Keep being faithful, for your appointed time is on the way!

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for loving me so much that at times You hide me and cause me to be overlooked, keeping doors closed. Thank You that You love me so much that You’re getting me prepared to go where I’ve never gone. I will be faithful in the seasons of silence. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Ken’s Thoughts,
And sometimes, the problem is just us….  We are just too busy to be interrupted by GOD.   I had to laugh at myself this morning.  For nearly a month I have been trying to get our dishwasher fixed.  And my wife, Sue, is justly upset as we do have an extra warranty on it.  But when I would call in for repairs they would tell me that I had no warranty.  And it seems that my receipt was lost after the last repairs.  Perhaps on the counter with all the trash was gathered up and tossed.   And it now takes forever to find a live person to talk to on the phone.   So today I realized that me knowing I was right and forging ahead was getting no where.  So in desperation I finally threw up a short, “I Need Help”  prayer.  Shortly thereafter the Lowe’s home offices found that they had placed the 3 yr. warranty for the dishwasher on the refer and had also found the 5 yr. warranty for the refer in the wrong place.  So in 15 minutes the LORD had the whole matter resolved with the repairs, under warranty, on the way.   Often we forget in our ego and pride and lack of humility to find ourselves in a DIY day and a total waste of time.   Seems to me that the Lord has given me more time than most because I am a very slow learner.  And HE does not seem to mind us bringing even the smallest things to HIM in finding a resolution.  And the important thing for us is to learn to really hear HIS voice above all of the other clatter.  I have always been amazed at how sure Abraham was in hearing the voice of GOD…..

I am in the middle of reading a book now by R.T. Kendall called “Word & Spirit”   “Truth, Power and the Next Great Move of God.”  It is hard to believe how much of God’s Truth is woven in between the covers of this book.  Looking for arsenic all the time but so far only finding confirmations and so well written that I could not do so myself.  I hope you go order the book asap for your own spiritual growth.  I will buy it back from you if you don’t find it spiritually refreshing.

Also there is that verse in the Bible that teaches us that when we really find our place in obedience before HIM that then HE will deal with the disobedience all around us.    .”..casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. 7 Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ’s, even [a] so we are Christ’s. “ 2 Cor.10:5-7   That is a difficult one to have faith for but it works.

Do a word study on perfect, perfecting and perfection, perfected and you will begin to see what our Heavenly Father expects of us in Christ Jesus as LORD.  Even Jesus went through the process of being perfected.   Jesus knew that HE would not be perfected until HIS resurrection.  And we are taught that if we endure to the end we will be saved.

Luke 13:32  32 And Jesus said to them, “Go, tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be [b] perfected.’  So for the Glory that was set before HIM Jesus even embraced the cross for us.  And HE knew full well what HE was doing as it was clearly set out in the Old Testament for the Savior, the Lamb of God.  Psalms 22 and Isa.53 gave HIM a clear picture of what to expect and HE did it anyway.

In Eph. 4:11, we are told that we would need the ministry of the Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers in order to be perfected…  Check it out.  If then we ( WE ) become perfected in the unity of John 17 then the world will see Jesus, high and lifted up and able to draw all men unto HIM.   But first the Holy Spirit must build a safe basket in which to place the harvest.   The Church has not been faithful in training disciples who can also train disciples.  They have become faithful church members but most have never gained the maturity to even help another lost soul make the transition into the Kingdom of God.  Reproduction is built into every living thing.  Why would God exempt HIS children from growing up and learning how to reproduce?  Also where are those offices to be found today in unity, John 17….  There is much that needs to be restored before the LORD’s return for HIS church.

Yours, in HIS great love and wonderful grace and mercy, Ken<><  www.Trinity-Aloha.org

There is but one Church of Christ Jesus in the world today and for eternity
And all who truly Love and Obey HIM are members.



Covid 19 update, Hawaii
Case numbers about 285 with 2 deaths,  far less due to the quarantine, so far, we are basically in trouble due to the loss of tourism.  We are now headed into a great depression, No ships, Jets and no tourists.  Unity in prayer as good way to go to stop this curse.    Ken<><

CHOICES

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ALOHA FAMILY & FRIENDS,  Beloved of God and me…   John 3:16-18

CHOICES,    “WORTH CONSIDERING”   4/1/20    From Ken<><

Today’s Scripture       (Received in my email this morning from Texsas.)
“…There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me.”  1 Cor. 16:9

There Will Always Be Adversity
How do you respond when unfair situations come against you and people do you wrong? It’s easy to get discouraged and think that because it’s not working out, it’s not meant to be. But just because you have opposition doesn’t mean you’re not in God’s will. The apostle Paul described his work in the city of Ephesus as a wide-open door of opportunity with many in opposition. Anytime you have opportunity, anytime you’re about to move forward to the next level, there will be opposition, people trying to discourage you, things you don’t understand. The people who reach their destiny aren’t moved by what’s not working out, and they don’t give up because they had a setback or because somebody did them wrong. They know God is in control, that He’s directing their steps. They know that the setback is really a setup for God to do something greater. The adversity means the promotion, the healing, the new level is on the way.

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for every open door of opportunity that You open for me. Thank You that the opposition I face is only a setup for You to do something greater in my life. I believe that You are in control and the next level is on the way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Ken’s Thoughts:
This reminds me of an expression that I often use: “What does not kill me, makes me stronger.”  On my track at 87 I go to have my feet worked on once a week at a gym, now closed due to the virus.   But in that gym there is thousands upon thousands of dollars of stuff to make you suffer.  And folks pay big bucks to borrow it for a few hours several time a week.  And most of them look like the walking dead as they run, push pull, lift and struggle with their get healthy program.  In fact I have an exercise bike in my study that I should ride more than I do.  So we all know that if we don’t use it, we loose it.  This world has been created by God to in an effort to teach us about how things work in HIS spiritual and eternal Kingdom that is even more real than this world is for us.   But to also be inclusive of our free will for LOVE to be real.   We already know that physical matter is really mostly empty space and as such is really an illusion.  But it does give us a sense of being independent and secure.  It is a place where we can use our freewill without being manipulated by some outside E.T. influence or it would not be freewill.   And of course the results are not all that good in what we have decided to do.  We are filling up both space and our land with garbage.  Seems we have learned very little about recycling and leaving things better than we find them.  But back to the subject.  We are presently living in a temporary time dimension that eventually will be totally recycled into another universe.  Nothing in space or on earth will remain as is.  Even the sun, moon, planets, oceans and earth will be recycled by God into a place where the light is from Him, there will be no night and those living there will be living in total righteousness. love and truth with HIM as one big joyful family.

So what does that mean for us?   Well if you are still tracking with me it means we should be getting ready to live in a new kind of eternal dimension.  That we are going to need to learn to be a different kind of people who don’t make messes,  a jump to light speed.   So my letters to you for the past year are an my efforts to get us ready for an eternity in righteousness and light with our Creator.  But it is totally up to you as to whether you get ready to make the transition or not.  Our Creator is not going to force anyone to come and live with HIM.  However the option to live outside of God and HIS creation without HIS presence is rather bleak.   That would mean your eternal soul would have nothing made by God including a body in which to live.  Think about it, there is only one God, there is no other.  He is a God of love and also loves to create.  But if you decline HIS invitation then there is no other place of light to go to.   And no contact with others as it takes God providing a body for us to do so.  The only reason that I can send this awareness to you is because God has allowed my eternal soul to borrow this body for this past 87 years.   You will need a new God made body to live with HIM in eternity.  But the way is narrow and few find it.  So I am giving you what I have found in the Holy Bible in words and thoughts that are up to speed for our day.   But a little out of Rev. 21 in the Amplified willl not hurt you.

“Then I saw a new [a] sky (heaven) and a new earth, for the former [b] sky and the former earth had passed away (vanished), and there no longer existed any sea.   2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, all arrayed like a bride beautified and adorned for her husband;  3 Then I heard a mighty voice from the throne and I perceived its distinct words, saying, See! The abode of God is with men, and He will live (encamp, tent) among them; and they shall be His people, and God shall personally be with them and be their God.  4 God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away.  5 And He Who is seated on the throne said, See! I make all things new. Also He said, Record this, for these sayings are faithful (accurate, incorruptible, and trustworthy) and true (genuine).  6 And He [further] said to me, It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I [Myself] will give water without price from the fountain (springs) of the water of Life.  7 He who is victorious shall inherit all these things, and I will be God to him and he shall be My son.  8 But as for the cowards and the ignoble and the contemptible and the cravenly lacking in courage and the cowardly submissive, and as for the unbelieving and faithless, and as for the depraved and defiled with abominations, and as for murderers and the lewd and adulterous and the practicers of magic arts and the idolaters (those who give supreme devotion to anyone or anything other than God) and all liars (those who knowingly convey untruth by word or deed)—[all of these shall have] their part in the lake that blazes with fire and brimstone. This is the second death.”  (Actually this is the painful feeling of not having a body and yet having total recall of what has been missed for eternity.  But a clearer picture in which to share the experience without trying to share the details.)

Yours in His great love and wonderful grace and mercy, Ken<><   www.Trinity-Aloha.org

There is but one Church of Christ Jesus, now and  forever.
And all who truly Love & Obey Christ Jesus are members.

Add or delete from mailing:   Ken@Trinity-Aloha.org
(Past blogs may be found as a link “WORTH CONSIDERING” on our homepage.)
 
WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF:          worthybrief@worthynetwork.com

TIME

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ALOHA FAMILY & FRIENDS, Beloved of God and me.   John 3:16-18 & 12:24-26

TIME,    “WORTH CONSIDERING”     3/31/20    
    
Today’s Scripture   (In my emails this morning.)
“…Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”  (Ephesians 5:15–16, NIV)

Be “On Purpose”
Time is one of the most valuable commodities we have. It’s more valuable than money. You can make more money, but you can’t make more time. To “redeem the time” means don’t waste it. We have a responsibility to use our time wisely. Paul said in effect that if you’re going to reach your highest potential, you have to be an “on purpose” person and invest your life in what’s best for you. You know where you’re going. You’re not vague, distracted, waiting to see what happens. You’re focused. You’re making the most of each opportunity.

God has given you a present. It’s called “today.” Are you living it to the full? With purpose and passion? Pursuing your dreams? Or are you distracted? Indifferent? Just doing whatever comes along? Make this decision that you’re going to redeem the time. Get focused. Get organized. Set your goals. Make your plans. Once this day is over, you can never get it back.

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for giving me the gift of this day to live to the full. Thank You that You are calling me to invest my life in what’s best for me, to redeem the time, and to run my life with purpose and passion. Help me to make the most of every opportunity. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

COVID-19:
If you would like some spiritual company in what may headed our way, read again Matt.24, Mark13, Luke 21 and Heb. 11.   And perhaps get a copy of Fox’s “Book of Martyrs.”   As a Christian it seems to me best to decide to combat this virus with faith as well as all of the recommendations.   So far we have about 5 confirmed cases on the Big Island but it appear that 1/3 of our Island is now hazardous.   So anytime someone goes to town for food or what ever there is a possibility of exposure now especially in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii.  But the worst thing you could do is get into is fear which can also shut down our immune system and make it more of an issue than it is.  

This next was written by others but my feeling as well.  So we do what we can to stay safe and then we turn it all over to our Heavenly Father.  A Prayer:  “I’m turning it all over to You, LORD.   I’m going to tune out the news today and turn up my praise. YOU ARE THE Most High God and fighting my battles. After all, you, God are my true refuge and strength and healer.   You are my present help in a time of trouble. You are with me and for me. Amen! ”   Rom. 8

We are all in this together. These are unknown times, but we can be encouraged that as we pray and praise in the midst of the storm, our faith is strengthened, our peace increases, and we acknowledge God is abundantly present with us, Rom.8…   “After all, Jesus came to heal us and never made anyone sick.”

Yours, in HIS great love and wonderful grace and mercy, Ken<><   www.Trinity-Aloha.org

DISCIPLINE

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ALOHA FAMILY & FRIENDS,   Beloved of God and me,  John 3:16-18

DISCIPLINE,     “WORTH CONSIDERING”   3/30/20   from   Ken Smith<><

“Today’s Scripture        (In my email this morning from a mega church in Texas.)
“…No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”  (Hebrews 12:11, NIV)

Don’t Feed the Negative
It can feel good to give into the temptation to watch something you shouldn’t, to gossip about a friend, to be lazy, to tell someone off. The flesh likes the easy way. The reason some people don’t grow is because they’re not disciplined to do the right thing when it’s hard. You have to be consistent. The flesh is not going to go away. The apostle Paul said, “I die daily.” Every day we have to say no to things. “No, I’m not going to watch that. I won’t be sarcastic. I’m not going to hang out with that friend. I’m not going to eat whatever I feel like.”

Remember that every time you give into that temptation, become impatient, or get offended, you’re feeding and growing the flesh. If you’ll start to not give in to the temptation, the temper, the bad attitude, you’re going to step into a new season of freedom, of growth, of favor.

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that You are working in me and giving me the desire to obey You. Thank You that I have the power to overcome and be disciplined to do the right thing. I believe that the forces for me are greater than the forces against me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Ken’s Thoughts:
We often spend useless and wasteful time thinking and talking about things we don’t like and can not change.  I hear Christians talk stink about stuff that only supports their own ego.  as though knowing and telling others about how much that they know somehow make them wise and more important in this world.   And often it can become an obsession that they don’t even remember. That the subject has already been thoroughly been aired and evaluated many many times.  In the Word of God we are clearly taught to allow the past to be forgotten if at all.  And most often that kind of conversation is full of anger, unbelief, fear, judgment with the negativity and causes the time of the conversation to drift totally into the flesh and destroys the potential for the Holy Spirit to use the time for the building of the Kingdom of God.   Also it is very difficult not to get drawn into the negativity.  And if you try to say something to try to reverse the conversation,  the person will usually be offended as you seeming not to be interested in going through their obsessions one more time.

The little Book of James come to mind about the stink coming out of our mouths.  He was aware that the tongue is the most difficult of our member to bring under the control of the Holy Spirit.   So you might want to read that little letter from time to time, really loaded with good stuff to help us become more like our Lord Jesus.  He was down here with the same limitations that we have except for the stuff we got from Adam like pride, rebellion and disobedience.   So Jesus set the example for us so that with his grace and power, we too could overcome as HE did.  Read Rom. 8 and Heb 11 to check it out.  GOD our Creator has so designed things so that we have the opportunity to learn how to have a freewill and yet through love to submit our free will back to HIM for a good clean up.  We have been given a wonderful opportunity through our freewill to learn to love God, ourselves and each other.  It is amazing to me that today most entertainment is destructive.  It majors in blowing up things or in viciously tearing people apart.  In fact it is amazing how many different ways we have invented to destroy each other.  Worse than the days of ROME.  And we tend to get into the dynamics of the story and go away thinking that was a great film.  Even the good guys seem almost as vicious as the bad guys in order to win.  Even back when I was a little kid I can still remember “Night on Bald Mountain” about the powers of the darkness.  “Fantasia”   I remember throwing coke bottles from my crib at what I thought were demons?  My mother use them for milk bottles as I could not break them.   

So seems we are going to need to adjust our obsession with darkness into becoming the Children of Light.  In the new Kingdom of God ‘s  righteousness (See Rev. 21) it is obviously going to require a total change in us from taking things apart into the joy of putting things together.  The world as it now is allowed to exist to give us a clear understanding of what things dissolve into the lies of the darkness.  So if we make the transition into HIS light there will be no temptation ever again to depart from that love, joy and light and the experience of HIS presence.  Having a free will makes us able to be honest in our love for HIM, ourselves and each other.  LOVE makes it absolutely necessary for freewill to exist as Love is a decision.  I have seen folks love a scabies covered crippled old stinky dog treating him like he was a new born baby.  Same with folks at Costco as I consider the matched pairs of people, looking from the outside.   How can that work????    Beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder.   So God has turned us loose in a temporary time zone, like a little capsule in eternity.  In our time zone dimension we can easily and clearly see the fruit of evil and good.  And we can also make a decision as to which we like best.  So when the time of God’s creation of the new heavens and earth comes,  those who love the darkness will be consigned to live alone in darkness and those who love the light will be invited to live eternally in light. And Jesus is the Way, Truth and Light.  He is God’s pure example for us as a path to HIM.   Our life on earth is a time of testing for us to find out where we want to live in God’s Eternity of Righteousness.  We can enjoy a new heaven and a new earth that is totally clean or not.  No big sales pitch here, look around at the creation before we got here.  Love the big trees of Northern California.   Would a Creator want to turn us loose in HIS dimension without change !!! ??  Not a chance.  As a human race we are far from being even potty trained.  Romans chapter one through seven covers it nicely.  So think about it, Which direction are you headed as per the New Testament.  And we don’t get to draw our own road map.

Yours, in HIS great love and wonderful grace and mercy,   Ken<><   www.Trinity-Aloha.org


There is but one Church of Christ Jesus in the world tody.
And all who Truly Love & Obey HIM are members.

( At our homepage you will find past blogs as a link under “WORTH CONSIDERING.”)

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.
Courage to change the things I can.
And wisdom to know the difference.

7 Spirits of God

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Revelation 4 New Living Translation (NLT)

Worship in Heaven

4 Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” 2 And instantly I was in the Spirit,[a] and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. 3 The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. 4 Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit[b] of God. 6 In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal.

In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. 7 The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. 8 Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—
    the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”

9 Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), 10 the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say,

11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God,
    to receive glory and honor and power.
For you created all things,
    and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

5 Then I saw a scroll[a] in the right hand of the one who was sitting on the throne. There was writing on the inside and the outside of the scroll, and it was sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel, who shouted with a loud voice: “Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll and open it?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll and read it.

4 Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it. 5 But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne,[b] has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

6 Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the sevenfold Spirit[c] of God that is sent out into every part of the earth. 7 He stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of the one sitting on the throne. 8 And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. 9 And they sang a new song with these words:

“You are worthy to take the scroll
    and break its seals and open it.
For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God
    from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 And you have caused them to become
    a Kingdom of priests for our God.
    And they will reign[d] on the earth.”

11 Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. 12 And they sang in a mighty chorus:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—
    to receive power and riches
and wisdom and strength
    and honor and glory and blessing.”

13 And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang:

“Blessing and honor and glory and power
    belong to the one sitting on the throne
    and to the Lamb forever and ever.”

14 And the four living beings said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb.

7 is used 326 times in the O.T. and 65 times in the N.T.  The number of completion.

Isaiah 11:1-5,  “And there shall come forth a Shoot out of the stock of Jesse [David’s father], and a Branch out of his roots shall grow and bear fruit.2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him—the Spirit of wisdom (1) and understanding(2), the Spirit of counsel(3) and might, the Spirit of knowledge(4) and of the reverential(5) and obedient (6) fear (7) (regard) of the Lord. 3 And shall make Him of quick understanding, and His delight shall be in the reverential and obedient fear of the Lord. And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, neither decide by the hearing of His ears;4 But with righteousness and justice shall He judge the poor and decide with fairness for the meek, the poor, and the downtrodden of the earth; and He shall smite the earth and the oppressor with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked.5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of His waist and faithfulness the girdle of His loins.

1 Cor.15:52-58, Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)  “52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the [sound of the] last trumpet call. For a trumpet will sound, and the dead [in Christ] will be raised imperishable (free and immune from decay), and we shall be changed (transformed).53 For this perishable [part of us] must put on the imperishable [nature], and this mortal [part of us, this nature that is capable of dying] must put on immortality (freedom from death).54 And when this perishable puts on the imperishable and this that was capable of dying puts on freedom from death, then shall be fulfilled the Scripture that says, Death is swallowed up (utterly vanquished [a]forever) in and unto victory.55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?56 Now sin is the sting of death, and sin exercises its power [b][upon the soul] through [c][the abuse of] the Law.57 But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose].


Keep looking up, seems we are now in the end of the “Age of the Gentiles” and headed into the birth pains of Matt.24, Mark 13 and Luke 21.  So we will see the darkness getting darker and the light getting lighter.  We will come into a time of false peace with a great harvest of souls finding Jesus as LORD.   The Church will be sanctified, made HOLY,  and we get to go home.

Attached my teaching on the subject if interested.   Yours, in HIS great Love,   Ken<><

www.Trinity-Aloha.org 

pdf icon REVELATION-2.pdf

JESUS, SON OF MAN

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ALOHA FAMILY AND FRIENDS,  Beloved of God,  John 3:16-18

JESUS,  SON OF MAN,  SON OF GOD, “WORTH CONSIDERING” 3/27/20

Today’s Scripture   (Across my e-mails this morning from a mega church in Texas.)
“…And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”  (Philippians 2:8, NIV)

Walk in Humility
Did you know that even Jesus had to humble Himself. It takes humility to walk in obedience. Without humility, Jesus could have thought, I’m the Son of God. I don’t have to put up with the way people treat Me. I’m not going to the cross. It was humility that caused Him to not retaliate against those who did Him wrong. Because of His humility, He could spend His life serving others when He had every right to be served. Because of His humility, He could hang on the cross and say, “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they’re doing.”

When you humble yourself and do hard things that you know God is asking you to do—forgive the person who did you wrong, honor your spouse’s request, take advice from somebody who doesn’t have your experience—your obedience will bring a blessing. As Jesus did, do what God is asking you to do. Don’t reason it out; just do it.

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that Jesus was willing to come to earth as a man and then humble Himself even further by becoming obedient to the point of death. Help me to humble myself whenever pride rises up to keep me from being obedient. I want to walk in humility. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Ken’s Thoughts:
There is much written on the subject of who was really Jesus.  After considerable study on the subject from Holy Scriptures I have come to the conclusion that Jesus Christ (Christ means anointed.) was born man.  The second Adam.   And as in Adam (Son of God) all died that in Christ Jesus (Son of God, Son of Man) like Adam, that all could be made alive.  Obviously Adam was Son of God but not a Son of Man as he was the first to be created in his species.  And that Adam died due to Rebellion and Disobedience, yes, and the same can happen to us. 

So my personal position is that Jesus, though conceived by the Holy Spirit, came into this world upon conception.  That nine months later in Bethlehem HE was born as the lamb of God that would take away the sins of the world.  He was born as Adam was created as good and without a sin nature.  But like Adam, HE could have sinned but elected to become obedient even through the things that HE suffered.  Can you visualize HIM growing up in a family with at least 6 other children and not sinning…  And at age 12 knowing HE had to be about HIS Father’s Business (God’s Business.)  And to live a simple life as a carpenter for another 18 years without sin in waiting for the Holy Spirit to empower HIM to be tested and to begin HIS very short ministry in the anointing of the Word of God, Creator.  And HE perfectly completed HIS mission and left us instructions to do the same as HE did through the Holy Spirit as HE did.  I am totally amazed at the loving and exceptional example that HE gave me as a human being and that HE was also tempted in all points as I am and yet without sin.   And HE asked me to come and live with HIM if I would allow HIM to get me ready for the transformation to Eternal Light Speed.  That if I would trust in, rely upon HIM and cling to HIM in faith as my LORD that HE would begin the process of not only redemption but also of making me a new creation just like HIM.  A process in the Bible called sanctification.   Of course that would require many replacements of the nature that I received from Adam.   First the need to become aware of my Creator’s love for me in my salvation, redemption.   That according to Romans 10:9-10 I must come to the heart faith conclusion that Christ Jesus is my LORD and that I have made a freewill choice to honor HIM as my King and understand that HE took the penalty for my rebellion and pride upon himself, Isa. 53.  And further that HE will assist and extend Grace (power) to me to become like HE is.  Paul writes it this way: “Consequently, from now on we estimate and regard no one from a [purely] human point of view [in terms of natural standards of value]. [No] even though we once did estimate Christ from a human viewpoint and as a man, yet now [we have such knowledge of Him that] we know Him no longer [in terms of the flesh].  17 Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!  18 But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself [received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself] and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation [that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him]. “ 2 Cor. 16-18

So we see that Jesus was the Son of Man/Son of God during HIS walk on earth.  But in completing HIS assignment perfectly He is now eternally the Word of God/Man Jesus in the Kingdom of God .   THe is the first of HIS kind in the Image and Likeness of God as per Gen.1:26-27.  In Isa. 61:1 the Spirit of God was UPON the messiah when a man.

So Jesus did not come down from Heaven as God..  But God created HIM as the 2nd Adam with a free will just like you and me.  And HE died to cover that sin nature of Adam that we received upon our birth so we could go for the light rather than the darkness.  So we now have an opportunity to live in the light and with a whole heart to go for the light if we decide to do so and HE has sent the Holy Spirit to help us.   And He left us with a beautiful human example that it can be done by us as well if we allow HIM to assist us to change to be like HIM in love, faith,  humility and obedience.   Now to get a good picture of who Jesus really is now,   read Rev. 1  &   4-5       

Yours in HIS great LOVE and wonderful Grace and Mercy ,   Ken<><   www.Trinity-Aloha.org

There is but one Church of Christ Jesus on earth.
And all who truly LOVE & OBEY HIM are members.

WORLD NEWS:    worthybrief@worthynetwork.com

CHURCH OF CHRIST JESUS

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ALOHA FAMILY AND FRIENDS,  Beloved of God and me,  John 3:16-18
    (Also I would greatly appreciate your prayers for some needed physical healings at 87.)

CHURCH OF CHRIST JESUS,   “WORTH CONSIDERING” 3/26/20

Today’s Scripture   (In my emails yesterday from a big mega church in Texas.)
“…Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well…”  (1 Thessalonians 2:8, NIV)

Become a Miracle
Many people are praying for a miracle. “God, please send me a friend. God, I need help with my children. I need training. God, I need a good break.” We have to realize that we can become the miracle they need. God uses our lives to touch and encourage and bless others. God will bring people across our path so that we can be the answer to their prayers.

Take time to become the miracle. You can’t help everyone, but you can help someone. Be aware of who is in your life. Listen to what they’re saying. Is there any way that you can help? Those are opportunities to become their miracle. God put them there on purpose. It’s because you are full of miracles. There is healing in you. There is restoration, there’s friendship, there are new beginnings. You can lift the fallen. You can restore the broken. You can be kind to a stranger. You can become someone’s miracle.

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that You bring people across my path so I can be the answer to their prayers. Help me to listen to what they’re saying and to be available and do what I can to help. I believe that I am a miracle waiting to happen for someone. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Ken’s Thoughts:
What we also need to realize is,  there is a spiritual growth factor.  When we were born our parents were responsible for finding out what our needs were when we cried.  With my kids it was cold/hot, dirty diaper, gas or hunger.  All from the same disruptive cry.  Then the parents started noticing the different cries.  But after awhile words started to set in and the child, hopefully, started saying the word that indicated what was needed like potty, hungry, wet, cold, tired and so on… And the parents no longer responded to the crying as a form of communication.  Then of course there was school and grades and testing for us to know, and everyone, on how we were doing.  Personally, I was not good at school and twice had to go to summer school to catch up and I think I graduated high school because they did not want me there for another year.  

Our Heavenly Father has us, as we make Jesus Lord, in a Sanctification School and there are grade levels.   Humility and Obedience in spiritual learning receives God’s Grace, Mercy and support.   However if we allow for pride and disobedience things dry up and we get tough love.
And there are different grade levels.  If I still talk like a 3 yr. old when in the 6th grade then spiritual blessing may dry up as well.  The original vision of our Creator is to help us to become like HIM or like Christ Jesus because we want to be with HIM.  So there are plenty of times for us to be on Holy Ground and see the power of God through the whole process.  But there is always the need for a new wineskin for the new wine of the Holy Spirit.  So don’t expect to get earthly comfortable in this life.  The Holy Spirit when aloud to take over in a life or a gathering is never boring.  And when really in control is rarely traditional.  In fact HE can be rather embarrassing at times especially for introvert and folks use to a safe traditional theater church..

So we are all in school to learn how to walk on the water and to do what Jesus did by choice.  And in fact Paul taught us that if there is no evidence of the power of the Holy Spirit in a gathering to keep looking.  That when the Holy Spirit is in charge the Word of God (logos) will be confirmed by the Power of God or the (rhema) of God.  2 Tim. 3 with signs following.   The Holy Spirit will attach us to Christ Jesus as LORD and not to a building, fellowship or denomination. 

I use this expression a lot on my emails:  There is but one church of Christ Jesus and all who Truly Love & Obey HIM are members.  It is not the church that saves us, it is Christ Jesus.   And it is difficult to get our needed vitamins and minerals all in one food or one bottle or one church today.  From the Evangelicals I learned to love my Bible and respect it.  From the Liturgical folks I learned a lot about the feeling and need of holiness.  And with the Charismatics I was introduced into the power of God.   Of course, each by themselves can become indulgent, sanctimonious or even a carnival.   But Jesus is a balance of Love, Holiness & Power for the Glory of God.   Often our church buildings are built for and become the glory of man.  And those dead monuments to man’s ego are all over the world today.  Actually there is not one word in the New Testament about building anything physical for God in the New Testament.  Nor was there a collection for the building any buildings.  The gifts and offerings went for evangelism and to help the poor.  The Church in the home was the New Testament standard with the Elders getting together to keep the unity of the faith in the bond of peace.  Buildings are comfortable but think of what the same funds could have done for missions.  Back in 1975 I tried to duplicate the traditional theater church and filled it up seeking souls but in short order the maintenance and stresses of the property caused a burn out in me and the Holy Spirit moved on.  In 1979-80 the property was sold, became a restaurant and is now a medical center.  So much for that traditional theater church.  And after I resigned due to my burn out, the cash equity of nearly a million dollars just totally disappeared with the new Presiding Elder.

Seems to me that most Traditional Theater Churches are more prone to make Church Members rather than help make disciples who grow up to be in the image and likeness of Christ Jesus.  I have been given all kinds of church excuses of why I should not expect to become a Holy Man or become like Christ Jesus.  But in checking this out for myself.  It is written all over the place in our Bible that God wants to help us become like HIM.  Of course it is up to us as to whether or not we will from the heart believe the Great & Precious Promises to be changed into having God’s Divine Nature or not.

It is difficult to give up traditions even when they are vain.  Or to give up our status quo comfort zones.  It is easy to go to “church” once a week or so and really not get to know hardly any one’s name much less even know about them.   And leave believing that we have pleased God.   The Early Church was a lively forum and the saints were all active.  It was a work of the people.  Deeply study 1 Cor.14:21-33, only a very few times in my life have I ever seen any ministry that came close to looking like this.  But I believe it will be the church of the rapture, that the Church/Bride will be taken home when she shines with the Glory and Power of Christ Jesus.  She goes home to purge the heavens of the remaining darkness, Rev. 12:11 for the Glory of God.  We in Adam let lucifer be the god of this world,   in Christ Jesus we enjoy the victory in booting lucifer out,  Ezek 28:18.  The Church of Christ Jesus is the fire of God.

Yours in HIS great love and wonderful grace and mercy,   Ken<><   www.Trinity-Aloha.org

There is only one Church of Christ Jesus without denominations, John 17
And all who truly Love & Obey HIM are members

(On our Homepage you will find a link to the past blogs of “Worth Considering.”)

PROMISES

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ALOHA FAMILY & FRIENDS,  Beloved of God,  John 3:16-18

PROMISES,    “WORTH CONSIDERING”   3/25/20   (Across my desk this morning,  Texas mega church.)

Today’s Scripture,  “…So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most…”  (Hebrews 4:16, NLT)

Come Boldly,  Many people are trying to earn God’s goodness, trying to be good enough, trying to work hard enough, thinking that then maybe they’ll deserve God’s blessings. That’s a slave mentality. You don’t have to earn God’s love. You don’t have to work for His approval. You don’t have to pay God back for your mistakes. The Scripture tells us to come boldly to the throne of grace, not as a servant saying, “God, I know I don’t deserve it.” If you want to put a smile on God’s face, go to Him with boldness, go to Him like you know He’s pleased with you, like you know you have a right to be there as a son, like you know He wants to be good to you. Ask Him for your dreams. Pray bold prayers. You’re not inconveniencing Him. Jesus says, “It is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” God is longing to be good to you.

A Prayer for Today,  “Father, thank You that I can come boldly before You, knowing that as Your child, this is my rightful place. Thank You that I don’t have to earn Your favor or be good enough to come into Your presence. I am coming to pray bold prayers and to dream bold dreams. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Ken’s Thoughts:
While it is true that ( if ) God be for us, who can be against us.   However we can not presume to be in God’s Camp of Blessings for HIS Grace and Mercy unless we change our citizenship from the kingdom of Adam and his nature and take up a new citizenship in the KINGDOM of GOD.  While generally the rain, rains upon the just and the unjust as well.   Yet,  God’s Grace is given to help those souls who come to a decision  in humility to want to become HIS obedient children.  In reading through the New Testament you will almost always find also the conditions required in which to receive God’s Grace and Blessings.  We are responsible to bring our free will into subjection to the laws of love in the Kingdom of God.  God resists the proud but give grace to the humble.  So don’t get caught up in the hypocracy that God will help support our flesh nature (lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride of life) received from Adam.  That our bent to sin must be willingly put to death by us through the grace and power of the Holy Spirit.  John 12:24-26.   We are taught not to allow our old sin and selfish nature to rule over us.  “11 Even so consider yourselves also dead to sin and your relation to it broken, but alive to God [living in unbroken fellowship with Him] in Christ Jesus.  “ Let not sin therefore rule as king in your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies, to make you yield to its cravings and be subject to its lusts and evil passions.13 Do not continue offering or yielding your bodily members [and [a] faculties] to sin as instruments (tools) of wickedness. But offer and yield yourselves to God as though you have been raised from the dead to [perpetual] life, and your bodily members [and [b] faculties] to God, presenting them as implements of righteousness. “  Rom.6:11-13.

GREAT QUOTES  -Sermonindex.net   
“In Acts the apostles prayed for 10 days then preached for 10 minutes and 3000 people were saved. Today pastors pray for 10 minutes then preach for 10 days and wonder why no-one is saved.” -B.H. Clendennen.

“There is a lot of soft, sentimental talk about Him today that brings no conviction. When Isaiah saw the Lord, he did not feel comfortable! Neither did Habakkuk nor Daniel nor Paul nor John. We want a picture of Him today that does not disturb us, that smiles at sin, and winks at iniquity. I remember a man who told me he wanted to hear no hell-fire sermons but rather about the meek and lowly Jesus. Yet the poor man did not seem to realize that the meek and lowly Jesus said more about hell than is reported from the lips of anyone else in the Bible! We need a true and complete vision of God in His holiness and Christ in His glory that will bring us to repentance.”
-Vance Havner.

“Some years ago a fearful railroad wreck took a dreadful toll of life and limb in an eastern state. A train, loaded with young people returning from school, was stalled on a suburban track because of what is known as a “hot-box.” The limited was soon due, but a flagman was sent back to warn the engineer in order to avert a rear-end collision.  Thinking all was well, the crowd laughed and chatted while the train-hands worked on in fancied security. Suddenly the whistle of the limited was heard and on came the heavy train and crashed into the local, with horrible effect. The engineer of the limited saved his own life by jumping, and some days afterwards was hailed into court to account for his part in the calamity. And now a curious discrepancy in testimony occurred. He was asked, “Did you not see the flagman warning you to stop? “He replied,,.. “I saw him, but he waved a yellow flag, and I took it for granted all was well, and so went on, through slowing down.”. The flagman was called, “What flag did you wave? “A red flag, but he went by me like a shot.” “Are you sure it was red?” “Absolutely.” Both insisted on the correctness of their testimony, and it was demonstrated that neither was color-blind. Finally the man was asked to produce the flag itself as evidence. After some delay he was able to do so, and then the mystery was explained. It had been red, but it had been exposed to the weather so long that all the red was bleached out, and it was but a dirty yellow! Oh, the lives eternally wrecked by the yellow gospels of the day-the bloodless theories of unregenerate men that send their
hearers to their doom instead of stopping them on their downward road!” – H. A. Ironside
“And what is wrong with the old method of scaring the ungodly with a sermon on hell?” V. Havner
“Obedience is the crown and honour of all virtue.” -Martin Luther
“Spiritual maturity is reached when obedience [to God and His word] becomes a joy.” – J. Yoder
“It is a poor sermon that gives no offense; that neither makes the hearer displeased with himself nor with the preacher.”  -George Whitefield.

Yours, in HIS great love and wonderful Grace and Mercy,   Ken<>< www.Trinity-Aloha.org

There is but one Church only of Christ Jesus on earth.
And all who truly Love & Obey Him are members.

World News in Brief:    worthybrief@worthynetwork.com

Our past editions of “Worth Considering” are found as a link on our HomePage.

FAITH HEALING

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Aloha Friends & Family,  Beloved of God,  John 3:16-18

FAITH HEALING   3/24/20   “WORTH CONSIDERING”

Today’s Scripture   (Received today from a Mega Church in Texas.)
“…He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us…”  (2 Corinthians 1:4, NLT)

From Patient to Physician
In today’s Scripture the apostle Paul is saying, “You were comforted in the loss of your loved one; help somebody else through their loss. You’ve been healed; now go help somebody else get healed.” God didn’t heal you just so you could be well, but so you could become a healer. He favored you so you could show people favor. He gave you a new beginning so you could help others make it through their loss. You’re no longer a patient needing help; you’ve become a physician.

Every one of us has had experiences that make us a physician. If you’ve been through cancer treatment, a divorce, a loss, or a rough childhood, you are uniquely qualified to help others in that situation. You’ve been in their shoes. You know the pain, the discouragement, the battles they fight in their mind. You can help them in a way that others who’ve not experienced it can. Don’t stay a grateful patient, become a physician.

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for the things that You’ve brought me through that I can now use to help others in their struggles. Thank You that I have something to give, some encouragement to share, some wisdom to impart. Help me to give away what You’ve given to me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Ken’s Thoughts:
This teaching reminds me of the big differences between Presumption, Head Faith and Heart Faith.  And of course the issue of being truly guided by the Holy Spirit.  So hearing the Holy Spirit is a foundational factor in knowing the will of God.  And knowing the will of God comes through humility, obedience, love, heart faith and knowing the Word of God.  Jesus passed by the lame man at the Gate Beautiful of the Temple every time HE went into the Temple when in Jerusalem but HE never healed him?  As HE always obeyed HIS heavenly Father I am sure HE would have healed the man if told to do so.  But later Peter and John saw him and were guided by the Holy Sprit to heal him.  This was a tremendous witness at the time in the Temple for the man had been begging from very young outside of the Gate of the Temple.  By the way Herod’s Temple had only one entry in that day.  The Golden Gate or the Beautiful Gate.  Acts 3:1-26.  So Christ Jesus had to pass him by many times over 3 years.

So if we understand that our prayers must be guided by the Holy Spirit in experiencing the supernatural it is the beginning of wisdom.  John puts it this way: “ I write this to you who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) the name of the Son of God [in [a] the peculiar services and blessings conferred by Him on men ], so that you may know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have life, [b] yes, eternal life.  14 And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us.  15 And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.”

Of course we are understanding this to be totally a matter of Heart Faith as Jesus taught.  “He said to them, Because of the littleness of your faith [that is, your lack of [a] firmly relying trust]. For truly I say to you, if you have faith [[b] that is living] like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to yonder place, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.”  Matt. 17:20.  Mark quoted Jesus saying:   “  He who believes [who adheres to and trusts in and relies on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] and is baptized will be saved [[a] from the penalty of eternal death]; but he who does not believe [who does not adhere to and trust in and rely on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] will be condemned.  17 And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages;  18 They will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well.”

So the Gifts of the Spirit are readily available to the faithful (those full of faith.)  These are found written by Paul: “ And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit].  14 But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.  15 But the spiritual man tries all things [he [a] examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him].”

Now a gift is received and can be given but it does not mean that a ministry has been confirmed.  But ministries are usually supported and effective due to the Holy Spirit flowing through the vessel in a continual special gifting that becomes a continuous flow of the Holy Spirit ministering supernaturally.  In the Early Church the Word of God was always followed with signs following indicating God’s approval and HIS great love for folks who are hurting and have the faith to receive healing.

Usually heart faith and the fruit of the Holy Spirit are a results of finding and believing the precious promises of God from the Heart.  That is how we get saved and start on the Jesus Walk.  Rom. 19:9-10.  Our Creator’s ultimate goal is to give us the grace to become like Jesus, if we want to.  But HE never violates our free will.  We have the right to choose the Light or Darkness.

Yours, in HIS great love and wonderful grace and mercy,   Ken<>< www.Trinity-Aloha.org

(On our Home Page you will find the link “WORTH CONSIDERING” for the past issues.)

There is but one Church of Christ Jesus on earth.
And all who Truly Love & Obey HIM are members.

GIFTS & OFFERINGS

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ALOHA FAMILY & FRIENDS,  Beloved of God and me….   John 3:16-18

GIFTS & OFFERINGS    “WORTH CONSIDERING”   3/23/20    
     
Today’s Scripture.  (In my e-mails this morning from a Texas mega Church.)
“…Bring all the tithe into the storehouse…and try Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it…”  (Malachi 3:10, NKJV)

When You Have “the Blessing”
When you honor God with your life, He puts a blessing on you that gives you an advantage. Today’s Scripture doesn’t say “blessings,” plural; it says “blessing,” singular. When you have “the blessing,” all kinds of blessings will come. It causes you to rise up when circumstances are pushing you down and to prosper when others are struggling. It’s not just because of your skill, talent, and determination. There is a force behind you that is fighting your battles, bringing the right people into your life, opening doors you can’t open.

Don’t discount yourself. David went out with a slingshot and a few stones and defeated Goliath. What you have may seem small compared to what you’re up against, but a slingshot with the blessing is more powerful than a tank without it. Your talent may seem small compared to the dream God put in your heart, but that talent with the blessing will take you further than you can imagine.

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for the blessing on my life, thank You for breathing in my direction, thank You for taking me where I couldn’t go on my own. Thank You that You have levels that I’ve never fathomed. I believe I haven’t touched the surface of what’s in store. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Ken’s Thoughts,
When I receive a note like this I have mixed feeling.  When an Old Testament scripture is applied like it belongs in the New Testament without New Testament validation it makes folks feel under the LAW.   Paul teaches it this way: “But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.” Rom. 7:6.  And in Hebrews it is like this: “For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.”Heb.7:19.  “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:” Heb.8:10.   “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.” Heb 10:1.   

So the Tithe was an Old Testament Law of not only 10% but additional percentages as well but under the LAW it was difficult to teach the blessing of giving.  And it gave the impression that what remained was personal ownership and the owner had freedom to do with it as they wanted.

In the New Testament the Elect are taught that we are to submit 100% of who we are and what we have the Christ Jesus as LORD and to be guided by the HOLY SPIRIT as to what we are to do with GOD’S blessing of not only our lives but our substance as well.  We have been purchased with the precious blood of Christ Jesus and are bound to HIM for eternity.  Our life is no longer our own to do with as we will.  Paul teaches giving in this way: “[Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [[a]that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings.  7 Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He [b] takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful ( joyous, “prompt to do it”) giver [whose heart is in his giving].  8 And God is able to make all grace (every favor and [c] earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need [d] be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation].

So in my understanding of the New Testament, that the law never worked, it only told the folks what sin was but it did not help them through love to avoid it.  In fact their vain traditions made the Word of God, ineffective.  So today if you think you are a Christian and do not have a heart of compassion for the lost to share God’s love in HIS redemption by word, thought and deed I would be very concerned about your salvation.  If you think by giving 10% you have done your duty to God ,  you really don’t understand the New Testament Will of Christ Jesus.  Before your life is over you would be well advised to deep read John, Acts, Romans, Hebrews and Jude again for meaning.  You can not go by what you have been taught from the pulpit.  The different denomination will all say they are the right one.   But if you read John 17 concerning the Lord’s Prayer concerning Unity then none of them truly measure up.  And if there is no power in the Holy Spirit for helping folks,  Paul tell us to go someplace else in 2 Tim 3.  It really upsets me to go to a so called church and be shaken down financially by the use of the Old Testament when we are taught in the Book of Hebrews: “By this the Holy Spirit points out that the way into the [true Holy of] Holies is not yet thrown open as long as the former [the outer portion of the] (LAW) tabernacle remains a recognized institution and is still standing,  9 Seeing that that first [outer portion of the] tabernacle was a parable (a visible symbol or type or picture of the present age). In it gifts and sacrifices are offered, and yet are incapable of perfecting the conscience or of cleansing and renewing the inner man of the worshiper.  10 For [the ceremonies] deal only with clean and unclean meats and drinks and different washings, [mere] external rules and regulations for the body imposed to tide the worshipers over until the time of setting things straight [of reformation, of the complete new order when Christ, the Messiah, shall establish the reality of what these things foreshadow—a better covenant ].

So now, in Christ Jesus we are living in that time of the New Order of Heart Change for those who want to come into humility and obedience from the heart to be joined with God’s family.  We are no longer under external laws but by the Holy Spirit are being changed to be like Jesus.

Yours, in HIS great love and wonderful grace and mercy, Ken<><   www.Trinity-Aloha.org

There is but one true Church of Christ Jesus.
All who truly Love & Obey HIM are members.