I probably need to post this in a few other places to remind/reinforce:
We swim in language as fish swim in the sea, not noticing the power that our words have
to manifest, to create and to destroy. – Mary Jo Asmus
Training Journal – 8/22/13:
This was a different week:
‘Training’ Journal – 6/2/13:
This was on the wall at the restaurant tonight:
Training Journal – 2/29/12:
Via: Today I Learned Something New
How far would you go for your beliefs?
“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.”
— Jesus (Matthew 16:24 [NLT])
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
— Paul (Galatians 2:20 [NLT])
The Holy Spirit always face punches me with the song order on Jon Foreman’s Limbs and Branches album…
Track #7: House of God, Forever [lyrics]
Track #8: Instead of a Show [lyrics]
…thank you God. May I have another…
So by now you’ve probably heard about Susan Boyle and her experience on the UK TV show Britain’s Got Talent – it’s all over YouTube and she’s even on Wikipedia! If you haven’t, you gotta get out more!
The obvious lesson here is how we judge by appearances – all of us. Whether we are willing to admit it or not, we do it. We know it’s wrong and unfair, but it’s a natural reaction…
In an interview with the Washington Post, Boyle said it all to well:
“Modern society is too quick to judge people on their appearances. … There is not much you can do about it; it is the way they think; it is the way they are. But maybe this could teach them a lesson, or set an example.”
That’s the obvious take away…I have two other observations:
There is a laboratory where I work that does research on “extreme deformation and failure of materials and structures.” That’s basically a scientific way of saying that they blow stuff up to see its limits and recommend solutions. I know, pretty cool! I’ve been to the test range, but they weren’t testing at the time – maybe someday. The scientists and staff there do some pretty cool research that saves lives of people in a number of situations.
So that is the Explosions part – now on to Tori…
I was surfing iTunes last night and saw that Tori Amos‘ new CD is called Abnormally Attracted to Sin. Intrigued by the CD title, I did a Google search and found an interview where she talked about her new CD (whose title is a line from Guys and Dolls) and the impetus behind it. Interesting article – here are some excerpts:
“I’m drawn to questioning what traditional authorities have defined sin to be. As a minister’s daughter, I’ve been exposed to the traditional belief system. [Sin] has been used to shame and control people. If you’re controlled by a religious structure, then you’re going to have a very different outlook on life and what you’re open to than if you’re not controlled by these old, crumbling concepts.
I guess I was never a Bible-thumping Christian; I was always trying to question because I had so much religion in my upbringing. I was drawn to those people and those ideas that weren’t accepted necessarily, and it’s not because these ideas in reality are “evil” — that’s just the perception that’s being given. The reality I was brought up in was, “Anything that doesn’t work within the Christian doctrine is sinful.” And that’s a lot of stuff.”
My thoughts – combining both (I write this directed toward Christ followers…me most of all! I will not pass judgment on Tori or others who ascribe to her line of thinking.):
Remembering the Future…that seems like an odd and confusing statement. But it is exactly what those who have accepted Christ as their personal Savior can say about today.
Today is known by several names: Maundy Thursday, Holy Thursday, or Great and Holy Thursday. It is the day that four things took place in the final days of Christ’s life on earth: the washing of the Disciples’ feet by Jesus, the creation of Communion at the Last Supper, the agony of Jesus in the garden, and the betrayal of Jesus by Judas.
Focusing on the second:
In Matthew 26:26-29, we read:
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Christ initiated an aspect of worship for the Disciples (and for us) to remember His death – then promised that we would someday feast again with Him.
In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Paul writes:
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Paul reminded the Corinthian church that observing Communion was a remembrance that would someday end when Christ returns.
In Revelation 19:9, John writes:
Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”
John writes in Revelation about the wedding feast to come with Christ and His bride (the church).
Communion. The Lord’s Table. Whatever you call this Christ-ordained act of worship – it is a time to remember the future to come.
Maranatha!
Confession time. I admit it – I watched the recent ABC series True Beauty. I guess I could call it “research on the human condition”; but really I just was just intrigued – and at times saddened – by how people act when no one is looking. Honestly, some self-examination is probably needed here also!
If you are not familiar with the show (or won’t admit it), here is the show’s description from the ABC website:
The series will determine the True Beauty of six stunning females and four handsome males who will live together in a spectacular Los Angeles mansion as they undergo a series of challenges to determine who is truly the most beautiful.
The gorgeous contestants assume they’re being judged solely on their outer appearance. They’re only half right; outer beauty is one component the judges are looking for, but contestants are also being evaluated — unbeknownst to them — for their INNER beauty as well when they’re put through scenarios and situations that require them to make moral decisions.
I will spare you the details on the show (actually you can “research” it for yourself on ABC’s website.) Most episodes were pretty sad in showing how people acted (although there was some good behavior exhibited.) I’m not completely judging, since basically we are all the same – albeit in varying degrees – and nobody’s perfect except for GOD. Honestly, I’m probably just as guilty of the vanity, selfishness, etc. that was exhibited by the show’s contestants.
The bottom line is that in addition to being a GUT CHECK for me (my heart and my actions), the show really reminded me of what true beauty is – or actually WHO true beauty is: Jesus Christ. His beautiful love for us was and is shown in SO many ways (the biggest of which was His death on the cross for you and for me). In truth, I only truly see but a glimpse of it through my sin-clouded vision (O to Grace how great a debtor…am I).
The little that I am blessed enough to see makes me want to cry out in praise:
x
“AWESOME GOD AND GRACIOUS SAVIOR,
YOU’RE BEAUTIFUL!”
Last week, much was made about First Lady Michelle Obama’s “breach of protocol” when she touched Queen Elizabeth II. Without going in to the varying opinions of the actual event (there are those who say “eh, it’s no big deal” and some who are disparaging Mrs. Obama), it actually caused me to think about another Royal who is perfectly fine with being approached by anyone…without commanding genuflection:
Jesus Christ – the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
His Coronation:
Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. – Philippians 2:9-11
Our Invitation:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. -Ephesians 3:12
Especially with this week being what is commonly called Holy Week (Palm Sunday through Holy Saturday) and Easter next Sunday, I am humbled and rejoice in the fact that through Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, you and I (as followers of Christ) have free and unlimited access at anytime and any place of our choosing to the Sovereign, Almighty, and Glorious God of the universe!
He is the God who came close (John 3:16-17, Philippians 2:6-11)…and longs for closeness with us (through a personal relationship…not just empty, ritualistic religion). May we savor and cherish that approachability this week as we remember the events that purposely took place so long ago.
Hallelujah!
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