Mentors Are Very Special Blessings

Proverbs 27:17 (GNT) - People learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron.

Anyone who obtains a mentor in life should consider themselves blessed.

Anyone who obtains two in their lifetime is truly blessed.

The first of my mentors taught me to be a professional.

He also taught me not to overcomplicate things.

No one doubted his ability to solve a complex problem.

He also had the ability to explain the problem and the solution to non-professionals clearly.

Even though I no longer work in that industry, his lessons serve me well.

My other mentor was a spiritual mentor.

Although well educated, she never talked down to anyone.

She was truly humble.

She also had a servant’s heart.

It was her guidance that led me to teach Sunday School and Bible School for adults.

And although her knowledge was vast, her actions and demeanor spoke louder than words.

So, I do indeed feel blessed that God granted me two mentors,

I feel even more blessed in that I considered each a friend.

My professional mentor passed away several years ago.

My spiritual mentor very recently.

In reflecting on them both, the passage from Proverbs immediately came to mind.

I learned from each one just as iron sharpens iron.

And as I grow older, I will consider myself even more blessed if I should mentor someone.

I miss my mentors and friends.

But although I miss them, I do not grieve in the conventional sense.

Christ’s words from the Sermon on the Mount also spring to mind.

Those who willingly and freely share of themselves do God’s will.

They obey the words of Jesus.

And they will see God.

Matthew 5:8 (GNT) - Happy are the pure in heart; they will see God!

In loving memory of H. K.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 24, 2023.

I will be back here on Friday, March 3, 2023

The Source of Stability

Revelation 1:4 (GNT) - From John to the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace be yours from God, who is, who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits in front of his throne,

I know people who are uncomfortable with the book of Revelation.

Granted, it is the final book of the Bible and is apocalyptic in nature.

Its language is symbolic.

As human beings, we tend to dislike the unknown and it can elicit an uncomfortable response.

But, as I remind my students, there is no need to fear either the book or the unknown.

In fact, John opens the book with a greeting to the seven churches.

He wishes them both grace and peace from God.

He also reminds them about an important aspect of God.

God is unchanging.

Our perspective of time is composed of past, present and future.

We change.

Our circumstances change.

Through it all, God never changes, and I take great comfort in that.

The Psalmist also reminds us that God never changes.

Psalm 127 is a prayer to God from one who is suffering.

He pours out his heart to God.

He begins his prayer by asking God to listen to him.

He recognizes his own mortality.

He agonizes over what has become of his people.

Ultimately, he recognizes the unchanging nature of God.

Psalm 102:27 (GNT) - But you are always the same, and your life never ends.

Like John and the Psalmist, we too find ourselves at crossroads.

We have choices to make.

Will we allow the storms of life to shake our faith?

Will we allow the future and the unknown to instill fear?

Or will we accept both grace and peace?

The grace and peace that comes directly from God.

Circumstances may change, but God never does.

God is, was, and always will be God.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 10, 2023.

I will be back here on Friday, February 17, 2023