High Moral Ground ~ Lent: Not Just for Adverting

Greetings Dear Reader,

These forty days of Lent are observed in differing ways in the Christian world.  The discussion about what one “gives up” arises and as was the case yesterday on Jeopardy.  The idea of this is not one we are to advertise.

My Daughter asked me yesterday what I was giving up for Lent.  I reminded her that I do not share what I choose to set aside for a time.  I have, in a couple of instances so that I could have some needed accountability.  The point being that this is to be an internal decision evidenced by a private outward action.

When we sadly report that we cannot enjoy the cake because we have given up sweets we are not serving the spirit of Lent.  The choice is voluntary for the purpose of focusing on faith and following.  We are supposed to rejoice in the moment and replace the indulgence with thoughts of Christ and his love and sacrifice for us.

We have turned it into thing we do as a matter of comparison and conversation.  I must as with all things act in faith.  I must trust that my sacrifice will create moments where I become closer in my understanding of who Christ is.   It is a month of moments to be caught off guard with the opportunity to focus on Jesus instead of whatever want I have replaced with him.

There is the crux of it.  We think we have the moral high ground because we give up soda for Christ when in fact he is supposed to be at the center of everything.  The high moral ground is for me to put Christ first in all things in love and humility.  It is my joy to quietly allow him to create moments where I am reminded of this.  These moments when I encounter that which I have sacrificed can put me in mind of all that was sacrificed for me.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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My King – The Pharisees

Greetings Dear Reader,

”The Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him.”

Almost from the beginning the Pharisees opposed Jesus.  They were charged with understanding the Law of Moses and caring for the people.  Instead they turned the law into a prison that they used to control and rob the people.  They heard Jesus challenge their corruption and chose to protect their power over the truth.

I see so much of this today.  Those charged with the care of Christ followers burden them with practices and pretenses that enslave them to a religion.  Instead of using the Gospel to free people it gets used to manipulate them.  Even this week, Holy Week is used to promote practice over faith.  Not everyone does this but it still happens. 

As a Christ follower my obligation is to assure that those who are willing to come to Christ find the burden easy and light.  It is my responsibility to attend to the weighty matters of the law and by doing so assure that the Gospel reflects who Christ is.  The Gospel is about Jesus and his redemption of humans.

I must not pack the Gospel with my brand of faith and practice.  I must assure that what I tell others is clear and pure.  I must assure that I give accurate distinction between what is required and what is preference.  The latter does not matter to anyone but me.  The former must be lived and shared whenever possible. 

It is the Pharisees ancient and modern that drive people away from Christ.  It is failing to live the Gospel in a way that honestly represents Christ and who he is that I must avoid.  Jesus made it clear that his followers need to love others.  He made it clear that following him meant service and sacrifice.  He took up the cross long before he met Pilot who condemned him.  That’s my King.  I wonder if you know him.

Come As You Are – David Crowder

Come out of sadness from wherever you've been

Come, brokenhearted; let rescue begin

Come find your mercy, O sinner, come kneel

Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't heal

Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't heal

Lay down your burdens

Lay down your shame

All who are broken

Lift up your face

O wanderer, come home

You're not too far

So lay down your hurt

Lay down your heart

Come as you are

There's hope for the hopeless

For all those who've strayed

Come sit at the table

Come taste the grace

There's rest for the weary

A rest that endures

Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't cure

Lay down your burdens

Lay down your shame

All who are broken

Lift up your face

O wanderer, come home

You're not too far

So lay down your hurt

Lay down your heart

Come as you are

Come as you are

Fall in His arms

Come as you are

There's joy for the morning

O sinner, be still

Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't heal

Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't heal

Lay down your burdens

Lay down your shame

All who are broken

Lift up your face

O wanderer, come home

You're not too far

So lay down your hurt

Lay down your heart

Come as you are

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Second Thoughts – An Amazing Day of Sacrifice

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you Dear Reader.

I know my Sons and Daughter love me.  Today they went above and beyond.  If you read my writing in more than a passing way you know that my love for Star Trek is a part of my marrow.  Since I was a wee lad Captain James Tiberius Kirk has been the hero who gave me hope.

My children worked in concert to arrange for me to meet William Shatner today.  He was appearing at the local Comic Convention.  They bought tickets to the event and the admission to meet William Shatner.  They arranged the transportation and keeping me entertained whilst we waited.  They sacrificed financially.  They gave of their free time.  Maxim sacrificed time with his Sons to be a good Son to me.

In the few moments I had to speak to the embodiment of a life-long hero I said what I had rehearsed saying to him for years.  “I was a fatherless boy when you show premiered.  You taught me that there was always hope.  I would not have made it without that.  I thank you sir.”

He looked up and looked me in the eye.  I saw tears there as he realized I was serious.  He gave me fist bump and thanked me in return.  You see what was in my heart was to really thank him.  He received that gratitude graciously. 

As I mark a milestone that I did not ever expect to see I also wish to express gratitude to the children I love.  You sacrificed for me to show me you love me.  This man of words cannot express the gratitude he feels.  Thank you Maxim.  Thank you Bezel. Thank you Christmas.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)