Come What May

As I write this, 2020 is winding down.

Hopefully 2021 will be a better year, but time will tell.

From our current vantage point, there is room for optimism.

The vaccine for COVID-19 is already being distributed.

With it, we may get a handle on the pandemic.

But, from our current vantage point a great deal about the future remains unknown.

Will those who lost their jobs find employment once again?

Will we find healing for the division we currently experience?

Will the virus mutate and perhaps result in additional setbacks?

So many questions.

So few answers.

In pondering the future, my thoughts turn to two men of God from the Old Testament.

The first of these is Abraham.

God asked Abraham to venture into the unknown.

Genesis 12:1 (NET) - Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go out from your country, your relatives, and your father’s household to the land that I will show you.

Despite the unknown, Abraham obeyed God and God made him a great nation.

The second of these men is Moses.

God allowed him to see the Promised Land but did not allow him to enter it

Numbers 27:12-13 (NET) - Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go up this mountain of the Abarim range, and see the land I have given to the Israelites. When you have seen it, you will be gathered to your ancestors, as Aaron your brother was gathered to his ancestors.

God gave Moses a glimpse into the future He promised the people,

One thing these men shared was faith.

Each man’s faith in God allowed him to believe there was a future.

The same applies to us.

2021 might be a complete mystery to us.

It might be a time for optimism, new beginnings, healing and recovery.

It might be a time of additional setbacks,

One thing is certain.

God will be there for us.

We must have faith and trust Him.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, January 8, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, January 15, 2021

 

Finding Joy This Christmas

Christmas is an excellent time for reflection.

In doing so, I find that I have many unpleasant memories of events that involve the Christmas season.

One Christmas season, the person to whom I was closest died.

I had to arrange funeral services.

This was made challenging as no one had cell phones.

Many had left town for Christmas and I had no way of reaching them.

Then there was a young lady I met many years ago.

We got along very well.

As we learned more about each other I discovered her family chose not to celebrate Christmas.

For my family, Christmas was a major event.

We parted ways soon afterward.

Neither of us could ask the other to go against our faiths.

I could list other unpleasant memories associated with the Christmas season.

Due to COVID-19, Christmas 2020 will most probably rank among them for most.

But, unpleasant memories aside, we should still find joy in Christmas itself.

It is the day we set aside to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

This event was foretold by the prophet Isaiah

Isaiah 7:14 (NET) - For this reason the Lord himself will give you a confirming sign. Look, this young woman is about to conceive and will give birth to a son. You, young woman, will name him Immanuel.

The Gospel of Matthew confirmed fulfillment of this prophecy.

Matthew 1:21-23 (NET) - She will give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” This all happened so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled: “Look! The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will name him Emmanuel,” which means “God with us.

Yes, we each probably have unpleasant memories of particular Christmas seasons.

But we should still look for and find joy in Christmas itself.

I like the way Paul stated it in his second letter to Corinth.

2 Corinthians 9:15 (NET) - Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

My prayer is that we each find true joy this Christmas despite any unpleasant circumstances in our lives

Wishing you a Blessed Christmas!

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 25, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, January 1, 2021

 

A Symbol of Hope

 

John 6:30 (NET) - So they said to him, "Then what miraculous sign will you perform, so that we may see it and believe you? What will you do?

Throughout His earthly ministry, people asked Jesus for miraculous signs.

Truthfully speaking, these requests were more like demands.

According to their reasoning, this would cause them to believe.

With all that is going on in the world today, perhaps we desire the miraculous even more.

We would like Jesus to end the pandemic.

We would like for Him to heal all division.

Some might even ask Him to restore the economy.

The list goes on.

But faith neither expects nor demand a miraculous sign or wonder.

Faith simply believes.

That is why I enjoy the season of Advent so much.

We surround ourselves with symbols of the season.

One of my personal favorites is the Moravian star.

It began in Moravian boarding schools in the nineteenth century 

Originally designed as a lesson in geometry, it became so much more.

Carried around the world by missionaries and church workers, it became a symbol.

It is now a symbol of Advent.

It is a symbol of hope.

The hope we have as we approach the day of celebration.

The celebration of the birth of Jesus two thousand years ago.

For in Christ lies real hope.

This, I believe, is what sets Christianity apart from all other religions.

It is not about us reaching up to a distant god.

Christianity is about how the loving God reached down to us.

And he did so in the most surprising of ways.

Christ did not come to us as a general or political ruler.

He did not even come to us as an adult.

Christ came to us as an infant; one born to obedient parents in humble surroundings.

So, do not expect or demand miraculous signs and wonders.

Instead, have faith; have hope!

The reminders are all around us.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 11, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, December 18, 2020

 

Worry, Worry, Worry

Philippians 4:2 (NET) - Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well.

Scripture tells us time and again that we should not worry.

The words “Fear not” immediately spring to mind.

Good advice.

But some have even gone so far as to say that if you worry then you are not really a Christian.

My mother was a worrier.

I used to tell her that if she found herself not worrying, she would worry about that.

Of course, this was in jest and she took it that way.

But frankly speaking, there is a great deal of concern in the world right now.

There is the pandemic.

There is division.

There is the economy.

Many are out of work.

Speaking for myself, many things have changed due to circumstances beyond my control.

I personally know several people in the same predicament.

I stated earlier that my mother was a worrier.

But her concern was not for herself, rather it was a concern for others.

Mother proved to me very early on that you can be concerned and be a Christian.

Especially when that concern is for others.

Galatians 6:2 (NET) - Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well.

I cannot change the circumstances that are outside my realm of control.

But being concerned for others does three things for me.

First, I am far less concerned about myself.

Second, this is what scripture demands.

Third, it makes me glad that God gave me such a great Christian mother and teacher.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 27, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, December 4, 2020

 

Moving Forward an Hour Back

Matthew 11:29-30 (NET) - Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry.

People in my part of the world recently set our clocks back one hour.

I am still getting accustomed to the time change,

Frankly, I wish we could leave the time alone rather than change it twice each year.

It always takes time for me to adjust to the new time.

I find the time change this time of year particularly unsettling.

That is human nature.

By the time I have finished my workday the sun is already in the process of setting.

In practically no time at all, nightfall sets in.

With things still left to be done, it can be hard to get motivated to do these things after dark.

That is why I love these words from Jesus at this time of year.

He reminds us that our load does not have to be heavy.

That is because the work He gives us is easy to bear.

Furthermore, He reminds us that we can still find rest.

How can a load, any load, be easy to bear?

We find this in His answer to a Pharisee also found in Matthew’s gospel.

Matthew 22:37-39 (NET) - Jesus said to him, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

In the end, it does not matter that it gets dark shortly after the workday ends.

We not only have Christ’s words. we have His example.

When the work we do expresses our love for God and neighbor, the load is easy to bear.

This even applies to the work we refer to as our profession.

This also makes the rest we find afterward true rest.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 6, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, November 13, 2020

 

Comfort and Peace

Leviticus 26:5 (NET) - I will grant peace in the land so that you will lie down to sleep without anyone terrifying you. I will remove harmful animals from the land, and no sword of war will pass through your land.

A young friend recently called me.

He had just experienced the death of his mother.

I understood the loss only too well as I experienced it personally years ago.

Although much time has passed for me, I remember only too well the initial shock and pain.

Unfortunately, the pandemic prevents me from putting my arm around my friend.

The only comforts I could offer him were words spoken over the phone.

But I trust that God will comfort my young friend just as he comforted me.

Philippians 4:7 (NET) - And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

True comfort can be found in Jesus.

Thanks to Him, death is not the end but merely a transition.

True peace can be found in God; the peace that exceeds all understanding.

One day, my young friend will truly discover this just as I did.

He will also learn something else.

The love we have endures.

No matter how much time passes, we continue to love those who have died.

Not even death has the power to alter that.

In reflection, one thing does concern me.

Although the LORD provides true peace and comfort, we are meant to comfort others as well.

We were meant to be part of a community.

One day the pandemic will be but a memory.

Will we have grown comfortable with distance?

I certainly hope not.

I pray God will help us truly be close once more to comfort one another.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 23, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, November 6, 2020

 

The Good Shepherd

Psalm 23:3 (NRSV) - he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.

Psalm 23 is something special.

It is among those passages of scripture we memorize very early on.

We find comfort in its words.

We turn to it when we are grieving the loss of a loved one.

We have heard it recited at funeral services time and again.

Psalm 23 begins with these timeless words…

“The LORD is my shepherd.”

That is why my attention currently turns to the third verse.

Particularly the phrase, “He leads me in right paths.”

After all, that is exactly what a good shepherd does for his sheep.

He leads them where he wants them to go, to places where they need to be.

These may not necessarily be places where they would go on their own.

I know people who have raised sheep.

Being compared to them is not necessarily a compliment.

Sheep are stubborn.

Left on their own. they can quickly find themselves in trouble.

That is why sheep require a good shepherd in order to thrive… and so do we.

Jesus reminds us that He is the Good Shepherd.

John 16:14 (NRSV) - I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,

Christ knows us and we know Him.

Just like a good shepherd guides his flock, so Jesus guides us.

His is the voice that tells us to love God and to love our neighbor.

In a world full of uncertainty, we can take comfort.

We can completely rely on our Good Shepherd to guide us.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 9, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, October 16, 2020

Best Plan Ever

Psalm 71:17 (NET) - O God, you have taught me since I was young, and I am still declaring your amazing deeds.

Since the beginning, God has done the miraculous.

He spoke the universe into existence.

From the farthest flung galaxies to our neighboring moon, the universe declares God’s glory.

The Earth itself is also a testament to God’s glory from one extreme to the other.

For example, the wings of a butterfly are frail and delicate.

The wings of an eagle, however, are strong and sturdy.

Yet, God created both.

God created both the depths of the oceans and the highest mountain tops 

Personally, I am quite fond of the mathematical and scientific formulas I use daily.

The fact that they work time after time tells me that God is behind everything.

A growing number of scientists now concur that there is an intentional design to the universe.

That means that there must be a master designer as well.

In short, God is the master planner.

But of all God’s plans, one outshines them all.

In Luke’s gospel we read of a man named Simeon.

The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would not die before he saw the Redeemer.

This happened when Joseph and Mary brought the young Jesus to Jerusalem.

The moment Simeon took Jesus into his arms, he knew the Redeemer had come.

Luke 2:28-30 (NET) - Simeon took him in his arms and blessed God, saying, “Now, according to your word, Sovereign Lord, permit your servant to depart in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation

Of all the wonders planned and brought about by God one outshines them all.

That wonder is none other than Jesus.

For in his eternal wisdom, God knew we could never save ourselves.

Therefore, He planned for our salvation from the beginning and brought Jesus into His creation.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 25, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, October 2, 2020

 

Fruits of the Spirit

Nehemiah 9:20 (NET) - You imparted your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold your manna from their mouths; you provided water for their thirst.

The Holy Spirit is the least understood member of the Trinity.

But the same Holy Spirit who helped those who came before us helps us as well.

Moreover, we do not need to fully comprehend the Holy Spirit in order to know Him. .

That is because He has been given to us,

John 14:17 (NET) - the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept, because it does not see him or know him. But you know him, because he resides with you and will be in you.

It is the Spirit that enables us to learn and do things for God.

It is the Spirit that enables us to learn and do things for our fellow man,

But there is a difference.

God is omniscient, so He knows absolutely everything we do.

Our fellow man however is not omniscient.

He is most likely aware only of what we specifically do for him at the time.

He might even identify us that way.

For example some know me as an employee, a coworker, a teacher, an author and so on.

In fact, a friend at church recently identified me as a “tech guy”.

I am sure everyone can relate.

We might even feel frustrated by this from time to time, but this does not have to be so.

We just need to allow the Holy Spirit to work through us in everything we do.

Then the things we do become “fruits of the Spirit”.

This means that they become evidence of the Holy Spirit to others.

Galatians 5:22-23 (NET) - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Doesn’t today’s world need to witness more of these things?

Just remember that Jesus reminds us of something important in one of His parables.

Luke 12:48 (NET) - But the one who did not know his master’s will and did things worthy of punishment will receive a light beating. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required, and from the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be asked.

There are times when we might feel like there is no room on our plate to do one more thing for anyone.

That is when the Holy Spirit can truly surprise us.

He can choose to make our plate bigger and surprise others as well.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 11, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, September 18, 2020

 

Good One

 

Psalm 100:5 (NET) - For the Lord is good. His loyal love endures, and he is faithful through all generations.

We use the word "good" frequently.

Late in the day, we say "good evening" or "good night".

Early in the day, we say "good morning" or "good day".

Considering current events we may find ourselves asking "What's good about anything?"

There is division among races and politics.

There is a global pandemic with no end in sight.

There is violence in the streets of our cities.

People are persecuted for their religious beliefs.

We are forced to remain distant for health reasons.

We might even choose to remain distant once the health crisis has passed.

No wonder it is tempting to ask what is good about anything.

But that is the wrong question.

The best question to ask is "Who is good?"

If we think about it, the answer might surprise us.

If I am to believe scripture, it certainly is not me.

It is not any elected official nor one seeking public office.

It is not any expert in health care.

It is not even a member of law enforcement.

The truth is that not one of us can call ourselves "good".

There is however One that truly is good.

Jesus explained this to a wealthy man.

Mark 10:18 (NET) - Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone."

That is the truth of the matter.

God alone is Good.

Yet God can bring about good things through us regardless of profession.

That includes elected officials, experts in health care and members of law enforcement.

It even includes people like you and me.

God can use each of us to help remedy the problems the world faces.

We must first recognize both His goodness and our shortcomings.

We must cease being stubborn and allow the One who is good to work within us and through us.

Then and only then will we see real and permanent change.

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 28, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, September 4, 2020

Weathering the Storm

Psalm 26:12 (NET) - I am safe, and among the worshipers I will praise the Lord.

It seems a bit ironic to open with this verse these days.

The pandemic has managed to do on a global scale what nothing in recent memory has.

Worshipping in our own churches stopped.

In some cases it restarted only to stop once again.

In some cases it has resumed but with a limited number of worshippers.

Obviously, those in high risks groups should not attend.

We must also understand that some will remain uncomfortable attending in person again for quite some time.

Understanding is, after all, part of what loving one’s neighbor is all about.

Through it all, we must continue to encourage one another.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NET) - Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, just as you are in fact doing.

A wise pastor once reminded me of something at a special worship service.

He stated that the church was not the building, it was the people.

Reflecting on these words reminds me that every believer has been given gifts by God.

Those gifts can build up the church even if a believer cannot attend services at this time.

Some will use their voices.

Some will use their instruments.

Others will use brush and canvas.

Some will even use a computer and the Internet.

1 Corinthians 14:26 (NET) - What should you do then, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each one has a song, has a lesson, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all these things be done for the strengthening of the church.

All these things, and others, will continue to edify the church until the pandemic passes.

That is because the work we do is not our own.

It is granted to us and inspired by God.

Philippians 1:6 (NET) - For I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

The pandemic has certainly changed the current landscape of worship.

These changes, and others still to come, might change the landscape permanently.

We will not know exactly how much until the pandemic has passed.

We might find these changes stressful along the way.

People, as a rule, do not like change.

But working together with God’s help we can weather the winds of change

Let faith, hope and love guide our actions and our words.

Hebrews 12:14 (NET) - Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, for without it no one will see the Lord.

  

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 14, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, August 21, 2020

 

Power in the Blood

I accidentally cut myself this weekend.

It was much more than a slight wound.

Fortunately, I kept calm and remembered my first aid training.

This combination saved me a trip to the emergency room.

The incident, although painful, reminded me just how important our blood is.

When I was a boy, I knew an elderly man who had a blood disease.

This disease prevented his blood from clotting properly.

Even a small cut that most would take for granted could have proved fatal to him.

I had another friend with a similar condition.

His was due to the medication he was taking.

Our blood is necessary for survival.

In fact. I currently have a friend who donates blood faithfully and regularly.

He has done so for many years and I can only imagine how many lives his blood has saved.

Yes, our blood is a precious thing.

But as precious as it is, there is something far more precious.

Something far more powerful.

That is the blood of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 13:12 (NET) - Therefore, to sanctify the people by his own blood, Jesus also suffered outside the camp.

Each of us has been saved by the blood of Jesus

Ephesians 1:7-8 (NET) - In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our offenses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us in all wisdom and insight.

By His blood, we are made right with God.

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.

Every one of us, regardless of background, has been brought nearer to God by His blood.

Ephesians 2:13 (NET) - But now in Christ Jesus you who used to be far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

As time goes by, the scar from my injury will fade.

Hopefully it will serve to remind me to be more careful in the future.

It will also serve as a physical reminder; a reminder of the importance of the blood of Jesus Christ.

It will remind me why the sharing of the bread and the cup is so vital to us.

1 Corinthians 11:25 (NET) - In the same way, he also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, every time you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

Human blood is a precious thing.

We could not survive without it.

But the blood of Jesus is even more precious.

Because of it, we truly live!

The old hymn says it so well: There’s Power in the Blood.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 24, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, August 7, 2020

For Sale

I decided to take a drive Sunday afternoon,

It’s one of the few activities one can indulge in with the current COVID-19 restrictions in place.

With no specific destination in mind, I decided I would first drive by the church I attend.

With the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, worshipping together has been suspended once more.

Fortunately, our services will still occur and be streamed online.

Many churches have chosen this option at least until the pandemic has subsided.

I remembered twice finding a note on our church door from a youth group.

The note said that they stopped by and prayed for us,

Each young person had signed their name to it,

I recalled thinking what a remarkable gesture this was.

Being familiar with the many churches in the community, I decided to make this the focus of my journey.

I made a mental list of all these churches and proceeded to drive from one to the next.

I paused my journey at each one and said a prayer on behalf of those who call that church home.

Luke 18:1 (NET) - Then Jesus told them a parable to show them they should always pray and not lose heart.

I prayed for their worshippers and the day that they would be able to gather once again.

So I traveled from one to the next, pausing at each to pray.

Things proceeded as I expected until I was taken by surprise.

One church to which I traveled had a “For Sale” sign.

I suddenly became quite sad,

There could be any number of reasons as to why this church had permanently closed its doors.

Perhaps it was the pandemic.

Perhaps the number of worshippers had been in decline.

Perhaps there was a disagreement that led to division.

Whatever the reason, this church and its congregation was no more.

Its doors will remain closed until a buyer comes along.

What will occupy the building remains to be seen.

Now, I know the Church is not the building.

It is the entire body of believers with Christ as the head.

Ephesians 1:22-23 (NET) - And God put all things under Christ’s feet, and gave him to the church as head over all things. Now the church is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Still, I could not help but feel sad as I thought of all that happened within its walls over the decades.

All the sermons that were preached.

All the hymns of praise that were sung.

Al the prayers that were lifted.

All the weddings, baptisms and funerals that united generations of people.

Now, the lights are turned off and silence fills an empty space.

It will remain that way even after the pandemic is over.

I know that those who worshipped there did so differently than I do.

That does not matter.

I continue to pray for them.

My prayer is that they will find a new church that they can call home.

That prayer turns my sadness into hope.

1 Corinthians 1:9 (NET) - God is faithful, by whom you were called into fellowship with his son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 10, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, July 17, 2020

Attitudes and Beatitudes

What a time we live in.

Just when things can’t seem to be more out of control, something else arises.

My thoughts turn to the words of Christ and the Sermon on the Mount.

Especially to His words from the Beatitudes.

It’s as if we’ve collectively forgotten them.

A quick Internet search indicates just how much confusion there is.

Some say there are eight Beatitudes while others claim there are nine or ten.

I will not go into all the Beatitudes but will focus on a few important for today.

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Many are mourning right now.

Some mourn for the loss of loved ones to the pandemic.

Others mourn for victims of injustice.

But we can take comfort in the fact that Christ died for us - all of us - and set us free from sin.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Although we have all witnessed acts of violence, we should show mercy.

After all, hasn’t God been merciful to us?

Then, there is the Beatitude I find most helpful right now.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God. 

In these days of contention and strife we desperately need peacemakers.

Those who strive to make peace between men, between communities and between nations.

In times like these, every Christian is called upon to be a peacemaker.

That is because God is a God of Peace.

Even the Son He sent to us is called the Prince of Peace.

It is by that act that we are children of God, children of peace.

Yes, these are troubling times.

There is no point in denying that.

Yes, we all fall short… all of us.

There is no point in denying that either.

Yet the words of Christ do far more than remind us of our imperfection.

His words remind us how we are meant to live.

So, what should “Be our Attitude” towards God?

What should “Be our Attitude” towards our fellow man?

Let us comfort those who mourn, show mercy to one another and strive to make peace with all.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 26, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, July 3, 2020

I Can't Breathe

“I can’t breathe.”

These could have been the final words of a COVID-19 patient on a ventilator.

Sadly, they were the last words of George Floyd while being restrained by four police officers.

Now the nation, indeed the world, is outraged by the injustice.

As Christians, we too must take a stand against injustice.

There are so many references to justice in scripture that I cannot list them all here.

That’s indicative of just how important justice is to God.

It should be equally important to us.

Many people think that God, whom we see in the Old Testament, is vindictive.

Yet the following verse shows us that God cares deeply about justice.

Isaiah 1:17 (NET) - Learn to do what is right. Promote justice. Give the oppressed reason to celebrate. Take up the cause of the orphan. Defend the rights of the widow.

Meaningful change is possible.

But we must be willing to allow God to change us from within.

Ezekiel 36:26 (NET) - I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your body and give you a heart of flesh.

But what of those who are victims of injustice?

The same God continues to love them deeply.

Psalm 34:18 (NET) - The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he delivers those who are discouraged.

God is clear about justice; He is equally clear on vengeance.

Romans 12:19 (NET) - Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

The days to come will reveal how we choose to respond to injustice.

We must remember that Christ commands us to love our neighbor.

I hope we take His command completely to heart.

We had better, because God sees all and will hold us accountable.

Hebrews 4:13 (NET) - And no creature is hidden from God, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.

I pray we all can make a fresh start.

Perhaps our very youngest can teach us all a valuable lesson.

After all, no one is born knowing how to hate.

If we take these lessons to heart, we can all move forward.

Even what now seems distant can happen!

Amos 5:24 (NET) - Justice must flow like torrents of water, righteous actions like a stream that never dries up.

We must be willing to talk.

More importantly, we must be willing to listen.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 12, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, June 19, 2020

Love Endures

Proverbs 31:26 (NET) - She has opened her mouth with wisdom, with loving instruction on her tongue.

Mother’s Day was a bittersweet time for me.

Mom passed away almost 15 years ago, and I still love and miss her very much.

That is why I was so grateful to receive an email from a friend who is a man of God.

Like me, he too had a wonderful relationship with his mother,

In his email, he reminded me how blessed both of us are for the mothers God gave us.

I readily agreed.

My faith would not be what it is had it not been for my mother.

Some of my earliest memories are of her telling me stories from the Bible.

She told them with great conviction.

Afterward, she took the time to answer the questions a young boy inevitably had.

That is why I always think of Proverbs 31 whenever I remember my mother.

The last half of this chapter describes a good wife.

I believe it also describes a good mother.

This year I wondered how Mom would have dealt with the current situation.

I concluded she would have been concerned.

But her concern would have been for others rather than herself.

In fact, two passages of scripture she cited most often were about concern and where to turn for help.

John 14:27 (KJV) - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Psalm 121:1-3 (KJV) - I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Mother’s Day will always be a bittersweet time for me no matter how old I get.

That’s a good thing.

It reminds me how special she was to me.

It also reminds me others thought she was special as well.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 22, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, June 5, 2020

Cliffhanger

I enjoy old movie serials and television episodes.

Many of these installments ended in what has come to be known as “the cliffhanger”.

Simply put, this is a plot device in which the installment ends with a character in a precarious position.

It is also intended as an incentive for the viewer to want to watch the next installment.

Until then, the viewer is left wondering how the character can possibly escape almost certain doom.

There is an old saying that states life imitates art.

For those who do not know the risen Lord, death appears to be the ultimate cliffhanger.

Is death the end?

Can there be more to come?

Fortunately, Christ makes it very clear that death is not the end.

This happened at His crucifixion.

One of the criminals turned to Jesus.

Jesus gave him a promise.

Luke 23:43 (NET) -  And Jesus said to him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

But these were far more than words intended to comfort a dying man.

This was a genuine promise of hope!

This was not the only time Jesus assured us of eternal life.

Before His crucifixion, Jesus made a promise to His followers.

John 14:1-3 (NET) - “Do not let your hearts be distressed. You believe in God; believe also in me. There are many dwelling places in my Father’s house. Otherwise, I would have told you, because I am going away to make ready a place for you. And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that where I am you may be too.

Cliffhangers are fine for movies and television programs.

But, thanks to the risen Lord, the end of our time on earth is not the end at all.

Nor is it something to be feared.

It is a transition of hope made possible through Christ’s love!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 8, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, May 15, 2020

Unrecognized

Although Easter Sunday was several days ago, we are still in the Easter season.

Before COVID-19, the Sundays following Easter would remind us of this.

Sermons, hymns and prayers would help remind us of the importance of the Resurrection,

As such, I find my thoughts returning to one fact about the immediate aftermath of the Resurrection.

People, including those closest to Jesus, did not recognize Him at first,

This started when Mary Magdalene found the tomb empty.

She then told the disciples who came to see for themselves.

After she was left alone, she encountered the risen Jesus.

Initially, she mistook Him for someone else.

John 20:14 (NET) -  When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus.

Soon afterward, Jesus appeared before two others on the road to Emmaus.

They did not recognize Him at first either.

Luke 24:15-16 (NET) - While they were talking and debating these things, Jesus himself approached and began to accompany them (but their eyes were kept from recognizing him).

Then there was the time the disciples were fishing and did not realize it was Jesus on the shore.

John 21:4 (NET) - When it was already very early morning, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.

I find it more than interesting that those who knew Jesus best did not recognize Him at first.

Scripture does make it plain that they were kept from recognizing Him as in the verse from Luke.

I will not dispute that.

But those He encountered were also caught up in other things at the time.

Mary was caught up in her grief.

Those on the road to Emmaus were caught up in their conversation about current events.

The disciples were caught up in their fishing.

It is easy for us to question how those closest to Him could fail to recognize Jesus.

Do we really fare any better?

Jesus reveals Himself today in many ways including Scripture.

Can we honestly say that we always recognize Him?

Or, are we perhaps too caught up in our own thoughts and actions to notice?

One final thought…

Since COVID-19 has impacted our lives, churches have had to find new and creative ways to worship.

We have also had to find new and creative ways in which to serve.

I hope these trends continue well after the threat of this pandemic has subsided.

I pray churches continue to find even newer and more creative ways in which to worship and serve.

If we do, perhaps people just might not recognize the church at first either.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 24, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, May 1, 2020

Solitude and Prayer

COVID-19 has changed the way we live.

Like many others, I am working from home now.

I miss not being at work and I certainly miss the friends I have made there.

I long for the day when I can attend church once more,

I think I miss my students on Sunday mornings most of all.

We were not designed to live in perpetual solitude

Yet even for those living with family, there will be times we still find ourselves alone,

But this is not altogether a bad thing.

Scripture tells us time and again that even Jesus went off to be by himself.

Perhaps the clearest example can be found in Luke’s gospel.

Luke 5:16 (NET) -  Yet Jesus himself frequently withdrew to the wilderness and prayed.

Notice the word ‘frequently’.

It reminds us that there were many times that Jesus sought solitude for prayer.

Another example can be found in Mark’s gospel.

Mark 1:35 (NET) - Then Jesus got up early in the morning when it was still very dark, departed, and went out to a deserted place, and there he spent time in prayer.

Then there is the advice He gives each of us regarding the importance of solitude and prayer.

Matthew 6:6 (NET) - But whenever you pray, go into your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.

We are meant to pray and worship together when we can.

One day, hopefully soon, we will again,

But scripture reminds us of the importance of solitude and prayer and how Jesus often sought both.

If Jesus required solitude from time to time, what does that say for us?

We also need solitude for prayer periodically.

Perhaps recent events might serve as a reminder to us.

In the days to come there will be times when we find ourselves without another human being around.

In those times, it is important to remember that we are never truly alone.

Let us put those moments to good use.

Let us remember how even Jesus sought solitude in which to earnestly pray to the Father.

Let us follow His example as we consider what He did for all of us.

In the week to come, we will contemplate the cross that awaited Him.

Just remember that there is a now empty tomb just beyond it!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 10, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, April 17, 2020

Changes and Constants

Those of you who follow my regular offerings will notice this one is in a different format. This is intentional because of all that is going on around us. It is my hope that you will read it anyway.

Our routines have been turned upside down and it is very probable that even more changes are in store. The question then arises: What should we be doing during this period of change?

1.      Do Not Fear. It is important that we do not fear. There are dozens upon dozens of verses reminding us not to fear.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NET) - Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

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2.      Love Your Children. This should be obvious, and it seems simple. It should be easier with schools closed and parents working from home. Just remember that children learn from our actions and not just our words. If we show fear, they will naturally pick up on this and it will become their response to the situation as well. Remind your children that you love them! Remind them that God loves them!

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.

3.      Do Not Hoard. We’ve all seen the news items where people have run to the stores and purchased so much more than they needed. People have been injured and even fights have broken out over the simplest of items. Remember those whose lives are already difficult like the elderly and handicapped who may have difficulty just getting to the store. Imagine being in their place and not being able to get what you need most because others chose to panic buy.

Proverbs 3:27 (NET) - Do not withhold good from those who need it, when you have the ability to help.

4.      Be Patient and Kind. Until our lives return to normal, we will still have to do things like wait in line or have the store clerk tell us they are momentarily out of an item. When these and other events like them occur we must continue to love our neighbor as Christ commands us. Yes, this even applies to those who may decide to treat us unkindly.

Colossians 3:12-13 (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.

5.      More Changes. As much as our routines have changed, we could be in store for additional changes and the sooner we get accustomed to that idea the better. But there are some constants we will always be able to rely upon.

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NET) - Be strong and courageous! Do not fear or tremble before them, for the Lord your God is the one who is going with you. He will not fail you or abandon you!

6.      Rely Upon God. Things will get better, but we must rely upon God rather than ourselves until they do!

Isaiah 41:10 (NET) -  Don’t be afraid, for I am with you! Don’t be frightened, for I am your God! I strengthen you— yes, I help you— yes, I uphold you with my victorious right hand

7.      Jesus Christ Never Changes. No matter how much things change, there is one glorious constant we can always count on. Jesus Christ never changes!

Hebrews 13:8 (NET) - Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever!

Yes, our lives have changed in some radical ways. Perhaps there are more changes to come. But through it all we can rely upon Christ who never changes. We can rely upon His word. We can rely upon His promise. Things will get better, but until they do, let us remember how He told us to live!

Blessings Always,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, March 27, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, April 3, 2020

Kept in the Dark

Continuing the journey toward Easter I found my thoughts turning to the hours of darkness.

An eerie and unexpected darkness occurred while Jesus was being crucified.

Mark 15:33 (NET) - Now when it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.

This reminded me of the phrase “kept in the dark”.

To keep someone in the dark currently means choosing not to inform them of your plans.

This was certainly not the case with Jesus.

Jesus told His disciples exactly who He was.

He told them exactly what He came to do.

He even told them He would rise on the third day.

But the truth is the disciples’ reactions were like those who had been “kept in the dark”.

As He was crucified, they kept to a distance.

Luke 23:49 (NET) -  And all those who knew Jesus stood at a distance, and the women who had followed him from Galilee saw these things.

After Jesus died on the cross, these men went into hiding.

But there was one man who understood.

He was not a disciple.

In fact, one might think this man would have been the last to understand.

But He did understand.

Mark 15:39 (NET) - Now when the centurion, who stood in front of him, saw how he died, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!”

One cannot overlook the difference between the centurion and the others who knew Jesus personally.

Those who were supposed to have known Jesus best chose to keep their distance.

They reacted as if they had been kept in the dark.

Others stood close by and some of them, even the most unlikely, really understood.

The days leading up to Easter can be uncomfortable.

This is especially true when we consider what Jesus did for us.

But He does not want us to stand at a distance,

He wants us to draw near to Him.

What better time is there than Easter to do just that?

Matthew 6:21 (NET) - For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

We are only kept in the dark if we choose to be.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, March 13, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, March 20, 2020

Completed

Election time is drawing near in my country.

There are many people vying for the highest office in the land.

Experience has taught me two things.

The first is that candidates will usually promise anything to get elected.

The second is that some of their statements are simply wrong.

One candidate’s recent claim can fall into the second category.

According to him, he has earned his way into heaven based on something he did,

Politics aside, such a statement is incorrect when viewed in the light of scripture.

Salvation cannot be earned.

It is not our doing.

Salvation is only possible through God’s grace.

It has nothing to do with our actions - no matter how “good” we think they may be.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (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.

As such, we should do the things we were “designed” to do.

Ephesians 2:10 (NET) - For we are his creative work, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we can do them.

The things we do by faith are fruits of the spirit,

They are the evidence by which others see God’s presence in our lives.

They are the steps we take within our journey.

Steps we take with the Lord that benefit others.

2 Peter 1:5-7 (NET) - For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith excellence, to excellence, knowledge; to knowledge, self-control; to self-control, perseverance; to perseverance, godliness; to godliness, brotherly affection; to brotherly affection, unselfish love.

Our salvation was made possible by Jesus during His crucifixion.

John 19:30 (NET) - When he had received the sour wine, Jesus said, “It is completed!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

That was the moment.

There is nothing more that you nor I nor anyone seeking office can do to add to it.

We can’t even take away from it.

It is completed!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 28, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, March 6, 2020