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

Attacks on Christianity?

Jeremiah 1:19 (NRSVue) - They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, says the Lord, to deliver you.”

This verse is part of God’s call and commission of Jeremiah.

God reminds the prophet that people will oppose him.

God also promises never to abandon Jeremiah.

In John 17, Jesus prays for His disciples.

Jesus prays for them and not the world.

John 17:9 (NRSVue) - I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours.

I find it amazing that these verses were on my mind at this time.

This was at the same time of the opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympics,

Many people, especially Christians, were outraged by the spectacle,

Both Christians and political pundits were quick to refer to the ceremonies as an attack on Christianity.

Many Christians took this personally.

But when you think about it, is this really an attack on Christians?

If anything, it was an attack on Christ, not an attack on Christians.

As Christians, we would do well to remember the words of Christ.

We would do especially well to remember His words from the Sermon on the Mount.

When Christ spoke to His followers and others, He was telling them (and us) how to live.

His words indicated He wants us to live a life of discipline.

Christ instructed us to love.

This means loving our enemies,

It means loving those who disagree with us.

His words should instruct us to live a life of love instead of a life of retribution.

Will we take those words to heart?

Or will we instead feel personally threatened and attacked by those who mock Christ.

We know we belong to Christ.

We know we are precious to Him.

And we are assured that Christ is always with us.

And, hard though it may be to believe, Christ loves those who are still lost,

Instead of feeling threatened by the lost, we should demonstrate the love Christ commands of us.

Love, not retribution, is the key to reaching those who are still lost.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, August 9, 2024.

I will be back here on Friday, August 16, 2024

First and Last

Isaiah 41:4 (NRSVue) - Who has performed and done this, calling the generations from the beginning? I, the Lord, am first and will be with the last.

In this chapter, Isaiah assures the people of God’s help.

Speaking for the Lord. Isaiah reminds the people that God was the first and he will be the last.

After the opening of Revelation 1, John shares a vision of Christ.

John states that the moment he saw Christ, he fell at His feet.

But Christ offers words of comfort and encouragement.

Christ reminds John that, as part of the Trinity, He was first, and He will be the last.

Revelation 1:17b-18 (NRSVue) - “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last and the Living One. I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever, and I have the keys of Death and of Hades.

In the simplest of terms, being both first and last means being eternal.

Our lives on earth, by comparison, are fleeting at best.

Even the lifespans of those who live beyond 100 years are here for but a fraction of eternity.

The Triune God is eternal.

We are not.

The Triune God is constant.

We are not,

The Triune God is always there for us.

He is there for us even though we are not always there for Him.

But even then, God is ready to welcome us back.

I have one final thought.

Not one of us knows how much time we will have on this earth.

But how much or how little is not important.

What is important is how we choose to use the time given to us.

May we use that time wisely and strengthen our relationship with God.

May we also use that time to build and strengthen our relationships with others.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, July 26, 2024.

I will be back here on Friday, August 2, 2024

A New Spirit and a New Heart

Ezekiel 11:19 (NRSVue) - I will give them one heart and put a new spirit within them; I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh,

In this chapter, God shares his judgement of evil councilors with the prophet.

God then pronounces that He will restore His people.

This will be a complete restoration.

The people will have a new spirit.

They will also have new hearts.

These new hearts will be capable of gentleness and compassion.

Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, opens with words of encouragement.

Paul reminds Timothy of the new spirit and the new heart that God promised.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NRSVue) - for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.

In our modern world, many have rejected both the spirit and the heart.

The world relies on false wisdom.

It teaches that success equates with material wealth.

It teaches that we should look out only for ourselves.

It teaches that kindness and gentleness are signs of weakness.

Despite the many who have fallen prey to this false wisdom, these things are far from true.

When we are down, God extends His love.

When we feel weak, God reminds us to rely on His strength.

When we feel we have utterly failed, God offers His renewal.

In accepting these gifts, we receive our new spirit and our new heart.

We learn that success equates with loving God and our neighbor.

We learn to care more for others than we care for ourselves.

We also learn that gentleness and compassion arise out of inner strength.

The world will go on believing what it will.

And in doing so, it will allow others to tire and fall.

But blessed with a new heart and new spirit, we can lighten the loads of the fallen.

We can share with them what God has so generously shared with us.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, July 12, 2024.

I will be back here on Friday, July 19, 2024

A Solid Foundation

Ezra 3:11b (NRSVue) - And all the people responded with a great shout when they praised the Lord because the foundation of the house of the Lord had been laid.

In Ezra 3, the builders laid the foundation of the temple.

The priests made music.

They then sang songs of praise and thanksgiving.

Then all the people gave a great shout as they praised the Lord.

In Paul’s first letter to Corinth, he addresses division within the church.

He even addresses the confusion concerning his role.

He likens himself to a master builder who laid the foundation.

Yet others will build on that foundation.

He reminds these to build on that foundation with care.

Yet, Paul reminds his readers of who ultimately laid that foundation.

1 Corinthians 3:11 (NRSVue) - For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ.

In our time, we tend to think of church as a building.

A building perhaps made of wood, stone, or brick.

The reality is quite different.

In fact, there is only one church.

That one church is, in fact, the entire body of believers with Christ as the head.

And we, as a body, have a responsibility that goes beyond worship alone.

Just as a human body has parts, the church body has parts as well.

We are told as children that God wants our hearts.

That is only partly true.

God wants all of us - our heart, hands, feet, and our minds.

He wants our hearts to love Him and our neighbor.

He wants our hands to serve.

He wants our feet to take us where He wants us to go.

And He wants our minds to tell the world about Christ and to discern the truth.

It is important that we remain open to God’s leading and to respond accordingly.

This is how we carefully build on the foundation that is Jesus Christ.

And we can take comfort that future generations will continue to build upon it as well.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, June 28, 2024.

I will be back here on Friday, July 5, 2024

Still Waiting?

Daniel 2:44 (NRSVue) - And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall this kingdom be left to another people. It shall crush all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever,

In Daniel 2, Nebuchadnezzar has a dream that Daniel, with God’s help, interprets.

Part of that interpretation includes a special kingdom.

This kingdom is God’s kingdom.

And, unlike human kingdoms, this kingdom of God will last forever.

Chapter 22 of Luke speaks of a great many things.

It speaks of the plot to kill Jesus.

It tells of the preparation of Passover.

It reminds us of the institution of the Lord’s Supper,

It also speaks of a dispute that arises among the followers of Christ.

The followers argue over who among them will be greatest,

Christ settles their dispute by reminding them of the importance of service.

Christ then reminds them of His Father’s kingdom.

Christ confers on them this kingdom just as the Father conferred this kingdom to Him.

They had just shared the Passover meal with Christ.

And, in the kingdom to come, they will continue to dine with Him.

Luke 22:29-30 (NRSVue) - and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

When Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper, He took the bread.

He gave thanks for it, broke it, and shared it with His followers.

He reminded them that this was His body and that it was broken for them.

The promise of the eternal kingdom of God is a promise for us as well.

We too will have a place in that kingdom.

But that is something for which we do not have to wait.

Christ reminds us that He is the bread of life.

We can also experience Christ in our hearts and in our lives right now.

There is no need for us to wait!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 26, 2023.

I will be back here on Friday, June 2, 2023

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

Sight Versus Vision

Psalm 38 is a prayer.

It is the prayer of one who suffers.

It is a prayer of one who is in desperate need.

After pouring out his heart, the Psalmist cries out.

Psalm 38:22 (GNT) - Help me now, O Lord my savior!

Mark 10 tells us of another man in need of healing.

The man’s name is Bartimaeus, and his malady is blindness.

Bartimaeus is sitting and begging by the road as Jesus passes.

When Bartimaeus learns of this, he cries out.

Like the Psalmist, he cries out for Jesus to have mercy on him.

Others, perhaps out of embarrassment, tell him to keep silent.

But Bartimaeus cries out even more.

Jesus hears and responds.

Mark 10:48-49 (GNT) - Many of the people scolded him and told him to be quiet. But he shouted even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”

After being told that Jesus had summoned him, Bartimaeus runs to Him.

Jesus asks what it is that Bartimaeus wants of Him.

Mark 10:50-51 (GNT) “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. “Teacher,” the blind man answered, “I want to see again.” “Go,” Jesus told him, “your faith has made you well.” At once he was able to see and followed Jesus on the road.

What a remarkable exchange.

The moment Bartimaeus learns that Jesus is passing, he cries out for mercy.

Despite being told to keep silent, he cries out even louder.

The moment he understands that Jesus has summoned him, he runs.

How astonished the crowd must have been to see a blind man run.

Although Jesus is all knowing, He questions: “What do you want me to do for you?”

The response of Bartimaeus is: “I want to see again.”

In his persistence, Bartimaeus is healed.

Had he heeded the commands of the crowd he would have remained blind.

Although Bartimaeus lacked sight, it was the crowd that lacked vision.

What about us?

What about our vision?

Will we boldly ask the Lord for the healing of our bodies and our spirits?

Once healed, will we go our own way, or will we follow Jesus too?

Will we carry the Good News into a world that sees but lacks vision?

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Both Creation and Child

After the Lord appointed Cyrus as king, the prophet Isaiah delivers the Lord’s word.

In addition, Isaiah affirms the Lord’s role in creation and history,

His words apply to the new king, but they also apply to us.

Isaiah compares the Creator to a potter and the created as a pot made of clay.

Isaiah 45:9-10 (GNT) - Does a clay pot dare argue with its maker, a pot that is like all the others? Does the clay ask the potter what he is doing? Does the pot complain that its maker has no skill?

Some seven centuries later, Christ taught His disciples how they should pray.

After warning them not to pray the way hypocrites pray, Christ instructed them further.

Matthew 6:9-10 (GNT) - This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven: May your holy name be honored; may your Kingdom come; may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Just as the pot must not question the potter, a Christian must recognize God’s sovereign will.

The will of God certainly reigns in heaven.

That same will must also reign here on Earth.

Those who fully appreciate this have a special relationship with their creator.

They recognize that they, like Adam, are created from dust.

Yet they are still able to approach their creator and call Him Father.

Galatians 4:6 (GNT) - To show that you are his children, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who cries out, “Father, my Father.”

Yet there are those who want their will to prevail.

They are the pot that questions the potter.

This is not a good place to be.

I am reminded of the words of C.S. Lewis who wrote: “There are 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.”

It is Christ who helps us keep our relationship with the Father in its proper perspective.

Yes, God is the potter, and we are the pot.

But God is much more.

Thanks to the Spirit of His Son, even the created can lovingly call Him Father.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Strength Through Love

In Psalm 118, the Psalmist declared that the Lord’s loyal love endures.

He went on to declare that in his distress, he cried out to the Lord.

Even when things seemed darkest, the Lord came through.

The Lord provided and gave him the strength to keep moving.

Psalm 118:14 (NET) - The Lord gives me strength and protects me; he has become my deliverer.”

Paul, in his letter to the Romans, encouraged the strong to help the week.

Paul also encouraged mutual acceptance between Jews and Gentiles.

Paul then stressed the fact that the Gentiles have received hope.

Romans 15:13 (NET) - Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in him, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Like the Psalmist, we too will encounter challenging times.

But we will find the strength to move forward.

But this strength is not of our own design or our own making.

It is the strength we receive from the God who delivers.

God remains the God of salvation.

He is the God who gives us the strength to believe.

He is the God who gives us the strength to move forward out of darkness and despair.

He is the God whom we need to share with others.

For they, like us, require that same strength.

They, like us, need hope.

Just as in Paul’s day, those who have been granted strength should help the weak.

The Lord’s loyal love still endures, and He bestows His love to us so that we may share it with others.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 23, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, October 7, 2022

It's a God Thing

I borrowed this title from my pastor because the inspiration for this offering came in a unique way.

Among my duties, I prepare a slideshow for our worship service.

I include the various scripture readings in their entirety to benefit those in attendance.

This also benefits those online who worship with us.

I also teach a Sunday school class for adults.

I try to challenge my students and promote discussion.

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

In my class we are studying a work from 1623 entitled The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart by Comenius.

We are now into the second part of the allegory in which the pilgrim has looked inward into his heart.

It is there that he encountered the risen Christ.

One of the things we read as a class was this passage: "While among the great and the rulers of human society, thou hast seen how readily men strive to reach the highest places and to rule over the others. But thou, my son, shalt, as long as thou livest, ever seek the lowest place, and desire to obey, rather than to command.”

This was reflected in our Gospel lesson from Luke.

Jesus was dining at the home of a Pharisee.

People were watching Jesus, but Jesus was watching them as well.

Luke 14:7a (GNT) - Jesus noticed how some of the guests were choosing the best places,

Another passage we studied in class was: “thy ethics will be love of me, which will give thee all instructions concerning thy conduct both towards me and towards thy fellow-creatures.”

This was also reflected in our Epistle lesson from Hebrews 13.

Hebrews 13:1 (GNT) - Keep on loving one another as Christians.

After the worship service, I shared with my pastor how the scripture readings reinforced our study.

He smiled and replied, “It’s a God thing.”

Those without faith would say that this is simply coincidence.

But those with faith realize that there is no coincidence.

Scripture tells us that God knows the number of hairs on our head.

It also tells us that He knows every sparrow that falls to the ground.

As humans, we more readily notice God at work in massive things.

But, if we really pay attention, we can catch glimpses of God at work in smaller things.

We then become more attuned to his direct involvement in our lives.

For God is more than just a casual observer.

God is engaged in everything.

Romans 8:28 (GNT) - We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose.

I pray that we all experience more “It’s a God thing” moments.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 9, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, September 16, 2022

Songs From the Heart

Psalm 118:15 (NRSV) - There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: ‘The right hand of the Lord does valiantly;

Singing is a form of praise.

In fact, the singing of hymns has become an integral part of the worship service.

Even the Psalmist expounds on this in his “Song of Victory.”

When Mary visited Elizabeth, she too had a “Song of Praise.”

Luke 1:46-47 (NRSV) - And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,

Some have been given the gift of music.

You will certainly hear them as they sing in church choirs or function as song leaders.

You may even be able to pick out their voices from others seated in the congregation.

I have often joked that God gave me the gift of wisdom.

That is because I am wise enough to recognize that I do not have the gift of music.

Despite this, I will sing.

This begs the question: Why would someone without the gift sing?

For me, I turn to the example set by David.

David was a man after God’s own heart.

In fact, God said as much.

At one point, David gathered 30,000 to return the Ark of God to Jerusalem.

David not only took part in the procession, but he also danced in praise of the Lord.

2 Samuel 6:16 (NRSV) - As the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal daughter of Saul looked out of the window, and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart.

The procession ended and people returned to their homes.

When David returned home, Michal questioned his judgment.

David explained his actions.

2 Samuel 6:21 (NRSV) - David said to Michal, ‘It was before the Lord, who chose me in place of your father and all his household, to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the Lord, that I have danced before the Lord.

Singing is a form of praise.

It does not matter so much how well we sing.

What matters most is the sincerity we have in our hearts.

This also provides us a glimpse into how God is at work in our lives.

And perhaps it will prompt us to respond with kindness to others.

A kindness expressed through our words, our actions, and even our songs.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 26, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, September 2, 2022

Struggle, Strength, and Example

Habakkuk 3:19a (NET) - The Sovereign Lord is my source of strength.

Here, the prophet declared his confidence in the Lord.

Regardless of circumstances, he could rejoice.

He understood that deliverance was of the Lord.

And it was the Lord who would see him through all adversities.

Paul recognized this.

In his first letter to Timothy, Paul discussed Timothy’s ministry.

He also discussed the challenges and adversities Timothy would face.

People deserted the faith.

They adopted strange beliefs and practices.

But Paul reminded Timothy that he had to remain strong.

Timothy would have to remain firm in his faith and continue to serve Christ.

1 Timothy 4:10a (NET) - In fact this is why we work hard and struggle, because we have set our hope on the living God

Just like the prophet and Timothy, we too must remain strong.

This is especially true when we find ourselves bombarded by information.

Much of this information we know not to be true.

Politicians, the news media, and groups and individuals in social media have their agendas.

Sadly, even some churches who claim to follow Christ have agendas as well.

Fortunately, we have scripture.

Scripture that not only tells us the words of Christ but preserves the example He set for us.

Adversity and the outright lies we are told try to drag us down.

But we must remain firm in our faith and persevere.

And we can persevere because the Lord is our source of strength.

We have hope in the living God.

We can turn to Christ and hear His words,

We can also follow His example.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 22, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, August 5, 2022

Accepting Discipline

Deuteronomy 8:5 (NET) - Be keenly aware that just as a parent disciplines his child, so the Lord your God disciplines you.

God made his people wander in the wilderness for forty years.

But God never abandoned them.

When they were hungry, God gave them manna to eat.

Their clothing never wore out.

Their feet never swelled.

Wandering was God’s way of disciplining His people.

Before they could move forward, they had to learn discipline.

Yet during this period of discipline, God still provided for them.

The same was true for the followers of Christ.

They too had to learn discipline.

In fact, if you look closely, you can see the word disciple rooted in the word discipline.

Christ taught his disciples.

But His teaching was not limited to words.

Christ also taught them by example.

Just prior to the Passover feast, Christ washed their feet.

John 13:15 (NET) - For I have given you an example—you should do just as I have done for you.

Like God’s people, we too will face difficulty.

But it is during such times that God disciplines us.

And during such times we must remember that God still provides for us.

As we read scripture, we can learn from the words of Christ.

As importantly, we can learn from His example.

Even the best of us wanders away from how we are meant to live.

And that is when we require discipline.

But, despite adversity, God remains a constant source of compassion and love.

And following the example of Christ is the best means of returning to where we need to be.

It also allows us to share the love and compassion of God with those around us.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Wants, Needs, and Gratitude

Exodus 23:25a (NET) - You must serve the Lord your God, and he will bless your bread and your water,

This portion of scripture caught my attention.

It caught my attention for three reasons.

First, it reminded me that the blessing was for necessities and not luxuries.

Second, this seems to reverse the punishment that befell Adam due to his disobedience (Genesis 3). 

Third, was its preceding verse which lends it context.

Exodus 23:24 (NET) - You must not bow down to their gods; you must not serve them or do according to their practices. Instead you must completely overthrow them and smash their standing stones to pieces.

I suddenly recalled a party I once attended.

This celebration was held in the stately home of its obviously wealthy hosts.

Suffice it to say, I felt more than a little out of place.

I was admiring a painting when two people walked up beside me.

One said to the other, “You know, if I had all this, I would finally be happy.”

I concluded that this was a classic example of self-deception.

For true happiness cannot be found in material things.

True happiness can only be found in union with Christ.

This is the same Christ who reminds us not to worry.

We certainly do not need to worry about extravagances.

But Christ tells us we need not even worry about necessities.

Matthew 6:31 (NET) - So then, don’t worry saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’

Many, especially those still caught up in worldly things, find this difficult.

Those who believe understand that God is the provider.

They rely upon God for their physical as well as their spiritual needs.

This remains true even during challenging times and difficult circumstances.

For it is during such times that God’s provision for us makes itself truly evident.

That is why Paul reminds us to be always thankful, no matter the circumstances.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NET) - in everything give thanks. 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, June 24, 2022.

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

Getting on with the Job

I am in my final week of preparation to lead an Adult study on Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Bonhoeffer was a German pastor and theologian who actively resisted the Nazi regime.

In time, he and other members of this resistance were imprisoned.

Although he was locked away, Bonhoeffer ministered to both his guards and fellow prisoners.

He also spent his time authoring books, papers, and letters.

Through his writing, we see that God continued to use this man.

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we see that he too was imprisoned.

He continued the work God gave him to do.

In fact, his letters account for a good part of the New Testament.

Paul, like Bonhoeffer, made use of the talents that he was given.

Moreover, he understood that he was the beneficiary of grace.

This grace was a gift of Christ.

Ephesians 4:7 (NET) - But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

And this grace equips the called to do the work required regardless of circumstances.

Such work continues despite even the hardships of imprisonment and the threat of death.

The Psalmist makes this clear.

After praising the Lord, the Psalmist discusses those who seek justice.

Psalm 106:3 (NET) - How blessed are those who promote justice, and do what is right all the time.

Bonhoeffer opposed injustice and so he opposed Hitler and the Nazi regime.

As a man of God, he did what he believed was right, risking both his safety and security.

He continued his ministry until executed by those whom he opposed.

When that moment arrived, he calmly accepted his fate.

Psalm 106:4 (NET) - Remember me, O Lord, when you show favor to your people. Pay attention to me, when you deliver,

Like these men, we too are the beneficiaries of forgiveness and grace.

These were paid in full by the death of Christ who was without blame.

For this we should be eternally grateful.

And may we use the talents we have been given.

And may we also continue to do the work required of us regardless of our circumstances.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 10, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, June 17, 2022