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.”

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Boxing Day

Greetings Dear Reader,

The day after Christmas in some places is the day that servants and tradesmen were traditionally give a “Christmas Box.”  It is a time when those who work to service the rest of us are honored. 

I wonder if we truly honor those who work when we are on holiday.  I am so thankful for people like my friend Vanessa, an ER nurse who work odd shifts, long hours, and holidays to care for the needs of others.  Many people were not with family so that we could have help in time of need.

My friend Vosco owns a diner.  He is open on Christmas day because he has so many regular customers who do not have family to go to for a meal.  He gives away Thanksgiving meals to senior citizens on Thanksgiving.  He should be honored that he works on holidays for the sake of others and not due to avarice.

As I ponder all the wonderful gifts my family gave me I prepare to go to that diner for my weekly breakfast out.  On a day when many will be out searching to return unwanted gifts and purchase the things they want I hope to show kindness and respect to those I encounter who serve.  I am content with what I have.  I want to give more.

I want the person who serves me to feel respected, valued, and appreciated.  I want the spirit of Christmas to stretch beyond the gifts and feasting.  I need to live the faith that I have by valuing those who work in service industries every time I encounter them.  Patience and kindness should be the rule.  Respected and valued should be the way we make them feel. 

My Christmas joy is useless if I do not carry it into the daily business of my life.  Mankind is my business.

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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