by Al Linton, Elder

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; He will do what is just and right in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.” (Jeremiah 33:14-16)

When I think of Jeremiah, my rock-and-roll mind goes to Three Dog Night’s Joy to the World: “Jeremiah was a bullfrog, was a good friend of mine. Never understood a single word he said but I helped him drink his wine. Yes, he always had some mighty fine wine, singing joy to the world!”

So, who was Jeremiah? Did he have some mighty fine wine? Don’t know the answer to that, but I do know he was a prophet between 626-586 BC. The Scripture he wrote refers to the line of David being the fulfillment of God’s promise of the New Covenant. God would send His Son into the world as a human being to fulfill the relational demands of God’s covenant through His Son’s perfect obedience and His paying the price for our disobedience by His death.

Jeremiah prophesied the birth of Jesus, who was to come from the line of David, in fulfillment of the New Covenant of God to His people. We are forgiven through the sacrifice of our Savior for us. Joy to the world indeed! Jesus lives! The New Covenant is a relationship with God made possible by the forgiveness of sins. Through our faith, belief, and love, we are saved!

This Christmas season, may we be reminded of the story foretold to us: from the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Savior, which was for all of us.

Merry Christmas to you! 

Prayer: Dear Abba Father, help us remember why You sent Your Son Jesus Christ here. Help us have the courage and faith that Thy will be done. Amen   

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by Paul Zukunft, Elder

2 Samuel 23: 3-5 “When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth. If my house was not right with God, surely He would not have made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part; surely He would not bring to fruition my salvation and grant my every desire.”

We have reached the end of our 40-day fast this Thanksgiving, and so reflect upon how you have ruled your life, recognizing that we are all rulers in our own right by the choices we make. Especially when it comes down to be a follower of Christ for Whom we are eternally thankful!

On that note, my question to you is, “Have you ever done something righteous out of pure instinct, without a sense of guilt prodding you to leave your comfort zone and do what is truly right?” Of course, you have! Let me share with you a story of when I was a “boot ensign” and Christian apprentice serving aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Taney back in 1977.

A young enlisted man of color in my department, who we fondly nicknamed “Pops” because he was wise beyond his 21 years of age, submitted a request to break in as a ship’s navigator (or quartermaster in the seagoing ratings). Without hesitation, I approved the request since “Pops” was my top performer among his 35 peers within my department. After Pops stood his first sea watch as break-in navigator, there was a loud knock on my stateroom door. It was the Chief of the Boat, a burly Senior Chief who relayed that the Chiefs Mess wanted to meet with me - NOW! I immediately entered the Chiefs Mess and was literally cornered and harangued in the saltiest of language for placing a black man in such a coveted position of responsibility. But I did not back down, and Pops went on to qualify as our ship’s navigator. 

When it was time for me to depart the Taney a year later to take command of a patrol boat, who should be standing the quarterdeck watch but Pops. It would be the last time we ever saw each other, but his words to this day still ring true in my ears. He said, “Mister Z, I never thought an officer would go to bat for an enlisted man.” Then he went on to say, “Where I grew up, a white man would never, ever go to bat for a black man, and until you came along, I never thought I would live to see such a day. Thank you, Mister Z!”

That was a mutual thanksgiving moment for each of us, and I am ever thankful that my life crossed paths with Pops, who helped me mature as a leader and a Christian.

Upon reflection, when you do what is right, you instantaneously become a ruler over what is evil. And as followers of Christ, we tend to do that instinctively and often without the kind of feedback that I was blessed to receive from Pops––wise beyond his years!

Prayer: Jesus, on bended knee and with heads bowed, we give thanks for Your setting the gold standard in ruling in righteousness. You brought healing to the afflicted, compassion to the impoverished, and to all who follow in Your footsteps, the promise of eternal life. As we celebrate this Thanksgiving holiday, we are thankful for our period of fasting that has brought us closer to You, and You in us as we rule our lives with a sense of Your purpose and righteousness. Amen

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Happy Thanksgiving! God bless you!

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by Patti Marshall, Elder

Even after reading Psalm 93 multiple times in different versions, my head and heart swam by three Christian life constants: 

1. The Sovereign, Mighty Creator God reigns upon His throne, robed and ruling, robed and surging with strength. He reigns from eternity past and through eternity to come. He established the world and He can’t be moved. 

2. God is greater than our circumstances. 

3. God is faithful. 

Instead, my head, and heart dropped anchor for several hours on verses 3 to 4 – words describing sea storms that are up, sea storms wild and roaring, sea storms with thunderous breakers. There I was, once again, remembering and drowning in my noise and chaos of mighty waters and crashing sea waves. But the memory, this time, didn’t sweep me off my feet. I merely remembered.

In 1968-69, I met and married a friend and fellow teacher. We taught, traveled in Japan, and loved being a couple (so I thought). Within three months, the marriage was annulled. Over. Done. It was like being crushed with the force of a fifty-foot tidal wave, followed by endless breakers of fear, disillusionment, and confusion. The wave swept away every plan in its path. Floodwaters left the debris of heartbreak and heartache. Unfulfilled dreams floated away. I was drenched with shame and failure. I only saw a devastated, blurry future. Tangled in these feelings were many “How could you, God? Why, God?” 

Fast-forward to 2021. Are my seas still stormy? Are the waves still rough? Yes, at times. The difference? Though easier said than done, I try to reflect sooner on those three Christian life constants rather than on my circumstances.

As you read Psalm 93, noting verses 3 to 4 during our 40-day fast, note how these verses explode, not with the intensity of hopelessness, but with God’s infinite power far greater than any force or circumstance we experience on earth. Yahweh in the heavens merely speaks a word, and these angry waters cower in fear. He is far more powerful than my or any tidal wave in our lives. 

Here’s the song “Still” by Hillsong to help get you to a place of being still.

Prayer: God of majesty and might, when the storms of life pitch us back and forth, when we feel flooded with cares, when thunderous waters try to drown out Your voice, overwhelm us with You. You are mightier than the biggest wave. You reign over all the earth. Fill us with Your holy, power-filled, and faithful presence that calms our floods. Amen

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by Al Linton, Elder

In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. (Daniel 7:13-14)

There are infinite ways God talks to us. Sometimes it’s when we are “still” and connecting with Him. You hear stories of people who listen to a sermon and they say, “That sermon was talking directly to me.” 

Sometimes God communicates in dreams. There are 21 dreams in the Bible. Some are symbolic like this dream in Daniel. Some involve specific instructions, like the one to Joseph not to divorce Mary (Matthew 1:18-24).

God still communicates to us in dreams today. An elder at FPC had a dream that he saw Pastor Dan preaching from the Koʻolau golf course. That dream led the church to Koʻolau and eventually owning the building and 246 acres of land. This is from a man who said he never remembers his dreams! God was talking to him through his dream and he listened.

Several years ago I was fasting for the first time in my life. It was during the Lenten season, (we call it the Linton season), so it was a 40-day fast which included the Daniel fast. At the time, I was going through a tough period in my business. I worried about the future of my company and what that might mean for my family. I was depressed. One night during the fast I had a very vivid dream. I was in a huge house with many rooms. I walked from room to room. In each room was a friend or relative who had died. It wasn’t scary. It was very calming. In the last room was my Aunt Bette who had died months before. She said, “Your room is not ready; your work isn’t finished.”

When I awoke, the first thing I did was look up John 14:2: “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?”

From my dream, I realized I needed to stop worrying and that I had more work to do here on earth before I have my room in my Father’s house. I know that the fasting connected me closer to God. I woke feeling the need to let go of my worry and let God take over.

In the Daniel scripture, it says “like” the son of man. A description of the Messiah. “Son of Man” is an idiomatic expression meaning “human being.” But this figure is “like” a human being and yet rides on the clouds indicating His divinity and has unhindered access to the Ancient of Days (from NIV Study Bible footnote).

While you’re fasting and are tempted to “break fast,” pray. God is listening. He’s talking to you one way or another. Always. Just listen with your heart and give the control to God who knows and owns all things. His dominion, after all, is "an everlasting dominion that will not pass away." 

Prayer: Dear God, help us as we fast to connect more with You. We know You are always listening and talking to us in many different ways. It’s comforting knowing You are ruler over all the earth and heaven, and You are preparing a room for us. In Jesus name, Amen

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by Frank Lim, Deacon

“You are my hiding place; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7)

I am writing this in the wee hours of the morning, my favorite time of the day. It is quiet, and I enter into my hiding place to be with God, my refuge. With Him, I am safe. There is no fear, no condemnation, only peace in His presence I can listen to His silent voice. Soon I will be a part of a crazy world of busyness and distractions that will compete for my attention and time with Jesus, and I will find it challenging to listen to His voice.

I confess to Him that this morning, I find it difficult to worship and pray, and His gentle voice reassures me and tells me to just “be still and know that I am God”... and remember. I tell myself to look up that scripture. A few minutes later, I listen to a podcast, going through the Bible with Fr. Mike Schmitz, and one of the passages being read on this day is Psalms 46. Amazing? Indeed! We all need to carve out time from our busy daily schedules and activities to rest and be still. 

During this 40-day fast, we can do this by refraining from food and activities, and focusing our attention on Jesus, and simply being with Him. Jesus fasted and He rested. In Exodus 5, we see Moses and Aaron approaching Pharaoh and asking him to grant the Israelites temporary freedom to go and worship their God in the desert. Pharaoh denied their request and instead piled on even more oppression upon his slaves. In a way, we are enslaved to our work, daily activities, and smartphones, and we need to break free, if only for a few moments each day, to be with Jesus.

In my hiding place, I can be reconciled with God by my confession and repentance. And I can freely worship. In worship, I “enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.”We praise God for who He is, and we thank Him for what He has done and what He is doing. I love Leon Williams’ rendition of Andrae Crouch’s My Tribute: 

“How can I give thanks for the things You have done for me?
Things so undeserved, yet You gave to prove Your love for me.”

As we approach Thanksgiving, I encourage you to be still and know that He is God .... and remember. We remember and we can give thanks, for big things and little, seemingly insignificant things. Sometimes we tend to forget and take the simple things of life for granted. In remembering, we are also assured of His faithfulness.

Spending quiet time with Jesus has made me acutely aware of the little blessings He brings my way, blessings that I can be thankful for. Recently, I was walking with my little granddaughter through the woods in New England, praising God for being the Creator of the crisp air and rich fall colors around me. It was quiet except for the birds and rustling of the leaves. In the midst of this, I stumbled over loose rocks and she said “I want to help my Papa,” and she took my hand in hers. My heart was overwhelmed with this act of kindness and care from one so young. I became emotional and whispered, “Thank You, Lord.”

Prayer: Lord, thank You for inviting us into Your holy presence. You delight in being with us in quiet moments. Help us to listen to Your gentle voice and continue to reveal Yourself to us and remind us of the good things You have done for us. In this Thanksgiving season , we come before You as a thankful people. We thank You for our families, friends, church, and for Your provision in each of our lives. In Your blessed Name we pray, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen!

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by Jeremy Lim, Elder

I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing. (Psalm 16:2)

I love cooking with my wok. I’ve modified my outdoor burner so I can actually hear the flames as if they were blasting out of a mini jet engine. The wok itself has been seasoned over many years and imparts its own flavor to each dish I cook. The beauty of cooking with a well-seasoned wok over super high heat is that you can cook fast and evenly as long as you’re willing to stand there and stir the ingredients together so they don’t burn. This constant stirring guarantees that the seasonings and sauces will be infused into every bite of the dish. I’m getting hungry…

As in a perfectly cooked and seasoned stir-fry where every bite is as good as the next, God wants His goodness to invade every nook and cranny of our lives. He wants His goodness to be so well mixed into our lives that it binds together everything that makes us who we are––our victories and our failures––into something that is beautiful!

Telling God, “You are my Lord,” is so much more than acknowledging Him as the most important thing in our lives. God doesn’t want to be first on our list of priorities, only to be forgotten once we’ve done our business with Him so we can move on down our list. He wants to be in everything on that list. He wants to infuse His goodness into every aspect of our lives so that when we call Him Lord, we are reminded that apart from Him we have no good thing.

As we near the end of our 40-day fast, how has this experience reminded you of God’s desire to be Lord in every area of your life? Many of us may be fasting from a food or a habit that we wouldn’t normally associate with our relationship to God. Yet voluntarily choosing to let God be a part of this one aspect of your life is a powerful step toward letting Him into other areas you may have never considered before. Keep letting Him be a part of everything you say, do, and think throughout the day, every day. The result will be a life that is literally inseparable from the goodness of God.

Prayer: Lord, please show me how I can continue to open up more of myself to You. Thank You for loving me so much and for wanting to bring Your goodness to every area of my life that I’m willing to give to You. Amen

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by David Free, Deacon

If we were to encounter a street-corner preacher waving a sign and pronouncing that “the end is coming,” most of us would likely cross the street to avoid his or her visual and vocal prediction.

Yet Jesus made a similar prediction.

Mark 13:1-8 As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked Him privately, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?” Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.

Jesus and His disciples were standing outside the Temple one day and one of them exclaimed, “Look at these magnificent buildings!”

Oops! Wrong observation because just then, Jesus announced that the Temple will be so utterly destroyed that not one stone will remain on another. And to that the disciples mightʻve replied, “Say what?!”

At this point Jesus and His disciples go across the street and climb the Mount of Olives and there plunk themselves down while Jesus shakes them up all the more by telling them to “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in My name, claiming, I am He, and will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.” (vs 5-8)

Well, there goes a perfectly beautiful day!

Actually there are a couple of warnings in this passage that can apply to us during this time of fasting. As we spend time in prayer with our Lord, we must make certain that we are not deceived by false messiahs claiming to come in the name of the Lord. As people of God, we must exercise discernment. Jesus said, “My sheep know my voice.” When celebrity preachers or political leaders offer a different gospel or a different salvation, we must recognize that they are a false messiah, a false teacher, a false leader.

And yes, hearing about the strife of nations is alarming, but let’s do our best to not lose faith and hope. Wars have always been a part of human existence. Let’s focus on Jesus instead, rather than the world and its problems. The end will come, as Jesus foresaw, but we are given hope.

Jesus said, “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave Me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for My Father is with me. “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:32-33)

Be encouraged! Our Lord has triumphed over all evil.

Prayer: Loving Father, thank You for Your promise that Jesus will come back in glory and power.
During this time of fasting, help us to live each day as if it were the day of His return. Amen

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by Kathy Makuakane, Executive Assistant 

I don’t know how your fast is going, but I have “fallen off the wagon” many times since we started in mid-October. Pretty much every day, in fact. This has been a season of falling down and getting back up over and over again. And I fully expect to finish poorly a week from now. But finish I will. I know it sounds like failure, but it really isn’t. 

You see, I’m fasting from worry. Every time I have managed to resume my fast after breaking into worry, I am learning more deeply to trust God. Each relapse is an opportunity for a better, stronger walk with Him. It’s like a toddler learning to stay upright. It is a bumpy, repetitive, slow process. Ha! Maybe I should call it a “slow,” not a fast.

Here is one example of my struggle. I have two grown sons and, typical of most mothers, I still tend to worry about them. I want their lives to be protected and easy and happy. But though I don’t like it, I know God uses difficulty and even pain to change us and benefit us. That means I must trust God to take my sons through hard to give them good. I must give them to Him in prayer … and let go. The opposite of worry is trust.

The story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1 is a prime example of learning that kind of trust. Hannah was in anguish with worry that she didn’t have a child. Over and over again, she cried, she prayed, and she refused to eat. 

1 Samuel 1:11   She made this vow: O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if You will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to You. He will be Yours for his entire lifetime….

Then, one year, after being encouraged by the priest Eli about God’s goodness, her attitude shifted and she entrusted her heart’s desire completely to God. That act of trust, that renouncing of worry, brought back her appetite and lifted her sadness. 

1 Samuel 1:18    …Then she went back and began to eat again, and she was no longer sad.

I think it’s important to note that this change happened before she was given her heart’s desire. Did her heart’s desire actually change from having a child to trusting God as His child? Would her happiness have remained no matter how her story played out? I suspect so.

That’s the kind of walk I want with my Father. I don’t want to second guess Him. I know He is good. I know He loves me (and my sons). I know He is all-powerful and all-knowing. So, I will not worry. Well, I probably will, but I won’t keep worrying. 

Prayer: Father, thank You that You walk with us as we learn to trust You. Even when we worry, You wait with us until we are able to allow our hearts to believe that You are the one that holds us “fast.” We give You this last week of our fast and ask You to help us walk closer with You. In the trustworthy name of Jesus, Amen.

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by Luke Shin, Middle School Co-coordinator

Did you know that the closest star to us, which is the sun, is approximately 92 million miles away? That is insane! That is roughly 1,619,200,000 football fields. Although so far away, the sun is visible because it’s constantly shining brightly. 

Just like the sun or any other star, we too can shine. 

It seems like more and more people want to be a star and to shine in public. Most people want to be famous, whether it’s on TikTok, YouTube, or any other social media platform. At some point in my life, I have definitely wished I was a YouTube star, playing video games for a living. 

But what about being a star in God’s eyes?

God’s people are all stars in His eyes, but there are some stars that shine brighter than others. In Daniel 12:3 it says:

“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.”

People who live in God’s wisdom and go by that wisdom are sure brighter in God’s eyes. Not only that, but those who help lead people to righteousness will glow like stars forever. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel like a flickering light in God’s eyes. There are many times when I failed to follow God’s wisdom and go towards my own. 

There are those times when I failed in my fast and missed a day. Those times when I got into a huge argument with a family member, or said something I shouldn’t have. The list can go on and on. Those are the times that make me feel like a flickering light, and perhaps you can relate. Even when we may feel like a flickering light, God forgives us. 

As the middle school youth group closed off our series on FORGIVENESS, one of our bottom lines was that “everybody needs forgiveness.” We used the verse Romans 5:8––“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 

Following God’s wisdom isn't always easy to do. And for those times that we do mess up, hopefully we learn from those mistakes. My ultimate goal is that as I grow in God’s wisdom, my actions and words will reflect God’s righteousness that would lead others in the same direction. 

Let’s be stars together.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ to stay close to You and Your Word. Especially during this time of fasting, I pray that You will give us wisdom and lead us in the right direction. Show us who we could lead to righteousness. Help us shine your light on everyone we meet. In Jesus's name, Amen.

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by Rene Toyota, Administrative Assistant

Psalm 16:11 (NIV) “You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.”

During this 40-day fast, I have the opportunity to post on the website the devotionals written by our pastors, staff, elders, and deacons. The devotionals are about the fast, hearing from God, putting God first, putting others first, being a hero, being still, being bold for God, etc. It makes me feel kind of convicted actually. I want to be obedient to the Lord during our fast, but I can’t seem to do it right and I don’t always place the Lord before me. I feel like Paul when he wrote in Romans 7:18–19:

“And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.”

As I was apologizing to God for not always putting Him first, I heard Him say: “Don’t you realize that you have been drawing near to Me almost every night talking to Me about your day and telling Me how hard it’s been for you to stay on this fast? Don’t worry, I will show you what you need to do." In that instant, I felt overcome by joy and felt completely at ease. 

God did show me what I needed to do. Unexpectedly, I had the sudden urge to help my husband with the aches and pains on his back, neck, arms, and feet by giving him regular Hypervolt massages after a hard day’s work. It’s not something I like to do because I have other things I need to do for myself, but I just sensed that God wanted me to take better care of my husband. He is a foreman, you see, who does a lot of laborious tasks like painting, busting concrete, scraping, washing, planning the execution of the task at hand, and supervising his team. 

That’s God showing me what I needed to do. Taking better care of my husband and my family is the path He wanted me to take. My journey with fasting has shown me how much more important it is to listen to God and to follow His guidance.

If you’ve been struggling like me through this 40-day fast, why not simply ask the Lord what He wants you to do? Spend time with Him and listen. He might surprise you too with something unexpected. Fellowshiping with God and staying on the path He wants for us shall reap, as it says in Psalm 16:11, “eternal pleasures at His right hand.”

Prayer: Lord, may we always know that You, our intimate God, will never give up on us. Not even when we fail to fast correctly. Thank You that You are always within reach to help us remain on Your path to a life that goes beyond death and is full of generous joy that overflows with eternal pleasure in Your presence. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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by Lauren Stein, Elder

Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17

Naomi her mother-in-law said to Ruth, “My daughter, I need to seek some security for you, so that it may be well with you. Now here is our kinsman Boaz, with whose young women you have been working. See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Now wash and anoint yourself, and put on your best clothes and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, observe the place where he lies; then, go and uncover his feet and lie down; and he will tell you what to do.” She said to her, “All that you tell me I will do.”

So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When they came together, the Lord made her conceive, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without next-of-kin; and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has borne him.” Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her bosom, and became his nurse. The women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed; he became the father of Jesse, the father of David.

In Ruth chapter 3, Naomi gives Ruth some seemingly odd advice. In order to secure Ruth’s future in ancient Israel, Naomi instructs Ruth to freshen up and approach Boaz under the cover of night by laying at his feet. This advice has always seemed a little crazy and even dangerous. If Naomi cares for her daughter-in-law, why would she encourage Ruth to go to a man at night and lay defenseless at his feet? 

In truth, this advice could have been very dangerous. But Naomi knows that Boaz is a man of integrity, and so she gives Ruth specific instructions to act boldly in this specific situation. There is profound beauty in Naomi’s challenge for Ruth. She could not let her sit by idly, so she encouraged and empowered Ruth to take bold action in a hard and scary situation.

This passage made me reflect on the women I’ve met through our Young Adults Ministry and the way they encourage me toward boldness on a regular basis. He has beautifully interwoven our lives, for such a time as this. These women have pushed me to have hard conversations and to be more aware of the work of the Spirit in my life. In every encounter, I can sense God’s Spirit at work in us and through us as we encourage each other to step out in faith and boldness. It is often scary and risky, but it is always so worth it.

In the sections between our passages, we see Naomi’s plan unfold. When Boaz awakens, Ruth asks him to redeem her family and marry her. Talk about boldness! When our passage picks up in Ruth 4:13-17, we read that Ruth’s loyalty in conjunction with her boldness paid off tremendously. Boaz gladly marries Ruth, and she bears a son. But even more astounding than these two joyous occasions is the praise of the women in town. To Naomi, a new grandmother, they sing Ruth’s praises. They describe Ruth the Moabite, the foreigner, as the “daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons.” I cannot think of higher praise and affirmation for Ruth. This is truly more than she could have ever hoped or imagined.

My sisters in Christ are young women who push me toward bold action, hold me accountable and point me back to the faithfulness of God. Together we celebrate even the smallest steps of boldness. As our church continues our 40-day Fast, I encourage you to take a bold step and embrace life in community with other Christians who can lift you up and encourage you toward boldness. If you don’t have that kind of community yet, I pray that you might consider joining a small group or attending an upcoming church event or worship service. We are called to be a dynamic community that challenges and sharpens each other. By doing so, we open ourselves up to see how God can do immeasurably more than we could ever hope or imagine.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of community. Help me to embrace a community that encourages me toward boldness. Make me aware of where you are at work in the world and how I can join you in Your Kingdom work. Amen.

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By Scott Schultz, Elder

Matthew 23:11-12 (NKJV) But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Veterans Day is a U.S. legal holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars. In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I. November 11th became a federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became known as Veterans Day. Veterans Day is kind of an ‘orphan holiday’; sandwiched between Halloween & Thanksgiving and without barbeques or family feasts. But it should not be forgotten.

One of the things I love about First Prez is the way we honor our veterans. Sometimes we even encourage them to wear their uniforms to Sunday services before or after Veterans Day. Our Daily Bread contributor David McCasland wrote: “Honoring fellow believers for their unselfish service to God is a biblical mandate. It is not hero worship, but an attitude of respect for a life well-lived.”

Giving up something for the 40-day fast? Our veterans gave up comfort and security, and were willing to give their lives for the unique and noble idea that is America. 

We were honored to attend the memorial service for our sister-in-Christ Bonnie Heim, held at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. The respect shown by the color guard, the playing of taps, and the message from Chaplain Marianna Meachen in this sacred place touched me. The flag folding protocol and presentation mesmerized me. I was unaware of the details of this ritual. *1

After the service and internment, we toured the Honolulu Memorial. The beauty and detail of the mosaic descriptions of World War II through Vietnam was educational and visually stunning. Upon reflection, I realized that America is more of a mosaic than a melting pot; people from many cultures coming together to create a beautiful tapestry, striving (ideally) to create a representation of God’s freedom on Earth. This mosaic was also seen in the diversity of names (and “Unknowns”) on the graves and the columbaria. Two inset scrolls struck me with their truth:

“The problem basically is theological and involves a spiritual recrudescence [renewal] and improvement of human character.” *2

“Names that are a cross-section of democracy. They fought together as brothers-in-arms. They died together and now they sleep side by side. To them we have a solemn obligation to ensure that their sacrifice will help to make a better, a safer world in which to live.” *3

McCasland wrote: “In every generation, God raises up people who are true to Him and to His Word. The measure of their lives and of ours is not the absence of failure but the presence of God’s gracious forgiveness and the faith to obey His call. All of God’s champions are unlikely heroes.” *4

True heroes shine with authenticity and humility. Like Jesus! 

Through a word of encouragement or a tangible expression of appreciation, who can you honor today for their humble valor in serving the Lord and helping others in His name?

Prayer: On Veterans Day, may I remember all who served our country, including the missing & unknown. All gave some and some gave all for freedom. During the 40-day fast, may I remember, “Jesus gave it all, All to Him I owe…” And may I echo these words by Samuel F. Smith *5: “Our fathers' God to Thee, Author of Liberty, to thee we sing, long may our land be bright, with freedom’s holy light, protect us by thy might, Great God, our King.” In Jesus’ humble and mighty Name I pray, Amen

*1 The Meaning Behind the 13 Folds of Old Glory

*2 Operations in the Pacific 1942-1945: From Gen. MacArthur’s speech to the world after the Japanese surrender aboard the USS Missouri on Sept 2, 1945 

*3 Victory in the Pacific

*4 David McCasland, Our Daily Bread, March 7, 2007

*5 From America by Samuel F. Smith

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by Julie Lockyer, Events Scheduler and Receptionist

Nine and a-half-years ago I was working as an Educational Assistant with 7th and 8th grade Special Education students. I enjoyed working with them, had a lot of time off, and finished my day at 2:30PM. 

Since I got off early and worked in Kaneohe, I had time to volunteer at First Prez. I got to work with Linda, Ivonne, and Beth. I always enjoyed going in to help! One day I found out Ivonne was moving back to the mainland, and she thought I would be a good fit to take her position. I was not interested at all in working full-time and giving up a job that I really enjoyed. I knew I was making a difference in the lives of the kids I worked with. So I said no thanks, not interested.I thought that was the end of it. Boy, was I wrong. God had different plans for me. 

I didn’t sleep well that night. I kept tossing and turning, struggling with not wanting to apply for the job at church. When I got up the following morning, I had a feeling I was fighting with God. About a week later, Linda encouraged me to apply. I gave her my resumé just to appease her. I also set up an interview with Ron Mathieu. My plan was to hear what he had to say, then politely decline, if offered the position. 

First Prez was getting ready to do the Daniel Fast during that time, so I figured fasting was the best way to hear God and see what He really wanted for me. But inside, I was still saying no.

I was volunteering for Hawaiian Islands Ministries as the day of my interview drew closer. I was still struggling with the decision. I saw one of my former students, who came up to me to say hi. I started to cry thinking if I took the job at First Prez, I wouldn’t be making a difference anymore. Nope, I still didn’t want the job at church. There were only a couple of days left before the fast ended, and I still hadn’t heard from God.

And then came that Sunday morning! I remember it so clearly! During my devotions I told God I really needed an answer since my interview was in two days. I was volunteering at church that morning and happened to see a friend talking to someone. I heard God loud and clear say, “Ask her; she will tell you.” I went over and told my friend my story. She started to cry and told me, “Now I know why I have been praying for you. Yes, take the job!” 

At that moment I felt all the apprehension, doubt, and stress leave my body. I felt an amazing peace and started to cry with her. I was ready to let go of what I wanted and follow God’s direction. It was no longer about me. 

I had the interview on Tuesday, and amazingly Ron offered me the position at First Prez! He told me I could take a few days to think about it. But I no longer needed the time to think about it because I had heard from God, so I accepted the position.

I want to encourage you that when you’re in the midst of difficult situations, make time to fast, get into God’s Word, and really listen to what He is saying to you. What does fasting have to do with it? Everything! Believe me, I know first-hand fasting does work. 

1 Kings 17:8 Then the word of the Lord came to him:  “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.”

Let’s be like Elijah, when the word of the Lord comes to us, let’s follow Him. The journey will be amazing!

Prayer: Lord, thank You for always sticking by us even when we try to fight the direction you are leading us towards. Help us to be still, to listen, and follow You even when we don’t know where the path will take us. Help us to put our trust in You! In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

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by Candi Lopes, Children’s Ministry Coordinator

Psalm 127:3 Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him. 

I was listening to my worship playlist this morning, and this song really spoke to me––Love Came Down by Brian Johnson. It made me think of how many times God has come down to rescue me with His Love. 

Since I was in the womb, God loved me and had a plan for me. He brought my biological mother from Indiana, her husband from Missouri, my adoptive mother from Missouri, and my adoptive father from Indiana, all to Hawai’i. Believe in coincidences? Not me; I believe in God’s plan. He created this plan for me, as He does for each and every child from the time they are in their mother’s womb. He brought all these people to this island, at that time, so that I could be adopted by my parents and be raised in this beautiful land with so many more blessings than I could ever express enough gratitude for.

Psalm 127:3 points out the importance God places on children. As the Children’s Ministry Coordinator, I have focused my life around working with children. From a young age, I knew God had placed in my heart a deep love for children. By being the older sister helping with the babies my parents took in through foster care, with the younger siblings to guide and grow with, I have always loved caring and loving children. 

But how can I share that love with more and more children? I knew I always wanted to be like my parents, so when I retire, I will take in foster children. But why do I have to wait? How can I serve foster children now? God calls us to help the orphans, and those who do not have homes, or loving people in their lives.

Yes, I could have gone into social work, but God’s path led me from being a preschool teacher, to children’s ministry at First Prez. Yes, our Ohana Ministry serves children in need. We partner with Family Programs Hawaii when we can, Compassion International, and, in the past, Operation Christmas Child. We travel to places, like Cambodia, to support other ministries working with children in poverty. Our church supports so many orphans through different ministries and financial support. But am I doing enough?

The Message version of Psalm 127:3 says: “Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift? The fruit of the womb His generous legacy?”

How can I get more people to help the orphans? Should I start or join a ministry that promotes this? Should I get support for parents who are deep in the trenches of dealing with what comes with bringing an orphan into their home?

I’m not sure what God wants to do with my life experiences, or the educational and professional development I’ve had, or the blessings He has bestowed upon me. But I do know that I have a deep sense of stewardship with all that He has given me. I know that it wasn’t a coincidence that I was adopted as an infant, and witnessed the inner workings of foster care firsthand. 

What about you? How has the Lord asked you to care for children, especially those in need?

Prayer: Dear Father, we are so honored to be Your children (Your princes and princesses). You have been “too amazing” to us, if there’s ever such a thing. We have done nothing to deserve all You have done, and we know You don’t expect anything in return. You have grown us in so many ways. Continue to show us Your ways, Your love, and the path You have for us, especially during this 40-day fast. We surrender to You, and we thank You for EVERYTHING. In Your Son’s Name, Amen.

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by Chevas Wong, Director of Contemporary Worship

Mark 12:41-44: Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling His disciples to Him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

Hi, Church Family! Yesterday Pastor Dan preached on this scripture passage, and I want to highlight something he said that was meaningful to me, and echo an encouraging reminder. 

“And here Jesus actually saw or heard not a waterfall of coins but just the most faint little clink, clink. And somehow when He heard that, He was greatly moved.” (Pastor Dan, from “How Not To Be Religious”)

God loves our worship. 

Even though I worship Him every day, usually with music, I’ve often woken up feeling discouraged or exhausted or even a little bit frustrated these past few months. And we’re talking first thing in the morning! It’s becoming a normal thing, and I caught myself growing comfortable with it.

For many of us (myself included), this may be a difficult season to rejoice and worship God. But I don’t want to grow comfortable with waking up discouraged or believing I’m too exhausted to rejoice or too frustrated to seek the Lord. I don’t want to grow comfortable putting on a fake smile in front God or self-celebrating any form of insincere rejoicing or worship. 

It’s important to remember that God welcomes us as we are. He loves us. He doesn’t ask us to save ourselves, we don’t need to put on “flowing robes” or appear deserving of heavenly gifts to earn His love and attention and affirmation. He freely gives it, and as we (like children) run to our Father in heaven, what a reward to see our Father running to us! He’s excited for us to know His face and feel His heart and be held in His arms. That’s the hug we need today.

Even as Christians, we can lose certainty of the gospel; we can lose sight of Jesus. And when this happens, the trap of self-dependence or self-righteousness seems to find every opportunity to present itself (falsely) as an easy way to feel wholeness or holiness. But it’s just not true and will always leave us disappointed. It will drag us off course and lead us away from God’s heart. It’s just pretend. 

God has given us guidance on how to keep aware and avoid this trap. During our 40-day fast, let’s embrace and practice what the Bible teaches us: to keep on a cloak of humility, and seek Jesus in everything, and love the presence of God, which is the ultimate joy our soul craves. He will keep our paths straight and sustain our pursuit, and provide us His grace and mercy and love no matter how tired or down we may be. Because God is faithful.

Jesus gives us a great encouragement in this scripture, that even when we are at our wits end, even when we are fatigued, even when we are socially or financially poor, whatever kind of poverty we may live in today, when we choose to trust God and offer Him whatever we have left (as Pastor Dan preached), He always notices it … and He is always moved by it.

Prayer: God, I want to make You happy. I want to rejoice with You and grow more and more comfortable being in Your presence. I’m sorry for the times I turned away from You. If there is something You’d like me to give You, please bring it to mind, and teach me a new song of joy as I give You my worshipful offering. Amen.

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by Pastor Steve Peich

In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to live in the country of Moab, he and his wife and two sons. The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion; they were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. When they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Kilion also died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband. Then Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had blessed his people in Judah by giving them good crops again. So Naomi and her daughters-in-law got ready to leave Moab to return to her homeland.

 …Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back to your mothers’ homes. May the Lord show loving kindness to you, as you have shown to your dead and to me. May the Lord bless you with the security of another marriage.” Then she kissed them good-bye, and they all wept aloud …Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye. But Ruth clung tightly to Naomi. “Look,” Naomi said to her, “your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. You should do the same.” But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said nothing more. So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. (Ruth 1:1-6, 8-18)

As we wind our way through this period of fasting and prayer, where we are yielding our lives to God’s shaping of them, I find this beautiful story so inspiring of what needs to be shaped in me. This is a story of two devastated women who went on an amazing journey together. One was a Jewish woman named Naomi and the other was a Moabite woman named Ruth.

As we just read, their relationship was borne out of tremendous tragedy. First of all, there was a famine in Israel, Naomi’s homeland. So she and her family go to an area that has a long history of being hostile to Jews, Moab, which is on the eastern side of the Dead Sea.

While there Naomi experiences tremendous loss: the loss of a husband and two adult sons. This meant of course that Ruth (and Orpah), the young Moabite brides, had their share of tragic loss as well.

Moreover, given the social context of that era, these losses particularly made Naomi incredibly vulnerable to other losses. For example, the loss of land, the loss of wealth, loss of security, loss of a future, and perhaps most of all, the loss of hope for an older woman. Have you experienced such difficulties and losses in your life? Do you know the journey of frightening vulnerability and weakness?

Ruth 1:6 tells us that after these devastating events, Naomi hears that things are better back in Israel and so she seeks to return. Perhaps she is thinking that at least she can still survive there. Thriving in Moab at this point was pretty much out of the question.

Understandably, the two daughters-in-law wanted to remain with Naomi, but Naomi knows that their best shot at a new life would be in their home country among their own people and family, not in Israel. Eventually Naomi convinces Orpah to go back home, but Ruth makes this amazing statement to Naomi.

“Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.  Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” (vv 16-17)

Notice a couple of quick things. First, for Ruth to make this kind of commitment is an incredible sacrifice. As I alluded to, she had a better a chance for a new husband, having kids, etc. in her own country. She would be safer in Moab than in a country hostile to Moabites, but she instead chooses sacrificial loyalty to Naomi. She chooses a life that is potentially loaded with hardship. Like Jesus, Ruth intentionally steps toward suffering so that Naomi’s life could have a life. Simply put, Ruth put her life at great risk for the sake of another. 

Jesus said, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” and Ruth is doing just that. In fact, some scholars believe the name Ruth means “friend.”

Bottom line, our church, your neighbors, your coworkers need the heart, courage, and compassion of Ruth to flow from you. I don’t care if you are a guy, you still need the heart of Ruth in you. I say that because there are so many folks, male and female, who feel the pain and walk the journey of Naomi.

How does this story of committed love and risk-taking impact your life? Have you known such love and commitment with others? Have you experienced it from God, Himself? Have you ever stepped toward suffering so that others could find life and love amid their own journey of pain and hardship? What is God saying to you today?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me the eyes to see the hardships that are below the surface in others around me. Give me the courage, energy, wisdom, and time to move toward their vulnerability and to serve them as You would. To You be all the glory. Amen

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by Kelly Miyamura, Executive Coordinator of Hakuhia

Mark 12: 28-34 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked Him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

“Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but Him. To love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask Him any more questions.

Todayʻs scripture passage is one of the most well known and frequently quoted passages of the Bible, where Jesus discloses to an earnestly seeking scribe, the greatest of all commandments. If you know Jesus, it is not surprising how the two most important commandments He responds with are about love, not at all about rules or the law (which is ironic given the scribes had identified approximately 613 laws in the Old Testament). Jesus essentially breaks down the two most fundamental truths to being His follower: That we love God with all that we are, surrendering to Him spiritually, mentally, and physically. And that this love is transformative, and should be extended to those in proximity to us in the same ways we would love and care for ourselves. The order is important; loving God comes first because loving others flows from loving God. 

The commandments are a wonderful summary of passages deeply rooted in the Old Testament. However, Jesus’ interaction with the scribe illustrates that it is not just about having theological knowledge that counts, but actually living the commandments Jesus teaches us that is essential. We want to know God, not just know about Him. It is when we know Him, love Him, and live like Him that we experience the Kingdom of God here on earth.

Recently in my work with Hakuhia, the church’s new ministry to steward the 246 acres of ʻāina (land) at Koʻolau, I feel like Iʻm on a discipleship journey. We have the opportunity to make stronger and deeper connections with our local community of Koʻolaupoko, and be a part of cultivating shalom (the wholeness of God) in this place. The journey has led me to meet and have conversations with amazing, inspiring, and faithful leaders of our community. I have learned to see this passage in new ways of expression, through the practice of the four levels of aloha shared with me by Herb Lee, who stewards Waikalualoko Iʻa (fishpond) at the makai end of our ahupuaʻa in Kāneʻohe. 

The four levels of aloha are: (the order is also important)

1. Aloha Mai ke Akua (Love from God)

2. Aloha I loko (The Love inside us of from God - manifested by the Holy Spirit within us)

3. Aloha Kekahi i kekahi (Love for one another)

4. Aloha 'Āina (Love for the land, also part of Godʻs creation, which nurtures us)

Simply put, Aloha mai, Aloha aku (it is all reciprocal and comes from God). This ultimately reflects the two greatest commandments: Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself!

Prayer: Lord, We love You with all that we are. During this 40-Day Fast, make us powerful people of aloha, make us a church that overflows with aloha. Continue to teach us what that means, and all of the ways in which Your love manifests in this world to heal, transform, and bring the Kingdom of God here. Amen. 

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by Kelli Wong, Director of Hospitality, Finance, and Human Resources

Deuteronomy 6:1-9 Moses said: Now this is the commandments—the statues and the ordinances—that the Lord your God charged me to teach you to observe in the land that you are about to cross into and occupy, so that you and your children and your children’s children, may fear the Lord your God all the days of your life, and keep all his decrees and commandments that I am commanding you, so that your days may be long. Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe them diligently, so that it may go well with you, so that you may multiply greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your ancestors has promised you. 

Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when your rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts on your house and on your gates."

As I child I heard, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might," so many times. Everyone knows it. But, what does it mean? 

To me, it means that I should love God with everything, all that I am. Love God always, when things are great and life seems like a dream come true, and when things are difficult and so many things seem to be going wrong … like when the world is going through a pandemic.

In this passage Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the promised land. He is reminding them to keep God’s commandments and to teach them to their children and their children’s children. 

I am a mom of three young boys: Beckett, Brighton, and Bastian. It is a privilege to be their mom and watch them grow, and this passage means so much more to me now that I am a mom. I want my boys to love God with everything that they have, all of themselves. I want them to love God with all their heart, soul, and might, that as they grow up they will know and believe that this is true. I know that it is not only important for me to teach them, but to also show them by how I live my life. I am continuing to learn what it means to bind this commandment as a sign on my hand, fix them as an emblem on my forehead, and write them on the doorposts of my house and gates.

Life is not perfect, and sometimes things don’t go the way we plan. But God tells us in His word, and has shown me, that He has a plan for me and my life. The Israelites were freed from Egypt, then wandered the desert for 40 years, and then God led them to the promised land. That must have been so difficult for the Israelites, but God was with them the whole time and fulfilled His promises to them.

Prayer: God, thank You for loving me. As I go through my day and this week, and our ongoing Fast, would you show me how I can love You with all my heart, soul, and might? Show me how I can teach my community of friends and family to do the same, to keep these words in our hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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by Jeff Page, Director of Young Adults and Gen-X Ministries

When something’s gone wrong and you’re in pain or stressed, who is your first call? 

At the beginning of 2020 I found out through a doctor’s appointment that I have two possible symptoms of a rare and incurable fast-moving cancer. Life expectancy for that possible diagnosis was six months to a year. I was only 38 years old, so the news hit me like a bolt of lightning. 

When it felt like my world was about to fall apart, who was my first call? The Lord our God! That was both a terrifying and a clarifying experience. It was terrifying to think that my time might be so limited. It was clarifying to realize that God alone was capable of helping.

I came face to face with the truth of Psalm 146:3-5: 

“Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.”

What human being could I call for help? Who could I depend on in an extreme moment of distress? Modern medicine offered no support. No doctor could save. Loved ones were able to offer desperately needed emotional support. In that situation and others, we will all someday accept that God is our only hope or help. 

That day I came face to face with what had always been true––my life is in God’s hands, always. He alone is ultimately dependable. He alone can be trusted. Even the best people are finite, limited, and vulnerable. But God can be depended on when everyone else is out of their depth. 

Thankfully I did not have that rare fast-moving cancer, but the lesson of that week has stayed with me: In the most important situations, God alone can be depended on. 

When the bottom drops out of your life, who's your first call? 

Prayer: Lord, You’re my first call. People are finite, limited, and vulnerable, but I can depend on You when everyone else is powerless. May our ongoing church fast help me realize that even more. Amen

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by Matt Yamamoto, Director of High School Ministry

“Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart— they do no wrong but follow His ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying Your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all Your commands. I will praise You with an upright heart as I learn Your righteous laws. I will obey Your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.” (Psalms 119:1-8)

It is so easy to read this passage, roll your eyes, and think to yourself, “That’s nice, but that’ll never be me!” I certainly thought that as I read it myself. When I think of myself, I don’t identify with the words “blameless” or “does no wrong.” When I think of the kind of characteristics that live in that same world, I often think that those standards are impossible. I would love to be that person. It sounds so nice.

If you feel the same way, you are in good company. Not only do I think this way about it, so does the author. I was shocked when I realized this stunning nugget of truth when I read it a second time. 

“Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying Your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all Your commands.” (verses 5-6)

The author is complaining to himself that he would like to be the person he described in the preceding verses. He wished he could follow all of the Lord’s statutes and decrees. I can hear his frustration and shame in not being able to do so.

But he doesn’t give up.

After confessing his shortcomings, he then picks himself back up and declares that he will do better. He proclaims his desire to praise God with all of his heart and to follow all of the Lord’s laws. It is unlikely that the author was blameless from that point on, but that really isn’t the point. 

This man’s journey is my journey. It is easy to give up when we fall, and I am sure that it was some kind of failure that brought the author to this point. In fact, it would seem like it was something pretty spectacular because he begs God to “not utterly forsake” him. What was most important though was his desire to try again and to move forward toward pleasing God in his worship and actions.

I have failed in my life in ways that have hurt me and hurt others. I have let people down, and I’ve let God down. That being said, the righteous don’t get there because they have never erred. They become righteous because they have made mistakes AND have grown from them. We can’t get there through human effort alone. Only through an attitude like the author’s, trust in God, and His presence in our life will we be able to be counted among the blameless.

Prayer: May I not give up so easily when I fail You, Lord, or let other people down. I know that I’m prone to sin and make mistakes, but I also know that I should get up, claim Your forgiveness, learn from my mistakes, and resume living my life for You with joy! May the Fast that I’m on get me to a posture of “let Thy will be done” in my life. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen

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