Where was God?

Tragedy.

It strikes without warning.

It strikes even the young.

Last week it did both in America at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

One moment children were exactly where they were supposed to be while doing exactly what they were supposed to be doing.

In the next moment twenty of them along with several adults were dead.

So was the gunman that ended their lives.

It does not make sense.

The days leading up to Christmas are supposed to be days filled with joy, aren‘t they?

Now, a community begins coping with a tremendous loss.

A nation begins asking difficult questions.

As if this were not sad enough, sadder still is the fact that those without faith will use this to excuse their unbelief.

"If God exists," they reason, "why would He let innocent children die?"

It is time to wake up.

Believers and unbelievers alike must understand that evil exists in this world.

There simply is no way to sugar coat this.

1 Peter 5:8 (NET) - Be sober and alert. Your enemy, the devil, like a roaring lion is on the prowl looking for someone to devour.

We may never know what the gunman’s personal motives were.

We do know that Satan can convince almost anyone of anything.

John 8:44 (NET) - You people are from your father, the devil, and you want to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of all lies.

In fact, that is the one thing he will do that God will never do.

God will not lie.

Titus 1:2 (NET) - in hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the ages began.

But what of the tragedy?

Doesn’t God care?

Is God just a casual observer?

On the contrary, God cares very much and He does more than merely observe.

The life of Joseph provides us with an excellent example of his involvement when evil strikes.

Joseph’s brothers allowed jealousy to cloud their sense of family and their sense of right and wrong.

In the beginning, they actually plotted to kill their own brother.

They threw him into a pit.

Then, they sold him into slavery which took him to Egypt.

There, Joseph refused the advances of his master’s wife and ended up in prison as a result of her lies.

There, he was even forgotten by a prisoner whom he had helped.

Frankly speaking, a lot of bad things happened to Joseph.

Yet God was with Joseph every step of the way.

With God’s help, Joseph attained the position of prime minister and his efforts saved the lives of many during a terrible famine.

This included the lives of the very brothers who sold him into slavery in the first place.

Joseph was keenly aware of God’s presence and the active role God played when evil befell him.

Genesis 50:20 (NET) - As for you, you meant to harm me, but God intended it for a good purpose, so He could preserve the lives of many people as you see this day.

God can and does use the results of evil for good.

He did this with Joseph.

I am confident that He will do so with this tragedy as well.

At this point parents are dealing with the pain that comes with the death of a child.

I cannot even begin to imagine what that must feel like.

God knows.

He knows only too well.

After all, He watched His Only Son die a painful and humiliating death on a cross.

A Son who willingly died for you and me and the victims in Newtown, Connecticut.

So, what do we do now?

How do we move forward and make a nation, indeed the world, a better place?

We do what Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, did.

We pray.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NET) - If My people, who belong to Me, humble themselves, seek to please me, and repudiate their sinful practices, then I will respond from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

As for the children, I close with the words spoken by Jesus Himself.

Luke 16:18 (NET) - But Jesus called for the children saying, "Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com

The Golden Age

One of the things I like about the region in which I live is that people are friendly.

Even strangers will strike up or join in a conversation virtually anywhere or at any time.

I was visiting with a friend at a restaurant Sunday evening.

We first discussed what had been going on in our lives since we last saw each other.

We then spoke about things like the weather and eventually moved into deeper topics including the current state of the world.

It was during this phase of the conversation that an older gentleman seated at the next table offered his opinion.

After a few minutes of discussion, we exchanged introductions.

Afterward, the older gentleman said something that stuck with me.

He said, "Face it, the Golden Age is over."

I knew exactly what he meant by that.

He meant that things were different when he was younger.

The term "Golden Age" stuck with me and I found myself thinking about it.

Perhaps the better term would be "Golden Ages".

For example, in the 1920s and 1930s the world experienced the Golden Age of Aviation.

In the 1930s and 1940s there was the Golden Age of Radio.

In the 1940s and 1950s there was the Golden Age of Television.

Since I had that conversation, I pondered the question,  "When was the Golden Age of Christianity?"

Perhaps it was in Old Testament times when the prophets foretold of His coming and His purpose.

Isaiah 53:5 (NET) - He was wounded because of our rebellious deeds, crushed because of our sins; He endured punishment that made us well; because of His wounds we have been healed.

A valid argument could also be made that this Golden Age took place during the earthly life of Jesus.

John 1:14 (NET) - Now the Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We saw His glory - the glory of the One and Only, full of grace and truth, who came from the Father.

Another valid case could be made for Pentecost.

Acts 2:2-4 (NET) - Suddenly, a sound like a violent wind blowing came from heaven and filled the entire house where they were sitting. And tongues spreading out like a fire appeared to them and came to rest on each one of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them.

A case could be made for the Golden Age being the present as we currently live in a world in which many still do not know the Good News.

They are waiting for ordinary people like us to fulfill the Great Commission.

Mark 16:15 (NET) - He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."

So, when exactly was the Golden Age of Christianity?

After considering these things, I have concluded that all of time (even before the foundation of the world) can be considered the Golden Age of Christianity.

John 1:1 (NET) - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Unlike the Golden Ages I discussed earlier this Golden Age has no end.

John 14:2-3 (KJV) - In my Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And If I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.

The Golden Age of Christianity has always existed.

It continues today.

It has an unlimited number of tomorrows.

Welcome to the Golden Age!


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com

Saving to Serve

The Thanksgiving holiday in the USA is behind us (except for its crass commercialization, unfortunately). One thing I found myself being thankful for this year was being able to share with others the bounty God has showered upon me. I haven't always taken that opportunity as I should have. When my wife and I were younger and had several children living at home, our income was less and day-to-day expenses greater, and we were carrying too much debt. So, I I felt anxious about every dollar and was too reluctant to part with even a few to help the needy and other good causes. I shouldn't have been that way; my faith in God's providence was lacking.

In any event, I'm blessed to still be here today, with my health and a good job, and my children are all on their own. We CAN and now DO more to help those less fortunate, though of course there's so much more we could and should be doing--personally, and not just by sending dollars someplace. With the Lord's help we've learned over the years to be reasonably frugal and to live within our means, so we now have an excess beyond minimum sustenance that can be used to do things like support children and families in Asia, supply our local homeless relief mission, and fund missionary efforts, as well as to help our children and a few friends through rough economic stretches. We've also managed to stockpile supplies of non-perishable food and water to help ourselves and our neighbors through an emergency.

It's so important not to get distracted by the dazzling images of opulence that modern society dangles before people's eyes, to entice us into a life of careless spending and debt that only makes a few others rich and ourselves helpless and dependent on assistance for our very survival. Not only does that open us to a corrupting level of control by those upon whom we're dependent, it prevents us from obtaining the blessings, to ourselves and others, that flow from helping the less fortunate. How can we properly care for our families and help the poor, as God expects us to do (1 John 3:17–19), if all our means have been frittered away on unnecessaries? Remember this admonition: "[L]et him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth." (Ephesians 4:28)

Get into the habit of pausing before you buy anything, or subscribe to any service, that isn't indisputably essential to daily existence. Do I really NEED that big-screen TV or that new mobile device? Can our family have a nice vacation somewhere besides Disney World? Carefully consider--and pray--whether other, more important things might be done with the money you'd be spending, including saving it away for harder times, or to assist someone else. If you condition yourself to put your family and others in mind first, and the future before the present, you'll develop habits of prudent living that will enable you, your loved ones, and your neighbors, with God's help, to weather any storm and remain strong in God's service.

Tom Fleming
Songs of Praises

Thank You, Jesus

As I write this, we are just two days away from celebrating Thanksgiving Day where I live.

I am very much looking forward to what is considered a traditional Thanksgiving.

I am especially looking forward to my favorite part of that holiday and that is spending the day with family.

Someone once said that you pick your friends but you are stuck with your family.

If that is true, I am indeed blessed because I am "stuck" with a wonderful family.

As the day approaches, I find myself reflecting on the only miracle of Jesus that is recorded in all four gospels.

That miracle is the feeding of the five thousand.

Matthew records this account in chapter 14.

Mark records this in chapter 6.

Luke’s account is in chapter 9.

John tells us of this in chapter 6.

Although Jesus performed many miracles, we are told about this one more than any other.

A very large crowd follows Jesus.

Jesus takes pity on the multitude.

He tells His disciples to feed them.

They are unable to do so.

Jesus, on the other hand, does.

Jesus takes a young boy’s lunch consisting of five barley loaves (we would likely call them buns by today‘s standards) and two small fish.

With these he feeds the multitude until they were all satisfied.

Afterward, twelve baskets of leftovers are collected.

While it is true that food plays a major role in a traditional Thanksgiving celebration, that is not why I find myself reflecting on this miracle.

The reason this occupies my thoughts is what Jesus did just before he fed the multitude.

He gave thanks.

John 6:11 (NET) - Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, He distributed the bread to those who were seated. He then did the same with the fish, as much as they wanted.

While I am glad that there is officially one day set aside for giving thanks, Jesus reminds me that I should always be thankful.

This is true for things like food that are necessary for life.

This is especially true when it comes to the One necessary for eternal life, namely, Jesus Himself.

Thank You, Jesus!


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com

Don't Get Burned

I've long thought that one of the most striking passages in the New Testament is Hebrews 12:29: "For our God is a consuming fire."  Such compelling images this brings to mind!  What does it mean?  Does the passage refer to the "fire" of a zealous servant of God, or the fire of His judgment?  Some of both, perhaps, but examination of the context suggests that it's probably more of the latter.

Let's see the passage in context:

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:28, 29)

The writer here quotes Moses' admonition to his people in Deuteronomy 4:

Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the Lord your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the Lord thy God hath forbidden thee.
For the Lord thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.
When thou . . . shall corrupt yourselves, and make a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, and shall do evil in the sight of the Lord thy God, to provoke him to anger: . . . ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong your days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed.  (Deuteronomy 4:23-26)

How, then, to avoid that "consuming fire"?

But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; (For the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.  (Deuteronomy 4:29-31)

The lesson seems quite clear: If we turn away from God to worship other things--ourselves, our selfish needs and desires--and pursue evil, God's guidance and protection will not be with us, and we will ultimately suffer destruction and death from the forces of this world. But if we seek God diligently and obey His voice, serving Him "acceptably with reverence and godly fear," in the words of Hebrews, the Lord will not forsake us in the hour of tribulation, but preserve us in His unmovable kingdom.  That this critically important lesson from the Old Testament is repeated in the New puts to rest any idea that our salvation through Christ releases us from the moral obligations of the Law, as some kind of license to sin. While God is very merciful and loving, he will not overlook willful disobedience, but will bring to destruction those who despise His commandments.

So, let us do as Hebrews enjoins and "have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." Let us do His will faithfully and humbly, honoring Him by obeying His commandments and serving others before ourselves. Then, the "fire" that consumes us will be that of God's love and of true zeal in His service!

Tom Fleming
Songs of Praises

A Fall Reminder

We recently had a time change and had to set our clocks back one hour.

Speaking for myself, I am not a big fan of time changes.

It always takes me a while to get accustomed to the new time.

I am not fond of the one in the Autumn because it gets dark earlier.

I particularly dislike this most recent time change for another reason.

One evening shortly after the time change, I was ascending the steps that lead from the doors of the office building where I work up to the parking lot.

I had just passed the midway point in my ascent when the outdoor light suddenly went out.

I immediately found myself climbing the steps in almost complete darkness.

Not surprisingly, I misjudged where the next step was.

I tripped and fell forward.

I was able to brace for the fall and, thanks be to God, I was uninjured.

I rolled over and sat there on the steps for a moment to catch my breath.

As I sat there, I recalled how everything was fine until I suddenly found myself in the dark.

Even though I have gone up and down these very steps hundreds of times, without the light to assist me, I fell.

I then thought about something else.

I would fall spiritually were it not for Jesus lighting my life and guiding my steps.

John 8:12 (NET) - Then Jesus spoke out again, "I am the light of the world.  The one who follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

I have no control over time changes.

I also have no control as to when an electrical light will go out.

One thing I can always count on is Jesus being the light of my life.

Because of Him, I never have to worry about walking in spiritual darkness.


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com

He Delivers You always

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all”
(Psalm 34:19, NKJV)

Isn’t it good to know that we serve a Deliver? You might feel afflicted today, but God is working to bring you out of that difficult situation. It may not be in the way you thought, but you have to trust that God has your best interest at heart.

An affliction is defined as the cause of persistent pain or distress. I know that afflictions can take on many forms — a sickness or hardship, a temptation, a coworker or family member. There are so many things that can come against us, but God promises in His Word that no weapon formed against us shall prosper! Those afflictions are only temporary. Stand in faith believing that God is on your side, and you and God are a majority! It doesn’t matter what your circumstances look like, get up every morning and say, “This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. My Deliverer is coming!”

As you stand and trust the Lord, He will deliver you out of all your afflictions, and you’ll see His hand of blessing in every area of your life!

Seeking and Finding

At one time or another we've all misplaced some item, like car keys, a cell phone, a ring, or the like. Then, watch out!--we turn the house or office upside down, frantically searching for that thing we think we can't live without. More often than not it's found sooner or later, under a seat cushion or a pile of mail, or maybe even right in plain sight where we just overlooked it. What relief and exhiliration we feel when that happens!  Of course, sometimes what we seek is never found, and on top of all the time and effort expended looking we have to spend money to replace the item, if it's replacable at all.

"Seeking" is an inescapable and important--if often an aggravating and even agonizing--part of life. It extends from looking for lost objects to deciding what career to pursue, searching for a mate, or discerning what our purpose in life is. Sometimes we do it consciously, but often it's more like an irresistable current in the hidden depths of our minds and hearts.  And so often that all that seeking seems to lead nowhere but a dead end. Even a "successful" person may not really find the lasting fulfillment he or she was looking for, but discover too late that all his or her hard-won conquests were hollow. Sometimes, one spends everything he or she has in time, money, and even friends, only to make that mortifying discovery in the end.

That's why I love the Lord's "Lost and Found" stories so much, especially those in Luke ch. 15--the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, the Lost (or "Prodigal") Son. These stories hold many lessons, but at least one of them, I believe, is how we do, and should, assess the value of things. Of course, the missing piece of silver that the woman swept her whole house to find (Luke 15:8-10) was undoubtedly of great value to her--maybe it was a tenth of all the funds she had--and its recovery fully justified a celebration with her friends and neighbors. So much more so, said the Lord, was there "joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." Even more compelling is the story of that one Lost Sheep, in which the Shepherd left all of his other 99 to find and bring home. Likewise, the Lord said, "joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." And then there is the story of the Prodigal Son, who left home and spent all his inheritance in "riotous living," and then had to crawl back to his father in sorrow and rags. The father might have shut him out in anger for having wasting all that wealth, but instead received him back with forgiveness and joy--much to the chagrin of the young man's more responsible brother--proclaiming, "for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found!" Surely this is one of the most touching and revealing passages in all Scripture. For it, and the other parables spoken by Jesus in Luke 15, demonstrate that one repentant soul returned to the Lord is worth infinitely more in the Kingdom of God than any amount of wealth or honor, or even a whole lifetime of outwardly "righteous" conduct (remember that these paragbles were told to a crowd of "publicans and sinners" in the presence of Pharisees and scribes who "murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.")

So, never give yourself up for "lost."  Never doubt your worth in the Lord's eyes, no matter what you may have done or failed to do--you're already bought and paid for, with His life. And not only are you worth seeking and reclaiming: unlike a hunt for car keys or for fame and glory, your own search after God, if sincere, is guaranteed successful: "[Y]e shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart."  (Jeremiah 29:13)  He will always be there, waiting eagerly with open arms for His prodigal son or daughter to return. As Christ Himself said:

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh

it shall be opened.
~  Matthew 7:6-8

Tom Fleming
Songs of Praises

Music to My Ears

Ephesians 6:13-17 (NET) - For this reason, take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm, by fastening belt of truth around your waist, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness, by fitting your feet with the preparation that comes from the good news of peace, and in all of this, by taking up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Several weeks ago, I was once again enjoying coffee with friends at a local restaurant.

On this particular occasion, one of my friends brought his own coffee cup.

He walked up to the counter and paid for his coffee.

They filled the cup he brought in and my friend then joined our table.

The restaurant was quite noisy due to the large crowd.

There we were, enjoying both our coffee and each other’s company.

Then something happened that distracted me.

I heard music.

This music was different from that which the restaurant had playing through their speaker system.

I first checked my cell phone and was quickly able to rule that out.

As quickly as it appeared it disappeared.

I put this out of my mind.

Moments later I heard it again.

It was a very simple melody that was just loud enough for me to detect.

It sounded like the music to "Happy Birthday".

A moment later, it was gone.

Try as I might, I could not figure out where this music was coming from.

Over the course of the next several minutes it would come and go seemingly at random.

The effect it had on me was noticeable.

One of my friends asked me what was wrong.

All eyes on the table were now on me.

"This is very strange," I explained, "but I hear music from time to time and I have no idea where it coming from."

I asked if anyone else was hearing it.

They replied that they didn’t.

Then, purely without trying, I discovered exactly where this phantom music was coming from.

I was speaking directly to the friend who had so recently joined us.

As I spoke to him, he picked up his cup in order to drink from it.

As soon as he did, I heard the music play again.

As he set the cup down, the music stopped.

Mystery solved.

He had one of those musical coffee cups.

Someone had given it to him on his birthday years ago.

Due either to the cup’s age or some electrical malfunction, it played at a greatly reduced volume.

I thanked God that even at my age I was able to hear this amid all the noise.

I also realized that the hearing protection I wore when I worked in factories decades ago had indeed protected my hearing.

Because I took the precaution of protecting my hearing as a young man, my hearing is still quite good even though I am older.

It would not have been sufficient to carry around my hearing protection.

I actually had to wear it In order to preserve my hearing.

This served to remind me of the passage from Ephesians with which I opened.

God provides us with full armor to protect us spiritually.

He provides the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of truth.

It is not enough for us to simply carry them around with us.

In order to guard ourselves, we must wear them at all times in order for them to provide the protection He has so generously provided.

Thus armed, we can stand our ground and stand firm against anything that comes at us.


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com

Help Another, Help Yourself

Life's many problems can leave one feeling overwhelmed, alone, and helpless--an emotional paralysis that makes it impossible to cope.  One way to escape this cycle of despair is to focus on someone else who is in serious need, and devote substantial thought, energy, and prayer toward helping that person. The benefits are many, and "losing yourself" in this way is sure to lighten your own load!

Among other things, doing this helps to put your own problems in perspective--no matter how bad things look for you, there is ALWAYS someone in much greater need!--and reduce them in your mind to a more manageable level. You avoid developing an obsessive fixation on apparently insoluble dilemmas; your mind is freed and rested, at least for a while, enabling you to come back later with a fresh viewpoint and possibly new angles to try in dealing with your own challenges.

Making a positive difference for someone else, even in a small way, gives you a renewed faith in your ability to change things and a greater sense of your own value in this world. Also, others are more inclined to come to your aid if they see you as a helpful, giving person yourself.

Perhaps most important, acting as a channel of God's love toward another fills you with awareness of His infinite love for you, and with a new sense of purpose and confidence. That makes all the difference when tackling life's challenges!  There is nothing more empowering than knowing that no matter what happens in this life, He will NEVER disown you, and never abandon you! Whatever problems we have now, they'll be left here when we join Him in Heaven!

So, if you need help with your burdens, start by shouldering another's!

Tom Fleming
Songs of Praises

Thinking About Evangelism

I realize that we are just into October, but I am looking forward to November with great anticipation.

One of the great joys in my life is teaching Sunday School and beginning in November I plan to lead my students through an in depth study of The Pilgrim‘s Progress by John Bunyan.

Though written in the 1600’s, this allegory has stood the test of time.

One unique aspects of Bunyan’s work lies in the fact that he gives his characters names that denote their spiritual roles and personalities.

On the positive side we meet characters like Faith, Mercy, Hopeful and the main character Christian.

On the negative side we meet characters such as Ignorance, Envy, Deception and Atheist.

In preparing for my class, I have read the book several times and learn more each time.

Aside from the main character, Christian, another character that captures my attention goes by the name Evangelist.

Before reading the book, every time I heard the term evangelist, one person immediately came to mind.

His name is Billy Graham.

Over the decades I have seen Billy Graham a number of times on television.

I would hang onto his every word and marvel at the number of people who came to hear him speak.

Major sporting arenas were booked in order to accommodate the vast numbers that attended in person.

Millions more,  like myself, were content to watch and listen via television.

In Bunyan’s book, Evangelist makes many appearances and addresses audiences as small as one or two.

He serves as a counselor, a minister and a messenger.

He helps Christian and his companions by forewarning them of what is to come.

He also appears whenever they go off the course he has pointed out for them to stay on and gently corrects them in order that they may ultimately find that which they so earnestly seek.

In thinking of Evangelist’s roles, I am reminded of the service performed by Philip in Acts 8.

Acts 8:25 (NET) - Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Get up and go south on the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." (This is a desert road.)

Please note that an angel was involved here, but more on that later.

Philip encounters an Ethiopian reading the book of Isaiah.

Acting on the urging of the Spirit, Philip runs over to this man and asks if he understands what he is reading.

Acts 8:31 (NET) - The man replied, "How in the world can I, unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

The Ethiopian then reads to Philip the passage from Isaiah with which he struggles to understand.

He then asks Philip if Isaiah wrote about himself or someone else.

Acts 8:35 (NET) - So Philip started speaking, and beginning with this scripture proclaimed the good news about Jesus to him.

The Ethiopian ordered the chariot stopped when they came to water in order that Philip baptize him.

Here was a man that went from confusion to conviction because Philip evangelized to him.

Remember, I earlier asked you to note the angel’s involvement in this account.

One of the major roles that angels play in scripture is that of messenger.

Often, they relay messages from God to man.

Embedded in the word evangelist is the word angel.

Along with being a minister and a counselor, an evangelist must be a messenger as well.

Like Philip, he must be able to effectively communicate the message of the good news.

God uses some like Billy Graham to reach millions of people at once.

God also uses some like Philip to reach one person at a time.

He’s even been known to use a few Sunday School teachers along the way.

In the final analysis, It is not the size of the audience that matters.

What matters is the message.


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com

On One Who Taught the Teacher

On Saturday, I attended the funeral service of a very dear and wonderful woman.

She was a woman of outstanding character who was actively involved in our church for decades.

She loved God and served Him faithfully for many years.

She taught Sunday School and for a number of those years she taught our confirmation class.

I consider myself blessed because I was but one of the many students that she mentored along the way and I certainly am the richer for it.

Our pastor had many wonderful things to say about this fine woman.

One of the things he said that struck a chord deep within me was, "Sunday School teachers takes their position very seriously."

I found myself nodding in complete agreement.

I agreed because I currently teach a Sunday School class as well.

My pastor cited the following passage of Scripture at her service and it is a more than sobering reminder.

James 3:1 (NET) - Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, because you know that we will be judged more strictly.

Since that is the case, why would anyone do it?

Why would anyone risk being judged more strictly?

We do it because He called us to do it.

Romans 12:6-7 (NET) - And we have different gifts according to the grace given to us. If the gift is prophecy, that individual must use it in proportion to his faith. If it is service, he must serve, if it is teaching, he must teach;

She answered her call for the same reason I answered mine.

We did so because, in the words of Paul, we "must".

We did so knowing that if God called us to do this, He would also equip us to do this.

God equipped her for this responsibility.

God also used her, and others like her, to help equip me for my responsibility.

He was at work doing this for me even though I did not realize it at the time.

When I was young, God blessed me in many ways.

He blessed me with excellent teachers.

He also blessed me with excellent role models.

A few special individuals, like her. were both.

Now, it’s my turn.

I admit that is a bit intimidating, because teachers like her have set the bar extremely high.

I also admit that since I became a Sunday School teacher, I have learned some things as well.

Teaching comes with responsibility.

Teaching comes with a lot of work.

Fortunately, teaching also comes with a tremendous amount of love.

That is not all.

It also comes with the satisfaction of knowing that God is using me as yet another link in the chain of teachers that He continues to weave.


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com

Visit His World

It's mid-September here in western New York, USA--a time when the warm, sunshiny glories of summer gradually give way to the cool breezes and waning, golden light of autumn. In this season we're especially sensitive to the divine Creation that surrounds us, and are blessed with many ways to immerse ourselves in it--trails through the woods and meadows, beaches along lakes great and small, marshes and rolling hills to explore.

It's important for the believer to remember daily, as the great old hymn says, "This Is My Father's World."  The worries, frustration, and artificiality of the man-made, day-to-day realm tend distract us from the well-spring of all life, our loving Heavenly Father. In order to keep our connection with Him strong, we need to keep in touch with the world as He made it, and makes it anew every day. Scripture abounds with joyous testimony of how the heavens and earth, and everything in them, reflect God's power and providence. "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." (Psalms 19:1) And again: "Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God: who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains." (Psalms 147:7,8) And especially: "The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them." (Psalms 89:11)  Indeed, Psalm 104 is one long hymn of wonder and thanksgiving to God for all that he means to His Creation.

Make generous room in your life for experiencing that Creation as directly as you can. If possible, take regular walks in woods or fields, or in natural parks if you're city-bound. Explore the shorelines of lakes or streams. Listen intently to the breeze whispering through the trees or grass, and reflect on the abundant plant and animal life around you. Don't be afraid to spend some time outside in a gentle rain or a light snowfall!  When skies are clearer, admire the rising or setting sun and the clouds ablaze with shimmering light and color. At night, look upon a starry sky and contemplate the immense distances and ages into which you can see, and wonder at the majesty and eternity of the Father who who wrought them. While doing these things, talk to Him in prayer--silently or aloud--and thank Him for all the beauty and bounty He has heaped upon His children! Don't confine these experiences to when times are good, but seek them also--perhaps, especially--when you're troubled. And don't always do these things alone; two or more souls discovering and sharing the glorious handiwork of God together can spread an unquenchable spirit of joy and faith through a multitude of lives!

We are immersed in God's love--all we need to is reach out and touch it!

Tom Fleming
Songs of Praises

Lessons from the Park

I’ve never considered myself to be "the creative type" and will probably not receive much in the way of argument.

Yet, one of the things I’ve learned since I started writing devotionals is that God provides not only inspiration but also reminders of His Word and actual glimpses into His divine nature by means of His creation.

The latest inspiration He provided me came in the form of a gathering of ducks and geese.

Allow me to explain.

In my country, Monday was a holiday.

I recently purchased a new camera in order to take photographs for my church and my church family.

I decided to take my camera to the local park and experiment with its different settings and features in order to familiarize myself with them.

As I drove through the park I notice a large gathering of ducks and geese either sleeping or simply relaxing in the shade of the trees growing by the lake.

This was an opportunity I could not pass by.

I parked very nearby and approached slowly, camera in hand, and began taking photographs.

Even though they heard the sound of my car door closing and my approaching footsteps, my presence did not appear to bother them in the least.

While photographing them I could not help but notice the lake.

That brought Psalm 23 to mind.

Psalm 23:2 (KJV) - He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.

I then wanted to get some close up photographs of these beautiful sleeping  birds.

As I moved about them their routine remained unchanged.

Those that were awake were not the least bit frightened by my intrusion.

Those that slept did not awaken.

Again, another reminder.

Proverbs 3:24 (KJV) - When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

After taking many photographs at this location, I walked away from them and concentrated on other photographs.

I took photographs of the trees, the lake and the small island within it.

I had wandered a good distance from my starting point when I saw an older couple with their grandchild walking toward the group of birds I had recently left.

As they neared them, the setting that only moments before had been quiet and serene suddenly erupted into a collection of quacks and honks that could rival the noise of city traffic.

I wondered what caused them to suddenly become so excited.

I looked on as the grandmother gave the grandchild a bag from which he began to feed this collection of birds.

Obviously, this was a routine event.

These fortunate birds had become familiar with this kind group of people and, by conditioning, knew what they could expect from them.

Again, another reminder.

Matthew 6:26 (KJV) - Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are you not much better than they.

Through His creation, God both reminds us that He created all things and declared each good.

Yet some still deny His existence.

Paul explains this and also adds a stern warning. 

Romans 1:20 (NET) - For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, because they are understood through what has been made. So people are without excuse.

God uses His creation to reveal Himself to us.

God also uses His creation to remind us that His word is true.

God also gives us glimpses of His divine nature.

He also inspires creativity in us so that we can glorify Him.

Take it from someone who is not "the creative type".


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com

GRACE (So Irresistible)

There is a story of a woman who desperately seek a breakthrough for her daughter, and her only place of help is a place where she is ineligible to get help. Her case is liken to an illegal immigrant into the United State of America walking up to the welfare office to ask for unemployment benefit


You can imagine the scenario. In the first instance, will he even have access to the building? Even if he does, what ground does he have to ask for such? I believe if anyone try such, he/she would be on the next available flight to his/her country.


But this is exactly what the woman did! She didn’t hold back, even when it was obvious that she is ineligible and was initially ignored but later turned down that she doesn’t have a "passport/or even a green card" so ineligible to enjoy the citizens' rights, she didn’t go home to sulk or whine neither did she run to the United Nations office to cry and report racial discrimination… No she didn't do any of this, rather she stayed back , held on and got the citizen's right.


We all know the story, it is in Matthew 15:21-28. Here Jesus commended her faith but looking closer, I saw she enjoyed what nobody or situations and circumstances have been able to resist from the beginning of time… GRACE.


Grace is so irresistible that even our sin cannot and will not resist it. No situation and circumstances to any individual or group can resist it. From the time of Noah, when he found grace in the sight of God and was spared (with his family)from the flood(only eight (8) people in the whole world were spared) to this time when grace is available to us all… we can enjoy a life different from what we are eligible for. Like the woman in the story, we get far more than we deserve.


We can be healed when we should be sick, rich when we should be poor, strong when we should be weak, laugh when we should cry, hopeful when we should give up and so on because this grace is available to us all and we can now enjoy much more than we deserve… Noting that

Titus 2:11== For God has revealed his grace for the salvation of all people.(GNB)

and

2Cor 8:9====For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah. Although he was rich, for your sakes he became poor, so that you, through his poverty, might become rich. (ISV)


Grace is so irresistible and it is enough for us to live a life far beyond our imagination on this side of eternity(heaven on earth).

Don Moen summarized it when he sang "Grace is Enough"


Shalom.

One Way

John 14:6 (NET) - Jesus replied, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Believers understand that these words of Jesus are essential to Christianity.

Those that do not believe have an assortment of problems with these words.

One group says that it does not matter what you believe as long as you are sincere.

Another group says that this point of view is too narrow.

Another says that they cannot believe in God because He provided only one way for salvation.

Let’s examine each of these in turn.

First - Sincerity...

We live in an age where a doctrine of sincerity has become acceptable.

Some will argue that it does not matter what you believe as long as you are sincere in your beliefs.

On the surface, this appears harmless enough.

It is far from harmless.

One can be sincere.

One can also be sincerely wrong at the same time.

At one time, people sincerely believed that the world was flat.

They were sincere in their belief.

They were also sincerely wrong.

Second - Narrowness of view...

There are some who claim that believing that Jesus is the only way is too narrow a view.

Yet Jesus makes Himself available to everyone.

For those who claim this view is too narrow, I have a question.

How can a way available to everyone possibly be considered narrow?

Third - God’s provision of a single path to salvation..

Take a good look at human history...

When I look at the evils and atrocities mankind has committed...

When I think of the cruelties of which man is capable...

...I am extremely thankful that he loved us enough to provide us with one way at all.

Furthermore,  He provided for that single way from the very beginning.

Ephesians 1:4 (NET) - For He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we may be holy and unblemished  in His sight and love.

God knew we would not be able to save ourselves.

He planned for our salvation from the beginning.

He did so in the only way possible, namely, Jesus.


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com

THE SOLUTION

Among my people (the Yoruba of South West Nigeria) there is a drug called "GBOGBONISE" (try not to bite your tongue…lol). Gbogbonise means "a drug that can cure all ailment". Whatever it is you are suffering from, ranging from STDs, to diabetes to infertility, high blood pressure, rheumatism, headache, even menstrual cramps, just name it. The drug, is able to cure it-so they say. (But please don't ask me).

Is this drug effective in curing all these ailments (and many more not mentioned in this post)? I don't know because I have never used it but I think if it does, other nations would have come to copy the "technology" and the sellers would have become so wealthy and become multinationals... Am glad to let you know that these people are not wealthy and the users have not been 'giving testimony about its efficacy'.

But I know that whoever believes that Jesus is the son of God overcomes the world (1John 5:4-5). Call it the real gbogbonise- you won't be wrong. Knowing that the word of God is true and we have witnesses and testimonies to that effect. I make bold to say it again that " whoever believes that Jesus is the son of God overcomes the world".

Romans 8:37 put it very clear that " In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us".(CEV)

While it is to be noted that we are not fighting against the people and our environment, after all God instructs us to be at peace with all men (Heb. 12:14) and that we should replenish the earth (Gen 1:28) but there is a system of the world that stand in opposition against God and His will, it is against this that we overcame.

This system, bring strife when we seek peace, pain when we need pleasure, lack for abundance, weakness for strength, bareness for fruitfulness, hopelessness for hope, fear for faith, sickness for health etc

However, the good news is that we have our victory. All that we need to do is praise God for it and walk in it. The day His death atoned for our sins, the same day He got our victory for us. He didn't just died so we might be forgiven, His death did that and brought us ABUNDANT LIFE.

Turning our sickness to health, our pain to pleasure, weakness to strength, sadness to joy, lack to abundance, strive to peace and name it. Whatever is not making your life better, He overcame it for you. Just believe…

The same way we believe and we are saved, is the same way we believe and walk in the victory Christ won for us.

Remember, WHOEVER BELIEVES THAT JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD OVERCOMES THE WORLD. 

Andrea Crouch sang that " Jesus is the answer for the world today…" nothing is "TRUER".

Shallom.

An Unexpected Shock

Not long ago, I decided to stop at a local restaurant.

As I pulled my car into its parking space, I noticed two young individuals seated against the side of the building.

It was a sunny and hot summer afternoon and the temperature was near 100 degrees F (38 degrees C).

From the state of their clothing, it was obvious that the owners of this establishment would not permit them to wait inside where it was cooler.

The other thing that was painfully obvious was the crude sign that one had created that had but one word on it.

"HUNGRY"

My heart immediately went out to these individuals and scripture immediately materialized in my mind.

In Matthew 25 Jesus talks about the separation of the sheep and the goats.

Two verses in particular occupied my thoughts

Matthew 25:37 (NIV) - "Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?

The other should come as no surprise.

Matthew 25:40 (NIV) -  "The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

I knew what I needed to do.

I knew what He wanted me to do.

I pulled enough money out of my wallet to pay for two meals for two people.

This way their immediate needs could be met and they would also be able to take along some food for their journey.

I walked up to the man with the sign and held out the money and said, "I hope this helps you."

He told me, "Thank you, sir."

What happened next took me completely by shock.

He turned to the individual next to him  and said, "Honey, look what the nice man gave us."

I could not believe my eyes.

The individual next to him was a woman.

In her current state, I had not even realized this.

She looked at the money as he asked her, "What would you like to eat, Dear?"

I wish my written word could convey the emotion in her voice.

"Oh, I would just love a chicken sandwich!"

I reminded myself just how good my situation is.

I asked myself if I had ever felt that way about a chicken sandwich before.

She thanked me.

I found myself unable to speak, but tried my best to offer a friendly smile.

In my heart, I prayed for God to bless them both.

As I walked inside, I was reminded of something else that happened not long ago.

I have a Christian friend and author who was asked a series of difficult questions by an admitted atheist.

He shared these questions with several of his friends and asked for our input in order to prepare a good response.

One of the questions will stay with me always.

"If God exists, how do you account for the fact that he has never appeared before you?"

For me, the answer to this question is another question that causes me far more distress.

What if he had and I chose to do nothing?


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com

Being There

I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5)

One of the most consoling and strengthening aspects of faith in God is the knowledge that He lives and reigns all the time and everywhere--that He is always there for us, no matter where we are or what may happen to us, and no matter how confused, lonely, or despairing we may feel. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, and is aware of our every thought, word, and deed, good or bad. He wants to share and magnify our happiness, and He most certainly feels and seeks to assuage our pain, consistently with His divine will.

Nowhere is this precious truth more fully and beautifully expressed than in Psalm 139:

O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. (Psalm 139:1-12)

But oh, how we flee from Him!  Instead of giving thanks and praise to our generous Lord when times are good, we too often grow smugly self-confident, feeling that we need no God, and indulge in worshiping the idols of wealth, ease, and entertainment. Habits of prayer, repentance, and study of the Word are forgotten. Having taken our eyes off the Heavenly Light, we become blind to the grave moral dangers all around us on earth. Of course, that's just what Satan wants--to separate us ever further from our loving Father, until we are entirely in the Devil's clutches. Then, when times are bad, we'll despair of any help or forgiveness from above, and resign ourselves to destruction.

Don't let that happen to you!  Get in the habit of experiencing and acknowledging God's presence every day, all day. Begin and end each day connecting with Him in prayer, seeking forgiveness and guidance, and giving joyful thanks and praise. Do it at mid-day, too!  Set aside some time during the day, even if it's only for 15 minutes, to read and ponder His Word in whatever translation best speaks to you. Get outdoors and take a walk amidst God's creation and His people, and reflect how they manifest His goodness. When something good happens, give thanks right away and give God the glory. Make sure you reach out and do something good for someone else every day, and feel His love flow through you to others. And when things around you get very dark, pray for courage and deeper faith--grasp His hand all the tighter, and NEVER let go!  Hold fast to your faith in His always Being There.

Tom Fleming

Songs of Praises

A LITTLE OF HEAVEN PLEASE

If ten people hold 10 flashlights in a dark room composing of about 100 people, what do you have? Illumination for everybody… The flashlight may not be bright individually but when their numbers increase and they work in unison, it might just be as good as one big bright light…



We live in a dark world filled with all manners of evil and wickedness, and man continually grope around in it… sometimes falling, sometimes walking uprightly and straight; sometimes he give up and sometime he hopes…but one thing that is constant all through these phases and experiences is an hunger for "A little of heaven".



He wants, from his innermost part of his being, an experience different from that daily confronts him, he desires an answer to the questions of life, of purpose both for the world and for his life, an answer for the questions science can never give with all its innovation and inventions…



No wonder man seeks extraordinary power from evil sources because sciences, wisdom of men, our ways and machination can never answer the questions in his life or show him anything different what this dark world has to offer.



But God in His infinite mercy gave us a solution in His son and graciously set us to give answer to man's questions. Not through the things man made or makes, but through the gifts of His spirit…



The gifts of the spirit are the medium through which heaven directly manifests in our world today… from word of wisdom to prophecy, to gift of healing, gift of faith and to others (1Cor. 13:7-10), man can be made to see a little of heaven.



No wonder the scripture says All of creation waits with eager longing for God to reveal his children. Rom 8:19(Good News). The creations wants a little more of heaven- the word from heaven, the light for their path, healing for the diseases science cannot heal, they want to understand what they cannot fathom…



Only us can give them their earnest desire and our Lord and Saviour has done His part, He gave us His Spirit and the Spirit releases His gifts has we yield. The challenge is



Will we yield so the we can show " A LITTLE OF HEAVEN". Let us pick up our flashlights and illuminate man's path to heaven.



Thank you,

Hunger and Thirst

          To soar in our minds the words of this fragment of the sermon on the mount, are taken immediately, the following questions: 1) where is the emphasis:) in the person of whom have appetite (insatiable desire) for Justice, as a compliment, a word of encouragement? b) on its own "justice" as something essential to be sought? c) or promise of plenty, that redound in happiness (bliss) that suffering for Justice? 2) When the promise will be fulfilled: in eternity or at the present time? 3) what is the purpose of such a statement?

           We cannot neglect that such blessedness is proclaimed by the Lord Jesus, in the context of the sermon on the mount, where incisive manner, visceral, shall reveal that his mission would involve the replacement of the law by the grace, that is, that the letter of the law would be replaced by cold your command, by fulfilling its spirit; the religiosity of the solemnities vain would be replaced by the word experience.

            Well understood, therefore, hunger and thirst for Justice have much more to do with the desire to be in full communion with God, free domain of sin-not just of external acts, but also of those who render in the depths. From then on, reflexively, as a consequence, is that these earthly issues - which are not small, is right-shall be considered.

             It is undeniable that the immanent function to any Christian to be "salt of the Earth" and "light of the world" inevitably leads to the practice of Justice already in our days. However, the power of words in the comment has a larger coverage, higher; its true scope addresses the eternity man, rescued from eternal judgment through faith in the replacement power of the cross of Christ.

            On the other hand, the hunger and thirst for justice must be such that in the drive to the intense longing for our identification with the person of Christ. See that the prodigal son while only had hunger, searched the acorns plays to the pigs, but only when he was in starvation was returned to his father.

            Is this: the desire for Justice of God must be a priority, along with the pursuit of his Kingdom [1], so intense and lasting. Man without God, without the applicant's application of the Scriptures, by itself, will never taste of bliss.


Blessings,
MaryGondim,
www.verdadecongelada.blogspot.com.br 

Don't Wait for Tomorrow

How often are we presented with opportunities to help others, but let them slip by?  Do we hesitate because we're unsure if we have free time or spare money enough to give?  Do we withhold the help because we decide that the beneficiary doesn't really deserve it, won't appreciate it, or will squander it?  Perhaps we feel like his or her problems are none of our business, or that we just don't want to "get involved."

These are natural and commonplace feelings, but as believers in Christ we need to remember the terrible price that He paid to save us for eternity, while we were yet sinners and hardly deserving of such a sacrifice (Romans 5:8), and return some measure of that same love to those around us (". . . love one another; as I have loved you . . ."  John 13:34). As was so perfectly expressed in Proverbs:

Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbor, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee. (Proverbs 3:27-28)

Thus, we're not to be hesitant, stingy, or judgmental in helping others, but should do so readily and freely. The phrase "them to whom it is due" is not meant to limit our help to those to whom we're otherwise obligated, or to those who somehow "deserve" or who have "earned" our help:

This requires us . . . 5.  To be ready to all acts of friendship and humanity, and in every thing to be neighbourly; for these are things that are due by the law of doing as we would be done by. 6. To be charitable to the poor and necessitous. If others want the necessary supports of life, and we have wherewithal to supply them, we must look upon it as due to them and not withhold it. Alms are called righteousness because they are a debt to the poor, and a debt which we must not defer to pay.  (Matthew Henry's Whole Bible Commentary)

In this my great example is my dear wife--the countless hours and untold labor she has spent preparing and delivering meals to families in need, in buying or sewing clothes for the poor, in caring for the elderly or sick, or looking after others' children!  She often doesn't wait to be asked, but sees opportunities to help and dives right in. This is how to be proactive in giving!

Remember that those who give without reservation shall "inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world . . .":

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. . . . Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (Matthew 25:34-36, 40)

So, if you want to live as our Savior would have you live, and share eternal life with Him:  Help early and often!

Tom Fleming

Songs of Praises

Look Up

I still experience those moments when I reflect first about one thing and then another and suddenly realize that there is a very profound connection between the two.

I recently had one of those moments involving two different passages of scripture.

Right now, I have a great many things in my life that I have to deal with.

Suffice it to say, whenever I begin to feel overwhelmed by life, there is one passage of scripture I always turn to and lean on.

Philippians 4:13 (NET) - I am able to do all things through the One who strengthens me.

The One, of course, is Christ.

I cannot begin to count the number of times as an adult that I have leaned on that one verse.

Regardless of the circumstances that seem to want to overwhelm me, just reflecting on that verse both renews and encourages me.

I was thinking about this verse the other day and its importance to me.

I then thought of my mother and the scripture I heard her recite more than any other.

This scripture was one she turned to and leaned on.

It was such an important part of her life, I asked my pastor to incorporate it into her funeral service.

Psalm 121:1-2 (NET) - I look up towards the hills. From where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth!

I then made the connection that had for so long eluded me.

The reason that Philippians 4:13 is such a big part of my spiritual life is due to the teaching my mother gave me by example throughout the time that we had together.

Even though her "go to" passage is from the Old Testament and mine is from the New Testament, there is a connection.

The Book of John provides a bridge for the two.

John 1:1-3 (NET) - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God. The Word was with God in the beginning. All things were created by Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created.

Sometimes, life can seem overwhelming.

We cannot handle all circumstances alone.

The great news, is we do not have to.

Who better to turn to than the One who created all things.

The One who did so by simply speaking them into existence.

The One who looked at everything He created and declared each good.

The One through whom we can do all things.

Just lift up your eyes to Him.

When life tries to get you down... just look up!


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/

- GENERATIONS -

Isaiah 41.1

"Who did and ran it all? He who from the beginning has called generations to existence, I, the Lord, the first, and with the latter myself. "


     How many struggles and dilemmas we found in our generations. Each generation faces its challenges, each, elders, adults, youth and children, have nowadays to face their own problems often alone and isolated. God looks for all generations and says: "at that time, saith the Lord, I will be the God of all the generations of Israel, and they shall be my people." (Jeremiah 31.1). God is the Lord of all generations and families. Each generation in particular this under the watchful eye of our God. In A. T, in General, the time from one generation to the other was approximately 40 years old, but today this time shortened to about 25 to 30 years or even less. Regardless of your or my generation, God sees no better or worse, God sees different generations and people who need to connect at this time so troubled.

             The generation of children - this is the generation of hope. A fragile generation and often neglected in the Church. Jesus always valued children: "so that they become humble like this boy, this is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18.4). There is a fierce battle for this generation. The devil invests heavily to boot this generation of the Church and prevent the outside between. We are all responsible for this generation. The generation of children belongs to all of us and we were commissioned to take responsibility for them, with or without biological children. We must save this generation, love them, invest in your good spiritual and physical growth.


              The generation of young people - this is the generation of discovery. A time of great crisis and dilemmas. While kids prepare young people want to act. It is a time of experimentation. For many young people is not worth what is written, is what has been proven. The experience of others is not much for a young man. This is a critical moment in the life of the human being. This generation needs to be monitored closely, encouraged, loved, respected, natural and spiritual parents should "wager", believe in his youth, exalt its qualities. It is not easy to be a believer in youth, by this the apostle John wrote: "I wrote, young people, because you are strong, and the word of God is in you, and already you have overcome the evil one." (I John b 2.14). Being a young Christian is to be a winner.


            The generation of adults - this is the generation of warriors. Much of the leadership of the Church is in your hands. This generation believes in the power of God, invests in spiritual growth, supporting missionary work. The adults are always ready for the battles, do not fear adversity, because I went through something similar in the past. This is a mature and respected by younger people. Many are tempted to walk alone, but experience tells you that this would not be good or useful.

          

            The adult generation, by proximity, meant more to young generation, becoming a great support in the development of their skills. The maturity of this generation is seen when she does not get involved in minor issues in the UK, things that don't build anything. "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a boy, ran as a boy, but as soon as I came to be a man, I put away childish things." (I Corinthians 13.11). It is unacceptable for meninices in the adult stage of the Christian faith. "Brothers, do not be boys in the judgment; in malice, Yes, registered children; as to the judgment, mature men headquarters. " (I Corinthians 14:20)


             The generation of elders - this is the generation of true champions. The elders can tell the stories of fightings overdue. They have learned to fight the good fight. They have learned to keep fighting and not to be disheartened with war injuries. Many feel that they are weakening, but what really matters is what is still ahead. This generation must be the most respected and honored, because we are the fruit of their prayers. The Apostle Paul instructs the young Timothy to respect the elder: "no repreendas roughly the elders, but admonishes them as parents;" (I Timothy 5.1). All elder should and can feel the spiritual father of the new Christians, ensuring the proper development of their faith.

             It is not too late to join the generations, elders, adults, young people and children are waiting for a hug and a word that you indicate how to follow together. Only hearts humble as a child connect with other generations. There is no greater virtue in Christian life that humility. "Similarly, you, young, seat subject to elders; and all subject to each other and put on humility, for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. " (I Peter 5.5)




Blessings,

MaryGondin,

www.verdadecongelada.blogspot.com

Cheer Up!

Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
(Matthew 14:27, Mark 6:50)

Lately I've been rethinking my long-time penchant for following current events. News sources are overflowing with stories about the most unspeakable depravities, corruption, wars and crises, natural disasters, poverty, rampant disease, and so on. This is even reputed to be the year (supposedly according to ancient Mayans) that the world comes to an end. Even here in America we're confronted with widespread unemployment, political strife, social unrest, crime, and declining health.  How could anyone smile or be hopeful in the midst of all this?

Since my youth I've had a pessimistic streak, and long indulged the idea that if I always expected the worst, at least I would rarely be disappointed. Only in recent years, as the Lord has helped me mend certain of my ways and dispelled much of the darkness obscuring my vision, has this started to change.  Then I heard a talk in church last week that summed up what's been emerging in my mind. The theme: it's impossible (or should be) for a Christian to be a pessimist!

Being caught (for the time being) in this mortal world and its darkness, we tend to worry and fear the worst. That's as Satan wants it, for people who are fearful naturally put self above others and even above God. The only weapons we have to fight back with are a steady faith and constant prayer, which will ever remind us that God's perfect love "casteth out fear" (1 John 4:18).  That love works through us toward others, and dissolves the walls that fear erects between us. Thus, "we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." (Hebrews 13:6)

The word "gospel" means "good news," and Scripture is replete with messages of hope and assurance--especially that Christ died to save us from our sins, that He lives now and forever, and that if we believe on Him we will be saved in the end, for all eternity, with Him in a Heaven infinitely removed from the troubles of this world. "These things I have spoken unto you," says the Lord, "that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)  His will is that "the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (Romans 15:13)

Saint Josemaría Escrivá wrote:

Christian optimism is not a sugary optimism; nor is it a mere human confidence that everything will turn out all right. It is an optimism that sinks its roots in an awareness of our freedom, and in the sure knowledge of the power of grace. It is an optimism which leads us to make demands on ourselves, to struggle to respond at every moment to God's calls.

As has often been observed, the Christian life is not a pleasure cruise--challenges and struggles still abound, including those within ourselves. However, we can and should be optimistic because our faith and God's grace give us the power to confront and overcome any challenge we may encounter. From time to time God may give us more than we think we can handle, but never more than we can deal with relying on His help. "With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)

So, as the Bible says, "Be of good cheer!"  Holding fast to the Lord's hand we have and will overcome the world, and have nothing to fear.

Tom Fleming

Songs of Praises