The Act of Creation

 

Isaiah 45:12 (NET) - I made the earth; I created the people who live on it. It was me—my hands stretched out the sky. I give orders to all the heavenly lights.

The prophet Isaiah once again reminds us that it was God who created the earth.

God created us and the heavens also.

God created the very air we breathe and the stars we gaze upon in the sky,

The introduction to the book of John reminds us that Jesus was present when the world was created.

As importantly, it reminds us of His role.

It also reminds us that He is an essential part of the Trinity.

John 1:1-4 (NET) - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God. The Word was with God in the beginning. All things were created by him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind.

This same chapter reminds us that Jesus had to enter his creation as one of us.

Sadly, it also reminds us of the kind of reception He received.

John 1:11 (NET) - He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him.

Soon, we will celebrate Christmas.

The season of Advent is ending.

Our wait for the arrival of Christ will be over.

But what kind of reception will He receive?

Many, just like those He encountered 2,000 years ago, will not accept Him.

Perhaps some will accept Him for a brief time until Christmas is over.

Then, He will be packed away and relegated to storage just like the decorations and lights.

When the mood strikes next year, they will once again bring Him out for a short while.

But still, there are those who have accepted Jesus.

The ones who understand that Christmas is just the beginning of a journey.

A journey that ultimately leads to a cross and an empty tomb beyond it.

We tend to make Christmas a big day, and rightfully so.

But we should celebrate Jesus every day.

Of course, our celebration should include His birth.

But we should also celebrate His power – His role in creation.

The universe He created for us is magnificent.

In fact, it should inspire us to do a little creating of our own.

Not just creating in the artistic sense but creating things that are brand new.

The creation of new relationships is a wonderful place to start.

The forging of these relationships within our communities could lead to even bigger things.

Our communities could then build relationships with other communities.

Such communities could conceivably redefine nations.

Such nations could reach out to others and change the world.

A world that accepts Him.

Is this an impossibility?

Many would say it is.

But aren’t these the ones who need new relationships the most?

 

Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a new year filled with new relationships,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, January 7, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, January 14, 2022

Creator and Created

 

Jeremiah 10:12 (NET) - The Lord is the one who by his power made the earth. He is the one who by his wisdom established the world. And by his understanding he spread out the skies.

Recently, our young people led our worship service.

One of the points they stressed was from the creation account from Genesis.

It was an excellent reminder that everything and everyone is a creation of God.

God is the creator.

Everything else is what He created.

The prophet Jeremiah understood this.

Jeremiah stresses that all that we know was created by God through His power and wisdom.

Paul touches on this topic in his letter to the Hebrews.

Hebrews 11:3 (NET) - By faith we understand that the worlds were set in order at God’s command, so that the visible has its origin in the invisible.

Like Jeremiah, Paul reminds us that all of creation happened at God’s command.

But Paul goes on to state that it is by faith that we understand this.

We understand that the visible creation resulted from a Creator whom we do not see.

But, through faith, we can catch glimpses of God in the world around us.

But to do so, we must also have patience and allow ourselves periods of reflection.

Faith combined with patience allows us to catch glimpses of God in the world He created.

Faith combined with periods of reflection allows us to glimpse God in others.

Perhaps that is what makes “reflection” so important.

For it may also allow others to catch a glimpse of God when they look at us.

God has created an amazing universe for us to live in.

We have an obligation to be its caretakers.

But that means caring for others as well.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 17, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, December 24, 2021

 

By Our Side

Zephaniah 3:17 (NET) - The Lord your God is in your midst; he is a warrior who can deliver. He takes great delight in you; he renews you by his love; he shouts for joy over you.”

The prophet wrote of the corruption of God’s people.

He also wrote of God’s purification.

Moreover, he promised that God would be in the midst of His people.

This is something easily forgotten especially when things are not going well.

A similar thing happened to the followers of Jesus.

One night, they went fishing.

Although they stayed out all night, they did not catch a single fish.

They returned to shore empty handed.

Although they did not realize it, someone was already there.

John 21:3-4 (NET) - Simon Peter told them, “I am going fishing.” “We will go with you,” they replied. They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already very early morning, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.

Jesus knew they had caught no fish.

So, He instructed them to cast their nets in a different direction.

When they did, they caught more fish than they could handle.

In times of difficulty, it is easy to forget that the Lord is nearby.

In fact, He is right by our side.

He can help us overcome our fears,

He can help us overcome any feelings of doubt.

Most importantly, He can help us move forward once again.

We can move forward, confident that He is at our side.

Many of us have just celebrated Thanksgiving.

But Scripture reminds us we should be thankful in all things.

That means being thankful regardless of our present circumstances.

Perhaps we might find it easier to be thankful by first remembering His nearness.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 3, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, December 10, 2021

He Is Waiting

 

Psalm 51:17 (NET) - The sacrifice God desires is a humble spirit—O God, a humble and repentant heart you will not reject.

God is both just and forgiving.

But the Psalmist reminds us that God requires two things from us first.

One of these is humility.

But what exactly is humility?

In basic terms it means recognizing that the world does not revolve around us.

Our individual importance is less than what we would care to admit.

We are certainly not more important than God.

Nor are we more important than those God places in our path.

The other thing God requires for forgiveness is repentance.

God does not just want to hear the words.

God wants to feel how deeply we regret our transgression.

Jesus explains this in his parable about the prodigal son.

In it, a young man demands his share of the inheritance before his father dies.

He then squanders his new riches.

Reduced to poverty, he takes a job feeding another man’s pigs.

He finds himself desiring the food on which the pigs were feeding.

The son returns home and begs his father’s forgiveness.

Luke 15:21 (NET) - Then his son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.

How beautifully Jesus illustrates both humility and repentance in these words.

In the parable, the father then showers his son with affection.

Jesus reminds us that God is waiting for us.

He is waiting for us to approach in humility and repentance.

God desires to both welcome us back and shower His affection and mercy upon us.

God is omniscient, so He already knows our misdeeds.

He just wants us to admit them to Him.

Perhaps He wants us to admit them to ourselves in the process.

We stumble daily.

Even in our broken state, He is waiting to welcome us back.

He is waiting to show us both His compassion and His forgiveness.

For this we should be grateful.

We should also be willing to forgive others as well.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 19, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, November 26, 2021

With Open Arms

 

Isaiah 30:18 (NET) - For this reason the Lord is ready to show you mercy; he sits on his throne, ready to have compassion on you. Indeed, the Lord is a just God; all who wait for him in faith will be blessed 

The heading from this translation’s text is a great reminder.

It states that the Lord will not abandon his people.

This verse reminds us that the Lord is ready and waiting.

He is ready and waiting to show his mercy and compassion.

But what is God waiting for?

In truth, He is waiting for us.

He is waiting for us to return to Him.

Perhaps the best example of this is in a parable of Jesus.

Specifically, the parable of the Prodigal Son.

In this parable, a young man demands his share of the inheritance before his father dies.

Having received the money, the son traveled to a distant land.

He quickly spent his inheritance and then found himself in the middle of a famine.

He then took a job feeding another man’s pigs.

In desperation, he found himself longing for the food he was feeding the pigs.

The son then decided to return home and throw himself upon his father’s mercy.

He felt unworthy to be called his father’s son.

He would be happy just to be employed as a hired hand.

But Jesus tells us that something wonderful happened.

Luke 15:20 (NET) - So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way from home his father saw him, and his heart went out to him; he ran and hugged his son and kissed him.

The man’s father had been waiting for him to return.

He rushed out to greet his son and showered him with affection.

Jesus paints us a perfect picture of God waiting for us.

Waiting for us to return to Him.

God wishes to welcome us back and shower us with His affection and mercy.

Such is His grace.

So, what are we waiting for?

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 5, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, November 12, 2021

Complete Forgiveness

Jeremiah 31:34b (NET) - “For I will forgive their sin and will no longer call to mind the wrong they have done.”

In this section of scripture, God makes a covenant with his people.

God finishes with words of forgiveness.

But God states that He will do more than forgive our sin.

He promises never to hold them against us again.

That is the mark of true and lasting forgiveness,

Paul understood this.

This is evident in Acts 10 when he visits Cornelius.

This man tells Paul about a remarkable experience he had.

As Cornelius spoke, Paul realized that God shows no favoritism.

This also prompted Paul to echo the reality of complete forgiveness.

Acts 10:43 (NET) - About him all the prophets testify, that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Everyone has a past.

But everyone can begin anew.

This starts when we are forgiven through Jesus Christ.

It continues because God chooses to no longer hold our sins against us.

But what is expected of us then?

What does God want from us?

Where will this hope lead us?

Only God can reveal that to us.

But shouldn’t we be forgiving of others along the way?

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 15, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, October 22, 2021

Constant and Continual

 

Psalm 44:8 (NET) - In God we boast all day long, and we will continually give thanks to your name.

The heading in this translation refers to Psalm 44 as a “well-written song.”

I am inclined to agree.

First, the Psalmist reminds us that we are to praise God “all day long.”

Second, he reminds us to “continually give thanks.”

But human beings find praise and gratitude difficult at times.

We certainly find praise and gratitude easier when things are going well for us.

But they do not come so easily when circumstances become difficult.

Is it possible to praise God when illness strikes?

Is it possible to be grateful when we face unemployment?

Is it possible to praise or be grateful when a loved one dies?

Despite human reasoning, the answer is yes.

Paul, in his first letter to the Thessalonians, reminds us to rejoice always.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 (NET) - Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,

That means rejoicing no matter the circumstances.

But how can we rejoice when faced with things like illness, unemployment, or loss?

Paul gives us the answer.

We are to “pray without ceasing.”

Prayer is the key.

In prayer we find that the Lord is our strength.

In prayer we remember that the Lord is worthy of praise throughout the day. 

In prayer we find that we are always able to praise Him even in difficult circumstances.

Prayer reminds us that there is no one like God.

It reminds us that we may approach God daily for there is no other help but His.

Challenging times are temporary.

But God always hears us and answers us.

Therefore, God deserves our constant praise.

He also deserves our continual gratitude.

Both are possible when we persist in prayer.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 1, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, October 8, 2021

Lingering Doubt

Isaiah 42:1 (NET) - Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.

In these words, the prophet speaks of the commissioning of a very special servant.

A servant who is yet to come.

That servant is Jesus.

It would take centuries for this prophecy to be fulfilled.

In the Gospel of Luke, we read about the time Jesus confirmed the prophecy.

Jesus goes to Nazareth and enters the synagogue.

He stands up to read and the scroll of Isaiah is handed to Him.

He looks for a particular passage and reads the words.

Luke 4:18-19 (NET) - “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and the regaining of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Jesus then returns the scroll.

Everyone looks at Him waiting for Him to speak.

His words astound them.

He tells them that the scripture was fulfilled even as they heard it.

At first the people are amazed.

Luke 4:22 (NET) - All were speaking well of him, and were amazed at the gracious words coming out of his mouth. They said, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”

But Jesus continues to speak.

He reminds them that “no prophet is acceptable in his hometown.”

The people are filled with rage.

They force Him out of town and threaten to throw Him down a cliff.

But Jesus passes through the crowd and goes safely on His way.

Many doubted Isaiah’s prophecy.

Especially as it took centuries to unfold.

Even those who heard the words directly from Jesus doubted.

Now, 2,000 years later, people still doubt.

But those who believe know that Jesus is our redeemer.

We know we can continue to rely upon Him.

We can speak well of Him.

We can praise Him.

As we do, we also help others overcome their doubt.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 17, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, September 24, 2021

Words and Conduct

 

Leviticus 23:32a (NET) - You must not profane my holy name,

When we think about profanity, we immediately think in terms of careless language.

The Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20 certainly warns of this.

We are commanded not to take the name of the Lord our God in vain.

But to be honest this warning from Leviticus goes beyond language.

Therefore, we must ask ourselves what the word “profane” really means.

Simply put, the verb “profane” means “treating the sacred with irreverence or disrespect”.

This certainly happens with a careless choice of words.

It also happens through a careless choice of conduct.

We must be as careful with our conduct as we are with our words.

Peter understood the importance of Christian conduct.

In fact, he pointed this out in his first letter.

1 Peter 1:15 (NET) - but, like the Holy One who called you, become holy yourselves in all of your conduct,

Peter stated that our conduct helps make us holy.

Controlling our words can be difficult.

Controlling our conduct can be even harder.

That is why we need Christ in our lives.

He understands that love is the key to controlling both.

Love helps us choose our words.

Love also helps us determine our conduct.

In Matthew 22, an expert in the law tests Jesus by asking Him which commandment is the most important.

Jesus surprised him with a two-fold answer.

The first is to love God with all our being.

The second is to love our neighbor as ourselves.

When we fail to love God, we profane God.

When we fail to love our neighbor, we also profane God.

John Amos Comenius (1592-1670) put it this way:

“Whenever you encounter one of your neighbors, regard him as yourself in another form (which he is), or indeed as God in another form, for he is the image of God, and God will be watching to see how reverently you treat him.”

Like most worthwhile things in life, we can find loving others difficult.

But God can help us.

He can help us reflect his infinite love through our words and our conduct.

He can bolster our faith and guide our steps as we move among those whom He created.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 3, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, September 10, 2021

 

In Harmony

 

Job 21:22 (NET) - Can anyone teach God knowledge, since he judges those that are on high?

The book of Job can be puzzling.

It can and does raise several questions.

Why believe in God if there is no reward?

Why do good people suffer?

Why do the unjust get rewarded?

Job, in his misery and pain, began to question his faith and his very existence.

Even those closest to him were of no help.

Job’s wife suggested he “curse God and die.”

His friends were no better.

They inferred that Job must have been punished for his sin.

Job responded to one friend with the question: “Can anyone teach God knowledge, since he judges those that are on high?”

Job realized that man cannot fully understand the triune God.

In the end, Job repented.

Although we cannot fully understand the triune God, we can glimpse certain aspects.

Paul, in his letter to the Romans, grasped the harmony between Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Romans 12:16 (NET) - Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.

The Father creates.

The Son redeems.

The Holy Spirit makes holy.

These aspects of God work together in harmony with each other.

Although beyond our complete understanding, God demonstrates this to us.

We should therefore work in harmony with each other.

Considering today’s headlines, the world could certainly benefit from our working harmoniously with one another.

True, we cannot fully understand God, but we can learn from our glimpses of Him.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 20, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, August 27, 2021

Discipline

 

Proverbs 3:11 (NET) - My child, do not despise discipline from the Lord, and do not loathe his rebuke.

Children do not like to be disciplined.

As adults, we like it even less.

But discipline becomes necessary when we stop seeking wisdom.

It becomes necessary when we stray from the Lord.

The fact that this verse begins with “my child” speaks volumes.

When we are disciplined, we often act like children.

In fact, our initial response to discipline is often additional rebellion.

We may even view this as undue and unjust punishment.

Nothing could be farther from the truth.

The book of James reminds us of this.

James 3:17 (NET) - But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical.

When God disciplines us, His motive is pure.

It is not derived from anger.

It is neither undue nor unjust.

It is simply a means of bringing us back to Him.

It is a means of bringing us to confession… both to ourselves as well as to God.

Granted, this is often not easy.

Then again, most worthwhile things in life rarely are.

On the bright side, we do not have to do this on our own.

We must first listen to His call to us and respond to it.

We must recognize our need for humility.

This leads us to confession and actual change.

Then we can walk harmoniously with God once again.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 6, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, August 13, 2021

First Love

 

Psalm 79:9 (NET) - Help us, O God, our deliverer! For the sake of your glorious reputation, rescue us. Forgive our sins for the sake of your reputation.

The Psalmist speaks volumes in this one verse alone.

He recognizes God as the deliverer and rescuer.

He also recognizes God as the forgiver of sins.

But why would God forgive and rescue sinners? 

The answer is, of course, because God loves us.

We, in return, should love God.

But God’s love is the first and greatest love of all.

We find proof of this in the book of 1 John.

1 John 4:10 (NET) - In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

We may love God.

But we must remember that God loved us first.

God even loved us when we were at our worst.

God loved us when we were still mired in our sin.

In fact, He loved us so very much that he sacrificed His only Son to deliver us.

That is the greatest love of all.

God gave His all to demonstrate His love for us.

It is an unconditional love.

Therefore, we should love God in return.

As importantly, we must love others as well.

We must love them unconditionally.

We must love them even when they are at their worst.

We must be willing to say we love them.

We must also be willing to demonstrate our love for them.

After all, that is the way God first loved us.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 16, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, July 23, 2021

Rest and Deliverance

Matthew 11:28 (NET) - Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

This verse from Matthew was one of my mother’s favorites.

I cannot count the number of times I heard her recite it.

My mother faced a great deal of adversity in her lifetime.

No doubt that is why she so often turned to this verse.

She understood that when the storms of life gathered, she could call upon the Lord.

She could rely upon His strength rather than her own.

She could find rest within the turmoil.

The prophet Isaiah understood this as well.

He knew that he could count on God’s strength and protection.

He knew that God would deliver him out of every storm.

Isaiah 12:3 (NET) - Joyfully you will draw water from the springs of deliverance.

Each of us has experienced various trials in our lifetime.

Each of us knows what it is like to seek safety and protection.

Each of us desires rest when the storms of life assail us.

True rest and true deliverance can be found.

But they can only be found when we look in the right place.

True rest and true deliverance can only be found in the Lord.

But what then?

Is it enough to merely enjoy the comfort and rest the Lord provides?

No.

Once rested and reassured we have a responsibility.

We must go back out into the world and do His will.

In a world where storms abound, we must tell others where true rest can be found.

More importantly, we must demonstrate this in our actions.

Demonstrating the peace and deliverance we enjoy speaks volumes.

It guides those who are weary to true rest.

It guides them to the Lord.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 2, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, July 9, 2021

 

Priceless Peace

 

Isaiah 60:17 (NIV) - Instead of bronze I will bring you gold, and silver in place of iron. Instead of wood I will bring you bronze, and iron in place of stones. I will make peace your governor and well-being your ruler.

The prophet Isaiah describes the glory of Zion.

In examining these words, it is easy to focus on precious metals like gold and silver.

It is equally easy to overlook the qualities of peace and well-being.

Yet peace and well-being are as precious as gold and silver.

In fact, they are even more precious.

This is contrary to the ways of the world.

The world views peace as a sign of weakness.

Those who serve as peacemakers are also looked upon as weak.

But appearances are often deceiving.

Those who act as peacemakers have a tremendous internal strength.

It is a strength not of their own making, but of God.

Paul understood this.

He discusses this in his letter to the Romans.

Romans 14:17 (NIV) - For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

Desires for gold and silver are earthly matters.

Paul states that even eating and drinking are as well.

Peace, on the other hand, is of the kingdom of God.

It is also something we should practice while on earth.

The world practically shouts that peace, kindness and love are weaknesses.

It teaches that these weaknesses are easily exploited.

But God, in His infinite wisdom, assures us that these are strengths.

In fact, Jesus taught the importance of these qualities by example.

We should, therefore, put these into practice daily just as He taught.

Remember His words in the Beatitudes.

Matthew 5:9 (NIV) - Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 18, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, June 25, 2021

 

Teach Us Again

Psalm 86:5 (NET) - Certainly, O Lord, you are kind and forgiving, and show great faithfulness to all who cry out to you.

Once again, the Psalmist sings of the Lord’s kindness and willingness to forgive.

He sings of the Lord’s faithfulness to those who call upon Him.

Although these words were written centuries ago, the Lord still forgives.

The Lord is still just as faithful.

All that we need to do to receive this forgiveness is to ask for it.

That means coming to Him in prayer.

But doesn’t the Lord know everything already?

Being omniscient, isn’t He aware of all our troubles?

So, why is coming to Him in prayer necessary?

The Lord does indeed know everything!

The Lord is aware of all our troubles.

In fact, He is more aware of them than we are.

Prayer is necessary because it strengthens our relationship with Him.

As we pray, we remind ourselves that we have shortcomings to address.

The disciples of Jesus understood that prayer was important.

So, they asked Jesus to teach them how to pray.

Luke 11:1 (NET) - Now Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he stopped, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

Jesus did so.

In fact, His response to them has become known as “The Lord’s Prayer”.

This prayer recognizes God’s sovereignty.

It recognizes the fact that the will of God shall prevail. 

It humbly asks God to supply our daily needs.

It asks God to forgive our sins.

It also reminds us that we are to forgive others as well.

Yes, God knows everything about us and our lives.

Even so, we must go to Him in prayer.

“The Lord’s Prayer” is an excellent way to renew our relationship with Him.

We can freely ask for forgiveness.

We should also be willing to forgive others.

Like the disciples, we can ask Him to “teach us to pray”.

We should then call upon Him daily.

We can even ask for the courage to do so.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 4, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, June 11, 2021

Prayers of Protection

 

Psalm 91:1-2 (NET) - As for you, the one who lives in the shelter of the Most High, and resides in the protective shadow of the Sovereign One — I say this about the Lord, my shelter and my stronghold, my God in whom I trust—

Once again, the Psalmist writes of the Lord’s protective nature.

He refers to His “protective shadow”.

He refers to Him as his “shelter”.

Equally important, he refers to his “trust” in the Lord.

Throughout history, predators have sought to exploit the weak.

But those who are weak can call upon the Lord.

They can find refuge in His “protective shadow”.

They can find “shelter” in the Lord.

Most importantly, they can place their “trust” in Him.

Those of us who are more fortunate have an obligation.

We are obligated to pray for these victims as well.

1 John 5:14 (NET) - And this is the confidence that we have before him: that whenever we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

This verse does not imply that God will grant us everything we ask for.

It does assure us that He will hear us when our request is “according to His will”.

So, pray for the weak.

Pray for the exploited.

Pray for their safety and their refuge.

Pray that God will grant them courage.

Pray that they will find shelter in the Lord.

This is in accordance with the Lord’s will… and He will hear us.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 21, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, May 28, 2021

 

Radiance, Not Regret

 

Psalm 34:5 (NET) - Look to him and be radiant; do not let your faces be ashamed.

The word radiant means “shining or glowing brightly”.

In the words of the Psalmist, that is how we are meant to be.

But the Psalmist also advises us not to be ashamed.

We are not to show guilt or embarrassment for our past actions or associations.

Each of us, myself included, has a past.

We each have a past full of regrets.

We have endured times of suffering.

We may perhaps be enduring it now.

How, we may ask, is it possible to be radiant and unashamed?

The Psalmist gives us the answer right up front.

We are to look to Him.

But what does that really mean?

Paul sheds some light on this in his letter to the Romans.

Romans 12:12 (NET) - Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer.

Suffering will pass; therefore, it must be endured.

We must look to God which means we must be persistent in prayer.

We are assured there is hope and we can rejoice in that hope.

In times of suffering, guilt and regret it is all too easy to turn away from God.

But in such times, we must do the opposite.

We must look to Him.

As we look to Him, we see His light.

We begin to live in that light.

Moreover, our faces reflect His light and our faces become radiant.

As they become radiant, they are incapable of displaying shame.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 7, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, May 14, 2021

 

Cause and Effect

 

Amos 3:6 (NET) - If an alarm sounds in a city, do people not fear? If disaster overtakes a city, is the Lord not responsible?

The prophet Amos discussed cause and effect in the beginning of the third chapter.

Amos cited numerous examples of cause and effect.

In the first half of this verse, Amos described the sound of an alarm and people’s reaction.

But it is the second half of this verse that most captured my attention.

Amos linked a city’s disaster with the Lord’s responsibility.

In other words, everything is subjected to God’s will.

The disaster which befell the city happened because God willed it so.

This is important for us to remember right now.

We celebrated the resurrection of Christ just a few days ago.

But before His resurrection, Christ was executed in the most painful way possible.

Prior to that, Christ was abandoned by His friends, tortured, and mocked.

Christ endured so very much.

His suffering was an effect.

And, following the reasoning of Amos, this effect must have had a cause.

This cause can be found in Luke’s gospel.

Luke 24:26 (NET) - Wasn’t it necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and enter into his glory?”

The reason Christ suffered and died is because it was necessary.

It was also God’s will.

God understood that man was in dire need of salvation.

He also understood that there was only one way to achieve it.

Christ, His only Son, had to suffer and die on our behalf.

What of today?

There are still many who do not have a relationship with Christ.

Is this not a cause?

If so, does this too not require an effect?

On our best day, we are incapable of saving anyone.

Only Christ is capable of that.

Our responsibility, or effect, is introducing others to Him.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 16, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, April 23, 2021

The Path to Bravery

 

Joshua 1:9 (NET) - I repeat, be strong and brave! Don’t be afraid and don’t panic, for I, the Lord your God, am with you in all you do.”

These words were part of God’s commission to Joshua.

Moses, who led the people out of bondage and through the wilderness, was dead.

Joshua formerly assisted Moses, but now he would lead.

Before these words God told Joshua to be ready, cross the Jordan and lead the people.

Every place where they stepped would be handed over to them.

This was as God promised His servant Moses.

God then reminded Joshua to obey Him completely.

If so, God would be with Joshua and never abandon him.

God then repeated His reminder to be strong and brave,

He also reminded Joshua that He will not face future challenges alone.

This is certainly not the only time in scripture God reminds us to be brave.

Scripture reminds us time and again to “fear not”.

Paul wrote two letters to Timothy while imprisoned.

Through these letters we get an idea of the close relationship they shared.

In his second letter to Timothy, Paul reminds him to be brave.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NET) - For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Bravery is rooted in power and obedience.

It is also rooted in love.

Rather than give in to fear, we too must be strong and brave.

Like Joshua and Timothy, we do not face challenges alone.

God is with us every step of the way.

Joshua trusted God.

He reminded the people to recommit themselves to God.

He did so by example: “But I and my family will worship the Lord.”

Like Joshua and Timothy, we should also be strong and brave.

Today’s headlines bear this out.

The path to bravery begins with a single step.

It is a journey.

The more we love God, the more courageous we become.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 2, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, April 9, 2021

 

Living in the Light

Micah 7:8 (NET) - My enemies, do not gloat over me! Though I have fallen, I will get up. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.

There is an expression about being “kept in the dark”.

To be “kept in the dark” means that knowledge has been deliberately withheld.

Each of us knows what this is like.

We have been kept in the dark by elected officials on both sides of the aisle.

We have been kept in the dark by those with whom we work.

Even family and friends sometimes keep us in the dark.

It certainly is worth thinking about.

In fact, it reminds me that I too have been guilty of keeping others in the dark.

That is certainly not the way we were meant to live.

We are meant to live in the light and Jesus is the light of the world.

His light penetrates even the deepest darkness.

His is the light of truth.

The prophet Micah understood this.

True, the book of Micah describes God’s judgement on His people.

Also true is the fact it prophesied Christ’s birth.

Difficult times and difficult people do not last forever.

Neither does the darkness.

So, get up and step into the light of Jesus!

1 Thessalonians 5:5 (NET) - For you all are sons of the light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of the darkness.

Living in the dark is no way to live.

The best way to live is to live in the light!

We must therefore allow the light of Christ to shine in us and through us.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, March 19, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, March 26, 2021

 

Ambassadors for Christ

 

Isaiah 6:8 (NET) - I heard the voice of the Lord say, “Whom will I send? Who will go on our behalf?” I answered, “Here I am, send me!”

Before Isaiah’s confident response, he saw the Lord seated upon a throne in His temple.

The glory of the Lord filled the temple.

The temple was also filled with smoke and shook to its foundation.

Isaiah knew that he was a sinner.

He lamented that he was a man with unclean lips who lived among others with unclean lips as well.

Moreover, he had just seen the Lord.

But rather than destroy Isaiah, God took away his sin.

The Lord then asked, “Whom will I send? Who will go on our behalf?”

With his sins atoned for, Isaiah’s fear was replaced by courage.

Isaiah answered, “Here I am, send me!”

Isaiah became a great prophet for the Lord.

What about us?

Do we need to experience such a vision before we can serve the Lord?

No.

We often expect, perhaps even demand, that the Lord perform the extraordinary.

The truth is that the Lord can be extremely subtle.

Remember that the Lord revealed himself to Elijah in a whisper.

And, according to Paul, our citizenship is in heaven.

Moreover, we are already ambassadors for Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NET) - Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making his plea through us. We plead with you on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God!”

We are His ambassadors because of what Christ did for us.

Nations send ambassadors to other nations in an official capacity to act on their behalf.

As ambassadors for Christ, we are to act on His behalf as well.

One way we accomplish this is through our words.

Another way is through our actions.

These often speak louder than our words.

Christ has already equipped us for the task.

So, plead with the world on His behalf, “Be reconciled to God!”

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, March 5, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, March 12, 2021

A Full Pardon

 

Micah 7:18 (NET) - Who is a God like you? Who forgives sin and pardons the rebellion of those who remain among his people? Who does not stay angry forever, but delights in showing loyal love?

Man rebelled against God in the beginning.

We still do.

Adam and Eve gave into pride.

They were lured into disobedience on a false promise.

The promise that they would “be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3).

We are just as guilty.

So often we want to do things our way rather than God’s way.

The result of our disobedience is all around us.

Things like injustice, division, crime, and hatred make headlines.

C. S. Lewis once wrote: “All that we call human history—money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery—the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.”

Lewis published this in 1952, and the sad tale of our pride and disobedience continues.

It might seem that man is forever lost.

It might even seem that, as individuals, we too are forever lost.

Both assumptions are incorrect.

God is more than capable of forgiveness and pardon.

In fact, He has forgiven and pardoned already.

This is not due to anything we have done.

It is due to what Christ did on our behalf.

Romans 8:32 (NET) - Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, freely give us all things?

Those who have accepted Him are completely forgiven.

God completely forgives because of His limitless love.

But if so, why does the world continue in its present state?

For one thing, we have not learned to forgive others.

For another, we have not even learned to forgive ourselves.

If God forgives so much, should we not be willing to forgive others of so little?

If God loves us all, should we not love each other as well?

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 19, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, February 26, 2021

 

Truth and Freedom

 

2 Corinthians 3:17 (NET) - Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom.

I write these words on the same day we inaugurate a new president.

There is all manner of pomp and circumstance.

There are flags, speeches, military bands… the works.

No doubt, many of the speeches and commentaries will include the concept of freedom.

But what does freedom mean?

According to the dictionary, one definition says it is the right to speak or act without hindrance.

Another states it is the absence of subjugation to a foreign or despotic power.

Still another says it is the state of not being incarcerated or enslaved.

But when it comes to being a Christian, we find that these definitions do not literally apply.

For example, we are not free to speak whatever happens to be on our minds.

James 1:26 (NET) - If someone thinks he is religious yet does not bridle his tongue, and so deceives his heart, his religion is futile.

Neither does the second definition apply.

Even Christ was brought before a foreign ruler.

John 18:33 (NET) - So Pilate went back into the governor’s residence, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?

Christians have even been incarcerated.

Paul wrote several of his letters while in prison.

Even history reminds us that many Christians have been imprisoned for their faith.

Despite the definitions, freedom for Christians is a real and tangible thing.

John 8:31-32 (NET) - Then Jesus said to those Judeans who had believed him, “If you continue to follow my teaching, you are really my disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Freedom, real freedom, can be found in truth.

It can be found in the truth of the teachings of Christ.

Understanding truth, the truth of His teachings, is what sets us free.

Those who are imprisoned for Christ are free.

Those who are subject to foreign powers are free.

Yes, even those who bridle their tongues are free.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 5, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, February 12, 2020

 

Epiphanies

 

Matthew 2:1-2 (NET) - After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, in the time of King Herod, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem saying, “Where is the one who is born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

January 6, the twelfth day after Christmas, is known as Epiphany in the Christian calendar.

This is where we get the tradition of the twelve days of Christmas.

It was held that it took the wise men twelve days to make the journey from the East.

Nativity scenes often depict the wise men at the birth of Jesus.

They also depict three wise men.

But scripture never tells us exactly how many there were.

It is likely that there were more travelling by caravan to avoid being preyed upon by robbers.

We tend to think of three wise men because of the three gifts they brought.

The gifts included gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Each gift has a meaning.

Gold symbolizes a kingship on earth.

Frankincense, an incense, symbolizes deity.

Myrrh, an embalming oil, symbolizes death.

All three symbols apply to Jesus.

Jesus is king, He is God incarnate and He came into this world to die for us.

These wise men, regardless of number, experienced Epiphany.

They understood that Jesus was the manifestation of God on earth.

So, they travelled an exceedingly long way to find Him.

The dictionary also defines an epiphany as an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure.

Some may refer to this as having an “Aha” or life changing realization.

The same day as Epiphany, people stormed the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

In total, four people were killed.

Many were injured and criminal arrests will follow.

Yet this is just another example of division in America right now.

Isn’t it past time the nation had an epiphany of its own?

An “Aha” moment or life changing realization.

An epiphany that it is time to seek Jesus once again.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, January 15, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, January 22, 2020