new hope oc1 paddling ministry

Here I am. Send Me.

SCRIPTURE

"Then I heard the Lord asking, "Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?" I said, "Here I am. Send me." (Isaiah 6:8)

OBSERVATION

his is one of my life verses. God's love is so amazing, almost incomprehensible to me, as He is all-knowing and all-powerful, yet He asks us, He ASKS us, if we are willing to partner with Him. He could so easily just make it happen without our involvement, clean and simple, with none of the drama that surrounds us humans. Instead, He chooses to give us free will, allowing us to have a choice.

Why does He do that? I guess our love for Him means so much more when we choose to give it, rather than Him demand it. And I also love Isaiah's answer to God's question. "Here I am. Send me." I don't count the sacrifice or the consequence. I might not know exactly how I'll do it or what my future holds, but I know who holds my future. He's like the soldier who steps forward to volunteer for the impossible mission. God is looking for those willing to serve Him and take His message to the world. What will our answer be?

APPLICATION

I must continually offer my heart to God, this is a daily sacrifice. This is a constant reminder of who I serve, not man, not money, not the world, but Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. Am I willing to step out in faith and accept the mission that God has planned for me? Sometimes, He wants our sacrifice, but sometimes all He wants is a willing heart. I want to be able to say, with no hesitation, "Here I am. Send me."

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father,

I give You my heart and my soul. I know that Your plans for me are greater than my own. I want to have an unshakable faith and hear Your voice, so that I may follow Your direction for my life. Thank You for all the wonderful blessings You give to me and my family.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Tim Savage

Live By Choice, Not Chance

Scripture
"But it came about that in the twenty-third year of King Jehoash the priests had not repaired the damages of the house. Then King Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and for the other priests and said to them, "Why do you not repair the damages of the house? Now therefore take no ore money from your acquaintances, but paid it for the damages of the house." (2 Kings 12:6-7)

Observation
The priests were given specific instructions to repair the damages to the house of the Lord "wherever any damage may be found." (2 Kings 12:5). Yet, twenty-three years had passed and no a single hole was patched, nor were there any repairs performed to the house. What were the priests doing for twenty-three years? What was it that so preoccupied their time that it took so long? They were leaders, but they failed to lead. They were in positions of leadership, but without accomplishing their responsibilities, they failed in their roles.

Application
Our lives can be lived the same as the priests. Whether it applies to our marriages and families, or ministry, are we accomplishing what we are responsible to do? We may find ourselves cast in the role of being a father or mother, but are we doing what responsible fathers and mothers do for their families? We may have stood at the altar of marriage as a husband and wife, but are we fulfilling our duties of faithfulness, love and support to one another, or simply floating along the currents of life.

Whatever role we play, to fulfill our responsibilities, there are certain principles we must learn to live by:

Live by Choice, Not Chance;

Live Intentionally, not apathetically;

Focused, not distracted;

Each day comes with a choice as to how we will live out that day. Whether we set goals for the day, "to do" or checklists, there must be a means by which we can assess our progress for the day. And each day then becomes a stepping-stone along life's journey and provides intentionality in the way which we live, to keep us focused, not distracted, involved, not apathetic.

There is just one life that I get to live, for my wife, for my family, for the Lord and I must choose to make each day worth living. It will start with the choices I make, what I choose to accomplish. Life is too precious to allow twenty-three years to pass by without any progress being made. I choose to live by choice, not by chance. Each day I will set out 5 things that I need to accomplish that I might be faithful to what the Lord has given me.

Prayer
Thank you, Jesus, for the gift of a new day. I don't want to squander Your precious gift, but to steward my time today. Enlighten the eyes of my heart that I might see what You would want me to accomplish today, for my family, my marriage, for the ministry, then give me the wisdom, discernment and courage to finish Your assignment, not tomorrow, but TODAY.

Pastor Elwin Ahu

Who Is My Neighbor?

SCRIPTURE

"Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. For even Christ did not please Himself." (Romans 15:1-3)

OBSERVATION

It isn't new news that we live in a self-centered world. It was the way of life in the Garden of Eden and extended to the days of Paul, as he reflected in his reminder to the saints of their responsibility to not just to please themselves, but to please their neighbors. But, who was their neighbor? To Paul's audience, it was those who were weaker in the faith, those who needed a word of encouragement, perhaps those who had stepped off the slippery slope, or those who were unsure of their walk with God.

Because of our self-centered attitudes, we stand oblivious to the neighbors God has placed in our midst. So we judge and condemn, we stand opinionated against their beliefs, but in doing so we violate the admonishment of Paul to look for ways to please our neighbor for "his good, to his edification." After all, Christ went to great lengths for the sake of our good, then if we are to grow into His image, shouldn't we? But, we need to open our eyes and our hearts to see the neighbors God wants us to edify, and in the process reflect Him in all that we do.

APPLICATION

As I sit here in a coffee shop, I am reminded of my responsibility and challenged to respond to Paul's charge, as a gentleman has just approached me to share the same table with me. And as he chats on his cell phone, in a volume that could be considered "intrusive" to my private time in devotions, I don't know who he is, what his background is or his belief, but if I am to be a reflection of Christ, then the eyes of my heart must be open to see what I can do, who I can be as a neighbor to him, not looking to what will please me, but how I might be an encourager towards him. 

And the same can be said to whomever I meet today. Life is not about me, not about my pleasures, nor my comfort, but to please my neighbor "for his good, to his edification," even if it means to take it to the lengths of what Christ did for me.

PRAYER

Father, open the eyes of my heart that I might see who You would wish that I see as my neighbor today and to look for ways to edify my neighbor to his good. Thank you for the sacrifice You made for me; may I return the same for my neighbor.

Pastor Elwin Ahu

Confidence

SCRIPTURE

"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)

OBSERVATION

Paul moved on the basis of confidence. Kaukema is the Greek word, which means more than a passive knowledge. It is a "boasting confidence, a reason to be proud about something." For example, I have reason to be proud about the fact that New Hope is a sturdy church with a solid faith. I have great confidence in that. And I have the proud confidence that my wife loves me and I can find confidence in that. 

Paul had the confidence that as God had been with him in the past, He would be with him in the future. Therefore, he wasn't paralyzed by fear from transient problems or temporary setbacks.

APPLICATION

I do not know exactly what will happen in the future, how things will pan out, but I have a proud confidence that God will be with me, and what He has begun, He will not abandon. You see, God has too much invested in me to let it go down now! PTL 

For example, I have much invested in my family. There has been the years of working with Aaron when he wanted to quit judo, drop out of baseball, the times when the police called about some junior high hoodlums skateboarding on the Hilo College campus illegally, and the late nights at the Emergency Room waiting for the doctors to patch him up from rollerblading or surfing accidents. Now, he might have a broad assurance that I'll not abandon him. I have too much invested!

In a far, far greater way, God has done the same with me. He has invested years of mercy, years of grace, and years of His patient discipleship in me. God has had to protect me several times on the road and in the ocean ... and I am sure He had reassure discouraged angels wanting to abandon their assignment God gave them to keep watch over me. I can walk with constant gratefulness and with much confidence that what He has begun, He will perfect!

PRAYER

Thank you Father for the confidence I can have in You and your hold on me. I have much further to go yet. Please continue to guide me in the days ahead as I press forward to advancing the Kingdom by Your Spirit. I sure love getting to serve Your purposes in my lifetime. It's an adventure!

Pastor Wayne Cordeiro

God's Guarantee

Scripture
"And the LORD gave them rest on every side, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers, and no one of all their enemies stood before them; the LORD gave all their enemies into their hand. Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass." (Josh. 21:44-45)

Observation
Not one of His promises failed. It must have been quite a day in Israel when they realized they had finally made it into the Promised Land and found rest on every side. However, in hindsight, it probably didn't seem that way, especially when they found themselves in the midst of controversies and conflicts, both from within its own ranks, and also pressed from alliances who stood opposed to Israel's presence and progress in the new land. Rewind the tape and the record reveals their struggles in the dessert, their desperate demands for food and water and their face-to-face encounter with a seemingly impassable sea of uncertainty. There were the deathly consequences of sin being discovered in the camp and the unfaithfulness of many of their leaders.

Application
Their pages of history are also covered with blood that was shed in 31 battles against kings whose only desire was to destroy Israel and send them packing that they might forfeit the promises of God. Yet, through it all, God made good on all that He had promised them through their forefathers. Not one of the good promises failed. ALL came to pass.

God always makes good on His promises, doesn't He? His guarantee is good. It may take time for it to come to fruition, it will involve controversy and conflict, there will be seasons of uncertainty, but His promises will never fail. I need to believe that to the core, if I am to experience His promises for my life. Sometimes, like the Israelites, questions will arise and my faith will be tested when problems seem more prevalent than His promises, when "rulers" (i.e., fears, apprehensions, lack of confidence and uncertainties) attempt to control my life and influence my attitude and perceptions. But, just as the Lord was faithful to Israel, and to Joshua, so will His promises come to pass in my life. It may not be an overnight delivery, but I can be assured that His promises for my life, for my family and for my ministry will never fail.

Prayer
Lord, thank you for your lovingkindness that is new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. May my faith in you never be diluted or diminished by the condition of my present circumstances, but be strengthened by the knowledge of the assurances of your promises for my future. I put my trust in you.

Pastor Elwin Ahu

Learning to be Patient

Scripture
"So when Phinehas the priest and the leaders ... heard the words which the sons of Reuben spoke ... it pleased them. ...and they did not speak of going up against them in war" (Joshua 22: 31,33)

Observation
Another civil war was averted! Thank God. It seemed like the people back then were always so predisposed to going to war with one another!

The sons of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh had decided to build their homes on the opposite side of the Jordan, and fearing that one day in the future, their sons might forget that they were cousins, the elders built an altar of remembrance. It was to be a witness that they were of the same family of Israelites!

Misunderstanding their intent and thinking that they were establishing a new worship temple exclusively unto themselves, their cousins on the Israeli side get equipped for a battle. In full array, they head off to confront their rebellious cousins ... a family feud was about to begin.

But after listening to an appropriate explanation, they lay down their swords and went home. Another war could have taken the lives of hundreds because of only a small margin of error ...

Application
I wish it weren't so, but I think I relate more with the impetuous cousins from the Israeli side than not. The lesson today?

I must learn to be patient with those who are more different than I am; I need to wait more before I cast a judgment on the motives of others, and to add a pinch more of the ingredient of patience to everything I do.

I have found that patience is a fruit of the Spirit. It is not simply delayed anger. It is allowing time for explanation and understanding, not simply holding my tongue. One way only builds up internal pressure, but "patience" adds no pressure. It reduces it. Without patience, there can be no understanding.

I have found that if I am just 20% more patient, I can have a 50% greater chance in avoiding making enemies. And if I am 30% more patient, I will increase the odds up to 70% in making fewer enemies.

Patience pays off huge dividends. I must learn to be more patient with others and not be so quick to put on a sword over an stone altar. I must learn what hills I will die on and which ones I will not. Which battles to fight and which ones to leave.

And the sooner the better!

Oops. I'd better be more patient in learning these things!

Prayer
Dear Father, please help me to learn from these situations in the Bible and become wiser. I need patience, and I need it as soon as you can get around to it.

Pastor Wayne Cordeiro

Crossing Over Your Jordan

Scripture
"Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving them, to the sons of Israel." (Joshua 1:2)

Observation
I wonder what it must have been like for Joshua when the Lord issued these marching orders to him. He had been with Moses from the beginning and witnessed the Lord's presence and His power in His miracles and victories over the enemies. Yet, this was it for Joshua; he was now to do what no one else, not even Moses, had never done – cross over the Jordan, with two million people in tow. I wonder what he was thinking.

Perhaps God gave us a glimpse of what was brewing inside of Joshua's head as He commanded him to "be strong and courageous," not once, but three times in a matter of three consecutive verses (Josh. 1:6-9). Afraid; hesitant; disinclined; apprehensive . . . whatever the adjective, I'm sure Joshua was feeling it. Thus, the Lord's final order –

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Josh. 1:9).

It's not easy to move ahead into uncharted territory. Perhaps that cross-over has to do with a relationship that needs healing; forgiveness that needs to be extended; stepping forward according to Godly counsel that requires you to move out of your comfort zone as it relates to finances or family. Unless you decide to cross-over at the Lord's command, you will never get to experience the life that God has for you.

Application
As for me, whatever that cross-over moment may be, whether in leadership, going back to school (at my age??), if it will move me closer to the promises of God that await, what is there to fear, for the Lord God has already gone ahead of me, and will be with me wherever I go.

Psalm 37:4 is one of my favorites and a life verse for our family:

"Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart;"

As I follow His lead, wherever He takes me, yes, there will be fear, there will be a disinclination to move ahead, apprehension will find a seat in my heart, but still I must move ahead. I will never fully understand the future and a hope that God has reserved for me if I remain on this side of "the Jordan." I must cross over, trusting that the Lord my God will be with me wherever I go.

Prayer
Father, thank you for your forever faithfulness. Guide me, I pray, as I cross over my "Jordan" and into the future and hope that you've promised me.

Pastor Elwin Ahu

The True Knowledge of God

Scripture
"Since the LORD your God walks in the midst of your camp to deliver you and to defeat your enemies before you, therefore your camp must be holy; and He must not see anything indecent among you or He will turn away from you." (Deuteronomy 23:14)

Observation
Deuteronomy, or the Law twice spoken, includes a sundry of rules and expectations ranging from our personal hygiene to our morality, from our familial relationships to homosexuality, from judicial law to common or horse sense.

But the bottom line of it all is found here in Deut. 23:14 ... and that is simply that God wants us to think holy, to live holy, and to court God’s presence as the greatest gift of all.

Light cannot dwell with darkness. They do not mix. You will have one or the other, but there cannot be a blend. The book of Revelation calls any occurrence of this as "lukewarm," something God will spew out of His mouth.

On thing that surprised me is that the Lord had to delineate this instructive to what would normally be called, the people of God. He felt He needed to write them down in clear terms for those He had delivered from Egypt. Why?

God would not address something unless He knew that it would be something believers might struggle with someday.

And we are.

Application
Today, believers as well as unbelievers wrestle with these issues, and it has become a confused blend of Christianity. On one hand, people are calling for the blend. It is a lifestyle of choice for many because it allows them to live without parameters, without guardrails to bother them. But when the blend takes place, the world is confused by this new theology because now, there is not a world of God or no God, but a world where there might be a third option, a world of a different god, a different gospel.

Paul in the book of Galatians, refers to this 6:1 ... "I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ."

It is not only a historical comment. It is happening today.

We must make a commitment to return to God and the core of the Gospel without becoming legalistic. IT is not swinging the pendulum to the other side, but rather it is correcting it to Jesus.

2 Peter talks about a true knowledge of Jesus, not a spin of Him ... "Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence."

Prayer
Lord Jesus, please help us, as the remnant of the many, in these last days to correct back to Your heart without becoming anti-world. Of course, we do not blend in with them to adopt their practices or views, but at the same time, we cannot reach them in order to lead them to Christ if we shun them either. Please teach us the balance.

Pastor Wayne Cordeiro

Tested Love

Scripture
"You must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. It is the LORD your God you must follow, and Him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve Him and hold fast to Him." (Deuteronomy 13:3-4)

Observation
God has just miraculously brought His people out of Egypt into His best. His best being not so much into a land of milk and honey, but into a relationship with Himself. There is no better place to be but in the presence of God, whether in a desert, or in the promise land. Israel had a hard time seeing this, where they often would default to the blessing of God rather than the one who blessed them. They had eyes for the blessing and this is why the Lord would often warn them on specific statutes, because they didn't quite have the relationship down yet. They were yet easily enticed by things that sounded like God or seemed like a great dream. There were people the Bible called false prophets that would know enough of the Bible to sound biblical, but had too much of themselves to be Biblical. The Lord warns His people against this. What the Lord is saying to His people is just because things sound Godly or seem like the dream life doesn't mean its of God.

Application
I realize that Gods best means I must constantly be at His feet. I must get to know the Lords voice so well, His dreams for my life, and what He likes and dislikes so I will not be so easily duped. As leaders in the church we will be tested the Bible says to see what's in our hearts, and find out if we really love God with all our hearts. I realize it is crucial to study and train well for these tests because the stakes are high.

Testing The Prophetic and Dreams

The True God- Deuteronomy 13:1-3
Prophetic Accuracy- Deuteronomy 18:21-22
Devine Intervention- Jeremiah 28:15-17 (When God Steps in)
Past Revelation- Isaiah 8:19, 20 Lamentations 2:14
Fruit Of Prophetic- Matthew 7:15-19

Prayer
Dear Lord,
Tests are not always fun or easy but necessary. I pray for Your grace to guide me and wisdom to teach me in Your ways, to make the best decisions for my life, my family, and ministry. The consequences of being gullible and naïve are to severe. Holy Spirit thank you for pressing me closer to the feet of Christ this morning. Amen

Pastor Aaron Cordeiro

What a Deal

Scripture
"Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel's sake, but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life." (Mark 10:29-30)

Observation
What a deal! Jesus is asking us to give up everything to follow Him, but what we give up is not lost. It is not squandered. It is not discarded. Instead, it is repatriated. It goes back to the country it belongs to, heaven! These things we place in God's hands. And if we must physically leave them, God still owns them.

But often our problem is that we do not want to "give them up" to Him. We ant to keep them, gather more, and have God bless them, then we want Him then to increase our holding yet more! That we have called "prosperity."

But God isn't into our definition of prosperity. Oh, it might be selfishness under the guise of biblical prosperity. Instead what God does is that He encourages us to give HIM ownership and we take stewardship. We learn to hold onto things, positions, roles and ministries, loosely ... And at times, I think just to remind us of who owns what, He periodically asks up to lay things down.

But what a deal .... When we are willing to do what the lord has asked of us, He tells us that all these things are held in trust. And the interest grows so that there are a hundred times more waiting for us in this life and in the life to come!

What a deal!

Application
We often use God incorrectly. We use Him as our middle man, the one who works for us. We submit God's will to our plans, so if it is convenient, I will do His will. If it fits into my plans, I will give God some moments of my time or my day, my money or my devotion. But if it doesn't, "I am sure He will understand."

But instead of submitting His will to mine, I must sublimate mine to His! And the result is ... what a deal!

I choose to do that often and again. There are many times that I must remind my self to give over my hurts, my fears, my concerns, my possessions, my role, and anything wles that I am hanging onto.

Prayer
Today Lord, please teach me to honor you in all my ways. I am at a meeting in Los Angeles and sometimes these things get a little sideways. Teach me to be a peacemaker but not as someone whose motive is simply to make no waves. It must be someone who is committed to God's very best so that people get saved, young leaders learn to lead, and churches increase in order that You be glorified. We have such a long way to go!

Pastor Wayne Cordeiro

The Plan B's In Life

Scripture
The sons of Israel said to Edom, "We will go up by the highway, and if I and my livestock do drink any of your water, then I will pay its price. Let me only pass through on my feet, nothing else." But he said, You shall not pass through." And Edom came out against him with a heavy force and with a strong hand ... so Israel turned away from him. Now when they set out from Kadesh ... " (Numbers 20:17-20)

Observation
When do you revert to plan "B?" For this great leader Moses, to not be able to go through the land of the Edomites must have been quite a setback. If you recall, Edom was the land of Esau, the brother of Jacob, and these who were coming through town were the sons and daughters of Jacob who had just come out of Egypt! They had just survived Pharaoh's wrath and the sands o the Sinai, and yet their cousins would not allow them to pass. So they had to reroute their 2 million people and turn around, and revert to plan "B." When do you go for a second choice? There was much resistance by the Edomites, and Moses took it as the "word of the Lord." Some may say he gave up, and others would say he's a bad leader because of the massive rerouting that had to take place. David did the same, didn't he. Do you remember when Absalom came to usurp the throne from His father? David and his men left Jerusalem. And even when Shemei cursed him in 2 Samuel 16, David simply said, "Maybe God sent him to curse him," (although later, Solomon takes care of him) but David said that maybe God set him up for it. I noticed that Moses did not struggle with the selfish Edomites. He does not barter with them and he does not solve it diplomatically. He simply goes to plan "B." But it still seems like God's plan worked out in the end. Even though it took longer and it was more of a struggle, God's will still prevailed. I wonder if sometimes, my Plan "B" is God's Plan A. You just can't tell it in the beginning.

Application
So this begs the question: When should I back off and when should I not? What does this say in application to life?

It seems that for the sake of relationship and to avoid bloodshed, Plan "B's" need to be in place. Especially when it comes to "family" or neighbors. Other times, it may do us well to stand firm but not as crusaders. Not as enforcers. But I need to take example form the One who had set his face like a flint toward Jerusalem. In other words, I must keep my face toward what God has called me to do, and nothing else. That is when I must stay with Plan A. Everything else may require a few Plan B's in the bag.

Prayer
Dear Father:

Thank you for helping me to understand the different nuances of wisdom in the Word. It is easy to proof text one scripture and go off, but instead, please continue to teach me how to hear your voice and match everything off of your life.

I know that You lived the life You intend for me to live. Help me to live it, even if it does include , at times, Plan B's.

Pastor Wayne Cordeiro

The Two-Year Wait

Scripture
"But after two years had passed..." (Acts 24:27)

Observation
It was just like that in Joseph's day, wasn't it? He too was falsely accused, and having been thrown in prison, he was subsequently forgotten and left in a musty cell for two years. It was after this "forgotten season," a two-year wait, that he emerged to be a Pharaoh.

There must have been some reason for God to do the same with Paul ... to factor into the cadence of his life, a break; a rest; a long legato of two years in prison.

Like Joseph, I am sure that Paul would spend long evenings in the hollow prison cell thinking of all the things he could accomplish if he were free to do what he wanted to. I bet he fought going stir crazy. I would! Paul was not a laid back or passive person. He was entrepreneurial and he was an initiator. I'm sure he struggled with the Divine Conductor's timing of this song, which so affected his life.

Yet Paul waited.

Application
There have been times when I have wondered why things were on hold, prayers not answered, and desires left unfulfilled. And some things have actually never materialized that I have prayed for. And I've noticed one thing about God. He doesn't seem in a major hurry and answer my frantic prayers. He doesn't drop everything and rush to fulfill my desires.

I pray, I work hard, and then there's a two-year wait.

Why?

Our Divine Conductor knows the timing, and maybe God is building things in me so I can survive my own prayers. I am realizing that I am not as mature as I thought. I am not as patient as I thought. I am not as wise, not as thoughtful, not as strong. And I think God knows it will take two years for me to develop the qualities necessary to survive my own prayers.

I, like Joseph and Paul, must learn to be patience. I cannot rush into the future. Life will not be rushed, and neither can my depth of character or God's set timing for a certain score. If I do, the music turns sour and the intended beauty will be compromised. God wants music, not religious noise. He wants beauty, not ashes... so now ... wait, and let the MUSIC begin.

Prayer
Dear Father, thank you for Your timing. And my willingness to be patient is a part of my trust and my faith ... No, not in the music, but in the Conductor. I trust You and put my .... Rest ... in You!

Pastor Wayne Cordeiro

Law and Order

Scripture
"These are the laws you are to set before them..." (Exodus 21:1)

Observation
It was a brief and short introduction to a litany of laws to follow. Laws which listed everything from treatment of slaves to personal injuries, laws that concerned oxen and donkeys to immoralities and offerings. Laws, laws and more laws that would set any person's mind on information overload when reading it for the first time.

But, there was a greater reason why the Lord outlined these laws to the people. It was at a critical juncture in their journey. Remember, it was over 2 million people who had just left the land of Egypt and had broken free from the hand of Pharaoh. Not only did they leave Egypt, however; they were leaving one of the most civilized societies of the world at that time. From a land of law and order, the Israelites could easily slip into a nation of chaos and confusion. And God knew they needed to have certain parameters and boundaries established if they were to truly live free, as was His plan for their future.

His laws weren't only about personal injuries, oxen and donkey. In essence each law spelled out an action and a consequence. To bring order to this new society, the people needed to understand that for every action there would be a direct and immediate consequence. Without such laws, chaos would naturally result, as it was further revealed in the people's rebellious creation of the "golden calf."

Application
It's a lesson I need to take to heart today, as well. Life isn't a game of chance, but a series of consequences that follow the actions that I decide to take. Whether in my thoughts, decisions, even in my interaction with others, there will be a direct and immediate consequence for everything that I do or choose to engage in. If there weren't any, life would be purposeless and without order. The question, then, what is the intended consequence that I wish to experience, then rewind the tape and take a look at my actions to see whether it aligns consistently with the intended result. For example, if I wish to see my marriage flourish, or my child growing up with a memorable childhood experience with dad, what am I doing today that will produce this consequence in my life? Sometimes we don't take the time to consider the consequences first, and end up living reactionary and inconsequential lives. It's about time my life became more intentional in everything that I do.

Prayer
Lord, as I look at a brand new day approaching, help me to live my life according to Your truths, understanding the consequences for every action that I take. May I live more intentional for You in all that I do.

Pastor Elwin Ahu

Would You Find Me Lord?

Scripture
"And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, "I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.'" (Acts 13:22)

Observation
In Antioch, Paul taught in the synagogue, appealing to the Jews through a little church history lesson, leading them to consider Jesus as Messiah. David was looked up to, recognized as a forefather of the faith. Paul crafted a message that wove the heart and life of David, to point others to Jesus. Paul writes of David..."For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God..." That's what I desire to be - a servant to my generation by His will!!

Application
3 Life Action Questions for me this morning.

1. Will God find me to be a man after His own heart, who will do ALL His will?

2. Is my life, like David's, pointing others to the life of Jesus? From the seed of my life, will I bear the fruit of the Jesus Spirit?

3. Am I serving this generation according to God's will? This is a good, big question.

How will I Live these points out?

1. To be a man after His heart, is to develop a heart of obedience, to do His will by praying more with my family.

2. I can point others to Jesus and bear spiritual fruit by seeding words of encouragement to non Christians I meet. Be Bold Rod!

3. It's God's call and will for me to serve this generation by teaching people how to live a fruitful, meaningful, transformed life. Anoint me to teach, coach and equip my family Lord!

Prayer
Would you find me Lord - to be useful, available, obedient and faithful to You?

Here I am, a man after Your heart, eager and delighting to do Your will!

Pastor Rod Shimabukuro

Just & Fair

Scripture
"'Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly." (Leviticus 19:15)

Observation
After setting in place the sacrificial system, God then begins to teach the people how to live a life of forgiveness with obedience so that they would be pleasing to God. In this one verse God instructs the people of Israel to be just by acting and relating in a fair and impartial way to others; that they would not treat the poor or rich different but to treat all fairly. It's very interesting that God would instruct this being that slavery was an integral and common part of society in those times. We also recall that those with titles, rank, position and wealth were treated with the utmost respect and favor. What was God saying then? Perhaps like today He was instructing the people that there will be those with title, rank, position and wealth, however, we can indeed impart a just and fair way or dealing with and relating with one another. We can recall historically of those kings and rich men who treated the poor and needy in a fair, just and often a helpful manner, thereby not only judging their fellow man just and fair but be a blessing to them.

Application
This scripture is a great reminder to me as a leader. Do I show partiality to those that are closer to me, those that can be a benefit to my life or ministry, or those that have rank, title, position or celebrity status? I always go back to my mom's old saying of "the law of the land is self-preservation." Am I guilty at times of thinking of self when relating to people? Have I gone out of my way to spend time and conversation with those that work into my plans and aspirations? As a leader, I know that with people, more is caught then taught, and more is concluded by observation rather then what I say. What example am I setting as a leader in terms of having the character of being just and fair where people look forward to my instruction, direction, counsel and conversation?

Prayer
Lord, thank you for checking my spirit today in being honored and thankful for the mantle you've give me as a father, husband, leader and prayerfully a man after your heart. Thus, I pray that you will impart in me a spirit of justice and fairness in how I treat, lead and relate to those I interact with and lead. May I be mindful to have a heart that seeks the benefit of others rather then what is in it for me and therefore cause me to be self intentional.

Pastor John Tilton

Blame Game

Scripture
"He is to cast lots for the two goats—one lot for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat. Aaron shall bring the goat whose lot falls to the LORD and sacrifice it for a sin offering. But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to be used for making atonement by sending it into the desert as a scapegoat." (Leviticus 16:8-10)

Observation
We all have them, don't we - "scapegoats" that we allow to run wild in our pastures. While the sacrificing of goats may be a thing of the past (thank goodness), "scapegoats" are alive and well in today's world, aren't they? They respond to a variety of names: "Not Me;" "It's not my fault;" "I don't know." We'll even give them the devil's name claiming "the devil made me do it."

Our scapegoats may resemble our parents who we claim as the source of "generational sins" that has shaped us to be who we are today. They have even taken the shape of our co-workers and our boss for our failures in the workplace, or our spouse and kids for our failures in home. But, the funny thing is that whenever our scapegoats are present, it tends to hide and obscure the real reason for failures - ourselves. We play the blame game with our scapegoats and never realize the responsibility we carry for our own shortfalls. We point our finger away from ourselves and directly at others, but fail to see our own three other fingers pointing straight back at us.

Application
Responsibility can't be pinned to a scapegoat if I am ever to succeed in life - with my family, as a husband and father, and even with my ministry call. Will I fail? Absolutely; we all fall short. But, will I be mature enough, will I have the level of integrity and degree of character to take responsibility for my failures, rather than toss my ring in the blame game? Will I learn the lessons that I must learn through my mistakes, even if it means accepting the consequences and discipline that flow from it? Prov. 24:16 reminds me that "a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again." How am I to gain righteousness, to understand what it means to stand righteously before my God? I must be willing pick myself up off the ground when I fall; to avoid playing the blame game, to rid my life of scapegoats, and to accept responsibility for my actions.

Prayer
Father, it's always easier to pin blame on others, than to accept full responsibilities for my own shortfalls. But, like the righteous man in Proverbs, may I never quit getting up, even after I fall and so that I might learn the lessons through my failures and be better because of it.

Pastor Elwin Ahu 

Raising a New Generation

Scripture
"So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, "We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word." (Acts 5:2-4)

Observation
Here we find the apostles in the midst of a rapidly growing group of believers. That's great – something to celebrate! But along the way, some complaints arose, people had needs to be met and there were some ministry tasks to attend to. Good problems to have, but still problems that need solutions and action.

The apostles wisely decided to delegate responsibilities to potential leaders and we, today, by the direction and guidance of Pastor Wayne, must also keep this as a priority – identify and train up new leaders. We need to intentionally look for well respected and Spirit-filled men and women who will lead ministries. As the Church grows, it will take more than just a handful to provide for those coming to Christ, we need an army of people led by tons of great leaders.

But once we've identified new leaders we have to stay close enough to them to teach and train and far enough away to allow growth. Finding the right distance is definitely tricky! Good leaders need space to spread their wings and fly, but from time to time they need support and guidance from someone experienced. Sometimes they need to be forced to make decisions and lead others and other times they need nurturing and care. But after walking gingerly through the minefield of raising up a new leader, God's Kingdom is strengthened.

Application
I need to nurture and support young leaders by teaching and providing opportunities to lead and I need to give space for them to fly while being available to help when necessary.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Grant me wisdom and discernment to lead Your people well. Help me to raise up a new generation of leaders who will represent You well.

In Jesus name,
Amen

Tim Savage

A Pre-requisite to God's Presence

Scripture
"All whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved came and brought their sacred offerings to the Lord. They brought all the materials needed for the Tabernacle,[a] for the performance of its rituals, and for the sacred garments." (Exodus 35:21)

Observation
I noticed something about Gods presence here in chapter 35, where there was a pre-requisite to His presence filling the temple, and being among His people. If you read and study the book of exodus, God is leading the people out of bondage to a place where they are free to worship God, making Israel His children, and the children of Israel making Yahweh their God. We see the Lord through Moses setting up different systems, priests, and way of life so God would may dwell among His people. The people were doing well until they let their fears get the best of them in Chapter 32 and fashioned the golden calf to have some type of security. God steps in again purifying the camp. Have you ever noticed that God never forces His children in these things, but always graciously leads them back . Then they go off and get themselves into trouble and God patiently leads them back again and again. At the end of Exodus we see that when the temple was finally finished the Presence of God filled the temple and "dwelt among His people". The pre-requisite to this that I noticed was that the people brought offerings of free will. They no longer saw Gods work as a task, as a job, or an obligation. They recognized Gods grace and mercy so much, that it stirred their hearts and moved them to bring sacred offerings before the Lord.
What made it sacred was not the materials that were brought before the Lord, but the hearts that were moved in free will, on a voluntary basis to give to Gods service. In the past the people were looking at God and what God could do for them. This is why they made a golden calf, because they didn't think Moses and God were coming back. In their minds God was there to serve them. Its different here, the people were here now to serve God and nothing else.

Application
God doesn't want my money, fortune, or materials that I give because He already owns it all. God wants my heart. With out our hearts our gifts we give won't be worth much. When we serve God with all our hearts God calls it sacred, and delights to be among His children with this kind of heart. I never want to fall into thinking that God is here to serve me, or the church is here to serve me, or people owe me something. You would never see Jesus is these camps, and I don't ever want to caught there.

Prayer
Heavenly Father,
My heart is Yours, and only Yours. Thank you for the heart check this morning. I realize there may be times when I don't feel You, or see you as the children of Israel experienced. This is never a license to find security in my self, others, or temporal things. I serve You alone, I yearn for Your presence, that is all that matters! Amen!

Pastor Aaron Cordeiro

Water Is On Its Way

Scripture
"When all the congregation of the sons of Israel journeyed by stages from the wilderness of Sin, according to the command of the LORD, and camped at Rephidim, and there was no water for the people to drink." (Exodus 17:1)

Observation
At the command of the Lord, they camped, but there was not water to drink. You'd think that if God commanded, there'd be immediately plenty of water, a buffet line and waiters who will bring you coffee and desert. You'd think that if God had planned it, all the logistics would have been taken into consideration and a catering company would be waiting for us as we arrived.

Application
No! There will be times, even though the Lord leads me that I will find myself with sparse resources. Not enough money. Not enough help. Not enough encouragement. But it doesn't mean that God is not in it.

I can react by prematurely coming to wrong conclusions and in doing so, I can make the desert a hotter place that it needs to be. But God is not finished yet... And maybe you're like me ... when being patient comes hard when you are thirsty after a long trek.

However, I am learning to process privately so I can be patient publicly.

And think about it ... God had water stored in a rock! No, not the most obvious place where water would be expected to come from. We'd look for a nearby stream, an artesian well, or a bottled water truck.

But how often, from a source we least expect, God provides. He did back then, and He will again today!

Prayer
Lord, thank you for helping me to understand that just because there is no water, it doesn't mean that You haven't led us there. I will wait on You and curb my thirst in knowing that You still have more to come. Please keep reminding me of this.

In Jesus' Name.

Pastor Wayne Cordeiro

Team Members Go Sideways

Scripture
But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who betrays him." "Jesus answered, "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me." (Luke 22:21-22 & 34)

Observation
I wonder what Jesus thought as he knew that two of his disciples (Judas and Simon Peter) or "team members" would "go sideways" on him in his most critical moments of his ministry by betraying him and denying him. After spending much time with them prior living with them, teaching them, leading them and ministering together with them, that they would go sideways on Him at His defining moment to all. It sure must have hurt to not only know what He faced in terms of the ultimate sacrifice, but also that members of His team would not stand by Him but instead betray Him for personal gain or deny Him out of fear for themselves. We know through scripture that Jesus kept His eye on the Father knowing what He was called to do even though He would ask if the cup of his sacrifice might be passed from Him.

Application
There are times that we will find team members, leaders and friends that will "go sideways" on us in disagreement, not supporting the team or our leadership and even attacking our leadership and/or character. It is those times like Jesus that it can sure hurt to realize that someone has "broken rank" as the saying goes in the armed services, which then possibly opens the team up to attack by the enemy, possible dissention and challenge in fulfilling the assignment or winning the battle. What do we as leaders do? The natural reaction it seems is first hurt, then bewilderment, followed by anger as well and probably a confrontational reprimand, with a directive of my way or the highway. This may work in the secular world but not in serving God. One of the most challenging and humbling lessons I am learning is how to lead with grace, love and a shepherding heart even when you are seemingly taking hits from someone on your team. Is it their fault? Well, perhaps the break from ranks and going sideways, possibly due to something in their life that you don't know about. However, the responsibility to find resolution and bring that person back into rank and on the team is the leader's responsibility, hopefully being able to speak into that person's life and the incident become and life lesson. I've learnt recently that leaders create, teach and reinforce the systems that allow success. Sometimes those systems require recalibration as we just learned from a speaker. However, taking responsibility and finding resolution is that of the leader's. Is there times when the person who goes sideways just can't conform and goes AWOL like Judas? Yes. That's when surgery might be necessary to save the team. It seems that true leadership is not only about how to lead and direct prior to the battle or game, but when you are in the thick of the battle or down in the game and your team members or players are pointing fingers at one another, how do you muster the troops and players into unity bringing the talented and gifted player back into the game mentally with heart and focus? It has to be through Jesus, with firm grace, love and teaching.

Prayer
Lord, please guide me and give me the wisdom, grace and heart to lead those that might go sideways in the heat of the battle or game of taking your Gospel forth, knowing that there is an enemy who is very strategic in his attack on our team and ourselves. I know that the enemy will attack us at the points that often hurt the most. Lord, let me be vigilant in taking the hits and turning to you for understanding, insight and trust that you allow challenges to happen for our growth, learning and your glory when we persevere and win.

Pastor John Tilton

Jesus ... Delivered to My Will

Scripture
"...But they were insistent, with loud voices asking that He be crucified. And their voices began to prevail. And Pilate pronounced sentence that their demand be granted. And he released the man they were asking for who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, but he delivered Jesus to their will." (Luke 23:23-25)

Observation
Just like the people calling for Jesus’ crucifixion, I too can be insistent on getting my way. And like them, if I am not careful, my voice can prevail and my demand granted.
I am not much different at times from the very ones that were behind the Galgotha spectacle. And here is the phrase that struck my heart: "and he [Pilate] delivered Jesus to their will."
Jesus, when "delivered to my will," can be molded and fashioned to my desire. He can be shaped to fit my wishes and bent to match my purposes. How often I think I have wanted Jesus "delivered to my will."

Application
Today I am brought to contrition and repentance for the many times I have joined in with the crowd demanding that Jesus be delivered to my will. I must be aware of any tendency in me to slip, either intentionally or inadvertently, into having Jesus "delivered into my will." I must sublimate my will to His, not His to mine! It will require me to think more deeply and to be wise about my plans.
I cannot be waffling or wavering. So today, the verdict is in; and my decision must be irrevocable. I'm going God's way, submitting my will to His, and choosing to be wholly His. I must think and rethink His will for me, my family, and for my ministry. I love what He has called me to do. But I can get distracted! So, I refuse to be captivated by culture or be manipulated by critics. I will not be motivated by praise or derailed be problems. I'll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, I choose to step aside from the crowd and with steel in my soul, to stay focused on Your will for me rather than mine for You. Please forgive me for times past when I have capitulated and bent my knees to my own will. I will run the race YOU have set before me, fixing my eyes on You and You alone!

Pastor Wayne Cordeiro

Keep A-Goin'

Scripture
"As He entered a village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him; and they raised their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us! "When He saw them, He said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they were going, they were cleansed." (Luke 17:12-14)

Observation
Healing came in unsuspecting ways. On one occasion, Jesus would lay hands on the sick, and in another, He would make clay. In still another, Jesus simply spoke a word. But here, he tells the lepers to stick plan "A," to keep going forward; go and show themselves to the priests.
You see, in those days, the priests doubled as the health department of the state as well as the religion department. They were to continue with what was normal. Go to the priests and act as if they were already healed, to live as if they were kosher, cleansed, and restored ... even though there were yet symptoms of leprosy still poking out everywhere. So they complied, unsteady I'm sure at first, unsure of how they might be received by the priests when their disease was still obvious on their skin.
And now the phrase: "And as they were going, they were cleansed."
Frank Stanton, born before the civil war in 1857, wrote a few stanzas that remind me to keep moving forward regardless of how it looks:
If you strike a thorn or rose,
Keep a-goin'!
If it hails or if it snows,
Keep a-goin'!
'Taint no use to sit an' whine
When the fish ain't on your line;
Bait your hook an' keep a-tryin'--
Keep a-goin'!

When the weather kills your crop,
Keep a-goin'!
Though 'tis work to reach the top,
Keep a-goin'!
S'pose you're out o' ev'ry dime,
Gittin' broke ain't any crime;
Tell the world you're feelin' prime--
Keep a-goin'!

When it looks like all is up,
Keep a-goin'!
Drain the sweetness from the cup,
Keep a-goin'!
See the wild birds on the wing,
Hear the bells that sweetly ring,
When you feel like singin', sing--
Keep a-goin'!

Application
There have been times, and will be again, that I don't want to keep a'goin. I have had the strong urge to throw in the towel, but here, Jesus is reminding me that my real desire is not opting out. It is being healed. And to me, He has reminded me that ... as they were going, they were cleansed. Just keep a'goin'!

Prayer
Father, thank You for Your Word. What would I do without its instructions, counsel and advice? I know I would have made hundreds of foolish mistakes, I would have bailed, and I don't know where I would be today. My life would surely be different! But today, I thank you for the power to persevere, the divine fortitude to have, as Eugene Peterson's books aptly titled: to maintain ... a long obedience in the same direction.

Pastor Wayne Cordeiro

What You're Known For

Scripture
"May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word. May those who fear you turn to me,
those who understand your statutes." (Psalm 119:74,79)

Observation
The Psalmist is asking each of us a question. "What do you want to be known for? When people come to you, what will be their preconceived ideas about you? What will your reputation be? What will it be that will attract people to you?"
In this Psalm, David writes that he wants to be known for one who put his hope in God's Word. He wanted to be known as one who knew the statutes of God.
Paul the apostle had the same idea. In 1 Cor. 2:2, we find these words: "For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified."
Paul could have become proficient in many trades. He could have easily become knowledgeable in many subjects but he chose to know about Christ and His plan for mankind.

Application
This is my desire too in the years ahead. I guess I can get proficient in many things, but my main desire is to know Christ and Him crucified. Of course, I will need to be competent in ministry acumen and expertise, but the bottom irreducible will be my genuine relationship with Christ.
I have been feeling a stronger pull than usual from the lower minions of hell in the past few years, as if the adversary has been singling a few out for attack. I feel like Jesus is saying to me, as He said to Peter in Luke 22:31: "Peter, Satan has demanded to sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail, and when you have once turned, strengthen your brethren."
It's almost as if God were giving me my next assignment … to win at this fight and then strengthen those who are facing the same barrages from hell.
But this is my prayer that I, like David and like Paul, will be known for my relationship with Christ and knowing what heaven is saying in whatever season we are facing. And when they come to me, these people will know that I have been through the same valleys and that I have a word of hope for them.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for praying for me that my faith may not fail. I will stand strong in Your Presence to walk with You, and then I will strengthen the brethren.

Pastor Wayne Cordeiro

Best Friends

Scripture
"Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in yourmoral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in yourperseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Pet. 1:5-8)

Observation
My mom always encouraged me to choose my friends well. And here Peter seems to say that if we really want to know Christ, to develop a close relationship with the Lord, to become best friends with Him, we need to become best friends with these qualities of faith, moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. The closer we grow, and increase in our relationship with each of these qualities, the closer we will grow from glory to glory into His image.

But, why did Peter have to remind us? Could it be because we all have a natural tendency to shy away from such friends and are attracted to those who live on the opposite side of the tracks? Like Adam and Eve in the Garden who had the perfect friendship with God, yet because of their human desire for immediate gratification chose to be persuaded by the wrong friend.

Application
So, Peter provides us with a litmus test to apply to our circle of friends. And it's a test that I must apply to myself daily: Am I diligently growing and increasing in the areas of

• Faith - how trusting am I of the Lord and His plans for me and my future; is there still a need for me to be in control, or do I truly trust Him with the plans and promises He has for me;
• Moral excellence - if I allowed the Lord entrance into the inner chambers of my heart and mind, would I be able to stand before Him without hesitation each day; am I exposing the negatives in my mind to the ways of God, or to the ways of the world; "If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 Jn.1:15);
• Knowledge - am I relentlessly pursuing a deeper knowledge of my Lord, to get to know Him and His heart, in order that my life would truly reflect His image;
• Self-control - here's a tough one; it's a test not just on the external, but internally how well do I control my thoughts, feelings, hidden emotions; is there more of Him and less of "ME" from the inside out;
• Perseverance - what are my quitting points; the enemy probably knows them more than I do and will press these buttons to persuade me away from the future and hope the Lord has reserved for me; but, just as Christ pressed through, even at the risk of death, so must I press forward to the goal set before me;
• Godliness - am I "godly" true to the core, that it's not just an outer costume that I wear, does my walk consistently match my talk, whether it be in relationships that I develop, words that I say, grace that I give, forgiveness and patience;
• Brotherly kindness - am I kind to my brothers, not just portraying a level of tolerance or condoning actions, but do I extend kindness, understanding, patience, a deep, abiding, agape love to my brothers; am I loving them, just as Christ loved, forgave, extended His grace and mercy towards me;
• Love - how deep is my love for other, and is it ever growing and increasing; it's easier to say "I love you" than to continually grow in depth of love with another; it's looking for the good in others, seeing the potential and the promises of God lived out in their lives; it's serving them and their needs as a priority over my own; it' desiring God's very best for them.

So, how well am I testing out in each of these areas? Am I diligently developing a closer relationship with each quality so they become my best friends? If my truest desire is to become best friends with my Lord, then I must become best friends with each of these.

Prayer
Father, help me to pursue each of these qualities, daily. And as I do so, I will grow in my relationship with you, from glory to glory into your image.

Pastor Elwin Ahu