A story about Jesus (a paraphrase)

Let's play a game...

I'm thinking of a time, place, and person....

1st century...yes!

The Middle East...yes!

Jesus...yes!

So here is the story, Jesus wakes up one morning and says, "Hey, I think today I'll go to the temple for passover and pray." This was nothing new for Jesus, because after all, it was His fathers house and many times in scripture we find Jesus, praying, teaching, or just hanging out in and around the temple. So Jesus walks (I still hate you Kanye West) to the temple and finds it rather crowded because today many people are bringing sacrifices to the temple. And what does he see, people, selling animals for sacrifice. Now, we can debate over why someone would buy one of these animals, but the fact remains that they were making an unfair profit on the sins of others. This angered Christ. Why? Because they were defiling the temple, the Holy place. Christ was filled with a righteous anger.

I look at this story today and I ask myself, why was Christ so angry. We don't see too many times in scripture images of an angry Christ. Yet, I have applied this to life today. And maybe I'm off base with this but here is how I see things, so hang on this might be a stretch.   

As I see it, Christians have God living inside of them. This fact makes us the temple of God. And, being the temple of God, we anger Christ(God), when we do things to defile that temple. Now, let me clarify, that I'm not talking about pericings or tattoos. I'm saying that our actions, words, and thoughts defile that temple. This is why it important to take a stand against such things that will defile our temple. Not to mention, if we are to claim to have Christ inside us, then we need to have that same righteous anger, when people around us, attempt to defile our temple. How will we react to our actions when they cause dissension with the word of God? 

So, I sit here and meditate on Matthew 21:12-17. And I wonder...will I let myself, or anyone else defile my temple? And how will I react to those that try to turn my, house of prayer into a den of thieves. 

The Music of Our Soul (a concert review)

There is one thing that speaks to us all, music. It is one thing that can unite us and ignite our emotions. Close your eyes and feel the music. You will find yourself going into your mind and remembering. Music takes you into your past and reminds you of a previous lifetime of happiness. It can also take you back to a place in time where maybe things weren't going well. Either way, all of us share the same soul experience with music. It connects us to our past. Maybe there is a song that reminds you of a past love, a mission trip experience, or a pasted relative.

Last night I stepped into a not so crowed concert venue surrounded by friends and strangers, all looking to connect with music. As each band played we were treated to differing vocal and musical stylings. Finally, Mae stepped on stage. The crowd was alive, there energy was peaking, they were ready. As the band filled the room with music I closed my eyes and journeyed to a previous time and place. I found myself standing completely alone admist the crowd, I let the music flood over me and take me back. Each lyric had a special place in my mind, each guitar strum resonated deep within me, and each drum beat brought clarity. This was Multisensory Aesthetic Experience, this was Mae.

   

They're here!

Today our TESOL class was visited by a group of Japanese college students from...you guessed it Japan! You have no idea the amount of excitement that filled my heart! I don't even have words for the joyousnessity of this occasion. I have begun to invent words I'm that excited!

Anyway, Tachamichi (a 19 year student) asked if he could borrow my Japanese Bible so he could read it tonight when he went home to his homestay. Then tomorrow, if I can wake myself up in time for chapel we are going to meet them, and then they will be going to another class with us.

Tachamichi told me that I would be a good teacher, because my face was kind.  How cool is that?  I think it's pretty cool. I can't wait to hang out with them tomorrow. I would like to get to know them better. Tachamichi wanted to play pool so hopefully their schedule won't be as demanding tomorrow. Ahhhhh I'm almost giddy, its rather sick. haha

I need Japan

Also, pray that our school can set up a partnership with Tokyo Christian University...because there are talks...and I would love nothing more than to be able to study in Japan for a semester. God I love that country! 

Summer is gone...for now

I know that summer is gone and that school has started but, what the heck...enjoy the video. As for the change stated in the last post. It's here, the cat is out of the bag. Feelings have been discussed, classes have been changed, internships are coming, new job, things are changing. God is good, what can I say.

"Summer Nights" - Rascal Flatts Official Music Video