tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9444873841482435582024-03-19T15:15:12.345-07:00The Cornerstone WomanA Life That CountsHelen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944487384148243558.post-23527249397419931762015-10-01T09:10:00.000-07:002016-05-16T21:55:58.846-07:00Lust and Adultery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23262"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">27</span></strong></sup> “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’</span><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23263"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">28</span></strong></sup> But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.</span> <span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23264"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">29</span></strong></sup> If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.</span> <span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23265"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">30</span></strong></sup> And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.</span> </em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>~</em></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Matthew 5:27-30 NIV</span></span></span></div>
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The verses above are the words of Jesus Christ. I notice how He puts life to the old law "Do not commit adultery". Adultery as we understand is the situation when a spouse is having an affair or is involved in an act of infidelity. <em>"But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." </em>The word <u>lustfully</u> indicates that action is not the gauge of morality, but rather morality is the driving force behind the action. Looking at a woman is not immoral but when you entertain a lustful thought or desire through the use of your eyes, according to the bible, is simply adultery. At that point you broke the law and you have sinned.<br />
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Sin begins in the heart, the throne of the Holy Spirit. We will all be judged according to the condition of our hearts. Jesus emphasized the strict importance of keeping the whole body blameless. If other parts of the body are used to feed the corruption of the heart then they should be detached from the body to protect the whole. <em> "It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell."</em> God gave us the parts of our bodies so that we could worship Him while we enjoy this life and all of His creation. In this world there are things that come to our awareness through our God-given senses. The sad thing is - that awareness teases our selfishness causing us to desire the things that we sense. Slowly we transfer our worship from God to the things that we desire. We give up what is pure for the sake of satisfying ourselves.<br />
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Adultery begins when we let our desired-object take the place of God in our hearts. When a man looks at a woman <em>lustfully</em>, he desires her and thus hates his own wife. Therefore he sins against God. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>God help my heart to choose your approval over my desires.</em></span>Helen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944487384148243558.post-25848016343843829972012-01-08T12:00:00.000-08:002012-01-13T12:59:39.825-08:00New Project<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>"The strain and pressure to abide by traditional religious forms all begin to pale in importance as we function in faith as the people of God who glorify His Name and honor His Presence."</em></span> ~ A. W. Tozer</span></div><br />
It's been almost twelve years since we started attending Cornerstone Christian Church (CCC). We served there as if there was no tomorrow. Tim served as a deacon -with a term as the chairman of the board. He preached and led small group bible studies, Sunday school, and special events such as Easter, Christmas Eve Services, Family Fest, etc. I helped in the Women's and Children's ministries. For many years our whole family spent our Sunday evenings serving in AWANA Club. In addition to all that, my children were all involved in Children's Church, and Youth Group as helpers. Brahms regularly played in the Youth Band and now he is the Band Leader in Training. Those are the only ones I can remember at the moment. In other words we were heavily involved as a family. There is no slacking in the Lewis house when it comes to serving at our local church.<br />
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In the midst of all that involvement with Cornerstone, God has allowed us to venture in directions that were not within the boundaries of our plans. About six months ago, we came across a newly planted church - Folsom Community Church (FCC). We saw a great need there. Hence we decided to encourage the workers by being available to help them. Tim helped in preaching and planning along with the other leaders. He also helped with music along with Brahms and Miriam. Helen volunteered to help with the children.<br />
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The experience is refreshing. We felt that the amount of resources (energy, time, etc.) we invested at FCC made a huge difference. And that is a good thing! However, at a certain point it became challenging to maintain conflicting commitments between the two congregations. <br />
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With that in mind and for the sake of excellence of service, we asked Cornerstone to commission us to go serve at FCC for a year. We believe that this step will expand CCC's influence through our family and promote brotherhood between the CCC and FCC. This is our mission for the year 2012. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="color: #3d85c6;">"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in <strong>Jerusalem</strong>, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: small;">~ Acts 1:8 NIV</span></em></span></div><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><em></em></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Folsom is our Jerusalem. God commanded us to also go beyond into Judea and Samaria. However, because of modern transportation and the lure of better living, some Judeans and Samarians have moved to Jerusalem. FCC's goal is to reach the Filipino communities around the area and we want to be part of that! Who knows what we will be led to do again next year, but it's all exciting. May the God Almighty, who is our ultimate boss, find pleasure in what we are doing. </div>Helen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944487384148243558.post-73018954200483053732011-09-10T22:31:00.000-07:002015-10-01T08:36:33.951-07:00When Climate Changes...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was viewing my friend's pictures on Facebook when my attention was diverted to a huge sign posted on the background building. "<em>Climate Change: Act and Adapt</em>" That got my attention. This is related to a British campaign to cut <a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2008/27/contents">carbon emissions</a>. Being me, I began to weigh the truth and meaning of the phrase. <br />
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Change is a shifting of conditions and of things. Change is constantly happening - environmental climate, social climate, emotional climate, financial climate, and spiritual climate. Our climate changes us but we can choose the manner that we are changed.<br />
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Action is what we do externally. Our actions are regulated by the force that lies inside - the heart. Ideally, it is the implementation of a carefully laid plan. But when the heart is not properly harnessed, it gets corrupted by our circumstances. In which case, the resulting action is very random and undependable. <br />
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Change is not bad. It is what we do in response that will ultimately upgrade or devalue our class. We can capitalize on change to achieve noble goals or be a victim of change because we did not adapt. To adapt is to absorb some of the changes around us without compromising the integrity of the heart. To preserve our integrity in the eyes of God while withstanding environmental changes requires choosing to change behaviors that are detrimental. We all know that wisdom and understanding only come to us by God's grace. The ability to choose well improves with our closeness to God and His precepts.<br />
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<em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">God allows change to test our hearts.</span></em> Sometimes He funnels blessing into our hands so that we could mature; in turn bless others when we spread the joys of having. In the book of <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2012:13-21&version=NIV">Luke 12:13-21</a> we read about a man who changed to be a very rich man. He liked the change on the <u>quantity of the blessings</u> but he did not act to adapt to the situation that was changing his heart. He had so much that all he saw was the blessing. He was too busy managing his wealth to notice his own shifting character. The smoke of selfishness and greed clouded his heart. He missed his chance to use his prosperity as a staging point of love to glorify God and to care for others. The next day he was going to die and rot. He lived a wasted life. A positive change for a negative result.<br />
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=job&version=NIV">Job's</a> life was changed when God allowed Satan to test the integrity if his allegiance to God. He lost everything but he remained faithful to God. His conditions changed when he lost all his family and wealth. "<em>God has made my heart faint; </em><em>the Almighty has terrified me. </em><em>Yet I was not silenced by the darkness, by the thick darkness that covers my face."</em> (Job 23:16-17 NIV). Job had two options in dealing with the severe changes in his life: 1) to passively allow his tragic circumstances to weaken his faith in God or 2) to consciously choose to strengthen his faith by reminding himself of the majesty of God.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><em>God allows change to renew our circumstances.</em> </span> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ruth&version=NIV">Ruth</a> was a Moabites. Through her marriage to a Jew she gradually learned about God. Her knowledge was changing her mind and heart. Soon her husband and father-in-law died. Mother-in-law, Naomi, now returns to her home land - Israel. It was time for Ruth to choose between her people and those of her mother-in-law's that worshipped the God that she now knows. She could have chosen to stay home and later marry another man in Moab. Yet she followed her mother in law Naomi because she knew that was the right thing to do. God honored her righteousness and preserved her. She would soon be included in the lineage of Christ. A negative change for a positive result. <br />
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<em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">God allows change to renew us.</span> </em> <em>"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day</em>" (2 Corinthians 4:16). Sometimes we see changes that seem to endanger our stability. It happened before (Acts 19:23-41) and we see it happen now as in the recent economic downturn. People do drastic moves to preserve status quo. We can't even take a few degrees change in the temperature. We turn on the heater when the mercury drops and turns on the AC when it rises. Change continues around us and maintaining or improving our comfort level seems to be the business of our lives. We spend so much time fighting the effects of change. We are so concerned about the shifting world climate that we ignore the shifting of our hearts. David became aware of this internal change that he asked God, "<em>create in me a clean heart ...and renew a right spirit within me</em>." He realized that his heart was no longer the same. His circumstances have moved him further away from God. David took this time to seek the only thing he needed - God's grace. <br />
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When our circumstances and fortunes change, it is time to get closer to God. When our circumstances change it is not our job to undo the external change but to prevent the deterioration of our hearts.<br />
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Helen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944487384148243558.post-24099226492496533612011-04-06T12:25:00.000-07:002011-04-06T12:25:12.666-07:00GOSPELI thought I'd share this a very interesting and thorough five-minute presentation of the gospel. <br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/20960385" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/20960385">G.O.S.P.E.L.</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/humblebeast">Humble Beast Records</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Helen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944487384148243558.post-25898863144228742011-03-29T15:22:00.000-07:002011-03-29T15:22:23.351-07:00Still RelevantOne of the cabinets in the laundry room holds my collection of fabrics. These fabrics are scraps from projects I did in the past or materials that were intend for a project but never got started. The other day I opened the cabinet and I noticed a very interesting piece of a quilted white fabric. Printed on this quilt this quilt is a Precious Moment picture of a boy riding on a pony. I started to make a baby blanket when I was still pregnant with Brahms. I envisioned my son cutely wrapped in it. I was almost done with it - I was about to finish attaching the pastel blue edging on it. In fact, the needle that I used to handsaw the sides was threaded and still where I left it fifteen and a half years ago. Brahms is now almost six feet tall (5'9") - the blanket has lost its relevance. <br />
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A while back I also started to go through the book of Matthew and writing my thoughts about it in this blog. I've been distracted. I read but I skipped the writing part of it. Well, just like opening that cabinet full of fabrics, my old journal brought me to the realization that I have an unfinished project. Unlike the baby blanket whose purpose became outdated, this Matthew Project remains relevant. As I write down my thoughts about the words of God I am forced to humble myself to ponder not only of the contents of the book but the wisdom of the author - God himself. <br />
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<em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Lord I want to understand you. I want to honor you in the things I do. Please help.</span></em>Helen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944487384148243558.post-92005720954963657002011-02-28T02:30:00.000-08:002011-03-08T12:02:34.296-08:00The Fruit of the Spirit<span style="color: black;"></span>Have you ever wondered why God used the fruit to illustrate this particular topic? He could have used the Leaf of the Spirit or the Flower of the Spirit. Let me tell you what I know about the fruit from a horticultural point of view. I hope that it will lead us to understand the reason for the Fruit of the Spirit. <br />
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<strong>The Fruit is the ultimate outcome of growth and development.</strong> A plant that is well-rooted and properly nourished plant grows and eventually bears fruit. A plant that is unhealthy and nutritionally deficient does not bear fruit. In like manner, only the healthy and growing Christian bears fruit. The apostle Paul described the concept of growing in his letter to the church in Colossae - <em>“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, <u><strong>growing</strong> <strong>in the knowledge of God</strong></u><strong>,</strong> <u>being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father</u>, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.”<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Col. 1:9-12)</span></em><br />
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<strong>The Fruit is meant for others.</strong> The fruit is not for the one that bears it. A tree does not benefit from its fruit. The animals and the birds and humans are the ones that are attracted and fed by the fruits. Love, joy, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, peace, etc. are all meant to benefit others. They are not for us but those around us. The fruit of the spirit attracts others to us so that they would catch the seed - the same seed that we received through God's grace. Remember what God said to Adam and Eve before they were kicked out of Eden – “Go and multiply”. They were commanded to reproduce their kind. Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew (28:18-20) “Go into all the world and preach the gospel…” We are commanded to let others know what makes us the way we are. The fruit of the spirit is the appetizing color, fragrance, and sweetness that attract those who are hungry. The fruit of the spirit is the standing invitation for others to come and take shelter around us so that they too may receive the grace that we already received from Christ.<br />
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<strong>The Fruit bears the seed.</strong> The fruit is a seed carrier. We all enjoy the seedless fruits that we buy from the grocery stores because they are so easy to eat. But let me tell you –<u> Seedless fruits are abnormal fruits</u>. Seedless fruits are not performing what they are supposed to do in the natural sense of life. Their services end where the fruits are eaten or when they rot. God intended for the fruit to carry the possibility of a new life. Our life as Christians should bear the fruit that carries the seed of the knowledge of Christ. In the eyes of God, the seeded fruit is more valuable than its seedless counterpart.<br />
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We live and the world watches us. Our behavior and actions reveal that which controls us - the <u>flesh </u>or the <u>Spirit</u>.<br />
<blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><em>But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><em> ~ <span style="font-size: x-small;">Galatians 5:22-23 NIV</span></em></span></div></blockquote>Helen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944487384148243558.post-2569987886997791162011-02-14T15:08:00.000-08:002011-02-14T16:45:39.662-08:00Love: Value-Changer<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>~</em></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NIV</span></div><br />
In our society we associate superiority with things like knowledge, faith, service, possessions and giftedness. These are all great things to have because they provide us with a greater capacity to perform. Performance matter and we see the reward we get from them as the end. And yet based on these verses there is something very crucial in the process that makes all our endeavors and giftedness either <u>count</u> or <u>not</u>. Love is the ingredient that makes our performances a pleasing music instead of annoying noise to God and those around us.<br />
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What is love anyway? The love as mentioned in the verse above is <u>not</u> the emotion that causes you to give up everything you have in order to get what you desire. For example I give flowers to my friend so that she'll think I'm a generous person. To give in order to get something in return is love of self. <u>Love</u> is giving up something that is of value to you for the pleasure and glorification of the one we love without conditions. It is like changing the price tag of the one we love to be greater than the treasure that we are giving up. God is the perfect example of love. When He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for us, He pulled off our clearance-sale-tag (appropriate for detestable sinners) to a price tag that is greater than the value placed on His only Son with whom He is well-pleased. Imagine sending your own son to die so that a murderous, moneyless and slandering pagan would be allowed to come live a good life with you in your own house. God sacrificed His Son so that we, the peoples of the world would be saved and be qualified to partake of eternal life of joy and abundance with Him. That is love. Love is the thought that compels the heart to put self aside for the sake of holding someone in high regard. That is what God meant when He said, "Love your God with all your heart, with all your mind and with all your strength... and love your neighbor as you love yourself." (Lk. 10:27) When we love we raise our brother's value over our comfort and security; in return love in our actions makes us of value in the eyes of the true judge - God.<br />
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We can have all the knowledge, faith, and works but <em>if we do not have love we are nothing...</em> It's time to rethink of love.Helen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944487384148243558.post-81543362532333704512010-10-12T18:55:00.000-07:002010-10-22T14:12:45.776-07:00Daily Ponderings: Psalm 2<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Where is your Allegiance</strong></span><br />
<em>Recommended reading: <a href="http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGLG_enUS312US312&q=leave+synonym">Psalm 2</a></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em></em></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he second chapter of the book of psalms foretells of the coming of the Messiah. It talks about the wretched behavior of nations towards God (v.1-5), the sovereignty of God and coming of His anointed one to come and rule the earth (v.4-9), and warning to the kings of the earth (v.10-12). Although we are not kings nor rulers of the earth all of us are part of the nations that they lead and we, whether intentional of not, influence those who are watching us.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS12QkK1BbLTKNDwO2CFElj5eLv2NYn2YhF2Yz4xtuoZ9O2Pe4atdIvO7hpKLcyAHHoQ7NrhEfj5pFznqY4-RZzJt8FxsyOMAr-l9Jx-pWv_Moz3oXEaOPXcjR_ERqrILuuhibyiR5Vks/s1600/6Jun05+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; height: 152px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 201px;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS12QkK1BbLTKNDwO2CFElj5eLv2NYn2YhF2Yz4xtuoZ9O2Pe4atdIvO7hpKLcyAHHoQ7NrhEfj5pFznqY4-RZzJt8FxsyOMAr-l9Jx-pWv_Moz3oXEaOPXcjR_ERqrILuuhibyiR5Vks/s200/6Jun05+010.jpg" width="200" /></a>Sometimes the word of God is very straight forward and very pointed. These verses speak of how insignificant we are in relation to God and his power. Yet He loves us and through His Words he speaks to us, his creation, in order to allow us a chance to choose to follow Him. Mankind was created and modeled after perfection - God himself (Genesis 1:27). He provided us with all the <u>potential</u> to become citizens of His kingdom to enjoy His abundant love and blessings. Man was made in God's image but God left him to master his own heart. He had to be the one to direct his own heart. </div></div><br />
In January 1991, I came to the USA on a <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">fiancé</span> visa. Tim and I got married and after a couple of years I got my Green Card, which legalized my permanent residence in this country. For a while that was enough for me. However, having a green card does not qualify me to all the rights and privileges of a citizen. For example: I need a visa whenever we go to another country; and I am not allowed to vote even if I have very strong opinions about matters that are being decided upon on elections. These restrictions prompted me to try to get my US citizenship; filled out all necessary forms; made sure I had all the required documents; and studied the book called "Citizenship for Dummies" for the test. Then I was ready, or I thought I was. In the very back of the book is a sample of the oath for the final step to becoming a citizen. The words to the oath shocked me. To pledge my allegiance to the USA is no problem for me. I love the USA! However that is not enough - I must also denounce my loyalty to the Philippines. "This is like a divorce!", I said. "Let me think about it." <br />
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God wants to have complete allegiance from His people. He is a jealous God and shares His throne in your heart with no one. He will bless those who take refuge in Him with inheritance that's beyond what we can imagine. While those who are against Him will be simply crushed and destroyed because they did not present a "masterpiece heart" that pleased Him. If you are still relying on something less than God for a good life and inheritance then your loyalty does not reside in Him. <em> "Kiss the Son lest he be angry...Blessed are all who take refuge in him."</em> (Psalm 2:12)<br />
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One of these days, I will use my wise judgment to go raise my right hand and pledge to be loyal to this country at all costs. :)<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dear Father, most holy and loving God, you are my refuge, my provider, and my deliverer. I heard your voice when you called me. Thank you. Here I am bowed down at your feet ready to serve you. </span></em>Helen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944487384148243558.post-30427107698139527602010-10-04T22:19:00.000-07:002010-10-04T22:20:49.068-07:00Revelation (Part 1)<span style="font-size: x-large;">God</span> gave us the scriptures so that we would understand his character, his love and his plans so that we would know how to live accordingly. The Old Testament is a compilation of stories, poetry and songs about God and His people. We like to read them because their lives back then are often detached from our current lives that we look at their it as a "then" Sometimes we are reluctant to study the Book of Revelation because of a preconceived idea that it is hard to understand. We convince ourselves that it is full of symbolisms and deep secrets that only theology scholars could successfully interpret and understand. However, symbols and parables are used throughout the bible - when God had a message for his people He used scenarios that make sense to us. When God unveils a truth He intends it to prompt a reaction from those who hears it. God did not give us an impossible puzzle in the book that was intended to enlighten the churches on "<em>what must soon take place</em>".<br />
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The Women's Ministry at Cornerstone is currently offering a bible study on Revelation. As a by-product of my personal devotion and beyond what Beth Moore explains ("Here and Now...There and Then"), I will write a commentary on the book of Revelation. Since the book shows a detailed and complete picture of what's to come, I will in particular focus on the things that would affect the way I view God and thus the way I live now. To the churches to whom this message was revealed and to us who are now reading this book, the information contained in this revelation provide compelling reasons to re-evaluate life for a change. These are not meant to be added in our data bank for us to pull out when ever we want to. No. In fact it was meant to be revealed to us for the purpose of heightening our knowledge of Jesus Christ - which would in turn serve as a basis of the choices we make in this life. In an era where people treat the future as something "man-made", it is time to realize that the future has two destinations. One is a road to eternal life with God and the other is a dead end where there is eternal judgment. One is a reward and the other a punishment; one is glorious life the other is unimaginable torment. We will be sorted according to the way we responded to the One True King. <br />
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<strong>Revelation 1:1-9</strong><br />
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<strong><em>"Blessed is the one who reads, hears and take to heart..."</em></strong> <strong>(Rev. 1:3).</strong> There are three verbs that are mentioned in the third verse of the first chapter as actions that qualify someone to be considered blessed. Reading, hearing and taking to heart the words of the book do not bring magical or mystical blessedness. But it is the choice we make as a result of the knowledge revealed to us that makes us blessed or not. All these were given to us so that we would know the truth and thus live by it. Everything was revealed to us because God Himself wanted us to change. <br />
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<em><strong>To the seven churches...</strong></em> The church is the collective term that refers to the body of believers in Jesus Christ. This revelation was made for the church - those who already considered themselves followers of Christ. It is not for those who are uninformed; nor is it for those who refuse to believe Him. It is for them who got the idea. If you believe in Jesus Christ then this message is intended for your eyes, ears, and heart.<br />
<em><strong>About Jesus Christ - </strong></em>Jesus Christ is revealed. The churches are now up for a new revelation. They have known him as the Messiah since John the Baptist. Some of these people to whom the revelation was made known saw Jesus live, teach, die and resurrected. At the writing of the Revelation it's been many years since they saw Jesus ascend into heaven. Their hopes are beginning to weaken, faiths are being contaminated with the traditions of the world, and the pressures of life are pushing Christians to compromise their spiritual integrity. The book of Revelation reveals Jesus Christ once more but in a way that they have not seen nor imagined before. Through John they get a glimpse of events that will happen in the future when the Jesus Christ takes tramples those who did not believe in Him and rewards those who will be on His side.<br />
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<em><strong>The Alpha and Omega - who is, who was and who is to come</strong> </em><strong>(Rev 1:8) -<em> </em></strong>The same Jesus who in the beginning was the Word (John 1:1), is the same Jesus who came and live among us and crucified, is the same Jesus who is revealed in the pages of the book will come back and reign as the King of all kings. We have no way of escaping Him! Be warned therefore lest we will be caught by surprise.Helen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944487384148243558.post-65002782983753060302010-09-05T23:00:00.000-07:002010-09-05T23:00:11.056-07:00Another BeginningSo we are going to have a new director for the Women's Ministry at <a href="http://www.cornerstonechurchedh.org/">Cornerstone</a>. When Nancy Wroblewski announced that Josie Ross will succeed her - there was this awkward silence that followed. I don't know if I am alone in the "uninformed group" but it came as a double surprise to me. Why is Nancy leaving her post? Why Josie? These are not uncommon questions when new things happen. We trust those who made decision and expect no answers but we ask them rhetorically anyway. <br />
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Ten years have passed since my family started attending this church. So far Josie will be the fifth women's ministry leader that I've seen. This would give an average of two and a half years for a leader to stay. That is not very long at all especially if a new leader has some innovations to bring into the ministry. One might say that I have seen many. I have seen authority, industry, and passion that came with every leader. The one thing that I have not seen so far is vision. One of the qualities of a good leader is clear vision. To which direction will this new leader guide the women to? Considering the numerous options around, a good leader must be able to lay out long term goals that truly reflect the faith and convictions of those involved. Stick to those goals and determine ways to achieve them. The world presents us with many options and tells us what to do. In the absence of a guiding blueprint, anyone can guess what the outcome would be.<br />
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This is yet another beginning in our Women's Ministry. Plans are being made. Some changes are starting to happen. I can only hope that this is not <em>ningas kugon</em><em>.</em> May God be glorified under this new leadership.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;"><em>"The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet</em>."</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">~Theodore M. Hesburgh</span></div>Helen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944487384148243558.post-33035724839476360922010-05-22T22:32:00.000-07:002016-02-18T20:19:21.788-08:00Love Them<blockquote>
<em>“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” ~ Hebrews 6:10 </em></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWctjhR-XzV2vyoyZ6ySXsxhszb16Z4ogIKZ7ejXvds6SglvyoMk042MHKejYBsEzQlRTKhic6tq1LEF_52hS5MpjPv1FXiyblqOxqllQa-nbZZQZ_wuU82ZEw_N0V4MNLtr3LP5HK95I/s1600/100_2096-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWctjhR-XzV2vyoyZ6ySXsxhszb16Z4ogIKZ7ejXvds6SglvyoMk042MHKejYBsEzQlRTKhic6tq1LEF_52hS5MpjPv1FXiyblqOxqllQa-nbZZQZ_wuU82ZEw_N0V4MNLtr3LP5HK95I/s320/100_2096-1.JPG" /></a>How can I show love to an invisible God? This is not a mystery. God left us with very specific instructions on how to love and work for His sake. The extent of our concern and help to the "poor and less fortunate" is an expression of our love for God. This is very scary to me because we are a generation of people who like to take care of ourselves. The average person would act only for himself and his immediate family. We play God to fix our own problems and to meet our own needs. We depend so much on ourselves. We push and push until we are exhausted trying to find our own hope, purpose and fulfillment. On the contrary, according to Hebrews 6:10, when the time comes when God rewards or judges us He will refer on the records of the love we showed Him through helping His people. We ought to act like God in meeting other's needs - unconditionally generous. This is a God-prescribed formula - allowing Him to take care of you while you take care of someone else. This is amazing! </div>
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<em>"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'</em> ~ Matthew 25:40</blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>Does my life show that I love God? What am I doing to show it? Oh my God, help me to love 'them' as I would love you. Help me to depend on you for myself so that I can see and act beyond my own concerns. </em></span></div>
Helen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944487384148243558.post-7487067486075301802010-05-19T00:32:00.000-07:002015-11-25T09:26:49.295-08:00Entitlement<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">E</span>ntitlement</span> says <em>"</em>I deserve something. I am qualified for a privilege. I have the right and I must have it." </div>
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We all get into this situation sometimes. There are many ways in which we find ourselves fighting for what we believe we should have. In the airplane one might say,<em> "I am entitled to that little leg room under your chair! So please take your bag out of my space!"</em> A child may say to his parents, <em>"How come I don't have an iPhone? You are being unfair to me!"</em> I believe that entitlement opens the door to mediocrity and shuts the way to understanding and reason. When we begin to claim for a privilege, we narrow down our focus and lose track of other opportunities. That prerogative, when given enough emphasis, eventually overwhelms our ability to reason.<br />
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Jonah (<a href="http://i%20read%20the%20text%20%28lectio%29/">Read Jonah Chapter 4</a>) for example, believed that he is entitled to the shade from the vine, forgetting that he did not have any thing to do with its existence. When the worm ate the leaves, he got upset because all of a sudden he was exposed to unfavorable heat. </div>
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<em>But the LORD said, "You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?" </em></div>
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Today a mother upset by a 30-minute change in schedule to accommodate a group piano practice was very angry. Obviously her son did not let her know about it. The mother did not plan and was not prepared for this change so she questioned and yelled at the teacher and could not be appeased. She was determined to insist on who-knows-what - that she was not going to listen to any explanation. The thirty-minute change in schedule was enough reason for her to ruin her relationship with her son's teacher. Right there and then she was setting a not-so-dignified witness to her child and the rest of the students who were watching.</div>
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"Never let your sense of morals get in the way of doing what's right." ~ Isaac Asimov</blockquote>
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Many times we are like Jonah - we put our own agenda on top of everything because we think that we deserve all the success, comfort, good treatment, and blessings of this world. Think again and evaluate "<em>the heart</em>" in relation to the things that we desire to have and do. It could be that in the pursuit and protection of whatever we want we harden our shells and prevent our chance to grow outward. It could be that we are willing to give up the other beautiful things just because of something we know we deserve. We miss our chance to choose what is right because we are too busy fighting for the right way things should be done. How many times have I seen this happen? Beware! (especially me). God wants us to be beautiful and loving people. He wants us to flourish...yet when we have enclosed ourselves with a hardened shell, He may need to break us in order for a new life to begin in us. </div>
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The bible says, <em>"Love the Lord your God with all your heart with all your soul and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as you love yourself." </em>If we follow this commandments then what is the essence of entitlement? Null. </div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Father, help me to remember that my relationship with you is far more valuable than anything that I can get entitled to.. Help me to choose you at all times.</span></em></div>
Helen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944487384148243558.post-31499661753036013352010-05-17T00:58:00.000-07:002010-05-17T00:59:45.558-07:00Daily Ponderings - Psalm 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5ZzbW6kVJY216-zrEJLEdS55CJw4qdjeYejA0yZHAaI31_bk0JSDHlaeFeh_oLLD_HmtHGx197avOfqB58odMCYlgmc8N_S6URPi5sbyxlscasJd-CtdJt9tRAyae_LS0iAUU4KnDhc/s1600/100_7692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5ZzbW6kVJY216-zrEJLEdS55CJw4qdjeYejA0yZHAaI31_bk0JSDHlaeFeh_oLLD_HmtHGx197avOfqB58odMCYlgmc8N_S6URPi5sbyxlscasJd-CtdJt9tRAyae_LS0iAUU4KnDhc/s640/100_7692.jpg" width="640" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
<strong><em>Psalm 1:1-3</em></strong><br />
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<em>1 Blessed is the man</em><br />
<em>who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked </em><br />
<em>or stand in the way of sinners </em><br />
<em>or sit in the seat of mockers. </em><br />
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<em>2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, </em><br />
<em>and on his law he meditates day and night. </em><br />
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<em>3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, </em><br />
<em>which yields its fruit in season </em><br />
<em>and whose leaf does not wither. </em><br />
<em>Whatever he does prospers. </em><br />
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In this day and age, prosperity is often associated with having the abundance of the things we desire at all times. It is often equated with money. We make money because of our abilities and efforts. We are prosperous when we generate a lot of money and vice versa. Fortunately, God does not define prosperity with such parameter. <br />
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Psalm 1 illustrates the picture of a blessed man as a tree planted by a stream of water. His roots are planted close to God. He absorbs the life-giving resource by meditating on it day and night. It is implied that the man who is closely dependent on God will stand the pressures of this world. <br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Oh God, please give me wisdom and understanding. Help me to choose well and to be motivated to dig deep into your words. </span></em>Helen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944487384148243558.post-35326520541247801742010-05-12T21:47:00.000-07:002010-05-12T22:29:25.320-07:00New LookI just spent hours learning some Photoshop techniques to resize pictures and customizing the overall look of this blog. The old template looked outdated. It gave the impression that only people who are in their "second half" (over fifty-five) should be reading this blog. That's not true at all! Most of things that I write about here are supposed to be timeless. :)<br />
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Anyway, there you have it in full (girly) color! Maybe this will inspire me to write more often. Come back and find out!Helen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944487384148243558.post-33437935428184080772010-05-01T20:29:00.000-07:002010-05-12T21:30:03.013-07:00Jesus: the Fulfillment of the Law<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVOH3lVQH91AT_XN5UGYFkgg4zoXOJF6ngMYkBE84M4IeHYyUbP7Qq22uNBRNd2HgZTJ0caXsD9cNm3T6bM-cflMoXDIgWHdWRESl1KnwNE9aLhvjZFV8YOJIkcCj0tbTSLrzhyweuwA/s640/100_3360.JPG" width="640" wt="true" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%205:17-20&version=NIV">Matthew 5:17-20</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Them: Under the law. </strong> Based on biblical stories, the Jewish people are law-abiding people; some are more anal than some but all of them lived their lives around rules to please God. These laws were written instructions which they read or were read to them on a regular basis. They lived with these laws since their forefathers were delivered out of Egypt under the leadership of Moses. They broke these rules over and over gain; they offered sacrifices to appease God or to pay for their unrighteous acts. The Pharisees, who thought that they got it, had to translate the laws into their own version so that they could fulfill them or be able to appoint a finger at anyone who would not be able to. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><strong>Jesus: The fulfillment of the law.</strong> Throughout His life, Jesus campaigned for a new kingdom - the kingdom of heaven. The expectation of everyone is that this new kingdom would involve a new militaristic administration with a new set of laws. A total change would be in place and expected. In any type of political change, there would be those who are radical to favor the innovation. There are also those who are sentimental who would prefer to stick to the old and comfortable way of life. As you can imagine, Jesus was creating a tension among the people regardless of heir social status. Contrary to popular belief, Jesus said that he did<em> not come to abolish them but to fulfill</em> the law.<br />
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What does it mean to fulfill the law? <br />
The law that was impossible for any man to bear has been fulfilled by Jesus Christ when he walked the earth. Jesus Christ, the man who lived a sinless life, was the only one approved by God. Blameless, He was the only worthy sacrifice. This was all God's plan... to give us a free pass to righteousness so that the world would know that He loves us (John 3:16). This is love that is equivalent to the love that He gave to His son Jesus Christ (John 17:23). That is very amazing! Even better - "<em>whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven."</em><br />
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<strong>You and I Now: Free.</strong> On our own it is still impossible to fulfill the righteousness that God desires of us. However, we have been granted freedom through Jesus Christ. We no longer live by the law but by God's grace. Jesus paid for our freedom from unrighteousness and now He offers us the freedom to follow Him. Will you believe Him and be free? Then practice and teach the law also so that you will be called great in God's kingdom!Helen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944487384148243558.post-17994360638039327102010-04-23T15:37:00.000-07:002010-04-23T15:37:50.776-07:00Ladies' Tea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTP9WR3AsgE0KLHoXJomEL0x7ivbY7UHOmylw_UVPfE4c58e7tFfu2qf867L0BoXxvrR2GCijhDZUTh_OPjxkBOXIp-mP2L453mAa-U2yHV9wp75N_SmbY6BApDdHQS8vspP87E-OsjvY/s400/100_1351.JPG" tt="true" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ladies' Tea </span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>"Growing Together by Design"</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Speaker: Helen Lewis</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Saturday, May 1, 2010, 1pm to 3pm</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Come and enjoy English tea with a friend…as garden coach Helen Lewis reveals the secrets of a green thumb. Learn some of the mysteries of plant life and intriguing relationships that promote fruitfulness and beauty in your garden. </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br />
</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>We are in God’s garden. He placed us all here so that we could flourish to delight Him as we love one another. Even before there was time, He already planned a splendid setting where we can grow and enjoy His blessings together.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Bring a friend for a delightful time as we grow together by God’s design.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Get your tickets today! $10/each.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>For more information call 916.933.5683</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://cornerstonechurchedh.org/">Cornerstone Christian Church,</a> 931 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills </strong></div>Helen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944487384148243558.post-54641705705665027642010-04-02T14:28:00.000-07:002010-04-02T21:32:54.274-07:00"Eloi, Eloi lama sabachthani?"This narrative is written for Miriam to read at the Good Friday Service at Cornerstone today. Miram is my nine-year old daughter. hThe seven last words of Jesus are going to be presented by different church members who represent the different age groups in the congregation.<br />
<blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ebgqd28FsfA7tsBFFDhZgbde4O2r_vJVoyadTVFWqdzWy3rN78DZ6l6urhthrRkD8c1RPYYf9xaKrtOcwzZuKiGZ4qGib47NLhXCRvudCME00nPNNPYQnCRtPxZzg0gwFoHjjQB_NFg/s400/7Jun05+8Jun05+028.jpg" width="400" /></div>About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, <strong>"Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"</strong></blockquote>For Jesus Friday was extremely agonizing. He was tortured. He was humiliated. He was stripped of everything he owned - his cloak, dignity, friends etc. and he did not question, not one little bit. At the height of his incomprehensible suffering as he hangs on the cross, he thinks of his biggest ever loss - his connection to the Father, and he says <em>"Eloi, Eloi lama sabachthani/?"</em>. He knows how it is to be close to the Father just like the way I know how it is to be with my daddy. Because he loves me, I feel safe and protected when I am close to him. I remember one of my cave tubing experiences. This is tubing in a big cave. It is dark inside the cave. The water is deep and the current is strong. It's like being in a big river except you can't see anything.<em> </em> I was having fun until I got caught on a rock while everyone else was moving away from me. My daddy used to hold my inner tube with his feet but this time he was away from me. It was very scary! I yelled my lungs out to call daddy.<br />
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Good Friday... Jesus hangs on the cross. He feels alone and scared. He is about to die. He knew of his coming death but he would like to have the Fathe say one more time "It's okay". He looks for God but He seems to be very distant right now. Like a lost child in the cave, Jesus cries out into the black space, <em>"My God, my God why have you forsaken me". </em><br />
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Jesus knew why he would come to die. This was not a surprise for him. What surprised him the most is the separation from God. Sin puts a rock wall between mankind and God. As Jesus hangs on the cross he hits Enter and our sins were downloaded onto him so that He could pay for all of them. At that time sin separated Jesus from God. Of all his sufferings separation from God was the most painful. I cannot imagine how my daddy would have left me alone in the cave. <br />
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"My God, my God why have you turned your back on me?" Jesus longed to reach out to God but He didn't extend his hand because Jesus was covered with all of our sins. He was forsaken by God because of our sins. As the perfect sacrifice, Jesus died to pay for the sins of the world. <br />
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Today Jesus extends his hands to you. Will you reach out to receive his offer?Helen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944487384148243558.post-40486837771174693952010-03-29T14:54:00.000-07:002010-03-29T14:54:20.859-07:00Salt and Light of the Earth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUyd6gdAhemn4dYIT7v-UoaRDKufI2II5ZAzgXvc5WgeP8FNCzQlqLHaCe9vC3KsHAacQklNfAlNyZBMq7XMFQnT0iNasjJw4Vshgg0F8TPAvKGRZlNXqbku29R80Li6KYXrlCHeWHV4/s1600/100_1384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUyd6gdAhemn4dYIT7v-UoaRDKufI2II5ZAzgXvc5WgeP8FNCzQlqLHaCe9vC3KsHAacQklNfAlNyZBMq7XMFQnT0iNasjJw4Vshgg0F8TPAvKGRZlNXqbku29R80Li6KYXrlCHeWHV4/s400/100_1384.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Jesus talked in parables.</em></span></strong> His ideas were unconventional but He presented them in ways that were familiar to the people listening to Him. This style of talking sets the mind in the right position as it allows something concrete to base the new idea upon. Simple as it may have seem, the message required deeper thoughts to understand it. Since time immemorial, <strong>salt </strong>and <strong>light</strong> are among the everyday stuff of living. Everyone understood what they are and what they are for. However, when Jesus likened their lives to these concrete ideas, some ponderings on the part of the people became necessary. Enough with spoon-feeding, it was time to sort the crowd - those who who understood Him and those who were headless fanatics.<br />
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<em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">"You are the salt of the earth."</span></strong> ~ Matthew 5:13a</em><br />
Salt is used for seasoning. Added at the right amount, salt is used to make foods taste better. It enhances or exposes the hidden flavors of food. Even in candy making, a pinch of salt is added to improve the sweetness of the candies. It makes eating more gratifying and enjoyable. As Christians we are meant to live a life of substance like that of salt. This body is only the casing a more valuable portion of this life. God had a purpose for each of us - to be a "seasoning" to life in this world. When we offer ourselves to season the lives of others, we live a life that pleases our Creator. Live therefore the purpose that you were prepared for lest you lose your significance.<br />
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Salt is used as a preservative. First of all, no microorganism can stand the strength of pure salt. Before the advent of refrigeration, the only way to preserve food especially in places with hot climates was salting. Furthermore, when added to vegetables and herbs like garlic, salt absorbs the water out and preserves the flavor inside. This allows them to maintain their usefulness over time. Salt brings out what lies inside to create a balance between the internal and external conditions. <br />
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How then shall we live if God intended for us to be <em>salt of the earth</em>? Life around us can be bland and marching towards decay. Preserve the inherent good while suppressing the inessential and destructive aspects of living. <br />
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<em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">"You are the light of the world."</span> ~</strong> Matthew 5:14a</em> <br />
Light reveals while darkness conceals. Light bears the inherent ability to expose things so that the eyes would see things that are. However, depending on its position it may not serve that function. Jesus calls us to poise our lives in such a way that we bring to light that which is true. Hold your torch so that light floods in all directions. If you have been filled with the spirit of God, does it show? <br />
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Jesus came to earth to redeem His people who would inherit His kingdom. You and I are here not to desire to live a life of comfort but of victory by proclaiming about His kingdom. Victorious people are not complacent. Through His grace, we have been empowered by the Holy Spirit so that our lives would be the light that peels away darkness. After two thousand years, many still do not know about that kingdom. If we have been graced with the knowledge of the truth about God then by all means let your deeds shed light. Make sure that your lifestyle does not jeopardize your calling as <em>the light of the world</em>.<br />
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<em><strong>"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may <u>see your good deeds</u> and<u> praise your Father in heaven</u>."</strong> ~ Matthew 5:16</em>Helen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944487384148243558.post-21261419863073436262010-03-09T23:10:00.000-08:002010-03-09T23:10:21.561-08:00Boardwalk Living<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU897iMWJi6TC0T_SwrzOTUJGulf336D16reQU9Na89qyGb3V6hUBhhOlHmKlIf_zRSzh7h52RbR1Kc3lxyOyiW0Ook61ZC3nG7aPRRRTL4QFwRqlTRd_pC8pQxRvuQ_p4XTDF9ODtlRU/s1600-h/P2080470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU897iMWJi6TC0T_SwrzOTUJGulf336D16reQU9Na89qyGb3V6hUBhhOlHmKlIf_zRSzh7h52RbR1Kc3lxyOyiW0Ook61ZC3nG7aPRRRTL4QFwRqlTRd_pC8pQxRvuQ_p4XTDF9ODtlRU/s400/P2080470.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Earlier this month my family spent a weekend in San Simeon. Along the bluff that runs above the beaches are miles of boardwalks. You could ignore them and take off cross country, but they were placed there for a purpose. They provide safety for the visitors and protection for the animals and plants in the coastal ecosystem. Boardwalks provide a sense of anticipation because there is a destination--a destination that promises the best. The best view, perhaps, or the most freedom, the most fun. We can't always see that destination, though. We get only glimpses of the majestic ocean between sand dunes, or shrubs or around a small bend in the path. Without the destination in full view, our attention shifts to the things along the path. <br />
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On the boardwalk, there are signs that give directions so that anyone can reach the destination. There are signs that tell travellers what they should not do such as "Do not feed the animals" or "Do not step on the plants." The signs are placed there, at strategic locations, because somebody knew what temptations we might face. I noticed, as we were walking, that my daughter, Shannon, was way behind. She was distracted by the squirrels playing and running all around the boardwalk. She knew she was not supposed to feed them, but she teased them by pretending to give them some food. In the mean time, other people were approaching and we were getting in their way. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%205:13-7:29&version=NIV"><strong>Matthew 5:13-7:29</strong></a><strong> : An Overview</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Starting with Chapter 5, and continuing all the way to the Chapter 7, Jesus gives a sermon as he sits on the side of the mountain. Aware of the temptations of this life and the tendencies of mankind, Jesus gave us guidelines for us to adhere to while we are on the boardwalk. His sermon addresses three major aspects of our "<em>boardwalk living</em>". I would summarize them as follows:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong> 1. Relationship to God (<em>our destination</em>)</strong> - Jesus emphasized the importance of keeping our focus on our destination - God Himself. There are pleasures for us to enjoy on our way to Him. He allows us glimpses of His glory even before we get there, although every once in a while our view of Him is obscured by our circumstances. He waits for our arrival, when we can experience Him fully. Pricilla Shirer, in her book "One in a Million," describes that kind of experience as the <em>promised-land living</em>. That is our destination. God has prepared an abundant life for us but we need to get there and experience it.<br />
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<strong>2. Relationship with Others (<em>other people on the boardwalk</em>)</strong> - The boardwalk is a shared path and, at times, there are people who walk with us. We have to be considerate so that they will also enjoy their walk. God wants the flow towards Him to be steady. We need to love one another so that our journey will be pleasurable and smooth. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong> 3. Protection of our Faith (<em>footing</em>)</strong> - The boardwalk is provided but there are no attendants there. We walk there knowing that we can move forward on that path that has been provided for us. The boardwalk is narrow; anyone can be careless and distracted. Falling into temptation along the way will only delay my arrival to my destination. <br />
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On this narrow path that leads to his kingdom, we must remember the destination. Otherwise, the distractions that are so common along the path will take us on a painful detour. Many times, our biggest difficulties are with our fellow travellers, but Jesus guides us on how to live with others gracefully, to hurt no one and stretch out extravagantly to others in love. </div>Helen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944487384148243558.post-64437530555203124552010-02-12T11:01:00.000-08:002010-03-03T16:04:16.696-08:00Blessed Be...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilToO7MB_wVzLkOh9oTw4su9x_ej_VC02stY8HE9GqPJwI090I58e_fZoECWKVFl3yNqb0ve0zv577Krzs3lO1K-8JTPGQI9remdvOvn3JVmPYYxNbFJOHKCoiIZLzfZOUNtQ3HlxVrSU/s1600-h/P2060150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilToO7MB_wVzLkOh9oTw4su9x_ej_VC02stY8HE9GqPJwI090I58e_fZoECWKVFl3yNqb0ve0zv577Krzs3lO1K-8JTPGQI9remdvOvn3JVmPYYxNbFJOHKCoiIZLzfZOUNtQ3HlxVrSU/s400/P2060150.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I have missed one week in posting my continuing commentary on the book of Matthew but here I am again... <br />
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%205&version=NIV"><strong>Matthew 5:3-10</strong></a><br />
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On the side of the mountain the people were waiting for some hint to a future change that would soon improve their current situation. Right now they are eagerly anticipating any statement from Jesus just like reporters do when they wait outside the White House when the President is about to make a statement regarding a controversial political issue. Jesus accurately understood what the people have been thinking. They were expecting a military take-over. They were imagining a reversal of fortunes: the Jews would rule and the Romans would be their subjects. In their minds this is the blessing that was considered <em>apropos.</em> It is obvious that they wanted physical change; they just can't spell it out. They wanted change in their environment and this could have been by way of a political unrest. <br />
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Jesus had a mission and a plan of action that is entirely different from what the people had anticipated. Instead of changing the physical setting, He intended to start a change from within. It was a peaceful change that would start from their inner core. Jesus intended to renew the peoples hearts in order to cause a spiritual change. That change is required to all who would be part of His kingdom.<br />
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In any science class where students are required to participate in lab activities, the instructor always makes sure that the students know what specific words mean. Knowing the meaning of terms means that you will be able to follow instructions without causing unnecessary disaster and knowing when certain occurrences are expected or not. Jesus being aware in the discrepancy between His and the peoples' expectations took the necessary right step. He started his lesson by giving them an unnerving and radical picture of true blessedness. Blessedness as He described is a paradox in the sense that it starts as the opposite of what the conventional mind would believe but in the end great rewards await those who persevere beyond the test. <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Who are the Blessed Ones?</span></strong><br />
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<strong>1. They are those who are defenseless</strong><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em>"Blessed are those who are poor in spirit, those who mourn, and those who are meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness."</em></div><br />
These are the defenseless people. They are those who do not have ramparts or castle walls to protect them. They are constantly vulnerable and losing to the enemy. Jesus said, "Blessed they are." The things that they were deprived of (defenses, estate, righteousness, comfort, and joy) will come to them in magnitude that is beyond their imagination. <em>"Theirs is the kingdom of heaven; they will be comforted; they will inherit the earth and they will be filled."</em><br />
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<strong>2. They are those who are concerned for others</strong><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><strong> </strong><em> "Blessed are those who are merciful...</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em> Blessed are the pure in heart...</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em> Blessed are the peacemakers</em>..."</div><br />
These are people who act on behalf of others. They are those who make sacrifices so that others would enjoy life. Search your heart, motives and activities. Do they involve alleviating sufferings around you? Do you cry for the widows and the orphans? Do you help those who cannot pay you back? Do you share your shelter with those who cannot invite you back to their homes? Do you help even when no one pats your back for doing it? Jesus points out that these are the people whom God is marking to inherit his kingdom. May our actions be geared, therefore, towards reducing the pain and hunger and discomfort instead of soliciting praises from men or those we want to impress.<br />
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<strong>3. They are those who suffer for God's name</strong><br />
Even from the very beginning, Jesus foreknew that following him would involved all sorts of persecutions and insults. Yet, <em>"Blessed are they..." </em>he said once again. "<em>Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." </em><br />
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<strong>Therefore...</strong><br />
Jesus' point was clear. His consuming concern for the citizens of His kingdom is not limited to this world. This life is but a <u>boardwalk</u> to the G<u>arden of Blessedness.</u> Our life in this world pales out in comparison to the eternal life that He has come to offer us. Do not get distracted by the vexations of this life focus on the great reward that lies ahead. The flow of blessings begins as you take your first step towards your reward.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;">Related:</span> </span><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="http://thecornerstonewoman.blogspot.com/2010/01/before-big-speech.html">Before the Big Speech</a></span></strong>Helen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944487384148243558.post-76415380302466856462010-02-08T20:06:00.000-08:002010-02-08T20:06:14.548-08:00One More ReminderNot a lot of people have heard about him but in our family <a href="http://stevebell.com/">Steve Bell</a> is a common name. We listen to his album all the time. Last night was a special night because we got to go see him in person at a concert in <a href="http://ccconline.cc/">Capitol Christian Church</a>. It was interesting to hear him say the stories behind all the music that he plays.<br />
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Steve Bell is a guitarist and singer. He is also a story teller with a Canadian accent. The thing that caught my attention beyond his musical ability is his passion in "othering" which, in my own words, is the price that we give for the welfare of others. <br />
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He used the example of Jesus washing the feet of His apostles. The sacrifice of resource, prides, and comfort so that someone else's situation would improve. <br />
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Sometimes, we get carried away by our own predicaments that we forget to open our eyes to others with compassion. The gifts that God gives us were meant to be shared and we were meant to be the tunnels for those blessings to flow through. We should not get in the way of the stream of goodness that comes from God. There are many ways in which we all can be involved in "othering". The following video reminds me of <a href="http://cornerstonechurchedh.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=60&Itemid=82">Our Brothers' Burden</a>, which is a ministry that focuses on meeting the needs of widows and orphans in India. The <a href="http://cornerstonechurchedh.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=60&Itemid=82">story</a> about the way Our Brother's Burden started (Pastor Naha's coming to El Dorado Hills)shows that we don't need to look far away for an opportunity. Sometimes it literally knocks at our doors.<br />
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The following video features "Deep Calls To Deep" - one of the songs that Steve Bell sang during the concert. For me, this is one more reminder to make sure that I will extend my hands far enough to reach those who need help. I hope it will do the same for you.<br />
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<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/onQtAJMub2g&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/onQtAJMub2g&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Helen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944487384148243558.post-76583242609474241942010-02-03T10:05:00.000-08:002010-02-03T12:59:58.222-08:00Daily Ponderings: Exodus 15:22-25<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbN8PzQ-5kgfEEawuWOnNrPHytCrIWVv309FmYd-ogOM_FRM6zxfv0fKCC4GbeheCx3yhOIqBjElq56b45M__haLjG86X4sLzoxHc_84mhr0BhJJ5YYqHM4lIgXVFjIcjQ5rMQmdQavW4/s400/100_2599.JPG" width="400" /></div><blockquote style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah.) So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, "What are we to drink?" Then Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became sweet. ~ Exodus 15:22-25</blockquote><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes the intervals between these two are irregular that we are often shocked by surprises. We like to enjoy our triumphant feelings over the beautiful events and we covet the luxury of being comfortably forewarned of any lurking change of events.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">About fifteen years ago, when we purchased our first house, we were very happy and feeling on-top-of-the-world. I could still imagine the smell of the new carpet in that house and the closet freshener that the previous owners left in one of the bedrooms. There were twenty roses in bloom, plums were ripening. We were in our house and we liked it a lot. Then our first mortgage payment was due. At this time Tim was working for a company that was at the verge of bankruptcy. We barely qualified to buy the house because the pay stubs that we sumbmitted to the lending agency, to prove his ability to pay a huge debt, were the last ones he got from the company. Tim was mistaken when he decided to stay longer in that company.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Our situation was then very scary. The question I had was, "Why did God even allow us to be in debt when we were going to lose our means to pay?" Suddenly the pleasure we had in owning the house turned into worries. My father-in-law was very kind, he helped us pay our all our bills. At this time Tim, loyal as he was to the old company, started his search for a new job. It did not take him long to find one. Not only that, God surprised us in that Tim was offered a huge signing bonus which was more than enough to pay for all the obligations we had incurred during the time that he was not getting paid. He started a new enjoyable job and we started to fully enjoy our house...this time with more trust in God. We've now moved to a different house but Tim still works for the same company up to this time.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">God sometimes brings us to the stream of "bitter water" so that we could watch Him turn it into "sweet water." He wants us to <u>trust Him only</u> with the concerns of this world.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">My God, you have shown me many great miracles in this life. Help me remember them all the time so that when life seems dry that I would have the peace to watch in anticipation for the next miracle that you show me. Like the Israelites, my trust sometimes fades with circumstances. Father, help me in my unbelief.</span></em></div>Helen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944487384148243558.post-57190865178988753052010-01-30T23:46:00.000-08:002010-01-30T23:46:09.786-08:00Before the Big SpeechThis is a continuation of my personal commentary on the book of Matthew. <br />
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<strong>Context</strong><br />
In chapter 4 <a href="http://thecornerstonewoman.blogspot.com/2010/01/guide-to-starting-your-ministry.html">Jesus began his ministry</a>. He called the disciples and began preaching and healing people from their sicknesses. Those who were following John the Baptist shifted their worship to Jesus, just like what John encouraged them to do. The crowd got larger and seemed to be constantly anticipating for what Jesus had to say. By tradition the Jews tell stories to their children and family for that matter. Every Jew has heard the stories about Abraham, Moses, and all their forefathers and their sojourn in the wilderness with God. This time the crowd sensed that Jesus offered a twist from what they've been used to hearing. His style also evoked authority which is unlike the other rabbis they've listened to. Beyond his stories and manner of speaking, He also healed the sick. All these fueled their curiosity even further. They might have wondered, "Who is this man?" There was no doubt this crowd was ready to absorb any announcement that Jesus would tell them. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%205:1-3&version=NIV"><strong>Matthew 5:1-3</strong></a></div><br />
<strong>He Saw the Crowds</strong><br />
Jerusalem at this point in time, has been under the oppressive rule of the Roman Empire. If you remember when Jesus was born, <a href="http://thecornerstonewoman.blogspot.com/2009/12/christmas-star-he-is-light.html">King Herod</a>, knowing that he was not the legitimate king of the Jews, was threatened when the Magi said that the true King has been born. If we start calculating from a milestone that we all are familiar with - the birth of Jesus, and given that Jesus is now a teacher himself, were talking more than thirty years of not having a ruler of their own. They've heard about the coming of their king and Jesus appears to be the one who has been prophesied to come and save them. Now they are all ears to Him.<br />
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"<em>Now when <u>he saw</u> the crowds..." </em>Jesus <u>saw</u> the crowds. Have you ever wondered what He saw in the crowds of people who were following Him? These were people who had a taste of Jesus' preaching and healing. They were people from various walks of life. Jesus, aware of this diversity in His audience, decided to address the people's plight to prepare them to listen to the rest of what he had to say.<br />
Most of the people following Him were in what one would consider a dead end situation. They must have been in such predicament for their lives with no hope of change in sight. In the crowd were teachers of the law and scribes who looked forward to the day when the political situation is reversed. They hoped that they would have dominion over their Roman enemies. They longed to have control over the economy of their own land. Some of them were poor with nothing, fishermen, or carpenters, etc. who hoped that someday their social status would be elevated. Their minds were full of thoughts of abundant food, life of ease and comfortable homes as the mansions that their conquerors lived in. Maybe they even thought of having a different outfit for the day other than their one and only robe which they used as comforter at night. In their minds was a picture of themselves in costly robes as they've seen their Roman conquerors were wearing. There were those who were mourning having lost family from whatever cause. Christian artist, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Gray">Jason Gray</a>, calls them in his song, "All the Lovely Losers." They were people who were poor in spirit, mourning, meek, hungry and thirsty for righteousness. Some of them are those who were helping those in need: merciful; pure in heart; peacemakers and those who are persecuted for righteousness. Jesus saw these in the crowd a picture of hopeful people longing for change.<br />
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<strong>He Went Up On a Mountain Side...</strong> <br />
What did Jesus do when He saw the crowd? "<em>He went up on a mountain side..." </em> Jesus made Himself visible to everyone so that they would hear Him. This was very important, He had a message. His message was not predictable. Everyone had to have the chance to hear Him carefully. In these days this would be translated as having stood on a stage or platform equipped with a top-of-the-line sound system. Without instructions given, all phones were silenced. Everyone looked up to Him with anticipation.<br />
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<strong>...and He Sat Down</strong><br />
After seeing everything, He positioned Himself to address them. What was striking here is that He did not just spoke to them as a teacher but someone who was one of them. Jesus joined the people where they are. This I would think is an expression of His deep compassion for the people. He was not going to stand there and teach the people. His feelings dictated his actions to take a different course..."<em>and</em> <em>He sat down." </em>Remember that this event happened in a place where the Jews considered it self-defiling to walk the road the Samaritans walked. However, Jesus from the very beginning was already different and this was not the time to be a slave to tradition. He sat with the people just like a friend to a friend, His hands on their shoulders saying, "I see you and I'm here for you." <br />
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Jesus was very deliberate with His actions and manners. He came as an expression of God's love to His people and He lived that way. Helen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944487384148243558.post-24630778457998062662010-01-28T20:47:00.000-08:002010-01-28T20:47:45.764-08:00Daily Ponderings: Malachi 4:1-2<blockquote>"Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be <strong><u>stubble</u></strong>, and that day that is coming will set them on fire," says the LORD Almighty. "Not a root or a branch will be left to them. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings." ~ Malachi 4:1-2</blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Stubble:</strong> the basal part of herbaceous plants remaining attached to the soil after harvest.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtXGiHmJ9HBJyTDC3aZX82Op721ecT6FiIi-yOGwr1BwnmxqhBlaaF01hA1ijySoW2gUZksU7RhPOqj-mKLM5a0lm-0zi2t9TyRC8s0cjNSLa68TwHDIcPMt_oXgUmbx1HYlzdzPgmzc/s400/100_0910.JPG" width="400" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Stubble</span></strong> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">by Helen Lewis</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Once upon a life </div><div style="text-align: center;">A plant so full of potential</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now decapitated by the enemy</div><div style="text-align: center;">You have lost all your senses</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ruin has become your path</div><div style="text-align: center;">You have lost control of what you'd become</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your ability to drink life is lost</div><div style="text-align: center;">The light had ceased to be a gift of energy</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You're a standing corpse</div><div style="text-align: center;">Constantly deteriorating</div><div style="text-align: center;">Moisture from the rain and dew</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now support those that seek your destruction</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Life has left you</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your roots now refuse to anchor</div><div style="text-align: center;">And leaves withdraw from light and warmth</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your choice and influence are no more</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">With winter and rain...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your chance is decay</div><div style="text-align: center;">With summer and heat</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your chance is fire and destruction</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Soon no more</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just like him who is arrogant and an evildoer</div><div style="text-align: center;">Soon its ashes trampled by the righteous</div><div style="text-align: center;">And become dust under his feet</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Made to be a hand of your maker</div><div style="text-align: center;">To give shelter and love</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now you're ashes - trampled,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Blown away and forgotten</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I call on the Lord: awake my soul </div><div style="text-align: center;">Lest I'll be harvested by the enemy</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fill me with living water</div><div style="text-align: center;">And open my heart to the light that gives life.<br />
~ o ~</div>Helen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944487384148243558.post-62308120552939528352010-01-23T11:39:00.000-08:002010-01-24T15:12:22.128-08:00Daily Ponderings: Exodus 20:20<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_FjCmbDHJajMqmKzQuwfaUIfpCYiMfOpLID7x9jh3ONLkmD_06GNAvgltC8HcXN39et_IJRAE5C4Er6V8TEYiGMWGNun-XnooW_mQMfwlNkf7QgDbLOK3aPQNnfQbeQE2-njTz7GHu4/s400/100_6678.JPG" width="400" /><br />
</div><blockquote><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning." ~ Exodus 20:20 <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Two days ago, after a long period of contemplating, I offered to perform one little task for a ministry at church. This task is new for me and it would stretch me. <a href="http://www.johnortberg.com/bio.php">John Ortberg</a> said in his video, "It All Goes Back in the Box", that when we try to get out of our comfort zone we expose our strengths and weaknesses. Now I sit in the scary situation of scrutiny. And who is my greatest critic but my own. At this point my weaknesses flood my mind and I see my strengths disappearing. Even as I wait to see if I will be allowed to do it, I feel like I'm now an open target. Deep inside a part of me says I should withdraw my offer; the other side says to stop being an observer and get in the salt mines. I am aware that there are many people who are more capable to do the job and maybe this is not where I should be. If it turns out that someone else should do the job, then I will still have progressed myself by having been forced to look at my own weakness in terms of my attitude and acknowledging that I need to be transformed; to get rid of the things that are between me and God. <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Father, your words are so true and they guide me. Help me to obey You with trembling. Teach me not to be afraid of the things of lesser consequence for You are with me.</em></span><br />
</div>Helen Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05170558352106160656noreply@blogger.com2