Look and Live

Exodus 33:18 (NET) - And Moses said, “Show me your glory.”

Moses wanted to see God’s glory.

God gave Moses just a glimpse.

At the time, no one could see God’s face and live.

Not even Moses.

All that changed when God reached down to a fallen world through Jesus.

Those who saw Jesus, saw the Father.

Yet even those closest to Jesus did not comprehend this.

John 14:8-9 (NET) - Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be content.” Jesus replied, “Have I been with you for so long, and you have not known me, Philip? The person who has seen me has seen the Father! How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

Those who saw Jesus saw the Father.

They saw the Father and lived.

These verses remind us of two very important things.

First, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit are One.

Second, those who see Jesus see the Father.

Moreover, they see the Father and live.

Every one of us are fallen.

This includes Moses, Philip, you and me.

Despite everything Moses did, he still could not look upon the face of God and live.

That changed when Jesus came into the world.

When Philip looked upon the face of Jesus he did not realize he was looking upon the face of God.

Yet he looked upon the face of God and lived.

We believe that Jesus ascended into Heaven and will come again.

Like Moses, all we are now afforded are glimpses until He returns.

If we fail to catch these glimpses the fault is our own.

As we continue our journey through Advent let us set aside the things that distract us.

If we do, we will better able to catch these glimpses… and live.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 23, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, January 6, 2016

What to Do

Many people suffer from stress around Christmas.

Speaking from personal experience, I can see why.

It seems like everyone gets busier around Christmas.

Being a Christian certainly helps us cope. 

As we continue our journey through the season of Advent, I thought I might share a few things that some might be helpful in coping with holiday stress.

Above all, keep the focus where it belongs.

Christmas is about Jesus.

It is not about us.

Tasks and activities that bring Him glory should be given top priority.

Christmas is also an excellent time to love others.

Helping those less fortunate is important.

Christmas is also an excellent time to bring others to Him.

Just about everything else comes next.

Before embarking on a task, check your motivation.

Ask yourself why you are doing it.

Answering this question honestly will be very helpful.

Scripture is also an excellent guide.

It reminds us that the more we are blessed, the more is expected of us.

It also reminds us that whatever we do, we do not do alone.

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

Another thing I have learned is that sometimes we must say “No” to the requests of others.

It doesn’t mean we don’t love them; it simply means “no”.

Finally, a truly amazing thing happens when we put the Lord first.

He helps us prioritize everything else.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 9, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, December 16, 2016