Ladies' Tea

Ladies' Tea

"Growing Together by Design"

Speaker: Helen Lewis

Saturday, May 1, 2010, 1pm to 3pm

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.

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.

Bring a friend for a delightful time as we grow together by God’s design.

Get your tickets today! $10/each.

For more information call 916.933.5683

Cornerstone Christian Church, 931 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills

"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.

About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

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 "Eloi, Eloi lama sabachthani/?".  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.  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.

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, "My God, my God why have you forsaken me". 

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. 

"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. 

Today Jesus extends his hands to you.  Will you reach out to receive his offer?

Salt and Light of the Earth

Jesus talked in parables.  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, salt and light 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.

"You are the salt of the earth." ~ Matthew 5:13a
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.

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. 

How then shall we live if God intended for us to be salt of the earth?  Life around us can be bland and marching towards decay.  Preserve the inherent good while suppressing the inessential and destructive aspects of living. 

"You are the light of the world." ~ Matthew 5:14a 
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? 

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 the light of the world.

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." ~ Matthew 5:16

Boardwalk Living

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.

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.

Matthew 5:13-7:29 : An Overview

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 "boardwalk living".  I would summarize them as follows:

 1. Relationship to God (our destination) - 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 promised-land living.  That is our destination.  God has prepared an abundant life for us but we need to get there and experience it.

2. Relationship with Others (other people on the boardwalk) - 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. 

 3. Protection of our Faith (footing) - 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.  

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. 

Blessed Be...

I have missed one week in posting my continuing commentary on the book of Matthew but here I am again...

Matthew 5:3-10

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 apropos.   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. 


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.

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. 


Who are the Blessed Ones?

1.  They are those who are defenseless

"Blessed are those who are poor in spirit, those who mourn, and those who are meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness."

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.  "Theirs is the kingdom of heaven; they will be comforted; they will inherit the earth and they will be filled."

2.  They are those who are concerned for others

      "Blessed are those who are merciful...

           Blessed are the pure in heart...

              Blessed are the peacemakers..."

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.

3.  They are those who suffer for God's name
Even from the very beginning, Jesus foreknew that following him would involved all sorts of persecutions and insults.   Yet, "Blessed are they..." he said once again.     "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Therefore...
Jesus' point was clear.  His consuming concern for the citizens of His kingdom is not limited to this world.   This life is but a boardwalk to the Garden of Blessedness.  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.

Related:  Before the Big Speech

One More Reminder

Not a lot of people have heard about him but in our family Steve Bell 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 Capitol Christian Church.  It was interesting to hear him say the stories behind all the music that he plays.

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. 

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. 

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 Our Brothers' Burden, which is a ministry that focuses on meeting the needs of widows and orphans in India.  The story 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.

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.

Daily Ponderings: Exodus 15:22-25

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

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.

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.

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.

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 trust Him only with the concerns of this world.

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.