By

Rod Shimabukuro
ADVENT is derived from a Latin word, translated as “COMING or ARRIVAL.”  Advent has traditionally been known as a time when Christ’s followers prepare their hearts to celebrate “the COMING or ARRIVAL OF GOD”  – 4 Sundays prior to Christmas Day. Don’t you agree as Christians, we can all fall into the trap of “preparing for the...
SCRIPTURE Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” 37 He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. 38 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of...
SCRIPTURE Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in...
SCRIPTURE 1 Peter 4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. OBSERVATION It’s...
SCRIPTURE Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9 OBSERVATION Peter addresses Christians who are...
God has poured out His solid, vast and deep love in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:8), and He calls us to SHOW GOD and SHARE HIS ALOHA.
SCRIPTURE Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 1 Peter 2:13-14 (ESV) OBSERVATION Up to this point in his letter, Peter has established who...
SCRIPTURE 1 Peter 2:1 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. 2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a...
SCRIPTURE Through Christ, you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. 22 You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as...
SCRIPTURE Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 1 Peter 1:3-4...
1 2 3

Pastor Rod

Pastor Rod has been in ministry for more than 38 years. He has shepherded and overseen a variety of ministries, including children’s, youth, college, community/missions, discipleships/small groups, worship and the arts, as well as assisting and consulting with several church planters. Since moving back to Honolulu from Kansas City in 2000, Rod has served on Pastor Wayne Cordeiro’s executive team at New Hope O‘ahu. He has pastored the New Hope Mānoa ‘ohana since January 2015.

Recent Articles

– This week from Pastor Rod –
April 23, 2025
Peter: An Everyday Disciple
April 19, 2025
Pastor, what do you believe about giving: tithes & offerings?
April 12, 2025