Philippians 4:13 (KJV) - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Someone once said that the only constant in the world is change.
There is a grain of truth in that.
As the new year approaches, I find my life in a state of flux.
I now find myself in a position of leadership in my church.
Many of my Christian friends have also informed me that their walk of faith is in a state of transition as well. They are experiencing changes in the ways they serve God.
As for me, I was approached in October 2010 to make this transition and I really had to prayerfully consider it.
This was not a position I had ever planned on accepting. In fact, I had turned others down when asked in years past. It was nothing personal. This time, things were different. I felt that this time God was leading me to accept this position.
I have always relied on that passage of scripture from Philippians in the past. This time, God led me with it and with two additional passages as well.
Hebrews 11:8 (KJV) - By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
I certainly could relate to that. If I were to accept this position, I would certainly be entering unfamiliar territory. If I honestly believed God were leading me in this direction, I too should obey His leading.
Then, there was a second passage of scripture that spoke volumes to me.
Luke 12:48b (KJV) - For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
I acknowledge that any ability I have comes from God and that He expects me to use such ability in service to Him. That, coupled with the fact that my church has done so much for me in my spiritual growth, convinced me that it is now time for me to serve my church in ways I had not before considered.
Will this take me outside my comfort zone? Yes.
Is this going to be a learning experience for me? Undoubtedly.
Yet, that is how we as Christians both grow and mature.
I also realized that I was not going to be able to do all the things I had been doing and take on new responsibilities as well.
I was going to have to sit down and determine what roles I would continue to fill and what roles I would relinquish.
With His help I determined those functions which I originally felt Him calling me to do and decided to keep doing those things.
Although painful, I opted to step down from a committee on which I had served for four years.
As I stated before, many of my Christian friends tell me their spiritual walk is in a state of transition.
Yet, we must each trust that God is in charge and that He will put us exactly where He wants us to be doing exactly what He wants us to do. We can take comfort in the fact that He will walk with us each step of the way.
As we enter a new year, I encourage you to make yourself available to His leading.
Philippians 2:13 (KJV) - For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of (His) good pleasure.
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, January 7, 2011.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, January 14, 2011.
I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
An Unforgettable Christmas
Christmas is supposed to be a happy time.
For me, the two most difficult times in my life occurred around my birthday and around Christmas.
I was my parents' only surviving child.
Father died many years ago and was laid to rest on my nineteenth birthday.
Birthdays seemed less special after that.
Mother was forty years old when I was born and because of the differences in our ages, I became her primary caregiver making sure she had everything she needed before I went to work each day.
She suffered from severe arthritis, but was otherwise in good health and mentally sharp as Christmas drew near a few years ago. In fact, we talked about our plans for Christmas during the last conversation we were to have.
Then suddenly, mere days before Christmas, she became critically ill and, as her only surviving child, the decision to take her off life support fell squarely on me.
If you have never had to make such a decision, I hope that you never have to. It is without doubt one of the most gut wrenching decisions that has to be made and knowing that it is the right thing to do is of little comfort.
If you have had to make that decision, then you know exactly what I am talking about.
I knew I could not make this decision alone.
I leaned harder on God that day than I ever leaned on Him before.
Looking back, I honestly believe that He wanted me to lean on Him.
God used those circumstances to both tear me down and then rebuild me.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Though this was the most difficult decision I had ever faced, the difficulties continued.
I then began handling the arrangements for her services.
I had to call family and friends and break the news to them (most thought I was calling to wish them "Merry Christmas").
Some had already left town for the holidays and sadly a few did not find out until they returned.
When her funeral ended, I was absolutely exhausted.
That night, I slept the kind of sleep that my physical body had been craving for days.
When I awoke the next morning, the realization of what had transpired over the prior days was immediate.
There was also something else. There was also a deep sense of peace within me.
John 14:27 (KJV) - Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
I also felt His message in my heart...
"I just got you through the most difficult days of your lifetime. I will get you through others. All you need do is trust Me."
I will never forget what that felt like.
I also have no trouble sharing that with others.
In the years that have followed, I can honestly and confidently say that He has transformed my life.
I serve Him now in ways that I could neither have foreseen nor imagined.
One more thing...
In spite of the loss, I still love Christmas and celebrating the birth of my Savior.
Certainly, there are moments that are still painful.
There's that one song I hear during the holidays that always gets to me.
There's also that one Christmas movie that I can't through without tears.
Last year, it was a particular aroma coming from my host's kitchen that did it.
These and other things remind me of the special relationship I had with Mother.
Yet, I know that it is okay for me to miss her.
As a believer, I know I can still love her.
In the end, love is what Christmas is all about.
It is not about how we try to reach up to God.
Rather, Christmas is about how God loved us so much that He reached down to us through Jesus Christ.
John 3:16 (KJV) - For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
In loving memory of "Mom" Pokorny (as she was known by many) I wish you a Merry Christmas,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, December 17, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, December 24, 2010.
For me, the two most difficult times in my life occurred around my birthday and around Christmas.
I was my parents' only surviving child.
Father died many years ago and was laid to rest on my nineteenth birthday.
Birthdays seemed less special after that.
Mother was forty years old when I was born and because of the differences in our ages, I became her primary caregiver making sure she had everything she needed before I went to work each day.
She suffered from severe arthritis, but was otherwise in good health and mentally sharp as Christmas drew near a few years ago. In fact, we talked about our plans for Christmas during the last conversation we were to have.
Then suddenly, mere days before Christmas, she became critically ill and, as her only surviving child, the decision to take her off life support fell squarely on me.
If you have never had to make such a decision, I hope that you never have to. It is without doubt one of the most gut wrenching decisions that has to be made and knowing that it is the right thing to do is of little comfort.
If you have had to make that decision, then you know exactly what I am talking about.
I knew I could not make this decision alone.
I leaned harder on God that day than I ever leaned on Him before.
Looking back, I honestly believe that He wanted me to lean on Him.
God used those circumstances to both tear me down and then rebuild me.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Though this was the most difficult decision I had ever faced, the difficulties continued.
I then began handling the arrangements for her services.
I had to call family and friends and break the news to them (most thought I was calling to wish them "Merry Christmas").
Some had already left town for the holidays and sadly a few did not find out until they returned.
When her funeral ended, I was absolutely exhausted.
That night, I slept the kind of sleep that my physical body had been craving for days.
When I awoke the next morning, the realization of what had transpired over the prior days was immediate.
There was also something else. There was also a deep sense of peace within me.
John 14:27 (KJV) - Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
I also felt His message in my heart...
"I just got you through the most difficult days of your lifetime. I will get you through others. All you need do is trust Me."
I will never forget what that felt like.
I also have no trouble sharing that with others.
In the years that have followed, I can honestly and confidently say that He has transformed my life.
I serve Him now in ways that I could neither have foreseen nor imagined.
One more thing...
In spite of the loss, I still love Christmas and celebrating the birth of my Savior.
Certainly, there are moments that are still painful.
There's that one song I hear during the holidays that always gets to me.
There's also that one Christmas movie that I can't through without tears.
Last year, it was a particular aroma coming from my host's kitchen that did it.
These and other things remind me of the special relationship I had with Mother.
Yet, I know that it is okay for me to miss her.
As a believer, I know I can still love her.
In the end, love is what Christmas is all about.
It is not about how we try to reach up to God.
Rather, Christmas is about how God loved us so much that He reached down to us through Jesus Christ.
John 3:16 (KJV) - For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
In loving memory of "Mom" Pokorny (as she was known by many) I wish you a Merry Christmas,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, December 17, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, December 24, 2010.
Friday, November 26, 2010
God was with Him
We are familiar with the narrative.
God makes a covenant with Abram.
Genesis 15:5 (NET) - The LORD took him outside and said, ‘Gaze into the sky and count the stars - if you are able to count them!” Then He said to him, “So will your descendants be.”
Abram trusted God and was considered loyal according to verse 6.
Genesis 15:6 (NET) - Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD considered his response of faith as proof of genuine loyalty.
When Abram was 99 years old, God reaffirms this promise even though Abram’s wife Sarai had not conceived (Genesis 17).
God changes Abram’s name to Abraham and Sarai’s name to Sarah.
Here is Abraham at almost 100 years of age and Sarah at 90 and still Sarah has not had a child.
Abraham suggests to God that He fulfill this covenant through Ishmael who was conceived through Hagar, Sarah’s servant.
God has his own plan.
Genesis 17:19 (NET) - God said, “No, Sarah your wife is going to bear you a son, and you will name him Isaac. I will confirm my covenant with him as a perpetual covenant for his descendants after him.”
God then tells Abraham that this will happen in approximately one year.
It did.
Genesis 21:5 (NET) - (Now Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.)
Yet, in Genesis 22, God tells Abraham to offer his only son, whom he loves. as a burnt offering.
Abraham obeys.
He, Isaac and two young servants set out for the destination God stipulated.
On the third day, they are within site of the destination.
Abraham and Isaac proceed alone leaving the two servants behind.
Genesis 22:6 (NET) - Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and put it on his son Isaac. Then he took the fire and the knife in his hand, and the two of them walked on together.”
They conversed along the way.
Based on the facts that Isaac carried the wood and that he had an intelligent conversation with his father Abraham it can be safely concluded that a number of years had passed since Isaac’s birth.
We know the rest of the narrative.
Abraham is ready to sacrifice his only son whom he loves but God stays his hand at the last moment.
God was indeed with Abraham through this trial.
What of Isaac?
Isaac was old enough to converse with his father, yet he neither tried to change his mind nor did he beg for his life.
Isaac was strong enough to carry the wood, yet he neither tried to overpower nor even simply run away from a man one hundred years older than he was.
Yes, God was with Abraham.
Let us keep in mind that God was with Isaac, too.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, December 3, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, December 10, 2010.
God makes a covenant with Abram.
Genesis 15:5 (NET) - The LORD took him outside and said, ‘Gaze into the sky and count the stars - if you are able to count them!” Then He said to him, “So will your descendants be.”
Abram trusted God and was considered loyal according to verse 6.
Genesis 15:6 (NET) - Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD considered his response of faith as proof of genuine loyalty.
When Abram was 99 years old, God reaffirms this promise even though Abram’s wife Sarai had not conceived (Genesis 17).
God changes Abram’s name to Abraham and Sarai’s name to Sarah.
Here is Abraham at almost 100 years of age and Sarah at 90 and still Sarah has not had a child.
Abraham suggests to God that He fulfill this covenant through Ishmael who was conceived through Hagar, Sarah’s servant.
God has his own plan.
Genesis 17:19 (NET) - God said, “No, Sarah your wife is going to bear you a son, and you will name him Isaac. I will confirm my covenant with him as a perpetual covenant for his descendants after him.”
God then tells Abraham that this will happen in approximately one year.
It did.
Genesis 21:5 (NET) - (Now Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.)
Yet, in Genesis 22, God tells Abraham to offer his only son, whom he loves. as a burnt offering.
Abraham obeys.
He, Isaac and two young servants set out for the destination God stipulated.
On the third day, they are within site of the destination.
Abraham and Isaac proceed alone leaving the two servants behind.
Genesis 22:6 (NET) - Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and put it on his son Isaac. Then he took the fire and the knife in his hand, and the two of them walked on together.”
They conversed along the way.
Based on the facts that Isaac carried the wood and that he had an intelligent conversation with his father Abraham it can be safely concluded that a number of years had passed since Isaac’s birth.
We know the rest of the narrative.
Abraham is ready to sacrifice his only son whom he loves but God stays his hand at the last moment.
God was indeed with Abraham through this trial.
What of Isaac?
Isaac was old enough to converse with his father, yet he neither tried to change his mind nor did he beg for his life.
Isaac was strong enough to carry the wood, yet he neither tried to overpower nor even simply run away from a man one hundred years older than he was.
Yes, God was with Abraham.
Let us keep in mind that God was with Isaac, too.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, December 3, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, December 10, 2010.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The Meaning of Life
Why am I here? What is the meaning of life?
Philosophers have wrestled with these questions for centuries.
Their answers are varied and some even border on the ridiculous.
The Bible, on the other hand, gives us some very definite answers to these questions.
Genesis 1:27 (BBE) - And God made man in His image, in the image of God He made him: male and female He made them.
There are currently some six billion of us living in the world today.
There were billions who preceded us with an unknown number yet to come.
Of the billions upon billions who have lived, currently live or will live, no two of us will be exactly identical.
Even twins who share genetic make up have unique characteristics (personality for example).
We are each different and yet, we are made in the image of God. God's image must indeed be truly remarkable.
Even Moses, a man of God, wished to see God's face but could not.
Exodus 33:20 (BBE) - But it is not possible for you to see My face, for no man may see My face and still go on living.
So, God made us.
Genesis 2:7 (BBE) - And the Lord God made man from the dust of the earth, breathing into him the breath of life: and man became a living soul.
Several times in scripture, God is depicted as a potter and we, His creation, are depicted as clay.
Jeremiah 18:6 (BBE) - O Israel, am I not able to do with you as this potter does? Says the Lord. See, like the earth in the potter's hand are you in my hands, O Israel.
Surely God has created us to fulfill any purpose He has planned for us, yet the reminder of our humble origins remain.
So, that is how we came into being, but why?
The answer is twofold.
First, God created us for His glory.
Second, He wants us to have a personal relationship with Him.
Psalm 145:10 (BBE) - All the works of Your hands give praise to You, O Lord, and Your saints give You blessing.
Isaiah 43:7 (BBE) - Every one who is named by My name and whom I have made for My glory, who has been formed and designed by Me.
Our beginnings of earth are humble. We are made of the ordinary. Yet, we are made in the image of the extraordinary. We were made to give Him the glory he requires. We were also made for fellowship with Him.
That is why we are here.
That is the meaning of life.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, November 19, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, November 26, 2010.
Philosophers have wrestled with these questions for centuries.
Their answers are varied and some even border on the ridiculous.
The Bible, on the other hand, gives us some very definite answers to these questions.
Genesis 1:27 (BBE) - And God made man in His image, in the image of God He made him: male and female He made them.
There are currently some six billion of us living in the world today.
There were billions who preceded us with an unknown number yet to come.
Of the billions upon billions who have lived, currently live or will live, no two of us will be exactly identical.
Even twins who share genetic make up have unique characteristics (personality for example).
We are each different and yet, we are made in the image of God. God's image must indeed be truly remarkable.
Even Moses, a man of God, wished to see God's face but could not.
Exodus 33:20 (BBE) - But it is not possible for you to see My face, for no man may see My face and still go on living.
So, God made us.
Genesis 2:7 (BBE) - And the Lord God made man from the dust of the earth, breathing into him the breath of life: and man became a living soul.
Several times in scripture, God is depicted as a potter and we, His creation, are depicted as clay.
Jeremiah 18:6 (BBE) - O Israel, am I not able to do with you as this potter does? Says the Lord. See, like the earth in the potter's hand are you in my hands, O Israel.
Surely God has created us to fulfill any purpose He has planned for us, yet the reminder of our humble origins remain.
So, that is how we came into being, but why?
The answer is twofold.
First, God created us for His glory.
Second, He wants us to have a personal relationship with Him.
Psalm 145:10 (BBE) - All the works of Your hands give praise to You, O Lord, and Your saints give You blessing.
Isaiah 43:7 (BBE) - Every one who is named by My name and whom I have made for My glory, who has been formed and designed by Me.
Our beginnings of earth are humble. We are made of the ordinary. Yet, we are made in the image of the extraordinary. We were made to give Him the glory he requires. We were also made for fellowship with Him.
That is why we are here.
That is the meaning of life.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, November 19, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, November 26, 2010.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Science and the Bible
Romans 10:17 (KJV) - So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
It is hard to believe that there was once a time when science and the Bible were not in opposition.
Long ago, the goal of science was to try to explain the observable works and laws of God visible in nature.
Science looked at God's creation and proposed theories about that creation. It then designed experiments intended to either prove or disprove those theories. Those experiments would then be performed and the results carefully observed. Then, conclusions would be drawn.
Somewhere along the way, however, the goal of science underwent a change.
Rather than seeking to understand God's creation, men of science decided that the pursuit of science was the path to enlightenment. Science would now attempt to disprove God's involvement in both creation and the natural laws in place.
In all fairness, one has to admit that science has a proven track record of being wrong.
For example, science at one time concluded that the earth was flat and that getting too close to the edge would put one in danger of falling off. We now know that such is not the case.
Science then changed it's mind and determined that the earth was not flat but rather a sphere. Furthermore, this sphere was at the center of everything and that all celestial bodies revolved around it. Once again, we now know that this is also inaccurate.
The science of medicine is not immune to error. Science at one time concluded that sickness was the result of bad blood and that the remedy was for the one sick to visit a barber in order to have that bad blood removed. This borders on the unbelievable today.
I could continue, but I think I have been hard enough on science.
Science does the best it can based on the information it has available. Yet it often draws incorrect conclusions.
As time goes by and new information comes to light science revises its theories, experiments and conclusions.
I am not anti-science. I have benefited from the things it has gotten right.
Modern technology, medicine and other advances have made my life both better and easier.
Yet, based on its proven track record of being wrong, I can hardly place my faith in science.
The Bible on the other hand is something in which I can find solid ground for my faith.
It has a timeless quality and is completely reliable.
God uses His Word to reveal truth.
The truth about who He is.
The truth about what He has done for us.
The truth about how He provided for our salvation through Jesus Christ.
Science, if properly applied, can give us glimpses of God and His creation in tangible and provable ways.
For far too long science and the Bible have been in opposing camps.
How wonderful it would be for the two to come back together again.
Between the two, only science has the capacity to move. So far, it has been reluctant to do so.
This is unfortunate.
If properly interpreted and applied, each could shed light upon the other.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, November 5, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, November 12, 2010.
It is hard to believe that there was once a time when science and the Bible were not in opposition.
Long ago, the goal of science was to try to explain the observable works and laws of God visible in nature.
Science looked at God's creation and proposed theories about that creation. It then designed experiments intended to either prove or disprove those theories. Those experiments would then be performed and the results carefully observed. Then, conclusions would be drawn.
Somewhere along the way, however, the goal of science underwent a change.
Rather than seeking to understand God's creation, men of science decided that the pursuit of science was the path to enlightenment. Science would now attempt to disprove God's involvement in both creation and the natural laws in place.
In all fairness, one has to admit that science has a proven track record of being wrong.
For example, science at one time concluded that the earth was flat and that getting too close to the edge would put one in danger of falling off. We now know that such is not the case.
Science then changed it's mind and determined that the earth was not flat but rather a sphere. Furthermore, this sphere was at the center of everything and that all celestial bodies revolved around it. Once again, we now know that this is also inaccurate.
The science of medicine is not immune to error. Science at one time concluded that sickness was the result of bad blood and that the remedy was for the one sick to visit a barber in order to have that bad blood removed. This borders on the unbelievable today.
I could continue, but I think I have been hard enough on science.
Science does the best it can based on the information it has available. Yet it often draws incorrect conclusions.
As time goes by and new information comes to light science revises its theories, experiments and conclusions.
I am not anti-science. I have benefited from the things it has gotten right.
Modern technology, medicine and other advances have made my life both better and easier.
Yet, based on its proven track record of being wrong, I can hardly place my faith in science.
The Bible on the other hand is something in which I can find solid ground for my faith.
It has a timeless quality and is completely reliable.
God uses His Word to reveal truth.
The truth about who He is.
The truth about what He has done for us.
The truth about how He provided for our salvation through Jesus Christ.
Science, if properly applied, can give us glimpses of God and His creation in tangible and provable ways.
For far too long science and the Bible have been in opposing camps.
How wonderful it would be for the two to come back together again.
Between the two, only science has the capacity to move. So far, it has been reluctant to do so.
This is unfortunate.
If properly interpreted and applied, each could shed light upon the other.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, November 5, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, November 12, 2010.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
A Mansion Was Not For Her
Matthew 6:19-21 (ASV)
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also.
A few years ago, I took Mother out for a drive one Saturday.
The land was relatively flat where we lived and the Texas Hill Country was just a few miles away. I thought this change of scenery would do us both some good.
I suggested this little trip and she readily agreed.
We set out and about an hour later, we reached the very first hills.
I periodically glanced in her direction and observed her taking in the scenery.
A short time later, we entered an affluent area and in one of those periodic glances I noticed she was looking up.
Curiosity got the best of me.
"Mom, what are you looking at?", I asked.
She replied, "I'm looking at those houses on the tops of those hills. I would not like living there."
Mother grew up in the Great Depression era and had no idea just how expensive those homes and land holdings really were. These homes were owned by people with fantastic incomes.
I could not let this opportunity pass by.
"Mom, I promise you here and now that I will never force you to live in one of those homes," I stated. It was a promise made in jest since I knew I would never have the means to do so. Neither did I aspire to.
Mother was called home by the Lord not long afterward and I know that according to scripture she is in His presence.
Nothing this world has to offer could compete with that.
I also know that heaven far surpasses anything I can imagine.
John 14:1-2 (ASV) - Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.
I also know Mother has a place there. I am as sure of that as I am sure that I am writing this.
I also know I will see her there some day.
Those who have given their lives to Jesus have that assurance.
I know she gave her life to Jesus because she helped me to do the same.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, October 15 and Friday, October 22, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, October 29, 2010.
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also.
A few years ago, I took Mother out for a drive one Saturday.
The land was relatively flat where we lived and the Texas Hill Country was just a few miles away. I thought this change of scenery would do us both some good.
I suggested this little trip and she readily agreed.
We set out and about an hour later, we reached the very first hills.
I periodically glanced in her direction and observed her taking in the scenery.
A short time later, we entered an affluent area and in one of those periodic glances I noticed she was looking up.
Curiosity got the best of me.
"Mom, what are you looking at?", I asked.
She replied, "I'm looking at those houses on the tops of those hills. I would not like living there."
Mother grew up in the Great Depression era and had no idea just how expensive those homes and land holdings really were. These homes were owned by people with fantastic incomes.
I could not let this opportunity pass by.
"Mom, I promise you here and now that I will never force you to live in one of those homes," I stated. It was a promise made in jest since I knew I would never have the means to do so. Neither did I aspire to.
Mother was called home by the Lord not long afterward and I know that according to scripture she is in His presence.
Nothing this world has to offer could compete with that.
I also know that heaven far surpasses anything I can imagine.
John 14:1-2 (ASV) - Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.
I also know Mother has a place there. I am as sure of that as I am sure that I am writing this.
I also know I will see her there some day.
Those who have given their lives to Jesus have that assurance.
I know she gave her life to Jesus because she helped me to do the same.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, October 15 and Friday, October 22, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, October 29, 2010.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Reach Out and Touch Someone
Mark 5:25-26 (NET) - Now a woman was there who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years. She had endured a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had . Yet instead of getting better, she grew worse.
The account of the woman with the hemorrhage never fails to move me.
Here was a woman who not only suffered physically, she also suffered a malady which made her "unclean" in the eyes of the law as well.
Mark's account of this woman tells us that the physicians were not able to help her.
Now that she had spent all that she had, they were likely unwilling to treat her as well.
Mark 5:27-28 (NET) - When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind Him in the crowd and touched His cloak, for she kept saying, "If only I touch His clothes, I will be healed."
Here was a woman with tremendous faith.
She believed that all she needed to do to be healed was simply to touch His clothes.
All this in spite of the fact that the practitioners of medicine had not been able to help her in twelve years.
Mark 5:29 (NET) - At once the bleeding stopped, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease.
Think for just a moment about how this must have felt.
One moment you are bleeding and have been doing so for twelve years. The next moment, you touch His clothes, the bleeding stops and you feel within your body that you are healed.
But it was not just the woman who felt this, Jesus felt it as well.
Mark 5:30 (NET) - Jesus knew at once that power had gone out from Him. He turned around in the crowd and said, "Who touched My clothes?"
In my heart, I believe Jesus knew who touched Him. I believe He asked this question for the benefit of those around Him.
This question is like the one God asked in the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve disobeyed Him.
Genesis 3:8-9 (NET) - Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God moving about in the orchard at the breezy time of day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the orchard. But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, "Where are you?"
God is all knowing. He did not need to ask the question. He knew exactly where Adam and Eve were hiding.
He asked this question to draw out a truthful response from them.
Jesus did likewise.
Mark 5:31-33 (NET) - His disciples said to Him, "You see the crowd pressing against you and you say, 'Who touched Me?'" But he looked around to see who had done it. Then the woman, with fear and trembling, knowing what had happened to her fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth.
I can almost see the look of love and kindness on His face when he addressed her.
Mark 5:34 (NET) - He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your disease."
I can almost see the look of relief and gratitude on her face as well.
Along with her magnificent faith, I take away two other things from this account as well.
The first is that Jesus referred to her as "Daughter" which denotes a relationship of a deeper nature perhaps as a result of her faith.
The second is that Jesus felt power go out from Him and that it happened as a result of someone not touching Him but merely touching His clothes.
So many people minimize Jesus.
They say He was a good man or a good teacher or was someone with good ideas.
Yet when you read this account in Mark, you have to realize that He was so much more.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, October 1, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, October 8, 2010.
The account of the woman with the hemorrhage never fails to move me.
Here was a woman who not only suffered physically, she also suffered a malady which made her "unclean" in the eyes of the law as well.
Mark's account of this woman tells us that the physicians were not able to help her.
Now that she had spent all that she had, they were likely unwilling to treat her as well.
Mark 5:27-28 (NET) - When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind Him in the crowd and touched His cloak, for she kept saying, "If only I touch His clothes, I will be healed."
Here was a woman with tremendous faith.
She believed that all she needed to do to be healed was simply to touch His clothes.
All this in spite of the fact that the practitioners of medicine had not been able to help her in twelve years.
Mark 5:29 (NET) - At once the bleeding stopped, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease.
Think for just a moment about how this must have felt.
One moment you are bleeding and have been doing so for twelve years. The next moment, you touch His clothes, the bleeding stops and you feel within your body that you are healed.
But it was not just the woman who felt this, Jesus felt it as well.
Mark 5:30 (NET) - Jesus knew at once that power had gone out from Him. He turned around in the crowd and said, "Who touched My clothes?"
In my heart, I believe Jesus knew who touched Him. I believe He asked this question for the benefit of those around Him.
This question is like the one God asked in the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve disobeyed Him.
Genesis 3:8-9 (NET) - Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God moving about in the orchard at the breezy time of day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the orchard. But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, "Where are you?"
God is all knowing. He did not need to ask the question. He knew exactly where Adam and Eve were hiding.
He asked this question to draw out a truthful response from them.
Jesus did likewise.
Mark 5:31-33 (NET) - His disciples said to Him, "You see the crowd pressing against you and you say, 'Who touched Me?'" But he looked around to see who had done it. Then the woman, with fear and trembling, knowing what had happened to her fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth.
I can almost see the look of love and kindness on His face when he addressed her.
Mark 5:34 (NET) - He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your disease."
I can almost see the look of relief and gratitude on her face as well.
Along with her magnificent faith, I take away two other things from this account as well.
The first is that Jesus referred to her as "Daughter" which denotes a relationship of a deeper nature perhaps as a result of her faith.
The second is that Jesus felt power go out from Him and that it happened as a result of someone not touching Him but merely touching His clothes.
So many people minimize Jesus.
They say He was a good man or a good teacher or was someone with good ideas.
Yet when you read this account in Mark, you have to realize that He was so much more.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, October 1, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, October 8, 2010.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
A Matter of Trust
Psalms 31:5 (NET)
Into your hand I entrust my life; you will rescue me, O LORD, the faithful God.
In Texas, geckos have become as much a part of the landscape as pecan trees and bluebonnets.
These pinkish brown lizards made their way into Texas and decided that they liked it here as much as the rest of us and made it their home as well.
They really are amazing little creatures. When they are young their skin has a transparent quality and you can actually see their tiny hearts beating.
They can scale everything from rough walls to smooth glass and even hang upside down from ceilings.
They also have another quality. They can squeeze through the tiniest of cracks.
I find them in my garage all the time and occasionally they make their way into my home.
I have no animosity toward them, in fact, I really like these tiny creatures.
While my home is a great place for me to live, I know that for them it really is not.
In fact, their chance of survival inside my home is greatly diminished.
I try to capture them if I can and release them into the bushes by my patio.
This is not easy for a number of reasons. They are tiny, fast, agile and have detachable tails.
Final score: Geckos 4, Jim 0.
Although I want to save them, they see me as just another predator to elude and they succeed far more often than I do.
Recently, I found several gecko corpses by accident.
I found them in the crease that exists between the edge of my front door and the door frame where it hinges.
Apparently, these saw me when I came in before I saw them.
They looked at the crease that formed between the open door and the frame as a safe place in which to hide from me. Their place of refuge then turned into a trap from which there was no escape.
"What a pity", I thought, "that these little fellows mistrust my intentions. If only they knew that I just wanted to take them gently in my hands and place them where they belong."
Yet, isn't that the way we are? Isn't that the way we have always been since the beginning?
God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He gave them everything they needed and gave them only one restriction, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
They were not to eat of its fruit. They were not even to touch it.
Yet, they did.
And as soon as they did, they realized that what they did was wrong and tried to hide themselves from God.
Genesis 3:8 (NET) - Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God moving about in the orchard at the breezy time of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the orchard.
Things have not changed very much. We still make poor choices. We still end up in places and situations we shouldn't. We still sin.
And when we do, we do what the geckos do. We try to run from God rather than running to Him. We allow fear to keep us from putting our lives into His loving hands and trusting Him to put us where He knows we need to be.
Remember, He only wants what truly is best for you.
2 Peter 3:9 (NET) - The Lord is not slow concerning His promise, as some regard slowness, but is being patient toward you, because He does not wish any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, September 17, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, September 24, 2010.
Into your hand I entrust my life; you will rescue me, O LORD, the faithful God.
In Texas, geckos have become as much a part of the landscape as pecan trees and bluebonnets.
These pinkish brown lizards made their way into Texas and decided that they liked it here as much as the rest of us and made it their home as well.
They really are amazing little creatures. When they are young their skin has a transparent quality and you can actually see their tiny hearts beating.
They can scale everything from rough walls to smooth glass and even hang upside down from ceilings.
They also have another quality. They can squeeze through the tiniest of cracks.
I find them in my garage all the time and occasionally they make their way into my home.
I have no animosity toward them, in fact, I really like these tiny creatures.
While my home is a great place for me to live, I know that for them it really is not.
In fact, their chance of survival inside my home is greatly diminished.
I try to capture them if I can and release them into the bushes by my patio.
This is not easy for a number of reasons. They are tiny, fast, agile and have detachable tails.
Final score: Geckos 4, Jim 0.
Although I want to save them, they see me as just another predator to elude and they succeed far more often than I do.
Recently, I found several gecko corpses by accident.
I found them in the crease that exists between the edge of my front door and the door frame where it hinges.
Apparently, these saw me when I came in before I saw them.
They looked at the crease that formed between the open door and the frame as a safe place in which to hide from me. Their place of refuge then turned into a trap from which there was no escape.
"What a pity", I thought, "that these little fellows mistrust my intentions. If only they knew that I just wanted to take them gently in my hands and place them where they belong."
Yet, isn't that the way we are? Isn't that the way we have always been since the beginning?
God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He gave them everything they needed and gave them only one restriction, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
They were not to eat of its fruit. They were not even to touch it.
Yet, they did.
And as soon as they did, they realized that what they did was wrong and tried to hide themselves from God.
Genesis 3:8 (NET) - Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God moving about in the orchard at the breezy time of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the orchard.
Things have not changed very much. We still make poor choices. We still end up in places and situations we shouldn't. We still sin.
And when we do, we do what the geckos do. We try to run from God rather than running to Him. We allow fear to keep us from putting our lives into His loving hands and trusting Him to put us where He knows we need to be.
Remember, He only wants what truly is best for you.
2 Peter 3:9 (NET) - The Lord is not slow concerning His promise, as some regard slowness, but is being patient toward you, because He does not wish any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, September 17, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, September 24, 2010.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Three Grandmothers?
1 Corinthians 1:25 (ASV)
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
My cousin's grandmother was truly a wonderful and loving woman.
We often saw her at family functions and occasionally we made the seventeen mile trip just to visit with her.
When I was still very young, I heard my parents refer to her as "Grandma" for the sake of my cousin. Well, it only seemed proper for me to do the same.
I am certain that my parents and other relatives found this cute and fortunately for me, my cousin never expressed any jealousy in this matter.
Although this dear lady was not my grandmother, I believe she genuinely liked the idea that I had adopted her as another grandmother.
Each year when my birthday or Christmas would come around I always received a gift from this dear lady along with a card which she signed "With Love, Grandma".
Everything was fine until that fateful day when we began studying plurals in grade school.
The plural of shoe is shoes, the plural of bird is birds, and so on.
"What is the plural of grandmother?", the teacher asked.
"Grandmothers," we replied.
"How many grandmothers do you have?", she asked one of my classmates.
"Two," he replied.
"Correct," she said.
I raised my hand.
"Yes, Jim, what is it?", she asked.
"I have three grandmothers," I stated confidently.
For reasons unknown to me at the time, everybody laughed.
"No, Jim. You cannot have three grandmothers," she said. She then offered a very logical explanation as to why it simply did not make sense for me to have a third grandmother.
"Do you understand?", she asked.
"Yes, Ma'am," I replied (I just wanted us to move on).
I really was unable to focus on the rest of the lesson.
My mind was preoccupied with why it did not make sense for me to have this loving woman as a third grandmother.
"I don't care if this does not make sense to anyone else," I concluded. "After all, I have her birthday and Christmas cards to me that prove it!"
That was many years ago, but I wonder... is my situation all that different today?
If someone who does not believe in God were to ask me how many fathers I have, my answer would not make any sense to them either.
"Two," I would reply.
Perhaps they would laugh or shake their heads disapprovingly.
They might even try to explain that it Is impossible for me to have two fathers and that believing so simply does not make any sense.
Yet, I do have two fathers.
One was my earthly father.
The other is my Heavenly Father.
I don't care if this does not make sense to anyone else. After all, I have the book He wrote for me to prove it!
1 Corinthians 1:21 (ASV) - For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, it was God's good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save them that believe.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, September 3, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, September 10, 2010.
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
My cousin's grandmother was truly a wonderful and loving woman.
We often saw her at family functions and occasionally we made the seventeen mile trip just to visit with her.
When I was still very young, I heard my parents refer to her as "Grandma" for the sake of my cousin. Well, it only seemed proper for me to do the same.
I am certain that my parents and other relatives found this cute and fortunately for me, my cousin never expressed any jealousy in this matter.
Although this dear lady was not my grandmother, I believe she genuinely liked the idea that I had adopted her as another grandmother.
Each year when my birthday or Christmas would come around I always received a gift from this dear lady along with a card which she signed "With Love, Grandma".
Everything was fine until that fateful day when we began studying plurals in grade school.
The plural of shoe is shoes, the plural of bird is birds, and so on.
"What is the plural of grandmother?", the teacher asked.
"Grandmothers," we replied.
"How many grandmothers do you have?", she asked one of my classmates.
"Two," he replied.
"Correct," she said.
I raised my hand.
"Yes, Jim, what is it?", she asked.
"I have three grandmothers," I stated confidently.
For reasons unknown to me at the time, everybody laughed.
"No, Jim. You cannot have three grandmothers," she said. She then offered a very logical explanation as to why it simply did not make sense for me to have a third grandmother.
"Do you understand?", she asked.
"Yes, Ma'am," I replied (I just wanted us to move on).
I really was unable to focus on the rest of the lesson.
My mind was preoccupied with why it did not make sense for me to have this loving woman as a third grandmother.
"I don't care if this does not make sense to anyone else," I concluded. "After all, I have her birthday and Christmas cards to me that prove it!"
That was many years ago, but I wonder... is my situation all that different today?
If someone who does not believe in God were to ask me how many fathers I have, my answer would not make any sense to them either.
"Two," I would reply.
Perhaps they would laugh or shake their heads disapprovingly.
They might even try to explain that it Is impossible for me to have two fathers and that believing so simply does not make any sense.
Yet, I do have two fathers.
One was my earthly father.
The other is my Heavenly Father.
I don't care if this does not make sense to anyone else. After all, I have the book He wrote for me to prove it!
1 Corinthians 1:21 (ASV) - For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, it was God's good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save them that believe.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, September 3, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, September 10, 2010.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Why is There Only One Way?
John 14:6 (NET)
Jesus replied, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
A few years ago, I got caught up in the Sudoku craze when it was at its peak of popularity.
I enjoyed them because they were a kind of puzzle that relied solely on reasoning to solve.
I remember one puzzle in particular that, try as I might, I simply could not solve.
After filling in virtually the entire 9x9 grid, I was left with two pairs of empty boxes and two options for filling them… two and seven.
After hours of reasoning, I was forced to do something I found extremely distasteful. I had to resort to guessing.
So, for the first pair, I tried two and then seven leaving seven and then two for the second pair.
This combination worked and the puzzle was complete.
I am not the sort that could simply walk away at this point.
If this combination worked, then logically speaking, the other combination would not.
So, I reversed the numbers.
To my great surprise, this combination worked as well and yielded an equally correct solution.
This, however, violated one of the rules of Sudoku in that a puzzle had to have one unique solution.
I felt a certain amount of satisfaction, because I now knew why I had not been able to solve the puzzle.
There was simply no way to solve it using reasoning alone.
By now you're probably asking what the connection is between this analogy and the opening scripture.
When it comes to salvation, Jesus not only gives us a clue, He gives us the answer.
He tells us that He is the way.
Hypothetically speaking, what if He had said that He was a way?
That would imply that there were other ways.
Let us suppose then, that someone decided they would choose one of those ways instead without knowing what they were?
Let us further suppose, someone had chosen one of those ways sincerely believing that they had found a way to their salvation.
What if they had chosen incorrectly?
Sadly, they would be unaware their choice was incorrect until judgment and then it would be too late.
Fortunately for us that will never be an issue.
Jesus made it plain that He is the only way.
That is the only choice that must be made.
Acts 4:12 (NET) - "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among people by which we must be saved."
Now there are those detractors who claim that this view is too narrow.
They ask how anyone could believe in a God who provides only one way to be saved.
My response is twofold.
First... Jesus is the only way, but, He makes Himself available to anyone. Does that seem narrow?
Second... Look closely at human history. Mankind has proven himself capable of committing of all manner of atrocity and evil. In that light, it is nothing short of miraculous that we are provided with one way at all.
Blessings,
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, August 20, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, August 27, 2010.
Jesus replied, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
A few years ago, I got caught up in the Sudoku craze when it was at its peak of popularity.
I enjoyed them because they were a kind of puzzle that relied solely on reasoning to solve.
I remember one puzzle in particular that, try as I might, I simply could not solve.
After filling in virtually the entire 9x9 grid, I was left with two pairs of empty boxes and two options for filling them… two and seven.
After hours of reasoning, I was forced to do something I found extremely distasteful. I had to resort to guessing.
So, for the first pair, I tried two and then seven leaving seven and then two for the second pair.
This combination worked and the puzzle was complete.
I am not the sort that could simply walk away at this point.
If this combination worked, then logically speaking, the other combination would not.
So, I reversed the numbers.
To my great surprise, this combination worked as well and yielded an equally correct solution.
This, however, violated one of the rules of Sudoku in that a puzzle had to have one unique solution.
I felt a certain amount of satisfaction, because I now knew why I had not been able to solve the puzzle.
There was simply no way to solve it using reasoning alone.
By now you're probably asking what the connection is between this analogy and the opening scripture.
When it comes to salvation, Jesus not only gives us a clue, He gives us the answer.
He tells us that He is the way.
Hypothetically speaking, what if He had said that He was a way?
That would imply that there were other ways.
Let us suppose then, that someone decided they would choose one of those ways instead without knowing what they were?
Let us further suppose, someone had chosen one of those ways sincerely believing that they had found a way to their salvation.
What if they had chosen incorrectly?
Sadly, they would be unaware their choice was incorrect until judgment and then it would be too late.
Fortunately for us that will never be an issue.
Jesus made it plain that He is the only way.
That is the only choice that must be made.
Acts 4:12 (NET) - "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among people by which we must be saved."
Now there are those detractors who claim that this view is too narrow.
They ask how anyone could believe in a God who provides only one way to be saved.
My response is twofold.
First... Jesus is the only way, but, He makes Himself available to anyone. Does that seem narrow?
Second... Look closely at human history. Mankind has proven himself capable of committing of all manner of atrocity and evil. In that light, it is nothing short of miraculous that we are provided with one way at all.
Blessings,
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, August 20, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, August 27, 2010.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
She's His Daughter, Too
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (KJV)
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort; who comforted us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
Several years ago, I was involved in a car accident while driving across a bridge.
A left turn lane opened up at the end of the bridge that could safely accommodate three vehicles at the most.
This particular day, several cars decided to turn left and some of those drivers stopped rather abruptly on the bridge.
Suddenly, there was a sea of brake lights in front of me and I had no choice but to hard brake.
I stopped short of making contact with the car in front of me.
The car behind me was not able to do so and rear ended me.
Once traffic began moving again I drove across the bridge and pulled off the road.
The other driver pulled over as well.
I exited my vehicle and was approached by a frightened young lady (a student at the local university) who apologized repeatedly.
I asked her if she was injured and she replied that she was not.
I informed her that I was not injured either.
I reminded her that the most important thing was that neither one of us was hurt.
Next we looked at my vehicle which had some damage to the bumper. "No big deal," I assured her.
Next we looked at the damage to her vehicle and she began to panic.
I explained that her vehicle was equipped with crumple zones designed to absorb impact and that the damage to her car actually protected her.
When she calmed down I asked her to call the police while I checked her vehicle to make sure it was drivable. I checked for fluid leaks and other items as I did not wish for her to have another accident.
As I finished the inspection, she approached me with her phone in hand and asked, "Would you please do me a favor?"
"Of course," I replied.
"Would you talk to my mother?", she asked pleadingly as she handed me her phone.
I took the phone said hello and found myself talking to a rather hysterical mother.
I explained things to her the way I explained them to her daughter.
I finished by telling her that we were both just victims of circumstance and then handed the phone back.
A moment later, we both saw the police car heading our way and she hung up her phone.
She walked over to me and said, "My mother wants to thank you for being so nice to me. I want to thank you, too."
"You're quite welcome," I replied.
I thought about what she said.
I remembered that this young lady had a Heavenly Father as well. Looking back, I am glad I was nice to His daughter as well.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
a.k.a., The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, August 6, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, August 13, 2010.
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort; who comforted us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
Several years ago, I was involved in a car accident while driving across a bridge.
A left turn lane opened up at the end of the bridge that could safely accommodate three vehicles at the most.
This particular day, several cars decided to turn left and some of those drivers stopped rather abruptly on the bridge.
Suddenly, there was a sea of brake lights in front of me and I had no choice but to hard brake.
I stopped short of making contact with the car in front of me.
The car behind me was not able to do so and rear ended me.
Once traffic began moving again I drove across the bridge and pulled off the road.
The other driver pulled over as well.
I exited my vehicle and was approached by a frightened young lady (a student at the local university) who apologized repeatedly.
I asked her if she was injured and she replied that she was not.
I informed her that I was not injured either.
I reminded her that the most important thing was that neither one of us was hurt.
Next we looked at my vehicle which had some damage to the bumper. "No big deal," I assured her.
Next we looked at the damage to her vehicle and she began to panic.
I explained that her vehicle was equipped with crumple zones designed to absorb impact and that the damage to her car actually protected her.
When she calmed down I asked her to call the police while I checked her vehicle to make sure it was drivable. I checked for fluid leaks and other items as I did not wish for her to have another accident.
As I finished the inspection, she approached me with her phone in hand and asked, "Would you please do me a favor?"
"Of course," I replied.
"Would you talk to my mother?", she asked pleadingly as she handed me her phone.
I took the phone said hello and found myself talking to a rather hysterical mother.
I explained things to her the way I explained them to her daughter.
I finished by telling her that we were both just victims of circumstance and then handed the phone back.
A moment later, we both saw the police car heading our way and she hung up her phone.
She walked over to me and said, "My mother wants to thank you for being so nice to me. I want to thank you, too."
"You're quite welcome," I replied.
I thought about what she said.
I remembered that this young lady had a Heavenly Father as well. Looking back, I am glad I was nice to His daughter as well.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
a.k.a., The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, August 6, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, August 13, 2010.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
A Look That Said It All
Romans 14:10 (KJV)
But why dost thou judge thy brother? Or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Periodically our church takes its turn staffing the local food bank.
Volunteers are needed to prepare bags of groceries on Friday, others are needed Saturday to assist with distribution.
Due to my work schedule, I volunteer for Saturday when I can.
There are many tasks to be performed but one of the ones I enjoy the most is carrying bags to vehicles for those that require assistance.
I enjoy this task because it allows me to use the time to talk with these individuals.
One particular Saturday, I had already made several trips when a young couple came in with their small children.
Because of their situation, they were entitled to more than one bag.
I politely asked them if they needed any help carrying their bags.
The young lady smiled and said they wouldn't.
That's when it happened.
I turned to the you young man and asked, "Are you sure?"
Suddenly, our eyes met for a brief moment, and he gave me a look that spoke volumes before he averted his gaze.
His look said, "Don't judge me for not being able to provide for my family."
That hit me.
I was not being judgmental. In fact nothing even close to that thought ever entered my mind.
I knew one thing.
This young man was not just being overly sensitive.
I feel certain he had been judged by others in the past… and judged harshly.
Harshly enough to misinterpret even the friendliest of gestures.
I still recall that day and that incident in particular and when I do, it is with a tremendous amount of pity.
My pity is not for the young man, though.
Rather, it is for those that have judged or perhaps misjudged him.
As we are reminded in Matthew 7: 1-2 - Judge not, that ye not be judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Blessings,
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, August 6, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, July 30, 2010.
But why dost thou judge thy brother? Or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Periodically our church takes its turn staffing the local food bank.
Volunteers are needed to prepare bags of groceries on Friday, others are needed Saturday to assist with distribution.
Due to my work schedule, I volunteer for Saturday when I can.
There are many tasks to be performed but one of the ones I enjoy the most is carrying bags to vehicles for those that require assistance.
I enjoy this task because it allows me to use the time to talk with these individuals.
One particular Saturday, I had already made several trips when a young couple came in with their small children.
Because of their situation, they were entitled to more than one bag.
I politely asked them if they needed any help carrying their bags.
The young lady smiled and said they wouldn't.
That's when it happened.
I turned to the you young man and asked, "Are you sure?"
Suddenly, our eyes met for a brief moment, and he gave me a look that spoke volumes before he averted his gaze.
His look said, "Don't judge me for not being able to provide for my family."
That hit me.
I was not being judgmental. In fact nothing even close to that thought ever entered my mind.
I knew one thing.
This young man was not just being overly sensitive.
I feel certain he had been judged by others in the past… and judged harshly.
Harshly enough to misinterpret even the friendliest of gestures.
I still recall that day and that incident in particular and when I do, it is with a tremendous amount of pity.
My pity is not for the young man, though.
Rather, it is for those that have judged or perhaps misjudged him.
As we are reminded in Matthew 7: 1-2 - Judge not, that ye not be judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Blessings,
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, August 6, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, July 30, 2010.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Celebrating Dependence Day
Psalm 5:11 (KJV)
But let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice; let them ever shout for joy, because Thou defendest them; let them also that love Thy name be joyful in Thee.
In America, we recently celebrated the Fourth of July. That is what it has come to be known. It's official name is Independence Day.
The celebration of independence is by no means strictly an American phenomenon.
Many nations and cultures celebrate their own days of independence.
Independence lends itself quite easily to celebration.
Even as children, we long for the day when we will be old enough to strike out on our own and experience independence.
Life, though, is full of irony, and we soon find out that being independent is not at all what we imagined it would be like. We also discover that with freedom comes the freedom to make mistakes. We then learn that we are the ones to have deal with their consequences.
With independence comes responsibility and we quickly find out that the word "responsibility" has the word "responsible" buried within it.
Yet, in spite of these responsibilities, independence still retains a positive connotation.
In contrast, on the other end of the spectrum from "independence" lies "dependence".
Dependence carries with it a negative connotation.
For example, one can have a chemical dependency.
When it comes to matters of a spiritual nature, dependency is actually a good thing, provided one is totally dependent on God.
The Psalm's provide excellent examples for us.
Psalm 18: 2 - The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Psalm 56:3-4 - What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee, In God I will praise His Word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
The New Testament provides us with good examples as well.
For example, in the ninth chapter of the Book of Luke, Jesus sends his disciples into the world to preach the Kingdom. He gives them power over all demons and the power to cure diseases.
Yet He tells them to take nothing for the journey. According to Luke 9:3 (NET)...
He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey - no staff, no bag, no money, and do not take an extra tunic."
The ability to cure diseases and conquer demons will be the easy part. Jesus Himself grants them these powers.
For their basic daily needs like food and shelter from the night chill they will be totally dependent on God and must have faith that He will provide them.
Having faith in God means depending on Him.
We find that difficult because we have been conditioned by the world to be self reliant and independent.
We can un-learn this conditioning and learn to trust God completely.
Once we do, we can then celebrate our Dependence Day.
Blessings,
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, July 16, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, July 23, 2010.
But let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice; let them ever shout for joy, because Thou defendest them; let them also that love Thy name be joyful in Thee.
In America, we recently celebrated the Fourth of July. That is what it has come to be known. It's official name is Independence Day.
The celebration of independence is by no means strictly an American phenomenon.
Many nations and cultures celebrate their own days of independence.
Independence lends itself quite easily to celebration.
Even as children, we long for the day when we will be old enough to strike out on our own and experience independence.
Life, though, is full of irony, and we soon find out that being independent is not at all what we imagined it would be like. We also discover that with freedom comes the freedom to make mistakes. We then learn that we are the ones to have deal with their consequences.
With independence comes responsibility and we quickly find out that the word "responsibility" has the word "responsible" buried within it.
Yet, in spite of these responsibilities, independence still retains a positive connotation.
In contrast, on the other end of the spectrum from "independence" lies "dependence".
Dependence carries with it a negative connotation.
For example, one can have a chemical dependency.
When it comes to matters of a spiritual nature, dependency is actually a good thing, provided one is totally dependent on God.
The Psalm's provide excellent examples for us.
Psalm 18: 2 - The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Psalm 56:3-4 - What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee, In God I will praise His Word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
The New Testament provides us with good examples as well.
For example, in the ninth chapter of the Book of Luke, Jesus sends his disciples into the world to preach the Kingdom. He gives them power over all demons and the power to cure diseases.
Yet He tells them to take nothing for the journey. According to Luke 9:3 (NET)...
He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey - no staff, no bag, no money, and do not take an extra tunic."
The ability to cure diseases and conquer demons will be the easy part. Jesus Himself grants them these powers.
For their basic daily needs like food and shelter from the night chill they will be totally dependent on God and must have faith that He will provide them.
Having faith in God means depending on Him.
We find that difficult because we have been conditioned by the world to be self reliant and independent.
We can un-learn this conditioning and learn to trust God completely.
Once we do, we can then celebrate our Dependence Day.
Blessings,
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, July 16, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, July 23, 2010.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
A Thirsty World
John 4:13-14 (NIV)
Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
I find the account of Jesus and the woman at the well in the fourth chapter of John to be quite profound.
Jesus arrived at the Samaritan town of Sychar at midday and sat down at the well of Jacob as He was tired from the Journey.
As Jesus had both a divine and a human nature, it can be safely assumed that it was human nature that felt fatigued.
A Samaritan woman came to draw water from the well where Jesus sat .
He asked her to give Him water to drink.
She then reminded Him of something He already knew; He was a Jew whereas she was a Samaritan.
She could have just as easily asked, "Don't you know that we are not supposed to have anything to do with each other?"
Jesus responded to her in verse ten that if she really knew who He was, she would have asked Him for living water.
The woman did not understand. In her culture, their were two kinds of water. There was stagnant, or dead water (like that found in pools) and there was water that moved freely, or living water, (like that found in rivers).
As there were no streams or rivers in the vicinity, she had to return to this well to draw the water that she needed to survive.
She simply reminded Jesus that He had no bucket and that the well was deep.
Jesus told her that those who drank water from this well would thirst again but those who drank of the water He provided would never thirst again.
She still did not understand as is evidenced by her response in John 4:15...
The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't go thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."
Before we criticize this poor woman too much, we need to remind ourselves that we often do the same thing.
Jesus offers us so much that is spiritual and eternal and yet we often ask Him just to meet our immediate needs… those of the here and the now.
Jesus offers everyone living water and the hope of eternal life. He offers that which is living, yet so many choose merely surviving instead. He offers the eternal, yet so many choose the temporal.
I thought about this during my commute recently.
The part of central Texas in which I live has experienced explosive growth over the last few years.
Many areas that were once undeveloped are now teeming with houses and apartments.
Numerous water towers also dot the landscape in order to provide thirsty residents with their daily water requirements. Technically, these waters now trapped and are no longer "living" waters in that sense of the word.
People no longer have to draw water from wells. It is now just another convenience that is taken for granted.
Many also take the living water Jesus offers for granted as well.
In that regard, we live in a very thirsty world indeed.
He offers us a choice.
Will we choose living for the eternal, or merely surviving in desperate search of the temporal?
Blessings,
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com/ on Friday, July 2, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, July 9, 2010.
Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
I find the account of Jesus and the woman at the well in the fourth chapter of John to be quite profound.
Jesus arrived at the Samaritan town of Sychar at midday and sat down at the well of Jacob as He was tired from the Journey.
As Jesus had both a divine and a human nature, it can be safely assumed that it was human nature that felt fatigued.
A Samaritan woman came to draw water from the well where Jesus sat .
He asked her to give Him water to drink.
She then reminded Him of something He already knew; He was a Jew whereas she was a Samaritan.
She could have just as easily asked, "Don't you know that we are not supposed to have anything to do with each other?"
Jesus responded to her in verse ten that if she really knew who He was, she would have asked Him for living water.
The woman did not understand. In her culture, their were two kinds of water. There was stagnant, or dead water (like that found in pools) and there was water that moved freely, or living water, (like that found in rivers).
As there were no streams or rivers in the vicinity, she had to return to this well to draw the water that she needed to survive.
She simply reminded Jesus that He had no bucket and that the well was deep.
Jesus told her that those who drank water from this well would thirst again but those who drank of the water He provided would never thirst again.
She still did not understand as is evidenced by her response in John 4:15...
The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't go thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."
Before we criticize this poor woman too much, we need to remind ourselves that we often do the same thing.
Jesus offers us so much that is spiritual and eternal and yet we often ask Him just to meet our immediate needs… those of the here and the now.
Jesus offers everyone living water and the hope of eternal life. He offers that which is living, yet so many choose merely surviving instead. He offers the eternal, yet so many choose the temporal.
I thought about this during my commute recently.
The part of central Texas in which I live has experienced explosive growth over the last few years.
Many areas that were once undeveloped are now teeming with houses and apartments.
Numerous water towers also dot the landscape in order to provide thirsty residents with their daily water requirements. Technically, these waters now trapped and are no longer "living" waters in that sense of the word.
People no longer have to draw water from wells. It is now just another convenience that is taken for granted.
Many also take the living water Jesus offers for granted as well.
In that regard, we live in a very thirsty world indeed.
He offers us a choice.
Will we choose living for the eternal, or merely surviving in desperate search of the temporal?
Blessings,
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com/ on Friday, July 2, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, July 9, 2010.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Ignoring the Warning Signs
James 4:17 (NIV)
Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.
Wednesday morning, it rained… hard!
According to the experts, a low pressure system stalled right over the top of us and it just kept raining.
A series of flash flood watches were issued and these were quickly updated to flash flood warnings.
Low water crossings became dangerous.
A news crew had been dispatched to one crossing in particular that is always one of the
first to become problematic.
By the time they had arrived, public safety officials had already set up road blocks to protect drivers.
While the television reporter was delivering the news that this crossing had already been blocked off, his cameraman turned in order to capture the image of a car simply driving around the roadblock as if it were not there and then proceeded down the road to the crossing about a half mile away.
Needless to say, the reporter reminded viewers that this an illegal act that carries a fine. He also reminded viewers that making a choice like this shows a lack of sound judgment.
It reminded me of an incident I experienced just a few months ago.
It was on a Saturday and I went to the supermarket to do my weekly shopping.
I walked inside and grabbed a cart.
Suddenly, the fire alarm sounded and warning lights began to flash in every department.
As I put my cart back, I was surprised to see almost everyone continuing their shopping.
By their expressions, I could tell that they considered the combination of the alarm and
flashing lights annoying but not enough for them to stop shopping and head for the exits.
I shook my head in disbelief and went outside.
After a few minutes, the alarm went silent so I went back inside.
I noticed the lights had also quit flashing.
I identified an employee by his name tag and asked if everything was okay.
“False alarm,” he said. “I don’t know what triggered it but everything is okay now.”
The shoppers who ignored these warning signs were lucky… this time!
I thanked him, grabbed a cart and proceeded to get my own shopping done.
That’s the way it is with sin. Often times when we are tempted to sin, we know in our
hearts that the path on which we are about to embark is the wrong path.
Sometimes, the mere thought of what we are about to do or say brings on that feeling of guilt well before the act is committed or the words are spoken.
According to 1 Corinthians 10:13...
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so you can stand up under it.
If the Holy Spirit puts up a road block to keep you on the right path, will you choose to simply go around it?
If He causes the alarm of guilt to go off in your mind, will you choose to simply act as if there were no warning at all?
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.co.nr/ on Friday, June 18, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, June 25, 2010.
Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.
Wednesday morning, it rained… hard!
According to the experts, a low pressure system stalled right over the top of us and it just kept raining.
A series of flash flood watches were issued and these were quickly updated to flash flood warnings.
Low water crossings became dangerous.
A news crew had been dispatched to one crossing in particular that is always one of the
first to become problematic.
By the time they had arrived, public safety officials had already set up road blocks to protect drivers.
While the television reporter was delivering the news that this crossing had already been blocked off, his cameraman turned in order to capture the image of a car simply driving around the roadblock as if it were not there and then proceeded down the road to the crossing about a half mile away.
Needless to say, the reporter reminded viewers that this an illegal act that carries a fine. He also reminded viewers that making a choice like this shows a lack of sound judgment.
It reminded me of an incident I experienced just a few months ago.
It was on a Saturday and I went to the supermarket to do my weekly shopping.
I walked inside and grabbed a cart.
Suddenly, the fire alarm sounded and warning lights began to flash in every department.
As I put my cart back, I was surprised to see almost everyone continuing their shopping.
By their expressions, I could tell that they considered the combination of the alarm and
flashing lights annoying but not enough for them to stop shopping and head for the exits.
I shook my head in disbelief and went outside.
After a few minutes, the alarm went silent so I went back inside.
I noticed the lights had also quit flashing.
I identified an employee by his name tag and asked if everything was okay.
“False alarm,” he said. “I don’t know what triggered it but everything is okay now.”
The shoppers who ignored these warning signs were lucky… this time!
I thanked him, grabbed a cart and proceeded to get my own shopping done.
That’s the way it is with sin. Often times when we are tempted to sin, we know in our
hearts that the path on which we are about to embark is the wrong path.
Sometimes, the mere thought of what we are about to do or say brings on that feeling of guilt well before the act is committed or the words are spoken.
According to 1 Corinthians 10:13...
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so you can stand up under it.
If the Holy Spirit puts up a road block to keep you on the right path, will you choose to simply go around it?
If He causes the alarm of guilt to go off in your mind, will you choose to simply act as if there were no warning at all?
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.co.nr/ on Friday, June 18, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, June 25, 2010.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
May the Name of the Lord be Praised
Job 1:20-22 (NIV)
At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, may the name of the Lord be praised.” In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.
[Author’s Note: This devotional is dedicated to the memory of a very dear member of my church family, Mrs. Margaret Weber. Mrs. Weber celebrated her 90th birthday in April. Instead of gifts, she requested that guests bring canned food items for the local food bank where she still did volunteer work. So much food was collected that the local newspaper featured Mrs. Weber and this gesture of kindness and generosity. On May 15, 2010, Mrs. Weber was called home by the Lord. I gave this devotional in a slightly modified format Sunday, May 23, 2010 to our Senior Assembly. Job 1:8-22 was the Scripture reading. Our church family also said goodbye to Mrs. Lillian Hanna in February of this year. I fondly recall both of these very special ladies. Although we are assured of eternal life through Jesus Christ, the personal loss we as a church family currently feel is the inspiration of this labor of love. - JWP]
When we experience loss, our first response is often to ask why.
In the first chapter of Job, we learn that Job is a righteous man.
We also learn that Job has been blessed by God in many ways... he has many servants, oxen, donkeys, sheep and a large family.
Satan sarcastically tells God that the reason Job is in awe of God is because of the blessings God has bestowed upon Job and the protection God affords Job.
Satan goes as far as to tell God that if these blessings were taken from Job that Job would curse God to His face.
God puts these blessings into Satan’s hand to do with as he wishes.
Job is about to be tested, but I suspect God is testing Satan and his view of Job as well.
When Satan strikes, he strikes hard.
He waits for the day when all Job’s children gather together at the home of the eldest son.
For Job, the day probably seems like any other day until bad news arrives and then keeps coming.
First, a messenger arrives to tell Job the Sabeans have taken away all of his oxen and donkeys and have killed all his servants there.
A second messenger arrives to tell Job that fire from heaven (lightning) has killed all of his sheep and the servants there with them.
A third arrives to tell Job that the Chaldeans have raided and have made off with all of his camels and killed the servants with them.
Just when it appears that things cannot get any worse, a fourth arrives to tell Job that his eldest son’s home has collapsed in a whirlwind and that all of Job’s children are dead.
This was the moment Satan waited for... the moment when Job would curse God to His face.
Instead, Job did what was appropriate.
The book of Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is a time when mourning is appropriate.
In an outward sign of mourning, Job tears his robe and shaves his head.
But, he does not curse God.
Instead, he delivers one of the most beautiful lines in all of scripture.
"The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, may the Name of the Lord be praised."
We are entering that time of year when we will be made abundantly aware of the Lord’s many blessings.
Graduations, weddings and perhaps a birthday or two may already have spots on our calendars.
Yet, these blessings come on the heels of the loss of our loved ones.
No one knows what tomorrow will bring.
Perhaps it will be a blessing; perhaps we will experience yet another personal loss.
Regardless of what tomorrow brings, may we be reminded of Job’s beautiful words and wise counsel.
"May the Name of the Lord be praised."
Blessings,
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com/ on Friday, June 4, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, June 11, 2010.
At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, may the name of the Lord be praised.” In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.
[Author’s Note: This devotional is dedicated to the memory of a very dear member of my church family, Mrs. Margaret Weber. Mrs. Weber celebrated her 90th birthday in April. Instead of gifts, she requested that guests bring canned food items for the local food bank where she still did volunteer work. So much food was collected that the local newspaper featured Mrs. Weber and this gesture of kindness and generosity. On May 15, 2010, Mrs. Weber was called home by the Lord. I gave this devotional in a slightly modified format Sunday, May 23, 2010 to our Senior Assembly. Job 1:8-22 was the Scripture reading. Our church family also said goodbye to Mrs. Lillian Hanna in February of this year. I fondly recall both of these very special ladies. Although we are assured of eternal life through Jesus Christ, the personal loss we as a church family currently feel is the inspiration of this labor of love. - JWP]
When we experience loss, our first response is often to ask why.
In the first chapter of Job, we learn that Job is a righteous man.
We also learn that Job has been blessed by God in many ways... he has many servants, oxen, donkeys, sheep and a large family.
Satan sarcastically tells God that the reason Job is in awe of God is because of the blessings God has bestowed upon Job and the protection God affords Job.
Satan goes as far as to tell God that if these blessings were taken from Job that Job would curse God to His face.
God puts these blessings into Satan’s hand to do with as he wishes.
Job is about to be tested, but I suspect God is testing Satan and his view of Job as well.
When Satan strikes, he strikes hard.
He waits for the day when all Job’s children gather together at the home of the eldest son.
For Job, the day probably seems like any other day until bad news arrives and then keeps coming.
First, a messenger arrives to tell Job the Sabeans have taken away all of his oxen and donkeys and have killed all his servants there.
A second messenger arrives to tell Job that fire from heaven (lightning) has killed all of his sheep and the servants there with them.
A third arrives to tell Job that the Chaldeans have raided and have made off with all of his camels and killed the servants with them.
Just when it appears that things cannot get any worse, a fourth arrives to tell Job that his eldest son’s home has collapsed in a whirlwind and that all of Job’s children are dead.
This was the moment Satan waited for... the moment when Job would curse God to His face.
Instead, Job did what was appropriate.
The book of Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is a time when mourning is appropriate.
In an outward sign of mourning, Job tears his robe and shaves his head.
But, he does not curse God.
Instead, he delivers one of the most beautiful lines in all of scripture.
"The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, may the Name of the Lord be praised."
We are entering that time of year when we will be made abundantly aware of the Lord’s many blessings.
Graduations, weddings and perhaps a birthday or two may already have spots on our calendars.
Yet, these blessings come on the heels of the loss of our loved ones.
No one knows what tomorrow will bring.
Perhaps it will be a blessing; perhaps we will experience yet another personal loss.
Regardless of what tomorrow brings, may we be reminded of Job’s beautiful words and wise counsel.
"May the Name of the Lord be praised."
Blessings,
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com/ on Friday, June 4, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, June 11, 2010.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Doing the Right Thing
Proverbs 12:22 (NIV)
The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in men that are truthful.
I neither play golf nor am I a fan of the sport, but in April 2010 a news story by Jay Busbee caught my eye.
The headline read, "Davis Calls Penalty on Himself, Gives Up Shot at First PGA Win".
According to the article, Davis was involved in a playoff with Jim Furyk at the Verizon Heritage. Defeating Furyk in the playoff would have been Davis's first win in the PGA tour.
On his approach shot, Davis's ball bounced off the green and into a thick patch of weeds.
When Davis attempted to punch the golf ball back onto the green, he thought his club grazed a weed during his backswing.
If so, this would have been considered a violation of the rules, a two stroke penalty would have been levied against Davis and Furyk would have been declared the winner.
Davis did the right thing. He summoned a rules official who then consulted with the television replay technicians.
Only after the official reviewed the shot in slow motion was it confirmed that Davis had indeed grazed a weed.
Immediately, Davis conceded the tournament win to Furyk.
Davis did the right thing and I am glad that he did so.
At the same time, I am also saddened.
Has doing the right thing become so rare that it now is considered newsworthy?
Have qualities like honesty, integrity and character become the exception rather than the rule?
I am aware of more than two dozen passages of Scripture that stress the importance of honesty, and yet, the world has chosen to ignore them.
This is just one more reminder of how desperate the world's need of a savior has become.
Blessings,
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.co.nr on May 21, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on May 28, 2010.
The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in men that are truthful.
I neither play golf nor am I a fan of the sport, but in April 2010 a news story by Jay Busbee caught my eye.
The headline read, "Davis Calls Penalty on Himself, Gives Up Shot at First PGA Win".
According to the article, Davis was involved in a playoff with Jim Furyk at the Verizon Heritage. Defeating Furyk in the playoff would have been Davis's first win in the PGA tour.
On his approach shot, Davis's ball bounced off the green and into a thick patch of weeds.
When Davis attempted to punch the golf ball back onto the green, he thought his club grazed a weed during his backswing.
If so, this would have been considered a violation of the rules, a two stroke penalty would have been levied against Davis and Furyk would have been declared the winner.
Davis did the right thing. He summoned a rules official who then consulted with the television replay technicians.
Only after the official reviewed the shot in slow motion was it confirmed that Davis had indeed grazed a weed.
Immediately, Davis conceded the tournament win to Furyk.
Davis did the right thing and I am glad that he did so.
At the same time, I am also saddened.
Has doing the right thing become so rare that it now is considered newsworthy?
Have qualities like honesty, integrity and character become the exception rather than the rule?
I am aware of more than two dozen passages of Scripture that stress the importance of honesty, and yet, the world has chosen to ignore them.
This is just one more reminder of how desperate the world's need of a savior has become.
Blessings,
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.co.nr on May 21, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on May 28, 2010.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
What Massive Stones
Mark 13:1 (NIV)
As He was leaving the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, "Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!
As a very young child growing up in a small Texas town, I don't believe we had a building more than three stories tall.
My father sold and repaired televisions and radios for his livelihood and my childhood was relatively simple.
I had an aunt who lived in Austin with her daughter and one day, their television quit working.
Although there were repairmen in Austin, she trusted my father to fix it properly.
That Friday evening, my father loaded up the van with all the equipment and parts that he might need and he, my mother and I made the forty mile drive into Austin.
Once we arrived, we discovered that my aunt and her daughter had prepared a meal for all of us to share.
After the meal, my father proceeded to work on the television and my aunt offered to take my mother and I downtown to which my mother agreed.
This was an experience for me unlike any I ever had before.
In my small town, businesses closed in the evening and most people simply went home.
In Austin, downtown was lit up. Stores were open for business and traffic still moved at a brisk pace.
Things got even more exciting when we parked the car and began walking around.
Suddenly, we found ourselves on Congress Avenue with its unobstructed view of the Capitol Building made up of huge blocks of pink granite and its impressive rotunda bathed in bright light.
I was impressed.
Even more impressive to me were the multi-story concrete and steel buildings we walked beside.
Whenever we would pause, I recall craning my head back as far as I could just to see if I could see the top of the building we happened to be beside.
I was small.
I felt even smaller.
Whenever I read this passage of scripture, I think I have an idea of the awe the disciples felt when they saw the "massive stones" and the "magnificent buildings".
Yet, as magnificent as some of our earthly structures are, they will pale in comparison to what we will find in heaven.
The Bible offers us glimpses of heaven.
Jesus says in John 14:2, "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you."
Revelation 21:21 states, "The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass."
I am convinced that heaven will be more impressive than anything I have ever seen and more beautiful than anything I can possibly imagine.
Blessings,
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.co.nr on May 7, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on May 14, 2010.
As He was leaving the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, "Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!
As a very young child growing up in a small Texas town, I don't believe we had a building more than three stories tall.
My father sold and repaired televisions and radios for his livelihood and my childhood was relatively simple.
I had an aunt who lived in Austin with her daughter and one day, their television quit working.
Although there were repairmen in Austin, she trusted my father to fix it properly.
That Friday evening, my father loaded up the van with all the equipment and parts that he might need and he, my mother and I made the forty mile drive into Austin.
Once we arrived, we discovered that my aunt and her daughter had prepared a meal for all of us to share.
After the meal, my father proceeded to work on the television and my aunt offered to take my mother and I downtown to which my mother agreed.
This was an experience for me unlike any I ever had before.
In my small town, businesses closed in the evening and most people simply went home.
In Austin, downtown was lit up. Stores were open for business and traffic still moved at a brisk pace.
Things got even more exciting when we parked the car and began walking around.
Suddenly, we found ourselves on Congress Avenue with its unobstructed view of the Capitol Building made up of huge blocks of pink granite and its impressive rotunda bathed in bright light.
I was impressed.
Even more impressive to me were the multi-story concrete and steel buildings we walked beside.
Whenever we would pause, I recall craning my head back as far as I could just to see if I could see the top of the building we happened to be beside.
I was small.
I felt even smaller.
Whenever I read this passage of scripture, I think I have an idea of the awe the disciples felt when they saw the "massive stones" and the "magnificent buildings".
Yet, as magnificent as some of our earthly structures are, they will pale in comparison to what we will find in heaven.
The Bible offers us glimpses of heaven.
Jesus says in John 14:2, "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you."
Revelation 21:21 states, "The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass."
I am convinced that heaven will be more impressive than anything I have ever seen and more beautiful than anything I can possibly imagine.
Blessings,
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.co.nr on May 7, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on May 14, 2010.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Coping
Psalm 46:1 (NIV)
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
As Christians, we are all called upon to give of ourselves.
Yet, we all know at least that one Christian that is really special; the one that we feel truly makes a difference.
My church had just such a young lady.
She was extremely talented when it came to teaching children.
It was a pleasure for us as adults to watch her doing this work. The children responded very well to her and she made it look effortless.
Although she had no children of her own, she was aware that every child is special to God and she treated them that way.
She had a marvelous way of teaching children Christian concepts in a way that young minds could easily grasp.
One day, we learned that she had been diagnosed with cancer and that her time with us was probably limited.
There were days when I am sure she was not feeling particularly well, and yet she put on a brave face for the children and taught them their lesson as if she did not have a problem or care in the world.
She continued to do this right up to the time she went to be with the Lord.
She was special. Everyone in our church family thought so.
The first Sunday after her funeral, I walked into my Sunday School class and saw the looks of hurt on the faces of my students.
I knew whatever lesson plan I had prepared was going to have to wait.
At that time, healing was needed and needed badly.
I shared a story involving this young lady with my students and invited them in turn to do the same.
As the others shared, I offered up a silent prayer to God on how best to help them.
The message He put in my heart is one I will never forget and I share it with you now.
When someone that special is no longer with you, it leaves a big hole. That hole can never be completely filled. But… you can make it smaller simply by drawing closer together.
When all were through sharing, I suggested we take a moment to pray aloud and I included that sentiment in my prayer for their benefit.
Some holes can never be filled completely. With His help you can them smaller.
Blessings,
The Other Brother Jim
I’ll be back here on April 30, 2010 and again on May 14, 2010.
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.co.nr on May 7, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
As Christians, we are all called upon to give of ourselves.
Yet, we all know at least that one Christian that is really special; the one that we feel truly makes a difference.
My church had just such a young lady.
She was extremely talented when it came to teaching children.
It was a pleasure for us as adults to watch her doing this work. The children responded very well to her and she made it look effortless.
Although she had no children of her own, she was aware that every child is special to God and she treated them that way.
She had a marvelous way of teaching children Christian concepts in a way that young minds could easily grasp.
One day, we learned that she had been diagnosed with cancer and that her time with us was probably limited.
There were days when I am sure she was not feeling particularly well, and yet she put on a brave face for the children and taught them their lesson as if she did not have a problem or care in the world.
She continued to do this right up to the time she went to be with the Lord.
She was special. Everyone in our church family thought so.
The first Sunday after her funeral, I walked into my Sunday School class and saw the looks of hurt on the faces of my students.
I knew whatever lesson plan I had prepared was going to have to wait.
At that time, healing was needed and needed badly.
I shared a story involving this young lady with my students and invited them in turn to do the same.
As the others shared, I offered up a silent prayer to God on how best to help them.
The message He put in my heart is one I will never forget and I share it with you now.
When someone that special is no longer with you, it leaves a big hole. That hole can never be completely filled. But… you can make it smaller simply by drawing closer together.
When all were through sharing, I suggested we take a moment to pray aloud and I included that sentiment in my prayer for their benefit.
Some holes can never be filled completely. With His help you can them smaller.
Blessings,
The Other Brother Jim
I’ll be back here on April 30, 2010 and again on May 14, 2010.
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.co.nr on May 7, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
Friday, April 16, 2010
The Unwanted Picture
Revelation 1:5-6 (NIV)
To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve His God and Father - to Him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
I was browsing through a second hand store for books when a picture, if one could call it that, caught my eye.
This picture had made its way through several stores without selling and was literally covered with price stickers, residue from partially pealed off price stickers and prices written on the glass in permanent marker. Each price added was lower than the one before.
I could make out something of a landscape peeking out from behind the layers of tags and residue and decided that the picture might be worth the effort it would take to clean it.
I looked for the lowest price tag and purchased it from the store owner at that price.
He didn't even bother to try to sell it for more. Frankly, I think he was relieved to be able to sell it at any price.
I took the picture home.
That afternoon, armed with a bottle of cleaning fluid and a new package of razor blades, I set to work removing the layers of paper, ink, gunk and glue.
It did not take long for me to determine that a great deal of work would be required. I began to wonder just how much of a "bargain" I had gotten.
I worked slowly and methodically through the afternoon and into the evening.
As I slowly removed the layers of its past, a truly beautiful picture began to emerge.
I removed the final sticker.
My fingers were sore but my eyes did not care, for they beheld a beautiful landscape.
Colorful flowers lined a wooded path beside a serene lake with trees peeking through the mist beyond.
I remember considering hanging the picture in my living room as I worked.
Upon completion, I decided to hang it in my bedroom instead.
I do not regret that decision, because I love seeing it each morning when I awake.
In a way, our lives can be compared to that picture I found in that second hand store.
Sometimes, we feel unwanted.
Sometimes, we feel our worth ebbing away as time goes by.
Sometimes, we allow others to devalue us.
How wrong we are.
Our Heavenly Father never sees any of us that way.
Through the blood of Jesus, we are cleansed of all layers of neglect, doubt and the stain of sin.
hen, as new creations, we can see in ourselves what He has seen all along.
Someone created in His image.
Someone fearfully and wonderfully made.
Someone designed to reflect the light of Jesus to a world in need.
Even when others give up on us, God never does.
The Other Brother Jim
NEXT...
Coping
Friday, April 9, 2010
He Thinks He Saw Jesus
Luke 18:16-17 (NIV)
But Jesus called the children to Him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.
A few Sundays ago, our pastor was away but another had graciously agreed to fill in for him.
Sunday School had just ended and, being the last one to leave the classroom, I turned off the light and closed the door behind me.
I looked down the hallway just in time to see our visiting pastor step into the men's room.
He was tall, had a beard and wore a long flowing white vestment.
I made my way to the main hallway that leads to the sanctuary and noticed that a small crowd had gathered in the intersection.
The center of attention was a five year old boy rambling excitedly about something.
"What is he talking about?", someone asked.
His sister replied, "He thinks he saw Jesus."
A few people laughed, probably assuming the little boy simply had an overactive imagination.
Having been a five year old boy myself I remembered how it felt to have people dismiss what you had to say simply because of your age.
I really had to appreciate the corner into which he seemingly had painted himself.
I decided to come to his aid.
"I saw him, too," I replied.
The boy smiled.
Was he smiling because I came to his aid?
Was he smiling out of relief because now I was the focal point of attention?
I got some really priceless looks.
One look clearly said, "Well, it looks like the Other Brother Jim finally went off the Other Deep End."
I explained that what the boy had actually seen was our visiting pastor and then described his appearance.
I gave the boy a parting smile which he returned and then made my way toward the sanctuary.
An older gentleman walked beside me and said, "You really understand these young people, don't you?"
"I should." I replied. "After all, I used to be one."
As we walked along, I thanked God for letting me feel young from time to time.
I pray that never changes.
Life can be full of surprises if you allow yourself to see the world and others through the eyes of a child once in a while,
The Other Brother Jim
NEXT TIME...
"The Unwanted Picture"
But Jesus called the children to Him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.
A few Sundays ago, our pastor was away but another had graciously agreed to fill in for him.
Sunday School had just ended and, being the last one to leave the classroom, I turned off the light and closed the door behind me.
I looked down the hallway just in time to see our visiting pastor step into the men's room.
He was tall, had a beard and wore a long flowing white vestment.
I made my way to the main hallway that leads to the sanctuary and noticed that a small crowd had gathered in the intersection.
The center of attention was a five year old boy rambling excitedly about something.
"What is he talking about?", someone asked.
His sister replied, "He thinks he saw Jesus."
A few people laughed, probably assuming the little boy simply had an overactive imagination.
Having been a five year old boy myself I remembered how it felt to have people dismiss what you had to say simply because of your age.
I really had to appreciate the corner into which he seemingly had painted himself.
I decided to come to his aid.
"I saw him, too," I replied.
The boy smiled.
Was he smiling because I came to his aid?
Was he smiling out of relief because now I was the focal point of attention?
I got some really priceless looks.
One look clearly said, "Well, it looks like the Other Brother Jim finally went off the Other Deep End."
I explained that what the boy had actually seen was our visiting pastor and then described his appearance.
I gave the boy a parting smile which he returned and then made my way toward the sanctuary.
An older gentleman walked beside me and said, "You really understand these young people, don't you?"
"I should." I replied. "After all, I used to be one."
As we walked along, I thanked God for letting me feel young from time to time.
I pray that never changes.
Life can be full of surprises if you allow yourself to see the world and others through the eyes of a child once in a while,
The Other Brother Jim
NEXT TIME...
"The Unwanted Picture"
Friday, March 26, 2010
Lord, You Know All Things
John 21:17 (NIV)
The third time He said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love Me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time. "Do you Love Me?" He said, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You."
Jesus said, "Feed My sheep."
When I was very young, my father would always come home to have his lunch and then return to work.
Every morning, my mother would go into the kitchen to prepare that lunch and she insisted that I accompany her.
Once in the kitchen, she would have me sit at the table while she began preparing the meal and would use this opportunity to tell me stories from the Bible.
One of the stories I remember quite vividly was how Jesus foretold that Peter would deny Him three times.
I know this particular episode was special to my mother, because she told it to me several times and always with a great deal of emotion. Looking back, I suppose she could not grasp how someone could deny Jesus once let alone three times.
That is probably why the last chapter of John has always been my favorite chapter in all of scripture. Not only has Christ risen, but He also redeems Peter.
I have always found the conversation between Jesus and Peter particularly moving.
Jesus asked Peter, "Do you truly love Me more than these?"
Peter replied, "Yes Lord, You know that I love You."
Jesus asked a second time, "Do you truly love Me?"
Peter replied again, "Yes Lord, You know that I love You."
Jesus asked a third time, "Do you love Me?"
The Bible tells us that Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him three times, "Do you love Me?"
Why was Peter hurt?
Did he recall how he boldly told Jesus that he would die for Him?
Did he recall how Jesus foretold that he would deny Him three times?
Did he recall that it happened just the way Jesus said that it would?
Three times Peter denied Jesus.
Three times Jesus asked, "Do you love Me?"
I have always found Peter's response particularly poignant.
Then, one day, years after my mother first told me this story, the implication of Peter's response crystallized in my mind.
Peter said, "Lord, You know all things..."
Since Jesus knows all things, He knew Peter would deny Him.
In that same moment, He also knew that Peter would be forgiven and redeemed!
It was not an afterthought.
It was not something He deliberated.
He knew it all along.
As a Christian, I take a great deal of comfort in that.
Since Jesus knows all things, He knows that from time to time, I will let Him down.
At the same time He knows that the day will come when I will regret it and come back to Him.
Like Peter, I may feel awkward or perhaps even hurt.
Whatever I may feel, He also knows that I need to go through this experience in order to bring me closer to Him.
After all, He does know all things.
Author's Note - My dear mother went to be with the Lord several years ago. I am forever indebted to her for the foundation of faith she instilled in me at that kitchen table so many years ago. It serves me well to this day and I build upon it with confidence.
I wish you a very happy and blessed Easter,
The Other Brother Jim
IN TWO WEEKS...
"He Thinks He Saw Jesus"
The third time He said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love Me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time. "Do you Love Me?" He said, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You."
Jesus said, "Feed My sheep."
When I was very young, my father would always come home to have his lunch and then return to work.
Every morning, my mother would go into the kitchen to prepare that lunch and she insisted that I accompany her.
Once in the kitchen, she would have me sit at the table while she began preparing the meal and would use this opportunity to tell me stories from the Bible.
One of the stories I remember quite vividly was how Jesus foretold that Peter would deny Him three times.
I know this particular episode was special to my mother, because she told it to me several times and always with a great deal of emotion. Looking back, I suppose she could not grasp how someone could deny Jesus once let alone three times.
That is probably why the last chapter of John has always been my favorite chapter in all of scripture. Not only has Christ risen, but He also redeems Peter.
I have always found the conversation between Jesus and Peter particularly moving.
Jesus asked Peter, "Do you truly love Me more than these?"
Peter replied, "Yes Lord, You know that I love You."
Jesus asked a second time, "Do you truly love Me?"
Peter replied again, "Yes Lord, You know that I love You."
Jesus asked a third time, "Do you love Me?"
The Bible tells us that Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him three times, "Do you love Me?"
Why was Peter hurt?
Did he recall how he boldly told Jesus that he would die for Him?
Did he recall how Jesus foretold that he would deny Him three times?
Did he recall that it happened just the way Jesus said that it would?
Three times Peter denied Jesus.
Three times Jesus asked, "Do you love Me?"
I have always found Peter's response particularly poignant.
Then, one day, years after my mother first told me this story, the implication of Peter's response crystallized in my mind.
Peter said, "Lord, You know all things..."
Since Jesus knows all things, He knew Peter would deny Him.
In that same moment, He also knew that Peter would be forgiven and redeemed!
It was not an afterthought.
It was not something He deliberated.
He knew it all along.
As a Christian, I take a great deal of comfort in that.
Since Jesus knows all things, He knows that from time to time, I will let Him down.
At the same time He knows that the day will come when I will regret it and come back to Him.
Like Peter, I may feel awkward or perhaps even hurt.
Whatever I may feel, He also knows that I need to go through this experience in order to bring me closer to Him.
After all, He does know all things.
Author's Note - My dear mother went to be with the Lord several years ago. I am forever indebted to her for the foundation of faith she instilled in me at that kitchen table so many years ago. It serves me well to this day and I build upon it with confidence.
I wish you a very happy and blessed Easter,
The Other Brother Jim
IN TWO WEEKS...
"He Thinks He Saw Jesus"
Friday, March 19, 2010
Blinded by Rage
Psalm 135:13 (NIV)
Your name, O Lord, endures forever, your renown, O Lord, through all generations.
The sun shone brightly in the clear morning sky.
People were already at work perhaps thinking of their next deadline... perhaps thinking of the weekend... perhaps just thinking.
The morning calm was suddenly disturbed by the sound of a plane flying much lower than usual.
Some people looked out of their office windows and watched with curiosity as the plane drew ever nearer.
"That's odd," a few must have thought.
That thought faded quickly when they realized the plane was headed straight for their building.
Impact.
This wasn't New York in September 2001.
This was Austin, Texas in February 2010. A place where things like this were just not supposed to happen. But it did happen.
A man, angry with the agency that had offices in this building flew his private plane into it, killing himself and one individual working inside.
The access road in front of the building was closed for days.
The view from the highway was appalling.
This once pristine steel and glass office building now bore the scars of one man's rage.
The broken glass.
The smoke stains from the flames.
Now, the access road is open to both those that need it to get where they are going and those who are merely curious and want to see it up close.
If you look carefully enough, you will see one more thing.
Nearby is a church which appears to have sustained absolutely no damage from the incident.
The office building has been deemed to be structurally sound.
Eventually, it will either be repaired or perhaps even replaced.
One structure now stands as a temporary memorial to one man's rage.
The other stands as a far more permanent memorial to God's love and how He expressed that love to us through His only Son, Jesus Christ.
God Bless You,
The Other Brother Jim
NEXT WEEK...
Lord, You Know All Things
Your name, O Lord, endures forever, your renown, O Lord, through all generations.
The sun shone brightly in the clear morning sky.
People were already at work perhaps thinking of their next deadline... perhaps thinking of the weekend... perhaps just thinking.
The morning calm was suddenly disturbed by the sound of a plane flying much lower than usual.
Some people looked out of their office windows and watched with curiosity as the plane drew ever nearer.
"That's odd," a few must have thought.
That thought faded quickly when they realized the plane was headed straight for their building.
Impact.
This wasn't New York in September 2001.
This was Austin, Texas in February 2010. A place where things like this were just not supposed to happen. But it did happen.
A man, angry with the agency that had offices in this building flew his private plane into it, killing himself and one individual working inside.
The access road in front of the building was closed for days.
The view from the highway was appalling.
This once pristine steel and glass office building now bore the scars of one man's rage.
The broken glass.
The smoke stains from the flames.
Now, the access road is open to both those that need it to get where they are going and those who are merely curious and want to see it up close.
If you look carefully enough, you will see one more thing.
Nearby is a church which appears to have sustained absolutely no damage from the incident.
The office building has been deemed to be structurally sound.
Eventually, it will either be repaired or perhaps even replaced.
One structure now stands as a temporary memorial to one man's rage.
The other stands as a far more permanent memorial to God's love and how He expressed that love to us through His only Son, Jesus Christ.
God Bless You,
The Other Brother Jim
NEXT WEEK...
Lord, You Know All Things
Saturday, March 13, 2010
A Noble Friend
Matthew 6:9-10 (NIV)
This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
God has blessed me with many friends in my lifetime. He has also blessed me with the ability to make friends with people whose ages are different from mine. Some are younger; many are older.
One of the best friends I ever had was an older man appropriately named Noble.
Although he was older than I was, I considered Noble to be one of my very best friends.
As a young man, Noble played college football when helmets did not have cross bars. Once, while making a tackle during a kickoff return, Noble broke his nose. The team doctor would not clear him to play unless a cross bar was added to his helmet to protect his broken nose.
He told me, "I felt like such a wimp being the only player on the field wearing a cross bar on my helmet!"
When World War II broke out, my friend Noble found himself working at the Pentagon in Cryptography. A result of a gift God gave him, he enjoyed cryptograms, crosswords and various other puzzles throughout his lifetime after the war was over.
Noble was also a talented artist. He took up painting later in life and specialized in landscapes. He had landscapes hanging in several galleries. He also painted a few portraits of some the locals in our community and captured them quite well.
He also was quite the student of Civil War history and he loved to travel. Often, he combined these interests and visited many historic battlefields from that era. Please don't misunderstand me, Noble did not glorify war. He understood that those who failed to learn from history were doomed to repeat its mistakes.
Here, in Texas, high school football is huge.
At every home game I attended, there was Noble. He was always part of the Honor Guard standing at perfect attention ready to bring the colors out onto the field as part of the pre-game ceremonies.
Beyond these things, my friend Noble was a Christian.
Although we attended different churches, I know he was very active in his.
One day, Noble was not feeling like his usual self and a mutual friend talked him into going to the hospital.
A battery of tests was run and the news was not good.
My friend was told that he had a terrible disease that very few overcome.
He was asked to stay overnight for additional testing.
That night, alone in his hospital room, my friend knelt and prayed. In his prayer, he told God, "let not my will, but your will be done."
The next day, after his testing was complete, his doctor began treatment.
For a short while, my friend responded well to treatment and actually began to look like he might make a recovery.
Then, just as quickly, he took a turn for the worse.
The next thing I knew, one of my best friends was gone.
The next thing I say might sound odd at first, but, I never grieved for my friend.
Do I miss him? Certainly!
The reasons I never grieved for my friend are really quite simple.
I knew my friend was a Christian.
I knew he lived his life to the fullest.
I knew he got out of life what he put into it.
Above all, when he knew his time was limited, he was okay with it.
He did not argue with God.
He did not ask God for more time.
What he told God was simply, "let not my will, but your will be done."
He knew God had a plan for his life and for his death.
It did not matter to Noble that his friends did not understand that plan.
It did not matter to Noble that his family did not understand that plan.
It did not matter to Noble that Noble did not understand that plan.
The only thing that mattered to Noble was that God understood that plan and that He understood that plan perfectly.
Noble got it right.
I wonder if his parents knew just how appropriately they named my "Noble" friend?
God Bless You,
The Other Brother Jim
NEXT WEEK...
Blinded by Rage
This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
God has blessed me with many friends in my lifetime. He has also blessed me with the ability to make friends with people whose ages are different from mine. Some are younger; many are older.
One of the best friends I ever had was an older man appropriately named Noble.
Although he was older than I was, I considered Noble to be one of my very best friends.
As a young man, Noble played college football when helmets did not have cross bars. Once, while making a tackle during a kickoff return, Noble broke his nose. The team doctor would not clear him to play unless a cross bar was added to his helmet to protect his broken nose.
He told me, "I felt like such a wimp being the only player on the field wearing a cross bar on my helmet!"
When World War II broke out, my friend Noble found himself working at the Pentagon in Cryptography. A result of a gift God gave him, he enjoyed cryptograms, crosswords and various other puzzles throughout his lifetime after the war was over.
Noble was also a talented artist. He took up painting later in life and specialized in landscapes. He had landscapes hanging in several galleries. He also painted a few portraits of some the locals in our community and captured them quite well.
He also was quite the student of Civil War history and he loved to travel. Often, he combined these interests and visited many historic battlefields from that era. Please don't misunderstand me, Noble did not glorify war. He understood that those who failed to learn from history were doomed to repeat its mistakes.
Here, in Texas, high school football is huge.
At every home game I attended, there was Noble. He was always part of the Honor Guard standing at perfect attention ready to bring the colors out onto the field as part of the pre-game ceremonies.
Beyond these things, my friend Noble was a Christian.
Although we attended different churches, I know he was very active in his.
One day, Noble was not feeling like his usual self and a mutual friend talked him into going to the hospital.
A battery of tests was run and the news was not good.
My friend was told that he had a terrible disease that very few overcome.
He was asked to stay overnight for additional testing.
That night, alone in his hospital room, my friend knelt and prayed. In his prayer, he told God, "let not my will, but your will be done."
The next day, after his testing was complete, his doctor began treatment.
For a short while, my friend responded well to treatment and actually began to look like he might make a recovery.
Then, just as quickly, he took a turn for the worse.
The next thing I knew, one of my best friends was gone.
The next thing I say might sound odd at first, but, I never grieved for my friend.
Do I miss him? Certainly!
The reasons I never grieved for my friend are really quite simple.
I knew my friend was a Christian.
I knew he lived his life to the fullest.
I knew he got out of life what he put into it.
Above all, when he knew his time was limited, he was okay with it.
He did not argue with God.
He did not ask God for more time.
What he told God was simply, "let not my will, but your will be done."
He knew God had a plan for his life and for his death.
It did not matter to Noble that his friends did not understand that plan.
It did not matter to Noble that his family did not understand that plan.
It did not matter to Noble that Noble did not understand that plan.
The only thing that mattered to Noble was that God understood that plan and that He understood that plan perfectly.
Noble got it right.
I wonder if his parents knew just how appropriately they named my "Noble" friend?
God Bless You,
The Other Brother Jim
NEXT WEEK...
Blinded by Rage
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Office
Isaiah 37:14 (NIV)
Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord.
My first job as an adult was in a factory.
I worked in quality control which was located next to shipping.
The completed product was wheeled into my department for final inspection and the survivors, I mean, "product that passed inspection", was sent on to shipping.
Beyond shipping was a pair of double doors which might as well have been a drawbridge with an alligator filled moat thrown in for effect.
Virtually no one on my side dared venture beyond those doors for beyond them was "The Office."
You see there was a definite us versus them mentality in this facility. Exactly who was "us" and who was "them" depended entirely upon which side of these doors you were on.
I suspect that kind of work environment hasn't changed very much over the years.
I was one of those few intrepid souls who dared venture into "The Office".
Once there, I encountered their first line of defense otherwise known as "Department Management".
Here, the heads of the various departments managed the day to day affairs of those actually
doing the work.
On a couple of rare occasions, my needs could not be met by these individuals, so I ascended to level two of the gauntlet otherwise known as "Mid-Level Management."
Beyond this group lay the final frontier known as "Upper Management."
These people actually existed. I know. I've seen their offices.
Many of my coworkers did not believe me.
I really can't blame them. Seeing their offices was one thing. Seeing the occupants of those offices, well, that was another matter.
I suppose I could have tried to walk casually in the direction of those offices as if I actually had business there. I probably would not have succeeded. I am sure they had rehearsed contingency plans just in case some hardy soul had been brave enough to try.
I am sure that in the long run, I would have been politely (or perhaps not so politely) been told that these magnates of the business world were just too busy to spend time with someone the likes of me.
I certainly am glad that God does not run the business of His creation that way.
In a way, God is like the ultimate CEO that keeps the business of His creation running like clockwork.
The sun goes up; the sun goes down.
Spring follows winter; summer follows spring.
You get the idea.
As busy as God is, He is never too busy too spend time with any one of us. In fact, he actually cares about each and every one of us and actually wants us to spend time with Him.
Best of all, you don't have to go through a lot of bureaucratic red tape just trying to set up an appointment to see Him.
You see, He really wants you to meet with Him.
In fact, He really would like nothing better than for you to have a personal relationship with Him.
So, what are you waiting for?
His door is open and there is no waiting.
God Bless You,
The Other Brother Jim
NEXT WEEK...
A Noble Friend
Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord.
My first job as an adult was in a factory.
I worked in quality control which was located next to shipping.
The completed product was wheeled into my department for final inspection and the survivors, I mean, "product that passed inspection", was sent on to shipping.
Beyond shipping was a pair of double doors which might as well have been a drawbridge with an alligator filled moat thrown in for effect.
Virtually no one on my side dared venture beyond those doors for beyond them was "The Office."
You see there was a definite us versus them mentality in this facility. Exactly who was "us" and who was "them" depended entirely upon which side of these doors you were on.
I suspect that kind of work environment hasn't changed very much over the years.
I was one of those few intrepid souls who dared venture into "The Office".
Once there, I encountered their first line of defense otherwise known as "Department Management".
Here, the heads of the various departments managed the day to day affairs of those actually
doing the work.
On a couple of rare occasions, my needs could not be met by these individuals, so I ascended to level two of the gauntlet otherwise known as "Mid-Level Management."
Beyond this group lay the final frontier known as "Upper Management."
These people actually existed. I know. I've seen their offices.
Many of my coworkers did not believe me.
I really can't blame them. Seeing their offices was one thing. Seeing the occupants of those offices, well, that was another matter.
I suppose I could have tried to walk casually in the direction of those offices as if I actually had business there. I probably would not have succeeded. I am sure they had rehearsed contingency plans just in case some hardy soul had been brave enough to try.
I am sure that in the long run, I would have been politely (or perhaps not so politely) been told that these magnates of the business world were just too busy to spend time with someone the likes of me.
I certainly am glad that God does not run the business of His creation that way.
In a way, God is like the ultimate CEO that keeps the business of His creation running like clockwork.
The sun goes up; the sun goes down.
Spring follows winter; summer follows spring.
You get the idea.
As busy as God is, He is never too busy too spend time with any one of us. In fact, he actually cares about each and every one of us and actually wants us to spend time with Him.
Best of all, you don't have to go through a lot of bureaucratic red tape just trying to set up an appointment to see Him.
You see, He really wants you to meet with Him.
In fact, He really would like nothing better than for you to have a personal relationship with Him.
So, what are you waiting for?
His door is open and there is no waiting.
God Bless You,
The Other Brother Jim
NEXT WEEK...
A Noble Friend
Saturday, February 27, 2010
From "Hosanna!" to "Crucify Him!"
John 12:12-13 (NIV)
The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem.They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
Excitement was in the air.
Word was spreading like wildfire.
Jesus was on His way.
The same Jesus who raised Lazarus from the dead!
The same Jesus who did many signs, miracles and wonders.
As their excitement grew, the crowd gathered palm branches (a sign of victory) to lay in His path.
Anticipation grew to a fever pitch as the minutes went by.
Suddenly, there He was!
Unable to contain their excitement for a moment longer, the crowd erupted in a shout of "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"
What a great ending this would have made if the account had simply ended there.
But it did not simply end there.
The Pharisees continued to grumble and, with the help of Judas, Jesus was arrested.
The same Jesus who arrived in triumph to the accolades of an excited crowd would now be treated worse than a criminal.
He would suffer both physical and verbal abuse at the hands of the authorities and then be presented to another crowd.
This time things were different.
This was not a jubilant crowd driven by wonder and anticipation.
This was a mob. A very angry mob. A mob stirred up by those who knew exactly what buttons to push in order to agitate them into a frenzy of blood lust.
This time, the shout that emerged was different.
It was a shout of anger, not joy.
It was a shout of vengeance, not victory.
The shout today would not be "Hosanna!"
The shout was instead, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!"
I wonder...
How many people in that angry mob were also part of that jubilant crowd?
How many people shouted "Hosanna!" one day and "Crucify Him!" the next?
What went through His mind as He recognized those same faces?
At the cross, Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing," so He likely felt compassion for them.
As should we.
There is another group who is need of His mercy and our compassion as well.
No, I'm not referring to those that were in the angry mob only.
I'm referring to those that heard He was coming and simply did not care.
God Bless You,
The Other Brother Jim
NEXT WEEK...
The Office
The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem.They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
Excitement was in the air.
Word was spreading like wildfire.
Jesus was on His way.
The same Jesus who raised Lazarus from the dead!
The same Jesus who did many signs, miracles and wonders.
As their excitement grew, the crowd gathered palm branches (a sign of victory) to lay in His path.
Anticipation grew to a fever pitch as the minutes went by.
Suddenly, there He was!
Unable to contain their excitement for a moment longer, the crowd erupted in a shout of "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"
What a great ending this would have made if the account had simply ended there.
But it did not simply end there.
The Pharisees continued to grumble and, with the help of Judas, Jesus was arrested.
The same Jesus who arrived in triumph to the accolades of an excited crowd would now be treated worse than a criminal.
He would suffer both physical and verbal abuse at the hands of the authorities and then be presented to another crowd.
This time things were different.
This was not a jubilant crowd driven by wonder and anticipation.
This was a mob. A very angry mob. A mob stirred up by those who knew exactly what buttons to push in order to agitate them into a frenzy of blood lust.
This time, the shout that emerged was different.
It was a shout of anger, not joy.
It was a shout of vengeance, not victory.
The shout today would not be "Hosanna!"
The shout was instead, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!"
I wonder...
How many people in that angry mob were also part of that jubilant crowd?
How many people shouted "Hosanna!" one day and "Crucify Him!" the next?
What went through His mind as He recognized those same faces?
At the cross, Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing," so He likely felt compassion for them.
As should we.
There is another group who is need of His mercy and our compassion as well.
No, I'm not referring to those that were in the angry mob only.
I'm referring to those that heard He was coming and simply did not care.
God Bless You,
The Other Brother Jim
NEXT WEEK...
The Office
Saturday, February 20, 2010
My Man Caleb
This devotional is dedicated in loving memory of Mrs. Lillian Hanna. As I gazed out from the podium at my audience on those early Sunday mornings when my turn rolled around, I always looked forward to seeing her face smiling warmly back at me. Mrs. Hanna was called home by the Lord on Valentine's Day, a day we set aside to celebrate Love. Mrs. Hanna, I celebrate your life and the abundant love you shared with us all.
Joshua 14:10-11 (NIV)
Now, as you can see, the Lord has kept me alive and well as he promised for all these forty-five years since Moses made this promise - even while Israel wandered in the wilderness. Today I am eighty-five years old. I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then.
I really cannot understand why Caleb is not the subject of more sermons and devotionals.
If I were a coach and my team was trailing at the half, I would likely begin my talk to the team with, "Boys, let me tell you about my man Caleb!"
We first meet Caleb in the Book of Numbers when Moses selected twelve men (one from each tribe) to explore the land of Canaan.
Forty days later, they returned and reported to Moses and the entire community.
The report began on a positive note. They told how the land truly flowed with milk and honey and then proceeded to display some of the magnificent fruit they collected.
Then, the report turned negative. Some of the party told of the large and fortified cities. They then told of the large and powerful inhabitants.
Well, the damage was done. The people became discouraged.
Caleb stepped up and silenced the people and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land. for we can certainly do it."
Some of his fellow explorers objected and undermined Caleb's efforts.
By this time, the people were thoroughly discouraged and began to complain.
Caleb and Joshua pleaded with the people to trust God to keep His promise.
Their attempt failed.
God determined that not one of the other ten men who explored the land would live to enter the Promised Land.
Only Caleb and Joshua would enter that land, though they would have to wander forty years in the wilderness with the others first.
Caleb is mentioned briefly in Deuteronmy 1:36 but he is not mentioned again until he gives that motivational speech to Joshua in Joshua Chapter 14.
Joshua, who was an old man too, did not try to talk Caleb out of this plan. He never suggested that this was a task best suited for younger men. Joshua gave Caleb his blessing and granted him the mountain region to take for his possession.
This was going to be an uphill battle for an eighty-five year old man against a strong enemy that held the high ground (a huge military advantage in and of itself).
But, this was no ordinary eighty-five year old man. This was an eighty-five year old man who trusted God to keep His promise.
God did indeed keep that promise and Caleb and his descendants took possession of that land.
Oh, one more thing...
Caleb was forced to wander in the wilderness for forty years with people of lesser faith. Never once in that time is it recorded that he complained.
May God Bless You,
The Other Brother Jim
NEXT WEEK...
From "HOSANNA!" to "Crucify Him!"
Saturday, February 13, 2010
The Best Teacher I Ever Had
Scripture: Mark 10:13-16 (NIV)
People were bringing their children to Jesus to have Him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this He was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.
Once, I asked myself the question, "Aside from my parents, who is the best teacher I ever had?"
I have been blessed by God in my lifetime with many excellent school teachers, Sunday school teachers and role models. So I began flipping through my mental Rolodex fondly remembering each one.
When it comes to the best teacher I ever had, my answer may surprise you as much as it surprised me.
You see, the best teacher I ever had was a little boy.
I first met this little fellow while having coffee with my friends at a local restaurant where we normally gather.
That's when I first saw him. A little small for his age followed by a man wheeling in an oxygen tank, just in case, and carrying a backpack containing medications and other supplies, again... just in case.
This little fellow was amazing. His first order of business was to visit every table and spend time with every patron. He was so charming, no one minded at all.
We enjoyed the time he spent at our table, although it did seem all too brief. Then, keeping to a schedule known only to him, he moved on to the next table
The next time he came in he had a portable DVD player with him. He had recently celebrated a birthday and he wanted to share some of the video of the party as he made his rounds.
Then, there was the time he brought his sister in tow. She was taller than he was and it was quite a sight to see him literally drag her from table to table. At each stop he would proudly declare, "This is my sister!" This delighted everyone with the exception of his sister who was embarrassed by all the attention.
Yes, he is the best teacher I ever had. In fact, he is a true blessing from God and has become my spiritual yardstick.
I am human, and like all humans sometimes I have problems and situations arise that are outside my control. Sometimes, I am tempted to feel down. Sometimes, I am even tempted to feel a little sorry for myself.
When that happens, I think of this little boy... his problems... and how he remains exactly what God made him to be... a happy little boy who wants nothing more than to share his happiness with everyone.
With that, an amazing thing happens. Suddenly my problems don't seem like problems anymore. I can relegate them new titles like "nuisances" and "inconveniences".
In the normal course of events, it is adults who teach children, but if God has a lesson He wants you to learn, He can use anyone He wants to teach it to you... even a child.
As we grow older, it is important for us to remain open to every possibility. Then we can rejoice when God surprises us.
God Bless You,
The Other Brother Jim
NEXT WEEK...
My Man Caleb
People were bringing their children to Jesus to have Him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this He was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.
Once, I asked myself the question, "Aside from my parents, who is the best teacher I ever had?"
I have been blessed by God in my lifetime with many excellent school teachers, Sunday school teachers and role models. So I began flipping through my mental Rolodex fondly remembering each one.
When it comes to the best teacher I ever had, my answer may surprise you as much as it surprised me.
You see, the best teacher I ever had was a little boy.
I first met this little fellow while having coffee with my friends at a local restaurant where we normally gather.
That's when I first saw him. A little small for his age followed by a man wheeling in an oxygen tank, just in case, and carrying a backpack containing medications and other supplies, again... just in case.
This little fellow was amazing. His first order of business was to visit every table and spend time with every patron. He was so charming, no one minded at all.
We enjoyed the time he spent at our table, although it did seem all too brief. Then, keeping to a schedule known only to him, he moved on to the next table
The next time he came in he had a portable DVD player with him. He had recently celebrated a birthday and he wanted to share some of the video of the party as he made his rounds.
Then, there was the time he brought his sister in tow. She was taller than he was and it was quite a sight to see him literally drag her from table to table. At each stop he would proudly declare, "This is my sister!" This delighted everyone with the exception of his sister who was embarrassed by all the attention.
Yes, he is the best teacher I ever had. In fact, he is a true blessing from God and has become my spiritual yardstick.
I am human, and like all humans sometimes I have problems and situations arise that are outside my control. Sometimes, I am tempted to feel down. Sometimes, I am even tempted to feel a little sorry for myself.
When that happens, I think of this little boy... his problems... and how he remains exactly what God made him to be... a happy little boy who wants nothing more than to share his happiness with everyone.
With that, an amazing thing happens. Suddenly my problems don't seem like problems anymore. I can relegate them new titles like "nuisances" and "inconveniences".
In the normal course of events, it is adults who teach children, but if God has a lesson He wants you to learn, He can use anyone He wants to teach it to you... even a child.
As we grow older, it is important for us to remain open to every possibility. Then we can rejoice when God surprises us.
God Bless You,
The Other Brother Jim
NEXT WEEK...
My Man Caleb
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