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

 

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

A Bigger Plate

On Sunday, one of our young people was confirmed.

I enjoy Confirmation services for many reasons.

First, they remind me of my own Confirmation service many years ago.

Second, the words written by those confirmed give me hope for the future.

Third, it is always interesting to see which passages of scripture mean the most to them.

Finally, it is interesting to hear their responses to two questions.

One, what do you expect the church to provide you?

And two, what do you expect to provide the church?

Frankly, those are questions we need to ask ourselves as we journey through life.

As time goes by our answers will undoubtedly change,

This makes for an excellent barometer for our spiritual walk throughout life.

I was delighted to hear this young lady’s responses.

I was also delighted in her choice of scripture.

Among them is one I would have chosen myself.

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

This young lady, indeed, all our young people give me hope.

Through that hope, I remain optimistic about the future.

As I reflect on my own Confirmation service decades ago, I think about something else.

One day, these young people will look back.

I hope they remember these days… and us… fondly.

One more thing.

I wonder if this young lady holds another passage of scripture as highly as I do.

Luke 12:48b (NET) - 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.

Very probably.

They go hand in hand.

Sometimes, when you think you cannot fit one more thing on your plate, God surprises you.

He doesn’t remove anything from your plate.

Sometimes, He simply gives you a bigger plate.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 8, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, November 15, 2019

No Thanks Required

This has been an interesting week in that I had two people thank me at work.

The first was an intern who is trying to gain valuable experience.

He had been assigned a task and was having some difficultly seeing it through.

He turned to me for help, so I set aside the task I was working on to assist.

I walked over and he explained to me both the task he had been assigned and where he had become stuck.

My years of experience allowed me to see a better way of going about the task.

This experience also led me to another conclusion.

I did not merely tell him what I would do in this situation.

I decided the better path would be for me to show him and allow him to observe and ask questions.

In no time, the intern understood why I chose to perform the task as I had.

He gained some valuable experience.

That is why he is with us.

The second person to thank me was an administrative assistant.

When I asked why she gave me her thanks, her answer surprised me.

She thanked me for always turning in my paperwork on time.

Surprised, I stated that as far as I was concerned this was part of the job.

Christians do not do things the way we do them for gratitude or adulation.

We do things the way we do them because that is how God wants us to live.

1 Corinthians 13:4 (NET) - Love is patient, love is kind, it is not envious. Love does not brag, it is not puffed up.

It is my hope that the intern remembers this experience.

It is likely that he may become very successful one day.

I hope he remembers what it is like to be new and inexperienced.

I also hope he remembers the importance of kindness, patience and the value of being shown what to do.

James 4:17 (NET) - So whoever knows what is good to do and does not do it is guilty of sin.

This even applies to the mundane things in life.

Even making certain we turn our paperwork in on time.

Not only are such things required, being timely makes life easier on the next person.

These things are part of loving one’s neighbor.

We love our neighbor in various ways.

These include displaying kindness, exercising patience and making their burdens easier to bear.

We can easily lose sight of these especially when we feel taxed ourselves.

When this happens, scripture has a great reminder for us.

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 12, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, July 19, 2019

A Continuation of Acts

One account from the Bible has been on my mind a great deal lately.

It can be found in the book of Acts in the eighth chapter.

Beginning in verse 26 we are told about Philip.

An angel tells him to travel south from Jerusalem on a desert road to Gaza.

Along the way he encounters an Ethiopian traveling from Jerusalem where he had been to worship.

Philip sees the man sitting in his chariot reading scripture.

The Spirit speaks to Philip and instructs him to go to this man.

Acts 8:30 (NET) - So Philip ran up to it and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. He asked him, “Do you understand what you’re reading?”

I love Philip’s response.

He did not casually walk up to the man.

Rather, in response to the Spirit, Philip ran.

Once there he asked the man if he understood what he was reading?

Acts 8:31-33 (NET) - The man replied, “How in the world can I, unless someone guides me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Now the passage of scripture the man was reading was this: “He was led like a sheep to slaughter, and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. In humiliation justice was taken from him. Who can describe his posterity? For his life was taken away from the earth.”

The man then asked Philip whether the prophet was speaking about himself or someone else.

Philip then shared the Good News about Jesus with him as they traveled.

When they came to water, the man asked Philip to baptize him.

Philip did just that.

Perhaps it is because Easter draws ever nearer that this passage has been on my mind.

Reflection also makes me consider Philip’s response.

Philip responded to the angel, the Spirit and the man.

He responded obediently and without hesitation.

That is the way we should respond as well.

No matter what circumstances or challenges we face, we should be there for others.

One of my students put it this way…

“We might be the closest thing to a Bible some people encounter.”

I like that.

We do not have to be Biblical scholars or theologists.

Our actions often speak louder than our words.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 12, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, April 19, 2019

Love Never Dies

I have been working at the same place for almost three decades.

Recently, I began going through some personal items as I simply cannot keep everything.

It wasn’t easy going through years and years of memories and deciding which to keep.

It was more difficult determining which I would take home.

It was most difficult deciding which I would have to throw away.

While going through these memories I had quite a surprise

Among the things I found was a Christmas card.

It was from my mother and it was dated just a few months after I started this job.

My mother passed away over a decade ago and we were extremely close.

It was an emotional experience for me just recognizing her handwriting.

Before signing the card, she wrote a blessing for me.

She prayed that God would keep his eye on me,

She also prayed I would do well at this job and that I would be happy doing it.

Even though my mother departed this earth many years ago, I once again felt her love as I read her words.

I am glad I kept this card, because both her words and her love still stand the test of time.

That is the way it is with scripture as well.

The words God inspired men to write in the Old Testament stand the test of time.

So do the words written about Jesus in the New Testament.

Through these words, I feel the love the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit have for me.

Through these words, I feel the love they have for others.

That makes me want to love others too.

Psalm 136:26 (NET) - Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his loyal love endures!

John 15:9 (NET) - Just as the Father has loved me, I have also loved you; remain in my love.

1 Corinthians 12:7 (NET) - To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the benefit of all.

Love never dies.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, March 22, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, April 5, 2019

More Than Enough Work

Monday is a holiday where I live.

On this day we observe the birthday of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

King was a man of God and was also very influential in the American Civil Rights Movement.

One of my favorite quotes from Dr. King is: “Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

I began to reflect on some other men of God whom I admire.

In June, for example, I plan to teach a class about John Amos Comenius.

Comenius was a theologian born in 1592 who brought about significant changes in education.

One of my favorite Comenius quotes is: “Whenever you encounter one of your neighbours, regard him as yourself in another form (which he is), or indeed as God in another form, for he is the image of God, and God will be watching to see how reverently you treat him.”

Count Nikolaus von Zinzendorf is another man I admire.

Born in 1700, he eventually became bishop of the Moravian Church.

Zinzendorf once said: "Missions, after all, is simply this: Every heart with Christ is a missionary, every heart without Christ is a mission field."

Another man I admire is C. S. Lewis who was a lay theologian and author born in 1898.

Lewis once wrote: “One of the reasons why it needs no special education to be a Christian is that Christianity is an education itself.”

Few of us will become theologians or famous authors.

Few of us will have holidays honoring us.

That’s fine.

The important thing is that we serve.

Christ reminds us that He came to serve.

Mark 10:45 (NET) - For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

He also reminds us that more will expected of those who have been given more. 

Luke 12:48b (TLB) - Much is required from those to whom much is given, for their responsibility is greater.

These are excellent reminders as there is plenty of work to do.

Luke 10:2 (NET) - He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.

The men whom I cited earlier remind us to take that first step… love our fellow man… reach out to him… and we will grow as a result.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, January 25, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, February 1, 2019

A Clean Start

A new year is once again upon us.

Many of us see this as an opportunity to make resolutions.

A chance to make some changes that will perhaps improve the quality of our lives.

We may promise ourselves to eat healthier foods or get more exercise or get enough sleep.

When you get down to it, resolutions are about making a new start with a clean slate.

What’s not to like about that?

Unfortunately, we are flawed human beings.

We may keep these promises for a few days or weeks, but then we easily lapse back into our old habits.

We might even go as far as to promise ourselves that next year we will do better.

Next year we will get it right.

A clean start is not impossible.

To make a significant and lasting change we need to change our perspective.

When it comes to resolutions, we tend to focus our gaze inwardly upon ourselves

                                                                                                                          

But what would happen if we were to refocus our gaze outwardly toward Jesus and our fellow man?

Something amazing.

That would bring about significant and lasting change.

That would really be starting with a clean slate.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NET) - So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away—look, what is new has come!

What does this have to do with our fellow man?

Christ himself pointed the way.

A short time before His crucifixion, Christ washed the feet of his disciples.

He did this for a reason.

John 13:11 (NET) - For I have given you an example—you should do just as I have done for you.

Christ does not simply tell us how to live, He shows us!

New and lasting change is not impossible.

We just need to know where to look.

By looking first to Christ, we become a new creation.

We do this by listening to His words and following His example.

Resolutions are easily abandoned.

But the more we do as Christ bids us, the more we wish to continue.

John 13:34 (NET) - I give you a new commandment—to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, January 11, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, January 18, 2019

Unexpected Blessings and Love

This is not what I originally intended to post today.

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

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

I was in for a surprise.

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

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

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

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

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

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

These photographs depicted the officiating pastor.

He once preached at the church I still attend.

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

They were all quite young at the time.

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

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

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

I said earlier that I felt a bit emotional.

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

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

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

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

But most of all, love for the Lord.

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

It is merely a transition.

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

He proved this in His ministry.

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

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

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Agents of Change

People, as a rule, dislike change.

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

Yet things change all the time.

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

Without change growth would be impossible.

There would be no advancement.

There would be no advancements in medicine.

There would be no advancements in technology.

Despite every advancement people still tend to dislike change.

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

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

His earthly ministry was unlike anything ever seen before.

He ministered to the lowly and outcast.

He healed the sick and the lame.

His criticisms were reserved for those in positions of authority.

Even the dead were brought back to life.

That made Christ the greatest agent of change… ever.

Many disliked this change.

This was true even after His death.

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

They quickly found themselves in trouble for it.

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

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

He told the others…

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

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

Changes that began with Christ continued through the apostles.

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

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Love, Respect and Dignity

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus told us to love our neighbor.

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

That means we are to love everyone.

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

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

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

Other verses echo this as well.

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

What does loving our neighbor mean?

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

The same respect and dignity we like to enjoy ourselves,

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

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

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

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Unfriended

A young friend of mine moved away several years ago.

We still stayed in touch through social media.

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

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

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

Jesus was not popular in every circle.

In fact, some people absolutely hated Him.

Some looked up to Him but wanted that kept secret.

Take Nicodemus, for example.

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

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

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

Even those who followed Jesus abandoned Him.

Peter denied knowing Jesus not once, but three times.

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

Then, there was Judas.

He was the follower who betrayed Jesus.

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

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

I told him he was in good company.

After all, Jesus was unfriended too.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Kindness

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

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

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

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

Other nations observe this on different days.

The day is reportedly gaining in popularity.

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

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

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

But does the notion really stand up?

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

That person recognizes this kindness.

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

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

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

Let’s be honest.

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

Even the concept of randomness depends on our choice.

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

Has the need for kindness suddenly evaporated?

Christ reminds us to love our neighbors.

He also reminds us to love our enemies.

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

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

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

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

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

Now that will truly make a difference.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Rules, Rules, Rules

We live in a complex and often confusing world.

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

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

We have rules on what is considered appropriate behavior.

We have rules about what is considered ethical.

We have rules on how we are to interact socially.

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

Some are only implied.

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

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

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

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

Hasn’t this been wrong all along?

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

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

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

But what does ethics really boil down to?

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

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

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

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

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

As human beings, we really tend to overcomplicate things.

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

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

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

He asked which commandment was the most important.

Jesus gave him a two-fold answer.

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

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

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

Jesus cited two commandments.

It really does not get any simpler than that.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Discomfort, Change, Growth

There is a growing tendency these days to want to ban things which make us uncomfortable.

I recently read where some libraries are banning a literary classic because of a single word.

The reason given is that this word might make people feel uncomfortable.

This is nothing new.

History tells us of other times when books were banned.

In some cases, they were even burned.

There have even been times when people banned and burned the Bible.

Even churches are not immune to this kind of thinking.

Some churches have made a conscious decision not to display the cross.

The reason given is that the display of a cross could make people feel uncomfortable.

But is discomfort alone a good reason to ban anything?

Right now, I am studying The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Frankly, this book makes me feel uncomfortable,

Even the title is disquieting as Bonhoeffer reminds me that discipleship comes at a cost.

Bonhoeffer’s words are also unsettling as they remind me that I still have a very long way to go in my journey.

Even the Bible makes me uncomfortable at times.

This happens when it reminds me that I fall short even on my very best days.

The cross certainly makes me feel uncomfortable when it reminds me of the price Jesus paid for me.

In and of itself, discomfort is not bad.

Discomfort is a great motivator for change.

In fact, we should find books like Bonhoeffer’s uncomfortable.

We should even find the cross and the Bible uncomfortable at times.

The personal discomfort these things bring on should motivate us to change.

They should motivate us to grow as Christians.

As for the book in question, the word it uses should make all of us uncomfortable.

It should remind us that some things should be relegated to the past of which they were a part.

It should remind us not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

If we ban things like books, Bibles and crosses when they make us uncomfortable then we also ban the lessons they teach us.

Without these lessons, we are less likely to change.

Without change we do not grow.

Ephesians 4:13-15 (NET) - until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God—a mature person, attaining to the measure of Christ’s full stature. So we are no longer to be children, tossed back and forth by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching by the trickery of people who craftily carry out their deceitful schemes. But practicing the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ, who is the head.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 27, 2017.

I’ll be back here on Friday, November 3, 2017

Inspection

I recently had my car inspected.

The inspector checks things like the lights, the reflectors and the brakes.

He also checks things like the horn, the tires and the wipers.

There are standards for each item inspected.

Now these things are the driver’s responsibility to maintain.

Unfortunately, when it comes to vehicles, we usually just hop in our cars and drive off.

That is why the state makes this annual inspection mandatory for all vehicles.

It hopes to cut down on the number of unsafe vehicles on the road.

Our lives are a bit like that.

We go through our daily routines often without a thought as to how our words and actions impact others.

From time to time we really need to inspect our words, our actions and our motivations as well.

We need to inspect these to standards as well.

The best standards for this kind of inspection for our lives can be found in “The Sermon on the Mount”.

This can be found in Matthew chapters 5 through 7.

Here Jesus tells us how we are to live.

Jesus begins with The Beatitudes and reminds us who is blessed.

He reminds us we are to be the salt of the earth and a light in this world.

He warns us of the dangers of anger and adultery.

He tells us to let go of revenge and embrace forgiveness.

He reminds us not only to give to those in need but how to go about it.

He tells us how we should pray and how to free ourselves from worry.

He reminds us that we must not judge others.

He tells us we should seek Him.

He warns us that there are true and false prophets.

He also warns us that there are true and false disciples.

He also advises us to be wise and put His words into action.

It is easy for us to get caught up in our daily routines.

When that happens, we need to stop for a moment and inspect our lives using the best of standards.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 26, 2017.

I’ll be back here on Friday, June 2, 2017

To Whom Shall We Listen?

In 2 Chronicles 18, we are told of the alliance between King Ahab of Israel and Jehoshaphat.

King Ahab desired to attack Ramoth Gilead,

He also wanted Jehoshaphat’s support.

Jehoshaphat said he would support Ahab but he also recommended consulting the Lord first.

King Ahab assembled 400 prophets and consulted them.

All 400 said to attack and the Lord would hand Ramoth Gilead over to him.

Jehoshaphat then asked if there was a not man of God nearby who could be consulted,

2 Chronicles 18:7-8 (NET) - The king of Israel answered Jehoshaphat, “There is still one man through whom we can seek the LORD’s will. But I despise him because he does not prophesy prosperity for me, but always disaster. His name is Micaiah son of Imlah. Jehoshaphat said, “The king should not say such things!” The king of Israel summoned an officer and said, “Quickly bring Micaiah son of Imlah.”

When the messenger arrived with Micaiah he tried to influence this man of God.

He informed Micaiah of the 400 consulted who guaranteed success for King Ahab.

He then ordered Micaiah to do the same.

2 Chronicles 16:13 (NET) - But Micaiah said, “As certainly as the LORD lives, I will say what my God tells me to say!”

Micaiah foretold disaster for King Ahab.

2 Chronicles 18:17 (NET) - The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Didn’t I tell you he does not prophesy prosperity for me, but disaster?”

Micaiah was struck in the jaw.

King Ahab ordered him to be imprisoned until he returned.

2 Chronicles 18:27 (NET) - Micaiah said, “If you really do return safely, then the LORD has not spoken through me!” Then he added, “Take note, all you people.”

King Ahab did not return alive.

Even though he was in disguise, he was struck by a random arrow and died as the sun was setting.

The Lord had spoken through Micaiah and not the 400 who gave King Ahab the answer he wanted to hear.

What about us?

To whom shall we listen?

Some tell us that if we follow the Lord then our prosperity is guaranteed.

Others promise that we can ask for anything in the world because it will be ours for the asking.

Do these things sound too good to be true?

That’s because they are.

Life is certainly better with Jesus than without Him.

Just remember the words of Jesus.

Make certain that you listen to Him.

Matthew 16:24-26 (NET) - Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what does it benefit a person if he gains the whole world but forfeits his life? Or what can a person give in exchange for his life?

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 24, 2017.

I’ll be back here on Friday, March 3, 2017

Living Our Faith

I pass several churches along my commute.

From time to time I see drivers breaking traffic laws as they enter or leave their parking lots.

I realize not every driver entering or leaving those lots attends those churches, but stay with me.

Along my commute I also encounter many drivers violating the established traffic laws.

Some of these same drivers have Christian bumper stickers or decals on their cars.

Inconsistent behavior is not merely confined to the roads.

I was in the store the other day.

I was awaiting my turn in the checkout line just like everyone else.

Someone in line was complaining quite loudly about what they considered poor service.

They even spoke harshly about the cashier.

Unfortunately, the person complaining was wearing a T-shirt promoting the church they attended.

Not one of us is perfect.

That includes me.

Yet when we go to the effort to make others aware of our faith, others will watch us more closely.

Some like nothing better than to see us slip up simply to further justify their lack of faith.

Making others aware of our faith is a good thing.

We can certainly do that with tangible things like T-shirts and bumper stickers.

We also need to make certain our behavior reflects our faith as well.

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.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

I’ll be back here on Friday, October 7, 2016

Is There a Sequel?

Every now and again a really good story comes along.

Perhaps it is in the form of a book.

Maybe it is in the form of a movie or a television show.

Whatever form it comes in, we eventually reach the end of the story no matter how good it is.

If it is a story we enjoyed we might find ourselves asking, “Is that all there is?”

Not always.

Sometimes a sequel is written or produced.

The story continues but, more often than not, we find ourselves disappointed.

The sequel simply just does not live up to the original story we enjoyed so much.

Our lives are a bit like a story we enjoy.

We are born. we live for a time and ultimately each of our stories on earth comes to an end.

Somewhere along our journeys we all find ourselves asking, “Is this all there is?”

An unbeliever would tell us that this is the case.

He would tell us that we are born, we live, we die… end of story.

Some believe otherwise.

They believe in an afterlife but seem to feel this life is to be preferred.

Their concept of Heaven is one in which we float around on clouds and do nothing but play the harp for all of eternity.

This would be the equivalent of a sequel failing to live up to the original story.

Personally, I believe that God is the author of all things.

I believe our journeys on earth are just the first story.

There is more to come.

For those who believe, Heaven will be like the sequel to that story.

The Bible gives us some hints as to what Heaven will be like,

Yet even the most imaginative and creative among us will have to experience it to fully appreciate it.

In that respect, this sequel will be far, far better than the original.

1 Corinthians 2:9 (NET) - But just as it is written, “Things that no eye has seen, or ear heard, or mind imagined, are the things God has prepared for those who love him.”

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 26, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, September 2, 2016

Like One of Your Own

The corporation for which I work occasionally asks us to provide office space for people that technically do not work for our office.

This is due to our location.

That was an extremely unique concept for me when I first encountered it.

Providing these individuals with office space also means providing them with technical support as required.

That is where I come in.

Providing technical support is a service I provide for the people that work for our office.

It simply stands to reason that I need to provide technical support for these individuals well.

Times like these make me glad I am a Christian.

Being a Christian has helped me in many ways.

For example, it has taught me patience.

It has also taught me to set aside the task I am working on when others need my help.

In the case of employees that work for other offices it reminds me to be a friend.

Both the Old and New Testaments remind us to love our neighbor.

The book of Leviticus reminds us how we are to treat those who are not technically a part of our group.

Leviticus 19:33-34 (NET) - When a foreigner resides with you in your land, you must not oppress him. The foreigner who resides with you must be to you like a native citizen among you; so you must love him as yourself, because you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God

Being a Christian makes me realize that in providing support for these individuals I have more personal contact with them than anyone else.

It also makes me realize that it takes time for people to settle in and feel at home.

As I reflect on these words from Leviticus, I think of the days many years ago when I first began working at this office.

Being new, the people I now call friends, did not know me at all.

Over time relationships were established and strengthened but it had to start with one individual making the first move.

In this type of situation, I have a better opportunity than anyone else to make that first move.

I have responsibilities as a professional.

I have even bigger ones as a Christian.

John 15:12 (NET) - My commandment is this—to love one another just as I have loved you.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 12, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, August 19, 2016