Tradition and the Heart

One of the hallmarks of Christmas is tradition.

Some of the traditions I experience have been around a very long time.

Others are relatively new.

One of my traditions that has been around for a long time is our annual Christmas program.

I remember participating in these as a child.

I recall dressing up as a shepherd one year and a wise man the next.

I recall the handful of lines I and others had to learn.

I also recall feeling rather nervous as I and my classmates waited for our turn to go on.

I also recall the feeling of relief we felt when our scenes were done.

Now, decades later, I find myself involved in these programs once again.

Because of my age, I have been cast as everything from wise neighbors to bus drivers.

I enjoy the programs more now because they give me the opportunity to work with our young people.

By contrast, some traditions I participate in are relatively new.

                                                                                                                          

For the third year now, we have distributed empty boxes to volunteers at the beginning of Advent.

These volunteers fill their boxes with nonperishable food items.

On Christmas Eve, volunteers return their filled boxes.

The contents are then donated to our local food bank.

It’s funny, but some traditions are not planned at all like comments I hear from others.

The most common of these surfaces when I do something kind without expecting anything in return.

“You did not have to do that.”

In a manner of speaking, I did.

That is part of what the Lord meant when He commanded us to love our neighbor.

The most unusual of theses surfaces when someone comments on my level of involvement during the season.

“You could be doing anything you want.”

These individuals often look surprised to learn I am doing exactly that.

That is part of what the Lord meant when He commanded us to love God.

Traditions can be wonderful things especially at Christmas.

We just need to make certain our hearts are in the right place first.

Philippians 4:8 (NET) - Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.

Christmas Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 28, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, January 4, 2019

Love Without Limit

The Christmas season is now upon us.

The signs are everywhere.

There are Christmas songs on the radio.

Christmas trees are everywhere.

At night, the soft glow of Christmas lights cast their light into the winter darkness.

Even reluctant actors like me are preparing to appear in Christmas programs.

One nearby church will do their annual live nativity scene.

I find myself grateful for the season.

I am also grateful for currently teaching about heaven and hope.

Christmas is a celebration of the time the Lord took our human form and dwelt among us.

He was born in the humblest of circumstances.

But that is only the beginning of the story.

The course I teach reminds me that His life with us was full of service and love.

His earthly journey would ultimately lead Him to a cross and to an empty tomb beyond it.

                                                                                                                          

Therein lies real hope for us all.

I reminded my students that Jesus took this journey to obey His Father’s will.

He also took it to save a fallen mankind that could never save itself.

He did this out of love.

It is a love for everyone which includes you and me.

It is a remarkable love that has no limit.

It is never diminished by the vast numbers of people He loves.

A number that grows larger with each passing generation.

Upon sharing these thoughts with my students, one of them shared the feeding of the 5,000.

The time Jesus took a very small amount of food and fed a vast multitude until each had their fill.

When that meal was over, leftovers were collected.

The love Jesus has for us is a great deal like that.

In truth, I consider this contribution by my student to be a blessing to everyone in the room.

I find myself especially blessed.

I share that blessing with you.

As Christmas day draws nearer, we will hear more songs and see more decorations.

We may see Christmas programs or attend nativity scenes.

I hope that we will also set aside some time to be still and really feel the love Jesus has for us.

A love that is without limit.

1 John 4:10-11 (NET) - In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, if God so loved us, then we also ought to love one another.

1 John 4:19 (NET) - We love because he loved us first.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 14, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, December 21, 2018

Speaking Out

I find the amount of division in my country and other countries staggering.

A recent headline certainly does not make me feel any better.

There were almost 18% more hate crimes in my country this year than the year before.

Frankly, I feel that percentage is likely higher.

After all, not all hate crimes get reported.

There are also crimes based in hatred that are not officially classified as “hate crimes”.

Division has found its way into entertainment and sports.

This solves nothing.

In fact, it merely fans the flames of hatred.

Elected officials and candidates knowingly or unknowingly contribute to this growing problem as well with their rhetoric.

What is the solution?

Before attempting to answer such a question, I think we need to look at things objectively.

In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis stated, “All that we call human history--money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery--[is] the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.”

I think we can easily throw division and hatred into the list.

                                                                                                                          

In Surprised by Hope, N. T. Wright cites a reporter who states that we live in an age where politicians want to live like rock stars and rock stars pretend to be politicians.

As for me, I think the rise in hate crimes in my country and others can be directly contributed to our desire to distance ourselves from God.

Our continued futile quest to find things other than God to make us happy.

This is compounded by those who are supposed to lead but do not.

It is aggravated by those who are supposed to entertain but choose to play at politics.

Through the years, we Christians have been told to keep our opinions to ourselves,

We have done just that.

What is more, our silence is deafening.

It is not enough for Christians to simply want problems like hate crimes to go away.

We must be willing to be part of the solution in partnership with God.

If not us, who?

If not now, when?

1 John 4:10-11 (NET) - In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, if God so loved us, then we also ought to love one another.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 23, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, December 7, 2018

The Wisdom of Scripture

People, as a rule, dislike change.

Yet there are times when change is inevitable.

Scripture is clear on this.

The book of Ecclesiastes reminds us of just some of the many changes we can expect in this world.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NET) - For everything there is an appointed time, and an appropriate time for every activity on earth: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot what was planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones; time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to search, and a time to give something up as lost; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; A time to rip, and a time to sew; a time to keep silent, and a time to speak. A time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

Sometimes, change comes upon us without warning.

Often, we can see it coming on the horizon.

When the latter is the case, the more effort we put in early on the better.

By waiting until the last-minute, we put undue stress on ourselves.

We also put unnecessary stress on others as well.

In preparation for a future change I was assigned a very rigorous and physically demanding task.

I knew that once I started it would take me several days to complete the task.

I have not done this sort of work in a very long time.

But being in good health for my age I took on the task with vigor.

                                                                                                                          

One verse kept coming to mind as I worked at it.

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

This was especially true as I neared the end of my task,

After several days of hard work, I realized the task was near completion.

I realized that if I put good effort into it and counted on His help I could have the task finished by day’s end.

That is what happened,

As soon as the task was complete, scripture reminded me of something else.

The need for rest.

After God created the universe in six days, he rested on the seventh.

Even Jesus sought out quiet places from time to time.

Following their example, I now take some time to rest.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 9, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, November 16, 2018

Do Something

Jesus was many things.

Among them, he was an excellent teacher.

Jesus did not teach with His words only.

He also taught by example.

One instance came as the time for His crucifixion drew near.

John 13:4-5 (NET) - He got up from the meal, removed his outer clothes, took a towel and tied it around Himself. He poured water into the washbasin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel He had wrapped around Himself.

When Jesus finished, He explained to His disciples why He did this.

John 13:13-15 (NET) - You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and do so correctly, for that is what I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you too ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example—you should do just as I have done for you.

Jesus not only told us how He wanted us to live, He showed us how as well.

That is but one of the points stressed by N. T. Wright in his book Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church.

I am currently leading a class in this study.

In a recent session we discussed this.

To paraphrase Wright, we should live in such a way as to demonstrate to others what the world would be like if “God were really running the show” which, of course, He is.

Just a few hours after that session, my path crossed that of a woman who was some 15 to 20 years older than myself.

I began talking to her.

As we spoke, she began to reveal how a string of unexpected events in her life had caught her off guard.

She also admitted to feeling overwhelmed by them all.

As she continued speaking I noticed tears welling up in her eyes.

As I listened, I knew I needed to act, but how?

Continuing to listen, I prayed for guidance.

Through prayer I understood that I could not solve all her problems.

Through prayer I understood I could help her with a few.

The things I did do not merit discussion.

Her reaction, however, does.

This woman began weeping openly.

She threw her arms around me and kept repeating through the tears, “I love you!”

I found myself quite moved as well.

I replied, “I love you too!”

1 John 4:9-12 (NET) - By this the love of God is revealed in us: that God has sent His one and only Son into the world so that we may live through Him. In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, if God so loved us, then we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God resides in us, and his love is perfected in us.

In a world that seems overwhelmed by division and hatred, we must remember one thing.

The Lord wants us to love one another.

Not one of us can do everything.

But each of us can do something to share God’s love.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 26, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, November 2, 2018

Unexpected Blessings and Love

This is not what I originally intended to post today.

I learned long ago that in such endeavors you must follow your heart.

I went to the post office today to pick up a package.

I was in for a surprise.

Along with my package, I received a thick envelope containing a card from a cousin.

The envelope also contained some old black and white photographs and a letter.

I felt a bit emotional as I looked at the photographs and read my cousin’s letter.

These photos were taken immediately after my brother’s funeral more than 60 years ago.

My brother died in infancy almost a decade before I was born.

I never met my brother in this world, but I have other photographs of him.

These photographs depicted the officiating pastor.

He once preached at the church I still attend.

It also depicted four of my cousins who served as bearers.

They were all quite young at the time.

There were also photographs of the coffin, the flowers and so forth.

I very much appreciated receiving this package and I will make certain my cousin knows this.

Many people often get uncomfortable when it comes to discussing death.

I said earlier that I felt a bit emotional.

But my emotions were not based on fear, but rather, they were based on love.

Love for my cousin who thought I should have the photographs.

Love for a brother I never got to meet in this world.

Love for my parents who did all they could for a very sick and tiny infant.

But most of all, love for the Lord.

As a Christian, I know with conviction that death is not the end.

It is merely a transition.

I also know how much the Lord loved my tiny brother.

He proved this in His ministry.

Matthew 19:14-15 (NET) - But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

As stated, I never met my brother in this world.

I am completely confident that we will meet in the next.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 12, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, October 19, 2018

Size Doesn't Matter

I watched a rather interesting program two weeks ago.

It was about a very tall communications building built in a major city in the 1960’s.

At the time it was built, it was the tallest building in the city.

Many things have changed in the almost sixty years since the building was erected.

For one thing, it is no longer the tallest building in that city.

For another, the building is now owned by a private company.

The makers of the film contacted the current owner of the building.

They got permission for a dignitary who was present when the building was dedicated to return.

They also got permission to accompany this man to the observation deck and to film his reaction.

I enjoyed listening to this man reminisce about the building, its past and his role in it.

In no time, his comments became quite profound.

He remarked that at one time the city’s cathedral was its tallest structure.

He added that in time the communications building then became the tallest.

He then added that banks and financial institutions now share that claim.

He paused to reflect a moment and added that the size of the building may indicate what we worship.

According to this wisdom, first we worshipped God.

Later we worshipped technology.

Now, it appears we worship money.

I must admit, there is a certain wisdom in his observational thinking.

I shared this with my students last Sunday and they added sports arenas to the list.

While these are not the tallest structures, some can easily seat over 100,000 people.

Fortunately for us, a huge structure is not required for worship.

I recall a time when the power was out in our neighborhood one Sunday morning.

As people gathered for worship that morning I secretly hoped the power would stay off for a time.

I would have loved for us to have had a worship service outdoors.

Where we worship God is not critical.

Even large numbers of worshippers are unimportant.

It is what is in the hearts of the worshippers that matters.

.

Matthew 18:20 (NET) - For where two or three are assembled in my name, I am there among them.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 28, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, October 5, 2018

Light of the World

My electricity went out in the late afternoon.

My living room windows face the sunrise, so it suddenly became quite dark in the room.

Not knowing how long I would be without electricity, I lit several candles.

As I waited patiently for the power to be restored, I began thinking about light.

In no time my thoughts turned to light in a biblical sense.

Light is important.

It is so important that it was the very first thing God spoke into existence.

Genesis 1:3 (NET) - God said, “Let there be light.” And there was light!”

Man was meant to live in light.

God created man, but He did so after He created light for him to live in.

Once accustomed physically to light, there is little we can do in darkness.

The prophets of old understood this.

They made many references to light in the spiritual sense.

They also understood the source of that spiritual light.

Isaiah 2:5 (NET) - O descendants of Jacob, come, let us walk in the Lord’s guiding light.

Paul also made references to us as being children of light.

1 Thessalonians 5:5 (NET) - For you all are sons of the light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of the darkness.

There are many more references made to light in scripture.

So many, in fact, that I could fill pages listing them all.

Suffice it to say that light is important.

We are meant to live in the light.

Light is also something we take for granted.

This is easily done in a modern world where we are accustomed to simply turning on a switch.

Spiritual light can also be easily taken for granted.

Fortunately for us, Christ is the ultimate source of that spiritual light.

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.”

Thanks to the light of Jesus, we will never find ourselves walking in spiritual darkness.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 14, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, September 21, 2018

A Matter of Trust

One of my favorite television programs first aired in the 1960’s.

I recently watched the first season of that program again.

Two episodes grabbed my attention this time.

Although each was written by a different writer, both episodes dealt with trust.

In the first of these two stories, the main characters began to mistrust each other.

In the second, this group began to mistrust those around them.

In both episodes, a sense of trust was restored.

Although each was written by a different person, their messages were the same.

Namely, trust was something that had to be earned.

I began to think of this in terms of faith.

The Psalms talk about trust and many references are made to it.

Psalm 20:7 (NET) - Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we depend on the Lord our God.

Psalm 31:14 (NET) - But I trust in you, O Lord! I declare, “You are my God!

There are many more.

Even Jesus knew that human beings were prone to mistrust first.

Perhaps that is why he went out of his way to stress there was truth in his words.

John 3:3 (NET) - Jesus replied, “I tell you the solemn truth, unless a person is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

John 8:58 (NET) - Jesus said to them, “I tell you the solemn truth, before Abraham came into existence, I am!”

Again, there are many more.

Does Jesus really need to earn our trust?

No.

But he did so anyway

Romans 5:8 (NET) - But God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 24, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, September 7, 2018

Agents of Change

People, as a rule, dislike change.

If we had our way, we would like things to stay pretty much the way they are.

Yet things change all the time.

No matter how much we dislike it, one thing can be said for change.

Without change growth would be impossible.

There would be no advancement.

There would be no advancements in medicine.

There would be no advancements in technology.

Despite every advancement people still tend to dislike change.

People in the past were not that much different from us.

About 2,000 years, people encountered the biggest change ever in Jesus Christ.

His earthly ministry was unlike anything ever seen before.

He ministered to the lowly and outcast.

He healed the sick and the lame.

His criticisms were reserved for those in positions of authority.

Even the dead were brought back to life.

That made Christ the greatest agent of change… ever.

Many disliked this change.

This was true even after His death.

In the book of Acts we see that the apostles were to be the next agents of change.

They quickly found themselves in trouble for it.

They were brought before the council and the high priest for their efforts.

But a Pharisee and teacher of the law, Gamaliel, began to understand.

He told the others…

Acts 5:38-39a (NET) - So in this case I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, because if this plan or this undertaking originates with people, it will come to nothing, but if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them, or you may even be found fighting against God.”

2,000 years have gone by and no one has been able to stop the changes Jesus set into motion.

Changes that began with Christ continued through the apostles.

It now falls to us to be the agents of change in a world that dislikes change.

But we can only be agents of change with His help.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 10, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, August 17, 2018

Love, Respect and Dignity

One observation I have made through the years is that people often treat others according to their status.

In business, people tend to treat their bosses with more respect than they do their employees.

People in high positions of government expect to be addressed in certain ways.

In the world, it often boils down to what the other person can do for you.

I honestly believe that this is one area in life where Christians have a real advantage.

Jesus told us to love our neighbor.

Mark 12:30-31 (NET) - Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

That means we are to love everyone.

It does not matter what their worldly status happens to be.

It does not matter whether they can do things for us or not.

It does not even matter that they may not love us in return.

Other verses echo this as well.

Galatians 5:14 (NET) – For the whole law can be summed up in a single commandment, namely, “You must love your neighbor as yourself.”

What does loving our neighbor mean?

For one thing, it means treating everyone with respect and dignity.

The same respect and dignity we like to enjoy ourselves,

This is what I meant when I said the Christian has an advantage.

By treating everyone equally, we do not have to choose how we will treat an individual.

One of my favorite authors and theologians is John Amos Comenius (1592-1670).

He once put it this way: “Whenever you encounter one of your neighbors, regard him as yourself in another form (which he is), or indeed as God in another form, for he is the image of God, and God will be watching to see how reverently you treat him.”

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 27, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, August 3, 2018

Working by Touch

One task I do not like is performing maintenance on one of our large machines.

This must be done two or three times per year depending upon usage.

I try to do this at the end of the day when everyone else has gone home.

I must first take apart the machine and lift out some of the heavier components.

I then lie down on the floor and insert my arm inside the machine and remove a dozen small parts.

I need to rely on my sense of touch for this operation as I can no longer see inside the machine.

Once these small parts have been removed, I need to replace them with new ones.

This also requires me to rely on my sense of touch to get the job done.

Once the new parts are installed I can get up from the floor.

I then reassemble the machine and power it up.

All that is left at this point is to test the machine and verify that it is functioning properly.

Having recently performed this task, reflection brought two passages of scripture to mind.

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

I can perform this task only because of the abilities given to me by God.

Just as I stretch my arm into the machine, similarly, God reaches into us.

It is His touch into our hearts that allows us to be saved.

Ephesians 2:8-10 (NET) - For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.

I may not look forward to working on this machine again.

I certainly will not be able to look at it the same way again.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 13, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, July 20, 2018

Man Up

Father’s Day is this Sunday, and this has been very much on my mind.

Many of my friends are fathers.

Some are grandfathers.

God has given me my own circumstances.

I have neither children nor grandchildren.

I am quite certain of one thing.

Children are special to Jesus.

Matthew 19:14-15 (NET) - But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” And he placed his hands on them and went on his way.

As a result, I have come to one inescapable conclusion.

If children are special to Jesus, they should be special to me.

Therefore, as a man, I must be careful.

Children learn not only from our words but from our behavior as well.

A careless word or action on our part as adults can do considerable damage.

It can undo valuable lessons taught to them by their parents.

Jesus cautioned us about this.

Matthew 18:6 (NET) - “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a huge millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the open sea.

As a child I was blessed.

There were several men I looked up to as role models.

The way they lived influenced the way I live now.

Now, it is my turn to “man up”.

With God’s help I hope I am doing so.

Proverbs 22:6 (NET) - Train a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 22, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, July 6, 2018

Listen Up

Teaching is a passion of mine.

Someone wiser than me once said, “If you want to learn about the Bible, volunteer to teach a Sunday School class.”

There is a tremendous amount of truth in that.

Some of it comes through preparation.

Some of it comes through the simple act of listening.

For example, one of the adults in my class recently said something quite profound.

She said, “We might be the closest thing to a Bible some people have seen.”

She makes a good point.

Take Paul’s letter to the Philippians.

Philippians 3:17 (NET) - Be imitators of me, brothers and sisters, and watch carefully those who are living this way, just as you have us as an example.

Of course, learning is not confined to the classroom.

Recently I saw one of my students walking up to the church with his young granddaughter.

I held the door open for them.

They were discussing the different ways in which God speaks to us.

He reminded her that God can speak to us through others.

He added that we might even be surprised if we listen.

Proverbs 27:17 (NET) - As iron sharpens iron, so a person sharpens his friend.

God can even teach us through the love of a child.

Some years ago, before my class began I assisted in the serving line.

Two little girls were in line and they surprised me.

When they reached my point in the line, one of them asked the other, “Will you be my sister tonight?”

The other readily agreed.

This reminded me of the beginning of Ephesians 5.

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NET) - Therefore, be imitators of God as dearly loved children and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.

I have another class to teach next week.

I have been preparing for it for weeks.

I wonder what surprising lessons God has in store for me?

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 8, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, June 15, 2018

Unfriended

A young friend of mine moved away several years ago.

We still stayed in touch through social media.

Imagine my delight when my young friend posted that he found Jesus.

Later that day he posted that several people chose to sever ties with him.

As I tried to think of a way to encourage my young friend, my thoughts turned to Jesus.

Jesus was not popular in every circle.

In fact, some people absolutely hated Him.

Some looked up to Him but wanted that kept secret.

Take Nicodemus, for example.

John 3:1-2 (NET) Now a certain man, a Pharisee named Nicodemus, who was a member of the Jewish ruling council, came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs that you do unless God is with him.”

Nicodemus had an idea of who Jesus was and even admired Him.

But notice that he was careful not to be seen with Jesus during the light of day.

Even those who followed Jesus abandoned Him.

Peter denied knowing Jesus not once, but three times.

John 18: 25-27 (NET) - Meanwhile Simon Peter was standing in the courtyard warming himself. They said to him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?” Peter denied it: “I am not!” One of the high priest’s slaves, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the orchard with him?” Then Peter denied it again, and immediately a rooster crowed.

Then, there was Judas.

He was the follower who betrayed Jesus.

Luke 22:47 (NET) - While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd appeared, and the man named Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He walked up to Jesus to kiss him.

As these thoughts ran through my mind, I knew I found a way to encourage my young friend.

I told him he was in good company.

After all, Jesus was unfriended too.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 25, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, June 1, 2018

Kindness

Colossians 3:12-14 (NET) - Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others. And to all these virtues add love, which is the perfect bond.

It seems like everything has a special day, week or month set aside for it.

I stumbled across one some time back that I admit took me by surprise.

It seems that February 17^th has been designated “National Random Acts of Kindness Day”.

Other nations observe this on different days.

The day is reportedly gaining in popularity.

According to one observer: "It's just a day to celebrate kindness and the whole pay it forward mentality."

Don’t get me wrong, I certainly am not opposed to kindness.

The concept “Random Acts of Kindness” even sounds good on the surface.

But does the notion really stand up?

A person chooses to be kind in some way to a random person on that day.

That person recognizes this kindness.

In turn, he or she now somehow feels compelled to pay it forward to another.

This individual, in turn, somehow feels compelled to do the same.

On it goes until the world has become a better place.

Let’s be honest.

At best, the chain breaks down perhaps sooner than we would like to believe.

Even the concept of randomness depends on our choice.

Then the question becomes: “What happens on the next day?”

Has the need for kindness suddenly evaporated?

Christ reminds us to love our neighbors.

He also reminds us to love our enemies.

In short, we must extend kindness to everyone, every day.

We must even be kind to those who may not recognize it much less pay it forward.

The best way to make the world a better place is to make kindness and love a regular part of our Christian walk.

I was thinking about how best to wrap up my thoughts on this topic.

Perhaps the words I read on a church sign say it better than I can: “Act in such a way that would make others want to know Jesus.”

Now that will truly make a difference.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 11, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, May 18, 2018

Gifts Should Give

I will be teaching an adult class in June.

This is something I do every year and I always look forward to it.

That said, it is something I never take lightly.

Scripture is quite clear on the matter of teaching.

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.

So, why would anyone choose to teach knowing they will be judged more strictly?

Thankfully, scripture addresses this as well.

The twelfth chapter of the book of Romans discusses the various gifts given to us.

It also tells us what we are to do with them.

Romans 12:6- 8 (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; if it is exhortation, he must exhort; if it is contributing, he must do so with sincerity; if it is leadership, he must do so with diligence; if it is showing mercy, he must do so with cheerfulness.

Here scripture reminds us that we “must” use whatever gifts God has generously bestowed upon us.

I take great comfort in this as I prepare for this class.

Even though it is still weeks away, I am actively preparing for this class.

Although I am familiar with the subject matter, I am using the time I have wisely.

Scripture also reminds us of the importance of being prepared.

After all, Noah began constructing the ark long before the first raindrops fell.

Hebrews 11:7a (NET) - By faith Noah, when he was warned about things not yet seen, with reverent regard constructed an ark for the deliverance of his family.

There is one unknown I face every year.

I never know how many or how few students I will have until the class meets.

Some years the attendance is large.

Some years it is small.

However many or few attend, they will receive the best I can offer.

After all, we certainly will not be alone.

Scripture is clear on that as well.

Matthew 18:20 (NET) - For where two or three are assembled in my name, I am there among them.

Put your gift from God into use.

If you have not yet discovered what that gift is, why not talk to Him about it right now?

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 27, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, May 4, 2018

When the Danger Passes

In my last offering I discussed the string of violent attacks in the city where I work.

I spoke of the need for prayer.

Prayer for the victims.

Prayer for their friends and families.

Prayer for the attacker, as well.

Since then, these attacks have stopped and life in the city has returned to normal.

The sense of fear that once hung over our collective heads evaporated almost as quickly as it came.

All because the attacker who, when cornered, chose to end his life as he had the lives of others.

In the days that followed, we learned a bit about this young man.

We learned that his background was not what we would have expected.

We learned that his roommates knew absolutely nothing about his plans or his preparations.

His neighbors knew nothing as well.

Perhaps the greatest shock of all came to his parents.

So, although this crisis has passed, the need for prayer goes on.

Prayer for his parents who are asking themselves questions that may have no answer.

Prayer for roommates who are realizing just how close to an accidental catastrophe they were.

Prayer for neighbors who are asking if where they live is safe.

Prayer for a city that, now that the danger has passed, has returned to normal

Prayer for world that needs Jesus more with every passing day.

To be honest, not one of us knows exactly how much time we have left on earth.

We find it almost too easy to move on and put off critical things.

This includes making ourselves right with God through His Son Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 (NET) - See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Scripture reminds us to pursue what is good and that prayer is a constant necessity.

It should not be reserved only for times of crisis.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 13, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, April 20, 2018

Subject to Change

Recently, there has been a string of violent attacks in the city where I work.

Sadly, these attacks have resulted in the loss of life.

Some are referring to these as hate crimes.

Others, as acts of terrorism.

In my opinion, both assessments are correct.

My initial reaction was one of shock.

Things like this do not happen here.

Things like this happen in other places.

The sad reality is that things like this can occur anywhere and at any time.

As a Christian, I pray for the victims.

I also pray for the families and friends whose live are forever changed.

Praying for these people is not difficult, but Christians are obligated to go beyond that.

We are also to pray for the individual or individuals responsible.

As humans, we likely discover that is not always an easy thing for us to do.

Yet, Jesus commands us to do so.

Matthew 5:43-46 (NET) - “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be like your Father in heaven, since he causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Even the tax collectors do the same, don’t they?

Scripture also reminds of another man whose heart once burned with anger and rage against the early church.

He was there when Stephen was martyred.

This man was named Saul, and scripture tells us exactly how he felt.

Acts 8:1 (NET) - And Saul agreed completely with killing him.

Saul began taking matters into his own hands.

Acts 8:3 (NET) - But Saul was trying to destroy the church; entering one house after another, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.

People lived in fear of Saul.

But one day, on the road to Damascus, Saul encountered the risen Christ.

Saul’s life changed forever.

Saul who once persecuted the church began to proclaim Christ.

The more he proclaimed Christ, the more capable he became.

It took time for Saul to earn the people’s trust.

Even the disciples were wary of him at first.

The book of Acts reminds us that Saul was also known by another name… Paul.

The same Paul who went on to write a good portion of the New Testament.

We don’t have the power to change a life like Paul’s.

Only Christ has that power.

Our job is to pray for them.

Remember, no one is beyond hope.

Whenever we say that someone is beyond hope we place limits upon God who has no limits.

Paul came to understand this as well.

Ephesians 3:20-21 (NET) - Now to him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, March 23, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, April 6, 2018

Rules, Rules, Rules

We live in a complex and often confusing world.

To be honest, we are responsible for a good deal of the complexity and confusion.

In fact, we have made things so complex and confusing that we have devised systems of rules.

We have rules on what is considered appropriate behavior.

We have rules about what is considered ethical.

We have rules on how we are to interact socially.

Many of these are written down in one form or another.

Some are only implied.

The question is: Do we need all these rules in the first place?

For example, recent headlines point out inappropriate contact between people in sports and entertainment.

Sadly, this type of behavior has been going on unchecked for decades.

What was once accepted as a “part of the business” is just now being revealed for what it is.

Hasn’t this been wrong all along?

1 Corinthians 6:18 (NET) - Flee sexual immorality! “Every sin a person commits is outside of the body”—but the immoral person sins against his own body.

When it comes to ethical behavior, there seems to be no end to the list of rules.

People in business must often take refresher courses on what constitutes ethical behavior.

But what does ethics really boil down to?

Philippians 4:8-9 (NET) - Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you.

When it comes to interacting socially there are still more rules.

When meeting rulers and dignitaries we are supposed to say and do certain things to acknowledge their position of authority.

In business, we tend to treat the CEO far better than we do the janitor.

Matthew 20:25-28 (NET) - But Jesus called them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions use their authority over them. It must not be this way among you! Instead whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

As human beings, we really tend to overcomplicate things.

As a result, we find ourselves making rule after rule after rule.

When Jesus came into the world, He did his utmost to simplify things for us.

Once, an expert in the law posed a question to Jesus.

He asked which commandment was the most important.

Jesus gave him a two-fold answer.

Mark 12:30-31 (NET) - Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.

Jesus knew that if we obeyed these two commandments we would be obeying all the others.

We would not need even one of the rules we have written or implied since.

Jesus cited two commandments.

It really does not get any simpler than that.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, March 9, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, March 16, 2018