March 28, 2020

By David Chang, Director of Ministry Support

Recently I re-read a short story by Leo Tolstoy called The Three Questions. It’s a story about a king who wanted to find the secret to better leading his country. He searched the kingdom looking for the answers to these three questions:

1.  When is the most important time?

2.  Who are the most important people?

3.  What is the most important thing to do?

Spoiler alert––the king discovered the answers! 

And they are:

1.  It is this very moment.

2.  It is the person you are with.

3.  Do good for the person you are with.

I love that because it inspires and instructs me that the most important time is now, the most important people are those that are with me now, and the most important thing I can do is to do good for them.

One day in-between meetings, I felt God saying to me, “The most important time is right now, the most important person is you, and the most important thing for me is to do good for you.” This rocked me. With all of eternity stretching to the past and the future, God considers this very moment with me important. With all the people in the world, I am important. With everything that God can do, He wants to do good for me.

During this Coronavirus time, my prayer is that you feel how God loves spending time with you, that you know you are important to Him, and trust that He is doing good for you. I’m also praying that you would treat the people you come across in the same way, be fully present with them because they are important to you, and do them good.

“For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration— “plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (CSB)

March 27, 2020

By Steve Peich, Assistant Pastor

If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success. (Ecclesiastes 10:10)

Doing ministry during this crisis has deeply challenged a person like me. I’m a face-to-face kind of guy. When I counsel people, teach, or preach, I always want to do it person-to-person. In other words, my skillset and spiritual gifts are made for physically being with people. But what does a person like me do when I can’t play to my strengths and skillset; when my typical ax has been dulled by circumstances? Learn a new skill.

Given all the social restrictions out there, we will need to step up into skills we never tried before, namely, using technology. Last Thursday was the first time I hosted a Zoom meeting with about 15 men. Now you should know that when it comes to technology, I have the IQ of cabbage. But with the (patient) help of Pastor Tim, I learned something in 30 minutes that I never thought I could do. And because he helped me, our men’s group was able to connect with and pray for each other in a way we have never done before.

So, here’s the deal, don’t miss out on connecting with and ministering to each other. Try learning (easy) technologies that will help you stay connected (e.g. Zoom, Google Meet, Facebook Hangout, Facetime, Skype, etc.). Moreover, for group Bible learning, try watching a RightNow Media video, and then get in on a virtual meeting or group phone call with your friends or small group to discuss what the Lord is showing you. (If you do not have RightNow Media, click here to sign up for free.)

In a time like this, the greatest ministry to our community is going to be done through folks like you. As Hebrews 10:25 reminds us, “Let us not give up on meeting together, but let us encourage one another.”

Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to stretch myself to learn new skills for the good of our community and Your Kingdom. 

March 26, 2020

By Jason Waldrep, Associate Director of Worship

Jesus says the greatest commandment is this: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)

Why is loving God the greatest commandment? To put it simply, we become what we love. What we love, we give power and permission to shape and transform us. Love for God transforms our hearts, and this is great news! When we set our attention and affection on Him, everything else in our life stays in its proper perspective, and our hearts are aligned with His. 

But there is a war being waged for our attention and affection. We are in a serious situation. The health and safety of our families is important. Our financial situation is important. The rapidly changing world around us is important. 

However, according to Jesus, nothing is more important than loving God with all of who we are, no matter what’s going on around us. Nothing.  

So for me, it’s time for a heart check. Am I loving God more than everything else, and how do I even know what I am loving most right now? By looking closely and honestly at how I’m spending my time. I’m spending a considerable amount of time worried about my wife’s job status. I’m spending time checking on our home purchase which is about to fall apart. I’m spending lots of time checking news updates, worrying about the health and safety of my parents and our community. I’m spending time concerned for my daughter after her college graduation was canceled. And I deal with it all by spending way too much time numbing myself in front of the television. 

So today I choose to love God by ministering to Him and His heart. Today I choose to love God by spending time in His Word and in personal worship, singing and praising Him. Today I choose to love Him by caring for those He cares about, whether through interceding in prayer or making a phone call to reach out. 

My prayer today is simple: Lord, help me to learn to love you with all my heart, all my soul, and all my mind above all else. Amen.

March 25, 2020

By Dan Chun, Senior Pastor

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1Thessalonians 5:16-18)

When we read this passage we can exclaim in the context of COVID-19, “How can we possibly give thanks in ALL CIRCUMSTANCES?!”

But we can. 

So here is a challenge to make sure that even in these trying times our attitudes are ¾ full and not half empty. I say we GIVE THANKS, for as it says this is the will of God. Letʻs be obedient and be grateful all the time! 

I can give thanks that:

• Though our shortage is toilet paper, we have toilets unlike much of the world.

• We have electricity.

• We have water.

• We have the internet.

• We have phones.

• That I, in all of the history of my being a parent, am having longer and more frequent phone calls with my adult children whose cities are shut down in San Francisco and New York City. 

• We have hospitals, physicians, and nurses.

• We have loved ones and friends.

• We have our church.

• We have one another.

• We have the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 

And now make your list!

Prayer: Lord, may we be able to give thanks, a lot of thanks during this most difficult time. May our faith increase knowing that You are our Lord. In Christʻs name, Amen.

March 24, 2020

By Karen Makishima, Director of Family Life Ministries

Recently our youth ministry held a 24-hour prayer vigil where our students and team were encouraged to sign up for a one-hour block. For that time we were to be still before the Lord, seek His presence, and listen to His voice during this trying time of COVID-19. 

When I signed up for a prayer shift, I chose the 1 AM to 2 AM time slot. I couldn’t believe that I actually did that because I really value my sleep!

My alarm went off at 12:45am so I could be ready. Jason Waldrep, our Associate Worship Director, had sent the staff a link to a new worship song called, “The Blessing.” As I began to listen to it to prepare my heart and mind to connect with my Creator, I began to feel His presence right away. 

I spent time affirming our God for who He is and asked Him to forgive me for those times that I missed His best for me. Then I felt that He wanted to say something to me. I sat waiting and desiring to receive whatever it was that He wanted to tell me. And then it came. 

God gave me a picture of someone walking down a hospital hallway holding on to an IV pole. The IV was giving this man nutrients to live his life. The man had to hold on to the pole and take it wherever he went in order to live life fully. I sensed that the IV represents God. We, as God’s chosen people, need to hold on to God, our life-giver, to know how to respond to a world that is in crisis. 

As I focused on the man walking down the hall, I noticed that he was wearing a hospital gown with the back out (yes, his bare behind showing). I believe that through that picture, God was saying that He is stripping us of all the false idols that distract us from holding on to Him. This could be sports, academia, fine food and wine, programs, etc. He is stripping us down to our bare self so that we would hold on to Him.

Psalm 64:10 “The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in Him; all the upright in heart will glory in Him!”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we pray that we would allow you to strip us down of all the distractions that keep us from You, our life line. We want to feel your presence and hear your voice as we learn to lean into you. Help us to show the world goodness, kindness, gentleness and love during this time of crisis. Amen

March 23, 2020

by Rosella Shishido, Director of Communications

I was intrigued by the term “COVID-19” the first time I read it. I love words, you see, especially ones that are new to me. “Coronavirus Disease 2019,” or “COVID-19” for short. It sounded covert, dark, and mysterious, like a codename for classified information. 

But COVID-19 is far from classified. The whole world knows about it, and to most, it’s synonymous to doom and gloom. And so as a way of sharing encouragement with you today, I thought of making it an acronym of positive words instead that can help keep our eyes on Jesus. Below are my ideas on what “COVID-19” could also stand for:

CONNECT: Even with social distancing becoming the new norm, we can still connect with others through technology. God created us for community (yup, even introverts like me!) to spur each other on and live life together. How about checking up on friends and family to find out how they’re doing during this crisis? Touching base with them will help them feel they’re not alone. 

OVERCOME: It’s natural to feel fear and anxiety knowing that the virus is on the move. But let’s not linger there too long lest it paralyzes our faith in Jesus. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise––in God I trust and am not afraid.” (Psalm 56:3-4a)

VALUE: Instead of seeing “shelter in place” as being stuck at home, how about looking at it as a precious gift of time? Let’s value the extra time we have and use it wisely. “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12)

INSPIRE: Lead the way in not letting fear or worry dictate our actions. Let’s be examples of what it looks like to trust in God and be responsible individuals.

DEFEND: Let’s stand our guard and continue our defense against the virus! Wash hands well and often. Avoid public places. Quarantine ourselves when we’re sick. Diligently pray for protection, for healing, for the speedy discovery of a vaccine, and for the end of the pandemic.

19: It turns out that the 19th book in the Bible is the book of Psalms! How many times has this book lifted our spirits when we needed it the most! 

Prayer: “Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to You for refuge. I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.’ I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.” (Psalm 16: 1-2, 7-8)

March 21, 2020

By Matt Yamamoto, Director of High School Ministry

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”' (Luke 10:38-42)

I chose this verse because I believe that it is a timely message for us all. As Oahu has undergone a lockdown, many people are either working from home or worse have lost their jobs. Many of the schools are shifting to distance learning models through the use of the internet, and sports leagues have been canceled. We are all facing a period of time where we will be spending a lot of time at home. I am sensing many are looking at isolation with fear or unease. 

I know for myself, before all this began to happen, I would pray to God, “Lord, help me find a new pace of life, one that is not so suffocated with busyness.” I’m not saying that God answered this prayer with the Coronavirus, but I believe that we are being given an incredible opportunity to collectively take a breath. 

Even now, as I have been working from home for a week, I find myself trying to fill the time with busy work. I find myself being like Martha running around still. But as I read this passage, I find a deep part of myself longing to be like Mary. 

We have the opportunity to readjust our sense of self-worth that can be attached to busyness, and instead reconnect with loved ones, ourselves, and most of all Jesus. Mary did not find her value in doing. She found it in being with Jesus. 

This period of isolation is not something to be feared. Most of God’s examples to us in the Bible were people who went through periods of extreme isolation. Adam, Noah, Joseph, Ruth, David, Daniel, Elijah, and Jesus come to mind. For each of them, God used that period of isolation in powerful ways to form their character, faith, and skills. The question to ask is: what does God have for you in this season of isolation? 

Prayer: Dear Abba, You know what we need, and in this period of time where we find ourselves stripped of the busyness that was once comfortable to us, please help us to find a new normal, one in which we prioritize time with family, relationships, and most of all you. Amen. 

MARCH 20, 2020

By Pastor Dan Chun

A reminder from Pastor Dan that God is with us no matter what.

MARCH 19, 2020

By Christian Schroppel, Middle School Coordinator

Matthew 8:23-27 Then He got into the boat and His disciples followed Him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him!”

What I love about these verses is that they remind us of a couple important truths. First of all, there will be storms in our lives that are out of our control. Situations or events that we do not understand and might scare us just like the disciples were scared. But secondly, Jesus is in control! And as we just read, He isn’t stressing. I hope these verses can remind us that the best thing we can do in the midst of this storm is to turn towards Jesus and give Him our stress and anxiety. To trust that He is sitting right next to us, with His arm around us, keeping us safe. 

Let us pray, Lord Heavenly Father, we come before you in humility. Jesus we realize how much we need you, and we are sorry that it takes something like this for us to become aware. We ask that you would pour out your spirit upon us, grant us your peace and shield us and our families from all harm. Remind us to turn towards you. We love you Jesus! Amen.

March 18, 2020

By Jeff Page, Director of Young Adults Ministry

24“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. 25And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 28‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ (Acts 17:24–28)

Jesus is not confined to Ko‘olau or The Vine. You are surrounded by God. Be at peace for the Lord of heaven and earth fills your home. At this moment His Presence with you sustains your very life and being. Each heartbeat and breath are evidence of His nearness. 

Social distancing is hard for me. I am a hugger, and it hurts to separate from the people I love. I feel their absence, and to greet someone without a hug or a handshake from at least six feet away feels wrong. Nevertheless, to truly love our neighbors in this season, we must hold back. In a time when we must distance ourselves physically from one another, the nearness of God is a profound blessing. Whether you sense it or not, the Holy Spirit fills whatever room you find yourself in. God is everywhere, giving life to all, but at the same time He rarely intrudes. There are times and spaces that He waits to be invited into. At this moment in history, space has opened up in many of our lives. God’s desire is for us to seek Him, to reach out and find Him, for He is not far from any one of us. 

Spend a few moments in silence welcoming the Presence of God who is with you. Invite Him into the space that COVID-19 has opened in your life. Invite Him to fill the distance others have lovingly left empty. 

Prayer: Our Father, the coronavirus is no surprise to You. You have not left us alone. You give life and breath and everything else, but your best gift is your Presence. Lord we both need and desire you here with us. Come Holy Spirit, Amen.

March 17, 2020

by David Chang, Director of Ministry Support

Then He said, “Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all.” Mark 16:15 (MSG)

I confess that while growing up I loved to hear missionaries tell the stories of their work in exotic lands. I admired them leaving the comfort of the familiar, learning new languages and customs in order to bring God’s comfort, healing, and salvation to every corner of the world. But growing up in a very sheltered environment, I cringed at having to learn another language, eating strange foods, and not having my favorite pillow.

Recently I took a call from guy who was going through a difficult time. I took my phone to a quiet part of the house, and we had a good conversation and ended by praying together. Other people have said that they have been encouraged when I email prayers to them. Others thanked me when I was able send some encouragement via phone texts.

I think God has been giving me glimpses of the fact that I can be a “digital missionary.” I can talk to someone over my cell phone, send an email from my computer, or text from my tablet and bring some of God’s blessing to someone even when we can’t meet face-to-face. And maybe with this Coronavirus and our need to keep a “social distance,” all of us can become digital missionaries.

So let’s connect with someone this week, share a good thing or a bad thing that happened. Share without judgment, without giving advice. Give each other the good news that we are unconditionally loved as sons and daughters of God. All without having to give up your favorite pillow!

Prayer: Gracious God, help me to be a digital missionary this week. Help me to call someone, send an email or text message, and give that person the good news that you love them. In Jesus name, Amen.

March 16, 2020

by Christopher Pan, Executive Director

It’s Chris Pan, the church’s Executive Director. I’m excited to write our inaugural daily devotional. Everyday, the staff will post a short, 300-word or less devotional about what we’re learning from God. We hope these will encourage you during this time. We may be keeping our “social distance,” but let’s keep growing closer spiritually, to God and to each other.  

So, on to today’s thought. My small group is currently reading Ruth Haley Barton’s book Life Together in Christ: Experiencing Transformation in Community. We’re only on Chapter 2, but the Intro and Chapter 1 are great! She writes about the transformative experience of the two disciples meeting Jesus on the road to Emmaus after His resurrection. The account is found in Luke 24:13-35.  Feel free to click the link and read the passage now. Go ahead. I’ll still be here when you get back. 

The part of that passage that stuck with me, that gave me chills, in a good way, were verses 28-29: 

“As they came near the village to which they were going, Jesus walked ahead as if He were going on. But they urged Him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So He went in to stay with them.”

“Stay with us.” Stay with us. The two disciples on the road to Emmaus urged Jesus strongly, “Stay with us.” I don’t know where Jesus was going, but I love the two disciples urging Him, strongly, to stay with them. They just want to remain in His presence. 

So, that has been my prayer this past week: Jesus, stay with us. Stay with me. I want to urge Jesus strongly (wherever He may be off to, and I’m sure He’s got important places to go) to stay with us, to stay with me. And the tremendous thing? He does. Jesus stays with those two disciples. The resurrected Jesus stays with them. And He stays with us too. 

Prayer:  Jesus, stay with us.