Seeing Others Through God's Eyes

Psalm 100 is a psalm of thanksgiving.

In verse 3, the psalmist acknowledges that the Lord made us.

Psalm 100:3 (NRSVue) - Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.

In Acts 11, Peter reports to the church in Jerusalem.

There, the people criticize Peter for associating with the gentiles.

Peter gives them a full account beginning with his vision.

He then tells them of how he responded to the Spirit’s leading,

He also tells them how he was to make no distinction between Jew and gentile.

Their response is remarkable.

Acts 11:18 (NRSVue) - When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, “Then God has given even to the gentiles the repentance that leads to life.”

God created all of us.

He gave life to each one of us,

God knows each of us as individuals and God offers His grace to all,

If we could but learn to see others as God sees them.

God can help us do that,

Once we do, we can overcome our petty disagreements and personal prejudices,

Then, we can truly love our brothers and sisters in Christ as God desires for us.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, August 14, 2026.

I will be back here on Friday, August 21, 2026

We Are Not Fit to Judge

In Psalm 98, the psalmist praises the judge of the world.

Psalm 98:9 (NRSVue) - for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity.

In John 5, Jesus explains his authority as judge.

John 5:30 (NRSVue) - As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just because I seek to do not my own will but the will of him who sent me.

The right to judge is within the authority of the Lord.

It is not within our authority.

Yet daily we judge our neighbors by our own standards.

We judge based on our own set of prejudices, limited experiences and even our moods.

We even judge based on superficial things such as appearance.

We judge, not knowing what is going on in their lives.

We are warned not to judge.

Matthew 7:1 (NRSVue) - Do not judge, so that you may not be judged.

Surely, this is reason enough.

But beyond this, we are not fit to judge.

Only the Lord is fit to judge.

The Lord does not see others as we see them.

The Lord sees with justice.

He also sees with dignity and mercy.

Fortunately, that is also the way the Lord sees us.

Romans 8:1-2 (NRSVue) - Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, July 24, 2026.

I will be back here on Friday, August 7, 2026

Not Just for Children

People come to me with questions.

Frankly, I enjoy questions because they force me to dig deeper.

Someone who knew English is not my first language asked me about a hymn.

They asked me if I knew the lyrics to that hymn in my first language.

I said I did and they asked me to recite it back to them in that language.

The hymn in question was Jesus Loves Me.

This is a song many children learn.

Strangely enough, we tend not to sing it when we become adults.

Anna Bartlett Warner wrote the words.

William B. Bradbury composed the tune.

Jesus loves me, this I know,

for the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to him belong;

they are weak, but he is strong.

The version I was taught as a child goes like this:

Má Pán Ježíš, má mě rád,

Čisto Písmo nastokrát!

Všecky děti, jak jen jsou,

srdci jeho zálibou.

This is an adequate translation, albeit inexact.

So, I translated the second version back into English literally.

The result was both pleasantly surprising and reassuring.

My Lord Jesus, He has love for me,

Pure Scripture (tells me) a hundred times over!

All children, whatever they are,

(they are) a passion close to His heart.

Although not quite, the original, I love the retranslation.

Our Lord Jesus has love for us.

Pure Scripture reminds us of this repeatedly.

All children, even those my age, are a passion close to His heart.

This is why I love questions and enjoy digging deeper.

In doing so, a simple melody intended for children is transformed.

It becomes a poetic message about Christ’s active love for us all.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, July 10, 2026.

I will be back here on Friday, July 17, 2026

The First 900 Steps

I recently came across a quote by the late Aldous Huxley.

“If most of us remain ignorant of ourselves, it is because self-knowledge is painful and we prefer the pleasures of illusion.”

As a man of faith, I will not say that coming across this quote was coincidental.

You see, this is my 900^th offering since I responded to God’s leading in January 2010.

This was an opportunity to share my faith.

As importantly, God intended this as a means of self-reflection.

Huxley was correct in his assertion about the dangers of illusion.

Scripture also has a great deal to say about the importance of self-discovery.

Throughout this journey, I reminded myself that I am doing this as I believe God desires this of me.

Jeremiah 17:9 (NRSVue) - The heart is devious above all else; it is perverse—who can understand it? I the Lord test the mind and search the heart, to give to all according to their ways, according to the fruit of their doings.

I also had to remind myself that God is using this to change me from the inside.

Romans 12:2 (NRSVue) - Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Before I write, I must remind myself that I am a sinner and that I need Christ.

I am not better than any other in the same need.

Matthew 7:3-5 (NRSVue) - Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye.

In retrospect, I am not the same man I was when I started this journey 16 years ago.

Although I have made progress, I am still very much a work in progress.

Philippians 3:12 (NRSVue) - Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal, but I press on to lay hold of that for which Christ has laid hold of me.

I am also in a different place than I was when I began this journey.

I am frequently asked about my current profession.

I am also asked about my current ministries.

I can state that I am where God currently wants me to be.

I am also doing what He wants me to do.

I am also aware that he is using my current circumstances to prepare me for what lies ahead,

Romans 8:28 (NRSVue) - We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

If you have taken the time to read this far, I thank you.

Thank you for accompanying me on this journey.

Just remember that you have your own journey and that the Lord wants to be part of it.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, June 26, 2026.

I will be back here on Friday, July 3, 2026

Integrity

I recently attended another funeral service.

This service was for a cousin.

Although family, I always looked up to him as a man.

When his obituary was posted, his many admirable qualities were mentioned.

But one word jumped off the page and caused me to think.

That word was ‘integrity.’

Sadly, it is not a word we hear much anymore.

Personally, I have used the word many times in day-to-day affairs with others.

But what is integrity, and is this a biblical trait?

Merriam-Webster defines integrity as “firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values.”

My perhaps oversimplification is “be as good as your word.”

If you make a promise, keep it.

If you say you are going to do something, do it.

But what does scripture say about integrity?

Proverbs 11:3 (NRSVue) - The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.

There are many other proverbs.

But what does the New Testament have to say?

2 Corinthians 8:21 (NRSVue) - for we are setting our minds on what is right not only before the Lord but also before the people.

What did Christ have to say about integrity?

The Beatitudes provide this answer.

Matthew 5:8 (NRSVue) - “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Integrity is essential to following Jesus.

But unlike other godly characteristics, the results of integrity develop over time,

Characteristics such as love, patience, and kindness are immediately evident.

The fruits of integrity develop over time and have a bearing on our relationship with God and with others.

These relationships take a long time to build.

They can be damaged in no time at all.

That is why integrity is so important and why scripture stresses this fact repeatedly.

My cousin had this quality and God made certain I observed it during our time together.

I am indebted to both.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, June 12, 2026.

I will be back here on Friday, June 19, 2026 

Is True Peace Achievable?

Sometimes it seems as though peace is unachievable.

The lack of peace between nations makes continual headlines.

There is even a lack of peace between individuals.

Simply disagreeing with someone can lead to heated exchanges and violent conflict.

Sometimes, we even find it difficult to be at peace with ourselves.

One thing is certain.

We cannot have peace with others unless we first have peace with God.

The good news is that Christ has made this a reality.

Romans 5:1 (NRSVue) - Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

When we acknowledge this, we have peace with God.

Christ gave us this peace.

John 14:27 (NRSVue) - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

Once we have this peace with God, we can work on our peace with others.

Hebrews 13:14 (NRSVue) - Pursue peace with everyone and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

Scripture promises us peace.

But Scripture also makes one thing clear.

John 16:33b (NRSVue) - In the world you face persecution, but take courage: I have conquered the world!

Remember these words from the Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew 5:9 (NRSVue) - Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, May 22, 2026.

I will be back here on Friday, June 5, 2026

Is That Your Final Answer?

I was recently asked to speak at a cousin’s funeral and then read the selected scripture.

I will skip the eulogy I gave.

I will say that God helped me to console those grieving.

For this piece, I thought I would discuss the passage from scripture.

At the beginning of John 11, Lazarus was ill.

His sisters, Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus.

But Jesus intentionally delayed his departure.

In time, Jesus told His followers that it was time to leave for Judea.

The disciples warned against this, but Jesus prevailed.

By the time they arrived, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days.

A grieving Martha heard Jesus had arrived and went out to confront Him.

In her pain, she scolded Jesus for not arriving in time to save Lazarus.

Unknown to Martha, Jesus was about to raise Lazarus from the dead.

Before He did so, Jesus identified Himself as the source of eternal life.

He then asked Martha a very deep and personal question that required a personal response.

John 11:25-26 (NRSVue) - Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

These words were directed at Martha.

But they are directed at us as well.

Jesus is telling us exactly who He is, the source of eternal life.

He then asks us the same very deep and personal question.

“Do you believe this?”

Is He still waiting for you to answer?

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, April 24, 2026.

I will be back here on Friday, May 1, 2026

Character Matters!

Character does matter.

It matters in our professions.

It matters as we interact with one another.

Most importantly it matters to God.

Each of us was made in the image of God.

This includes what is inside of us as well as the outside.

One of the best examples the Bible gives us of character is Daniel.

Daniel 6:3 (NRSVue) - Soon Daniel distinguished himself above the other administrators and satraps because an excellent spirit was in him, and the king planned to appoint him over the whole kingdom.

People took notice of Daniel’s character.

The king certainly noticed.

The administrators and the satraps noticed as well.

But they did not share the king’s view of Daniel.

Daniel 6:4 (NRSVue) - So the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for complaint against Daniel in connection with the kingdom. But they could find no grounds for complaint or any corruption, because he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption could be found in him.

Try as they might, they could not find fault with his character.

As Christians, people will examine our character.

Does our character align with our faith?

Does it align with our relationship with God?

Does it align with how we treat our fellow man?

If not, we have a major problem on our hands.

Our conduct (words and actions) builds up our character.

Our character, in turn, shapes our conduct.

Our character helps define us.

Both good relationships and a good reputation take time to build.

But the same relationships and reputation can be damaged in a heartbeat.

Using today’s vernacular, Daniel walked the walk and talked the talk.

As Christians, we should ask ourselves: “Do we?”

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, April 24, 2026.

I will be back here on Friday, May 1, 2026

Where Trust Belongs

In Jeremiah 23, the prophet speaks of the restoration following exile.

Moreover, he speaks of God’s role in that restoration.

God will restore the people and prosper them.

Jeremiah 23:3 (NRSVue) - Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply.

In John 10, Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd.

He talks about the role of a thief.

He then contrasts that to His role as the Good Shepherd.

John 10:10 (NRSVue) - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Our lives and successes are in the Lord’s hands.

This was true thousands of years ago and it is just as true today,

No matter what stage of the journey we find ourselves, every part of our existence is in His hands.

And we should respond accordingly.

Our service is bound in our relationship with the Lord and our fellow man.

All we need to do is trust Him alone and not ourselves.

For without trust, where would faith be?

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, April 10, 2026.

I will be back here on Friday, April 17, 2026

Forever Young

Psalm 71 is a prayer for protection.

In it, the psalmist acknowledges God’s presence from his youth.

Psalm 71:17 (NRSVue) - O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds

In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, Paul demands something from him.

Paul demands that Timothy continue in the way in which he was instructed.

2 Timothy 3:15 (NRSVue) - and how from childhood you have known sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

These are good reminders for us, especially as we grow older,

Regardless of our age, we should always delight in the Lord’s love and mercy.

Moreover, we should retain youthful hearts,

We should remain open to new lessons that God wants us to learn.

We relied on the love of our parents as children.

As children of God, we should rely on our Heavenly Father’s love.

We should take delight in it.

Our earthly parents taught us new lessons.

Our Heavenly Father also has new lessons to teach us.

It is up to us to be open to His guidance as well as His love.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, March 27, 2026.

I will be back here on Friday, April 3, 2026

Created for a Purpose

In Isaiah 29, the prophet uses the analogy of the potter and the clay.

Put another way, the potter is the creator, and the clay becomes what the potter makes of it.

In the same sense, God is our Creator, and we are His creation.

God creates us to serve His purpose, and we, the created, should not question God’s intent.

Isaiah 29:16 (NRSVue) - You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay? Shall the thing made say of its maker, “He did not make me,” or the thing formed say of the one who formed it, “He has no understanding”?

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul reminds his audience of this fact.

But Paul expands on this.

Ephesians 2:10 (NRSVue) - For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we may walk in them.

God is the Creator.

We are the creation.

And we are created “in Christ” to do good works.

Moreover, these works were planned for us before we were created.

Let us return to the potter and clay analogy for a moment.

The potter decides what he will make of the clay beforehand.

Perhaps it will be a vase.

Perhaps it will be a bowl.

Perhaps it will be something entirely different.

The potter decides and the clay responds to his touch.

Likewise, we respond to His touch through the Holy Spirit.

We can then fulfill the need for which we were created.

We can then lead those in our midst out of the darkness and into the light.

Then, they too may see that they were created for His purpose.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, March 13, 2026.

I will be back here on Friday, March 20, 2026

Just Enough

The message I heard on Sunday centered on the manna and quail in Exodus.

One part of this chapter resonated within me.

Exodus 16:15 (NRSVue) - When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat.

This ended the reading.

But it made me realize that people, me included, can misunderstand God’s provision.

We may see it, but we do not always understand it.

I then thought about the verses that follow and another struck a chord within me.

Exodus 16:16 (NRSVue) - This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Everyone is to gather as much as they need. Take an omer for each person you have in your tent.’”

The people were instructed to take as much as they needed, not as much as they wanted.

Some did not heed these instructions and the extra they took went bad.

This angered Moses.

God still provides.

Yet human beings often mistake this providence and apply terms like ‘luck’ or ‘chance.’

And even when we do recognize God’s role as provider, we are tempted to take more than what we need.

We might even be upset that the provision was not enough to suit us.

As a provider, God knows our needs.

He will give us enough to meet those needs.

And our response should be one of gratitude.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, February 27, 2026.

I will be back here on Friday, March 6, 2026

Gratitude and Joy

Psalm 92 is a Psalm of Thanksgiving.

The Psalmist writes that joy should accompany gratitude.

Psalm 92:4 (NRSVue) - For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.

In Acts 3, Peter heals a lame beggar.

The beggar’s gratitude was also accompanied by joy.

Acts 3:8 (NRSVue) - Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.

Our gratitude and praise should also be accompanied by joy.

God expects our praise.

Got expects our gratitude.

God also expects our joy.

Scripture bears this out.

Philippians 4:4 (NRSVue) - Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, February 13, 2026.

I will be back here on Friday, February 20, 2026

Earthly Anbassadors

One definition of the word gospel is “the teaching or revelation of Christ.”

While there are four Gospels in Scripture, every Christian is called upon to be a gospel in his or her day.

A Christion is called upon to tell others about Christ.

Zechariah 8 tells of those who will be drawn to Jerusalem.

Those who do not know the Lord will seek out those who do.

Zechariah 8:23b (NRSVue) - ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’

In his first letter to Corinth, Paul writes that we are one body with many members.

1 Corinthians 12:13 (NRSVue) - For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

Thanks to the Spirit, all Christians are united.

And, as the prophet wrote, those around us should be able to observe our faith.

As we reflect the light of Christ, others will naturally gravitate to it.

This will help us point them to the Lord.

On my best day, I am incapable of saving anyone.

Only Christ can save them.

In fact, He wants them to be saved.

John 3:16-17 (NRSVue) - “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Let us be united in the Spirit.

Let us live as God wants us to live.

Let us be there for those who seek to know God.

Paul wrote that our citizenship is in heaven.

For now, let us be the best ambassadors we can be.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, February 13, 2026.

I will be back here on Friday, February 6, 2026

More Stones to Gather

A new year is upon us.

In reflection, my thoughts turned to a sermon offered by a young man.

Joshua 4 was the inspiration for his message.

Joshua 4:4-7 (GNT) - Then Joshua called the twelve men he had chosen, and he told them, “Go into the Jordan ahead of the Covenant Box of the Lord your God. Each one of you take a stone on your shoulder, one for each of the tribes of Israel. These stones will remind the people of what the Lord has done. In the future, when your children ask what these stones mean to you, you will tell them that the water of the Jordan stopped flowing when the Lord's Covenant Box crossed the river. These stones will always remind the people of Israel of what happened here.”

Joshua led his people across the Jordan river.

When the ark of the covenant reached the halfway point, the river was held back.

The people then crossed on dry ground.

Joshua then commanded that stones be gathered and a monument be raised with them.

This monument would serve as a reminder of what took place.

At the conclusion of his sermon, the young man drove his point home.

Throughout our lives, we encounter challenges.

This is true even of Christians.

And when those challenges seem to get the best of us, we should look back on our lives.

We should look back on the stones we gathered to remind us that God was with us.

I had a chance to visit with the young man afterward.

I thanked him for his message.

I also told him that it reminded me that my work is not yet finished.

I still have time to figuratively gather stones in whatever time God sees fit to give me.

Reflecting on the past two decades, I can see that my life has changed significantly.

In fact, this ministry is now entering its 17^th year.

I began a new and personally rewarding career three years ago.

There are other “stones” too numerous to mention.

But one thing is abundantly clear.

I did not accomplish these things alone.

Philippians 4:13 (GNT) - I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, January 9, 2026.

I will be back here on Friday, January 14, 2026

And Justice for All

There is currently a great deal of talk about social injustice.

Sadly, some will promote a personal agenda of lies claiming to promote social justice.

Some will even go as far as to say that what is true for one individual may not be true for another.

In Isaiah 5, the prophet condemns social injustice.

In doing so, he condemns those who lie to promote personal agendas.

Isaiah 5:20a (NRSVue) - Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness,

Making truth a relative commodity serves to promote injustice.

It does this by stirring up strife and creating unnecessary division,

Christians understand that truth is not relative.

In Romans 12, Paul writes about what makes a good Christian.

Romans 12:21 (NRSVue) - Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Christians are called upon to promote justice.

But they can only do so by defending the truth and not trading one lie for another.

As we continue our journey through Advent, let us remember the source of truth.

John 14:6 (NRSVue) - Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

May we have the courage to defend the truth that is Christ!

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, December 26, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, January 2, 2026

Serious Joy

My class is currently studying a book about the characteristics of a Godly person.

We just began the section on joy.

In a different book, C.S. Lewis wrote that “Joy is the serious business of Heaven.”

In Psalm 84, the psalmist wrote about the joy of worship in the temple,

Psalm 84:10a (NRSVue) - For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.

In Luke 2, we read about Jesus as a boy in the temple.

Mary and Joseph realized Jesus was not with the group of travelers.

They returned to Jerusalem.

There, they found Jesus in the temple.

Despite their joy in finding Him, they scolded him.

The response of Jesus showed wisdom beyond His age.

Luke 2:49 (NRSVue) - He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

As we continue our journey through Advent, let us find joy.

True joy can be found when we walk with the triune God.

Our love for the Lord is a joyful experience.

And our love for those He created in His image should also be joyful.

These kinds of joy prepare us for the serious business of the joy of heaven.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, December 12, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, December 19, 2025

Perhaps One Day

In Micah 2, the prophet denounces the evils in society.

Micah 2:1 (NRSVue) - Woe to those who devise wickedness and evil deeds on their beds! When the morning dawns, they perform it, because it is in their power.

In Mark 20, Jesus addresses the descension among the disciples.

Matthew 20:25-26 (NRSVue) - But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you, but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant,

Micah lived about 700 years before Christ.

Christ walked with his disciples 2,000 years ago.

In our modern age, we like to think we are smarter than those who lived in the past.

We deride those in the past thinking them unsophisticated.

But if we are honest, are we any better?

Have we really advanced the cause of humanity?

When we disagree, hatred quickly takes hold.

Nations have fought numerous wars.

Persecution is alive and well.

As we look in our own streets and neighborhoods, we find despair.

But God remains steadfast.

God has provided the means of salvation for everyone through Jesus.

One day, the world will embrace peace instead of war.

One day, justice will reign.

Perhaps one day we will learn how to disagree without becoming disagreeable.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, November 28, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, December 5, 2025

Foolish Pride

Scripture warns us repeatedly about the dangers of pride.

It was pride that led to Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden,

Satan tempted Eve’s pride.

Genesis 3:5 (NRSVue) - for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.

Proverbs 16 is a reminder that pride leads to a fall.

Proverbs 16:18 (NRSVue) - Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.

In Mark 7, the Pharisees were critical of the disciples and their practices.

In their opinion, the disciples failed to follow their rules.

Christ told the Pharisees they preferred manmade custom to obedience to God.

Later, Christ explained this.

Mark 7:20 (NRSVue) - And he said, “It is what comes out of a person that defiles.

Pride is indeed a dangerous thing.

This even applies to pride in tradition.

When Christ walked with his disciples, he taught them what was crucial.

Thanks to Scripture, we can follow both His words and His example.

And thanks to scripture, we can use His words and His example for correction.

When pride attempts to lead us astray, we can resist its temptation.

We can stay on the right path.

We can choose obedience to God..

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, November 14, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, November 21, 2025

Strength and Compassion

Psalm 10 is a prayer for deliverance,

The psalmist recognizes two things.

God will hear the meek that call out to Him.

God will also strengthen them.

Psalm 10:17 (NRSVue) - O Lord, you will hear the desire of the meek; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear

Luke 19 begins with the account of Jesus and Zacchaeus.

Zacchaeus was a tax official, and people disliked him for that.

He also knew he was not tall enough to see Jesus when He passed.

So, Zacchaeus climbs up a sycamore tree to afford himself a better view.

He was in for the surprise of his life.

Luke 19:5-6 (NRSVue) - When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him.

Although disliked by many, Jesus had compassion for this tax collector.

Jesus not only spoke with him, but Jesus would also be a willing guest in his home.

The Lord has compassion for all.

He wants us to show that same compassion to all God’s children.

You may be saying to yourself that this is impossible.

In one of life’s great ironies, those who need love the most seem the hardest to love.

Compassion for everyone is impossible if we rely on our strength alone.

But if we humble ourselves like the psalmist, the Lord will allow us to rely on His strength.

With His strength, all things are possible.

This includes an all-embracing love.

Philippians 4:13 (NRSVue) - I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, October 10, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, October 17, 2025

How Is Courage Possible?

Zechariah 8 is about God’s promises to His people.

The prophet concludes verse 13 with special instructions.

Zechariah 8:13b (NRSVue) - Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.

John 16 concludes with Jesus offering His disciples peace.

His followers will still face persecution, yet Jesus tells them that they can take courage.

John 16:33 (NRSVue) - I have said this to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution, but take courage: I have conquered the world!

But do these words of courage still apply?

The answer is a resounding yes.

Persecution of Christians still goes on.

Christians are even willing to die to defend the truth.

To the unbeliever, the question is “Why risk it?”

The simple answer is because we believe we are following Christ.

We follow the commands He gave us.

As importantly, we follow the example He set for us.

Despite persecution, despite risk, we follow knowing Christ has overcome the world.

Will following Christ be easy or safe?

No.

But follow Him we must.

And in conquering the world, Christ assures us that we have a place in His kingdom.

If you find this hard to believe, examine the exchange between Christ and the thief on the cross.

Luke 23:42-43 (NRSVue) - Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom.” He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, October 10, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, October 17, 2025

Not Wanting Anyone to Perish

In Ezekiel 12, the prophet spoke of judgment.

Verse 25 begins with a reminder of God’s omnipotence.

The Lord spoke.

And what the Lord spoke would be fulfilled.

Ezekiel 12:25 (NRSVue) - But I the Lord will speak the word that I speak, and it will be fulfilled. It will no longer be delayed, but in your days, O rebellious house, I will speak the word and fulfill it, says the Lord God.”

The creation account in Genesis also attests to His spoken word.

Genesis 1:3 (NRSVue) - Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul wrote of another time the Lord spoke.

This too was fulfilled.

Galatians 3:8 (NIV) - Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”

This was a promise God made.

This was also a promise kept.

Genesis 22:18 (NIV) - and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.

All peoples can be blessed, but they can only be blessed by God.

All peoples are created in the image of God.

At the end of the day, all peoples are children of God.

And God would have it that none should perish but come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) - The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, September 26, 2025.

Seeing Divinity in Creation

In Isaiah 37, Hezekiah consulted with Jeremiah,

Afterward, Hezekiah went to the house of the Lord to pray.

In this prayer, Hezekiah, recognized that God is the creator of all things.

Isaiah 37:16 (NRSVue) - O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, who are enthroned above the cherubim, you are God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth.

In the first chapter of John, we are told that the Word became Flesh.

We are also told that Christ took an active role in creation.

John 1:3a (NRSVue) - All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being.

The late Billy Graham explained the relationship of the Trinity like this: “The Father is the source of all blessing, and the Son is the channel of all blessing. It is through the Holy Spirit at work in us that all truth becomes living and operative in our lives.”

We are creations of the Triune God.

And through the Holy Spirit, we gain wisdom.

And, because of that wisdom, we can recognize the Triune God in all aspects of life.

We can even recognize the spark of the divine in others.

This enables us to live according to the will of the Triune God.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, September 12, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, September 19, 2025

What's the Good Word?

Numbers 6 contains the Priestly Benediction.

The word benediction originates from the Latin words "bene" (well) and "dicere" (to speak).

This “good word” is still spoken at the conclusion of worship services today.

The Priestly Benediction goes back to the time of Moses and Arron and begins…

Numbers 6:24 (NRSVue) - The Lord bless you and keep you;

In Matthew 28, Jesus commissions the disciples.

This commission has both instruction and a promise.

Matthew 28:20 (NRSVue) - and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The Benediction and the commission have reminders for us.

In God, we find refuge.

Even when life seems chaotic, God’s love for us never falters.

We can trust His promises no matter how ancient those promises are.

God remains faithful, and Christ is with us to the end of the age.

All we need to do is to trust.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, August 22, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, September 5, 2025

Sharing the Complete Truth

Psalm 44 has been described as a prayer and a lament.

Beginning in verse 1, the psalmist acknowledges the awe and wonder of God.

Psalm 44:1 (NRSVue) - We have heard with our ears, O God; our ancestors have told us what deeds you performed in their days, in the days of old:

Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, gave him sound instruction on how to teach.

But he also left him with a warning.

2 Timothy 4:3 (NRSVue) - For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound teaching, but, having their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires

And Paul’s warning is a good reminder for our modern world.

Some teachers and even some ministers are selective about what to discuss and how to discuss it.

God should always fill us with awe.

His deeds should still amaze us.

And the Bible stands the test of time and is the source of truth.

It should still strike a chord within us.

And that same chord should resonate among believers.

It should also resonate within the hearts and minds of those who teach and preach the Word of God.

We should always share the complete truth of God’s deeds with others.

Just like those who preceded us shared it with us.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, August 8, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, August 15, 2025

Pleasing God by Keeping His Word

Leviticus 22 discusses acceptable offerings.

It also reminds us that we are to do what God commands and why.

Leviticus 22:31 (NRSVue) - Thus you shall keep my commandments and observe them: I am the Lord.

In John 14, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to His disciples.

Jesus also gives a similar reminder.

John 14:23 (NRSVue) - Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.

But how does one keep the word?

How does one keep the commandments?

Jesus explains this in Mark 22.

Mark 22:37-40 (NRSVue) - He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

If we could fully obey these two commandments, we would be fully keeping them all.

And, in doing so we would be living like Enoch.

Genesis 5:22a (NRSVue) - Enoch walked with God.

Hebrews 11:5 (NRSVue) - By faith Enoch was taken so that he did not experience death, and “he was not found, because God had taken him.” For it was attested before he was taken away that “he had pleased God.”

Keep God’s word.

Love God and love your neighbor.

In this way, we walk with and please God.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, July 25, 2025.

Dependence Day

The Fourth of July is also known as Independence Day.

It is a day set aside to celebrate freedom.

This celebration will include parades, barbecues, and end with fireworks.

But what does true independence mean?

Scripture leads us to a rather surprising answer to that question.

Psalm 73 is a prayer for relief from oppression.

In verse 26, the psalmist acknowledges his physical and spiritual anxiety.

But even in such a crisis, he knows to whom he can turn.

Psalm 73:26 (NRSVue) - My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Revelation 3 contains messages to the various churches,

One of these is the church in Philadelphia.

Revelation 3:7 (NRSVue) - And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of the Holy One, the True One, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens:

Some put it this way: “When God closes one door, He opens another.”

Speaking from personal experience, this is true.

Many doors have closed in my lifetime.

But just as true, many have opened as well.

This includes a door I stepped through almost three years ago.

It was not a door I anticipated or planned.

It was a door that God led me to and opened for me.

God knows us not only as a people but as individual people.

And His mercies are tailor made for each individual.

There are times when God closes doors, and we have a tough time dealing with that.

And although difficult for us to see, God also opens doors for us appropriate for us in His service.

So, are we independent?

The answer depends on how dependent we are on God.

Those truly dependent on God follow His leading.

They are among the most liberated of all.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, July 11, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, July 18, 2025

A Return to Wisdom

 Proverbs is indeed a book of wisdom.

 Although written centuries ago, Proverbs 15 still provides wisdom for the modern age.

 Proverbs 15:1 (NRSVue) - A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

 Paul, in his second letter to Timothy offers encouragement and sound advice.

 And though centuries old, Paul’s words provide wisdom for the modern era as well.

 2 Timothy 1:13– (NRSVue) - Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

 Today’s headlines literally scream conflict.

 There is conflict in our streets and on our college campuses.

 There is conflict between our leaders.

 There is even conflict between nations.

 If ever there was a time for wisdom that stands the test of time, surely that time is now,

 I pray that God would grant people, leaders, and nations the wisdom to respond to hostility with soft answers.

 I pray that people, leaders, and nations will return to sound teaching.

 I pray that people, leaders, and nations will remember the importance of faith.

 Speaking for myself, I am under no obligation to agree with everyone.

 I am not told to either condone or adopt their practices.

 But Christ makes it clear that I am obligated to love my neighbors even when I disagree with them.

 Mark 12:31a (NRSVue) - The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

  

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, June 13, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, June 20, 2025

Again I Will Say, Rejoice

 Psalm 5 is about trusting God.

 In verse 11, the psalmist discusses how those who trust God can rejoice.

 Psalm 5:11 (NRSVue) - But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, so that those who love your name may exult in you.

Acts 5, tells of the persecution of the apostles.

After healing many they were arrested.

Freed by an angel of the Lord, they went on with their teaching.

Arrested once more, they were asked about their disobedience.

They responded by saying they obeyed God rather than human authority.

The council was enraged.

But a Pharisee named Gamaliel interceded,

They were flogged and released,

They rejoiced at their persecution.

Acts 5:41-42– (NRSVue) - As they left the council, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. And every day in the temple and at home they did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah.

Rejoicing in persecution is a sign of faith.

To rejoice in the face of difficulty demonstrates to others the nature of true faith.

Such a demonstration benefits those in our families.

It benefits those whom we encounter regularly.

It especially benefits those who have yet to find a personal relationship with the Lord.

It can lead them from wonder to a genuine rejoicing of their own.

Philippians 4:4-5 (NRSVue) - Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, June 13, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, June 20, 2025

Where Treasure Is Found

 Psalm 119 is about the glories of God’s laws.

 With 176 verses, the psalmist had a great deal to say.

 This time around, it was verse 162 thar caught my attention.

 Psalm 119:162 (NRSVue) - I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.

 Here, to “find great spoil” equates with finding great treasure.

 And we should consider God’s word to be a great treasure.

 Matthew 13 contains several parables of Jesus.

 One concerns the Kingdom of Heaven.

 As Jesus began this parable, He compared it to a treasure,

Matthew 13:44 – (NRSVue) - The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and reburied; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

The list of treasures God bestows is extensive.

Scripture certainly is among them.

And, when the time comes, we will learn firsthand how great a treasure the Kingdom of Heaven is.

But a treasure we can enjoy right now is doing the work of the Kingdom.

There are so many who go through life looking for material wealth and possessions.

Some even succeed.

But these gains do not last.

Unless they are reached before the end, they will find their search and their labor has been in vain.

Others go through life seeking happiness.

They do not realize that true happiness cannot be found in the world.

From that perspective alone, the work of the Kingdom is both vital and rewarding.

Such work is also a treasure.

Jesus even told the disciples as much.

Matthew 9:37-38 (NRSVue) - Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, May 23, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, June 6, 2025