Self & Others

/0 Comments/in /by

 SELF & OTHERS   “WORTH CONSIDERING” 

(Centered in the world or centered in the heavens.)
9/20/19  by Ken Smith <><

We are born in this temporary physical world and we tend to live like it is eternal and we are the center from birth.  Two babies and one milk bottle in one crib and you automatically have war.  We are born spiritually dead with the genes and nature of fallen Adam who submitted to lucifer.  In sharing with the religious rulers of HIS day in John 8 Jesus made the following remarks:   20 Jesus said these things in the treasury while He was teaching in the temple [[c]court]; but no one ventured to arrest Him, because His hour had not yet come. 21 Therefore He said again to them, I am going away, and you will be looking for Me, and you will die in (under the curse of) your sin. Where I am going, it is not possible for you to come. 22 At this the Jews began to ask among themselves, Will He kill Himself? Is that why He says, Where I am going, it is not possible for you to come? 23 He said to them, You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world (of this earthly order); I am not of this world. 24 That is why I told you that you will die in (under the curse of) your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He [Whom I claim to be—if you do not adhere to, trust in, and rely on Me], you will die in your sins. 25 Then they said to Him, Who are You anyway? Jesus replied, [Why do I even speak to you!] I am exactly what I have been telling you from the first. 26 I have much to say about you and to judge and condemn. But He Who sent Me is true (reliable), and I tell the world [only] the things that I have heard from Him. 27 They did not perceive (know, understand) that He was speaking to them about the Father. 28 So Jesus added, When you have lifted up the Son of Man [on the cross], you will realize (know, understand) that I am He [for Whom you look] and that I do nothing of Myself (of My own accord or on My own authority), but I say [exactly] what My Father has taught Me. 29 And He Who sent Me is ever with Me; My Father has not left Me alone, for I always do what pleases Him. 30 As He said these things, many believed in Him [trusted, relied on, and adhered to Him]. 31 So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. 32 And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.33 They answered Him, We are Abraham’s offspring (descendants) and have never been in bondage to anybody. What do You mean by saying, You will be set free?34 Jesus answered them, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, Whoever commits and practices sin is the slave of sin.35 Now a slave does not remain in a household permanently (forever); the son [of the house] does remain forever.36 So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free. AMPC

So Christ Jesus simple tells us that there are two roads into eternity.  The one we are born into which is temporal, self centered, egotistical, disobedint and prideful.   And the other which is offered to us in Christ Jesus as selfless, humble and obedient to our Creator in making Christ Jesus our LORD (Boss) by choice.  And that way that we live our lives reflects which road that we are on.  One is fearful, the other full of faith.  One is ego centered the other is heavenly centered.  So are you living for the security of this world or the next?  Are we using our resources to make an earthly comfort zone or in helping others to find their way into a heavenly comfort zone. 

So let’s back up a few chapters to John 3 and what does Jesus teach to Nicodemus, a Pharisee?    …”

Rabbi, we know and are certain that You have come from God [as] a Teacher; for no one can do these signs (these wonderworks, these miracles—and produce the proofs) that You do unless God is with him.  3 Jesus answered him, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God.  4 Nicodemus said to Him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter his mother’s womb again and be born?  5 Jesus answered, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, unless a man is born of water and [[a]even] the Spirit, he cannot [ever] enter the kingdom of God.  6 What is born of [from] the flesh is flesh [of the physical is physical]; and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.   And then let tag this to John’s understanding in 1 John 4

8 and there are three witnesses on the earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree [are in unison; their testimony coincides].  9 If we accept [as we do] the testimony of men [if we are willing to take human authority], the testimony of God is greater (of stronger authority), for this is the testimony of God, even the witness which He has borne regarding His Son.  10 He who believes in the Son of God [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] has the testimony [possesses this divine attestation] within himself. He who does not believe God [in this way] has made Him out to be and represented Him as a liar, because he has not believed (put his faith in, adhered to, and relied on) the evidence (the testimony) that God has borne regarding His Son.  11 And this is that testimony (that evidence): God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.  12 He who possesses the Son has that life; he who does not possess the Son of God does not have that life.  13 I write this to you who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) the name of the Son of God [in [c]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, [d]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.

So we see here that John 3, when Jesus speaks of water HE is referring to a physical body which is mostly a bag of water with bones for structure.  That Christ Jesus is the first to be created as man in the image of God as in Gen.1:27-28.  And we have been invited to become HIS brethren and in HIS likeness 1 John 5:8…8 and there are three witnesses on the earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree [are in unison; their testimony coincides].9 If we accept [as we do] the testimony of men [if we are willing to take human authority], the testimony of God is greater (of stronger authority), for this is the testimony of God, even the witness which He has borne regarding His Son.10 He who believes in the Son of God [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] has the testimony [possesses this divine attestation] within himself. He who does not believe God [in this way] has made Him out to be and represented Him as a liar, because he has not believed (put his faith in, adhered to, and relied on) the evidence (the testimony) that God has borne regarding His Son.11 And this is that testimony (that evidence): God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.  12 He who possesses the Son has that life; he who does not possess the Son of God does not have that life.  13 I write this to you who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) the name of the Son of God [in [c]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, [d]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.  17 In this [union and communion with Him] love is brought to completion and attains perfection with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him], because as He is, so are we in this world.

This walk in the process of Sanctification can be short or long as it is subject to our free will and our faith in the Holy Spirit for us to make decisions based on the long view of eternity.  Do I have the faith to give up the ice cream today to be able to have the bike tomorrow?  Making the selfless salvation and growth of others our goal in GOD’s LOVE is expensive in time and resources.  But our Heavenly Father’s primary concern is the salvation and sanctification of souls.  Should this not also be our primary also concern as HIS children?  He has entrusted the good news of the Gospel into our clay hands so we could participate in HIS glory to come.  Jesus freely gave up HIS life in this world for that same Glory.

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

 

CHOICES

/0 Comments/in /by
ALOHA FAMILY & FRIENDS,  Beloved of God,   John 3:16

CHOICES    “WORTH CONSIDERING”    9/19/19   (Across my desk this morning.)

Today’s Scripture
“See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek that which is good for one another and for all people…”   (1 Thessalonians 5:15, AMP)
Kindness and Goodness

In Galatians 5, the Scripture talks about the nine fruits of the Spirit or the spiritual qualities that manifest in our lives when we allow Him to work in us. The more we invite God to move in our hearts and follow His Word, the more those characteristics will manifest in us.

Kindness and goodness are two of those fruits of the Spirit. The Scripture tells us that His kindness leads people to repentance. In other words, kindness advances the kingdom of God. The more kindness and goodness we show other people, the more we are acting like God. The Bible also tells us that what we sow, we shall reap. When we seek to do good to others, we will reap goodness in our own lives in return.

Today, look for ways to show kindness and goodness to the people around you, even when they aren’t kind to you. Don’t repay evil for evil. Take the high road. Bless those who wrongfully use you. Seek to do good, show kindness, and you will see it come back as a blessing in your own life in return!
A Prayer for Today
“Heavenly Father, thank You for displaying Your character through me. I choose to show kindness and goodness so that I can honor You with my thoughts, words and actions all the days of my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

My Thoughts,
Your life and mine are the result of our choices and not our circumstances.  God can easily change our circumstances.   But even If we decide to make “righteous” choices we will still need God’s grace (help) to overcome the world, flesh and the devil but it all begins with our choices.  Much, perhaps even most of the publicity in the world is a lie and moves us to make wrong and prideful choices.  We need wheels to get from point A-B and can afford a used yet dependable car but we end up in pride buying a new car with a large monthly payment that is more than we can afford.  Then other things suffer in the family due to the excessive payments.  So a wrong choice.  The Word of God instructs us that the Holy Spirit wants to help us walk in the TRUTH of GOD and have all we need in life.  Problem is that we don’t take time to get to know HIS voice in our heart.  John 10:27.” My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”
 
So first we need to decide to make Christ Jesus the LORD (Boss) of our lives and change our citizenship from earth to heaven and then we need to learn to know our LORD’S voice above all the others,   the world, flesh and the devil.  Obedience is a choice even as love is a choice and they both come out of humility.  Pride only has love for self.  So here are some instructions from the LORD,  Christ Jesus from Matt. 6:9      Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also….24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon…33 But seek ([z]aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness ([aa]His way of doing and being right), and then all these things [ab]taken together will be given you besides.34 So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble. AMPC

So getting into the Bible for ourselves and saturating our hearts with the New Testament gives us ears to hear our Master’s Voice.  He will never ever contradict the truth that you find from HIS prophets as recorded in Holy Scripture.  Only when we know HIS will can we be assured of making sound choices.  And God’s Grace and Power always flows in those perfect choices for us.  I find it most helpful to listen to the New Testament when driving on my truck CD.  I like the King James as shared by Alexander Scourby…  (He use to do the voice for “The Shadow Knows” and has a wonderful voice and his inflections are perfect.

Yours, in HIS great love and wonderful grace and mercy,   Ken<><   www.Trinity-Aloha.org   (Past issues of “Worth Considering” are available with a link on our homepage.)

“There is but one Church of Christ Jesus and all who truly love and obey HIM are members.”

LIFE ETERNAL

/0 Comments/in /by
ALOHA FAMILY & FRIENDS,  Beloved of God,   John 3:16

LIFE ETERNAL,     “WORTH CONSIDERING”   9/18/19   (On my computer this morning.)

Today’s Scripture
“And if the Spirit of Him Who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, [then] He Who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also restore to life your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you…”
(Romans 8:11, AMPC)
The Same Spirit

When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit makes His home inside you. That’s the same Spirit and the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. That resurrection power can bring back health, strength and life to your physical body, and it can bring back life to your hopes and dreams. In fact, it can bring life to any area that may seem dormant on the inside of you!

The next time you feel overwhelmed by sickness, challenges or despair, remember, the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you! You may have been burdened by an addiction, fear, worry or sickness, but there’s nothing that can stand against the power of God! Rise up and declare by faith, “He whom the Son sets free is free indeed. I am restored and healed because the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in me!”
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for loving me perfectly. I want to know You more, and I want to know Your love. I receive it by faith today and ask that You show me Your ways and fill me with Your peace as I keep my heart and mind stayed on You in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

My Thoughts:
There is a feeling in all I have talked to that somehow death is not the end of it,   But only one man has come back from the other side to spend some time on earth to tell us about it,  Christ Jesus.  And we hear/read stories about near death experiences all the time where someone records that there is something on the other side of the door from life to death.  Of course if I am totally wrong about this, it really will not matter.  There will be a big -0- at death and no way to apologize not that it would matter…    But what the 66 writings in our Bible tell us is that our soul is eternal in the image of GOD who created it.  That we were given the ability to have children and that at conception a new eternal soul is created with the body that is born 9 months later.  This should make some real issues with abortion.  Abortion could be the murder of another Bach or Beethoven.

OK,  if you are tracking with me then,  why are we here,  why are we alive for a few short years on planet earth?   The Bible teaches that this is a life time opportunity to make an eternal choice for the light or the darkness.  We are confined to this capsule of time in which to decide if we like God’s Truth or lucifer’s Fiction. We were created with a free will, also in the image of our creator, in which to learn to LOVE.   Love ourselves, Love God and to Love each other.   As Love can only exist with a free will.    But the Creator is not going to allow the destructive results of lucifer/man’s negativity to exist throughout HIS creation in HIS dimension of eternity.  So for us life is like a gym to make us stronger and headed towards HIS Kingdom or wrongly used can send our soul into a black eternal hole,  Jude.  The Creator has given us a great guide book to study,  a maker’s manual, if you will.  Unfortunately most of us are too busy to see how the Creator has designed things to work.  We take all the parts out of the box and toss the directions and make all kinds of weird stuff.  Like my erector set on Christmas as a kid… I never really built anything that was constructive as I was just too busy to read the directions.  God’s ultimate vision is to create a LOVING family that will enjoy living with HIM.  He wants to share what HE has and KNOWS as a father with HIS kids.  But HE is not going to allow stress, confusion, rebellion, pride, hate, lust and the other junk of this world, due to lucifer and adam, into HIS Eternal HOME.  So if you believe in Eternal Life you need to study the Maker’s Manual and start with John,  Acts and Romans to find the main support system.  You and every soul has been invited to have an Eternal Home with the Creator if you will read the directions and find your way.  The Heavenly Father resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

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

PRECIOUS SEED

/0 Comments/in /by
ALOHA FAMILY AND FRIENDS,  Beloved of GOD,   John 3:16-18

PRECIOUS SEED,     “WORTH CONSIDERING”  9/17/19,    (Across my desk this morning.)

Provision In The Wilderness

There’s a lady in our church who is a single mom. Her family has gone through a lot of struggles. For years she was barely making it, but every Sunday she and her two sons would be at Lakewood. She stayed faithful during her “wilderness” season because she knew she was headed to her Promised Land.

This lady’s son, from the time he was a little boy, always said that he was going to get a scholarship to go to college. He could have thought, “We’re poor. I’m at a disadvantage.” But this single mother taught her sons that God is a God of abundance, that He can make a way when we don’t see a way. Her son graduated number two in his high school. He received not one scholarship, but nine scholarships totaling over 1.3 million dollars. His undergraduate, his master’s and his doctorate degrees are all paid for at Georgetown University.

Friend, remember, God is no respecter of persons. Whatever you are believing for, whatever provision you need in the wilderness, know that He is faithful. He will provide streams in the desert and provision for you in every area of your life!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for providing streams in the desert. Thank You for refreshing me in the wilderness. Thank You for providing all my needs according to Your riches in glory as I stand in faith and stay faithful to You in Jesus’ name. Amen”

My Thoughts:
What a great story,  I am sure there are many more just like that one.  In fact the Holy Bible is full of great stories just like that one in Hebrews 11.   The writer (Paul, I think) did a masterful job of giving us that witness of faith as to what can be done when we Trust the LORD and give the Holy Spirit room to do what HE was sent to do.  I have seen it happen at least 6 times already in my life time when the impossible became a fact of history.   And a lot of times things came to pass in spite of my dumb decisions.   God has allowed me to plant HIS seed of faith many times now and others came along with weed pulling watering and fertilizing and it grew to be a fruitful trees in the Kingdom of God.   Now at near 87 working on a 7th planting..  A very small fragile house church in Kealia, (So. Capt. Cook,  Hawaii.)   But over the years I have been learning a lot of what not to do.  Our little 1/2 acre spot is right under the west slope of Mauna Loa is at about a 1,000′ elevation.  An area that is a strong with touch of Old Hawaii.  Out our back door there is only jungle forest to the top of Mauna Loa.  Did you know that there is even an Observatory up there as an atmospheric baseline station?   Friday evening gatherings are starting to happen now and the joy of the LORD is beginning to happen with our little gathering.  Looking forward to seeing what the Holy Spirit is going to do here each week now.   “Little is much, when GOD is in it”  I have been told and I tend to believe it. 

5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.  6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.  Psalm 126:5-6

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

“There is but one church of Christ Jesus and all who LOVE and OBEY HIM are members.”

PRUNING

/0 Comments/in /by
ALOHA FAMILY & FRIENDS,    Beloved of God,  John 3:16

PRUNING,    “WORTH CONSIDERING”   9/16/19    (Across my desk this morning.)

Today’s Scripture
“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong…”
(2 Corinthians 12:10, NIV)
He Uses Our Difficulties

We all face difficult situations. Somebody isn’t treating you right, or your business is not growing, or maybe you’re single and still haven’t met anyone. It’s easy to get frustrated and anxious. You don’t understand why it’s taking so long or why things haven’t changed.

But here’s a key: just because it’s an uncomfortable place doesn’t mean it’s not where you’re supposed to be. God uses difficulties to do a work in us. We grow in the tough times. That’s where your character is developed, where you learn to trust God and persevere, and where your spiritual muscles are made strong. God will not allow a difficulty unless He has a divine purpose for it. If you’re going to reach your highest potential, you have to make up your mind, “I’m not going to live frustrated because I am uncomfortable. I’m not going to be upset because things are not happening on my timetable. I’m not going to fight against everything that I don’t like.” Instead, believe that God is doing a work in you. Believe that He has the best for you. And see yourself moving forward in the victory He has prepared for you.

A Prayer for Today
“Father, today I give You my questions, frustrations, concerns and doubts. Have Your way in me. I trust that You are at work in every difficult situation in my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
My Thoughts,
First thing !!!  PRUNING !!!  comes to mind.  Our LORD Jesus taught a lot on pruning in order to bear more fruit.  We have 3 small Hayden Mango Trees planted at our little True Vine Farm now.  And we read up on how to prune them when young so the fruit will grow best.   My that was hard to do as it wanted to grow up and tall but we wanted the fruit to be down low and easy to pick.  It wanted to brush out in the middle but we needed to have the sun get into the middle of the tree as best for the fruit.   It was really hard to cut off those beautiful branches that were in the way of a good harvest of mangos.  

So I see the Holy Spirit wanting to do the same with us and it works best with our permission.   Jesus clearly taught that what ever did not bear fruit was taken and burned.  So we are the garden of the LORD and we are here to learn to be like HIM but if we refuse we will end up in the dump.  He was interested in souls finding HIM,  that should be our priority.    So best to embrace the pruning and let the Son shine in to the core of your being and have faith to produce fruit that is like our Creator.   Lots of verses on this subject in the New Testament.  Use BibleGateway and look them up,  you will be glad you did.

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

THERE IS BUT ONE CHURCH OF CHRIST JESUS AND ALL WHO LOVE AND OBEY HIM ARE MEMBERS.

TREES

/0 Comments/in /by
ALOHA FAMILY  &  FRIENDS,    Beloved of God,   john 3:16

TREES,  (In the Holy Spirit)   “WORTH CONSIDERING”   (In my mail this afternoon.)
Today’s Scripture
“They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper…”(Psalm 1:3, NRSV)
Prospering In Everything

Large trees represent power, majesty and stability. Have you ever noticed the difference between a tree planted by the water and a tree far away from water? The tree next to the water is much more healthy and vibrant. Its fruit and blossoms are more beautiful.

In the Scripture, the Word of God is compared to water. When you are “planted” in the Word of God, your spirit is fed, and you grow strong just like the tree planted by the water. Trees planted by the water will yield fruit at the right season and will not lose strength. Today’s verse tells us that those who love and obey the Lord will prosper in whatever they do.

Do you want to prosper in your relationships? Seek God’s Word regarding relationships. Do you want to prosper in your health? Seek God’s Word about healing. Do you want to prosper in your finances? Seek God’s Word regarding finances. As you seek God and His Word and follow His commands, you will grow strong and prosper in everything you do!

A Prayer for Today
“God, thank you for your Word which is truth and refreshing water to my soul. Thank you for teaching me to seek you in all that I do. I trust you today and choose to commit my every decision to you so that I can grow strong like the tree planted by the water. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

My Thoughts:
In my early ministry, I use to preach a lot on, “Root where you are planted.”  In other words, when the Holy Spirit brings us into the LORD’s Kingdom it is usually where there is good soil and good water.   Often we move before we are matured and get stunted.  Sort of like the Lord’s parable of the sower.  So go take a look at it:  Matt. 13, and how was the harvest?

And what does God expect to harvest from our tree?

But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]. Gal.5:22-23

So when we come into that kind of a good change what does it do to the other folks around us?   When other folks see that it is real they want some.  They ask,  as to where you bought it.   So then:   In being a living witness, you get to be a witness for the LORD. 

29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.  30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.  31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.  Proverbs 11:29-31

At our new home in Kealia, we have been composting, mulching and planting like crazy…  even have a lawn now.  and everything we have planted is growing none stop.  This is exactly what our Heavenly Father wants us to do while on earth and in HIS Kingdom.  I may not live long enough to ever eat a mango off our our 3 trees but the sight of them growing and reaching for the sky each day really touches my heart each day.  We had one flat run over but it is even doing great.   So the Word of God is really the water of life,  Our LORD Jesus said:  ” 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.  Matt 4:4…”

We will possible be considering these thoughts this evening at our local house church so join in with us where ever you are.


Yours, in HIS great love & wonderful grace & mercy,  Ken<><

(Worth Considering may be found:   www.Trinity-Aloha.org  )


 

ANSWERED PRAYER

/0 Comments/in /by
ALOHA FAMILY & FRIENDS,  Beloved of God,   John 3:16

ANSWERED PRAYERS:     “WORTH CONSIDERING”    9/12/19  (Across my desk this evening.)

Today’s Scripture
“Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan…”   (1 Kings 17:3, ESV)
Go To The Place of Blessing

In the Scripture, the prophet Elijah was living in a certain city. God said to him, “Leave this place and go down to the brook Cherith for I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” When he got to the brook, every morning just like clockwork, the ravens brought him food. He had his provision; a prepared blessing. Here’s the key: Elijah didn’t have to try to find the ravens. He just had to get to where God wanted him to be and the ravens found him.

In the same way, there is a place where God has commanded you to be blessed. Everything you need to fulfill your destiny has already been laid up for you—provision, favor, abundance. The real question today is, will you do what’s required to get to your place of blessing? Elijah could have said, “God, I don’t want to leave. I like it here. My friends are here.” But if he had stayed, he would have missed where he was commanded to be blessed.

Are you willing to do what God is asking you to do today? Listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit inside, follow His leading, and enter into the place of blessing!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for leading me to a place of blessing. Thank You for sustaining me and empowering me to fulfill Your call on my life. I choose to follow Your leading so that I can be in the place You’ve called me to in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

My Thoughts.
This is great to consider and works really well …… “IF”   we really know the voice of God through the Holy Spirit.   So not only is humility and obedience involved with Elijah but also clear hearing.   God does not answer prayers that originate from our carnal nature that we got from GGGranddaddy Adam,  “I want what I want when I want it.”   And God does not answer Vanity prayers to just make us look good to others.   James does share that we are like Elijah as being cut from similar cloth.  But Elijah is recorded of James as being a Sanctified or Righteous man and it goes like this:

“Is anyone among you afflicted (ill-treated, suffering evil)? He should pray. Is anyone glad at heart? He should sing praise [to God].  14 Is anyone among you sick? He should call in the church elders (the spiritual guides). And they should pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Lord’s name.  15 And the prayer [that is] of faith will save (heal) him who is sick, and the Lord will restore him; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.  16 Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].  17 Elijah was a human being with a nature such as we have [with feelings, affections, and a constitution like ours]; and he prayed earnestly for it not to rain, and no rain fell on the earth for three years and six months.  James 5:13-17.

So we need to know the New Testament really well to strain out the static from the world, flesh and the devil that we hear in our minds.   And if we walk in God’s Truth in loving humility, faith and obedience then our prayers will be answered like Elijah.  And don’t get discouraged,  keep working on it,  it is of God for us to learn how to really pray and get answers.  He is really delighted when we line up with HIM and ask for help according to HIS will,  Luke 11:9-13, 

(Past “Worth Considering” notes may be found as a link:  www.Trinity-Aloha.org )

There is but one Church of Christ Jesus and all who love and obey Him are members.

Yours, in HIS great love and wonderful grace and mercy,   Ken<><

ROCK

/0 Comments/in /by
ALOHA FAMILY & FRIENDS,  Beloved of God,  John 3:16

ROCK (STONE),     “WORTH CONSIDERING”   9/11/19,    (Across my desk this morning.)

Today’s Scripture
“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand…”
(Psalm 40:2, NIV)
Still Standing

All of us can look back at things that should have defeated us. Maybe a divorce or a breakup should have taken you down, but look—you’re still standing! That’s the goodness of God. That addiction, all that partying should have killed you, but because of a praying loved one, you’re still standing and becoming freer. Or, maybe you lost a loved one and didn’t think you could go on. You thought you’d seen your best days, but God breathed new life into you. He lifted you out of the pit, put a new song in your heart, and here you are today, still standing.

When you go through difficult things, it’s an opportunity to see the goodness of God shine in the darkness. You see Him lift you up, restore you, promote you and heal you. When you have this history with God, you don’t get discouraged by every difficulty. You don’t fall apart because of a disappointment. You don’t get upset because people are talking about you. You know that God brought you through the darkness in the past, and He is going to bring you through in the future! Rejoice today because you are still standing and headed to the place of total victory!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for lifting me out of my difficulty and for helping me stand on solid ground. I trust Your goodness. I know that You are faithful. Help me stay focused on Your victory in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

MY THOUGHTS:
Often in my life, in some kind of an altercation I have had the other party tell me that everyone in town thinks the same as they do.  Like carrying a jury in a box with them at all times that agrees with them.  I am so very GLAD that we are taught in Holy Scripture to judge nothing before the day.  To leave the final judgment to Christ Jesus at the 2nd Resurrection.  Here we are sharing on negative judgment but not value judgments as in 1 Cor.6 as we have to make value judgments all the time, every day.  The Word of God was given by GOD to help us do exactly that.  To know HIS Truth so we could evaluate clearly right from wrong.  Of course if we don’t get into the Holy Scriptures for ourselves we can never know for sure.  There are many in the world that pervert the meanings in the Holy Scriptures to support their own little ivory kingdoms of this world and many are taken captive by the lies and painfully abused and even lost.   Isaiah,  long before Christ Jesus came, wrote these words from God,  Please read and consider several times:.   Isaiah 28:

9 To whom will He teach knowledge? [Ask the drunkards.] And whom will He make to understand the message? Those who are babies, just weaned from the milk and taken from the breasts? [Is that what He thinks we are?]  10 For it is [His prophets repeating over and over]: precept upon precept, precept upon precept, rule upon rule, rule upon rule; here a little, there a little.  11 No, but [the Lord will teach the rebels in a more humiliating way] by men with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people [says Isaiah, and teach them His lessons].  12 To these [complaining Jews the Lord] had said, This is the true rest [the way to true comfort and happiness] that you shall give to the weary, and, This is the [true] refreshing—yet they would not listen [to His teaching].  13 Therefore the word of the Lord will be to them [merely monotonous repeatings of]: precept upon precept, precept upon precept, rule upon rule, rule upon rule; here a little, there a little—that they may go and fall backward, and be broken and snared and taken.  14 Therefore hear the word of the Lord, you scoffers who rule this people in Jerusalem!  15 Because you have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol (the place of the dead) we have an agreement—when the overflowing scourge passes through, it will not come to us, for we have made lies our refuge, and in falsehood we have taken shelter.  16 Therefore thus says the Lord God, Behold, I am laying in Zion for a foundation a Stone, a tested Stone, a precious Cornerstone of sure foundation; he who believes (trusts in, relies on, and adheres to that Stone) will not [b]be ashamed or give way or hasten away [in sudden panic].  17 I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plummet; and hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and waters will overwhelm the hiding place (the shelter).  18 And your covenant with death shall be annulled, and your agreement with Sheol (the place of the dead) shall not stand; when the overwhelming scourge passes through, then you will be trodden down by it.  19 As often as it passes through, it [the enemy’s scourge] will take you; for morning by morning will it pass through, by day and by night. And it will be utter terror merely to hear and comprehend the report and the message of it [but only hard treatment and dispersion will make you understand God’s instruction].  20 For [they will find that] the bed is too short for a man to stretch himself on and the covering too narrow for him to wrap himself in. [All their sources of confidence will fail them.]

Jesus taught it this way: 

16 He will come and [[a]utterly] put an end to those tenants and will give the vineyard to others. When they [the chief priests and the scribes and the elders] heard this, they said, May it never be!  17 But [Jesus] looked at them and said, What then is [the meaning of] this that is written: The [very] Stone which the builders rejected has become the chief Stone of the corner [Cornerstone]?  18 Everyone who falls on that Stone will be broken [in pieces]; but upon whomever It falls, It will crush him [winnow him and [b]scatter him as dust].  Luke 20:16-18  And Jesus taught much on placing your foundations on stone and not sand.  Verse 18 is explained by Jesus in John 12:24-26,  a core verse for my own life.

“I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains [just one grain; it never becomes more but lives] by itself alone. But if it dies, it produces many others and yields a rich harvest.  25 Anyone who loves his life loses it, but anyone who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. [Whoever has no love for, no concern for, no regard for his life here on earth, but despises it, preserves his life forever and ever.]  26 If anyone serves Me, he must continue to follow Me [[a]to cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying] and wherever I am, there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.

So find and stand on GOD’s provided ROCK (Christ Jesus) as nothing else will stand in the final judgment of souls.  Nothing less than a 100% total commitment will survive.

( Past Issues of Worth Considering may be found at:  www.Trinity-Aloha.org  )

Yours, in HIS great love and wonderful grace and mercy,  Ken<>< 

There is but one Church of Christ Jesus and all who truly love and obey HIM are members.


 

worthybrief@worthynetwork.com

KINGDOM LAWS

/0 Comments/in /by
ALOHA FAMILY AND FRIENDS,  Beloved of the most HIGH,  John 3:16

KINGDOM LAWS,      “WORTH CONSIDERING”   9/10/19   (Across my desk this morning.)

Scripture:
“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”
(Matthew 5:44, NKJV)
Be Great in the Midst of Criticism

If you’re going to pursue greatness, if you’re going to be a great businessperson, a great teacher, a great parent or a great leader, you have to understand that not everyone is going to cheer you on. I’d love to tell you that your family, friends and coworkers will celebrate you, but that’s not necessarily the case. Some people simply can’t handle your success. As you grow and increase, as God pours out His favor on you, someone will get jealous and start finding fault. Don’t be surprised if a relative tries to belittle or discredit you. You can’t focus on making everyone around you happy or you’ll start changing and lose sight of what God has placed in your heart.

Remember, your destiny is too great to be distracted by people who are never going to affirm you. Don’t take it personally. It’s not about you. It’s their problem. Shake it off, run your race, and be great anyway.

Having greatness in the midst of criticism begins with forgiveness. Don’t hold a grudge. Bless those who curse you; pray for those who spitefully use you. As you keep doing what is right, God will honor you. He’ll promote you, and you’ll be great in the midst of criticism!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, I come to You today with an open and humble heart. I choose to forgive those who have criticized me. I choose to bless those who have hurt me. I choose to be great because You have equipped and empowered me to be great in the midst of criticism in Jesus’ name! Amen.”

My Thoughts:
Many who name the name of Christ as Savior, do not make HIM The LORD.  It is in humility coming under obedience to the LORD JESUS CHRIST that confirms and assures us of salvation.  It is in finding and lovingly keeping HIS Commandments that qualify our faith as being valid and real before our heavenly Father.  What was sent to me this morning was a reminder of some of the New Testament LAWS that are now in effect.  Jesus taught,  “If you keep My commandments [if you continue to obey My instructions], you will abide in My love and live on in it, just as I have obeyed My Father’s commandments and live on in His love.” John 15:10

It would be wise to take some time and go through the New Testament focusing on our KING’S ORDERS for HIS CHURCH if you are a Christian?     Jesus taught that he who has and keeps HIS commandments proves his faith and love for both HIM and the Heavenly Father.  But you first must find and know them in order to obey them.  And you can only find them from Holy Scripture for yourself as many of our religious traditions have so rationalized the Truth of God that much of it has now been turned into fiction.  We are commanded to become HIS Disciples and not just members of a gathering somewhere.  Disciple means to become disciplined or changed.  “If any soul be in Christ Jesus they are a new creation.  The old things are passed away and all things are become new.”   Do you have changes in your life that reflect your salvation and submission to Christ Jesus as LORD?  One of the major changes is becoming concerned about your loved ones and others who are still lost.

Yours, in HIS great love and wonderful grace and mercy,  Ken<><

(Worth Considering past issues may be found:  www.Trinity-Aloha.org )

There is but one Church of Christ Jesus and all who truly love and obey HIM are members.

PRAYER

/0 Comments/in /by
ALOHA FAMILY AND FRIENDS,  Beloved of God,   John 3:16,   12:24-26,  17:20-26 

PRAYER,      “WORTH CONSIDERING”    9/9/19,    (Across my desk this morning.)

Today’s Scripture
“Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather and deliver us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise…”  (1 Chronicles 16:35, ESV)
When the Intensity Gets Turned Up

Whenever life gets difficult and it seems like the intensity has been turned up, that means you are closer to your victory. When those lies are bombarding your mind, when you’re tempted to get discouraged or feel like throwing in the towel, that’s not the time to back down. That’s the time to dig your heels in and put on a new attitude because you are closer to your victory.

Maybe you’ve had a lot of things come against you. It seems like the more you pray the worse it gets. You’re doing the right thing, but the wrong thing is happening. The easy thing is to say, “Forget it. I don’t have to put up with this.” “This marriage is never going to work.” “I’ll never be able to raise this child.” Or, “I don’t like this job.” No, instead of getting discouraged, instead of going around sour and bitter, you need to say, “I’ve come too far to stop now. I’ve been through too much to back down. I realize the reason the intensity has been turned up is because I’m about to embrace the victory God has in store for me!” Keep standing, keep praying, keep hoping, and stay in faith when the intensity gets turned up!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, You’ve seen everything I’ve been through. You know what I’ve had to endure. I trust that You are working behind the scenes and leading me into victory. I keep my faith and trust in You and expect to see Your mighty hand in Jesus’ name! Amen.”

My Comments:
The old adage,  “it is darkest, just before the dawn” has reminded us of this fact for a long time now.  And personally,  I know it is true for a fact.  Some of the most powerful Spirit Filled Gatherings that I have every experienced were preceded by intense arguments with my then wife Ann in the car going to the meeting where we had a big blow up and I felt like going off to a cave somewhere and pouting.  But I knew,  as soon as I hit the door to the meeting, the darkness would be busted and the lights would go on and it would be over for both of us, and it was so.   Even as I set down to share with you this morning a serious very painful headache, out of no where hit me in the head.  I prayed, soundly rebuking it in the name of Jesus, and it quickly left.   Still a lot to learn about fighting the enemy but the Good Book gives us a lot to consider when considering what Jesus did.  One of the things that grabs my attention was in HIS great 40 days of fasting and being tempted by lucifer; He simply showed us that how even the words of Moses would back lucifer off.  That GOD watches over HIS true prophets to maintain the power of HIS words through them.   Paul mentioned this to Timothy:   “Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action),  2 Tim. 3:16″

In talking to a good brother last night he was lamenting the issues of folks praying long time but without seeing much results and being discouraged some times.  But the Word of God is very clear that we must be also walking in HIS righteousness and hearing HIS voice to have our prayers answered:  James puts it this way, 

“Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].  17 Elijah was a human being with a nature such as we have [with feelings, affections, and a constitution like ours]; and he prayed earnestly for it not to rain, and no rain fell on the earth for three years and six months.  18 And [then] he prayed again and the heavens supplied rain and the land produced its crops [as usual].  James 5:16-18″

So effective prayer comes from the humility of obedience in the Holy Spirit in taking off our dirty shoes and standing in GOD’s truth in loving faith on GOD’S HOLY GROUND,  Heb.11. 

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

“THERE IS BUT ONE CHURCH OF CHRIST JESUS AND ALL WHO TRULY LOVE AND OBEY HIM ARE MEMBERS”

(Back issues of “Worth Considering” may be found with a link on our HomePage.)