In a Word

Psalm 33:6 (NET) - By the Lord’s decree the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all the starry hosts.

Here, the Psalmist writes of God’s role in creation.

In verse six, he echoes the words first recorded in Genesis.

Genesis initially tells of God’s creation of the heavens and the earth.

Although the Psalmist focuses on the heavens, there is one thing common to both.

God simply speaks and creation results.

One word from God, and it is so.

Moreover, God looks upon His creation and calls it good.

This illustrates God’s awesome power.

First, God speaks.

Next, what God speaks comes into being.

And what is created is exactly the way God intends it.

When Paul arrived in Athens, he noticed that the people served many idols.

He also spoke with the people about Jesus and the resurrection.

This was something new and exciting to the Athenians who were curious for more.

In his travels, Paul saw an altar dedicated to an unknown god.

Paul used this sighting to reach the people.

He told them they were worshipping without even knowing it.

Paul told them about God and the universe He created.

He also reminded them that God does not live in temples.

Paul then explained why this is so.

Acts 17:25 (NET) - nor is he served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives life and breath and everything to everyone.

The universe was created through the breath of God when He spoke.

You and I have our existence through that same breath.

As we continue our journey through Lent, let us remember Paul’s teaching.

When Paul spoke about Jesus and the resurrection, the Athenians were amazed.

We should feel the same kind of amazement.

We should also remember that God created our fellow man.

Therefore, we should be concerned about his struggles and needs.

True, we should pray for God’s intercession.

But we should also pray for God to show us what role He means for us to play in the world.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, March 25, 2022.

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

Testimonies

Exodus 15:11 (NET) - Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, fearful in praises, working wonders?

Testimony is defined as “evidence or proof provided by the existence or appearance of something.”

If so, then the Scriptures are a collection of individual testimonies.

These words from Exodus provide a good example.

They are words from a song that Moses and the people sang to the Lord.

They sang these words in praise of the Lord who delivered them.

This is their testimony.

They praised the Lord who delivered them from bondage.

They also praised the Lord who delivered them from Pharoah’s chariots.

Those who oppressed and pursued the people worshipped many false gods.

But it was the one true God who triumphed, delivering His people.

In the prologue of John’s first letter, he also gives his testimony.

He speaks of what he has seen, heard, and touched regarding the word of life.

1 John 1:2 (NET) - and the life was revealed, and we have seen and testify and announce to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us.

The people, prophets and apostles testify about God.

As we enter the season of Lent, let us be grateful for these testimonies which guide us.

Through these words, we witness faithfulness.

We also witness God’s unconditional love.

God extends that same love to us and everyone around us.

The season of Lent also reminds us of Christ’s journey to the cross.

Nothing testifies to God’s love more than this unselfish act.

But, thanks to the testimonies recorded for us in Scripture, we have hope.

For beyond the cross lies an empty tomb and there is no better reason for us to give thanks!

There is no better reason for us to give praise!

There is no better reason to share our own testimony.

And there is no better reason (or time) for us to share God’s love in Christ with others!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, March 11, 2022.

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