Away From Home

Psalm 119:19 (NET) - I am a resident foreigner in this land. Do not hide your commands from me.

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven.

Those words have always stuck with me.

I was reminded of the truth in them when I read the Psalmist’s words.

But the second part of the Psalmist’s words made me think.

We each reside in a land and are expected to obey the laws of that land.

But, as our citizenship is in heaven, we need to obey its commands as well.

As citizens of heaven, we are, in a sense, ambassadors for the time being.

We should therefore choose both our words and our actions wisely.

Paul echoes this in his letter to the Ephesians.

Ephesians 5:15-16 (NET) - Therefore consider carefully how you live—not as unwise but as wise, taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Paul’s words are just as sound today.

In less than two weeks, Christmas Day will be upon us.

What better time is there to let our words and actions speak for themselves.

Where there is impatience, we should practice patience.

Where there is greed, we should practice generosity.

Where there is need, we should practice charity.

Where there is anger and hatred, we must practice love.

Christmas reminds us that no one was more generous than God.

We celebrate the day when God gave us the best gift we could ever have received.

Through Jesus we were given mercy and forgiveness.

We have been shown the true meaning of love.

So, for the time being, we are ambassadors in this world.

But to be effective ambassadors, we must be kind to others.

We must be willing to forgive them for any wrongs.

We must also be willing to love even those who are the least lovable.

For it is the least lovable who need love the most.

And we must do these things without condition.

We must do them without expecting anything in return.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 24, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, January 7, 2022

No Worries

Psalm 31:15a (NET) - You determine my destiny.

As human beings, we tend to worry about our future.

But worry accomplishes nothing.

No amount of worry can change our future.

The Psalmist’s words are words of comfort.

But more than that, they remind us why we need never worry about our future.

The Psalmist understood that the Lord was his destiny.

The Lord is our destiny as well.

Jesus understood this and explained this to His disciples.

First, He reminded them of the things they tended to worry about.

Then, He reminded them of their value to God.

In the end, He drove the lesson home.

Luke 12:25 (NET) - And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?

We like to think that we are in control.

But this is an illusion.

The reality is quite different.

Ultimately, it is God who is in control.

So, what should we do?

We need to let go and trust God.

God can help us do that.

Once we let go, we can encounter God in a new and peaceful way.

We can stop worrying needlessly about the future and focus on today.

We can recognize how much He is with us in the present.

Then we can understand that He is already waiting for us in the future.

Both the Psalmist and Jesus got it right.

God is our destiny and there is no need to worry!

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 10, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, December 17, 2021

Opening Up

1 Samuel 3:9 (NET) - So Eli said to Samuel, “Go back and lie down. When he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’ So Samuel went back and lay down in his place.

Samuel heard several calls.

Each time he thought it was his master, Eli.

Finally, Eli understood that it was the Lord who was calling Samuel.

Samuel took Eli’s advice.

When he did, he began to develop a personal relationship with the Lord.

Hearing is one thing.

Listening, really listening, is another.

Once Samuel listened, his heart was opened.

He was then able to respond to what the Lord was saying.

Something similar happened to a woman named Lydia.

In Acts, we read of Paul’s travels to Philippi.

On the Sabbath, he journeyed outside the city to pray.

A group of women gathered, and Paul spoke with them.

Acts 16:14 (NET) - A woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, a God-fearing woman, listened to us. The Lord opened her heart to respond to what Paul was saying.

The Lord used Paul’s words to open Lydia’s heart.

She and her family were then baptized.

Does the Lord still call?

I believe that He does.

But are we too distracted to respond?

He may be using others to reach us.

Or are we too busy to take notice?

Or perhaps He is trying to reach others through us.

Or have we become too indifferent to care?

When these things happen, we can call upon the Lord.

He can help us remove the distractions.

He can help us to refocus our efforts.

He can rekindle the love in our hearts and open them.

We can then open our hearts to God and to those around us once more.

God can even open the hearts of others through us if we let Him.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, December 3, 2021

Into the Light

Isaiah 60:19-20 (NET) - The sun will no longer supply light for you by day, nor will the moon’s brightness shine on you; the Lord will be your permanent source of light—the splendor of your God will shine upon you. Your sun will no longer set; your moon will not disappear; the Lord will be your permanent source of light; your time of sorrow will be over.

After the summer solstice, the days began to get shorter.

At first the change was imperceptible.

After all, the decrease was just over two minutes a day.

By now, the cumulative change has become more pronounced.

And, with the upcoming time change, the onset of evening will arrive even earlier.

Isaiah spoke of a much different light.

This light would never dim, nor would it depend upon either the time of day or year.

This light would forever shine upon man.

This light would be the light of the Lord.

Jesus is that light.

In fact, He told us this.

John 12:46 (NET) - I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in darkness.

Christ wants us to live in the light – His light.

Because of His sacrifice, we no longer need to live in darkness.

We can live in the light.

Jesus can light our path and lead us out of whatever darkness surrounds us.

We can bask in the light and warmth of His love.

But what then?

We must then reflect His light toward others.

Others who continue to dwell in darkness and suffering.

With His help, we can invite them to step out of the shadows and the cold.

Then, they too can bask in the light and warmth of His love.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 12, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, November 19, 2021

Does God Still Call?

1 Samuel 3:4 (NET) - The Lord called to Samuel, and he replied, “Here I am!”

The Lord called to Samuel several times before Samuel responded to God.

Initially, Samuel thought these calls came from Eli.

It was Eli that first understood that the Lord was calling Samuel.

He instructed Samuel to return and listen for the call once more and respond accordingly.

The Lord called Samuel again.

1 Samuel 3:10 (NET) - Then the Lord came and stood nearby, calling as he had previously done, “Samuel! Samuel!” Samuel replied, “Speak, for your servant is listening!”

Something similar happened to Paul when he visited Corinth.

Paul was busy proclaiming Jesus to the Jews who lived there.

They rejected Paul’s teachings, so he turned his attention to the Gentiles.

Many of them heard Paul.

They believed and were baptized.

The Lord then spoke to Paul in a vision.

Acts 18:9-10a (NET) - One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you

Paul continued his outreach to the Gentiles.

His letters make up a good portion of the Bible we have today.

Paul’s response to God’s call would eventually cost him his life.

And, when God called Samuel, He told him that He was going to judge Eli.

He then instructed Samuel to tell Eli.

This must have been extremely difficult for Samuel.

What about us?

Does God still call?

Does He call us?

I believe He does.

Perhaps, like Samuel, we do not recognize His call.

Or perhaps we are too busy or distracted.

Maybe we choose not to listen.

We might even be afraid.

We find the silence around us comforting.

We even find it safe.

For silence asks nothing from us.

But God’s call can be frightening.

It is certainly uncomfortable.

The evils of the world still exist.

Is God calling us to speak out against things like hatred, racism, and injustice?

We do not need to be afraid when God calls us to speak out.

As God told Paul, “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you.”

Is God telling us the same?

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 22, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, November 5, 2021

We Can Learn

Psalm 119:67 (NET) - Before I was afflicted I used to stray off, but now I keep your instructions.

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible.

Its 176 verses speak of the character of God.

But this time it was verse sixty-seven that captured my attention.

The Psalmist is saying that he used to stray until he was made to suffer.

This paints a clear picture of God as the Father.

Even human fathers discipline their children when it becomes necessary.

A human father disciplines his children when he must, not because he wants to.

Similarly, God disciplines us only when He must.

Such discipline is for our benefit.

Paul understood this.

He described the results of discipline in his second letter to Corinth.

2 Corinthians 7:10 (NET) - For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly grief produces death.

As human beings, we sometimes stray away from God.

God, being the loving Father, disciplines us when we stray too far.

He does not do this out of anger, spite, or vengeance.

He does this because He loves us and wants us to return to Him.

When we return, He proves this.

He forgives us.

God remains faithful even when we choose to rebel.

He wants us to keep His instructions and those of Jesus.

Should we not then share that same love with others?

Should we not also forgive just as we have been forgiven?

Forgiveness can be difficult even for Christians.

But with God’s love, help, and discipline… even we can learn to love… and forgive.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 8, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, October 15, 2021

No Fear

Isaiah 54:14 (NET) - You will be reestablished when I vindicate you. You will not experience oppression; indeed, you will not be afraid. You will not be terrified, for nothing frightening will come near you.

Isaiah’s words promise the people security.

He speaks of reestablishment and freedom from oppression.

But these words of promise also include commands.

“You will not be afraid.”

“You will not be terrified.”

Isaiah wrote these words centuries before the birth of Christ.

But today’s world is confusing.

In fact, it can even appear frightening.

The world reminds us that we live in a pandemic.

It reminds us that there is corruption.

It reminds us that there is injustice.

In fact, a list of the world’s negative reminders can be overwhelming.

Considering these, how are we not to be afraid?

How are we not to be terrified?

For the answer, we must turn to the words of Christ.

John 14:27 (NET) - “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be distressed or lacking in courage.

Jesus gives us peace, His peace.

His gift of peace is far different from what the world offers us.

He gives us commands as well.

But His commands are gentler.

We should not feel distressed.

We should not lack courage.

Our circumstances can overwhelm us if we let them.

But God in His infinite love sent His Son to us.

A Son who promises a peace that exceeds all understanding.

A Son who embodies the very meaning of love. 

He gives His peace and love to us.

He wants us to share that same peace and love with others.

As the world offers fear, may we instead offer hope through Jesus.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 24, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, October 1, 2021

Children of the Light

Isaiah 29:15 (NET) - Those who try to hide their plans from the Lord are as good as dead, who do their work in secret and boast, “Who sees us? Who knows what we’re doing?”

As human beings we often fail to do what we know to be right.

In fact, we sometimes intentionally do what we know to be wrong.

Perhaps that is because we find it easy to justify our actions.

In doing so we deceive ourselves.

Most importantly, we attempt to deceive God.

Fooling ourselves is easy.

Fooling God is impossible.

Isaiah’s warning is clear.

Those who try to hide their plans from the Lord are as good as dead.

It is God who sees us.

It is God who knows what we are doing.

Paul understood this as well.

He explains this in his letter to the Ephesians.

He states that God’s anger falls on the disobedient.

He reminds us that we no longer reside in darkness.

He then reminds us that we are children of the Light.

Rather than deceit, we should pursue goodness, righteousness, and truth.

We should do what pleases the Lord.

That is because nothing is hidden when exposed by the Light.

Ephesians 5:13 (NET) - But all things being exposed by the light are made visible.

Christ is the Light of the world.

He declared this in the Gospel of John.

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.”

His Light is unlike any other.

It fills even the darkest corners of our lives.

He calls everyone into His Light.

That Light dispels all darkness and deception.

It also allows us to clearly see His love for everyone.

There are no shadows in which to hide.

Therefore, let us live obediently in the Light!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 10, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, September 17, 2021

Is Truth Absolute?

Psalm 119:43 (NET) - Do not completely deprive me of a truthful testimony, for I await your justice.

The Psalmist understood the importance of truth.

He also understood that truth was of the Lord and truth was absolute.

These are concepts with which the world has lost touch.

So much so, that truth has become a relative commodity.

We even state that what is true for one person may not be true for another.

This is dangerous ground on which to stand.

Truth must be absolute.

Truth that becomes relative ceases to be the truth.

Paul understood this.

That is why he repeatedly charged Timothy to adhere to the truth.

His warning echoes through the centuries to us today.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NET) - For there will be a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves, because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things. And they will turn away from hearing the truth, but on the other hand they will turn aside to myths.

In today’s world, people tend to listen only to those whose views already align with their own.

Today’s media outlets cater to their audiences.

It occurs in the realm of politics where the elected rely on opinion polls.

It also occurs in the realm of education where young minds are influenced.

Sadly, it even occurs within the realm of the church.

Paul’s warning to Timothy grows more ominous daily.

Fortunately, it is not too late.

We still have time to seek truth.

Truth that is absolute instead of relative.

Truth that is substantial rather than fleeting.

But how does one determine what is truth and what is not?

We must learn (or re-learn) that truth holds up in the light of scripture.

In the end, God is the best teacher.

He can help us discern the truth.

He can help us see past a viewpoint beyond our limited experiences.

Then, and only then, can we learn to truly embrace the diversity of His creation.

True, we will still find ways in which to disagree with each other.

But we must not abandon the truth.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 27, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, September 3, 2021

Trust and Victory

Exodus 14:13-14 (NET) - Moses said to the people, “Do not fear! Stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord that he will provide for you today; for the Egyptians that you see today you will never, ever see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you can be still.”

The heading for this chapter in this translation reads “The Victory at the Red Sea.”

I prefer this to other translations that refer to it simply as the crossing of the Red Sea.

The last part of verse fourteen states: “The Lord will fight for you, and you can be still.”

As the Egyptians closed in on God’s people they cried out to Moses.

With their backs to the sea, they were certain they were about to die.

Moses knew better.

Moses knew that God would fight for them.

So, he reminded them of this.

God then instructed Moses to have the people move toward the sea.

He then instructed Moses to raise his staff and divide it.

The sea parted and the people advanced through it on dry ground.

After the people crossed, God instructed Moses to extend his hand toward the sea.

The divided sea then covered the pursuing Egyptians.

The waters covered them, and the people never saw them again.

Exodus 14:31 (NET) - When Israel saw the great power that the Lord had exercised over the Egyptians, they feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.

Centuries later, Paul understood that the Lord was still dependable.

This is evident in his letter to the Hebrews.

Hebrews 10:23 (NET) - And let us hold unwaveringly to the hope that we confess, for the one who made the promise is trustworthy.

Centuries later, we have the same assurance.

At times, the road we travel makes it difficult for us to see this.

During such times we can turn to the Lord.

We can ask for the strength to see.

The Lord will then open our eyes once more.

He will help us find His calling.

He will also help us to see His calling in others.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 13, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, August 20, 2021

Offering First Choice

Genesis 13:8 (NET) - Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no quarreling between me and you, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are close relatives.

Friction developed when Abram traveled with his nephew Lot.

Both had an abundance of flocks, herds, and tents.

But the land was unable to support them both.

The herdsmen of Abram and Lot began quarreling.

The only solution was for Abram and Lot to part ways.

This could have been a source of contention as well.

Fortunately, Abram knew just how to cope with the situation.

Abram spoke with Lot.

He said that quarrels should be set aside.

He told Lot that since they must separate, he would give Lot his choice of direction.

Lot looked eastward over the land of the Jordan.

He saw that it was fertile with an abundance of water.

Lot chose this direction.

Abram then traveled in the opposite direction toward Canaan.

By human standards we would say that Lot came out ahead in the transaction.

But God had designs of his own.

He told Abram to look in every direction.

He would give Abram all the land he saw.

He also promised Abram that he would father many descendants.

Abram settled in a good place and built an altar to the Lord.

Paul also understood the importance of reconciliation.

He understood that, for Christians, it is important to place others first.

Romans 12:10 (NET) - Be devoted to one another with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another.

True love is a love without hypocrisy.

True love is a love without condition.

True love is a love with honor.

Yes, true love is a love that gives the other first choice.

We are reconciled with God through Christ.

God did this because He loved us.

We must love God in return.

We must also love others.

That means we should seek to end quarrels and reconcile ourselves with them.

It also means giving them the first choice.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 23, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, August 6, 2021

Faithful to the End

Isaiah 53:1 (NET) - Who would have believed what we just heard? When was the Lord’s power revealed through him?

Isaiah begins this chapter by posing two questions?

He then answers these questions in a prophecy that would be fulfilled by Jesus.

This prophecy would be fulfilled centuries later.

Isaiah describes the pain, rejection and suffering Jesus would endure.

He also explains why Jesus had to endure it all.

Isaiah describes man’s rebellious and sinful nature.

He also clearly describes how Christ would endure this without protest.

He even describes His association with criminals and burial in a borrowed tomb.

All these things happened just as prophesied.

The fulfillment of this prophecy means we are saved!

But it is not enough for us to bask in the light of salvation alone.

Paul understood this.

In his first letter to Timothy, Paul explains the responsibility we now have.

1 Timothy 6:12 (NET) - Compete well for the faith and lay hold of that eternal life you were called for and made your good confession for in the presence of many witnesses.

Paul states that we must not only claim eternal life, but we must compete well for the faith.

That means making others aware of our transformation as well.

We can certainly do this through our words.

We can also do this through our actions.

It is perhaps our actions that speak loudest of all.

In the end, God has emerged victorious.

He did this through His one and only Son.

Sin has been defeated.

With it, all fear has dissipated.

So, let us turn to God in praise.

Let us also ask to be energized.

Then, we can follow the example of Jesus and remain faithful to the end.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 9, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, July 16, 2021

Love, Mercy, and Grace

Zechariah 3:4 (NET) - The angel spoke up to those standing all around, “Remove his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “I have freely forgiven your iniquity and will dress you in fine clothing.”

Zechariah is considered one of the minor prophets.

This term can be misinterpreted.

It does not refer to the importance of the prophet but rather the brevity of his book.

Zechariah’s importance must not be overlooked.

He clearly and frequently prophesied about the Messiah.

The opening verse is from the fourth vision experienced by the prophet.

In this vision, Zechariah describes the complete forgiveness of sin.

This is represented by a change of clothing.

The old, filthy, and perhaps even ragged clothes are removed.

They are replaced with new and fine clothes.

Zechariah’s vision of forgiveness and salvation can be attributed to one thing.

That one thing is grace!

Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, also describes forgiveness through grace.

Ephesians 2:4-5 (NET) - But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us, even though we were dead in offenses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you are saved!

Paul uses the imagery of life and death to describe the effects of grace.

Sin makes us dead.

Through grace we are made alive once more.

We are made alive together with Christ.

On our own, redemption is impossible.

But through grace it is as simple as a change of clothing.

Zechariah saw our filthy rags replaced by fine new clothes.

Paul describes us as being brought back from lifelessness to life.

That is the power of grace!

Every aspect of our being is made new.

Again, we cannot do this on our own.

It is only possible because of God’s love, mercy, and grace.

A love, mercy, and grace manifested in Jesus.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 25, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, July 2, 2021

First and Foremost

1 Samuel 7:3 (NET) - Samuel said to all the people of Israel, “If you are really turning to the Lord with all your hearts, remove from among you the foreign gods and the images of Ashtoreth. Give your hearts to the Lord and serve only him. Then he will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.”

There was conflict between the people of Israel and the Philistines.

The people turned to the Lord for help.

Samuel reminded them that they first had to remove all foreign gods and images.

The people listened to Samuel and did so.

One day, the Philistines approached for battle.

Because the people placed the Lord first, He drove the Philistines away.

The Lord expects to be first in our lives.

In fact, He demands it.

He even made this the first of his ten commandments.

Exodus 20:3 (NET) - You shall have no other gods before me.

Jesus understood the importance of this.

He concluded His parable of the steward with a word of caution.

Luke 16:13 (NET) - No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

Foreign gods and images are not the only thing that can evict God from His proper place.

Jesus reminds us that money can easily do this.

In fact, there are many things in life that tempt us to place them first.

We live in an age where we are bombarded by distractions.

The moment we place any person or thing above God, we practice idolatry,

Regardless of the circumstances we face, we must keep God first in our lives.

That is what He expects.

That is what He commands.

That is something we must remember.

We must keep God first even as we weather the storms of life.

If we do, we can count on God to impart His blessings upon us.

He did that for the people of Israel in their trials.

He will do the same for us.

When that happens, we must share those blessings with others.

This allows them to see that we have given God his proper place.

It also encourages them to do the same.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 11, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, June 18, 2021

Success

Genesis 39:23 (NET) - The warden did not concern himself with anything that was in Joseph’s care because the Lord was with him and whatever he was doing the Lord was making successful.

Many things occurred during Joseph’s lifetime.

Some could be considered major setbacks.

Others could be considered major successes.

Through the ups and downs one thing was perfectly clear.

Joseph understood that God was at work in both.

Others more easily perceived God’s hand in the successes.

After being sold into slavery, the 39^th chapter of Genesis finds Joseph working for Potiphar.

Joseph found success in this new role and Potiphar saw that God was with him.

Potiphar put Joseph in charge of the household, and it prospered.

Potiphar’s wife then falsely accused Joseph of assault.

As a result. Joseph was sent to prison.

Although in prison, God was still with Joseph.

He found favor in the warden’s eyes.

He put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners and made him responsible for all that went on.

Joseph succeeded in this new role as well.

The warden saw that God was the source of Joseph’s success.

People do not necessarily recognize the Lord’s hand in success.

When this happens, Scripture tells us they need a reminder.

This happened in the church at Corinth.

Paul wrote to them about this.

Some claimed to follow Paul.

Others claimed to follow Apollos.

Paul reminded them that both he and Apollos were servants of the Lord.

He reminded them that their success and growth was due to God.

1 Corinthians 3:6 (NET) - I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused it to grow.

God is not just a casual observer.

He is an active participant in our lives in both setbacks and successes alike.

As the threat of the pandemic subsides, we will be presented with new opportunities.

Remember, the Lord is with us.

Let us ask the Lord to make our endeavors bear fruit.

Let us ask Him to bless the church and its outreach.

Let us ask the Lord to make new ministries prosper.

After all, we are but servants.

Our success is due to the Lord.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 28, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, June 4, 2021

Follow Me

2 Samuel 22:19-20 (NET) - They confronted me in my day of calamity, but the Lord helped me. He brought me out into a wide open place; he delivered me because he was pleased with me.

The book of 2 Samuel discusses David’s reign.

This verse is from a song David sang to the Lord.

It is a song about how God rescued him from his enemies.

God did so when David called out to Him.

Like David, we often call out to the Lord in times of trouble.

Like David, we know the Lord will see us through the tough times.

What happens when the roles are reversed?

What happens when the Lord calls out to us?

How do we respond?

In the book of Matthew, we read about how the Lord called him.

Matthew 9:9 (NET) - As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth. “Follow me,” he said to him. So he got up and followed him.

Matthew was a tax collector.

He was doing his job when the Lord called out to him.

He heard the Lord say, “Follow me.”

Matthew responded to the call.

Matthew got up and followed the Lord.

This changed Matthew’s life forever.

The Lord called others to follow Him.

Like Matthew, their lives were forever changed.

The Lord still calls out to us.

He calls out to us every day.

If we listen carefully, we hear Him calling, “Follow me.”

It is comforting to know that we can call upon the Lord in times of trouble.

It can however be a little unsettling when He calls out to us.

This is especially true when that call is: “Follow me.”

Following means leaving our old lives behind,

It means our lives will never be the same again.

But following brings about something else.

In following, we are guided to a place we are meant to be.

Fortunately, we can call upon the Lord for the courage to follow.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 14, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, May 21, 2021

Joy and Loyalty

Psalm 5:11 (NET) - But may all who take shelter in you be happy. May they continually shout for joy. Shelter them so that those who are loyal to you may rejoice.

The Psalmist mentions elation three times in this verse.

He does this in various ways.

He uses the words “happy”, “joy” and “rejoice”.

There are however requirements for true elation.

First, we should take shelter in the Lord.

We should also remain loyal to Him.

Those who followed Jesus understood this as well.

Paul and Barnabas were moved by the Holy Spirit to preach at Pisidian Antioch.

On the Sabbath, they went into the synagogue.

The leaders there spoke of the law and the prophets.

They then invited Paul and Barnabas to speak.

Paul, in loyalty to Jesus, spoke extensively about Him.

Many were moved and they were invited to speak again the following Sabbath.

On that day, “almost the whole city assembled”.

But when some saw the size of the crowd, they were filled with jealousy.

When Paul spoke this time, he was interrupted, contradicted, and reviled.

Paul and Barnabas boldly stated that they were appointed to be a light to the Gentiles.

The Gentiles then began to rejoice.

The word of the Lord was spreading,

But those opposed to their message persecuted them.

Paul and Barnabas were thrown out of the region.

Despite this, Paul and Barnabas traveled on to Iconium.

They were also filled with joy.

Acts 13:52 (NET) - And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Despite persecution, Paul and Barnabas remained happy because of their loyalty to the Lord.

Today, it is easy for us to become discouraged.

But this does not have to be.

We can be happy.

We can find joy.

We can rejoice.

As the Psalmist said, all we need do is to take shelter in the Lord and remain loyal to Him.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 23, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, May 7, 2021

 

Expressions of Love

Matthew 3:16-17 (NET) - After Jesus was baptized, just as he was coming up out of the water, the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my one dear Son; in him I take great delight.”

When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, God expressed His love for His Son.

God loved His Son, but it was not just for this singular act of baptism.

God loved His Son for who He was,

God also loved His Son for what He came into the world to do and how He would go about it.

Jesus did everything God expected of Him.

That included the one thing He did which we could not do for ourselves.

For God not only loved Jesus, but He also loved us as well.

God loved us so much that He willingly sent Jesus to die in our place (John 3:16).

When the time approached Jesus struggled with this.

He prayed to God about it.

Luke 22:42 (NET) - “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Yet not my will but yours be done.”

Jesus did what God willed of Him.

Jesus submitted Himself to abandonment, scorn, tremendous pain, and death by crucifixion.

He did God’s will by enduring it all.

He endured it all to benefit us.

When Jesus was baptized, God expressed His love for Him.

But this was not the only time God expressed that love for all to hear.

God also expressed it at the Transfiguration of Jesus.

With it, God also expressed a command for us.

We are to “Listen to Him!”

Matthew 17:5 (NET) - While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my one dear Son, in whom I take great delight. Listen to him!”

As we read scripture, we hear the words of Jesus.

But we must do more than hear them.

We must really listen to them.

Jesus also teaches us by example.

We must therefore strive to become more like Jesus every day.

We too can turn to God in trying circumstances.

We too must accept God’s will as opposed to our own.

We must always remember that God loves us.

He proved that through what Jesus endured for us.

He also expressed this in the form of an empty tomb.

Jesus has risen and we now have true hope, and our lives will never be the same again!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 9, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, April 16, 2021

Glimpses

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

Moses wanted to see God.

But God warned Moses that no one could see His face and live.

So, God hid Moses in the cleft of a rock and covered him.

Moses did not see God’s face.

Instead, God allowed him just a glimpse as He passed by.

Moses was not the only one who wished to see God.

The followers of Jesus also wanted to see Him.

This was especially true of Philip.

Philip asked Jesus to show him the Father.

The response Philip received was not what he expected.

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

By knowing Jesus, we know God.

But the relationship we now have with God was affirmed by the Father.

This occurred the very moment Jesus died on the cross.

Matthew 27:50-51 (NET) - Then Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and gave up his spirit. Just then the temple curtain was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks were split apart.

This was a beautiful gesture on the part of God.

The temple curtain was a barrier.

It was a barrier that separated a sinful mankind from the most holy God.

God removed the barrier that separated us from Him the very moment Jesus died,

Just like Moses and Philip, many people today wish to see God.

Yet God gives glimpses of Himself not only in the miraculous but in the day-to-day.

Perhaps we are too preoccupied to notice.

One thing is certain.

As Christians we place our faith in Jesus.

When others see Jesus at work in our lives, they can capture glimpses of Him.

In doing so, they also capture glimpses of God.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, March 26, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, April 2, 2021

 

True Repentance

Judges 10:15 (NET) - But the Israelites said to the Lord, “We have sinned. You do to us as you see fit, but deliver us today!”

It has been said that confession is good for the soul.

But it is more than that.

Repentance is scriptural.

It is important that we confess to God the ways in which we have fallen short.

But if God is omniscient, are we really revealing to Him anything new?

Doesn’t God know the ways in which we have fallen short?

Certainly, He does!

So why repent?

First, we admit to ourselves that we have sinned.

We are no longer able to rationalize or justify our actions and words.

Second, we express our sorrow and regret for them.

But repentance does not end there.

True repentance goes beyond this.

It requires one more thing.

It means turning back to God and changing our behavior.

It means changing our actions and words in the future to those He expects from us.

It means changing the way we live.

Thus, we are better able to love both God and our neighbor.

Luke 15:7 (NET) - I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to repent.

Confession may be good for the soul.

True repentance draws us closer to God.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, March 12, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, March 19, 2021

 

Idol Minds

Jeremiah 16:20 (NET) - Can people make their own gods? No, what they make are not gods at all.

What is idolatry?

Simply put, anything or anyone we place above God is an idol.

God both expects and demands to be first in our lives.

This is as it should be especially when we consider what God does for us.

First, God creates.

Everything that comes into being is created by God.

In fact, each of us owes our very existence to God.

Next, God redeems.

Redemption is something we cannot accomplish on our own.

God redeems us through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Then, God makes holy.

God makes us better every day.

God does this through the Holy Spirit.

No other person or thing accomplishes this for us.

We must, therefore, keep God first in our lives.

This is what God expects.

This is what God demands.

When you think about it, this is what God deserves.

Yet we may wonder why the world is in such a state of chaos and confusion,

The book of 1 John is a small book when compared to others like Jeremiah.

But its final verses sum things up quite nicely.

1 John 5:19 (NET) - We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

Although we live in a fallen world, there is no room for idolatry.

1 John 5:20 (NET) - And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us insight to know him who is true, and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. This one is the true God and eternal life.

Our world is a fallen world, but we are created, redeemed, and made holy.

We must keep God first in our lives.

The final verse of 1 John reminds us of this.

1 John 5:21 (NET) - Little children, guard yourselves from idols.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 12, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, February 19, 2021

 

Our Journey

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.

Everyone is facing challenges right now.

I receive so many messages stating that these are “difficult times”.

As human beings, we both dislike change and want easy answers.

We just want the challenge to be over.

We want things to be like they were before.

2020 reminds us that answers do not come easy.

Even the beginning of 2021 has brought additional challenges and issues.

In life there are no quick fixes or easy answers.

Scripture reminds us of many people who endured much.

Yet they kept their faith throughout their challenges.

Faith is a wonderful thing.

But having faith does not mean we will get quick fixes or easy answers.

That is why my thoughts turned to the passage above from 2 Peter.

It reminds us that our life on earth is more about the journey than it is the destination.

We begin the journey with faith.

But that is just the beginning of the journey.

Faith takes us to excellence, then knowledge and then self-control.

We then move on to perseverance and to godliness.

Godliness then leads us to brotherly love and unselfish love.

That is quite a journey.

But we do not travel alone.

God is with us every step of the way.

We must therefore experience not only a change of mind but a change of heart as well.

The Psalmist reminds us of that.

Psalm 95:2-3 (NET) - Let us enter his presence with thanksgiving. Let us shout out to him in celebration. For the Lord is a great God, a great king who is superior to all gods.

We must give thanks to God in all circumstances, even difficult ones.

For God is indeed great and He will see us through the difficult times!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

I will be back here on Friday, February 5, 2021