Share this weekʻs Lent devotional: Ask, Seek, Knock

March 4, 2016

Contributed by Nadine Lagaso

Fortunately for all of us, God has made it clear that He wants us to draw near to Him. Think about it for a minute. The Creator of all things and the most powerful force in the universe has invited us to ASK things of Him, SEEK Him and His wisdom and KNOCK on His door! Therefore, we never have to question if God is listening to us because He has invited us to come to Him.

In my personal faith journey, I have developed a strong belief that the key to drawing closer to God is plainly revealed in Matthew 7:7-8. We are all invited to reach out to Him in order to build a relationship, and He assures us that if we pursue Him we will find Him and He will respond to our call. In essence, we have a roadmap.

Because we are humans, following this simple roadmap (ASK, SEEK, KNOCK) isn’t as easy as it might seem. For any number of reasons we sometimes become “lost sheep” as we fail to follow directions and suddenly we find ourselves wandering aimlessly through life.

From my own personal experience, these periods are sometimes long and unpleasant – but they often end with a valuable lesson that is directly from God. While His grace seems limitless, I believe He sometimes deals with us more firmly by helping us see the truth. I am thankful that God applies both grace and truth to conform us to His likeness, and I expect that He rejoices when we return to the flock.

Teen Take
By Keiki Kahu Elisha Fronda KSK’16

In this modern age, the simplest of things such as “knocking on a door” are an afterthought and considered outdated; motion censored doors, electronic passcodes, and electronic buttons are the norm. To reconnect with God, it will require us to reevaluate our obsession with modern technology and revamp our lifestyles.

I often see many of my peers, and sometimes catch myself, constantly staring in to the depths of my phone. A recent study gave the alarming statistic that an average American spends 4.7 hours on their phone daily. Rather than locking your gaze on the technology in your hands, I challenge you to raise your line of sight to the sky. This may require a newly concentrated effort, but the mental and spiritual benefits are life changing.

From personal experience, I took a trip to Kalaupapa where there was no cell phone service, which required me to let go of my obsession with modern technology. This opportunity opened my mind back up to what was true and pure, and allowed me to establish more genuine relationships with new people.

Even though it may seem old school, try to put down your phone and fix your eyes up above. In Mathew 7:7-8, it says that God is ready with open arms; all you have to do is ask, seek, and knock. “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds.” Mathew speaks with the positive hope that everyone has the ability to tap in to the love of God, and that it is very doable with the simple roadmap he lays out (ask, seek, knock).

I may not know exactly what you are going through, but try not to get lost (as it says in Luke 15:1-7) in the things of this world. God has shared a roadmap to establishing a deeper relationship with Him. So although it may not be as easy as opening a motion-censored door, try knocking on God’s door today and see what He has to offer.

Download this week’s Lent devotional

WHAT:
Hawaiian-focused devotionals created for use by KS students, families and others during the season of Lent. Each devotional includes a scripture in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and English, student and staff member messages, a pule, hīmeni and more.

WHO:
Developed by KS Kapālama Kahu (chaplain) Kordell Kekoa, KS Maui Kahu Kalani Wong, KS Hawaiʻi Kahu Kaunaloa Boshard and KS Cultural Specialist Hauʻoli Akaka.

WHY:
To honor the deep Christian faith of KS founder Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop.

WHEN:
The remainder of the devotionals will be posted to the KS I Mua Newsroom every Friday leading up to Easter.

DOWNLOAD THIS WEEK’S DEVOTIONAL

View the videos on this page for an introduction to the Lent devotionals by nā kahu o Kamehameha, and to sing along with this week’s devotional hymn.

NĀ kahu o Kamehameha introduce their Lent devotional series

KS Kapālama Kahu Kordell Kekoa, KS Maui Kahu Kalani Wong and KS Hawaiʻi Kahu Kaunaloa Boshard share an inspirational message on how to draw God closer in your everyday life. Nā kahu developed weekly Lent devotionals that will be posted to the KS I Mua Newsroom on Ash Wednesday, and every Friday leading up to Easter.

KS Chief Financial Officer Scott Topping (right) shares his manaʻo on seeking God’s wisdom as part of this week’s Lent devotional. KS Kapālama Kahu Kordell Kekoa (left) helped develop the Lent series.

KSK Kahu Kordell Kekoa, KSM Kahu Kalani Wong and KSH Kahu Kaunaloa Boshard developed the Lent series. View their intro to the devotionals in the video below.

KSK Keiki Kahu Elisha Fronda encourages others to evaluate their obsession with modern technology to cultivate a closer relationship with God in this week’s devotional.

KSK keiki kahu Elisha Fronda, Christian Danielson, Kiana Camara, Tavehi Tafiti and keiki kahu Makamae Nottage sing the hymn, “He’s Alive” as part of this week’s devotional. Sing along by viewing the video below.