Is True Peace Achievable?

Sometimes it seems as though peace is unachievable.

The lack of peace between nations makes continual headlines.

There is even a lack of peace between individuals.

Simply disagreeing with someone can lead to heated exchanges and violent conflict.

Sometimes, we even find it difficult to be at peace with ourselves.

One thing is certain.

We cannot have peace with others unless we first have peace with God.

The good news is that Christ has made this a reality.

Romans 5:1 (NRSVue) - Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

When we acknowledge this, we have peace with God.

Christ gave us this peace.

John 14:27 (NRSVue) - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

Once we have this peace with God, we can work on our peace with others.

Hebrews 13:14 (NRSVue) - Pursue peace with everyone and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

Scripture promises us peace.

But Scripture also makes one thing clear.

John 16:33b (NRSVue) - In the world you face persecution, but take courage: I have conquered the world!

Remember these words from the Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew 5:9 (NRSVue) - Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, May 22, 2026.

I will be back here on Friday, June 5, 2026

Return to the Fold

Joshua 24:16 (NRSVue) - Then the people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods,

In Joshua 24, the tribes renewed the covenant.

Making promises is easy.

Keeping them is another matter,

In Judges (after Joshua’s death), the people fail to follow God’s instructions completely.

It did not take them long to forsake the promise they made.

In John 6, we are told that many disciples heard the teaching of Jesus.

Many of them found His teaching difficult, so they turned away,

Jesus then asked the twelve who remained if they wished to leave.

They stayed.

Their reasoning was made clear when Peter admitted that Jesus had the words of life.

John 6:68 (NRSVue) - Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.

But, like the people of old, we too forget our promises.

Our forgetfulness can even be intentional.

When we stray, God is there to welcome our return to the fold.

We must remind ourselves that we are unworthy.

We must remember the teaching and example of Jesus.

We must remember that He has the words of life.

We must then repent.

And, if we are sincere in both our regret and repentance, God will welcome our return to the fold.

And, if we are wise, we will be willing to forgive others as well.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, June 14, 2024.

I will be back here on Friday, June 21, 2024

We Change, God Does Not

Psalm 40:3a (NRSVue) - He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.

Psalm 40 encompasses two themes.

It is a psalm of thanksgiving for deliverance.

It is also a prayer for help. 

Yet both share a common root.

God delivers and is a source of help because He is eternal and unchanging.

Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, reminds his readers that they are to change.

Paul discusses the old life and the new life.

Paul reminds them, and us, we need renewal.

Ephesians 4:23 (NRSVue) - and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds

But this renewal is only possible because God is eternal and unchanging.

We must be the ones to change.

We must give up our old lives and claim our new ones.

This is only possible because it is God who does the renewing within us.

God has always loved humanity even when humanity has failed to love Him in return.

God planned for humanity’s salvation even when our faith in Him faltered.

Through the eternal and unchanging God, we can surrender our old lives and claim our new ones.

And, as God renews our faith, we can offer our heartfelt thanksgiving for deliverance. 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, May 24, 2024.

I will be back here on Friday, June 7, 2024

What Are You Waiting For?

Psalm 130:6 (NRSVue) - my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning…

Psalm 130 is one of the Song of Ascents.

These songs attest to God’s qualities.

Psalm 130 is a reminder of God’s power of redemption.

During the dark of night, many wait for dawn.

This song reminds us that we should wait for the Lord instead.

The book of Jude is the next to last book in scripture.

It is a short letter that warns of false teachers.

But Jude finishes the letter with reminders.

Jude reminds us to continue loving God.

He also reminds us to wait on the mercy and redemptive power of Jesus.

Jude:21 (NRSVue) - keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.

When we find ourselves awake at night, we often find ourselves waiting for dawn.

And when we encounter darkness in other forms, we wait for that darkness to pass.

As the Psalmist and Jude remind us, we should be waiting for the Lord.

For it is through his love and mercy that Christ died to redeem us.

The darkness, whether night or circumstances, will not last forever.

The love, mercy and redemption offered to us will.

And when we at last step out into the light, may we extend that same love to others.

In this way, they can see the light we reflect into their darkness.

Then they too can step into the light and the love of the triune God.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 12, 2023.

I will be back here on Friday, May 19, 2023

Resistance Is Futile

Job 9:4 (NRSVue) - He is wise in heart and mighty in strength; who has resisted him and succeeded?

One of my favorite recurring lines in television is: “Resistance is futile.”

While entertaining on television, there is truth in the statement where God is concerned.

Job understood this.

Even as Job suffered, he understood the sovereign nature of the Lord.

He understood that to resist the Lord is futile.

Paul understood this as well.

In his letter to the Romans, he discusses God’s wrath and God’s mercy.

To resist God is futile.

Romans 9:20 (NRSVue) - But who indeed are you, a human, to argue with God? Will what is molded say to the one who molds it, “Why have you made me like this?”

Job explained to his friends that no one can resist God.

Paul explained this to the Romans.

But are we any better than the ancients were?

We try to resist God.

We may even argue with Him.

In our pride, we sometimes even think that we know better than God.

When we do these things, we end up in situations we could have avoided had we trusted God’s sovereignty.

C.S. Lewis put it this way: “There are only two kinds of people: those who say to God ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says ‘All right, then, have it your way.’”

Fortunately for us, God is compassionate.

He even forgives us when we have resisted Him.

When our resistance turns to trust, He leads us back to where we need to be.

It is never too late for us to learn that resisting God is indeed futile.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 28, 2023.

I will be back here on Friday, May 5, 2023

Good Friday and a Good Place

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NRSVue) - For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven:

As Good Friday approached, this verse occupied my thoughts.

Events beyond my control sent my own personal journey down a long and difficult road.

This personal journey began over two years ago.

I had no idea how long it would last, but I was certain of one important thing,

This journey was part of God’s plan for my life.

I did not know how long the journey would be.

I could not see the destination.

I hand to remind myself that God’s hand was at work,

I reminded myself that I did not journey alone.

This week, this Holy week, brought that journey to a successful conclusion.

God brought me to a good place,

That too was part of His handiwork,

Today, we acknowledge Good Friday. 

This day commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus.

But Jesus knew what awaited Him.

He knew in advance the events that were to unfold.

Jesus tried to explain this to His followers.

Luke 18:31 (NRSVue) - Then he took the twelve aside and said to them, “Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished.

Christ endured so very much on our behalf.

But He knew that this was all part of God’s plan for His life.

He also knew that, ultimately, God would lead Him to a far better place,

And we, sinners though we are, are the beneficiaries of God’s plan.

We are also reminded that God is an active participant in our lives.

God is not merely a casual observer.

We experience different seasons throughout our lives.

Some we can see coming.

Some take us by surprise.

Some are easy.

Some are extraordinarily difficult.

Some are short.

Some seem unbearably long.

Some have expected destinations.

Some lead us to unexpected places.

Yet each season we experience is part of God’s plan for us.

May Good Friday remind us that we do not experience these seasons alone.

Christ accompanies us on the way.

He is there to strengthen our faith and our will when we trust His guidance.

Our journey is not an accident.

It will lead us to a good place prepared in advance for us.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 14, 2023.

I will be back here on Friday, April 21, 2023

Promises, Promises

Isaiah 55:3 (GNT) - “Listen now, my people, and come to me; come to me, and you will have life! I will make a lasting covenant with you and give you the blessings I promised to David.

Here, Isaiah relates God’s promises.

All are invited.

For those who thirst, their thirst will be remedied.

For those who hunger, their hunger will be satisfied.

Even those in need of mercy will be shown mercy.

For God is a keeper of promises.

His word can be trusted.

Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, tells of his own change in plans.

He planned to visit the believers twice.

Paul reminded them that Christ is not one who is both “Yes” and “No.”

When it comes to God’s promises, Christ is the “Yes”.

And God is to be praised for a “Yes” such as this.

2 Corinthians 1:20 (GNT) - for it is he who is the “Yes” to all of God's promises. This is why through Jesus Christ our “Amen” is said to the glory of God.

Unlike us, God keeps His promises.

And in Christ, His promises are fulfilled.

His promise of mercy is fulfilled.

As a result, our hope is fulfilled.

We are loved.

We are forgiven.

We have been shown mercy.

As Paul suggested, our lives should be lived as evidence to all,

They should be lived in praise of the One who gave His promise.

They should be lived in praise of the One who kept His word through Jesus.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

I will be back here on Friday, April 7, 2023

The Spectrum of Faith

Daniel 2:47 (NKJV) - The king answered Daniel, and said, “Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you could reveal this secret.”

King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that troubled him.

He even lost sleep over it.

None of the King’s inner circle was able to interpret the dream.

Daniel went before the king and explained that it is God who grants insight and wisdom.

Daniel then prayed to God.

With God’s help, Daniel succeeded in interpreting the dream.

So impressed was the king, that he acknowledged God’s omniscience.

He also made Daniel the ruler of an entire province.

Sometimes our faith is so strong that nothing can seem to shake it.

We are as convinced as King Nebuchadnezzar was that day.

But sometimes we allow our circumstances to impact our faith.

Like another king, we are not quite as convinced.

Paul discovered this in the presence of King Agrippa.

Paul told the king of his life before he met Christ.

He told him how he even persecuted Christians.

But then he told the king of his encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus.

Paul told him that this encounter changed his life forever.

Paul then told the king that he knew the king believed the prophets.

Yet King Agrippa’s level of faith was not on the same level as that of King Nebuchadnezzar.

Acts 26:27-28 (NKJV) - King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.” Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”

Sometimes our faith gets shaken.

Perhaps we have lost our job.

Perhaps our health is not what it once was.

Perhaps we have lost a loved one.

When circumstances shake our faith, it is important to remember that it is not gone.

In times like these, we can remember how much God still loves us.

We can ask God for restoration.

We can even ask Him to work within those who are in positions of authority.

Perhaps they will become as convinced as King Nebuchadnezzar.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

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

Fools

April 1^st is commonly known as April Fools’ Day.

Some may refer to it by its older name: All Fool’s Day.

It is a day on which many people play practical jokes on their unsuspecting friends.

This is usually done in a spirit of fun.

But, when you get down to it, being a fool is a serious matter.

Scripture gives us numerous reminders about the dangers of being a fool.

Jesus told a parable about the difference between hearing and doing.

While many hear His words, not as many live by them.

To this, Jesus offers a stern warning.

Matthew 7:26-27 (NET) - Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the flood came, and the winds beat against that house, and it collapsed—it was utterly destroyed!

The Old Testament also cautions against being a fool.

The Book of Proverbs cautions against speaking foolishly.

Proverbs 18:7 (NET) - The mouth of a fool is his ruin, and his lips are a snare for his life.

The Book of Ecclesiastes cautions against the foolishness of anger.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 (NET) - Do not let yourself be quickly provoked, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

Perhaps the sternest warning regarding foolishness is recorded in Psalm 14.

Psalm 14:1 (NET) - Fools say to themselves, “There is no God.” They sin and commit evil deeds; none of them does what is right.

This was true in the time of the Psalmist.

It remains true in our time.

Many choose to believe there is no God.

Some prefer to think that they are in command of their lives and destinies.

Some choose to believe that this world is all that there is.

Some even choose to believe that nothing at all matters.

But what we choose to believe does matter.

And whom we choose to believe in matters most of all.

The Psalmist addresses this also.

Psalm 14:2 (NET) - The Lord looks down from heaven at the human race, to see if there is anyone who is wise and seeks God.

We find the times in which we live to be chaotic.

Headlines warn us of disease, warfare, sanctions, and shortages.

So, what we choose to believe and whom we choose to believe in really does matter.

Do not be fooled.

More importantly, do not be a fool.

In the end, the choice is ours to make.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 8, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, April 15, 2022

In a Word

Psalm 33:6 (NET) - By the Lord’s decree the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all the starry hosts.

Here, the Psalmist writes of God’s role in creation.

In verse six, he echoes the words first recorded in Genesis.

Genesis initially tells of God’s creation of the heavens and the earth.

Although the Psalmist focuses on the heavens, there is one thing common to both.

God simply speaks and creation results.

One word from God, and it is so.

Moreover, God looks upon His creation and calls it good.

This illustrates God’s awesome power.

First, God speaks.

Next, what God speaks comes into being.

And what is created is exactly the way God intends it.

When Paul arrived in Athens, he noticed that the people served many idols.

He also spoke with the people about Jesus and the resurrection.

This was something new and exciting to the Athenians who were curious for more.

In his travels, Paul saw an altar dedicated to an unknown god.

Paul used this sighting to reach the people.

He told them they were worshipping without even knowing it.

Paul told them about God and the universe He created.

He also reminded them that God does not live in temples.

Paul then explained why this is so.

Acts 17:25 (NET) - nor is he served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives life and breath and everything to everyone.

The universe was created through the breath of God when He spoke.

You and I have our existence through that same breath.

As we continue our journey through Lent, let us remember Paul’s teaching.

When Paul spoke about Jesus and the resurrection, the Athenians were amazed.

We should feel the same kind of amazement.

We should also remember that God created our fellow man.

Therefore, we should be concerned about his struggles and needs.

True, we should pray for God’s intercession.

But we should also pray for God to show us what role He means for us to play in the world.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, March 25, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, April 1, 2022

Testimonies

Exodus 15:11 (NET) - Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, fearful in praises, working wonders?

Testimony is defined as “evidence or proof provided by the existence or appearance of something.”

If so, then the Scriptures are a collection of individual testimonies.

These words from Exodus provide a good example.

They are words from a song that Moses and the people sang to the Lord.

They sang these words in praise of the Lord who delivered them.

This is their testimony.

They praised the Lord who delivered them from bondage.

They also praised the Lord who delivered them from Pharoah’s chariots.

Those who oppressed and pursued the people worshipped many false gods.

But it was the one true God who triumphed, delivering His people.

In the prologue of John’s first letter, he also gives his testimony.

He speaks of what he has seen, heard, and touched regarding the word of life.

1 John 1:2 (NET) - and the life was revealed, and we have seen and testify and announce to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us.

The people, prophets and apostles testify about God.

As we enter the season of Lent, let us be grateful for these testimonies which guide us.

Through these words, we witness faithfulness.

We also witness God’s unconditional love.

God extends that same love to us and everyone around us.

The season of Lent also reminds us of Christ’s journey to the cross.

Nothing testifies to God’s love more than this unselfish act.

But, thanks to the testimonies recorded for us in Scripture, we have hope.

For beyond the cross lies an empty tomb and there is no better reason for us to give thanks!

There is no better reason for us to give praise!

There is no better reason to share our own testimony.

And there is no better reason (or time) for us to share God’s love in Christ with others!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, March 11, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, March 15, 2022

Divine Inheritance

Psalm 108:1 (NET) - I am determined, O God. I will sing and praise you with my whole heart.

Here, the Psalmist is brimming with confidence.

This is evident in his opening words: “I am determined.”

Therefore, he will confidently sing and praise God with his entire being.

The remainder of Psalm 108 bears this out.

Confidence and determination come from God.

But why would God give us these qualities?

Paul speaks of this in his letter to the Colossians.

This can be found in his prayer for the growth of the church.

Colossians 1:11-12 (NET) - being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might for the display of all patience and steadfastness, joyfully giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light.

When the news of Colossian believers reached Paul, he began praying for them.

Paul prayed for God to grant them knowledge, wisdom and understanding.

This would allow them to grow and please God.

Paul understood that God would grant them strength and patience to live according to His will.

As believers and part of the growing church they could claim the inheritance of the saints.

Such an inheritance is eternal.

Centuries after Paul’s letter, we too are part of the Church.

The Church I refer to is not any denomination.

Rather, it is the entire body of believers (past, present, and future) with Christ as its head.

Because of God’s love for us, we also share in this inheritance.

This is a gift given to us out of love and not something we earned.

Like the Colossians, God grants us knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.

Therefore we, like David, can confidently sing and praise God.

And, with God’s help, we can lead others to Jesus.

Then they can become inheritors as well.

Remarkably, our share of this inheritance never diminishes.

That is because the inheritance of the saints, like God’s love, is limitless.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 25, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, March 4, 2022

God's Will?

Psalm 34:1 (NET) - I will praise the Lord at all times; my mouth will continually praise him.

Psalm 34 is attributed to David.

In verse one, he states that he will praise the Lord continuously.

That means praising the Lord even when things are not going well.

Praising the Lord when circumstances are in our favor is one thing.

In fact, it is rather easy.

Praising Him during times of loss and tragedy is another matter.

Is it even conceivable that one could praise the Lord when a loved one dies?

Can a person praise the Lord when they have lost their sole means of income?

Is praising the Lord at all possible when a person hits rock bottom?

According to Paul, it is possible.

It is, in fact, God’s will!

Paul says so in his first letter to the Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NET) - Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Paul echoes David’s words.

But Paul goes a step further.

Paul reminds his readers that this is “God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

This is God’s will for us as well.

We will encounter both good times and challenging times throughout our lives.

But, no matter what happens, we should always praise the Lord.

Yes, that even applies if we should hit rock bottom.

For when all else is lost, one understands that God is truly essential.

2 Samuel 6 reminds us of the time when David and his men brought back the ark of the covenant.

David danced in the streets.

This angered Saul’s daughter because she thought David looked foolish.

She was probably not the only one.

When we praise God under adverse conditions, people might think we act and sound foolish as well.

But when a loved one dies, we can praise God for their love and lasting influence.

When we lose our job, we can praise God for friendships created and opportunities ahead.

And, if we hit rock bottom, we can praise God for reminding us that He is all we need.

So always praise God.

Pray and give Him thanks for all circumstances.

As Paul says: “For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 11, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, February 18, 2022

We Need the Good Shepherd

Micah 7:14a (NET) - Shepherd your people with your rod,

The prophet begins the chapter by lamenting the sins of the people.

He follows this with words of vindication.

He concludes with a prayer in which he asks for a shepherd.

The prophet understood how important it was for us to have a shepherd.

Scripture makes many comparisons between people and sheep.

But these comparisons are not necessarily flattering.

I personally know people who currently raise these animals.

The insights they have shared with me have proven quite revealing.

To begin with, sheep are basically helpless.

Left unprotected, they easily fall victim to predators.

Sheep are also quite stubborn.

They have minds of their own and will stray if permitted.

Sheep also need attention.

To thrive, sheep require direction.

To be honest, people share these same characteristics.

Jesus understood this and explained this to his disciples.

John 10:4 (NET) - When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.

Like sheep, we are basically weak.

We also have a stubborn streak a mile wide.

Left on our own, we wander and stray.

But we were meant to thrive.

But to do so, we, like our wooly friends, need a shepherd.

Fortunately for us, Jesus is no ordinary shepherd, He is the Good Shepherd!

Because of this, we are truly blessed.

Jesus knows us intimately; better than we know ourselves.

We know His voice and respond to it.

Regardless of where life takes us, Jesus lovingly guides us every step of the way.

Life does not have to be dangerous, chaotic, and meaningless.

We just require the Good Shepherd.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, January 28, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, February 4, 2022

Epiphanies Continue

Matthew 2:7-11 (NET) - Then Herod privately summoned the wise men and determined from them when the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and look carefully for the child. When you find him, inform me so that I can go and worship him as well.” After listening to the king they left, and once again the star they saw when it rose led them until it stopped above the place where the child was. When they saw the star they shouted joyfully. As they came into the house and saw the child with Mary his mother, they bowed down and worshiped him. They opened their treasure boxes and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

According to the Christian calendar, January 6 is known as Epiphany.

Some regions refer to it as Three Kings Day.

But regardless of the name used, the day represents one thing.

Epiphany means the manifestation of Christ to the world.

But the Bible does not lay out a specific timetable of events.

Through the course of time, human beings have managed to fill in the blanks.

But we have not necessarily done a decent job of filling them in.

To begin with, people assume there were three wise men because there were three gifts.

In fact, the wise men were probably part of a large group.

The journey for them was both long and dangerous.

A small party would likely have been preyed upon by bandits or robbers.

We also assume that the wise men arrived on the night Christ was born.

The nativity scenes put on display typically depict them that way.

In truth, Jesus was likely around the age of two when they arrived.

This is most clearly explained in Matthew’s gospel.

Matthew 22:16 (NET) - When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he became enraged. He sent men to kill all the children in Bethlehem and throughout the surrounding region from the age of two and under, according to the time he had learned from the wise men.

Despite the uncertainties and errors, one thing is remarkably clear.

The manifestation of Christ we celebrate was foretold in remarkable clarity centuries before.

Isaiah 60: 6 (NET) - Camel caravans will cover your roads, young camels from Midian and Ephah. All the merchants of Sheba will come, bringing gold and incense and singing praises to the Lord.

Just like the wise men of old, people still seek Jesus.

The wise men had the light of a star to guide them to the right place.

Today, those of us who are fortunate have found Him.

We have a responsibility to help guide others who still seek Him.

With God’s help, we too can be a light that guides others.

1 John 1:7 (NET) - But if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

We continue to celebrate Epiphany.

But individual epiphanies still occur.

That too is cause for celebration!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, January 14, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, January 21, 2022

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