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

FREEDOM:    “WORTH CONSIDERING”    3/3/20   by Ken Smith<><
     
Today’s Scripture
“…The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me…to proclaim liberty to the captives and…to set at liberty those who are oppressed…”  (Luke 4:18, NKJV)

Liberty to the Captives
If we’re not careful to develop a freedom mindset, having a bondage mindset will become normal to us. We’ll accept that it’s normal to be hot-tempered, it’s normal to live depressed and negative, it’s normal to struggle and not get any good breaks, it’s normal to have bad relationships. That’s not normal. That’s a chain that restricts your movement, that limits your ability. You are made in the image of Almighty God. You have seeds of greatness. You were created to be free, to be happy, to accomplish dreams—not to get by in life, but to excel. Don’t let a chain that binds you become normal.

Jesus came announcing freedom, announcing that the chains that are restricting you are being broken. Now it’s up to you to receive it. The chain breaker, the Most High God is working in your life right now. Your day of freedom has come. Get ready for favor in new ways. Start living from a freedom mindset.

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that You are the Most High God, the chain breaker, who is releasing me into increase, into favor, and into new levels. Thank You that what has hindered me in the past is not going to hinder me anymore. I believe my chains have been broken. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Ken’s Thoughts:
Great subject today, and we need the whole idea and vision.   Jesus after 30 years of being a home boy and oldest of at least 4 boys and 2 girls.  After His empowering of the Holy Spirit and His time of testing He proclaimed His vision in the Synagogue as also prophesied by Isaiah and recorded by Luke.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me (the Messiah),  Because He has anointed Me to preach the good news to the poor.  He has sent Me to announce release (pardon, forgiveness) to the captives,
And recovery of sight to the blind,  To set free those who are oppressed (downtrodden, bruised, crushed by tragedy), 19 to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord [the day when salvation and the favor of God abound greatly].”  Luke 4:18-19

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,  Because the Lord has anointed and commissioned me  To bring good news to the humble and afflicted;  He has sent me to bind up [the wounds of] the brokenhearted,  To proclaim release [from confinement and condemnation] to the [physical and spiritual] captives.  And freedom to prisoners,  2  To proclaim [a]the favorable year of the Lord, [b] And the day of vengeance and retribution of our God,  To comfort all who mourn,  3 To grant to those who mourn in Zion the following:  To give them a [c]turban instead of dust [on their heads, a sign of mourning],  The oil of joy instead of mourning,  The garment [expressive] of praise instead of a disheartened spirit.  So they will be called the trees of righteousness [strong and magnificent, distinguished for integrity, justice, and right standing with God],  The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.  Isaiah 61:1-3

And so the thoughts come to my mind that we as Christian have been assigned, in Christ Jesus to learn how to do the same thing in bringing Glory to Christ Jesus as LORD as His disciples.  We find that in the Great Commission in Matt.28:19 and all through the New Testament.  That the disciple is under discipline (obedience) to become like the Master and has the God given grace to help in bringing himself and others into the same discipline or discipleship.  1 John 5:17 teaches us that in maturity we will be like our Master in perfection and be able to boldly stand before our Holy Creator in righteousness in the end time of Judgment. And that in our love of God we will love our brethren to the same degree of selfless love while yet in this world.  This is also spelled out in Eph.4:11-16 & John 17:20-26.

Doesn’t seem like many of the Christian Churches of today are really actively fulfilling this initial vision of our LORD.  Seems like most church members are there, hopeful, for fire insurance without really agreeing to make Jesus,  LORD.  True Discipleship means for us to give Christ Jesus all that we have to HIM as LORD and then HE give us His citizenship and a seat at HIS table in this world and also in His coming New Creation of Righteousness.  The details of the agreement of exchange are clearly spelled out in the New Testament as HIS final and validated WILL.   We are to learn to submit our will (totally) under HIS authority in all things 24/7. The Early Church was secure in this His vision of: Truth, Love, Unity and Holiness and God’s Grace and Power confirmed their“born from above” relationship.  Apostle Paul prophesied about our Later Days Church in 2 Tim.3.   Perhaps we need to go back to the basics and find and restore what obviously has been lost?  Acts 5:16                           

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

HEALING, DIVINE    “WORTH CONSIDERING”   3/2/20   by Ken Smith<><

Today’s Scripture   (In my mail box this morning.)
“…When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed…”  (Mark 5:27–28, NIV)

Touch Him
He laid His hands on people. But in this case, the woman laid her hands on Jesus. There were other sick people in the crowd that day. Many people with needs bumped up against Jesus and nothing happened, but this lady believed in Him, touched Him, and was healed.

Are you brushing up against Jesus or are you touching Him, so to speak? Are you waiting for God to lay hands on you? Are you living with expectancy, knowing that He’s bigger than your specific problems, or are you discouraged, thinking it will never change? God is passing by. He has all power. Don’t just brush up against Him. Don’t be passive and think you’ll never accomplish your dreams, never start your business, never meet the right person. Your faith can activate God’s power to do amazing things. Do like this woman—touch Him and believe it will happen!

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that my faith and expectancy can be a catalyst for You to do amazing things. Thank You that I can reach out and touch You by faith today. I believe that You are making a way, that things are changing in my favor, and that victory will be mine. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
   
Ken’s Thoughts,
Most of us have gone to “church” where there was prayer for the sick and nothing happened.  It was merely a form or ritual that even sometimes caused a loss of faith.  And at times I have been in a ministry where it seemed that whatever was ask of God was granted.  For many years I have been seeking an answer.  And I believe that I have found it.  The difference is heart faith unity in love of God and HIS TRUTH.  When the power of God was very evident it was with a collection of souls who were in John 17 unity and seeking to love and obey Jesus 24/7.   With the other group there seemed a religious compartmental walk and a world compartment walk with unbelief that we could walk with Christ Jesus in the Holy Spirit 24/7 in this world and sin not.  1 John 1:9….

An exception is with the 5 fold ministry as found in the N.T.  I have even seen the unsaved find healing with an evangelist in the Holy Spirit was gathering souls into the Kingdom.  All those healed by Jesus were yet unsaved as well.   His Church did not start until HIS Resurrection, the upper room and Pentecost and the Holy Spirit was sent to save, seal, guide and in-power. 

One of the scriptures that opened the door for me was found in John 17:20-24   “I do not pray for these alone [it is not for their sake only that I make this request], but also for [all] those who [will ever] believe and trust in Me through their message, 21 that they all may be one; just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe [without any doubt] that You sent Me.  22 I have given to them the glory (power) and honor which You have given Me, that they may be one, just as We are one; 23 I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected and completed into one, so that the world may know [without any doubt] that You sent Me, and [that You] have loved them, just as You have loved Me.  AMP

The prayers of Jesus will find total and complete fulfillment.

Now this is not the only verse that make it very clear concerning the GLORY (POWER) of GOD is related to our Loving Unity in GOD’S HOLY TRUTH.   In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians he says it this way: Eph.4:11-16,   And [His gifts to the church were varied and] He Himself appointed some as apostles [special messengers, representatives], some as prophets [who speak a new message from God to the people], some as evangelists [who spread the good news of salvation], and some as pastors and teachers [to shepherd and guide and instruct], 12 [and He did this] to fully equip and perfect the saints (God’s people) for works of service, to build up the body of Christ [the church]; 13 until we all reach oneness in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, [growing spiritually] to become a mature believer, reaching to the measure of the fullness of Christ [manifesting His spiritual completeness and exercising our spiritual gifts in unity]. 14 So that we are no longer children [spiritually immature], tossed back and forth [like ships on a stormy sea] and carried about by every wind of [shifting] doctrine, by the cunning and trickery of [unscrupulous] men, by the deceitful scheming of people ready to do anything [for personal profit]. 15 But speaking the truth in love [in all things—both our speech and our lives expressing His truth], let us grow up in all things into Him [following His example] who is the Head—Christ. 16 From Him the whole body [the church, in all its various parts], joined and knitted firmly together by what every joint supplies, when each part is working properly, causes the body to grow and mature, building itself up [a]in [unselfish] love.

But now we are confronted with denominations and divisions and an altered gospel which does match up to the Holy Scriptures.  We have become content to agree to disagree.  We don’t see differences as an opportunity in love to find more of God’s Truth to walk in but more as an attack where pride and defensiveness steps in and causes just another division.  Christ Jesus (Matt.10:34) even deeply warned us about this and does Paul in (2 Tim.3. ) READ THIS !!!!

In context, the New Testament in John defines the word GLORY in John 2:11 as POWER which also could have been used instead of Glory in John 17:22 which could also read that the Church would not have HIS Power and Honor until they found GOD’s Loving Unity in HIS Truth.  The Early Church was walking in that power, read what Luke recorded in: Acts 5:16.  But today it appears we are headed into Matt.24-25, Mark 13 & Luke 21 for the cleansing of the Church.  So we now have the choice of obedience through faith or learning obedience by painful experience.  So until the Body of Christ is obedient in unity, love, truth and humility like Christ Jesus we can expect very little  power to happen in our so call normal church ministry.

Coronavirus News:  South Korea closes churches as coronavirus tally passes 3,700  with many holding online services instead, as authorities fought to rein in public gatherings as new coronavirus infections took the tally to 3,736 cases   The vast majority of Protestant churchgoers in the United States do not attend alone, but rather go with family or friends, according to a new report by LifeWay Research.  Christians Call For Global Day of Prayer to End Coronavirus  A coalition of Christians across denominational lines are uniting to pray for an end to the coronavirus.

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

GIFTS & BLESSINGS OF GOD,    2/18/20, “WORTH CONSIDERING” by Ken Smith

Today’s Scripture (Across my Desk this morning from Joel.)
“…Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…”  (Ephesians 3:20, NIV)

Blessed in the Dark Places
Have you adapted to a limited environment? You have big dreams in your heart. You know there’s a new business in you, a management position, a book, a better house, but you’ve gone as far as your family members and friends have gone in the past. No, don’t settle there.

There is potential in you right now just waiting to come out. You have gifts that will cause new doors to open, talent that will bring new opportunities. Quit making excuses to settle where you are. You may be in a limited environment that includes dysfunction, addictions, and depression. The good news is, you don’t have to stay there. God is saying, “This is a new day. You’re a barrier breaker. I’m going to take you further faster than you’ve imagined. You’re going to defy the odds.” Now do your part. Let this seed take root in your spirit. Don’t talk yourself out of it. Get in agreement with God.

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that I can get in agreement with You and believe that this is a new day with new doors to open and new opportunities before me. I believe that You are going to do immeasurably more than all I can ask or think. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Ken’s Thoughts:
In other words, REMOVE ALL LIMITATIONS, both real, projected or imaginary.  And to be transparent, many of our so called limitations were given to us by others and projected upon us.

   

18 be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints (God’s people) the width and length and height and depth of His love [fully experiencing that amazing, endless love]; 19 and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].  20 Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do super abundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen.   Eph.3:18-21  amp
                                            

It is a much much deeper a relationship with our Creator than only a few hours per week.   It is learning to have a  24/7 walk in the fullness of God every hour of every day that brings God blessings.  There is no place where we get to take a detour into the darkness for just a little while and leave God and that HE is cool with our little side adventure into darkness.    He wants to train us in the Holy Spirit to be joyfully walking with HIM 24/7 everyday.  That in each day we learn to yearn for the Holy Spirit to open up God’s blessings for us through our humility and obedience to our Creator in every moment of every day.  That we allow HIM to help us learn to totally avoid the darkness of this world.  The darkness that continues to attack us all the time and yet HE give us HIS victory.  Rom. 8   Jesus was/is also body, soul and spirit and was tempted in all points even as we are.  And because in HIS obedience HE learned  how to have absolute victory. Now HE is also willing to teach us how to do the same thing.  But it means to in humility learn to hear HIS voice and in humility to also learn to become totally obedient.  God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.    Before honor is humility.  These six things the Lord hates;  Indeed, seven are repulsive to Him:   17 A proud look [the attitude that makes one overestimate oneself and discount others], a lying tongue,  And hands that shed innocent blood,  18 A heart that creates wicked plans, Feet that run swiftly to evil,  19 A false witness who breathes out lies [even half-truths], And one who spreads discord (rumors) among brothers. Prov.5:16-20….

Yesterday was an interesting day.   The person who was to assist me in removing 1500# of sand from my truck on Monday, procrastinated each day and it was now Thursday.  So I am driving around with 1500# of sand in back of me.  A quick stop and a big problem.  So I am asking the LORD what to do.  Well the little voice deep in my spirit said load up the trash for the dump?  So now I have a big load on the Truck and was told to take the trash to the dump, not very far away.  Not usually open on Thursday, but it was.   And on the way home to stop at the little Fujihara Store for help with the sand.  So I did and asked the clerk if she knew of anyone?  She did not.  No one else was there?  So got an ice cream bar, my favorite and enjoyed it in my truck.  Turned the key to leave with my sand and a young man comes walking by.  I asked him if he had time to unload the sand for $20. and he said he did and it very nicely done, also cleaning out the truck bed, and hanging a stalk of bananas for me.  He took some bananas & trees home, may be coming to the gathering tonight….  Divine Appointments in the Spirit are really lots of fun for me.   This kind of thing is beginning to happen more and more as I get closer to walking 100% of my time in the Holy Spirit.  Funny thing about walking in the Holy Spirit, if I say NO!, all goes on hold until I change my mind (repent) and then the training or sanctification process continues.  HIS goal, to make us like Jesus….  If we want HIM to?

Christian News:  ‘People running to the altar with no invitation’: Organizers of Tennessee revival hope for nationwide aftershock.  A revival in eastern Tennessee that began last year with a young pastor’s decision to pray and fast for 30 days is expected to reach 100,000 people, and organizers are hoping it will lead to nationwide revival.     Four Wheaton College students who had been banned from preaching in Chicago’s Millennium Park were granted the right to return to their evangelism after a federal court ruled in their favor.     worthybrief@worthynetwork.com

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

OBEDIENCE FACTOR,    “WORTH CONSIDERING”   2/26/20  by Ken<><

Today’s Scripture   (Across my desk this morning.)
“…A man will be satisfied with good from the fruit of his words…”  (Proverbs 12:14, AMP)

The Power of “I Am”
Whether you realize it or not, all through the day the power of “I am” is at work in your life, for whatever follows those two simple words will always come looking for you. When you say, “I am so unlucky,” you’re inviting disappointments. “I am so overweight.” Calories come looking for you. It’s as though you’re giving it permission to be in your life. That’s why you have to be careful what follows the “I am” and not wield its power against you.

The good news is, you get to choose what follows the “I am.” Get up in the morning and invite good things into your life. “I am blessed. I am strong. I am talented. I am wise. I am disciplined. I am focused. I am prosperous.” When you talk like that, talent gets summoned by Almighty God: “Go find that person.” Health, strength, abundance, and discipline start heading your way, and it costs you nothing!

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that my words have creative power, and I can use the power of ‘I am’ to become who You say I am. Thank You that You call me a masterpiece and Your treasured possession. I will use my words to invite good things into my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Ken’s Thoughts:
When I started reading this, this morning, I thought the devotion was going towards the wonderful  name of God “I AM. ” Our Creator God whose, one of many, names is “I AM” who lives in an eternal dimension where time does not exist.  The Word of God, spoke through Jesus three times in John 8 using this name.  The 1611 translators did not catch the meaning so added the word (he) which is not in the Greek.  Read John 8 and see if you can find “I AM” 3 times.  In the above message that I received there is also a key word missing, the word obedience. Jesus clearly told the Religious Leaders that in their disobedience they were LOST.   God’s, born from above, kids who are truly making Christ Jesus Lord are all in the school of obedience.  The same one that Jesus went through in learning obedience.  If you are one of God’s kids and not learning obedience then you are under judgment like Paul teaches:  “That [careless and unworthy participation] is the reason why many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep [in death]. 31 But if we evaluated and judged ourselves honestly [recognizing our shortcomings and correcting our behavior], we would not be judged. 32 But when we [fall short and] are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined [by undergoing His correction] so that we will not be condemned [to eternal punishment] along with the world.  1 Cor.11:23-34.”      And in in Hebrews,  the teaching is: ” Now if you are exempt from correction and without discipline, in which all [of God’s children] share, then you are illegitimate children and not sons [at all]. 9 Moreover, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we submitted and respected them [for training us]; shall we not much more willingly submit to the Father of [a] spirits, and live [by learning from His discipline]? 10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for only a short time as seemed best to them; but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. 11 For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems sad and painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness [right standing with God and a lifestyle and attitude that seeks conformity to God’s will and purpose]. Heb. 12:8-12.  AMP”      Also concerning Jesus:  “7 In the days of His earthly life, Jesus offered up both [specific] petitions and [urgent] supplications [for that which He needed] with fervent crying and tears to the One who was [always] able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission toward God [His sinlessness and His unfailing determination to do the Father’s will]. 8 Although He was a Son [who had never been disobedient to the Father], He learned [active, special] obedience through what He suffered. 9 And having been made perfect [uniquely equipped and prepared as Savior and retaining His integrity amid opposition], He became the source of eternal salvation [an eternal inheritance] to all those who obey Him,”   Heb.5:7-9 

So don’t expect blessings or a pat on the head unless you are getting GOOD GRADES in God’s school of teaching us Faith, Love, Obedience and Humility. 

A vaccine for the coronavirus is on track to be ready for human trials sooner than anticipated, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases head Dr. Anthony Fauci said on Tuesday.

When Believers Gather in true unity and  Prayer, ‘Everything Changes’: Collegiate Day of Prayer Set for Thursday,  College students across the country will be uniting in prayer this Thursday. worthybrief@worthynetwork.com

ALOHA FAMILY & FRIENDS,  Beloved of God,  John 3:16-18,   Rom.10:9-10

LIFE,   ABUNDANT   “WORTH CONSIDERING”     2/24/20,     By Ken Smith   www.Trinity-Aloha.org
   
Today’s Scripture (Across my desk this morning.)
“…There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears…”   (Philippians 1:6, MSG)

A Flourishing Finish
How you start is not important. Don’t let what you think is a disadvantage or a bad break cause you to say, “If I’d had a better childhood, if I had more support, if I didn’t have this dysfunction, I could do something great.” That’s where you started, but that’s not where you’re going to finish. The beginning doesn’t determine your destiny.

The apostle Paul did not say that God will bring you “to a defeated finish,” “an unfair finish,” “a lonely finish,” or a “bankrupt finish.” God has a victorious finish, an abundant finish, “a flourishing finish.” When those thoughts tell you, “It’s never going to work out. You have too many disadvantages,” let those lies go in one ear and out the other. God has established the end, and He loves to take people who start with the odds against them and shine down His favor, give them breaks, increase them, and cause them to do extraordinary things.”

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that Your plans for me are for good. I may not understand everything along the way, and it may not have been fair, but I’m not going to live worried, upset, or discouraged. I know You’re bringing me to a flourishing finish. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Ken’s Thoughts,
What a wonderful opportunity!!!   You mean that the Bible teaches that I don’t have to put up with this sorry sinful nature that I inherited from GGGGrand-daddy Adam?   You tell me that the Holy Word of God offers me an opportunity for a new beginning for a righteous life without sin and the hangover of guilt!   That I can truly be a brand new person in Christ Jesus?  That I can really truly be delivered from the oppression’s, obsessions and possessions of this world if I allow Christ Jesus through the Holy Spirit to become my LORD and allow myself to become fully obedient to HIM, WOW!!!   Not only that but with other true believers I can also learn to do what Christ Jesus did while HE was with us on Planet Earth?  And I can still cancel the agreement at any time?

So what is the problem, seems this is the deal of a life time????

The problem is that there are many demonic deceptions that say they are of Christ Jesus but are not.   Paul taught us that if there was no real power, to go some place else.  “ But understand this, that in the last days dangerous times [of great stress and trouble] will come [difficult days that will be hard to bear]. 2 For people will be lovers of self [narcissistic, self-focused], lovers of money [impelled by greed], boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane, 3 [and they will be] unloving [devoid of natural human affection, calloused and inhumane], irreconcilable, malicious gossips, devoid of self-control [intemperate, immoral], brutal, haters of good, 4 traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of [sensual] pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to a form of [outward] godliness (religion), although they have denied its power [for their conduct nullifies their claim of faith].”  
 2 Tim.3     A.D. 66   (Just 4 years prior to Emperor Titus booting all of the Jews out of all of Israel.)

Another issue is that most so called Christians believe it is OK to agree to disagree but have not really taken the unity of what Jesus prayed in John 17 to heart.  And in fact have traded emotions and traditions for God’s Truth as they do not know the Holy Scriptures in context for finding God’s Truth.  God’s Truth is made available to only those who really want it as a guide for their life.  It is hidden from those who want to built their own little kingdoms or to just be an actor, a hypocrite as Jesus taught:

“They worship Me in vain [their worship is meaningless and worthless, a pretense], Teaching the precepts of men as doctrines [giving their traditions equal weight with the Scriptures].”  Mark 7:7

Actually to make the change to being spiritually alive and at light speed is to really be willing to allow the Holy Spirit through God’s power or grace to change us into being like Jesus.  But if your motive is only to escape the judgment that must come it really won’t work very well   We all know that what we have sown, that shall we reap and that what goes around will come around.  Except that there is repentance, restitution, faith, forgiveness and a total change of direction.  A totally basic change from being drawn into the darkness of this world to totally seeking God’s Truth & Light you may not make it.   Check it out, read: Rev. 3:13-22,   Got to be an overcomer to make it in spite of all the nice songs to the contrary. 

We all have had a Bad beginning and especially, “the preacher’s kids.”  But there are no excuses that will stand in not taking God up on HIS really great and loving offer to allow us to have a new beginning.   A new start in eternal life at any time in this life that we would like to start over.  What a lot of real love and trust HE is offering to us as the children of Adam.  The choice to become really alive and live eternally with our Loving Creator.