All That He Did

I do many things for many people.

This happens both professionally and personally.

I certainly do not mind.

The downside is that people tend to be aware only of what I am doing for them.

They easily overlook the fact that other people turn to me also.

Jesus understands that only too well.

Many came to him.

Most probably were unaware of all He did.

Many came to him to be fed.

Jesus once fed a crowd of over 5,000 with a small boy’s lunch.

Moreover, there was food left over.

This was the only miracle of His to be documented more than once.

In fact, all four Gospel writers documented this miracle.

These were not the only people who came to Jesus.

Some came to Him to be healed.

In Luke 17, we read of ten lepers who called out to Jesus to be healed.

Jesus healed these outcasts from society.

Only one returned to thank Him.

Some came to Him for the healing of another.

In Matthew 8 we read of the Centurion who asked Jesus to heal his servant.

This man understood that Jesus could perform this miracle without even going to the servant.

Jesus could do this from a distance and Jesus was amazed by the Centurion’s faith.

During His earthly ministry, Jesus healed many people.

He did many other things as well.

He cast out demons.

He even raised the dead.

Despite all the miracles, many were probably unaware of what He did for others.

Fortunately, we have scripture and hindsight to our advantage.

We know the things Jesus did and for whom He did them.

Thanks to the Book of John, we know something even more astounding.

John 21:24-25 (NET)- This is the disciple who testifies about these things and has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. There are many other things that Jesus did. If every one of them were written down, I suppose the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 22, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, December 6, 2019

Reflecting His Light

It’s that time of year when it gets dark earlier.

Sometimes the sun is just setting behind me as I drive home.

At these times the setting sun can cause buildings to have a soft glow.

At the same time the sky behind them can be quite dark.

The contrast between the two is often quite remarkable.

This never lasts more than a few minutes at best.

Just moments later, the sun dips completely behind the horizon and darkness begins to reign again.

My thoughts turn to the light of God we are supposed to reflect to a darkened world.

Turning on the news or scanning the headlines reminds us of how much darkness there is.

This darkness is not impacted by the time of day,

It is always there.

That is why it is imperative that we reflect the light the Lord shines on us.

Matthew 5:16 (NET) - In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.

Sharing God’s light with others may not be as difficult as we think.

We start by thinking of others rather than ourselves.

We may not always find this easy.

Each of us encounters difficult people.

Yet the people we find most difficult to love are the ones who need love the most.

Scripture reminds us that we are to love them.

Luke 6:31 (NET) - Treat others in the same way that you would want them to treat you.

Some refer to this as the Golden Rule.

Whether we call it that or not makes no difference,

Our actions speak louder than our words.

Paul said this…

1 Corinthians 13:13 (NET) - And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Now faith is a wonderful thing.

Who among us doesn’t like hope?

But love is the greatest of these.

Love is the key.

Through it, we reflect God’s light to others.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 11, 2019.

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

Keeping Busy-ness in Perspective

It seems these days I just don’t have enough time.

True, we did have a holiday this week.

But somehow that turns into getting five days’ worth of work done in four.

Then things cropped up at home requiring my attention.

Next, my physician reminded me it was time for my annual physical.

I also have a speaking engagement at the end of the month for which I am still preparing.

Also, I am facing another deadline at the end of the year that requires prep work now.

Then, there are my other ministries (like this one) that cannot be ignored.

I am sure anyone reading this can relate to the feeling that there just isn’t enough time.

Fortunately faith, helps us cope in times that could otherwise appear overwhelming.

Perhaps that is why my “go to” verse in these times can be found in Philippians.

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

I know I can get through all this because I do not go through it alone.

As for health, we have a role to play in maintaining it which includes annual physicals.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NET) - Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.

Scripture also reminds me the importance of being prepared to serve my fellow man.

This applies both to my speaking engagement and other deadlines.

1 Peter 4:10 (NET) - Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God.

Yes, I will be able to do all things through the One who strengthens me.

We all can.

But I must set aside some quiet time along the way for God and acknowledge Him.

Psalm 46:10 (NET) - He says, “Stop your striving and recognize that I am God! I will be exalted over the nations! I will be exalted over the earth!”

Through it all, no matter how busy we get, we must keep God first in our lives.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 13, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, September 20, 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

Speaking Out

I find the amount of division in my country and other countries staggering.

A recent headline certainly does not make me feel any better.

There were almost 18% more hate crimes in my country this year than the year before.

Frankly, I feel that percentage is likely higher.

After all, not all hate crimes get reported.

There are also crimes based in hatred that are not officially classified as “hate crimes”.

Division has found its way into entertainment and sports.

This solves nothing.

In fact, it merely fans the flames of hatred.

Elected officials and candidates knowingly or unknowingly contribute to this growing problem as well with their rhetoric.

What is the solution?

Before attempting to answer such a question, I think we need to look at things objectively.

In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis stated, “All that we call human history--money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery--[is] the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.”

I think we can easily throw division and hatred into the list.

                                                                                                                          

In Surprised by Hope, N. T. Wright cites a reporter who states that we live in an age where politicians want to live like rock stars and rock stars pretend to be politicians.

As for me, I think the rise in hate crimes in my country and others can be directly contributed to our desire to distance ourselves from God.

Our continued futile quest to find things other than God to make us happy.

This is compounded by those who are supposed to lead but do not.

It is aggravated by those who are supposed to entertain but choose to play at politics.

Through the years, we Christians have been told to keep our opinions to ourselves,

We have done just that.

What is more, our silence is deafening.

It is not enough for Christians to simply want problems like hate crimes to go away.

We must be willing to be part of the solution in partnership with God.

If not us, who?

If not now, when?

1 John 4:10-11 (NET) - 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.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 23, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, December 7, 2018

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

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

Man Up

Father’s Day is this Sunday, and this has been very much on my mind.

Many of my friends are fathers.

Some are grandfathers.

God has given me my own circumstances.

I have neither children nor grandchildren.

I am quite certain of one thing.

Children are special to Jesus.

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.” And he placed his hands on them and went on his way.

As a result, I have come to one inescapable conclusion.

If children are special to Jesus, they should be special to me.

Therefore, as a man, I must be careful.

Children learn not only from our words but from our behavior as well.

A careless word or action on our part as adults can do considerable damage.

It can undo valuable lessons taught to them by their parents.

Jesus cautioned us about this.

Matthew 18:6 (NET) - “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a huge millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the open sea.

As a child I was blessed.

There were several men I looked up to as role models.

The way they lived influenced the way I live now.

Now, it is my turn to “man up”.

With God’s help I hope I am doing so.

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.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 22, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, July 6, 2018

It All Depends on Love

John 3:16 (NET) - For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

The season of Lent began on Wednesday, February 14, 2018.

Incidentally, February 14 also happened to be St. Valentine’s Day, a day set aside for the celebration of love.

Setting aside human notions of romance for the moment, it seems fitting that both fell on the same day.

The verse above is one of the most widely memorized passages in all of scripture.

Rightly so, for it reminds us of just how much God loves each of us.

So much so that He gave His Only Son to save the world.

Scripture also has a great deal more to say about love.

1 John 4:19 (NET) - We love because he loved us first.

This is quite profound but there is still more.

1 John 4:20 (NET) - If anyone says “I love God” and yet hates his fellow Christian, he is a liar, because the one who does not love his fellow Christian whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.

This reminds us that only those who love their fellow man can truly say that they love God.

Granted, this is not always easy for us to do.

But the season of Lent reminds us of what God did to prove His love for us.

It also reminds us of the love Jesus has for us as well.

Jesus was mocked, beaten and crucified for us.

He also forgave those who inflicted these things upon Him.

If Jesus could forgive so much, should we be unwilling to forgive others of so little?

The essence of Christianity is two-fold.

God the Father creates, His Son redeems and the Holy Spirit makes holy.

Our response to God and to our fellow man must be rooted in faith, hope and love.

Faith is a wonderful thing to possess.

Who among us does not like to have hope.

But scripture reminds us that love is greater than faith and hope.

1 Corinthians 13:13 (NET) - And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

As our journey through Lent continues, let us be reminded of the love extended to us.

Let us also be mindful that love is a gift that is best when it is shared.

With Blessings and LOVE,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 23, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, March 2, 2018

Sold Out

The state in which I live just got hit by a hurricane.

The first communities to be hit were devastated by high winds.

There was more to come.

The storm then dropped record rainfall amounts on a major city and surrounding areas.

Lives were lost.

There was also a great deal of good.

Ordinary people pitched in to help those less fortunate.

Shelters opened their doors to take in those displaced by the storm.

Supplies began to pour in from far away.

Volunteers came in to offer their assistance.

Some traveled many miles to just assist the less fortunate.

But not everything was positive.

Stores miles away in relatively unaffected areas ran out of basics like water, bread and eggs.

As I write this, cars are lined up at gas stations not only filling their cars but gas cans as well.

A few stations have sold out of gas completely.

Some people are driving miles out of their way just to buy gas which they will consume on the way home.

Fear can do that to people.

Most people don’t think of being prepared until the crisis is right on their doorstep.

Even after the worst has passed, fear tends to maintain its grip and they worry about problems that do not yet exist.

Yet when it comes to being prepared for the end, how many of us can say we truly prepared.

Jesus told us to remain alert.

Mark 13:32-37 (NET) - “But as for that day or hour no one knows it—neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son—except the Father. Watch out! Stay alert! For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey. He left his house and put his slaves in charge, assigning to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to stay alert. Stay alert, then, because you do not know when the owner of the house will return—whether during evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or at dawn— or else he might find you asleep when he returns suddenly. What I say to you I say to everyone: Stay alert!”

Am I trying to raise fear?

No.

But I do have one question.

Do you suppose there will be lines of cars trying to get into churches for the next service?

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 8, 2017.

I’ll be back here on Friday, September 15, 2017

A Good Word

Church, first and foremost, must be about worship.

Beyond that, it is also a place where we become refreshed and renewed.

It is when we leave church that the work really begins.

After all, the “Great Commission” is still in effect.

Matthew 28:18-20 (NET) - Then Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

That is why I always look forward to the benediction.

This is the blessing with which the worship leader dismisses the congregation.

For me, the benediction does not merely mark the end of the service.

Rather, it is a blessing for everyone to help them fulfill the “Great Commission” in the week to come.

The benediction itself can be offered in different ways.

My personal favorite is known as the “Franciscan Benediction”.

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.

May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.

And the Blessing of God, who Creates, Redeems and Sanctifies, be upon you and all you love and pray for this day, and forever more. Amen.

The word benediction comes from the Latin roots bene, meaning "well" and diction meaning "to speak" — literally meaning “to speak well of”.

I look upon it as a blessing that strengthens us to fulfill the “Great Commission” in the days to come.

The “Franciscan Benediction” not only strengthens, it reminds us just how much work there is to be done.

It also reminds us that we do not do this work alone.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 25, 2017.

I’ll be back here on Friday, September 1, 2017

Kindness

The other day I found myself behind schedule.

When it came time for lunch I opted to go to the corner store for something quick.

I was in hurry but my plans changed when I arrived.

As I walked from my car to the store entrance I glanced over at the gas pumps.

Something caught my eye.

I saw an older lady standing at the one of the pumps.

She had the pump handle in one hand and her credit card in the other.

She also had a look of confusion on her face.

I walked over to her and asked if she needed help.

She said she needed to put gas in her car but was not at all sure how to go about it.

I offered my help and she accepted.

I explained everything I did along the way.

Once her car had been filled I showed her how to print her receipt.

She thanked me and told me something I could never have expected.

She told me that her husband had recently passed away.

She then stated that he always put gas in the car.

This was the first time she needed to put gas in the car since he passed.

She then thanked me for showing her how it was done.

I believe that this is just one of many firsts for her as she continues her journey without him.

Please understand that I am not posting this for my sake.

It occurred to me that in today’s hectic and fast paced world it is quite easy to overlook others.

Sometimes people need help and do not ask for it.

We must not become so preoccupied with ourselves that we fail to notice.

As I paid the store clerk for my purchase, he thanked me for helping her as well.

It turns out that he was keeping a watchful eye on me as I approached her.

I was grateful for that as well.

It reminded me that God is looking out for her in other ways.

I thought of Paul’s words when he found himself shipwrecked.

Acts 28:2 (NET) -The local inhabitants showed us extraordinary kindness, for they built a fire and welcomed us all because it had started to rain and was cold.

There is always time for an act of kindness

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 28, 2017.

I’ll be back here on Friday, August 4, 2017

The Interests of Others

Not long ago, I took my vehicle in for some routine maintenance.

I gave the crew my information and my key and went to the waiting room where it was cool.

A gentleman was already seated there when I took my seat.

A quick glance told me several things about him.

It is summer where I live and the outside temperature was hovering around 100 F.

I could tell by his tan that he worked outdoors.

By his physique I could tell that his work was physically demanding.

I also noticed that this man looked like he might be feeling ill.

I asked him if he was okay,

He confirmed that he was not feeling well.

Before I could ask him anything else, he began speaking to me as if he knew me.

He informed me that he had just gotten some bad news from his doctor about his heart.

He told me more.

He told me that he worked outdoors and the thought of working in the heat concerned him.

He wondered how many hours he would be able to work with his condition.

He told me he worried about providing for his family.

As if things were not difficult enough for the man he was about to get more bad news.

At this point, the mechanic who checked his vehicle came into the waiting room.

He told the man that he could not work on his vehicle and gave him several reasons.

The man was now distraught.

He informed the mechanic that he needed his vehicle to provide for his family.

The mechanic apologized.

He recommended another garage in town that might be able to help him.

By the way the mechanic said “might” I doubted they would be able to fix his vehicle.

As he left, I could not help but feel sorry for the man.

I prayed for him.

I prayed for his health.

I prayed that he would be able to provide for his family without additional damage to his heart.

I prayed that he would be able to find someone to fix his vehicle.

I continue to pray for him today.

It is not necessary to know someone to pray for them.

I do not know the man… but God does.

I do not know what exactly is wrong with his heart… but God does.

I do not know how he will provide for his family… but God does.

I do not know what he will do for transportation… but God does.

I know so very little about this man.

I do not even know his name.

Yet God knows everything about him.

Philippians 2:4-5 (NET) - Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had,

Praying for others is important whether we know them or not.

The more I pray for this man and his interests, the smaller my interests become.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 14, 2017.

I’ll be back here on Friday, July 21, 2017

What to Do

Many people suffer from stress around Christmas.

Speaking from personal experience, I can see why.

It seems like everyone gets busier around Christmas.

Being a Christian certainly helps us cope. 

As we continue our journey through the season of Advent, I thought I might share a few things that some might be helpful in coping with holiday stress.

Above all, keep the focus where it belongs.

Christmas is about Jesus.

It is not about us.

Tasks and activities that bring Him glory should be given top priority.

Christmas is also an excellent time to love others.

Helping those less fortunate is important.

Christmas is also an excellent time to bring others to Him.

Just about everything else comes next.

Before embarking on a task, check your motivation.

Ask yourself why you are doing it.

Answering this question honestly will be very helpful.

Scripture is also an excellent guide.

It reminds us that the more we are blessed, the more is expected of us.

It also reminds us that whatever we do, we do not do alone.

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

Another thing I have learned is that sometimes we must say “No” to the requests of others.

It doesn’t mean we don’t love them; it simply means “no”.

Finally, a truly amazing thing happens when we put the Lord first.

He helps us prioritize everything else.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 9, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, December 16, 2016

Out of the Box

There are a number of television programs that feature old objects.

In some of them, people want to sell their old items.

In others, people just want to know their true value.

One thing is certain, an object’s condition certainly impacts its value.

As a rule, the better condition an object is in, the more the object is worth.

Some items are sold in boxes.

The box can add a lot to an item’s value.

In some cases, people not only have the box, they have never even opened it.

This adds even more to the object’s value.

Our faith is nothing at all like that.

When we each discover our personal faith, it is like receiving something brand new from God in an unopened box.

It is valuable, but unlike material objects, faith gains in value when it is put to use.

The more we use it, the more valuable it becomes.

By the time we reach the end of our earthly journey it will not be like it was when we first discovered it.

It is certain to pick up a few scratches and dings along the way.

For example, we are to love our neighbor even when that neighbor will not love us in return.

We are to spend time and resources on those in need rather than ourselves.

We are to do the right thing even when it would be far easier not to.

These things and others will leave their marks and might even change the shape of our faith.

It’s funny, but those who appraise objects will point out its scratches and dings.

They sometimes refer to these things as the object’s “character”.

It is no coincidence that a person’s faith and character go hand in hand.

Faith is a wonderful gift from God.

Go ahead.

Take it out of the box and put it to use.

Do not be afraid of the scratches and dings.

You will only increase its value.

James 2:17 (NET) - So also faith, if it does not have works, is dead being by itself. 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 9, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, September 16, 2016

His Guiding Hand

A new year is upon us.

We tend to look upon each new year as a chance at new beginnings.

We promise ourselves we will do some things which will improve the quality of our lives.

We also promise to try to improve the lives of those around us.

As this year ended, I found myself looking back upon the year that sped too quickly by.

In doing so I realized that I grew considerably as a Christian this year.

I served in ways that I could not have imagined serving a few years ago.

As I reflected on these things, I recalled some of the events that led up to them.

There was the class I attended five years ago.

There was the book I read which my pastor recommended four years ago.

There were the books I taught from for the last several years.

There were special people that entered my life and influenced it.

As I considered these things, I came to one inescapable conclusion.

God used all these things and more to help prepare me for the year that has gone by.

His guiding hand has led me to the books I have read.

His divine influence placed those special people in my life.

So when the times came for me to step outside of my comfort zone this year, God made certain that I was prepared.

In fact, He spent years preparing me for them.

As I reflected on these things, something new occurred to me.

Perhaps He has used the opportunities of the year past to prepare me for future service.

After all, nothing is impossible for God.

As we enter a new year, let us remain open to the ways God desires to utilize us.

Whatever avenues of service He leads us to, He has prepared us for them.

Psalm 143:10 (NET) - Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God. May your kind presence lead me into a level land.

Father, teach us to do what pleases you in the year to come.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, January 8, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, January 15, 2016

Call Me Wilson

The Lord has surprised me many times and in many ways this year.

The season of Advent was to be no exception.

A few weeks ago I was asked to participate in our Christmas program.

I normally work with adults so when I was offered this chance to work with our young people, I jumped at the opportunity.

The days leading up to Christmas tend to get busy enough.

Participating in the Christmas program meant I was going to get even busier.

There would be lines to learn and rehearsals to attend.

Working alongside our young people would be worth the extra effort.

I was asked to portray a wise man in the neighborhood named Wilson to whom the children would come to for wisdom and advice concerning Christmas.

At our rehearsal, I was delighted to see how many adults gave of their time to work with our youth.

Parents, grandparents and Sunday school teachers patiently helped out.

There were even some young adults who volunteered their time and talents as well.

I recalled that it was not very long ago when they were the ones on stage.

Now, they felt the Lord moving them to lend a hand in this effort.

I appeared in scenes with three groups of young people.

As we went over our lines, I recalled watching them grow up.

I also thought about how they will become outstanding adults in the years to come.

The program took place on the Sunday in Advent on which we reflect on hope.

How fitting this was.

As we gave our performance, I realized that one of the ways God provides us with hope is through young people.

Their energy and optimism is contagious.

They not only learn from us, but God can teach us through them if we remain open to the possibility.

This makes perfect sense as we are all God’s children.

When the program ended I felt a bit sad, but God knew just how to cheer me up.

As I prepared to leave, many of your young people went out of their way to tell me, “Goodbye, Wilson!”

Matthew 18:10 (NET) - See that you do not disdain one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

I wish you a blessed Christmas!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 25, 2015.

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

Use Words If Necessary

One of my favorite stories is about Francis of Assisi.

The story goes that one particular day he planned to go into town to preach.

He invited a young monk to accompany him.

The young monk felt quite honored to be asked along.

The pair set out the following morning.

When they arrived in town they walked up and down its streets.

They stopped and visited with everyone they came in contact with.

They met with people of all classes and all occupations.

As the day ended, they headed for home.

As they made their way, the young monk commented to Francis that perhaps they forgot their purpose in going to town.

After all, the monk had been told they were going to town to preach,

Francis reminded the monk that they had indeed preached.

They encountered many people who observed their every move and attitude very closely.

That, according to Francis, was how their sermon was preached.

Christians today, myself included, can take a valuable lesson from Francis.

Sometimes we defeat our purpose in the way we act or the words we choose.

On one hand, we desire to bring people to Jesus.

On the other hand, our actions and attitudes can drive them away.

Sometimes the way we act is not like Christ would have us act.

Sometimes we even argue about the smallest of things.

We might even let the color of coffee cups at Christmas upset us.

What kind of sermon is that?

The words of Francis of Assisi remind us, “Preach the gospel at all times; if necessary, use words.”

Ephesians 6:10 (NET) - For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 27, 2015.

I’ll be back here on Friday, December 4, 2015

Future Plans

This past weekend it was my honor and privilege to speak at our church convention.

On Saturday, I spoke to the delegates about our church history.

On Sunday, I gave the devotional as part of the worship service at the very first church in our state which was built in 1866.

Although that congregation has since built a newer church, the old church has been preserved for history.

I am glad that they decided to preserve the old church.

That church is one of the “Painted Churches” which means that the interior was painted in a very special way.

In January, I had an opportunity to stop by that old church but I only got to see it from the outside.

After the worship service on Sunday I was able to go inside and see it for myself.

I made certain that I had my camera with me as I wanted to get some photographs of the interior.

In the 1880’s, the Reverend Bohuslav Laciak painted the interior.

Laciak painted geometric patterns on the ceiling and the walls as well as ornate columns.

At the time the church was also used as a schoolhouse and Laciak was the teacher.

Word has been handed down that the students remembered studying while the good Reverend Laciak stood on a ladder painting those elaborate designs.

Unfortunately, Laciak died in a hunting accident and his painting was never completed.

It remains just the way he left it.

I took a number of photographs and in two of them I could make out the pencil marks drawn by Laciak.s hand indicating where he intended to continue his work.

At the worship service, a pastor reminded us that the church is not the building.

The church is, in reality, the people within the building.

He is quite correct in this.

Still, I am glad that the building was preserved and I am also glad to have been able to capture Laciak’s pencil marks.

These serve to remind me that the work of the church… the work of the people… is never really complete.

The duties of faith, hope and love never end.

1 Corinthians 13:13 (NET) – And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com