The Easy Way or the Hard Way

2 Samuel 23:3-4 (NRSVue)- The God of Israel has spoken; the Rock of Israel has said to me: “One who rules over people justly, ruling in the fear of God, is like the light of morning, like the sun rising on a cloudless morning, gleaming from the rain on the grassy land.”

These verses are from the last words of David.

But David, like all human beings, was fallible,

He, like us, made mistakes.

But in the end, David was a man after God’s own heart.

That is why God placed him on the throne.

Christ also left us words of wisdom concerning His own rule.

Matthew 11:29 (NRSVue) - Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

How often do we find ourselves struggling?

And how many of those struggles arise when we try to rely on our own strength?

And being fallible human beings, like David, do we learn anything from experience?

We would do well to learn from the words of Christ.

We should avoid the temptation of going it alone.

We should stop relying on our own strength.

Instead, we should turn to Christ and rely on His strength.

Paul reminds us of this as well.

Philippians 4:13 (NRSVue) - I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Remember, Christ is always available to us.

He can guide us, teach us, and give us rest.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 8, 2023.

I will be back here on Friday, September 15, 2023

Truth and Love

Psalm 119:165 (NRSVue) - Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.

For as long as man has walked the Earth, there has been conflict.

God created the first human beings.

But in the first generation born to these human beings, conflict arose.

Time progressed.

Man’s sinful nature did not.

The result: almost an entire generation was wiped out in a cataclysmic flood sent by God.

Only Noah and his family were spared.

Even today, man’s sinful nature dominates the headlines.

We have now regressed to the point in which merely disagreeing with someone causes conflict.

Disagreement has now become personal rather than a simple exchange of ideas.

This leaves us with a choice.

On one hand, we can keep silent just to avoid conflict.

On the other hand, we can speak the truth and risk confrontation.

Scripture is clear which alternative we are to choose.

Colossians 3:16 (NRSVue) - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.

But we must stick to facts rather than personal opinions.

For example, I can state that the weather is hot.

Someone from a colder climate would probably agree.

Someone from a more tropical climate might not.

Using a standard prevents an emotional response.

I can use a thermometer.

If I then say that it is 100 degrees, this eliminates the need for emotional opinion.

So, we can still obey Scripture and speak the truth. 

The Psalmist assures us of this.

But even Christians disagree from time to time and topic to topic.

That said, Scripture never permits us to become disagreeable in the process.

We can count on God to teach us the truth through His word.

That truth sustains us throughout our days.

But we must love the truth (and others) enough to share it.

But we must do so in a loving way.

The same loving way that was demonstrated by Christ.

In today’s world, we dare not keep silent out of fear of conflict.

The truth must be told.

Truth must prevail.

But it should prevail alongside kindness and gentleness, in other words, love.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

I will be back here on Friday, September 1, 2023

The Tasks at Hand

Philippians 4:13 (NRSVue) - I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Perhaps a good way to begin this devotional is by stating that it is good to be back.

I received notice that crews were going to level my building.

I had two weeks to pack all my belongings.

I then spent a week living in hotels while one crew did the leveling and another replaced the flooring.

I am now back home but I am still living out of boxes.

The verse I opened with from Philippians came through for me once again.

Living alone, all the manual labor was up to me.

With each box I packed, I thanked God that I was still able to do this at my age.

While it is tempting to state that I did this alone, that would not be entirely true.

To be truthful, I felt God’s presence every step of the way.

With His help, I finished packing in time.

With His help, I was able to make certain that prior commitments were kept.

I also took the opportunity to downsize a bit and reorganize.

Yes, I did thank God that at my age I am still capable.

I am also grateful for His Word.

Now that the most difficult physical tasks are behind me, I recall another powerful verse.

Luke 12:48b (NRSVue) - From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required, and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.

I do not know how much time God has planned for me on this Earth,

Nor do I know how long I will be physically capable of such work.

But I do know that there is plenty of other work that needs to be done.

Many are oppressed.

Many are wrongfully accused.

Many seek justice.

Many live in darkness.

So obviously, there is no shortage of work to be done.

No single human being can be expected to do absolutely everything.

But each human being, regardless of condition, can do something.

And, as Paul said to the Philippians, we can do all He requires of us when we rely on His strength.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

A Trick Question

Deuteronomy 5:32 (NRSVue) - You must therefore be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn to the right or to the left.

Moses delivered God’s commandments to the people.

Moses was to be the intermediary between God and the people.

God would instruct Moses.

Moses would, in turn, instruct the people.

And it was important that God’s word be obeyed.

Today we live in a New Covenant.

We have a new intermediary in Christ.

But there were those who continued to live under the Old Covenant.

They continued to live under the law.

The Pharisees gathered and tried to trick Jesus.

They put forward a man who asked Jesus which command was the greatest.

Jesus gave him a two-fold answer.

Matthew 22:37-39 (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.’”

Christ understood that the commandments were about relationships.

Some commandments are about our relationship with God.

The rest are about our relationship with those around us.

He also knew that the foundation of these relationships was love.

Jesus attempted to simplify the matter for his questioner.

When we completely love both God and our neighbor, we are keeping all the commandments.

But love must be demonstrated.

It must be demonstrated in thought, word, and action.

On the surface, this might seem easier said than done.

But it is possible when we look to the words and example of Jesus.

He can help us control our thoughts.

He can help us carefully choose our words.

And, most importantly, he can help us put our love into action.

As we do, we become the reflection of His light into a dark world.

We become the reflection of His eternal and limitless love.

We can then love God without hesitation or reservation.

We will be doing what God commands of us.

Matthew 22:40 (NRSVue) - On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 23, 2023.

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

A Package Deal

Haggai 2:8 (NRSVue) - The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of hosts.

The book of Haggai is brief.

But the prophet’s message is powerful.

Speaking on behalf of the Lord, Haggai states that all the silver and gold belong to the Lord.

In Acts 4, we read of Peter and John.

They were brought before the council, and after their release, they returned to their people.

After relating what happened, they prayed.

Their prayer recognized God’s sovereignty.

Their prayer resonated with the people.

Acts 4:32 (NRSVue) - Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common.

United in heart and mind, no one claimed ownership of anything.

Everything they had was held in common.

What does all this mean for us today?

Simply this… all we have is really from God.

And when we give to God, we are literally giving Him what is His to begin with.

This goes beyond money (today’s silver and gold).

This also includes our time and our talents.

After all, it is only through God that we have them.

While we are young, we are told repeatedly that God wants our hearts.

This is true, but it only tells part of the story.

God wants all of us,

This includes our hearts, minds, spirits, and talents.

It is a package deal.

And when we give these to God, we are giving Him what really belongs to Him in the first place.

That is why those who give cheerfully are happy.

And that is why their lives have such an impact on those around them.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 9, 2023.

I will be back here on Friday, June 16, 2023

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

Learn to Be Wise

My class is currently studying a Christian allegory from the 1600’s.

It was written by a theologian who was also an educator.

He began one of his books for education with the phrase: “Come, boy, learn to be wise.”

I think that is brilliant.

The author chose the word wise instead of intelligent.

Although many use the words interchangeably, they do not mean the same thing.

Intelligence is the ability to acquire new knowledge.

Wisdom takes the acquired knowledge and puts it to discerned use.

As an example, intelligence tells me my car can go extremely fast.

Wisdom tells me I should obey the speed limit.

The world has produced many that could be called intelligent.

But not all those labeled intelligent have wisdom.

Scripture has a great deal to say when it comes to wisdom.

Wisdom can be found in the Old Testament.

Proverbs 2:6 (NET) - For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.

Notice that the word wisdom is used rather than intelligence.

Proverbs 16:16 (NET) - How much better it is to acquire wisdom than gold; to acquire understanding is more desirable than silver.

The New Testament also speaks to the importance of wisdom.

More importantly, it tells how to acquire it.

James 1:5 (NET) - But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him.

Jesus speaks on the importance of wisdom.

Matthew 7:24 (NET) - Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them is like a wise man who built his house on rock.

When it comes to wisdom, my favorite example from scripture is found in Matthew 2.

Matthew talks about the “wise men” who came to worship Jesus.

He does not call them the “intelligent men”.

I am certain that there were others who saw the star and recognized it as significant.

They were intelligent.

But these men acted on it.

They sought Jesus out to worship him.

That was a very wise thing to do.

The truly wise still seek Jesus today.

Let us learn to be wise!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, January 24, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, February 7, 2020

Why Do It?

Gifts come in all shapes and sizes.

But the best gifts of all are those that do not come in boxes.

Days ago, I received just such a gift.

It came on the day of our annual Christmas Program.

For the last several years, I have participated in our Sunday School Christmas Program.

Although the program is comprised mostly of children, several adults are involved.

Having neither children nor grandchildren, there is one question I am asked every year.

“Why do it?”

A few, it seems, just cannot wrap their minds around why I would invest my time and energy in this.

There are many reasons why I do so.

Most of the year I work with adults.

Once a year, twice if I am fortunate, projects like this allow me to work alongside the young.

Their spiritual needs are different than our own.

In fact, their needs are a bit different than were mine at the same age.

Today’s youth live in a different world than the one I grew up in.

Technology is inescapable.

There are more organized activities.

There is a virtual bombardment of information.

In short, for good or bad, there are far more distractions and demands on their time.

I also understand that there are two primary ways to teach.

We can teach with our words or we can teach by example.

When it comes to teaching the young, teaching by example is the most effective way.

Having once been young, I remember that the young look for cracks in our armor.

One bad example can undo years of teaching.

That is why I invest my time and energy in the Christmas program.

This year, on the day of the program, I received a special blessing.

A mother with two children told me that they thought a lot of me.

That is the best gift I will receive this Christmas.

Next year, when someone asks me “Why do it?” I will recall that moment.

Matthew 19:14 (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.”

Philippians 4:9 (NET) - And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 27, 2019.

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

Giving

Giving is one of the things people associate with Christmas.

This is inspired by the wise men who brought gifts to Jesus in the forms of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Others have written much about the significance of these gifts, so I will pass on that aspect.

Scripture does not specify how many wise men there were.

Since it specifies these three gifts, people easily assume that there were three wise men.

We really cannot say how many wise men made the trek to worship Jesus.

This got me thinking about giving at Christmas.

For instance, my colleagues and I purchased and wrapped gifts for some children in need.

Members of my church marked the days in Advent by purchasing food items for the local food bank.

Volunteers ring bells for the Salvation Army encouraging people to give.

Sometimes, people give in unexpected ways like paying for someone else’s order at the drive thru.

People even donate their time and talents for Christmas programs and the like.

For some reason, giving just seems to come more easily to us at Christmas.

Do not get me wrong.

I encourage giving in these ways and others.

I gladly do so myself.

But, in a matter of days, Christmas 2019 will be but a memory.

Giving, broadly speaking, can all too easily become just a memory as well.

This is unfortunate as the need for giving will still be there when Christmas is gone.

Just as we should not limit the number of wise men to three, we should not limit our giving to Christmas.

There is scriptural basis for this.

Proverbs 3:9 reminds us to give from our first fruits and not from what is left over.

1 Chronicles 29:14 reminds us that everything (even what we give) belongs to God.

2 Corinthians 9:7 reminds us to give from the heart and God loves those who give cheerfully.

Luke 6:38 reminds us that the spirit in which we give is the spirit in which we will receive.

In the days remaining until Christmas we will each find many ways in which to give.

Perhaps enough ways to inspire us to continue into the year to come.

When it comes to gifts, God gave us the best gift of all.

Christmas is not about how a fallen mankind reached up to God.

It is about how God reached down to a fallen mankind through Jesus.

That gift is so very special that it has continued to give daily for 2,000 years!

That should be the best inspiration of all.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Time Alone with God

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed?

We all feel that way from time to time.

Especially when we have others clamoring for our attention wanting one thing or another.

Jesus knew what that was like.

Scripture tells us that large crowds began to follow Jesus.

But even Jesus needed some quiet time alone with God.

Mark 1:35-37 (NET) - Then Jesus got up early in the morning when it was still very dark, departed, and went out to a deserted place, and there he spent time in prayer. Simon and his companions searched for him. When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.”

Once Jesus spent this quiet time alone with God, He was ready to continue His ministry.

Mark 1:38-39 (NET) - He replied, “Let us go elsewhere, into the surrounding villages, so that I can preach there too. For that is what I came out here to do.” So he went into all of Galilee preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

Serving others is important.

But Jesus understood the importance of time alone with God.

Even when Jesus went to the Mount of Olives before His crucifixion, His disciples followed.

Yet Jesus knew He needed, perhaps more than ever, quiet time alone with God.

Mark 22:41 (NET) - He went away from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed,

In today’s fast paced world, the importance of spending time alone with God can be easily overlooked.

Fortunately, scripture offers us many reminders.

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!”

Matthew 6:6 (NET) - But whenever you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.

But what if we are at a loss as to what to pray?

Scripture helps us there, as well.

Romans 8:26-27 (NET) - In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes on behalf of the saints according to God’s will.

The world of today is far more hectic than it was in times past.

We are bombarded with information…

… but what do we actually learn?

We find ourselves busier and busier…

… but what do we actually accomplish?

We have more contacts and friends through social media…

… but how many do we really know well and how many really know us well?

If Jesus needed time alone with God, what does that say for the rest of us?

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 10, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, May 17, 2019

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

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

Giving Them My Best

I think everyone gets busier the closer we get to Christmas.

I certainly do.

One of the things that makes me busier is our annual Christmas Program.

The last few of these have seen me become an active participant.

There are lines to learn.

There are rehearsals.

As always, there are also the general preparations.

To be honest, I really don’t mind the extra work this creates for me.

This is certainly an opportunity for me to thank God for sending His Son into the world.

Christmas marks the beginning of Christ’s journey among us.

A journey that began in a stable,

A journey that ended at the cross.

Taking part in the Christmas Program helps drive that home for me.

I pray it does for others as well.

One of the additional benefits I receive from this is having the opportunity to work directly with our youth.

Most of the time I work with people my own age – the “not so young” people.

Of course, I do things indirectly that benefit our youth serving on various committees.

One of the things I hear quite frequently is: “These young people are our future.”

Granted, there is a fair amount of truth in that.

God has blessed me with a somewhat unique set of circumstances.

Circumstances that allow me to be perhaps a bit more objective.

These young people have a future of their own.

Some will go to college.

Some will get jobs and move to another city.

Some will become part of a new church family when they get married.

My responsibility, from a purely objective standpoint, is clear.

I need to give our young people the best I have within me spiritually.

That applies to whatever committee on which I serve.

It also applies to working directly with them in a Christmas Program.

No matter how busy I get, serving them means serving God.

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.

No matter where their future takes them, I want them to have the best preparation we can provide.

That means giving them the best I can provide.

God will take care of the rest.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Miscommunication

Technology is great… when it works.

One of the most frustrating technical problems is a device that has trouble communicating.

Perhaps it is a telephone that misses calls.

Maybe it is a computer that has trouble sending or receiving email.

It might be a tablet that loses connection with the Internet.

Even if the device is otherwise perfect functional, a communications problem can push our patience to the limit.

Speaking from experience, these problems are often the most difficult to diagnose.

Even when we manage to correct the problem, there are no guarantees that it will stay fixed.

Communication in our journey through this world can be every bit as frustrating.

Sometime we find it difficult communicating with others.

We can even experience difficulties in communicating with God.

Scripture can help us communicate.

What does the Bible say about communicating with others?

The book of James gives us some sound advice.

It tells us to listen first.

James 1:19 (NET) - Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters! Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.

What does it say about communicating with God?

Prayer is an excellent beginning.

Jeremiah 29:12 (NET) - When you call out to me and come to me in prayer, I will hear your prayers.

What if we still have a problem communicating with others?

Perhaps we need a bit more patience.

Ephesians 4:1-3 (NET) -  I, therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live worthily of the calling with which you have been called,  with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

What if we still find communicating with God difficult?

We might need to set aside the distractions that constantly vie for our attention.

Perhaps what we would find most helpful is to just be still.

Psalm 46:10a (NET) - He says, “Stop your striving and recognize that I am God!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

I’ll be back here on Friday, November 17, 2017

Discomfort, Change, Growth

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

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

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

This is nothing new.

History tells us of other times when books were banned.

In some cases, they were even burned.

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

Even churches are not immune to this kind of thinking.

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

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

But is discomfort alone a good reason to ban anything?

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

Frankly, this book makes me feel uncomfortable,

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

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

Even the Bible makes me uncomfortable at times.

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

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

In and of itself, discomfort is not bad.

Discomfort is a great motivator for change.

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

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

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

They should motivate us to grow as Christians.

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

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

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

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

Without these lessons, we are less likely to change.

Without change we do not grow.

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

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

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 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