Goodbye... for the Moment

Change occurs in everyone’s life and my life is no exception. Recently, God opened new doors and new avenues of service for me for which I am grateful. Very recently, I could see His hand at work as a new door opened. Unfortunately, there is currently not enough time for me to do all the things I would like to do. After prayerful consideration, I am taking a short leave from both this site and my own. I feel that if I cannot give these my best effort, then I would be shortchanging both myself and anyone who reads them. I do plan to return as I am certainly not the same person I was when I started down this path almost 13 years ago. I also realize that many people promise such things but fail to follow through on them. But I strongly believe that God led me to explore this new path more fully. With His continued help, I will be able to bear fruit in the way He has prepared for me. And, trusting in His guidance, I will know when it is time for me to resume this ministry again which I hope will be soon.

Proverbs 16:9 (GNT) - You may make your plans, but God directs your actions.

Until we meet here again.

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Love Must Prevail

The Lord instructed Jeremiah to address the king of Judah, his ministers, and the people.

Jeremiah spoke with integrity.

Jeremiah 22:3 (GNT) - “I, the Lord, command you to do what is just and right. Protect the person who is being cheated from the one who is cheating him. Do not mistreat or oppress aliens, orphans, or widows; and do not kill innocent people in this holy place.

To the modern ear, these commands sound like common sense.

But, as Jeremiah made clear, there was wickedness in their hearts.

As time moved on, wickedness remained in the world.

Paul addressed this in his letter to the Romans.

Paul stressed the importance of sincere love.

He instructed his readers to retain what is good.

He also reminded them to hate what is evil.

Romans 12:9 (GNT) Love must be completely sincere. Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good.

Returning to our modern era, we realize that circumstances have not changed all that much.

Evil still exists,

People continue to be cheated.

Oppression is still around.

The words of Jeremiah and Paul continue to call out to us.

The evils of the world can be overcome.

And the way to overcome them is through love.

With God’s help we can learn to sincerely love and serve our neighbor.

We can reach out to those whom society has deemed unworthy.

We must hate what is evil and not merely dislike it.

We must cling to what is good.

And we must follow the example of Jesus.

John 14:21 (GNT) - “Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. My Father will love those who love me; I too will love them and reveal myself to them.”

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

 

Sight Versus Vision

Psalm 38 is a prayer.

It is the prayer of one who suffers.

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

After pouring out his heart, the Psalmist cries out.

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

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

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

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

When Bartimaeus learns of this, he cries out.

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

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

But Bartimaeus cries out even more.

Jesus hears and responds.

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

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

Jesus asks what it is that Bartimaeus wants of Him.

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

What a remarkable exchange.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In his persistence, Bartimaeus is healed.

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

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

What about us?

What about our vision?

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

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

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Both Creation and Child

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The will of God certainly reigns in heaven.

That same will must also reign here on Earth.

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

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

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

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

Yet there are those who want their will to prevail.

They are the pot that questions the potter.

This is not a good place to be.

I am reminded of the words of C.S. Lewis who wrote: “There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, 'All right, then, have it your way.”

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

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

But God is much more.

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Strength Through Love

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

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

Even when things seemed darkest, the Lord came through.

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

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

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

Paul also encouraged mutual acceptance between Jews and Gentiles.

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

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

Like the Psalmist, we too will encounter challenging times.

But we will find the strength to move forward.

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

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

God remains the God of salvation.

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

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

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

For they, like us, require that same strength.

They, like us, need hope.

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

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

It's a God Thing

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

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

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

This also benefits those online who worship with us.

I also teach a Sunday school class for adults.

I try to challenge my students and promote discussion.

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

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

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

It is there that he encountered the risen Christ.

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

This was reflected in our Gospel lesson from Luke.

Jesus was dining at the home of a Pharisee.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Those without faith would say that this is simply coincidence.

But those with faith realize that there is no coincidence.

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

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

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

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

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

For God is more than just a casual observer.

God is engaged in everything.

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

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Songs From the Heart

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

Singing is a form of praise.

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

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

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

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

Some have been given the gift of music.

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

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

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

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

Despite this, I will sing.

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

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

David was a man after God’s own heart.

In fact, God said as much.

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

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

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

The procession ended and people returned to their homes.

When David returned home, Michal questioned his judgment.

David explained his actions.

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

Singing is a form of praise.

It does not matter so much how well we sing.

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

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

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

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Children of God

Malachi 2:10a (NKJV) - Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us?

The prophets spoke on God’s behalf to the people,

It is therefore appropriate that Malachi means “my messenger.”

He emerged when the commitment of the people to God was in decline.

Malachi instructed the people to demonstrate greater faithfulness to God.

He also reminded them that God was the God of all.

Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, reminded them of this.

He also reminded them how they were to treat others.

Philippians 2:3 (NET) - Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself.

Paul stressed the importance of Christian unity,

When Christ came into this world, He also reminded us how to treat others.

More importantly, He demonstrated this for us.

In the book of Matthew (which immediately follows Malachi), Christ was asked a question.

An expert in the law tried to trap Jesus with a trick question.

Matthew 22:36 (NET) - “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”

The two-fold response from Jesus must have surprised the expert.

Matthew 22:37-40 (NET) - Jesus said to him, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”

Malachi, Paul, and other contributors to the Bible remind us how we are meant to treat others.

More importantly, Christ Himself commands us to love them.

To do so, we must first allow God, the creator of all, to open our minds and our hearts.

Then we can truly see that everyone we encounter is a child of God.

We can then truly follow the words of Jesus.

We can unconditionally love those we encounter in our journeys.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 12, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, August 19, 2022

Struggle, Strength, and Example

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

Here, the prophet declared his confidence in the Lord.

Regardless of circumstances, he could rejoice.

He understood that deliverance was of the Lord.

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

Paul recognized this.

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

He also discussed the challenges and adversities Timothy would face.

People deserted the faith.

They adopted strange beliefs and practices.

But Paul reminded Timothy that he had to remain strong.

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

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

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

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

Much of this information we know not to be true.

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

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

Fortunately, we have scripture.

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

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

But we must remain firm in our faith and persevere.

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

We have hope in the living God.

We can turn to Christ and hear His words,

We can also follow His example.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Accepting Discipline

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

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

But God never abandoned them.

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

Their clothing never wore out.

Their feet never swelled.

Wandering was God’s way of disciplining His people.

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

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

The same was true for the followers of Christ.

They too had to learn discipline.

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

Christ taught his disciples.

But His teaching was not limited to words.

Christ also taught them by example.

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

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

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

But it is during such times that God disciplines us.

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

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

As importantly, we can learn from His example.

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

And that is when we require discipline.

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

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

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Wants, Needs, and Gratitude

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

This portion of scripture caught my attention.

It caught my attention for three reasons.

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

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

Third, was its preceding verse which lends it context.

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

I suddenly recalled a party I once attended.

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

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

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

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

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

For true happiness cannot be found in material things.

True happiness can only be found in union with Christ.

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

We certainly do not need to worry about extravagances.

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

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

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

Those who believe understand that God is the provider.

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

This remains true even during challenging times and difficult circumstances.

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

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

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 24, 2022.

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

Getting on with the Job

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He continued the work God gave him to do.

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

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

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

This grace was a gift of Christ.

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

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

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

The Psalmist makes this clear.

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

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

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

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

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

When that moment arrived, he calmly accepted his fate.

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

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

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

For this we should be eternally grateful.

And may we use the talents we have been given.

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

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

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

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

Away From Home

Psalm 119:19 (NET) - I am a resident foreigner in this land. Do not hide your commands from me.

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven.

Those words have always stuck with me.

I was reminded of the truth in them when I read the Psalmist’s words.

But the second part of the Psalmist’s words made me think.

We each reside in a land and are expected to obey the laws of that land.

But, as our citizenship is in heaven, we need to obey its commands as well.

As citizens of heaven, we are, in a sense, ambassadors for the time being.

We should therefore choose both our words and our actions wisely.

Paul echoes this in his letter to the Ephesians.

Ephesians 5:15-16 (NET) - Therefore consider carefully how you live—not as unwise but as wise, taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Paul’s words are just as sound today.

In less than two weeks, Christmas Day will be upon us.

What better time is there to let our words and actions speak for themselves.

Where there is impatience, we should practice patience.

Where there is greed, we should practice generosity.

Where there is need, we should practice charity.

Where there is anger and hatred, we must practice love.

Christmas reminds us that no one was more generous than God.

We celebrate the day when God gave us the best gift we could ever have received.

Through Jesus we were given mercy and forgiveness.

We have been shown the true meaning of love.

So, for the time being, we are ambassadors in this world.

But to be effective ambassadors, we must be kind to others.

We must be willing to forgive them for any wrongs.

We must also be willing to love even those who are the least lovable.

For it is the least lovable who need love the most.

And we must do these things without condition.

We must do them without expecting anything in return.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 24, 2021.

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

No Worries

Psalm 31:15a (NET) - You determine my destiny.

As human beings, we tend to worry about our future.

But worry accomplishes nothing.

No amount of worry can change our future.

The Psalmist’s words are words of comfort.

But more than that, they remind us why we need never worry about our future.

The Psalmist understood that the Lord was his destiny.

The Lord is our destiny as well.

Jesus understood this and explained this to His disciples.

First, He reminded them of the things they tended to worry about.

Then, He reminded them of their value to God.

In the end, He drove the lesson home.

Luke 12:25 (NET) - And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?

We like to think that we are in control.

But this is an illusion.

The reality is quite different.

Ultimately, it is God who is in control.

So, what should we do?

We need to let go and trust God.

God can help us do that.

Once we let go, we can encounter God in a new and peaceful way.

We can stop worrying needlessly about the future and focus on today.

We can recognize how much He is with us in the present.

Then we can understand that He is already waiting for us in the future.

Both the Psalmist and Jesus got it right.

God is our destiny and there is no need to worry!

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 10, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, December 17, 2021

Opening Up

1 Samuel 3:9 (NET) - So Eli said to Samuel, “Go back and lie down. When he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’ So Samuel went back and lay down in his place.

Samuel heard several calls.

Each time he thought it was his master, Eli.

Finally, Eli understood that it was the Lord who was calling Samuel.

Samuel took Eli’s advice.

When he did, he began to develop a personal relationship with the Lord.

Hearing is one thing.

Listening, really listening, is another.

Once Samuel listened, his heart was opened.

He was then able to respond to what the Lord was saying.

Something similar happened to a woman named Lydia.

In Acts, we read of Paul’s travels to Philippi.

On the Sabbath, he journeyed outside the city to pray.

A group of women gathered, and Paul spoke with them.

Acts 16:14 (NET) - A woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, a God-fearing woman, listened to us. The Lord opened her heart to respond to what Paul was saying.

The Lord used Paul’s words to open Lydia’s heart.

She and her family were then baptized.

Does the Lord still call?

I believe that He does.

But are we too distracted to respond?

He may be using others to reach us.

Or are we too busy to take notice?

Or perhaps He is trying to reach others through us.

Or have we become too indifferent to care?

When these things happen, we can call upon the Lord.

He can help us remove the distractions.

He can help us to refocus our efforts.

He can rekindle the love in our hearts and open them.

We can then open our hearts to God and to those around us once more.

God can even open the hearts of others through us if we let Him.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, December 3, 2021

Into the Light

Isaiah 60:19-20 (NET) - The sun will no longer supply light for you by day, nor will the moon’s brightness shine on you; the Lord will be your permanent source of light—the splendor of your God will shine upon you. Your sun will no longer set; your moon will not disappear; the Lord will be your permanent source of light; your time of sorrow will be over.

After the summer solstice, the days began to get shorter.

At first the change was imperceptible.

After all, the decrease was just over two minutes a day.

By now, the cumulative change has become more pronounced.

And, with the upcoming time change, the onset of evening will arrive even earlier.

Isaiah spoke of a much different light.

This light would never dim, nor would it depend upon either the time of day or year.

This light would forever shine upon man.

This light would be the light of the Lord.

Jesus is that light.

In fact, He told us this.

John 12:46 (NET) - I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in darkness.

Christ wants us to live in the light – His light.

Because of His sacrifice, we no longer need to live in darkness.

We can live in the light.

Jesus can light our path and lead us out of whatever darkness surrounds us.

We can bask in the light and warmth of His love.

But what then?

We must then reflect His light toward others.

Others who continue to dwell in darkness and suffering.

With His help, we can invite them to step out of the shadows and the cold.

Then, they too can bask in the light and warmth of His love.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 12, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, November 19, 2021

Does God Still Call?

1 Samuel 3:4 (NET) - The Lord called to Samuel, and he replied, “Here I am!”

The Lord called to Samuel several times before Samuel responded to God.

Initially, Samuel thought these calls came from Eli.

It was Eli that first understood that the Lord was calling Samuel.

He instructed Samuel to return and listen for the call once more and respond accordingly.

The Lord called Samuel again.

1 Samuel 3:10 (NET) - Then the Lord came and stood nearby, calling as he had previously done, “Samuel! Samuel!” Samuel replied, “Speak, for your servant is listening!”

Something similar happened to Paul when he visited Corinth.

Paul was busy proclaiming Jesus to the Jews who lived there.

They rejected Paul’s teachings, so he turned his attention to the Gentiles.

Many of them heard Paul.

They believed and were baptized.

The Lord then spoke to Paul in a vision.

Acts 18:9-10a (NET) - One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you

Paul continued his outreach to the Gentiles.

His letters make up a good portion of the Bible we have today.

Paul’s response to God’s call would eventually cost him his life.

And, when God called Samuel, He told him that He was going to judge Eli.

He then instructed Samuel to tell Eli.

This must have been extremely difficult for Samuel.

What about us?

Does God still call?

Does He call us?

I believe He does.

Perhaps, like Samuel, we do not recognize His call.

Or perhaps we are too busy or distracted.

Maybe we choose not to listen.

We might even be afraid.

We find the silence around us comforting.

We even find it safe.

For silence asks nothing from us.

But God’s call can be frightening.

It is certainly uncomfortable.

The evils of the world still exist.

Is God calling us to speak out against things like hatred, racism, and injustice?

We do not need to be afraid when God calls us to speak out.

As God told Paul, “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you.”

Is God telling us the same?

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 22, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, November 5, 2021

We Can Learn

Psalm 119:67 (NET) - Before I was afflicted I used to stray off, but now I keep your instructions.

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible.

Its 176 verses speak of the character of God.

But this time it was verse sixty-seven that captured my attention.

The Psalmist is saying that he used to stray until he was made to suffer.

This paints a clear picture of God as the Father.

Even human fathers discipline their children when it becomes necessary.

A human father disciplines his children when he must, not because he wants to.

Similarly, God disciplines us only when He must.

Such discipline is for our benefit.

Paul understood this.

He described the results of discipline in his second letter to Corinth.

2 Corinthians 7:10 (NET) - For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly grief produces death.

As human beings, we sometimes stray away from God.

God, being the loving Father, disciplines us when we stray too far.

He does not do this out of anger, spite, or vengeance.

He does this because He loves us and wants us to return to Him.

When we return, He proves this.

He forgives us.

God remains faithful even when we choose to rebel.

He wants us to keep His instructions and those of Jesus.

Should we not then share that same love with others?

Should we not also forgive just as we have been forgiven?

Forgiveness can be difficult even for Christians.

But with God’s love, help, and discipline… even we can learn to love… and forgive.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 8, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, October 15, 2021

No Fear

Isaiah 54:14 (NET) - You will be reestablished when I vindicate you. You will not experience oppression; indeed, you will not be afraid. You will not be terrified, for nothing frightening will come near you.

Isaiah’s words promise the people security.

He speaks of reestablishment and freedom from oppression.

But these words of promise also include commands.

“You will not be afraid.”

“You will not be terrified.”

Isaiah wrote these words centuries before the birth of Christ.

But today’s world is confusing.

In fact, it can even appear frightening.

The world reminds us that we live in a pandemic.

It reminds us that there is corruption.

It reminds us that there is injustice.

In fact, a list of the world’s negative reminders can be overwhelming.

Considering these, how are we not to be afraid?

How are we not to be terrified?

For the answer, we must turn to the words of Christ.

John 14:27 (NET) - “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be distressed or lacking in courage.

Jesus gives us peace, His peace.

His gift of peace is far different from what the world offers us.

He gives us commands as well.

But His commands are gentler.

We should not feel distressed.

We should not lack courage.

Our circumstances can overwhelm us if we let them.

But God in His infinite love sent His Son to us.

A Son who promises a peace that exceeds all understanding.

A Son who embodies the very meaning of love. 

He gives His peace and love to us.

He wants us to share that same peace and love with others.

As the world offers fear, may we instead offer hope through Jesus.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 24, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, October 1, 2021

Children of the Light

Isaiah 29:15 (NET) - Those who try to hide their plans from the Lord are as good as dead, who do their work in secret and boast, “Who sees us? Who knows what we’re doing?”

As human beings we often fail to do what we know to be right.

In fact, we sometimes intentionally do what we know to be wrong.

Perhaps that is because we find it easy to justify our actions.

In doing so we deceive ourselves.

Most importantly, we attempt to deceive God.

Fooling ourselves is easy.

Fooling God is impossible.

Isaiah’s warning is clear.

Those who try to hide their plans from the Lord are as good as dead.

It is God who sees us.

It is God who knows what we are doing.

Paul understood this as well.

He explains this in his letter to the Ephesians.

He states that God’s anger falls on the disobedient.

He reminds us that we no longer reside in darkness.

He then reminds us that we are children of the Light.

Rather than deceit, we should pursue goodness, righteousness, and truth.

We should do what pleases the Lord.

That is because nothing is hidden when exposed by the Light.

Ephesians 5:13 (NET) - But all things being exposed by the light are made visible.

Christ is the Light of the world.

He declared this in the Gospel of John.

John 8:12 (NET) - Then Jesus spoke out again, “I am the light of the world! The one who follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

His Light is unlike any other.

It fills even the darkest corners of our lives.

He calls everyone into His Light.

That Light dispels all darkness and deception.

It also allows us to clearly see His love for everyone.

There are no shadows in which to hide.

Therefore, let us live obediently in the Light!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 10, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, September 17, 2021