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

Truth Revisited

I decided to write this in the closing hours of 2019.

For the last several weeks the discussions in my class gravitated toward one topic: Truth.

The search for truth is nothing new.

When Jesus was brought before Pilate, Pilate asked Him a question we could ask in the modern era.

John 18:38 (NET) - Pilate asked, “What is truth?”

The age in which we live has blurred the truth so much that many are walking in darkness.

We live in an age of “fake news”.

The media, which is supposed to be nonbiased, often has an agenda.

Politicians make promises to get elected never intending to keep them.

Regimes willingly lie to the people to keep them in check.

Even the business world clouds the truth justifying it with “It’s just business”.

Truth is absolute, yet people try to make it relative.

They say that what is true for one person may not be true for another.

In my opinion, this is one of the most dangerous lies we can spread.

Abandoning truth, for whatever reason, is wrong.

The prophet Isaiah had an ominous warning for those who abandon truth.

Isaiah 5:20 (NET) - Beware, those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness into light and light into darkness, who turn bitter into sweet and sweet into bitter.

So, where can we turn in an age that wants us to ignore truth.

Is there an answer to Pilate’s question: “What is truth?”

Fortunately the answer is yes.

About five years ago, I visited a church that was 150 years old.

Over time, the congregation grew and built a new church but kept the original as it was.

There is a sign above the door taken from scripture.

John 14:6a (NET) - Jesus replied, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.

The sign also includes “- words of Jesus Christ”.

Those who passed beneath this sign on their way inside knew what awaited them.

Even after 2,000 years, these words can be trusted.

John 1:14 (NET) - Now the Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We saw his glory—the glory of the one and only, full of grace and truth, who came from the Father.

My prayer for the New Year of 2020 is that we will regain the courage to stand up for the truth.

There are those who will say we are intolerant.

We must expect that.

Remember that Pilate asked, “What is truth?” even when Jesus stood right in front of him.

We must re-learn that it is okay for us to disagree.

It is not, however, okay for us to be disagreeable in the process.

After all Jesus, the source of truth, also tells us to love our neighbor.

Even those who disagree with us!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, January 10, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, January 17, 2020

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

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

The Wisdom of Scripture

People, as a rule, dislike change.

Yet there are times when change is inevitable.

Scripture is clear on this.

The book of Ecclesiastes reminds us of just some of the many changes we can expect in this world.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NET) - For everything there is an appointed time, and an appropriate time for every activity on earth: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot what was planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones; time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to search, and a time to give something up as lost; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; A time to rip, and a time to sew; a time to keep silent, and a time to speak. A time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

Sometimes, change comes upon us without warning.

Often, we can see it coming on the horizon.

When the latter is the case, the more effort we put in early on the better.

By waiting until the last-minute, we put undue stress on ourselves.

We also put unnecessary stress on others as well.

In preparation for a future change I was assigned a very rigorous and physically demanding task.

I knew that once I started it would take me several days to complete the task.

I have not done this sort of work in a very long time.

But being in good health for my age I took on the task with vigor.

                                                                                                                          

One verse kept coming to mind as I worked at it.

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

This was especially true as I neared the end of my task,

After several days of hard work, I realized the task was near completion.

I realized that if I put good effort into it and counted on His help I could have the task finished by day’s end.

That is what happened,

As soon as the task was complete, scripture reminded me of something else.

The need for rest.

After God created the universe in six days, he rested on the seventh.

Even Jesus sought out quiet places from time to time.

Following their example, I now take some time to rest.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 9, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, November 16, 2018

Working by Touch

One task I do not like is performing maintenance on one of our large machines.

This must be done two or three times per year depending upon usage.

I try to do this at the end of the day when everyone else has gone home.

I must first take apart the machine and lift out some of the heavier components.

I then lie down on the floor and insert my arm inside the machine and remove a dozen small parts.

I need to rely on my sense of touch for this operation as I can no longer see inside the machine.

Once these small parts have been removed, I need to replace them with new ones.

This also requires me to rely on my sense of touch to get the job done.

Once the new parts are installed I can get up from the floor.

I then reassemble the machine and power it up.

All that is left at this point is to test the machine and verify that it is functioning properly.

Having recently performed this task, reflection brought two passages of scripture to mind.

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

I can perform this task only because of the abilities given to me by God.

Just as I stretch my arm into the machine, similarly, God reaches into us.

It is His touch into our hearts that allows us to be saved.

Ephesians 2:8-10 (NET) - For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.

I may not look forward to working on this machine again.

I certainly will not be able to look at it the same way again.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Gifts Should Give

I will be teaching an adult class in June.

This is something I do every year and I always look forward to it.

That said, it is something I never take lightly.

Scripture is quite clear on the matter of teaching.

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

So, why would anyone choose to teach knowing they will be judged more strictly?

Thankfully, scripture addresses this as well.

The twelfth chapter of the book of Romans discusses the various gifts given to us.

It also tells us what we are to do with them.

Romans 12:6- 8 (NET) - And we have different gifts according to the grace given to us. If the gift is prophecy, that individual must use it in proportion to his faith. If it is service, he must serve; if it is teaching, he must teach; if it is exhortation, he must exhort; if it is contributing, he must do so with sincerity; if it is leadership, he must do so with diligence; if it is showing mercy, he must do so with cheerfulness.

Here scripture reminds us that we “must” use whatever gifts God has generously bestowed upon us.

I take great comfort in this as I prepare for this class.

Even though it is still weeks away, I am actively preparing for this class.

Although I am familiar with the subject matter, I am using the time I have wisely.

Scripture also reminds us of the importance of being prepared.

After all, Noah began constructing the ark long before the first raindrops fell.

Hebrews 11:7a (NET) - By faith Noah, when he was warned about things not yet seen, with reverent regard constructed an ark for the deliverance of his family.

There is one unknown I face every year.

I never know how many or how few students I will have until the class meets.

Some years the attendance is large.

Some years it is small.

However many or few attend, they will receive the best I can offer.

After all, we certainly will not be alone.

Scripture is clear on that as well.

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

Put your gift from God into use.

If you have not yet discovered what that gift is, why not talk to Him about it right now?

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 27, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, May 4, 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

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

Inspection

I recently had my car inspected.

The inspector checks things like the lights, the reflectors and the brakes.

He also checks things like the horn, the tires and the wipers.

There are standards for each item inspected.

Now these things are the driver’s responsibility to maintain.

Unfortunately, when it comes to vehicles, we usually just hop in our cars and drive off.

That is why the state makes this annual inspection mandatory for all vehicles.

It hopes to cut down on the number of unsafe vehicles on the road.

Our lives are a bit like that.

We go through our daily routines often without a thought as to how our words and actions impact others.

From time to time we really need to inspect our words, our actions and our motivations as well.

We need to inspect these to standards as well.

The best standards for this kind of inspection for our lives can be found in “The Sermon on the Mount”.

This can be found in Matthew chapters 5 through 7.

Here Jesus tells us how we are to live.

Jesus begins with The Beatitudes and reminds us who is blessed.

He reminds us we are to be the salt of the earth and a light in this world.

He warns us of the dangers of anger and adultery.

He tells us to let go of revenge and embrace forgiveness.

He reminds us not only to give to those in need but how to go about it.

He tells us how we should pray and how to free ourselves from worry.

He reminds us that we must not judge others.

He tells us we should seek Him.

He warns us that there are true and false prophets.

He also warns us that there are true and false disciples.

He also advises us to be wise and put His words into action.

It is easy for us to get caught up in our daily routines.

When that happens, we need to stop for a moment and inspect our lives using the best of standards.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 26, 2017.

I’ll be back here on Friday, June 2, 2017

To Whom Shall We Listen?

In 2 Chronicles 18, we are told of the alliance between King Ahab of Israel and Jehoshaphat.

King Ahab desired to attack Ramoth Gilead,

He also wanted Jehoshaphat’s support.

Jehoshaphat said he would support Ahab but he also recommended consulting the Lord first.

King Ahab assembled 400 prophets and consulted them.

All 400 said to attack and the Lord would hand Ramoth Gilead over to him.

Jehoshaphat then asked if there was a not man of God nearby who could be consulted,

2 Chronicles 18:7-8 (NET) - The king of Israel answered Jehoshaphat, “There is still one man through whom we can seek the LORD’s will. But I despise him because he does not prophesy prosperity for me, but always disaster. His name is Micaiah son of Imlah. Jehoshaphat said, “The king should not say such things!” The king of Israel summoned an officer and said, “Quickly bring Micaiah son of Imlah.”

When the messenger arrived with Micaiah he tried to influence this man of God.

He informed Micaiah of the 400 consulted who guaranteed success for King Ahab.

He then ordered Micaiah to do the same.

2 Chronicles 16:13 (NET) - But Micaiah said, “As certainly as the LORD lives, I will say what my God tells me to say!”

Micaiah foretold disaster for King Ahab.

2 Chronicles 18:17 (NET) - The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Didn’t I tell you he does not prophesy prosperity for me, but disaster?”

Micaiah was struck in the jaw.

King Ahab ordered him to be imprisoned until he returned.

2 Chronicles 18:27 (NET) - Micaiah said, “If you really do return safely, then the LORD has not spoken through me!” Then he added, “Take note, all you people.”

King Ahab did not return alive.

Even though he was in disguise, he was struck by a random arrow and died as the sun was setting.

The Lord had spoken through Micaiah and not the 400 who gave King Ahab the answer he wanted to hear.

What about us?

To whom shall we listen?

Some tell us that if we follow the Lord then our prosperity is guaranteed.

Others promise that we can ask for anything in the world because it will be ours for the asking.

Do these things sound too good to be true?

That’s because they are.

Life is certainly better with Jesus than without Him.

Just remember the words of Jesus.

Make certain that you listen to Him.

Matthew 16:24-26 (NET) - Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what does it benefit a person if he gains the whole world but forfeits his life? Or what can a person give in exchange for his life?

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 24, 2017.

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

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

Does Forgiving Mean Forgetting?

There is an old saying that goes, “Forgive and forget.”

Scripture tells us plainly that we are to forgive others.

Matthew 6:14-15 (NET) - For if you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive you your sins.

It really does not get much plainer than that.

The question remains, “Does forgiving mean forgetting?”

On one hand the argument could be made that one should forget what one has forgiven.

God tells us in scripture that He does not remember our sins when we repent of them.

Isaiah 43:25 (NET) - I, I am the one who blots out your rebellious deeds for my sake; your sins I do not remember.

Of course, God is God and we are not.

Some things are really hard to forget.

Before I was born my mother experienced tragedy twice.

Her first child came into this world suffering a severe handicap.

Both she and my father did everything they could for this child.

Despite their best efforts, he died before reaching the age of two.

Mother’s second pregnancy ended in miscarriage.

Years went by and finally I came along when people my parents’ age were becoming grandparents.

So many times people told Mother, “So, you just decided to have the one child then.”

This hurt Mother.

Most simply did not realize the other heartaches Mother experienced.

She forgave, but she never forgot.

As I have grown older, forgiveness comes more easily.

Forgetting, however, is another matter.

Even Christians can hurt each other without really meaning to.

Years ago someone I know and love wanted to move forward on a plan.

I disagreed.

Without thought they responded with, “You just don’t have any faith!”

That may be one of the most hurtful things one Christian can say to another.

Did I forgive them?

Yes.

Have I forgotten?

Obviously, the answer is no.

Is it possible to forgive without forgetting?

I honestly believe that it is.

For example, a victim of crime should forgive.

If that victim forgets, he or she could be setting themselves up to be victimized all over again.

If a Christian is wounded by another’s words, he must forgive because that is what scripture tells him to do.

Remembering, however, just might prevent him from wounding another in the same way.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 28, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, November 4, 2016

A Real Gem

Each of my parents came from large families.

As a result, I grew up surrounded by many uncles and aunts.

I learned so much from each of them.

Each of them helped reinforce the lessons of faith and love my parents taught me.

Each did this through his or her actions and words.

I know the many cousins I have feel the same way.

Time moved on and one by one my parents and each of my aunts and uncles completed their earthly journeys.

This continued until only one of them remained.

I find it quite remarkable that her name was Pearl as we considered her a real gem from God.

Recently, she completed her earthly journey as well.

All those many uncles and aunts I grew up with are now gone.

But the lessons in faith and love they taught endure.

In one sense, an era has ended.

In that same sense another has already begun.

Now the young look to us to reinforce lessons in faith and love.

These are lessons that we must teach with our actions as well as with our words.

We must teach them in whatever time God in his infinite wisdom sees fit to give us.

Deuteronomy 32:2 (NET) - My teaching will drop like the rain, my sayings will drip like the dew, as rain drops upon the grass, and showers upon new growth.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 14, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, October 21, 2016

Living Our Faith

I pass several churches along my commute.

From time to time I see drivers breaking traffic laws as they enter or leave their parking lots.

I realize not every driver entering or leaving those lots attends those churches, but stay with me.

Along my commute I also encounter many drivers violating the established traffic laws.

Some of these same drivers have Christian bumper stickers or decals on their cars.

Inconsistent behavior is not merely confined to the roads.

I was in the store the other day.

I was awaiting my turn in the checkout line just like everyone else.

Someone in line was complaining quite loudly about what they considered poor service.

They even spoke harshly about the cashier.

Unfortunately, the person complaining was wearing a T-shirt promoting the church they attended.

Not one of us is perfect.

That includes me.

Yet when we go to the effort to make others aware of our faith, others will watch us more closely.

Some like nothing better than to see us slip up simply to further justify their lack of faith.

Making others aware of our faith is a good thing.

We can certainly do that with tangible things like T-shirts and bumper stickers.

We also need to make certain our behavior reflects our faith as well.

Galatians 5:22-23 (NET) - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 23, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, October 7, 2016

Like One of Your Own

The corporation for which I work occasionally asks us to provide office space for people that technically do not work for our office.

This is due to our location.

That was an extremely unique concept for me when I first encountered it.

Providing these individuals with office space also means providing them with technical support as required.

That is where I come in.

Providing technical support is a service I provide for the people that work for our office.

It simply stands to reason that I need to provide technical support for these individuals well.

Times like these make me glad I am a Christian.

Being a Christian has helped me in many ways.

For example, it has taught me patience.

It has also taught me to set aside the task I am working on when others need my help.

In the case of employees that work for other offices it reminds me to be a friend.

Both the Old and New Testaments remind us to love our neighbor.

The book of Leviticus reminds us how we are to treat those who are not technically a part of our group.

Leviticus 19:33-34 (NET) - When a foreigner resides with you in your land, you must not oppress him. The foreigner who resides with you must be to you like a native citizen among you; so you must love him as yourself, because you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God

Being a Christian makes me realize that in providing support for these individuals I have more personal contact with them than anyone else.

It also makes me realize that it takes time for people to settle in and feel at home.

As I reflect on these words from Leviticus, I think of the days many years ago when I first began working at this office.

Being new, the people I now call friends, did not know me at all.

Over time relationships were established and strengthened but it had to start with one individual making the first move.

In this type of situation, I have a better opportunity than anyone else to make that first move.

I have responsibilities as a professional.

I have even bigger ones as a Christian.

John 15:12 (NET) - My commandment is this—to love one another just as I have loved you.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 12, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, August 19, 2016

Because I Said So

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

They tell their children what they should do.

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

They also tell their children what they should not do.

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

Children will usually ask, “Why?”

Early on, parents will explain their reasoning.

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

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

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

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

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

Eventually the patience of the parents runs out.

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

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

Scripture is pretty clear on what is acceptable.

It is also pretty clear on what is unacceptable.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

An Open Letter to Fathers

Fathers:

Some of you know me quite well.

Some of you know me socially.

Many of you do not know me at all.

Regardless of the nature of our relationship, I know that as fathers you are concerned about your children.

I appreciate your concern especially in these times.

I have no direct experience with the responsibilities that accompany fatherhood.

That said I am well aware that all men, including me, have responsibilities where children are concerned.

Fathers teach their children with words and by example.

I might not teach your children with words, but I hope I can teach them by example.

If we attend the same church, there are things your children will see.

They will see me coming out of my Sunday school class.

They will see me at Vacation Bible School serving in some way.

They will see me participating in Christmas programs and attending rehearsals.

They will see me helping out during church in one capacity or another.

There are also some things neither you nor they ever see.

You will never see the hours I spend in committee meetings which help direct the course of their education.

You will never see me when I come in on the occasional Saturday to set up and test equipment for their use in Sunday school.

You will never see the hours of preparation and research that go into my ministries.

Some of you do not attend my church.

In fact, many of you do not know me at all.

My responsibility to your children is equally important.

Whenever I am out in public I know that there is always a chance a child might be observing me.

Your child might notice my behavior or interaction with others.

Having been a child myself, I am well aware that children are not fooled by hypocrisy.

If I should speak or behave inappropriately in a public setting, I could potentially damage valuable lessons you are trying to teach them.

I might not be a father but I am a man.

That is a role I take very seriously.

Although I have no children of my own, scripture reminds me how special all children are to the Lord.

Luke 18:16-17 (NET) - But Jesus called for the children, saying, “Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”

Because all children are special to Him, they are special to me.

That includes your children.

No matter how well you know me, I want to be the kind of male role model for your children that other men were for me.

As fathers, you are concerned about your children.

That goes with the territory.

I appreciate that concern.

When Father’s Day comes on Sunday your children might give you a gift to express their love for you.

There is nothing I can give you that can equal that.

What I hope I have given you is one less thing to worry about.

I wish you a happy and blessed Father’s Day.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 24, 2016.

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