Make the Best Choice

I am a Christian therefore I believe Jesus exists.

People who are unbelievers do not believe that Jesus currently exists.

The most prominent theologian alive today also believes that Jesus exists.

Today’s most vocal atheist is of the opinion that Jesus does not currently exist.

The bottom line - Jesus exists!

His existence does not depend on who chooses to believe in Him and who does not.

Let’s look at this from a different angle.

For all intents and purposes, today’s world could be divided into two categories.

One group would be composed of those who believe in Jesus; the second, those who do not believe.

From a purely logical perspective only one of these groups can be correct in their belief.

What if the group that believes is incorrect?

What if they lived their lives as if Jesus existed?

The eternal consequences for them would be relatively unimportant.

They would simply live out their lives loving others.

What if, on the other hand, the group that refuses to believe is incorrect?

What if they continued to live their lives as if Jesus did not exist?

What if, in the end, they found out that they were incorrect?

The eternal consequences for them would be most dire.

Sadly, it would then be too late for them to do anything about it.

Yet, this is just how many choose to live their lives.

They focus on the here and the now as opposed to the eternal.

Fortunately, it is not too late.

For as long as we draw breath, there is hope.

I am reminded of a line from The Silver Chair by C. S. Lewis.

This Christian work was part of The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis.

Lewis used a lion by the name of Aslan to represent Christ.

In the book one of the characters stated, “I'm on Aslan's side even if there isn't any Aslan to lead it. I'm going to live as like a Narnian as I can even if there isn't any Narnia.”

In the end, the choice is ours.

We need to make certain it is the best choice we can make.

John 20:27-29 (NET) - Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and examine my hands. Extend your hand and put it into my side. Do not continue in your unbelief, but believe.” Thomas replied to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are the people who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 8, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, July 15, 2016

An Open Letter to Fathers

Fathers:

Some of you know me quite well.

Some of you know me socially.

Many of you do not know me at all.

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

I appreciate your concern especially in these times.

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

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

Fathers teach their children with words and by example.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some of you do not attend my church.

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

My responsibility to your children is equally important.

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

Your child might notice my behavior or interaction with others.

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

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

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

That is a role I take very seriously.

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

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

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

That includes your children.

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

As fathers, you are concerned about your children.

That goes with the territory.

I appreciate that concern.

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

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

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

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Looking Out for Children

I don’t make a practice of killing small animals.

Occasionally I come across one where I live.

When that happens I do my best to capture and release it.

When I came across a small snake in my garage not long ago I intended to do just that.

I found a box that was big enough for me to capture it.

When I got close enough to the snake, I changed my plans.

This was not an ordinary and harmless snake.

What I faced was a young yet quite venomous water moccasin.

I made the decision to kill it.

This decision was not made out of personal fear.

My concern was for the many children that live quite nearby.

Some of them are very young.

Many of them have probably never seen a harmless snake much less a venomous one.

This snake posed a risk to those children.

When a child sees a snake he or she will typically have one of two reactions.

If a child has witnessed an adult’s fear of a snake, the child will likely fear it as well.

If not, then the child’s curiosity will be aroused and he or she will not be afraid to pick it up.

Should that happen with a water moccasin, the snake will defend itself in the only way it can.

It will bite the child with possibly tragic consequences.

That is why I made the decision to kill it.

Fear of snakes is not the only thing children learn from adults.

Sin is also something that can be learned.

Children learn by observing behavior in all adults; not just their parents.

Some of the things they learn from us are good.

Some of the things they learn are not.

One thing children can spot from a mile away is hypocrisy.

All it takes is one bad example from an adult to undo months, perhaps years, of teaching.

As adults, we all have a tremendous responsibility to be good examples for all children, not just our own.

Jesus was very clear on this.

Matthew 18:6 (NET) - But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a huge millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the open sea.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 10, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, June 17, 2016

Acts of Worship

An older friend of mine used to open up the church every Sunday morning.

One Sunday morning, he took me under his wing and began to show me all the tasks he performed.

Every Sunday morning after that, we would go through these tasks together.

Eventually I learned how to do all of them.

Due to circumstances beyond his control, he is no longer able to open up the church on Sundays.

These tasks now fall to me as he has shown me how to do them.

I am grateful because performing these tasks reinforces something I have always believed.

Every service performed for the Lord is an act of worship.

Even the smallest of tasks can be an act of worship.

What matters is our motivation for doing them.

For an act to be one of worship the focus has to be on Him rather than ourselves.

It has to be done with an attitude of love rather than automatically and without thought.

Unlocking the doors permits His worshipers to enter.

Turning on the lights allows his worshippers to see.

Turning on the speakers and microphones allows his worshippers to hear.

Setting out the offering plates allows his worshippers to give.

These and other tasks, no matter how small they may seem, can be acts of worship.

My friend taught me that.

I could see that in the way he did them.

That is the best way to instruct.

Love has to be demonstrated.

One day, I too will take someone under my wing and show them how to do these things.

Then the day will come when I will no longer be able to do them.

The one I teach will then perform these acts of worship.

I sincerely hope I can demonstrate the kind of love to that person that was shown to me.

1 Samuel 15:22 (NET) - Then Samuel said,

  “Does the Lord take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices

  as much as he does in obedience?

  Certainly, obedience is better than sacrifice;

  paying attention is better than the fat of rams.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 27, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, June 3, 2016

Mama's Boy

Sunday is Mother’s Day.

When I was young the term “Mama’s boy” was considered an insult.

If a boy was really intent on getting into a scrap with another boy on the playground then this phrase was almost sure to do it.

Frankly, it did not get much better when we grew older.

Now there is even a definition for it.

Today, “Mama’s boy” is a term for a man who is extremely attached to his mother at an age when men are expected to be independent.

In my case, being a “Mama’s boy” was born more out of necessity rather than choice.

My father died when he was a young man.

Shortly afterward, my mother’s health began to deteriorate.

Having no surviving siblings, it fell to me to make certain her needs were met.

Unlike my father, my mother lived into her advanced years.

As each year passed, she was physically able to less and less so she counted on me more and more.

Mother passed away about a decade ago, but I treasure all those years I was able to spend with her.

The faith she instilled in me as a boy she built on as I became a man.

While I am by no means perfect, I have come quite far.

The ministries I am involved in today would likely have surprised her.

They certainly have surprised me.

Looking back, I realize just how much my relationship with her prepared me for today.

I have no idea what God has in store for me tomorrow.

Whatever His plans are for me, it is likely that the relationship I had with her will play a pivotal role as well.

When I was a boy, she taught me with words.

As I became a man and she needed help just to get through the day, well, that is when she taught me by example.

Those are the lessons I have learned best of all.

When I was young the term “Mama’s boy” was considered an insult.

Today I consider them praise.

One more thing…

As I said, Mother passed away about ten years ago.

Not a day goes by that I do not think about her or miss her.

The love I have for her, however, has not died.

Such is the beauty of faith.

Scripture reminds us how vital it is to honor our parents.

Exodus 20:12 (NET) - Honor your father and your mother, that you may live a long time in the land the Lord your God is giving to you.

I believe that means honoring their memory as well.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 13, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, May 20, 2016

A Different Perspective

One of the services I provide for my church family is photography.

I have provided this service for them for the last nine years and it is a ministry I particularly enjoy.

This ministry not only allows me to reach out to others, it occasionally gives me some personal insight as well.

It gave me such an insight on Easter Sunday.

I arrived at church well before dawn to help get things ready for our sunrise service.

As always, I had my camera with me.

I made my way through the church and turned on lights, checked microphones, made coffee and did whatever else was needed.

Being Easter, many members of my church family purchased lilies for the sanctuary.

As I prepared the sanctuary in complete silence I could not help but notice these symbols of Easter.

Somehow, they helped make the moment feel more special.

Once my duties in this part of the church were complete, I decided to take a few photographs.

I wanted to get some photographs of the lilies as I knew they would not be around for long.

As I made my way around the sanctuary taking photographs I decided to take one of our cross.

I have taken photographs of our cross before, but from a distance.

This time I stood almost directly beneath it and moved a few paces to my left.

I then looked up at the cross and took the photograph.

As soon as I did, I knew I had something special in my possession.

People, myself included, are creatures of habit.

This can be true even in a place like church.

We park in the same places.

We sit in the same pews.

We even sit with the same people.

That is because they are creatures of habit as well.

Week after week, our view of the cross doesn’t change.

We see it from the same angle from the same distance time after time.

I don’t believe chance had anything to do with me taking that particular photograph on Easter.

I honestly believe God wanted me to see the cross from a different perspective that particular day.

I have had the opportunity to share that photograph with others.

Their reaction to it is remarkably like mine.

The cross did not change.

What it represents certainly did not change.

What changed was my perspective.

This, by necessity, produced a change in me.

Christianity is about growth and change.

Our growth.

Our change.

Sometimes that requires us to get up and move from the place to which we have grown accustomed.

Sometimes what we need is a change in our perspective.

Romans 8:28-30 (NET) - “And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose, because those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified.”

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

I’ll be back here on Friday, May 6, 2016

Fools

April 1 is known as April Fool’s Day or All Fools Day.

Some historians claim the day has origins that go back as far as 1582.

When the Julian Calendar was replaced by the Gregorian Calendar in 1563, the start of the New Year changed as well.

It went from the last week in March to January 1.

People who did not get the news continued to celebrate according to the old calendar.

Those that made the change ridiculed those that did not.

They also played pranks and hoaxes on them.

This annual occurrence was popularized in 1700 as All Fools Day.

We who call ourselves Christians are often considered fools for believing as we do.

Scripture reminds us that believers have a track record for doing things that seem foolish.

Abraham left his home and moved to a land he knew absolutely nothing about.

Noah spent years making a large boat nowhere near a body of water.

David armed himself with a sling and went into battle against a giant wearing full armor.

Moses led his people into a wilderness.

On the surface, doing things like this could be considered foolish.

These men of the Old Testament were doing God’s will and that is the wisest thing anyone can do,

The New Testament reminds us of another who did something that could seem foolish.

It tells us of one who died after He was abandoned, ridiculed, severely beaten and nailed to a cross between two thieves.

Although innocent of any wrongdoing, He willingly subjected Himself to these things.

He did this because He was doing God’s will.

He did this for the benefit of others.

Even those that sought to do Him harm.

He did this for us.

Luke 22:42 (NET) - “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Yet not my will but yours be done.”

When it comes to being considered fools, we are indeed in excellent company.

The question remains, why are Christians considered fools?

I am certain that most simply do not understand why we believe as we do.

I am also certain that there are a few that are afraid.

They are not afraid of us.

What frightens them most is the possibility we might actually be right.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 8, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, April 15, 2016

Having Enough Light

I once heard a funny story that stuck with me.

A woman comes home and finds her husband in the living room on his hands and knees.

She asks him what he is dong.

He tells her that he is looking for a coin that he lost in the basement.

A bit confused, she asks why he is looking in the living room.

He replies, “Because the light is better.”

In Chapter 8 of the book of John. Jesus refers to Himself as “the light of the world”.

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.”

As we continue our journey through the season of Lent, the importance of that verse struck me.

If we wish to find what we truly need in this world we require a good source of light.

The darker the environment, the more difficult it is to see that which we are looking for.

Throughout our lives we pursue different things.

A career, a place to live, a spouse and children are just a few of the things we search for in life.

Jesus is the “light of the world” and He indeed helps us to find these things.

As the light of the world, He also helps us see one other very important thing – our motivation.

We strive to achieve much in this world, but we should always be aware of what is motivating us in the pursuit.

We need to examine our motivation in every decision we make.

God expects to be first in our lives.

Everything we do should be with Him in mind.

When we put God first, He helps us prioritize everything else.

The light of Jesus us helps us clearly see where our motivation lies.

If our motivation is pure, He helps us see that.

If not, He helps us see that as well,

When we rely on Jesus, He provides the light by which we see the truth.

Unlike the man in the story, He also helps us look in the right place.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, March 25, 2016.

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

When a Believer Says No

Even believers feel overwhelmed from time to time.

Speaking from personal experience, I can assure you this believer does.

Although something I never enjoy, I sometimes have to give people an answer they will not like.

No.

At church I serve on a committee on which I feel led to serve.

Every now and then someone who means well will ask me to serve on a board or another committee.

When I explain to them that the committee I am in is where I belong, they typically suggest I serve on both.

No.

By trying to do both I feel I would be stretching myself too thin.

I would not be able to serve either body to the best of my ability.

There are also times I have to say no to family.

Recently a family member planned a very special occasion for a particular day.

While the timing may have been great for some, it could not have been worse for me.

Along with career, I had just gotten through a series of medical examinations.

One of the ministries to which I am committed also required my attention that very same day.

I would have loved to spend time with family and joined in their celebration.

After taking all things into consideration, I had to say no.

Things like this brought back memories of days when I took care of my mother.

Although she was mentally sharp, she suffered from debilitating arthritis.

I loved her with all my heart.

Every time she wanted to go somewhere or do something I had to assess the situation first.

Because I loved her there were times that I had to say no.

As we continue our journey through Lent, my thoughts turned to Jesus.

I recalled the times when the human side of Him felt overwhelmed and even He had to withdraw to a quiet place.

Luke 5:15-16 (NET) - But the news about him spread even more, and large crowds were gathering together to hear him and to be healed of their illnesses. Yet Jesus himself frequently withdrew to the wilderness and prayed.

Does this mean that Jesus stopped loving people?

Hardly.

If Jesus, who also had a divine nature, found it necessary to withdraw to a quiet place from time to time, what does that say for us?

Although we do not enjoy doing so, sometimes a believer has to say no.

There are times when we must withdraw to a quiet place.

The answer “No” does not mean that we have stopped loving others.

It simply means no.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, March 11, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, March 18, 2016

Revolving Around the Son

Recently there was news of the possibility of a new planet in our solar system.

Planet 9, when confirmed, will be very far away.

It will undoubtedly be quite different from the world on which we live.

Although each planet is unique, there is one thing that each of the planets have in common.

Each one revolves around the sun.

That is because the sun’s gravitational pull keeps them in orbit.

The sun also provides warmth which makes life on earth a reality.

If these influences from the sun stopped then the solar system would cease to exist.

In fact, it would no longer be a system at all.

The planets would simply fly off on their own directions into the cold, empty void of space.

This would prove disastrous for life on earth.

Without the sun’s influences, all life on earth would perish.

As we continue our journey through Lent, thoughts of this brought to mind other things.

Just as the planets revolve the sun, so our lives should revolve around the Son.

We rarely give thought to what the sun means to our world.

In a similar way, we can easily lose sight of what Jesus means to our lives and the lives of others.

The sun keeps the planets from wandering away.

The season of Lent reminds us what the Son did for us because we wandered away.

John 15:7-13 (NET) - No one has greater love than this—that one lays down his life for his friends.

As we continue our journey through the season of Lent, may we be reminded of how much the love of Jesus really means to us.

It is the kind of love He demonstrated for all of humanity at the cross.

Given that, shouldn’t our lives revolve around the Son?

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 26, 2016.

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

Unlimited Coverage

Today’s technology is amazing.

Take cell phones for example.

One day, you decide to take a trip and find yourself far away from home.

You decide to tell your friend about it and so you get out your cell phone.

You then dial your friend’s cell number.

At the very same time your friend has also decided to take a trip and is also far away from home.

Suddenly his cell phone rings.

He answers and the two of you are able to talk about the trips you are on.

You had no idea where your friend was.

Yet the two of you are able to clearly communicate as if there was no distance between you.

Of course there are factors that could prevent this from happening.

Perhaps you accidentally dialed the wrong number.

Perhaps your phone has lost its charge.

Perhaps your phone is not getting a signal.

Perhaps your friend is already busy talking to someone else.

Perhaps you forgot to take your phone with you.

I have no idea how cell phones are able to connect with each other.

I have no idea how simply dialing a number can connect you to a phone regardless of how far apart they are.

Even though I do not how they work, I am still able to benefit from this technology.

Our walk with God is a lot like that.

We can communicate with God through prayer at any time from any location.

We do not have to understand how it works in order to benefit from it.

All we need to know is that it does work.

God provides a constant power source and an uninterruptable signal.

We never have to be concerned about getting a busy signal.

God is capable of listening to an infinite number of prayers at the same time from all over the world.

To be honest, the only weak link in the chain is us.

Just as easily as we can forget to take our cell phone with us, we can also forget to pray.

Once we recognize this, and correct it, we find Him ready to listen.

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.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Strive for Peace

Psalm 34:14 (NET) - Turn away from evil and do what is right! Strive for peace and promote it!

I have lived in the same neighborhood for many years.

One of its charms is that it tends to be a quiet neighborhood.

Every now and then a vehicle might pass through with the stereo playing too loudly.

Once in a while the sound of a passing siren might disturb the quiet.

These interruptions would normally be brief and the peace would be quickly restored.

Over the years, it became very easy for me to take the quietness for granted,

That all changed a few months ago when a new couple moved into the neighborhood.

Shortly after they moved in, they began to argue.

Little by little, their arguments began to grow both longer and louder.

Early one morning, things took a turn for the worse as each screamed at the other at the top of their lungs.

I was appalled by what I heard.

Then suddenly, the argument came to an abrupt halt.

A look out of my window confirmed my suspicions.

Someone had called the police.

This visit by the police more or less put a stop to the arguments.

It did not however restore quiet.

From that point on, every time the man either left his home or returned to it, he would slam the front door.

Every time he would get in or get out of his vehicle, he would slam the car door.

The slamming of these doors often woke me up at night.

The arguing may have diminished, but the anger had not gone away.

It had simply found a new outlet.

As a Christian, I knew I had to pray about this.

Every time I heard one of those doors slam, I stopped whatever I was doing and prayed for this couple.

I even prayed when it woke me up in the middle of the night.

A few weeks passed this way.

One day, they repacked their belongings and moved.

That sense of quiet has returned to the neighborhood and, to be honest, I appreciate it more than I ever did before.

It is something I no longer take for granted.

Whenever I find myself appreciating the silence, I take it as a reminder from God to pray for this couple.

It is very likely that the anger simply moved along with them.

I continue to pray for them.

I pray for their peace.

Romans 12:21 (NET) - Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

I’ll be back here on Friday, January 29, 2016

His Guiding Hand

A new year is upon us.

We tend to look upon each new year as a chance at new beginnings.

We promise ourselves we will do some things which will improve the quality of our lives.

We also promise to try to improve the lives of those around us.

As this year ended, I found myself looking back upon the year that sped too quickly by.

In doing so I realized that I grew considerably as a Christian this year.

I served in ways that I could not have imagined serving a few years ago.

As I reflected on these things, I recalled some of the events that led up to them.

There was the class I attended five years ago.

There was the book I read which my pastor recommended four years ago.

There were the books I taught from for the last several years.

There were special people that entered my life and influenced it.

As I considered these things, I came to one inescapable conclusion.

God used all these things and more to help prepare me for the year that has gone by.

His guiding hand has led me to the books I have read.

His divine influence placed those special people in my life.

So when the times came for me to step outside of my comfort zone this year, God made certain that I was prepared.

In fact, He spent years preparing me for them.

As I reflected on these things, something new occurred to me.

Perhaps He has used the opportunities of the year past to prepare me for future service.

After all, nothing is impossible for God.

As we enter a new year, let us remain open to the ways God desires to utilize us.

Whatever avenues of service He leads us to, He has prepared us for them.

Psalm 143:10 (NET) - Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God. May your kind presence lead me into a level land.

Father, teach us to do what pleases you in the year to come.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, January 8, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, January 15, 2016

Call Me Wilson

The Lord has surprised me many times and in many ways this year.

The season of Advent was to be no exception.

A few weeks ago I was asked to participate in our Christmas program.

I normally work with adults so when I was offered this chance to work with our young people, I jumped at the opportunity.

The days leading up to Christmas tend to get busy enough.

Participating in the Christmas program meant I was going to get even busier.

There would be lines to learn and rehearsals to attend.

Working alongside our young people would be worth the extra effort.

I was asked to portray a wise man in the neighborhood named Wilson to whom the children would come to for wisdom and advice concerning Christmas.

At our rehearsal, I was delighted to see how many adults gave of their time to work with our youth.

Parents, grandparents and Sunday school teachers patiently helped out.

There were even some young adults who volunteered their time and talents as well.

I recalled that it was not very long ago when they were the ones on stage.

Now, they felt the Lord moving them to lend a hand in this effort.

I appeared in scenes with three groups of young people.

As we went over our lines, I recalled watching them grow up.

I also thought about how they will become outstanding adults in the years to come.

The program took place on the Sunday in Advent on which we reflect on hope.

How fitting this was.

As we gave our performance, I realized that one of the ways God provides us with hope is through young people.

Their energy and optimism is contagious.

They not only learn from us, but God can teach us through them if we remain open to the possibility.

This makes perfect sense as we are all God’s children.

When the program ended I felt a bit sad, but God knew just how to cheer me up.

As I prepared to leave, many of your young people went out of their way to tell me, “Goodbye, Wilson!”

Matthew 18:10 (NET) - See that you do not disdain one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

I wish you a blessed Christmas!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 25, 2015.

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

A Time to Draw Closer

Terrible things are happening around the world.

One only has to turn on the news for proof.

There is really nothing “new” about this.

Terrible things have been happening throughout all of human history.

In reality, each of the terrible things that happen is merely a symptom of a much bigger problem.

Humanity, as a whole, has lost touch with God.

How did this happen?

It stands to reason that one side of this equation had to move for there to be more distance.

God did not move.

God is eternal and constant.

Therefore it must be humanity that has moved away from God.

The question then becomes: Why would humanity choose to move away from God?

I think C. S. Lewis said it best when he said, “All that we call human history--money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery--[is] the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.”

People pursue all manner of things in an elusive search for happiness.

Wealth, fame and power are a few of the things that have the power to seduce people.

People pursue these things in an attempt to find happiness.

This attempt is futile because these desires can never be fulfilled.

No matter how much of these things one gets, the desire for more takes hold; more wealth; more fame; more power.

This never ending and fruitless pursuit often comes at the expense and misery of others.

Thus, new headlines are written and the distance between humanity and God becomes even greater.

There is a beacon of hope that emerges from all of this.

Even in the darkest of times lies opportunity.

History also tells of people of faith who tried to make a difference.

They tried to make things better for those around them.

All of this can be summed up very simply.

If you have God, you have everything.

If you do not have God you have nothing.

The season of Advent is a wonderful reminder of what sets Christianity apart from every other religion in the world.

Other religions are about man reaching up to a god or gods.

Christianity is about God reaching down to a fallen mankind through Jesus Christ.

John 1:12-13 (NET) - But to all who have received him—those who believe in his name—he has given the right to become God’s children  —children not born by human parents or by human desire or a husband’s decision, but by God.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 11, 2015.

I’ll be back here on Friday, December 18, 2015

Use Words If Necessary

One of my favorite stories is about Francis of Assisi.

The story goes that one particular day he planned to go into town to preach.

He invited a young monk to accompany him.

The young monk felt quite honored to be asked along.

The pair set out the following morning.

When they arrived in town they walked up and down its streets.

They stopped and visited with everyone they came in contact with.

They met with people of all classes and all occupations.

As the day ended, they headed for home.

As they made their way, the young monk commented to Francis that perhaps they forgot their purpose in going to town.

After all, the monk had been told they were going to town to preach,

Francis reminded the monk that they had indeed preached.

They encountered many people who observed their every move and attitude very closely.

That, according to Francis, was how their sermon was preached.

Christians today, myself included, can take a valuable lesson from Francis.

Sometimes we defeat our purpose in the way we act or the words we choose.

On one hand, we desire to bring people to Jesus.

On the other hand, our actions and attitudes can drive them away.

Sometimes the way we act is not like Christ would have us act.

Sometimes we even argue about the smallest of things.

We might even let the color of coffee cups at Christmas upset us.

What kind of sermon is that?

The words of Francis of Assisi remind us, “Preach the gospel at all times; if necessary, use words.”

Ephesians 6:10 (NET) - For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 27, 2015.

I’ll be back here on Friday, December 4, 2015

One Who Strengthens Me

Every Christian has at least one favorite passage of scripture.

I am no exception.

Of all the passages of scripture my favorite can be found in the book of Philippians.

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

I have leaned on this verse more times in my lifetime than I can count.

I even lovingly refer to it as my “go to” verse.

Whenever I begin to feel stressed or overwhelmed, I turn to this verse.

It reminds me that I can face any challenge that comes my way.

That is because I do not face such challenges alone.

There is someone who is not only with me, He strengthens me as well.

This passage of scripture helps remind me of this.

Once reminded, the challenges I face do not seem nearly as big as they did before.

It also reminds me to make certain the Lord has top priority in my life.

The Lord expects to occupy the foremost place in our lives.

When we give the Lord top priority, something really wonderful happens.

He helps us prioritize everything else.

That verse also serves to remind me of something else.

How I treat others is also important.

Since the Lord is with me, He is also aware of how I treat my neighbor.

I must love my neighbor no matter what happens to be going on in my life.

We all face times in our lives when we want to tell the Lord that we just cannot handle one more thing on our plate.

The Lord does not always take things off our plate.

Quite often He gives us a bigger plate,

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 13, 2015.

I’ll be back here on Friday, November 20, 2015

Amazing Grace

I was thinking about hymns and the first one that came to my mind was Amazing Grace.

This hymn has always held a special place in my heart.

The title and opening stanza say it all…

Amazing grace (how sweet the sound)

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found.

Was blind, but now I see.

How true those words are.

They are just as true as when John Newton published them in 1779.

Perhaps that is why it is one of the most recognized songs in the world.

It does not matter who the artist is.

It does not matter what instruments are played.

It does not matter what language, if any, is used.

As soon as we hear it, we instantly recognize it.

It is a song that translates well into any language without loss of meaning.

I believe these things are true because of the message the song delivers.

Each of us, every man, woman and child was at one time lost.

Each of us was blind to the existence of God.

Our condition was truly wretched,

But there is saving power in Jesus Christ.

This is a gift God’s grace,

We neither earned this precious gift nor did we deserve it.

Yet, He saved us.

That is truly amazing.

Romans 3:23-24 (NET) - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

It’s enough to make anyone want to sing!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 23, 2015.

I’ll be back here on Friday, November 6, 2015

Dignity and Respect

One of the things I find interesting about the human race is the way we treat “important” people.

In business we tend to think of our superiors as important.

In politics we tend to think of our leaders as important.

We even tend to think of religious leaders as important.

Leaders are given titles and those titles denote their position within the structure of the body they serve.

In and of itself this is not a bad thing as it helps everyone within the structure function efficiently and effectively.

As humans, we tend to treat those above us in the structure as more important than ourselves.

In fact, we tend to think the higher up in the structure a person is, the more important that person must be.

Unfortunately, we tend to apply the same logic to those below us in the structure.

We tend to treat these individuals as if they were less important than ourselves.

There is nothing wrong with treating those that lead us with respect and dignity,

Plainly speaking, we should treat everyone with respect and dignity no matter what their station in life happens to be.

I do not think for a moment that God considers any one human being as being more important than another.

After all, God provided for the salvation of mankind long ago.

John 3:16 (NET) – For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

The passage continues.

John 3:17 (NET) - For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world should be saved through him.

Notice that these verses apply to “everyone” in “the world”.

Nowhere is it stated that salvation is reserved for “the important”.

That concept of importance is a human invention.

Every man and woman, leaders and followers alike, are creations of God.

All are created in His image.

As such, everyone should be treated with dignity and respect.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 9, 2015.

I’ll be back here on Friday, October 16, 2015

A Universal Symbol

Symbols are everywhere.

They tell us what we need to know at a glance.

Corporations utilize symbols to promote their products and services.

When utilized in this way a symbol is called a logo.

We identify their product or service with their logo.

This is an important concept because logos are international.

Coca-Cola is an example of this.

If I were to travel to a foreign country where I did not speak the language, it is safe to assume I would be able to purchase a Coca-Cola by recognizing one or more of their logos.

There are symbols in Christianity as well.

The cross is likely the most recognized symbol in the world.

For those who believe this symbol represents the ultimate in service.

God is the perfectly Holy creator.

Isaiah 6:3 (NET) – They called to one another, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord who commands armies! His majestic splendor fills the entire earth!”

Man is the fallen creation.

No amount of sacrifice on the part of man can put him right with God.

Jesus had both a divine nature and a human nature.

Although He had a human nature, He never once committed a sin.

This made Jesus the perfect sacrifice and the pain and humiliation He suffered on the cross is the means by which a fallen man can have a relationship with a perfectly Holy God.

Hebrews 9:14 (NET) – how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, purify our consciences from dead works to worship the living God.

The symbol of the cross is an international reminder of that most remarkable of services.

No matter where in the world you are the symbol of the cross is understood.

In some cases it is even detested.

The one thing it should never be is ignored.

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

Whatever their reasoning may be I find this unfortunate.

Everyone, even Christians who attend services regularly, need this symbol.

We need this visible reminder to help us understand why we need Jesus so very much.

Acts 2:23 (NET) – this man, who was handed over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you executed by nailing him to a cross at the hands of Gentiles.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 25, 2015.

I’ll be back here on Friday, October 2, 2015

Keeping It Simple

The world in which we live is often complicated.

We have constant access to information but in reality learn little that is useful.

We find new ways to stay busy but accomplish little.

We have politicians who make promises yet little, if anything, improves once they are elected.

We have laws designed to protect us yet we live among those who have learned how to manipulate them.

We may live in nations that produce enough food to sell yet some of our citizens are hungry.

We rush out to purchase the latest in technology while its replacement is already in development.

The world is a complicated place.

Even Christians occasionally feel overwhelmed by it.

Although we have everything we need to succeed we sometimes feel that we are struggling.

Although we are told never to fear we sometimes find that worry is our constant companion.

Although we are told to love God we sometimes find it difficult to make time for Him.

Although we are told to love our neighbor but we sometime tend to love only certain people.

Rather than alleviating the confusion of the world we instead find ways to contribute to it.

Perhaps we can take a lesson from the world of sports.

When a team is struggling to succeed, the coach of that team often focuses on the fundamentals of the sport.

He goes back to the basics.

The players go through the mechanics of running, throwing, and kicking over and over as they practice.

Going back to the basics often helps the team remember what works as they rebuild for future success.

Perhaps we need to go back to the basics as well.

An expert in the law once asked Jesus which was the most important commandment.

Jesus gave him in two parts.

Mark 12:30-31 (NET) – Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Jesus understood that if we truly kept these commandments we would essentially be keeping every commandment.

Love should be at the root of everything we do or say whether for God or our fellow man.

It really does not get any more basic than that.

If we can do that we cannot help but succeed.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 11, 2015.

I’ll be back here on Friday, September 18, 2015