Moving site to Bible2Blog.com

Aloha readers! (or is this just a note to self?)

I’ve been in transition the past few weeks. After attending a WordPress WordCamp and BarCamp techie gatherings in Miami, FL last month;  I’ve decided to take blogging to the next level and get it off the WordPress servers and learn the process of self-hosting. I’m still working diligently on this – and it’s much more than I thought but a great learning experience.  Which means I haven’t had much time for the “writing” of the blog itself. I will be doing SOAP on the Experiencing God workbook – however I’m still transitioning the site, along with other life responsibilities.

What does this mean???s

I will no longer be posting to this particular blog – it has been copied and hopefully not lost its content during the transition and can be seen on its new site www.Bible2Blog.com !  In a few weeks I will be forwarding all www.elehua808.com to the Bible2Blog.com address. This means that there’s two sites and both are up and running – the newer one needs to be updated with my last post and more tweaking but it’s readable and I’ve just opened it up for the web crawlers to begin searching it’s content – so the floodgates are now open!

I’ve learned a lot during this process, it’s a never-ending endeavor. Although I’ve been challenged to do my SOAP, my reading and prayer time – devotionals remain the same. Upon awaking and before going to bed – I spend some time in God’s Word. He is still my rock and my foundation. I know that I cannot do any of this without him and the blessed family he has given me. I know that whatever I can learn and apply – I need to do everything as I would unto the Lord.

I have been inspired and motivated to work on several projects simultaneously – which is usually how we go through life – my words will just be online in various fashions; self-teaching of web design & a little programming; re-learning how to write and write often. I’m going back to my roots, or shall I say my early college years when I studied journalism and communications – before the internet and social media – I’m going back to writing. I’ll be creating several blogs over the next year and I’ll be doing Freelance Writing to pay some bills. Along with this I’ll be continuing my trek on social media and becoming the Social Media Strategist – and seeing how that can be used for businesses as well as in ministry and helping missions work.  There’s lots more to come. Bare with me as I work on the tech side, which means my writing will sit on hold in the ‘mindmapping’ stage – til I can get it all out in words!

Follow this new blog on Twitter @Bible2Blog and my personal Twitter to see my daily babble @mLehua.

Thanks for stopping by, please let me know what you think in the comment section of www.Bible2Blog.com

God’s Will and Your Life: Day 1 – Jesus is Your Way

March 7, 2010

Let’s begin!

Reading: Experiencing God: Unit 1 – God’s Will and Your Life – Day 1 Jesus is Your Way

S – Scripture: John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

O – Observation:

The introduction of this study explains that this is NOT a “program” nor a “method” but a “love relationship with God. Through this relationship God reveals His will and invites you to join Him where He is already at work.

John 15:5 is the example of Jesus is “I” and you and I are the “you” – when you think about a vine and its branches – you’ll understand that if the grape branches are not connected to the vine which provides its water and nutrients – the branch will die. This is a simple analogy of Jesus saying, he’s the vine and we are the branches of the vine, if we are not connected to Him, then like a vine branch, we will die. We are nothing without the life-blood, the nutrients that feed our souls.

Here’s a link to blueletterbible.com – check out Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, CA Pastor Chuck Smith’s audio message on John 15.

The important parts of this study are on page 8 which clearly states some of the expectations, hopes and desires, that people have about going through the Experiencing God series – “Looking for More in Your Experience of God:”

• Hear when God is speaking to you
• Clearly identify the activity of God in your life
• Believe Him to be and do everything He promises
• Adjust your beliefs, character, and behavior to Him and His ways
• See a direction that He is taking in your life and what He wants to do through your life
• Clearly know what you need to do in response to His activity in your life and
• Experience God doing through you what only God can do!

A – Application:

There are so many great scriptures in each daily study of each Unit in Experiencing God. I can only choose one. It’s great to be excited about each scripture opening up to me as I pray to ask God to reveal His ways to me. Applying today’s study is a reminder that we need to have a personal relationship with Christ before we can even begin to understand what His Word is teaching us. And if we separate ourselves from God, we will wither and die, for we are no longer feed and given our life source, our nutrients to survive in this world.

John 14:26 (in the side bars of the workbook) it says, “Your Teacher” – who is your teacher? The Holy Spirit. “The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things.” We can be thankful that all of the things we hope to get out of our daily devotions and studying the word of God, studying Experiencing God, does not and cannot come from “head knowledge” but from having a personal relationship with Christ and the Holy Spirit will be our teacher and reveal 1^st Corinthians 2:14 to us.

P – Prayer:

I ask that the Lord forgive me for my sins. I seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and ask that spiritually I be aware of the things that God would like to reveal to me, through his word.  I am thankful that I live in a country that is allows me to learn and study the Holy Bible freely. I pray that I can share the things that I learn and it would help others to seek the Lord for themselves. In Jesus name, amen.

© elehua808 – 2010- All Rights Reserved

Changing Patterns – Journaling from Experiencing God

Today’s Date: March 7, 2010

Devotional Journaling from Experiencing God

I’ve decided along with my daily devotional readings from various “Reading Lists” of which I have mentioned when I first began my journal earlier this year, I would like to go back to The Experiencing God series and journal on one unit each week for the next twelve weeks.  What’s nice about doing this is that I can review and refresh what I learned in a great study and I’ll have scripture verses and topics that I can expand on in my devotional journal.  Although I’m the type of person who likes consistency, and changing Reading Lists may seem inconsistent; as I’ve done it several times since the beginning. However, the goal wasn’t to do one Reading List and journal from that, but to stay in the Word daily and journal from one scripture that stood out to me. It’s been a challenge to journal daily, as many people would agree. It’s easier to do on private notebook at home that no one might stumble upon and read, critique, edit, etc – and I know most people don’t post and critique and make sure their spelling etc is passable. However doing this is something that keeps me growing as to what I feel God is teaching me skills and discipline.  I know people are reading this, as small as it may seem so that keeps me going. I also know that as I grow in my walk with the Lord, I can share and hopefully encourage others to do the same through example.

In the next twelve weeks or so, we will have completed a great study by Henry Blackaby and Claude King. Each unit has five daily studies. I’ll pick scriptures and passages from the study to journal on. You can look at their website where I read my daily devotions and see how the study of Experiencing God works very well with their devotional. www.blackaby.org You can also follow along if you decide to get the Experiencing God workbook check out Amazon.com or Christianbooks.com – The only prerequisite to this study is that you have a personal relationship with Christ. You can click here: “How to Know God.”

In 1^st Corinthians 2:14, “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” In order to get the most of this you need to have the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God dwelling in you. Take time to make sure that you know:

• Romans 3:23 – All have sinned.
• Romans 6:23 – Eternal life is a free gift of God.
• Romans 5:8 – Because of love, Jesus paid the death penalty for your sins.
• Romans 10:9-10 – Confess Jesus as Lord and believe God raised Him from the dead.
• Romans 10:13 – Ask god to save you and He will.

Still not sure if you have a personal relationship with God? Click here – How to Know God – go ahead, check it out. When you’re done, come back and we’ll begin together. I’ll be waiting right here. It’s okay, go on now.

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Surrendering to God

Today’s Date: March 5, 2010

Surrender It All to God

Today’s reading reminds me of the song, “I Surrender All” which I’ll include here. Thanks for visiting and keeping in His Word which binds us and molds us to be the character that He wants of us.

Reading: Mark 12

S – Scripture:

The Widow’s Offering

⁴¹ Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. ⁴² Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.^[j]

⁴³ Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. ⁴⁴ For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”

O – Observation:

It’s easy to say that when we give to whatever person, entity, church, organization etc – we feel good. That’s usually a given. But for the most part we don’t give till it hurts. One might say that’s not being a good steward if we gave all that we have.  In another sense if God is asking you to give all that you have so that you are not held by the things of this world, would we be able to give it all up? Our house, car, job, family? That’s a lot to ask for. Jesus wants all of what holds us. He asked it of Moses. He asked it of his disciples. He asked it of the rich man. My question to myself should be what God is asking me to give to him. And what is he asking me to give up, so that nothing hinders me from serving him without excuses or boundaries?

A – Application:

I can apply this scripture to my life by asking the Lord to allow me to not hold on to the things of this world. I know that the Lord will provide for my needs, but do I trust him to provide? I pray that I can trust and obey.

P – Prayer:

Father I ask that you forgive me for all my sins. I ask that I not hold on to the things of the world. I ask that I am able and willing to give everything and every person – surrender to Christ. So that He is in control over all things. In Jesus name, Amen.

© elehua808 – 2010- All Rights Reserved

Thoughts: What You Fill Your Mind With

Today’s Date: March 4, 2010

You Are What You Fill Your Mind With

Reading: Blackaby’s Devotional 3/4/2010

Phil 4:8 and Matt 12:34

S – Scripture:

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—-meditate on these things.
Philippians 4:8

Matthew 12:34 (New Living Translation) “You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.”

O – Observation:

Blackaby notes: Some Christians allow the world to fill their minds with ungodly thinking. Some people seem drawn to concentrate on the negative, choosing to be pessimistic about everything. Some remain satisfied with thinking of the mundane. Others fail to intentionally place Scripture in their thoughts, choosing instead to adopt human reasoning. Others, however, choose to expose their minds to the truths of God – to that which is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and good.

The things you allow your mind to dwell on will be revealed by the way you live.  If you focus on negative things, you will inevitably be a negative person.  If you allow unholy thoughts to fill your mind, ungodliness will become common in your life.  If you fill your mind with thoughts of Christ, you will become Christ-like. What you fill your mind with is a matter of choice. Choose to concentrate on the magnificent truths of God, and they will create in you a noble character that brings glory to God.”

Many people think if they don’t “act” on the things that they fill their mind with, then it’s ‘okay’ to continue filling their mind with that same information. I’ve had lengthy discussions with people who say it’s ok to watch things like soap operas, television shows, read romance novels etc – all of which contribute to the values of this world. The world’s view – which I’ve commented on in the past – is just that, the world’s view. The world says it’s ok to break the commandments of the bible and to do what the majority of the population is doing – do what feels good – not what is right and expected and pleasing to God. Because of this, we need to think about what we fill our mind with. It’s not easy. I noticed over the years that my mind would deem it acceptable behavior (whatever was going on around me) based on what I was watching on TV, or exposed to in the news, and especially the people I was hanging out with.  I needed a positive environment. I stopped watching a lot of regular television programs and only saw Food Network and Home and Garden. I even stopped watching the news as it was filling my mind with stuff I didn’t want to dwell on.

Not long ago, friends of mine, along with many other Christians were fascinated with a so-called love story of a vampire and whatever else I’m not sure. It wasn’t of God. These people described their interest as a love story, nothing more.  However there seemed to be an unhealthy obsession that wasn’t of God. My question to them is, what does the bible say about vampires? How does that mind occupation with these books and movies and actors – help them to grow closer to the Lord? Sure I have interests that are not based on biblical study. I watch things like the Food Network, and like Mickey Mouse, but it’s not devil worship. Nor do I have a morbid relation to people sucking the blood life out of others. In addition, I give ample time to studying the bible and doing things that edify my growth to my family and Christ. I believe that if something or someone – draws you away from your family, your responsibilities, and Christ – we need to refocus on why this thing or person is so important and work on that issue – not delve deeper into the fantasy of escape.

If you’re interested on what the bible says about vampires here’s an interesting reply from gotquestions.org click here to read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/vampires.html What’s interesting to note, not only young tween girls are affected by the lore of the story, but young women, both single and married need to search their lives and see if this applies to their life and walk with Christ.

It’s interesting to note – if you study the bible the same about of time that you spend on your other “choices” of mind dwelling – that the Word of God will win – allow God to dwell in your heart and mind.

A – Application:

I can apply these scriptures to my life by remembering that everything I do, observe, and absorb – are things that I meditate on. It may not be my intention to stop and ponder on the many things that I am willingly and unwillingly exposed to in my daily life; however I will balance myself by dwelling in the Word of God daily – through devotions, biblical teachings, readings, radio programs – so that I can draw closer to the Lord and focus on the things of the Lord.

P – Prayer:

Father I ask that you help me to know and do your will. I ask that you forgive me for all my sins. I ask that you guide me and help me to do what is right in your will and be a positive person, a person of passion for you, a person that concentrates on the truths of God – so that my character brings glory to you. In Jesus name, Amen.

© elehua808 – 2010- All Rights Reserved

Possibilities

Today’s Date: March 02, 2010

Reading: Mark 10:13-31

S – Scripture: Mark 10:27 “Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”

O – Observation:

Today’s reading is based on the conversation that Jesus had with his disciples when Jesus told them that vs. 15 “I tell you the truth anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”  A man ran up to Jesus and asked him what he must he do to inherit the eternal life? Jesus told the man he must know the commandments. The man replied that he did know the commandments and followed them. Then Jesus told the man to sell all he had and to follow him. The man was sad because he was wealthy. Jesus said it was very hard for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God.  His disciples than asked him, v 26, “Then who in the world can be saved?”  That’s when Jesus replied with vs. 27.

I choose today’s scripture to write my journal on because I’ve heard it spoken many times, in claim for everything that people would want or need. However we need to remember the context of this particular verse is said to the disciples and all the people to hear, that we alone, on our own, cannot do anything to earn our way to eternity – because it’s not in our human nature to do such an impossible act. Only through Jesus, He dying on the cross for our sins – through the grace of God, are we able to do all things possible – like the camel going through the eye of a needle. An impossible act by our human standards – yet nothing, even this, is impossible for God.

A – Application:

When I’m approached with circumstances in my life where I can’t figure it out, don’t know where to go or what to do next – I have to be reminded that I can do nothing on my own. I should always go to the Lord first for guidance and direction. I need to know that Jesus has a process and a plan – I may not be privileged to that plan. I am not always in the “know” of what’s happening to me. I am human and I make errors. I need to be corrected and sometimes shoved in the right direction. I am often in need to humble myself and do things that I don’t want to do, so that God can take control of the situation. I ask the Lord to use me for his good and in his will – but I need to be moldable like clay in order to be used. I ask that the Lord continue to mold me and use me for his work.

Also check out my journal entry on Matt 19:26

P – Prayer:

Lord I ask that you forgive me for my sins. I thank you for your love and mercy on my life and those around me. I ask that you guide me to where I need to go, be, do. I ask that those I am around, if I offend them that they would tell me so I can correct myself if that is in the way I need to go and that we can grow together. I ask that your hand of protection be on my family and friends. I ask that you show us your will and that we are able to serve you and know your blessings in all that you need us to do for your work here. In Jesus name, Amen.

© elehua808 – 2010- All Rights Reserved

Let Go and Let God

Today’s Date: Feb 28, 2010

Going All In – Let Go and Let God

Reading: I Thessalonians 5:12-28

S – Scripture: I Thess 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

O – Observation:

Paul wrote to the church of Thessalonians – to recognize those who work around you, those who teach you more about Jesus; warn those who are unruly, comfort the faint, uphold the weak, be patient with all. Paul than said to in vs 16-18 to always rejoice, pray without stopping, and in EVERYTHING give thanks – which would mean in good times and bad, give thanks, for this is God’s will.

A – Application:

We are always to praise God, give thanks in no matter what is happening, and as this is God’s will. It’s easy to read a passage, but following the Words of obedience, the direction that Paul is giving the members of the church are not always easy. Then again, no one said it would be easy. It’s just what makes God happy. So then if we are to live our lives as followers of Jesus, and we wish to do God’s will – then this is our instructions.

How do we push through all the challenges that come our way? Through prayer.

How do we overlook what is occurring in our life and the world around us? We don’t. We need to take one step at a time.

This past weekend our pastor shared that his dad passed away on Wednesday, he, our pastor, was going to teach on heaven. It was a good message. One that we need to hear often. Do we know where we are going when we die? Do we know where our friends and family are going when they die? Is the “sting” of death, less when we know where our loves ones go when they die? Yes.

Yesterday my home state was threatened with a tsunami warning; the entire state came to a stand as they prepared for the worse disaster. They had lots of time to prepare, unlike a Hurricane that comes much quicker. It was interesting to watch and listen and wonder, what everyone was thinking. When you live on a little island out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, there’s nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, you are basically stranded to wait for earth to splash water on you and say boo, or swallow you up. The effects of the earthquake in Chili the day before. Another earthquake in Okinawa, Japan – has rippling effects on the tiny bumps we call islands – Hawaii. After much anxiety, patience, practice, and follow through – my home state made it through without a scratch. The Lord gave us grace.  How many more offerings of grace will we have? I don’t know about you but I want to be prepared. I pray my family and friends are open to hearing God’s call on their lives so that one day when they die, they will know that they will go to heaven to and never need to wonder, and that those of us left on this earth, will have less of a sting, when they are gone.

P – Prayer:

Father I ask for your forgiveness. I ask that you forgive me for my sins. How I speak, act, react, to those around me. Help me to see what I am doing and make right those in my life that I need to make right to. Help those that are hardened to you. Open their hearts and minds to know that it’s not about another person or thing, but a relationship between you and them. I ask that you show us grace and mercy on an ongoing basis. I pray that I am open to your Word and guidance, your wisdom, knowledge, and will. In Jesus name, Amen.

© elehua808 – 2010- All Rights Reserved

I’ve been reading my devos on my blackberry

I’ve been reading my devos on my blackberry, and apologize I haven’t had a chance to blog due to illness & all day classes this weekend. Attended WordCamp & BarCamp both in Miami to learn more about blogging & social media. I’ll be changing the way I blog and ideas have been sowed.

Why Did Jesus Speak in Parables?

Today’s Date: Feb 19, 2010

Reading: Leviticus 7:28-9:6 ~ Mark 3:31-4:25 ~ Psalm 37:12-29 ~ Proverbs 10:5

S – Scripture:

Mark 4:33-34 “Jesus used many similar stores and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.

O – Observation:

Today’s scriptures goes well with Jan 19, 2010 journal entry entitled, “Storytelling Secrets.”  That was from the book of Matthew. Now Mark is confirming that Jesus taught in parables, yet with his disciples he went into detail of exactly what he was telling them. It’s always great to hear a great speaker, but if you’re one of the “inner circle” or being “mentored” by that leader – you will have the inside “scope” so to speak – of what they are really saying. In today’s world we are always trying to figure out what the successful business person’s secrets are, or what the athlete does to be ahead of everyone else in their field, or how a one person can share their vast amount of knowledge to the masses.

In the times of Jesus, he had 12 disciples that he taught personally. Yes he would go out and teach large crowds of people, but it was his disciples who had his ear, they were able to ask questions and clarify what his teachings were. In today’s world we do similar things. One person can teach millions of people, however they have a small group of people they mentor, because they know they cannot do all the work and when they are no longer able to get their message out, someone else can carry on their work.

GotQuestions.org has a explanation:  http://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-parables.html

Here’s an excerpt: Matt 13:10 Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive; For the hearts of this people have grown dull.

From this point on in Jesus’ ministry, when He spoke in parables, He explained them only to His disciples. But those who had continually rejected His message were left in their spiritual blindness to wonder as to His meaning. He made a clear distinction between those who had been given “ears to hear” and those who persisted in unbelief—ever hearing, but never actually perceiving and “always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7).

A – Application:

In today’s verses I am reminded that Jesus left us the Holy Spirit to disciple us – along with his people who are gifted as teachers and pastors to teach us what is written in the Word of God. I was not there during the time that Jesus walked the earth, however he said that he would leave us the Holy Spirit and God’s Word (the Bible) to help us, to mentor us, to explain the details of our past, future, God’s will and how we should live our lives and purpose.

P – Prayer:

Father I thank you for your Word. Without the Word of God – our lives are null and void. Give us the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to do your will, understand your Word, and serve with a grateful heart. In Jesus name, amen.

© elehua808 – 2010- All Rights Reserved

Commitment and Trust

Today’s Date: Feb 18, 2010

Reading: Leviticus 6:1-7:27 ~ Mark 3:7-30 ~ Psalm 37:1-11 ~ Proverbs 10:3-4

S – Scripture:

Psalm 37:5 NKJV Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.

O – Observation:

OYBB: Do you commit everything you do to God? EVERYTHING? Your waking life? Your sleeping life? Your job? Your relationships? Your family? Your finances? Your time? If so, do you trust that God will help you in everything you do in your life?

I also read Blackaby’s devotional today and he talks about “taking up your cross.” Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (Matthew 16:24) Here’s an excerpt: Your “cross” is God’s will for you, regardless of the cost. Taking up your cross is a choice; it is not beyond your control.

In observation of today’s scripture verse we are to commit “your way” to the Lord – which means whatever we are doing we need to give it up to God, Trust Him – but what does it mean that He will bring “it” to pass? The NLT says, Commit everything you do to the Lord.Trust him, and he will help you. The Amplified Bible says, “Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.” And The Message bible says, “Open up before God, keep nothing back; he’ll do whatever needs to be done.”

A – Application:

I can apply this scripture to my life by looking at the words “commit” and “trust” – Simplified I need to commit everything in my life to Christ and I need to trust that He will take care of everything. I need not do everything on my own and then go to God. I need to go to Him first in all things. Be committed as a Christ follower.

P – Prayer:

Father forgive me for my sins. Help me, my unbelief. Increase my faith in all things. Help me to know and do your will – so that I can “take up my cross” and commit and trust in you. In Jesus name, amen.

© elehua808 – 2010- All Rights Reserved