Foolish Pride

Scripture warns us repeatedly about the dangers of pride.

It was pride that led to Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden,

Satan tempted Eve’s pride.

Genesis 3:5 (NRSVue) - for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.

Proverbs 16 is a reminder that pride leads to a fall.

Proverbs 16:18 (NRSVue) - Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.

In Mark 7, the Pharisees were critical of the disciples and their practices.

In their opinion, the disciples failed to follow their rules.

Christ told the Pharisees they preferred manmade custom to obedience to God.

Later, Christ explained this.

Mark 7:20 (NRSVue) - And he said, “It is what comes out of a person that defiles.

Pride is indeed a dangerous thing.

This even applies to pride in tradition.

When Christ walked with his disciples, he taught them what was crucial.

Thanks to Scripture, we can follow both His words and His example.

And thanks to scripture, we can use His words and His example for correction.

When pride attempts to lead us astray, we can resist its temptation.

We can stay on the right path.

We can choose obedience to God..

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, November 14, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, November 21, 2025

Pleasing God by Keeping His Word

Leviticus 22 discusses acceptable offerings.

It also reminds us that we are to do what God commands and why.

Leviticus 22:31 (NRSVue) - Thus you shall keep my commandments and observe them: I am the Lord.

In John 14, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to His disciples.

Jesus also gives a similar reminder.

John 14:23 (NRSVue) - Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.

But how does one keep the word?

How does one keep the commandments?

Jesus explains this in Mark 22.

Mark 22:37-40 (NRSVue) - He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

If we could fully obey these two commandments, we would be fully keeping them all.

And, in doing so we would be living like Enoch.

Genesis 5:22a (NRSVue) - Enoch walked with God.

Hebrews 11:5 (NRSVue) - By faith Enoch was taken so that he did not experience death, and “he was not found, because God had taken him.” For it was attested before he was taken away that “he had pleased God.”

Keep God’s word.

Love God and love your neighbor.

In this way, we walk with and please God.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, July 25, 2025.

The Source of Provision

Job 38:41 (NRSVue) - Who provides for the raven its prey, when its young ones cry to God and wander about for lack of food?

In this chapter, the Lord answers Job.

In doing so, The Lord compares His omnipotence to Job’s weakness.

Job is reminded that even the ravens and their young are provided for by God.

Paul, in his first letter to Corinth, discusses divisions within the Church.

He compares his role to that of Apollos.

One did the planting while the other watered.

But it was God who brought about growth.

1 Corinthians 3:7 (NRSVue) - So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.

So, what is the connection?

Simply that God provides.

God provides for His creation.

God also provides for us.

And while others may inspire us through their words and teaching, it is God that provides our spiritual growth,

He then uses us to teach and perhaps inspire others.

These are duties we dare not shirk.

But even when we do these things, we must bear this in mind:

It is God who provides for their spiritual growth just as He provides for ours.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, August 23, 2024.

I will be back here on Friday, September 6, 2024

Generations of Faith

Recently, I came across an old photograph of my mother’s older siblings.

It made me consider the faith of the previous generation of my family,

It also made me consider my own faith as well.

In Ezekiel 20, the prophet first discusses the continuing rebellion of the people.

He then turns his attention to the fact that God will restore them.

Ezekiel 20:41-42 (NRSVue) - As a pleasing odor I will accept you, when I bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you have been scattered, and I will manifest my holiness among you in the sight of the nations. You shall know that I am the Lord when I bring you into the land of Israel, the country that I swore to give to your ancestors.

In Hebrews 11, Paul writes on the faith of Abraham.

Hebrews 11:8 (NRSVue) - By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance, and he set out, not knowing where he was going.

God told Abraham to go to a new land.

This was a land Abraham had never been to before.

Abraham did not question God.

Abraham simply obeyed.

We have scripture to remind us of the witness of generations long past.

Some of us are blessed enough to recall the faith of our previous generation.

But what will the next generation say of us?

Will they remember our obedience, faith, and witness?

If not, the fault is entirely our own.

But it is never too late.

We can begin today by listening.

We can then hear God’s call to us.

Then, we can obey that call.

And in doing so, we can demonstrate our faith.

May we be the next in a continuing legacy of faith for the next generation.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, August 23, 2024.

I will be back here on Friday, September 6, 2024

Changes and Constants

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

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

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

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

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

Proverbs 22:6 (NET) - Train a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

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

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

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

Colossians 3:12-13 (NET) - Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings Always,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Completed

Election time is drawing near in my country.

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

Experience has taught me two things.

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

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

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

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

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

Salvation cannot be earned.

It is not our doing.

Salvation is only possible through God’s grace.

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

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NET) - For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast.

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

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

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

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

They are the steps we take within our journey.

Steps we take with the Lord that benefit others.

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

Our salvation was made possible by Jesus during His crucifixion.

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

That was the moment.

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

We can’t even take away from it.

It is completed!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

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

Tradition and the Heart

One of the hallmarks of Christmas is tradition.

Some of the traditions I experience have been around a very long time.

Others are relatively new.

One of my traditions that has been around for a long time is our annual Christmas program.

I remember participating in these as a child.

I recall dressing up as a shepherd one year and a wise man the next.

I recall the handful of lines I and others had to learn.

I also recall feeling rather nervous as I and my classmates waited for our turn to go on.

I also recall the feeling of relief we felt when our scenes were done.

Now, decades later, I find myself involved in these programs once again.

Because of my age, I have been cast as everything from wise neighbors to bus drivers.

I enjoy the programs more now because they give me the opportunity to work with our young people.

By contrast, some traditions I participate in are relatively new.

                                                                                                                          

For the third year now, we have distributed empty boxes to volunteers at the beginning of Advent.

These volunteers fill their boxes with nonperishable food items.

On Christmas Eve, volunteers return their filled boxes.

The contents are then donated to our local food bank.

It’s funny, but some traditions are not planned at all like comments I hear from others.

The most common of these surfaces when I do something kind without expecting anything in return.

“You did not have to do that.”

In a manner of speaking, I did.

That is part of what the Lord meant when He commanded us to love our neighbor.

The most unusual of theses surfaces when someone comments on my level of involvement during the season.

“You could be doing anything you want.”

These individuals often look surprised to learn I am doing exactly that.

That is part of what the Lord meant when He commanded us to love God.

Traditions can be wonderful things especially at Christmas.

We just need to make certain our hearts are in the right place first.

Philippians 4:8 (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.

Christmas Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 28, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, January 4, 2019

Do Something

Jesus was many things.

Among them, he was an excellent teacher.

Jesus did not teach with His words only.

He also taught by example.

One instance came as the time for His crucifixion drew near.

John 13:4-5 (NET) - He got up from the meal, removed his outer clothes, took a towel and tied it around Himself. He poured water into the washbasin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel He had wrapped around Himself.

When Jesus finished, He explained to His disciples why He did this.

John 13:13-15 (NET) - You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and do so correctly, for that is what I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you too ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example—you should do just as I have done for you.

Jesus not only told us how He wanted us to live, He showed us how as well.

That is but one of the points stressed by N. T. Wright in his book Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church.

I am currently leading a class in this study.

In a recent session we discussed this.

To paraphrase Wright, we should live in such a way as to demonstrate to others what the world would be like if “God were really running the show” which, of course, He is.

Just a few hours after that session, my path crossed that of a woman who was some 15 to 20 years older than myself.

I began talking to her.

As we spoke, she began to reveal how a string of unexpected events in her life had caught her off guard.

She also admitted to feeling overwhelmed by them all.

As she continued speaking I noticed tears welling up in her eyes.

As I listened, I knew I needed to act, but how?

Continuing to listen, I prayed for guidance.

Through prayer I understood that I could not solve all her problems.

Through prayer I understood I could help her with a few.

The things I did do not merit discussion.

Her reaction, however, does.

This woman began weeping openly.

She threw her arms around me and kept repeating through the tears, “I love you!”

I found myself quite moved as well.

I replied, “I love you too!”

1 John 4:9-12 (NET) - By this the love of God is revealed in us: that God has sent His one and only Son into the world so that we may live through Him. In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, if God so loved us, then we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God resides in us, and his love is perfected in us.

In a world that seems overwhelmed by division and hatred, we must remember one thing.

The Lord wants us to love one another.

Not one of us can do everything.

But each of us can do something to share God’s love.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 26, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, November 2, 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

When the Danger Passes

In my last offering I discussed the string of violent attacks in the city where I work.

I spoke of the need for prayer.

Prayer for the victims.

Prayer for their friends and families.

Prayer for the attacker, as well.

Since then, these attacks have stopped and life in the city has returned to normal.

The sense of fear that once hung over our collective heads evaporated almost as quickly as it came.

All because the attacker who, when cornered, chose to end his life as he had the lives of others.

In the days that followed, we learned a bit about this young man.

We learned that his background was not what we would have expected.

We learned that his roommates knew absolutely nothing about his plans or his preparations.

His neighbors knew nothing as well.

Perhaps the greatest shock of all came to his parents.

So, although this crisis has passed, the need for prayer goes on.

Prayer for his parents who are asking themselves questions that may have no answer.

Prayer for roommates who are realizing just how close to an accidental catastrophe they were.

Prayer for neighbors who are asking if where they live is safe.

Prayer for a city that, now that the danger has passed, has returned to normal

Prayer for world that needs Jesus more with every passing day.

To be honest, not one of us knows exactly how much time we have left on earth.

We find it almost too easy to move on and put off critical things.

This includes making ourselves right with God through His Son Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 (NET) - See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Scripture reminds us to pursue what is good and that prayer is a constant necessity.

It should not be reserved only for times of crisis.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 13, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, April 20, 2018

A Fear Born of Pride

I have no problem either thinking about or praying for others.

I do find it somewhat more difficult to pray for myself.

Granted, we are all God’s children.

I certainly have no problem thanking God for what He does for me.

When it comes to praying for my own needs, I simply did not want to approach God in a way that could make me come across as whiny.

That said, there has been something in my life I have held onto for some time.

I held on to it not out of need but rather out of fear.

I feared that letting go would be too difficult or too complicated.

To be completely honest, I found it much easier to simply ignore it.

From time to time people I knew would bring it up in conversation.

Each time I chose to simply ignore it.

Over the course of the last year the subject seemed to come up more and more.

In fact, one close friend became rather persistent about it.

He seemed determined to bring it up every time we got together.

To be frank, I was beginning to feel more than a bit annoyed with my persistent friend.

I was thinking about my annoyance with this friend one evening when something occurred to me.

Since I was not taking up this matter with God, perhaps God was taking the matter up with me.

Perhaps God was using my friends to get my attention.

Perhaps He was even using the persistence of a close friend to drive the point home.

That revelation shed a new light on things.

So, I turned to God in prayer and asked Him to help me to let go.

He did just that.

According to C. S. Lewis: “Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point to move forward.”

This led me to one inescapable conclusion whose basis can be found in the words of Isaiah.

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NET) - “Don’t remember these earlier events; don’t recall these former events. “Look, I am about to do something new. Now it begins to happen! Do you not recognize it? Yes, I will make a road in the desert and paths in the wilderness.”

If God has done as I believe He has, then I must also believe He has done so for a reason.

I do not know what He has planned, but I now understand that my letting go was vital.

I also know He will be an active participant in that plan.

Even at my age, I manage to learn and grow as a Christian.

Perhaps He will not need to be so persistent with me in the future.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

The Money Box

One thing that can be said about teaching Sunday school is that you never know what questions will arise.

Last Sunday we were discussing the Beatitudes and how in particular they applied to the disciples.

A question arose as to what Jesus and His followers did for money.

Scripture tells us that Jesus and his followers possessed a money box to help the poor.

It also tells us that Judas was the keeper of the box and that he helped himself to that money.

John 12:6 (NET) - Now Judas said this not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money box, he used to steal what was put into it.

Jesus knew that Judas stole from the money box and yet He allowed him to remain in charge of it… but more on that later.

What about money for their own use?

Scripture never tells us that Jesus or His disciples had money of their own.

Rather, it implies that they did not.

When Jesus sent his followers out in pairs, he instructed them not to take any money.

Luke 9:3 (NET) - He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, and do not take an extra tunic.

Jesus empowered them to do great things.

Yet they were to be totally dependent on God for even their most basic needs.

Just before Jesus entered Jerusalem he sent his disciples ahead to get a colt for his entry into the city.

Matthew 21:2-3 (NET) - telling them, “Go to the village ahead of you. Right away you will find a donkey tied there, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you are to say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.”

When the Passover came, his followers asked Jesus where He wished the meal prepared.

Jesus gave them these instructions…

Matthew 26:18 (NET) - He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is near. I will observe the Passover with my disciples at your house.”’

No money changed hands for either the use of the room or the colt.

The one time that the need for money arose, Jesus instructed Peter how to obtain it.

In Matthew 17, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and asked if Jesus paid the tax,

Peter told them yes and returned to Jesus.

Jesus knew what had transpired.

Although Jesus did not really need to pay the tax, He instructed Peter how to obtain the money.

Matthew 17:27 (NET) – But so that we don’t offend them, go to the lake and throw out a hook. Take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth, you will find a four drachma coin. Take that and give it to them for me and you.

Then, there is the matter of His burial.

Luke 23:52-53 (NET) - He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and placed it in a tomb cut out of the rock, where no one had yet been buried.

Jesus was laid to rest in a borrowed tomb.

Scripture says practically nothing about Jesus and his followers using money.

That seems to be a message in and of itself.

So, why would Jesus allow Judas, a known thief, to keep the money box for the poor?

Let’s look at Paul’s first letter to Timothy.

1 Timothy 6:10 (NET) - For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.

Notice that Paul did not say that “money is the root of all evils”.

Paul stated that “the love of money is the root of all evils”.

Jesus commands us to love God and love our neighbor.

The love of money does not allow us to love either God or our neighbor.

The love of money is all consuming.

It is nothing short of idolatry.

Perhaps that is why Jesus allowed Judas to keep the money box.

Perhaps He simply allowed Judas to decide which master he would serve.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 23, 2017.

I’ll be back here on Friday, July 7, 2017

Spring Cleaning

In 2 Chronicles 34, we learn of the king of Judah and his response to a discovery in the Lord’s temple.

The repair of the Lord’s temple had already begun when this discovery was made.

2 Chronicles 34:14 (NET) - When they took out the silver that had been brought to the LORD’s temple, Hilkiah the priest found the law scroll the LORD had given to Moses.

The priest gave this scroll to the scribe who in turn brought it before the king.

The scribe then read the words to the king who had a remarkable reaction.

2 Chronicles 34:18-19 (NET) - Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a scroll.” Shaphan read it out loud before the king. When the king heard the words of the law scroll, he tore his clothes.

The king understood that the people had departed from the law God gave Moses.

The king ordered that an oracle be consulted.

Huldah the prophetess was consulted.

2 Chronicles 34:23-25 (NET) - and she said to them: “This is what the LORD God of Israel says: ‘Say this to the man who sent you to me: “This is what the LORD says: ‘I am about to bring disaster on this place and its residents, the details of which are recorded in the scroll which they read before the king of Judah. This will happen because they have abandoned me and offered sacrifices to other gods, angering me with all the idols they have made. My anger will ignite against this place and will not be extinguished!’”

These words were not easy to hear.

The words for the king that followed were a bit more comforting.

2 Chronicles 34:27-28 (NET) - ‘You displayed a sensitive spirit and humbled yourself before God when you heard his words concerning this place and its residents. You humbled yourself before me, tore your clothes and wept before me, and I have heard you,’ says the LORD. ‘Therefore, I will allow you to die and be buried in peace. You will not have to witness all the disaster I will bring on this place and its residents.’ Then they reported back to the king.

When the king heard these words, he first summoned all the leaders.

He then went up to the Lord’s temple in the company of all the people.

He read to them the words on the scroll and renewed their covenant with God.

2 Chronicles 34:32-33 (NET) - He made all who were in Jerusalem and Benjamin agree to it. The residents of Jerusalem acted in accordance with the covenant of God, the God of their ancestors. Josiah removed all the detestable idols from all the areas belonging to the Israelites and encouraged all who were in Israel to worship the LORD their God. Throughout the rest of his reign they did not turn aside from following the LORD God of their ancestors

Scripture reminds us that all the detestable idols were removed.

When we think of idols today we likely think of carvings made of would and stone.

In truth, an idol is anything or anyone that keeps the Lord from being first in our lives.

Even things that on the surface seem benign or beneficial can become idols if we are not careful.

As we enter the season of Lent we contemplate Jesus, the suffering He endured and the sacrifice He made for us,

Let us first clear away the clutter and the distractions from our hearts and minds.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, March 10, 2017.

I’ll be back here on Friday, March 17, 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

Because I Said So

Parents have a responsibility to teach their children right from wrong.

They tell their children what they should do.

For instance, they will tell them to eat everything on their plate.

They also tell their children what they should not do.

For example, they will tell them not to touch the stove or play with matches.

Children will usually ask, “Why?”

Early on, parents will explain their reasoning.

In the case of plate cleaning they will tell their children about those less fortunate that have no food to waste.

In the case of stoves or matches they will tell their children about the dangers of fire.

As children get older they learn which behaviors are acceptable and which are not.

This knowledge does not always guarantee that children will behave according to the parents’ instruction.

Children, especially the stubborn ones, still tend to ask, “Why?”

Eventually the patience of the parents runs out.

At this point, the response from the parents usually becomes, “Because I said so! That’s why!”

Truth be told, adults can be every bit as stubborn as children at times.

Scripture is pretty clear on what is acceptable.

It is also pretty clear on what is unacceptable.

As adults, we usually know the difference between right and wrong.

Sometimes, we yield to temptation and do what is wrong anyway.

When we do, our first response is to try to justify that disobedience in ourselves.

We tell ourselves that under normal circumstances we would have obeyed.

We then tell ourselves that this time there were special circumstances.

Eventually we are able to convince ourselves that this disobedience was justified.

Ironically, we find it all too easy to condemn the same disobedience in others.

Whether it is God speaking in the Old Testament, or Jesus speaking in the New Testament we have been told what is expected of us.

We even struggle with something as simple as loving our neighbor.

We try to add our own conditions to this command and the others.

When we examine our motivation for disobedience we find we are just like stubborn children continually asking, “Why?”

I wonder just how we would feel if we actually heard God or Jesus say to us, “Because I said so! That’s why!”

Romans 12:2 (NET) - Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 22, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, August 5, 2016

Having Enough Light

I once heard a funny story that stuck with me.

A woman comes home and finds her husband in the living room on his hands and knees.

She asks him what he is dong.

He tells her that he is looking for a coin that he lost in the basement.

A bit confused, she asks why he is looking in the living room.

He replies, “Because the light is better.”

In Chapter 8 of the book of John. Jesus refers to Himself as “the light of the world”.

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.”

As we continue our journey through the season of Lent, the importance of that verse struck me.

If we wish to find what we truly need in this world we require a good source of light.

The darker the environment, the more difficult it is to see that which we are looking for.

Throughout our lives we pursue different things.

A career, a place to live, a spouse and children are just a few of the things we search for in life.

Jesus is the “light of the world” and He indeed helps us to find these things.

As the light of the world, He also helps us see one other very important thing – our motivation.

We strive to achieve much in this world, but we should always be aware of what is motivating us in the pursuit.

We need to examine our motivation in every decision we make.

God expects to be first in our lives.

Everything we do should be with Him in mind.

When we put God first, He helps us prioritize everything else.

The light of Jesus us helps us clearly see where our motivation lies.

If our motivation is pure, He helps us see that.

If not, He helps us see that as well,

When we rely on Jesus, He provides the light by which we see the truth.

Unlike the man in the story, He also helps us look in the right place.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, March 25, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, April 1, 2016

The Handwriting On the Wall

In the fifth chapter of Daniel, King Belshazzar gave a great banquet for his nobles.

Heavily influenced by wine, King Belshazzar ordered that the vessels taken from the Temple in Jerusalem be brought in.

Once this was done, all present drank wine from them and in their drunken state praised gods of metal, wood and stone.

At that moment, a hand appeared and began writing on the wall.

This sight greatly disturbed the king.

Even more disturbing to the king was the fact that he was unable to read the inscription.

The king was frightened to the core of his being.

He summoned the wise men of his kingdom to come interpret the inscription.

Despite promises of wealth and power, not one of his wise men could interpret this writing.

At this point Daniel was brought in and King Belshazzar promised him wealth and power in return for his interpretation.

Daniel rejected the king’s offer but agreed to interpret the writing left behind by this mysterious hand.

Daniel first reminded the king that he failed to humble himself before God.

He then reminded the king that he made matters worse by exalting the false gods made of metal, wood and stone.

Then Daniel interpreted the inscription.

Daniel 5:25-28 (NET) -  “This is the writing that was inscribed: Mene, Mene, Teqel, and Pharsin. This is the interpretation of the words: As for mene—God has numbered your kingdom’s days and brought it to an end. As for teqel—you are weighed on the balances and found to be lacking. As for peres—your kingdom is divided and given over to the Medes and Persians.”

That same night, King Belshazzar was killed and Darius the Mede took control of the kingdom.

This account gave rise to a phrase we utilize today, namely that the ‘handwriting is on the wall’.

It has come to mean a premonition of failure or disaster.

Today’s headlines point toward failure or disaster.

Fortunately for us, there is still time.

We still have time to love God with all our being and to love our neighbor.

We still have hope.

Must we wait until we see the actual handwriting on the wall for ourselves?

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com

Judged More Strictly

James 3:1 (NET) – Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, because you know that we will be judged more strictly.

If there is one passage of scripture that weighs heavily on me, it comes in this warning from James.

Teaching, whether in my church or in my blogs, is one of the great joys in my life.

But, regardless of the pleasure it brings me, the warning from James could not be clearer.

Those who teach will be judged more strictly.

Since that is the case, why would anyone even consider taking on such a task?

The answer can be found in the book of Romans.

In it we are told that we have different gifts according to the grace given to us.

Furthermore, we are told that we “must” use those gifts in proportion to our faith.

This includes teaching.

Romans 12:7 (NET) – If it is service, he must serve. If it is teaching, he must teach;

When people think of “a calling” they primarily associate it with a call to preach.

Yet each of the gifts discussed in Romans is, in reality, a call from God.

Each is a call to serve Him and to bring Him glory.

This is also applies to teaching.

Teaching is much more than the act of transferring knowledge from one individual to another.

It is also meant to glorify God in the process.

Another thing that helps me cope with the warning from James lies in preparation.

In an age where so many things compete for time and attention, I know that time must be set aside for preparation.

I dare not attempt to teach without being well prepared.

That preparation must include prayer as well as study.

That prayer must include a petition to the Holy Spirit.

It must be a prayer for both guidance and resilience.

It must be for the long haul regardless of how many or how few we are given to teach.

One of the groups I teach in rotation has grown smaller over the years.

Age has taken its toll and this group that was once large has now diminished to a faithful few.

So few in fact that one of its members recently suggested to me disbanding so that we would not have to prepare for such a small group.

The other teachers I have spoken to feel as I do.

We will continue to teach this class no matter how many or how few are able to attend.

Scripture has a reminder for us there as well.

Matthew 18:20 (NET) – For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.

The words of James contain a sober warning, but in the end there is nothing I or any other teacher for the Lord would rather do.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com

Intimate Knowledge

When we think about God, many things come to mind.

We think of Him as the first Person in the Trinity.

We think of Him as the Father.

We think of Him as Creator.

God is omniscient

God is eternal.

God is love.

God is all of these and much more.

Because God has so many qualities, one thing that is easily overlooked is how intimately God knows us.

The Psalmist understood this intimate knowledge.

Psalm 139:13 (NET) – Certainly you made my mind and heart; you wove me together in my mother’s womb.

In fact, the Psalmist understood this very well.

Psalm 139:16 (NET) – Your eyes saw me when I was inside the womb. All the days ordained for me were recorded in your scroll before one of them came into existence.

The prophet Jeremiah understood this once the Lord spoke to him.

Jeremiah 1:4-5 (NET) – The LORD said to me, “Before I formed you in the womb I chose you. Before you were born I set you apart. I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations.”

Yes, God knows each of us intimately.

He knows us so well that He knows what He has planned for our lives.

He knew this even before we were aware of ourselves.

How is this even possible?

The Psalmist understood this as well.

Psalm 92:5 (NET) – How great are your works, O LORD! Your plans are very intricate!

Someone once said, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”

God is the provider of gifts.

Have you found yours?

Have you given it away?

If either answer is no, now would be a good time to talk to God about it.

He has known it all along.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com