Seeing Divinity in Creation

In Isaiah 37, Hezekiah consulted with Jeremiah,

Afterward, Hezekiah went to the house of the Lord to pray.

In this prayer, Hezekiah, recognized that God is the creator of all things.

Isaiah 37:16 (NRSVue) - O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, who are enthroned above the cherubim, you are God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth.

In the first chapter of John, we are told that the Word became Flesh.

We are also told that Christ took an active role in creation.

John 1:3a (NRSVue) - All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being.

The late Billy Graham explained the relationship of the Trinity like this: “The Father is the source of all blessing, and the Son is the channel of all blessing. It is through the Holy Spirit at work in us that all truth becomes living and operative in our lives.”

We are creations of the Triune God.

And through the Holy Spirit, we gain wisdom.

And, because of that wisdom, we can recognize the Triune God in all aspects of life.

We can even recognize the spark of the divine in others.

This enables us to live according to the will of the Triune God.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, September 12, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, September 19, 2025

What's the Good Word?

Numbers 6 contains the Priestly Benediction.

The word benediction originates from the Latin words "bene" (well) and "dicere" (to speak).

This “good word” is still spoken at the conclusion of worship services today.

The Priestly Benediction goes back to the time of Moses and Arron and begins…

Numbers 6:24 (NRSVue) - The Lord bless you and keep you;

In Matthew 28, Jesus commissions the disciples.

This commission has both instruction and a promise.

Matthew 28:20 (NRSVue) - and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The Benediction and the commission have reminders for us.

In God, we find refuge.

Even when life seems chaotic, God’s love for us never falters.

We can trust His promises no matter how ancient those promises are.

God remains faithful, and Christ is with us to the end of the age.

All we need to do is to trust.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, August 22, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, September 5, 2025

Sharing the Complete Truth

Psalm 44 has been described as a prayer and a lament.

Beginning in verse 1, the psalmist acknowledges the awe and wonder of God.

Psalm 44:1 (NRSVue) - We have heard with our ears, O God; our ancestors have told us what deeds you performed in their days, in the days of old:

Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, gave him sound instruction on how to teach.

But he also left him with a warning.

2 Timothy 4:3 (NRSVue) - For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound teaching, but, having their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires

And Paul’s warning is a good reminder for our modern world.

Some teachers and even some ministers are selective about what to discuss and how to discuss it.

God should always fill us with awe.

His deeds should still amaze us.

And the Bible stands the test of time and is the source of truth.

It should still strike a chord within us.

And that same chord should resonate among believers.

It should also resonate within the hearts and minds of those who teach and preach the Word of God.

We should always share the complete truth of God’s deeds with others.

Just like those who preceded us shared it with us.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, August 8, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, August 15, 2025

Pleasing God by Keeping His Word

Leviticus 22 discusses acceptable offerings.

It also reminds us that we are to do what God commands and why.

Leviticus 22:31 (NRSVue) - Thus you shall keep my commandments and observe them: I am the Lord.

In John 14, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to His disciples.

Jesus also gives a similar reminder.

John 14:23 (NRSVue) - Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.

But how does one keep the word?

How does one keep the commandments?

Jesus explains this in Mark 22.

Mark 22:37-40 (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.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

If we could fully obey these two commandments, we would be fully keeping them all.

And, in doing so we would be living like Enoch.

Genesis 5:22a (NRSVue) - Enoch walked with God.

Hebrews 11:5 (NRSVue) - By faith Enoch was taken so that he did not experience death, and “he was not found, because God had taken him.” For it was attested before he was taken away that “he had pleased God.”

Keep God’s word.

Love God and love your neighbor.

In this way, we walk with and please God.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, July 25, 2025.

Dependence Day

The Fourth of July is also known as Independence Day.

It is a day set aside to celebrate freedom.

This celebration will include parades, barbecues, and end with fireworks.

But what does true independence mean?

Scripture leads us to a rather surprising answer to that question.

Psalm 73 is a prayer for relief from oppression.

In verse 26, the psalmist acknowledges his physical and spiritual anxiety.

But even in such a crisis, he knows to whom he can turn.

Psalm 73:26 (NRSVue) - My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Revelation 3 contains messages to the various churches,

One of these is the church in Philadelphia.

Revelation 3:7 (NRSVue) - And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of the Holy One, the True One, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens:

Some put it this way: “When God closes one door, He opens another.”

Speaking from personal experience, this is true.

Many doors have closed in my lifetime.

But just as true, many have opened as well.

This includes a door I stepped through almost three years ago.

It was not a door I anticipated or planned.

It was a door that God led me to and opened for me.

God knows us not only as a people but as individual people.

And His mercies are tailor made for each individual.

There are times when God closes doors, and we have a tough time dealing with that.

And although difficult for us to see, God also opens doors for us appropriate for us in His service.

So, are we independent?

The answer depends on how dependent we are on God.

Those truly dependent on God follow His leading.

They are among the most liberated of all.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, July 11, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, July 18, 2025

A Return to Wisdom

 Proverbs is indeed a book of wisdom.

 Although written centuries ago, Proverbs 15 still provides wisdom for the modern age.

 Proverbs 15:1 (NRSVue) - A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

 Paul, in his second letter to Timothy offers encouragement and sound advice.

 And though centuries old, Paul’s words provide wisdom for the modern era as well.

 2 Timothy 1:13– (NRSVue) - Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

 Today’s headlines literally scream conflict.

 There is conflict in our streets and on our college campuses.

 There is conflict between our leaders.

 There is even conflict between nations.

 If ever there was a time for wisdom that stands the test of time, surely that time is now,

 I pray that God would grant people, leaders, and nations the wisdom to respond to hostility with soft answers.

 I pray that people, leaders, and nations will return to sound teaching.

 I pray that people, leaders, and nations will remember the importance of faith.

 Speaking for myself, I am under no obligation to agree with everyone.

 I am not told to either condone or adopt their practices.

 But Christ makes it clear that I am obligated to love my neighbors even when I disagree with them.

 Mark 12:31a (NRSVue) - The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

  

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, June 13, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, June 20, 2025

Forgive Us Our Debt

In Psalm 116, the Psalmist gives thanks for a recovery from illness.

Psalm 116:1 (NRSVue) - I love the Lord because he has heard my voice and my supplications.

But illness if not the only time we should earnestly seek God.

In Matthew 18, Jesus tells the parable of the unforgiving servant.

In the first part of the parable, a master called together his servants who were in his debt.

One who was severely in debt, begged for mercy.

Matthew 18:26-27– (NRSVue) - So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt.

We are burdened by sin.

Like the slave in the parable, we earnestly seek God’s salvation.

Like the Psalmist, we offer our supplication to God.

God healed the Psalmist.

And like the servant in debt, God forgives us.

Although we do not deserve it, God delivers us from our sin.

God grants us the healing salvation we desperately need through Christ.

And we would do well to remember just how great a debt we are forgiven.

We should also forgive others for their debts.

Matthew 6:12 (NRSVue) - And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, May 9, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, May 16, 2025

Intelligence, Wisdom, and Pride

In Jeremiah 8, the prophet speaks on the perverse nature of the nation.

He speaks of those who consider themselves wise.

In truth, they are not.

They have manipulated the Word to suit their own desires.

Jeremiah 8:9 (NRSVue) - The wise shall be put to shame; they shall be dismayed and taken; since they have rejected the word of the Lord, what wisdom is in them?

In Paul’s first letter to Corinth, he writes of the cross and the wisdom of God.

Just as in Jeremiah’s time, there were those in Paul’s time who deemed themselves wise.

They relied on their own intelligence and neglected the wisdom that comes from God.

1 Corinthians 1:20 – (NRSVue) - Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scholar? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

What about us in the modern world?

Perhaps we are intelligent.

But the words intelligent and wise do not mean the same thing.

Intelligence describes the capacity to gain new knowledge.

True wisdom comes from God and can be gleaned from his Word.

Those who are granted wisdom by God seek to use that wisdom properly.

That means applying it in a way that aligns with God’s will.

A big part of wisdom involves time.

It means listening for God to call us to a purpose and then pursuing that call.

But the moment we seek to do things our way rather than His, we become unwise.

And that is one of the reasons that Scripture repeatedly warns us about pride.

We must not allow the arrogance of our intelligence to take over from the wisdom God gives us.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, April 25, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, May 2, 2025

Since the Beginning

Hannah was without children, and this distressed her greatly.

She was so distressed that Eli the priest mistook her prayers for drunkenness. 

Hannah replied that she was not drunk.

She explained she had poured out her soul before the Lord.

Hearing this, Eli told her to depart in peace.

God heard Hannah’s prayer and answered it with a son named Samuel.

In gratitude, Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord.

She also exalted the Lord in prayer as recorded in 1 Samuel.

In that prayer, Hannah recognized both God’s complete sovereignty and His role in creation.

1 Samuel 2:8b (NET) - The foundations of the earth belong to the Lord—he placed the world on them.

This certainly is not the only time scripture reminds us of God’s role as Creator.

Of course, there is the creation account as recorded in Genesis.

The Psalmist reminds us as well.

Psalm 8:3 (NET) - When I look up at the heavens, which your fingers made, and see the moon and the stars, which you set in place,

Then there is God’s response to Job.

Job 38:4 (NET) - “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you possess understanding.

Yes, scripture provides numerous reminders that God is the creator of all.

Christ was also present during creation.

In fact, John opens his gospel with this reminder.

John 1:1-3 (NET) - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God. The Word was with God in the beginning. All things were created by him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.

But John adds even more.

John 1:4-5 (NET) - In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. And the light shines on in the darkness, but the darkness has not mastered it

How fortunate we are to receive this account.

The world created for us is beautiful.

But God loved us so much that He also gave us His Son who was there from the beginning.

Jesus is the Light of the World that has overcome the darkness.

He has overcome the darkness that once surrounded us.

He has also overcome the darkness within us.

God is deserving of our praise and our gratitude.

So may we, like Hannah, exalt God in prayer.

And may God find our exaltation both sincere and pleasing.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 27, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, June 3, 2022

Kindness, Compassion, Forgiveness

The Resurrection reminds us that we live in a new covenant.

But even the Old Testament reminds us of just how the Lord wants us to live.

It tells us how we were meant to live with one another.

For example, the prophet Zechariah delivered a message from God.

In that message, we are told what displeases the Lord.

Zechariah 8:17 (NET) - Do not plan evil in your hearts against one another. Do not favor a false oath—these are all things that I hate,’ says the Lord.

So, the Lord detests the planning of evil.

The Lord also detests lying.

In fact, we take offense when people do these things to us.

We also find it difficult to forgive such offenses.

But when we do these things to others, we often do not feel regret.

In fact, we find creative ways of justifying our actions.

And such practices become second nature in time.

In contrast, Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, tells us about what pleases the Lord.

Ephesians 4:32 (NET) - Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.

Paul reminds us that kindness and compassion pleases the Lord.

If we are truly kind and compassionate, we must not do things that hurt others.

Additionally, Paul reminds us that we must forgive one another.

After all, God has already forgiven us through Christ.

When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we ask of God: “forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.”

As human beings, we often find forgiveness difficult.

But the most worthwhile endeavors are rarely successful when we try to do them alone.

The good news is that we do not have to rely on our own strength.

With God’s help, we can learn to forgive others just as we have been forgiven.

We can also learn to be kind and compassionate.

Ironically, the world that we live in believes these are signs of weakness.

But they are really qualities of strength.

And this strength is not of our own making.

Rather, it is an internal strength born of our relationship with the Lord.

A relationship made possible by Christ.

And that same Christ demonstrated both how we should live and how we should treat others.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 13, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, May 20, 2022

Hope and Confidence

Psalm 31:24 (NET) - Be strong and confident, all you who wait on the Lord.

We are now in what is known as Holy Week.

It is during this week that we focus upon a portion of Christ’s journey,

Specifically, the portion of the journey that led to the cross and a borrowed tomb.

But three days later, His disciples would find that same tomb empty.

Christ arose just as He said He would, thus He is exactly who He claims to be.

The Psalmist’s words remind us to be both strong and confident while we wait on the Lord.

We can be strong and confident because of grace.

God grants us this grace through the risen Christ.

Paul echoes this sentiment in his letter to the Romans.

Romans 5:2 (NET) - through whom we have also obtained access into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of God’s glory.

Paul reminds us of grace.

He also reminds us that we can rejoice in hope.

We will celebrate this hope Sunday.

We celebrate the fact that the tomb was found empty.

We celebrate the fact that Christ arose just as He said He would.

And, as a result, we can be strong and confident while we wait on the Lord.

God keeps His promises.

And, when we need it, He can inspire strength and confidence in us.

God’s love is eternal.

As we continue our journey through Holy Week, let us be mindful of these things.

If we are, we too can bring strength to those who are feeling weak.

We too can bring confidence to those who feel downhearted.

And we can certainly offer our love to those who feel unloved.

After all, God wants them to have the same hope he has graciously given to us.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

I will be back here on Friday, May 6, 2022

Fools

April 1^st is commonly known as April Fools’ Day.

Some may refer to it by its older name: All Fool’s Day.

It is a day on which many people play practical jokes on their unsuspecting friends.

This is usually done in a spirit of fun.

But, when you get down to it, being a fool is a serious matter.

Scripture gives us numerous reminders about the dangers of being a fool.

Jesus told a parable about the difference between hearing and doing.

While many hear His words, not as many live by them.

To this, Jesus offers a stern warning.

Matthew 7:26-27 (NET) - Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the flood came, and the winds beat against that house, and it collapsed—it was utterly destroyed!

The Old Testament also cautions against being a fool.

The Book of Proverbs cautions against speaking foolishly.

Proverbs 18:7 (NET) - The mouth of a fool is his ruin, and his lips are a snare for his life.

The Book of Ecclesiastes cautions against the foolishness of anger.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 (NET) - Do not let yourself be quickly provoked, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

Perhaps the sternest warning regarding foolishness is recorded in Psalm 14.

Psalm 14:1 (NET) - Fools say to themselves, “There is no God.” They sin and commit evil deeds; none of them does what is right.

This was true in the time of the Psalmist.

It remains true in our time.

Many choose to believe there is no God.

Some prefer to think that they are in command of their lives and destinies.

Some choose to believe that this world is all that there is.

Some even choose to believe that nothing at all matters.

But what we choose to believe does matter.

And whom we choose to believe in matters most of all.

The Psalmist addresses this also.

Psalm 14:2 (NET) - The Lord looks down from heaven at the human race, to see if there is anyone who is wise and seeks God.

We find the times in which we live to be chaotic.

Headlines warn us of disease, warfare, sanctions, and shortages.

So, what we choose to believe and whom we choose to believe in really does matter.

Do not be fooled.

More importantly, do not be a fool.

In the end, the choice is ours to make.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Divine Inheritance

Psalm 108:1 (NET) - I am determined, O God. I will sing and praise you with my whole heart.

Here, the Psalmist is brimming with confidence.

This is evident in his opening words: “I am determined.”

Therefore, he will confidently sing and praise God with his entire being.

The remainder of Psalm 108 bears this out.

Confidence and determination come from God.

But why would God give us these qualities?

Paul speaks of this in his letter to the Colossians.

This can be found in his prayer for the growth of the church.

Colossians 1:11-12 (NET) - being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might for the display of all patience and steadfastness, joyfully giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light.

When the news of Colossian believers reached Paul, he began praying for them.

Paul prayed for God to grant them knowledge, wisdom and understanding.

This would allow them to grow and please God.

Paul understood that God would grant them strength and patience to live according to His will.

As believers and part of the growing church they could claim the inheritance of the saints.

Such an inheritance is eternal.

Centuries after Paul’s letter, we too are part of the Church.

The Church I refer to is not any denomination.

Rather, it is the entire body of believers (past, present, and future) with Christ as its head.

Because of God’s love for us, we also share in this inheritance.

This is a gift given to us out of love and not something we earned.

Like the Colossians, God grants us knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.

Therefore we, like David, can confidently sing and praise God.

And, with God’s help, we can lead others to Jesus.

Then they can become inheritors as well.

Remarkably, our share of this inheritance never diminishes.

That is because the inheritance of the saints, like God’s love, is limitless.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

God's Will?

Psalm 34:1 (NET) - I will praise the Lord at all times; my mouth will continually praise him.

Psalm 34 is attributed to David.

In verse one, he states that he will praise the Lord continuously.

That means praising the Lord even when things are not going well.

Praising the Lord when circumstances are in our favor is one thing.

In fact, it is rather easy.

Praising Him during times of loss and tragedy is another matter.

Is it even conceivable that one could praise the Lord when a loved one dies?

Can a person praise the Lord when they have lost their sole means of income?

Is praising the Lord at all possible when a person hits rock bottom?

According to Paul, it is possible.

It is, in fact, God’s will!

Paul says so in his first letter to the Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NET) - Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Paul echoes David’s words.

But Paul goes a step further.

Paul reminds his readers that this is “God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

This is God’s will for us as well.

We will encounter both good times and challenging times throughout our lives.

But, no matter what happens, we should always praise the Lord.

Yes, that even applies if we should hit rock bottom.

For when all else is lost, one understands that God is truly essential.

2 Samuel 6 reminds us of the time when David and his men brought back the ark of the covenant.

David danced in the streets.

This angered Saul’s daughter because she thought David looked foolish.

She was probably not the only one.

When we praise God under adverse conditions, people might think we act and sound foolish as well.

But when a loved one dies, we can praise God for their love and lasting influence.

When we lose our job, we can praise God for friendships created and opportunities ahead.

And, if we hit rock bottom, we can praise God for reminding us that He is all we need.

So always praise God.

Pray and give Him thanks for all circumstances.

As Paul says: “For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

I will be back here on Friday, February 18, 2022

We Need the Good Shepherd

Micah 7:14a (NET) - Shepherd your people with your rod,

The prophet begins the chapter by lamenting the sins of the people.

He follows this with words of vindication.

He concludes with a prayer in which he asks for a shepherd.

The prophet understood how important it was for us to have a shepherd.

Scripture makes many comparisons between people and sheep.

But these comparisons are not necessarily flattering.

I personally know people who currently raise these animals.

The insights they have shared with me have proven quite revealing.

To begin with, sheep are basically helpless.

Left unprotected, they easily fall victim to predators.

Sheep are also quite stubborn.

They have minds of their own and will stray if permitted.

Sheep also need attention.

To thrive, sheep require direction.

To be honest, people share these same characteristics.

Jesus understood this and explained this to his disciples.

John 10:4 (NET) - When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.

Like sheep, we are basically weak.

We also have a stubborn streak a mile wide.

Left on our own, we wander and stray.

But we were meant to thrive.

But to do so, we, like our wooly friends, need a shepherd.

Fortunately for us, Jesus is no ordinary shepherd, He is the Good Shepherd!

Because of this, we are truly blessed.

Jesus knows us intimately; better than we know ourselves.

We know His voice and respond to it.

Regardless of where life takes us, Jesus lovingly guides us every step of the way.

Life does not have to be dangerous, chaotic, and meaningless.

We just require the Good Shepherd.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Epiphanies Continue

Matthew 2:7-11 (NET) - Then Herod privately summoned the wise men and determined from them when the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and look carefully for the child. When you find him, inform me so that I can go and worship him as well.” After listening to the king they left, and once again the star they saw when it rose led them until it stopped above the place where the child was. When they saw the star they shouted joyfully. As they came into the house and saw the child with Mary his mother, they bowed down and worshiped him. They opened their treasure boxes and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

According to the Christian calendar, January 6 is known as Epiphany.

Some regions refer to it as Three Kings Day.

But regardless of the name used, the day represents one thing.

Epiphany means the manifestation of Christ to the world.

But the Bible does not lay out a specific timetable of events.

Through the course of time, human beings have managed to fill in the blanks.

But we have not necessarily done a decent job of filling them in.

To begin with, people assume there were three wise men because there were three gifts.

In fact, the wise men were probably part of a large group.

The journey for them was both long and dangerous.

A small party would likely have been preyed upon by bandits or robbers.

We also assume that the wise men arrived on the night Christ was born.

The nativity scenes put on display typically depict them that way.

In truth, Jesus was likely around the age of two when they arrived.

This is most clearly explained in Matthew’s gospel.

Matthew 22:16 (NET) - When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he became enraged. He sent men to kill all the children in Bethlehem and throughout the surrounding region from the age of two and under, according to the time he had learned from the wise men.

Despite the uncertainties and errors, one thing is remarkably clear.

The manifestation of Christ we celebrate was foretold in remarkable clarity centuries before.

Isaiah 60: 6 (NET) - Camel caravans will cover your roads, young camels from Midian and Ephah. All the merchants of Sheba will come, bringing gold and incense and singing praises to the Lord.

Just like the wise men of old, people still seek Jesus.

The wise men had the light of a star to guide them to the right place.

Today, those of us who are fortunate have found Him.

We have a responsibility to help guide others who still seek Him.

With God’s help, we too can be a light that guides others.

1 John 1:7 (NET) - But if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

We continue to celebrate Epiphany.

But individual epiphanies still occur.

That too is cause for celebration!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Not By Chance

We live in a marvelous universe.

A universe that testifies to the existence of a designer.

Yet there are still those who cling to the notion that the universe and all in it are the result of chance.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

God created everything.

Genesis 1:1 (NET) - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

He created us in His image.

Genesis 1:27 (NET) - God created humankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them.

The Psalmist understood that he was part of a designed creation.

Psalm 139:16 (NET) - Your eyes saw me when I was inside the womb. All the days ordained for me were recorded in your scroll before one of them came into existence.

The prophet Jeremiah understood that his role was part of that design.

Jeremiah 1:4-5 (NET) - The Lord’s message came to me, “Before I formed you in your mother’s womb I chose you. Before you were born I set you apart. I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations.”

In fact, all life points to a divine hand.

Job 12:7-10 (NET) - But now, ask the animals and they will teach you, or the birds of the sky and they will tell you. Or speak to the earth and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea declare to you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all the human race.

Yet people still cling to the notion that the entire universe is governed by chance.

But God is a god of reason.

1 Corinthians 14:33 (NET) - for God is not characterized by disorder but by peace.

Even the forms of technology we use daily remind us of the importance of design.

It takes teams of people to design complex pieces of technology.

Everything from cell phones to space stations are planned and executed down to the smallest detail.

These things cannot come into existence by chance.

What does that say for us?

We are more complex than any form of technology.

We simply cannot be products of chance.

Nor are those with whom we come into contact.

Jesus reminded us to love our neighbor.

Perhaps recognizing that our neighbor was designed by God would help.

After all, we were both made in His image.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 14, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, February 21, 2020

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

A Bigger Plate

On Sunday, one of our young people was confirmed.

I enjoy Confirmation services for many reasons.

First, they remind me of my own Confirmation service many years ago.

Second, the words written by those confirmed give me hope for the future.

Third, it is always interesting to see which passages of scripture mean the most to them.

Finally, it is interesting to hear their responses to two questions.

One, what do you expect the church to provide you?

And two, what do you expect to provide the church?

Frankly, those are questions we need to ask ourselves as we journey through life.

As time goes by our answers will undoubtedly change,

This makes for an excellent barometer for our spiritual walk throughout life.

I was delighted to hear this young lady’s responses.

I was also delighted in her choice of scripture.

Among them is one I would have chosen myself.

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

This young lady, indeed, all our young people give me hope.

Through that hope, I remain optimistic about the future.

As I reflect on my own Confirmation service decades ago, I think about something else.

One day, these young people will look back.

I hope they remember these days… and us… fondly.

One more thing.

I wonder if this young lady holds another passage of scripture as highly as I do.

Luke 12:48b (NET) - From everyone who has been given much, much will be required, and from the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be asked.

Very probably.

They go hand in hand.

Sometimes, when you think you cannot fit one more thing on your plate, God surprises you.

He doesn’t remove anything from your plate.

Sometimes, He simply gives you a bigger plate.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 8, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, November 15, 2019

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