Who Is Jesus?

That is a good question.

Who is Jesus?

His followers called Him Rabbi.

Those who sought His knowledge and wisdom called Him a teacher.

Those who were sick called Him a healer.

Some called Him the Nazarene.

Some called him the Son of David.

Some referred to Him as the King of the Jews.

His critics referred to Him as one who “incites the people”.

The prophet Isaiah referred to Him as Emmanuel.

Jesus has been called many things by many people.

Even today, some try to minimize Jesus and say He was a good man with good ideas.

In Mark 8, Jesus asked His disciples a question.

Mark 8:27 (KJV) - And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?

They responded.

Mark 8:28 (KJV) - And they answered, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.

Jesus then posed the question to them.

Mark 8:29 (KJV) - And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.

In the book of Matthew, Jesus responded to Peter.

Matthew 16:17 (KJV) - And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

There are two things that strike me here.

First, both questions put forward by Jesus end with the words “I am”.

These words remind us of His divinity.

John 8:58 (KJV) - Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

Second, Jesus reminds Peter that it was the Father who revealed to him that He was the Christ.

Centuries have gone by and Jesus is still many things to many people.

What about us?

Who do we say that Jesus is?

It is easy for us to get distracted in today’s world.

Perhaps we should set aside those distractions so that the Father might fully reveal Jesus to us.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 28, 2017.

I’ll be back here on Friday, May 5, 2017

Beyond Dead

I was looking forward to hearing someone speak on Ezekiel 37 and John 11.

The first speaks of Ezekiel and his experiences in the valley of dry bones.

The second speaks of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.

Unfortunately, the weather in the area turned quite severe and this was cancelled.

How I would have loved to hear this man speak on these powerful chapters.

Instead, I had to ponder them for myself.

Ezekiel tells us that the Lord had His hand upon him and led him into a valley filled with bones.

Ezekiel did not merely see these bones from a distance.

The Lord made him walk among the bones which must have been quite an experience.

Ezekiel noticed that the bones were very dry.

Bones in and of themselves imply death.

The fact that the bones were dry shows us these individuals had been dead for a very long time.

Then the Lord asked Ezekiel a question.

Ezekiel 37:3 (NET) - He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said to him, “Sovereign Lord, you know.”

The Lord then instructed Ezekiel to prophesy over them.

Ezekiel obeyed the Lord.

Ezekiel first heard a rattling sound as the bones came together.

They were then covered with tendons and flesh.

Even so, the bodies were still not yet alive.

The Lord then instructed him to prophesy over them once more.

At this, the Lord breathed life into them and a living army stood where there was once nothing but death and decay.

Something similar happens in John 11.

A friend of Jesus named Lazarus fell ill.

His sisters sent Jesus a message to come at once.

Jesus delayed, but for a reason.

Lazarus died before Jesus departed for Bethany.

When Jesus and his followers arrived, Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.

The sisters came out to meet Jesus; first Martha and then Mary.

Jesus wanted the stone removed which covered the tomb.

John 11:39 (NET) - Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the deceased, replied, “Lord, by this time the body will have a bad smell, because he has been buried four days.”

Again, just as in Ezekiel, this implies a state beyond death as decay had already set in.

The stone was removed.

Jesus prayed to the Father and then commanded Lazarus in a loud voice to come out of the tomb.

John 11:44 (NET) - The one who had died came out, his feet and hands tied up with strips of cloth, and a cloth wrapped around his face. Jesus said to them, “Unwrap him and let him go.”

In both cases life was brought back to the lifeless and every trace of decay was completely reversed.

As we continue our journey through the season of Lent, let us be reminded that Jesus conquered death.

For beyond the cross there is another tomb - a tomb that was occupied for days.

A tomb that now lies empty because it former occupant has arisen.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 14, 2017.

I’ll be back here on Friday, April 21, 2017

Damage Control

Romans 3:10-18 (NET) - just as it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one, there is no one who understands, there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, together they have become worthless; there is no one who shows kindness, not even one.” “Their throats are open graves, they deceive with their tongues, the poison of asps is under their lips.” “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood, ruin and misery are in their paths, and the way of peace they have not known.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

These words from the book of Romans spell out the human condition quite clearly.

They hold nothing back.

The opening words set the record straight.

“There is no one righteous, not even one, there is no one who understands, there is no one who seeks God.”

This is clearly a set of circumstances we should address.

Where do we begin?

Perhaps Nehemiah can give us some insight.

When he arrived in Jerusalem he knew what God wanted him to do.

God wanted him to rebuild the wall that lay in ruins.

Nehemiah did not begin by gathering materials or assembling workers.

His first response to God’s call was to assess the damage.

He got up during the night and took a few men with him but he informed no one of God’s plan,

He examined where the wall had been breached and the gates burned.

Only after this assessment did he make the plan known.

Nehemiah 2:17-18 (NET) - Then I said to them, “You see the problem that we have: Jerusalem is desolate and its gates are burned. Come on! Let’s rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that this reproach will not continue.” Then I related to them how the good hand of my God was on me and what the king had said to me. Then they replied, “Let’s begin rebuilding right away!” So they readied themselves for this good project.

Just like the wall in Nehemiah’s day, we are broken.

As we continue our journey through the season of Lent let us assess our damage.

Let us also turn to the One who can repair that damage and put us right.

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.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

I’ll be back here on Friday, April 7, 2017

Spring Cleaning

In 2 Chronicles 34, we learn of the king of Judah and his response to a discovery in the Lord’s temple.

The repair of the Lord’s temple had already begun when this discovery was made.

2 Chronicles 34:14 (NET) - When they took out the silver that had been brought to the LORD’s temple, Hilkiah the priest found the law scroll the LORD had given to Moses.

The priest gave this scroll to the scribe who in turn brought it before the king.

The scribe then read the words to the king who had a remarkable reaction.

2 Chronicles 34:18-19 (NET) - Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a scroll.” Shaphan read it out loud before the king. When the king heard the words of the law scroll, he tore his clothes.

The king understood that the people had departed from the law God gave Moses.

The king ordered that an oracle be consulted.

Huldah the prophetess was consulted.

2 Chronicles 34:23-25 (NET) - and she said to them: “This is what the LORD God of Israel says: ‘Say this to the man who sent you to me: “This is what the LORD says: ‘I am about to bring disaster on this place and its residents, the details of which are recorded in the scroll which they read before the king of Judah. This will happen because they have abandoned me and offered sacrifices to other gods, angering me with all the idols they have made. My anger will ignite against this place and will not be extinguished!’”

These words were not easy to hear.

The words for the king that followed were a bit more comforting.

2 Chronicles 34:27-28 (NET) - ‘You displayed a sensitive spirit and humbled yourself before God when you heard his words concerning this place and its residents. You humbled yourself before me, tore your clothes and wept before me, and I have heard you,’ says the LORD. ‘Therefore, I will allow you to die and be buried in peace. You will not have to witness all the disaster I will bring on this place and its residents.’ Then they reported back to the king.

When the king heard these words, he first summoned all the leaders.

He then went up to the Lord’s temple in the company of all the people.

He read to them the words on the scroll and renewed their covenant with God.

2 Chronicles 34:32-33 (NET) - He made all who were in Jerusalem and Benjamin agree to it. The residents of Jerusalem acted in accordance with the covenant of God, the God of their ancestors. Josiah removed all the detestable idols from all the areas belonging to the Israelites and encouraged all who were in Israel to worship the LORD their God. Throughout the rest of his reign they did not turn aside from following the LORD God of their ancestors

Scripture reminds us that all the detestable idols were removed.

When we think of idols today we likely think of carvings made of would and stone.

In truth, an idol is anything or anyone that keeps the Lord from being first in our lives.

Even things that on the surface seem benign or beneficial can become idols if we are not careful.

As we enter the season of Lent we contemplate Jesus, the suffering He endured and the sacrifice He made for us,

Let us first clear away the clutter and the distractions from our hearts and minds.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, March 10, 2017.

I’ll be back here on Friday, March 17, 2017

To Whom Shall We Listen?

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

King Ahab desired to attack Ramoth Gilead,

He also wanted Jehoshaphat’s support.

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

King Ahab assembled 400 prophets and consulted them.

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

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

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

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

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

He then ordered Micaiah to do the same.

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

Micaiah foretold disaster for King Ahab.

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

Micaiah was struck in the jaw.

King Ahab ordered him to be imprisoned until he returned.

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

King Ahab did not return alive.

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

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

What about us?

To whom shall we listen?

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

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

Do these things sound too good to be true?

That’s because they are.

Life is certainly better with Jesus than without Him.

Just remember the words of Jesus.

Make certain that you listen to Him.

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

It is of God

In Acts 17 we read of the troubled times of Paul and Silas.

Some of those who heard their message followed their teaching.

Others were not pleased caused trouble.

They formed a mob and spread turmoil.

Failing to find Paul and Silas, they turned upon Jason and those with him.

Acts 17: 6-8 (NET) - When they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city officials, screaming, “These people who have stirred up trouble throughout the world have come here too, and Jason has welcomed them as guests! They are all acting against Caesar’s decrees, saying there is another king named Jesus!” They caused confusion among the crowd and the city officials who heard these things.

Jason and those with him had to post bail before the city officials would release them.

While this was going on, Paul and Silas traveled to Berea.

At first the people of Berea were open minded and welcomed them.

They examined the scriptures carefully to make certain their message was true.

The message in Berea was accepted but trouble was on the way.

Acts 17:13 (NET) - But when the Jews from Thessalonica heard that Paul had also proclaimed the word of God in Berea, they came there too, inciting and disturbing the crowds.

Wherever the Good News was spread, trouble always followed.

This was true in the world of Paul and Silas.

It is true in our modern world as well.

Try as people might, the message was not silenced in ancient times.

Nor is it silenced today.

Persecution is not only confined to the past.

Every day, Christians around the world spread the Good News.

Some risk a great deal.

Some even die.

Yet the message lives on and continues to spread.

How is this possible?

Even a Pharisee who was among those who opposed the apostles in Acts 5 understood this.

Acts 5:38-39a (NE) - So in this case I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, because if this plan or this undertaking originates with people, it will come to nothing, but if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them, or you may even be found fighting against God.”

The message continues to spread.

It continues to spread because it is from God.

May those who are persecuted for spreading the message take comfort in the words of the Psalmist.

Psalm 18:17-20 (NET) - He rescued me from my strong enemy, from those who hate me,

for they were too strong for me. They confronted me in my day of calamity, but the LORD helped me. He brought me out into a wide open place; he delivered me because he was pleased with me. The LORD repaid me for my godly deeds; he rewarded my blameless behavior.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 10, 2017.

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

Closing the Distance

Sometimes disobedience is intentional.

Sometimes it is not.

Disobedience, whether intentional or not, puts distance between ourselves and God.

In the book of Acts we learn of a magician named Elymas who intentionally tried to turn the proconsul from his faith.

There would be consequences for this disobedience.

Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, told Elymas that he would pay a terrible price.

Acts 13:11 (NET) - Now look, the hand of the Lord is against you, and you will be blind, unable to see the sun for a time!” Immediately mistiness and darkness came over him, and he went around seeking people to lead him by the hand.

When the proconsul saw this, he believed.

In fact, he was astounded.

Acts 13:12 (NE) - Then when the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, because he was greatly astounded at the teaching about the Lord.

Sometimes disobedience in unintentional.

That does not mean there are no consequences,

When David and those with him decided to move the ark, they knew they were never to touch it.

The oxen pulling the cart stumbled.

A man named Uzzah simply reached out his hand to steady it.

1 Chronicles 13:10 (NET) - The LORD was so furious with Uzzah, he killed him, because he reached out his hand and touched the ark. He died right there before God.

It appears that Uzzah did not intentionally disobey God.

Even so, there were consequences for Uzzah.

David’s reaction was quite different from that of the proconsul.

David became angry with the Lord.

He was also afraid of Him.

He decided not to move the ark but instead leave it at the home of Obed-Edom,

1 Chronicles 13:14 (NET) - The ark of God remained in Obed-Edom’s house for three months; the LORD blessed Obed-Edom’s family and everything that belonged to him.

Obed-Edom must have obeyed God’s instructions.

God not only wants our obedience, He expects it.

Every disobedience, whether intentional or not, puts distance between us and God.

That is why confession is so important.

That is also why are fortunate to have a mediator between ourselves and God.

There is no better mediator to whom we can turn than Jesus.

He can mediate every disobedience of ours, even the unintentional ones.

He closes the distance we create between ourselves and God.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, January 27, 2017.

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

Focus

We tend to think of the New Year as a time for a clean slate.

We make resolutions and all too quickly abandon them.

Some of this can be attributed to our human nature.

Some can also be attributed to our focus.

Asking what we should do for ourselves is one thing.

Asking God what He desires of us and our service to others is another.

The opening of the very first Psalm provides us with some valuable insight.

Psalm 1:1-3 (NET) - How blessed is the one who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand in the pathway with sinners, or sit in the assembly of scoffers! Instead he finds pleasure in obeying the LORD’s commands; he meditates on his commands day and night. He is like a tree planted by flowing streams; it yields its fruit at the proper time, and its leaves never fall off. He succeeds in everything he attempts.

Notice the Psalmist’s words that “it yields its fruit at the proper time”.

This reminds us that it even when our focus is on His will we might not necessarily see results right away.

This is something we struggle with as impatient human beings.

Examine those who followed Jesus throughout His life.

They eventually became powerful witnesses.

But this did not happen right away.

The opening of the book of Acts reminds us of what transpired between the resurrection of Jesus and His ascension.

Over the course of forty days, Jesus appeared to the apostles many times.

He offered them proof that He had conquered death.

He gave them very specific instructions.

He also promised them what was still to come.

Acts 1:4-5 (NET) - While he was with them, he declared, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait there for what my Father promised, which you heard about from me. For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

The apostles then asked if this was the time that God would restore the kingdom to Israel.

Jesus reminded them that timing rested solely in God’s hands.

He also told them of what was to be theirs.

Acts 1:8 (NET) - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth.”

Jesus then ascended into Heaven.

Those who followed Jesus went into hiding after his crucifixion.

They feared for their very lives.

Once Jesus ascended into Heaven, they found themselves alone once more.

But now they had a new promise.

A promise that was dependent on God’s timing instead of their own.

This was realized on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon each one.

Only then would they become powerful witnesses.

If you have made a resolution and failed to keep it, don’t feel bad.

Focus on God and trust in His timing.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, January 13, 2017.

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

Look and Live

Exodus 33:18 (NET) - And Moses said, “Show me your glory.”

Moses wanted to see God’s glory.

God gave Moses just a glimpse.

At the time, no one could see God’s face and live.

Not even Moses.

All that changed when God reached down to a fallen world through Jesus.

Those who saw Jesus, saw the Father.

Yet even those closest to Jesus did not comprehend this.

John 14:8-9 (NET) - Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be content.” Jesus replied, “Have I been with you for so long, and you have not known me, Philip? The person who has seen me has seen the Father! How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

Those who saw Jesus saw the Father.

They saw the Father and lived.

These verses remind us of two very important things.

First, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit are One.

Second, those who see Jesus see the Father.

Moreover, they see the Father and live.

Every one of us are fallen.

This includes Moses, Philip, you and me.

Despite everything Moses did, he still could not look upon the face of God and live.

That changed when Jesus came into the world.

When Philip looked upon the face of Jesus he did not realize he was looking upon the face of God.

Yet he looked upon the face of God and lived.

We believe that Jesus ascended into Heaven and will come again.

Like Moses, all we are now afforded are glimpses until He returns.

If we fail to catch these glimpses the fault is our own.

As we continue our journey through Advent let us set aside the things that distract us.

If we do, we will better able to catch these glimpses… and live.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

What to Do

Many people suffer from stress around Christmas.

Speaking from personal experience, I can see why.

It seems like everyone gets busier around Christmas.

Being a Christian certainly helps us cope. 

As we continue our journey through the season of Advent, I thought I might share a few things that some might be helpful in coping with holiday stress.

Above all, keep the focus where it belongs.

Christmas is about Jesus.

It is not about us.

Tasks and activities that bring Him glory should be given top priority.

Christmas is also an excellent time to love others.

Helping those less fortunate is important.

Christmas is also an excellent time to bring others to Him.

Just about everything else comes next.

Before embarking on a task, check your motivation.

Ask yourself why you are doing it.

Answering this question honestly will be very helpful.

Scripture is also an excellent guide.

It reminds us that the more we are blessed, the more is expected of us.

It also reminds us that whatever we do, we do not do alone.

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

Another thing I have learned is that sometimes we must say “No” to the requests of others.

It doesn’t mean we don’t love them; it simply means “no”.

Finally, a truly amazing thing happens when we put the Lord first.

He helps us prioritize everything else.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 9, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, December 16, 2016

I Just Don't See It

Over the past few months I have observed a building under construction.

I passed by it every day during my commute.

I observed the excavation.

I saw the foundation laid.

I watched the steel girders go up.

I observed additional concrete poured.

I saw men at work inside the building busy at various tasks.

Each day I passed by I could see the progress that was being made.

What made this interesting was that I only saw this building from a corner view.

When work began on the exterior of the building, workers started on the side of the building to my left.

That phase completed they began working on the side of the building to my right.

Once that was complete, I could no longer see inside the building.

I also could not see the exterior work on the far side of the building.

Looking at things only from my perspective, it appeared that all work had stopped.

All the while work continued.

I just could not see it based on my limited view.

That is often how it is with God.

We are certainly aware of the problems in our lives.

We are also aware of some the problems in our world.

Sometimes we can easily see God at work.

Sometimes, from our limited view, it appears that no progress is being made at all.

At such times, it is very easy for us to assume that God is not doing anything about them.

In truth, He is.

We just can’t see it from our limited human perspective.

Hebrews 11:1 (NET) - Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see.

God is not a distant and casual observer.

He is an active participant in all our lives.

This is also true during those times when we see no progress.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

I’ll be back here on Friday, December 2, 2016

Sin is Overt

There is a car dealership I pass every morning and every evening.

What is most noticeable about it during the daytime is their large sign which displays their family name of Covert.

At night, the dealership is even more noticeable.

Lights are turned on and their facility is flooded with light.

Even their sign lights up.

In this state, both the sign and facility can be seen from quite far away.

The dictionary defines the word covert as “not openly displayed”.

I find it more than a bit interesting that a place that attracts so much attention could have the word “covert” attached to it.

This forced me to consider how sin impacts our relationship with God.

Each of us, myself included, is guilty of sin.

1 John 1:8 (NET) - If we say we do not bear the guilt of sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.

Whether a sin we commit is intentional or not, we would prefer to hide it.

Hiding it from others is one thing.

Given enough time, we might eventually be able to hide it from ourselves.

We might even think about hiding it from God.

That simply is not possible,

Sin impacts our relationship with God and there is absolutely no way to hide it from Him.

It is no more hidden from Him than that car dealership and its large sign that are both lit up at night.

That is why confession is so important.

It is confession that mends our relationship with Him.

1 John 1:9 (NET) - But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Does Forgiving Mean Forgetting?

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

Scripture tells us plainly that we are to forgive others.

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

It really does not get much plainer than that.

The question remains, “Does forgiving mean forgetting?”

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

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

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

Of course, God is God and we are not.

Some things are really hard to forget.

Before I was born my mother experienced tragedy twice.

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

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

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

Mother’s second pregnancy ended in miscarriage.

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

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

This hurt Mother.

Most simply did not realize the other heartaches Mother experienced.

She forgave, but she never forgot.

As I have grown older, forgiveness comes more easily.

Forgetting, however, is another matter.

Even Christians can hurt each other without really meaning to.

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

I disagreed.

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

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

Did I forgive them?

Yes.

Have I forgotten?

Obviously, the answer is no.

Is it possible to forgive without forgetting?

I honestly believe that it is.

For example, a victim of crime should forgive.

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

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

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

A Real Gem

Each of my parents came from large families.

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

I learned so much from each of them.

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

Each did this through his or her actions and words.

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

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

This continued until only one of them remained.

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

Recently, she completed her earthly journey as well.

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

But the lessons in faith and love they taught endure.

In one sense, an era has ended.

In that same sense another has already begun.

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

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

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

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Living Our Faith

I pass several churches along my commute.

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

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

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

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

Inconsistent behavior is not merely confined to the roads.

I was in the store the other day.

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

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

They even spoke harshly about the cashier.

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

Not one of us is perfect.

That includes me.

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

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

Making others aware of our faith is a good thing.

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

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

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Out of the Box

There are a number of television programs that feature old objects.

In some of them, people want to sell their old items.

In others, people just want to know their true value.

One thing is certain, an object’s condition certainly impacts its value.

As a rule, the better condition an object is in, the more the object is worth.

Some items are sold in boxes.

The box can add a lot to an item’s value.

In some cases, people not only have the box, they have never even opened it.

This adds even more to the object’s value.

Our faith is nothing at all like that.

When we each discover our personal faith, it is like receiving something brand new from God in an unopened box.

It is valuable, but unlike material objects, faith gains in value when it is put to use.

The more we use it, the more valuable it becomes.

By the time we reach the end of our earthly journey it will not be like it was when we first discovered it.

It is certain to pick up a few scratches and dings along the way.

For example, we are to love our neighbor even when that neighbor will not love us in return.

We are to spend time and resources on those in need rather than ourselves.

We are to do the right thing even when it would be far easier not to.

These things and others will leave their marks and might even change the shape of our faith.

It’s funny, but those who appraise objects will point out its scratches and dings.

They sometimes refer to these things as the object’s “character”.

It is no coincidence that a person’s faith and character go hand in hand.

Faith is a wonderful gift from God.

Go ahead.

Take it out of the box and put it to use.

Do not be afraid of the scratches and dings.

You will only increase its value.

James 2:17 (NET) - So also faith, if it does not have works, is dead being by itself. 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 9, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, September 16, 2016

Is There a Sequel?

Every now and again a really good story comes along.

Perhaps it is in the form of a book.

Maybe it is in the form of a movie or a television show.

Whatever form it comes in, we eventually reach the end of the story no matter how good it is.

If it is a story we enjoyed we might find ourselves asking, “Is that all there is?”

Not always.

Sometimes a sequel is written or produced.

The story continues but, more often than not, we find ourselves disappointed.

The sequel simply just does not live up to the original story we enjoyed so much.

Our lives are a bit like a story we enjoy.

We are born. we live for a time and ultimately each of our stories on earth comes to an end.

Somewhere along our journeys we all find ourselves asking, “Is this all there is?”

An unbeliever would tell us that this is the case.

He would tell us that we are born, we live, we die… end of story.

Some believe otherwise.

They believe in an afterlife but seem to feel this life is to be preferred.

Their concept of Heaven is one in which we float around on clouds and do nothing but play the harp for all of eternity.

This would be the equivalent of a sequel failing to live up to the original story.

Personally, I believe that God is the author of all things.

I believe our journeys on earth are just the first story.

There is more to come.

For those who believe, Heaven will be like the sequel to that story.

The Bible gives us some hints as to what Heaven will be like,

Yet even the most imaginative and creative among us will have to experience it to fully appreciate it.

In that respect, this sequel will be far, far better than the original.

1 Corinthians 2:9 (NET) - But just as it is written, “Things that no eye has seen, or ear heard, or mind imagined, are the things God has prepared for those who love him.”

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

I’ll be back here on Friday, September 2, 2016

Like One of Your Own

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

This is due to our location.

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

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

That is where I come in.

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

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

Times like these make me glad I am a Christian.

Being a Christian has helped me in many ways.

For example, it has taught me patience.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I have responsibilities as a professional.

I have even bigger ones as a Christian.

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Because I Said So

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

They tell their children what they should do.

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

They also tell their children what they should not do.

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

Children will usually ask, “Why?”

Early on, parents will explain their reasoning.

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

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

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

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

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

Eventually the patience of the parents runs out.

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

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

Scripture is pretty clear on what is acceptable.

It is also pretty clear on what is unacceptable.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

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