Time Out

 

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

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

Until we meet here again.

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

God at Work

 

Romans 8:31 (GNT) - In view of all this, what can we say? If God is for us, who can be against us?

I always end my adult Sunday School class by leading my students in prayer.

I also invite them to participate in the prayer as well.

There was one specific part of my prayer which I included as I felt led to do so.

I thanked God for actively participating in our lives and not merely observing them.

Events moved very quickly for me during the week leading up to this class.

Even when difficulties arose, they were very quickly resolved.

When everything was said and done, I could see the hand of God at work through it all.

But God’s participation did not end there.

Along with the material I prepare for my class, I also encourage discussion.

It was evident that this session bore much fruit.

After the prayer, we adjourned to the sanctuary for the worship service.

As the pastor delivered his sermon, much of what he said echoed what we discussed in class.

Even the hymns and scripture readings reinforced the same truths.

At the conclusion of the service, I met with my pastor.

I thanked him and shared this with him.

Afterward, two of my students located me and expressed the same view with me.

Those without faith would call this coincidence.

But those with faith innately understand that this is God at work in our lives.

Scripture states that no one can see God and live.

Exodus 33:20 (GNT) - I will not let you see my face, because no one can see me and stay alive,

But when we put aside the distractions that try to clutter our lives, something wonderful happens.

We catch glimpses of God at work in our lives.

We see His hand at work.

We are reminded that He is actively participating in our lives.

God is not just casually observing them.

And maybe, just maybe, we will be able to see Him participating in the lives of others.

Romans 8:37-39 (GNT) - No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us! For I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, neither the world above nor the world below—there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 18, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, November 25, 2022

Wisdom and Patience

 

Jonah 4:4 (GNT) - The Lord answered, “What right do you have to be angry?”

God called Jonah.

But Jonah resisted the Lord from the beginning and tried to run away.

Eventually, he gave in and obeyed the Lord.

He went to Nineveh and proclaimed the Lord’s message of their pending destruction.

Everyone, including the King, heard the message.

Filled with fear, the King issued a proclamation.

All were ordered to fast, pray, and give up their sinful ways.

The people of Nineveh obeyed.

God then relented and spared the city.

Jonah did not understand God’s ways and grew very bitter.

In fact, he became quite angry at God.

He even dared to tell God that he knew this would happen.

But God had a question for Jonah.

“What right do you have to be angry?”

Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, gave them sound instruction in bearing each other’s burdens.

Galatians 6:1 (GNT) - My friends, if someone is caught in any kind of wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should set him right; but you must do it in a gentle way. And keep an eye on yourselves, so that you will not be tempted, too.

As we journey through this world, we will see God at work through us and through others.

But, like Jonah and the Christians in Galatia, we will not always comprehend His ways.

What then?

Will we become angry with God like Jonah did and lash out at Him?

Or will we perhaps ignore Paul’s warning and allow ourselves to be tempted like those we try to reach?

One thing is certain.

We will not always understand God’s methods.

Scripture reminds us that His ways are not our ways.

And because of that, we should indeed consider ourselves fortunate.

While others found us impossible to love, God still loved us.

When others considered us forever lost, God reached down to us and saved us.

So, what do we do when we find it difficult to understand God’s ways.

We pray for wisdom and patience.

We do not have to understand God’s ways to be faithful servants.

But if we ask for wisdom and patience, God will provide.

Only then do we become His effective servants in a confusing world.

John 3:16-17 (GNT) - For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its savior.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 4, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, November 11, 2022

The Need For Stillness

 

Deuteronomy 26:15a (GNT) - Look down from your holy place in heaven and bless your people Israel;

In this chapter, the people are instructed about harvest offerings.

If the offerings are acceptable, the people can be assured of God’s blessings.

But these offerings must involve a relationship.

It is not enough to simply go through the motions.

In Luke 2, we read of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple.

A man named Simeon lived in Jerusalem.

He was a man who loved the Lord and was awaiting the Deliverer.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, he was assured that he would not die until he beheld the Deliverer.

The Spirit led him to the Temple just as Jesus was brought in.

Simeon took the child into his arms and gave thanks to God.

Luke 2:30-32 (GNT) - With my own eyes I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples: A light to reveal your will to the Gentiles and bring glory to your people Israel.”

Simeon was truly blessed.

He was blessed because he recognized the child Jesus as the Deliverer.

But he was also blessed in his love for the Lord and his relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Where the Spirit led, Simeon obediently followed.

His obedience was rewarded.

One of the things I frequently discuss with my students is how easily distracted we have become.

We feel we must always be doing something, watching something, or even listening to something.

As a result, we become easily disconnected from each other.

The pandemic has also encouraged this.

But just as we easily lose our connection with each other, we also disconnect from God.

We need to heed the advice of Scripture and take time to “be still.”

For it is during the quiet moment, free from distraction, that we connect with God.

Psalm 46:10 (NLT) - “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”

We must take the time to “be still.”

We must set aside the distractions.

Then, the Lord will open our eyes and ears.

We will then recognize that He is with us and all around us.

He is within everyone and everything.

That is when we experience Him anew.

We can then experience this relationship regularly.

We can raise our voices and praise Him sincerely.

Most importantly, we will not just be going through the motions.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 21, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, October 28, 2022

The Scope of Outreach

 

Isaiah 12:5 (GNT) - Sing to the Lord because of the great things he has done. Let the whole world hear the news.

In this verse, the prophet tells us to share our faith with the world.

And we should, considering the talents we have been given and the technology available to us.

In my youth, I would watch evangelists like Billy Graham.

He would preach to stadiums full of people as well as those watching at home on television.

He would reach untold thousands at a time.

The book of Acts also reminds us of the importance of evangelism.

Acts 14:27 (GNT) - When they arrived in Antioch, they gathered the people of the church together and told them about all that God had done with them and how he had opened the way for the Gentiles to believe.

Acts 14 tells us of the travels of Paul and Barnabas and their outreach to many.

Yes, evangelism to the masses is important.

But it is also important to reach out to the few.

Even reaching out to one individual at a time is of vital importance.

The other day, I went to the garage to pick up my vehicle from the mechanic.

Among those waiting was a woman I have known for an exceptionally long time.

There was also a younger woman approximately half my age.

My friend and I immediately struck up a conversation catching up on old times.

We then discussed our respective churches.

Although we worship in diverse ways, we remain friends through mutual respect.

My friend then asked the other young lady about her church.

She replied that she did not attend because her parents “forced religion” on her as a child.

I found this extremely sad,

I took the opportunity to remind her that there is an enormous difference between faith and religion.

A moment later the mechanic told me that my car was ready.

I paid the bill.

I said goodbye to my friend.

Then, I said goodbye to the other young lady.

As I did, I suggested she read the gospels paying attention to the words of Jesus.

I promised her that if she did, she would discover that Jesus was not in favor of religion.

He did however approve of faith.

He clearly expressed this to the Pharisees.

Mark 7:6-8 (GNT) - Jesus answered them, “How right Isaiah was when he prophesied about you! You are hypocrites, just as he wrote: ‘These people, says God, honor me with their words, but their heart is really far away from me. It is no use for them to worship me, because they teach human rules as though they were my laws!’ “You put aside God's command and obey human teachings.”

Scripture reminds us to reach out to the world.

But we must always take the opportunity to reach out to individuals, especially those in need.

The number of people we reach at any given time is of little importance.

What matters most is that we reach out.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

An Open Invitation

 

Daniel emerged from the lions’ den without so much as a scratch.

So impressed was King Darius, that he issued an edict stating that all should respect Daniel’s God.

After experiencing visions, Daniel prayed for the people.

In this prayer, Daniel confessed that his people had sinned.

He also recognized God’s willingness to forgive.

Daniel 9:9 (GNT) - You are merciful and forgiving, although we have rebelled against you.

Centuries after the Book of Daniel was written, Christ came to dwell among men.

Some, like his disciples, followed Him.

Others heard Jesus but chose to oppose Him.

Among these were experts in the law.

They witnessed Jesus reaching out to those whom they considered irredeemable.

They then openly criticized Jesus for this.

Luke 15:1-2 (GNT) - One day when many tax collectors and other outcasts came to listen to Jesus, the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law started grumbling, “This man welcomes outcasts and even eats with them!”

Unlike the experts, Jesus was concerned for the lost.

In fact, His concern was so deep that He would willingly lay down His life for them.

Christ came into this world to redeem the lost.

That means that He came to redeem us.

God, the Father, is merciful and forgiving.

Christ, the Son, makes this forgiveness complete.

And the Holy Spirit continues to sanctify the forgiven

It is our relationship with the Trinity that makes us fully aware of just how blessed we are.

That same relationship guides us in our relationship with others.

God extends his mercy and forgiveness to all.

As in the past, He continues to extend His grace to the lost, the lowly, and the outcast.

We should always remember that He extended the same grace to us while we were among the lost.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 16, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, September 23, 2022

Broken Chains

 

Exodus 20:2 (NET) - I, the Lord, am your God, who brought you from the land of Egypt, from the house of slavery.

Before God gave us what we call “The Ten Commandments,” He spoke.

In one sentence, God reminded His people of two things.

First, He is God.

Second, it was He who freed them from bondage.

Paul discusses freedom in his second letter to the believers in Corinth.

But first he had to remind them that the law “carved in letters on stone tablets” brough death.

Paul reminded the Corinthians that the New Covenant brings life.

When one turns to Christ the veil is lifted away and true freedom is granted.

And it is the Spirit of the Lord that makes true freedom possible.

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

We also live in the New Covenant.

We are no longer bound to the law but to the living Christ.

And it is through that bond that we have been freed.

But what does freedom mean?

Does it mean freedom from trials and tribulations?

Does it mean freedom from illness and physical pain?

Does it mean freedom from labor and toil?

Does it mean a life of wealth and leisure?

The freedom the Lord gives is the freedom to serve.

It is the freedom to serve both God and our fellow man.

Such freedom must be used responsibly and is not to be taken lightly.

Thankfully, the Lord can guide us in our journeys.

He can help us make responsible choices in exercising our freedom.

Best of all, He can help us share what true freedom means to those who are still oppressed.

We typically think of chains as being made of metal.

But chains of oppression can be forged of many things.

The strongest chains are often forged from ideology, politics, culture, addiction, or fear.

And the love of Christ can break even these chains.

The love of Christ still sets captives free.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 2, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, September 9, 2022

Diversity in Christianity

 

Psalm 119:63 (NET) - I am a friend to all your loyal followers, and to those who keep your precepts.

This Psalm is the longest of all Psalms and is told in 22 parts.

But this Psalm does more than glorify God.

It does more than glorify His Word.

In this verse, the Psalmist promises to be a friend to those who long to follow God’s will.

This is also at the heart of discipleship.

But there is more to discipleship than reaching out to those like us.

It also means reaching out to those who may be different from us.

The book of Acts provides us with an excellent example of this in Philip.

An angel of God told Philip to travel down a desert road.

Philip did so,

Along the way, Philip encountered an Ethiopian who had come to Jerusalem to worship.

Sitting in his chariot, he was reading from the book of Isaiah.

The spirit moved Philip to join the man, and Philip obeyed.

Acts 8:30-31 (NET) - So Philip ran up to it and heard the man reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked him, “Do you understand what you’re reading?” The man replied, “How in the world can I, unless someone guides me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

In response to the Ethiopian’s question, Philip shared the Good News with him.

This moment forever changed the life of the Ethiopian.

In fact, when the chariot came upon water, the Ethiopian ordered the chariot to stop.

Philip accompanied the Ethiopian into the water and baptized him.

Diversity is a hot topic today.

Politicians build their platforms on diversity.

Businesses teach courses about its importance,

Social media promotes it.

But when you get down to it, diversity has always played a key role in Christianity.

That is because Christian diversity is rooted in love.

It is not politically or socially motivated.

God’s Word gives us examples of diversity among disciples.

Christ Himself commands us to love our neighbor.

Christ reached out to those of diverse backgrounds.

Christ healed the servant of a Centurion.

Christ spoke with a Samaritan woman at the well.

Christ even ministered to those whom society deemed “unclean.”

Just as in the past, we too are called to be disciples.

But to be effective, our outreach must be rooted in love.

We must look for that which unites rather than focus on the things which divide.

We must learn, or even perhaps re-learn, what it means to truly work side by side with others.

When Christ dwelt among us, he felt compassion for those whom He encountered.

Matthew 35:36-38 (NET) - When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were bewildered and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest-ready fields.

Many workers (disciples) are still needed today.

But these workers (disciples) must work together in a spirit of diversity rooted in Christian love.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 19, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, August 26, 2022

Men and Angels

 

Psalm 34:7 (NET) - The angel of the Lord camps around the Lord’s loyal followers and delivers them.

Angels recur throughout Scripture.

But what exactly are angels?

Angels, like people, are creations of God.

They also serve as God’s messengers.

Scripture refers to two of them by name – Michael and Gabriel.

These messengers of God also have the power to deliver.

David confirms this in Psalm 34:7.

The book of Acts also reminds us of this fact.

Peter learned this while he was imprisoned.

Those within the church prayed to God on Peter’s behalf.

In answer to their prayers, God sent an angel to deliver Peter.

Acts 12:7 (NET) - Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the prison cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly!” And the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.

Angels are mysterious.

They are also misunderstood,

Even conventional teaching adds to our misunderstanding.

In fact, some of the things we have been taught and believe are not true.

One of the things that bothers me is when a loved one dies.

To be kind someone will say, “Heaven has gained another angel.”

This simply is not true.

There is absolutely nothing in scripture to back up this claim.

When we die, we do not become angels.

It is true that, for a Christian, death is not the end but a transition.

The physical body dies, the spirit lives on, but we do not become angels.

David also addresses the distinction between men and angels.

Psalm 8:4-5 (NET) - Of what importance is the human race, that you should notice them? Of what importance is mankind, that you should pay attention to them? You made them a little less than the heavenly beings. You crowned mankind with honor and majesty.

So, angels are not loved ones who have passed before us.

But angels are still the messengers and deliverers of God.

Are these messengers and deliverers communicating with us today?

Perhaps they are.

Perhaps they are guiding us to live the way God wants us to live.

Perhaps they help steer us in the right direction.

Or perhaps we are too caught up in the world to take notice.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 5, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, August 12, 2022

Faith, Righteousness, and Connection

 

Genesis 15:6 (NET) - Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord credited it as righteousness to him.

Abram and Sarai had no children.

Despite their ages, God instructed Abram to gaze upon the multitude of stars in the sky.

As Abram did this, God compared his future descendants to the number of stars.

Abram believed God.

And because he believed, God acknowledged this as righteousness.

Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, admonished them.

Although they had been told of Christ and His crucifixion, they still gave credence to the law.

Paul reminded them that salvation could not be achieved through personal effort.

It was only obtained through belief.

Paul then reminded them of Abraham’s belief and how God credited his belief for righteousness.

He then explained that those who believe are the sons of Abraham.

Galatians 2:6-7 (NET) - Just as Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, so then, understand that those who believe are the sons of Abraham.

It is certainly true that we currently live under the New Covenant.

But we should neither discard the Old testament, nor should we take it lightly.

Many prophecies made in the Old Testament came to fruition in the New Testament.

These prophecies include the birth, life, and even the crucifixion of Christ.

All this reminds me of a song our children occasionally sing called Father Abraham.

Although it is a simple song, it tells us that Father Abraham had many children.

It also reminds us that we are children of Abraham.

God promised Abraham would have many descendants; as many as the stars in the sky.

Abraham believed God and God accepted his belief as righteous.

Moreover, God was as good as His word.

And, in the words of Paul, we who believe are the sons (and daughters) of Abraham.

And it is through our belief that we connect with God.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 15, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, July 22, 2022

Commandment, Comprehension, Commission

 

Exodus 20:3 (NET) - You shall have no other gods before me.

These words are taken from the Ten Commandments.

In fact, this is the first commandment of the ten and its language is unmistakable.

There must be no confusion,

This is not a suggestion. 

This is a command directly from God.

God makes it truly clear that He demands to be first in our lives.

And the moment we put any person, thing or even idea above God, we practice idolatry.

Recently, we observed Trinity Sunday.

This celebrates the triune God.

But does this celebration violate God’s first commandment?

The simple answer is no.

For God exists in three persons.

God, the Father, has always existed and has created all things.

We are redeemed by Jesus who is God, the Son.

John 10:30 (NET) - The Father and I are one.

Working together, they sent us the one who makes us holy… God, the Holy Spirit.

John 14:26 (NET) - But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and will cause you to remember everything I said to you.

Many heard the teaching of Jesus.

But some found His teaching difficult and walked away.

He then turned to the disciples who remained.

Jesus asked, “You don’t want to go away too, do you?”

John 6:68-69 (NET) - Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God!”

Peter spoke for the disciples.

I like to think that he spoke for us as well.

Jesus is the word of life.

And it is the triune God that created, redeemed, and now continues to work within us daily.

And thus, we are equipped to fulfill our role in the Great Commission.

Matthew 28:18-20 (NET) - Then Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 1, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, July 8, 2022

God’s Will and New Life

 

I am posting this a bit early as I have one final class to teach on Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Bonhoeffer was a German pastor and theologian who refused to take the oath to Hitler.

He also refused to support the state’s takeover of the church.

Initially, he and a few likeminded pastors created a new and independent church.

He was even asked to teach at one of its seminaries.

In time, this illegal church was shut down by authorities.

Through his brother-in-law, he learned of the atrocities being committed,

After much prayer and consideration, Bonhoeffer chose to become active.

He joined this resistance group.

This was not an easy decision to come to.

But Bonhoeffer did more than ask tough questions, he asked the right question.

“What is God’s will?”

He understood that the will of God might lie hidden within layers of possibilities.

Still, the will of God must be sought regardless of the complexity of the task.

Eventually, Bonhoeffer and his fellow conspirators were arrested.

When their roles became clear, the regime sentenced them to death.

Convicted of high treason, Bonhoeffer was executed on April 9, 1945.

Prior to that, he delivered a sermon to his fellow prisoners based on two verses of scripture.

Isaiah 53:5 (NET) - He was wounded because of our rebellious deeds, crushed because of our sins; he endured punishment that made us well; because of his wounds we have been healed. He did this because He knew we could not accomplish this on our own.

1 Peter 1:3 (NET) - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he gave us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

On the day of his execution, Bonhoeffer prayed.

He faced death calmly.

His final recorded words were: “This is the end – for me, the beginning of life.”

Like Bonhoeffer, we too must seek God’s will, even when the search proves difficult.

And we must share his view of eternity.

For death is not the end, rather, it is a new beginning.

A new beginning paid in full by Jesus Christ.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 17, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, June 24, 2022

Between God and Humanity

 

1 Chronicles 29:11 (NET) - O Lord, you are great, mighty, majestic, magnificent, glorious, and sovereign over all the sky and earth! You, Lord, have dominion and exalt yourself as the ruler of all.

Here, David praised the Lord and recognized His sovereignty.

Although David wished to build the Lord’s Temple, God chose Solomon for the task.

The people gave generously for this purpose.

But David continued by acknowledging that all wealth belongs to God.

As such, God is deserving of both thanks and praise.

1 Chronicles 29:12-13 (NET) - You are the source of wealth and honor; you rule over all. You possess strength and might to magnify and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give thanks to you and praise your majestic name!

Like those of long ago, we too should give God our thanks and praise.

And our thanks should be deeper and our praise even greater.

That is because God has given us something even more valuable than wealth.

Despite our flaws and our sin, God gave us His Son.

A Son who does for us that which we cannot do for ourselves.

Christ makes us right with God.

Paul discusses this in his first letter to Timothy.

1 Timothy 2:5-6 (NET) - For there is one God and one intermediary between God and humanity, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself as a ransom for all, revealing God’s purpose at his appointed time.

Christ came to dwell among us. 

He also paid the ultimate price for us, and it is that sacrifice that makes us right with God.

Moreover, Christ continues to intercede for us, 

We should be grateful and praise God for creating us and the world in which we live.

But in His infinite wisdom, God also gave us His Son to make us right with Him.

He did this because He knew we could not accomplish this on our own.

He did this because He loves us.

We, in turn, should share this love with others.

They, like us, are creations of God.

And Christ intercedes for them as well.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 3, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, June 10, 2022

Answering the Call

 

I am in the process of preparing a weeklong study for an adult class.

Its focus will be the life and faith of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Bonhoeffer was a German pastor and theologian when the Nazi regime rose to power.

He found himself opposed both to the regime and its leader.

He took this position as a Christian and made some exceedingly difficult moral decisions along the way.

Living abroad in safety, he chose to return to Germany.

Upon learning of the regime’s atrocities, he willingly took on a more active role to oppose it.

Eventually, he and his fellow conspirators were imprisoned.

Although in prison, he continued to share his faith with others.

This included his guards as well as fellow prisoners.

Writing to his family from prison, he shared his reading of scripture.

“I am reading the Bible straight through from cover to cover and I have just got as far as Job, which I am particularly fond of. I read the Psalms every day as I have for years. I know them and love them more than any other book.”

Bonhoeffer, like Job, faced adversity.

And, like Job, he struggled to find answers to morally tough questions.

Bonhoeffer would eventually be executed by the regime he opposed.

This happened mere weeks before the war’s end.

In the end, Bonhoeffer faced his execution in peace.

Facing the gallows of Flossenburg prison he said, “This is the end. For me the beginning of life.”

The book of Hebrews reminds us that God equips us to do his will.

Hebrews 13:20-21 (NET) - Now may the God of peace who by the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, equip you with every good thing to do his will, working in us what is pleasing before him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

Through his faith, Bonhoeffer lived his life in accordance with the will of God.

He approached the end of his earthly journey with serenity.

Bonhoeffer understood that death was not the end, but rather a new beginning.

A new beginning made possible by the grace of God through Jesus Christ.

In this life, we too will face adversity and challenging questions.

Through it all, God equips us to do His will on our journeys of faith.

These journeys begin with putting the needs of others before our own desires.

In short, this means loving and serving them.

And it is Christ within us that makes this possible.

1 John 4:19 (NET) - We love because he loved us first.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 20, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, May 27, 2022

The Living Water

 

The Psalmist prays in chapter 143.

He begins by asking the Lord to hear his prayer.

He admits that no one is innocent before the Lord.

He laments that his enemies pursue him.

He confesses that his strength is depleted.

Through it all, he remembers what the Lord has done.

So, he seeks the Lord in a remarkable way.

Psalm 143:6 (NET) - I spread my hands out to you in prayer; my soul thirsts for you in a parched land.

In life, we too will find our souls thirsting for the Lord.

Fortunately for us, Christ is the Living Water.

And we may partake of the Living Water at no cost.

Scripture assures us of this.

Revelation 22:17b (NET) - And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wants it take the water of life free of charge.

Christ is the Living Water, and He makes Himself available to all.

And once our parched souls are refreshed, we find ourselves equipped.

We are equipped to extend His love into the world around us.

Once watered, our souls experience growth.

They rediscover the importance of community.

They serve the missions on which they are sent.

Someone wiser than me once said that God does not call the equipped, He equips those He calls.

So, first partake freely of the Living Water.

Then, carry this wisdom into a thirsty world.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 6, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, May 13, 2022

For His Name's Sake

 

Psalm 23:2-3 (KJV) - He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Psalm 23 is among the most memorized passages of Scripture.

Many people have taken comfort in its words throughout the years.

Perhaps that is why it is so often recited in times of loss.

But these words do more than provide comfort.

They are a reminder that the Lord really is our shepherd.

Verses two and three remind us of what our shepherd does for us,

He makes us do things we would not normally do of our own accord, such as rest.

He leads us where He knows we need to be.

He also restores our souls which is something only He can do.

And He leads us on paths we would not otherwise take.

The Psalmist clearly understood our need for a shepherd.

Jesus did as well.

John 10:27-28 (KJV) - My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

Jesus speaks and we listen.

Where Jesus leads, we follow.

Jesus gives what we cannot obtain on our own – eternal life.

That is why Jesus is the Good Shepherd.

Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves.

He knows what we need rather than what we want.

As we continue our journey through Lent, let us also be mindful of the shepherd’s duty.

John 10:11 (KJV) - I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

This bears careful consideration especially now.

Jesus proved beyond doubt that he is the Good Shepherd.

He willingly laid down his life for us.

We are His and no individual or power can ever change that.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 15, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, April 22, 2022

Lifting Our Souls

 

1 Timothy 6:6-7 (KJV) - But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

Paul leaves instructions in his first letter to Timothy.

He also gives Timothy a good reminder in verses six and seven.

Paul states that we both enter and leave this world with nothing.

Of course, this is in terms of material assets.

That said, there is the possibility of gain.

That gain can be found in contented godliness.

The Psalmist also recognizes this.

Psalm 143:8b (KJV) - cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

Godliness means hearing God, acknowledging God, and living the way God wants.

The Psalmist also lifts up his soul to God.

But what is the soul?

The soul is both the eternal and the immaterial part of our being.

It continues even after the physical body it occupies dies.

As the Psalmist lifts up his soul to God, he offers it to Him.

In other words, he worships with all that he is.

As we continue our journey through Lent, we recall not only how Christ died, but also how He lived.

Christ lived in complete obedience to His Father’s will.

As His journey to the cross drew near, Jesus prayed.

Luke 21: 41-42 (KJV) - And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

Jesus understood the humiliation and pain that lay before Him.

Despite this, He would endure it all in obedience to the Father.

He then literally lifted up His soul to God.

John 19:30 (KJV) - When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Jesus followed God’s will fully all the way to its completion.

Three days later, his followers would find an empty tomb.

As a result, we have hope.

A hope that is just as real and just as eternal as the soul.

We come with nothing, and we leave with nothing.

But while we are here, we should strive to live in godliness and lift our souls to God.

We should lift them in praise, in service, and in love.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 1, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, April 8, 2022

Solid Footing

 

1 Samuel 2:2 (NET) - No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one other than you! There is no rock like our God!

In this verse, Samuel praises God.

He declares that God is both unique and truly Holy.

He then compares God to a rock.

What the prophet is really saying is that God is stable and dependable.

We like to think that the ground upon which we physically stand is solid and firm.

But, thanks to the internet, we can see footage of sinkholes suddenly appearing.

Pedestrians, cars and even buildings suddenly disappear.

I remember when Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980.

In video captured just prior to the eruption, a landslide was captured.

This landslide of rock and ice was perhaps the largest ever recorded.

The speed at which it descended was more than 100 miles per hour.

Granted these instances are not commonplace, but they do illustrate one thing.

Even the firmness of the ground upon which we stand is not guaranteed.

Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians talks about what is solid and dependable.

The firmest of foundations is Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:11 (NET) - For no one can lay any foundation other than what is being laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Christ is the cornerstone of the Church.

He is the foundation God provided upon which we confidently build our faith.

And it was that same Christ who cautions us to rely on His teachings.

Matthew 7:26-27 (NET) - Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the flood came, and the winds beat against that house, and it collapsed—it was utterly destroyed!

As humans, we like to think that the foundation we base our lives upon is solid.

But a change in circumstances can ultimately prove that we have built upon sand.

As we continue our journey through Lent, we follow Christ’s journey.

That journey led to a cross.

But it was a journey undertaken with a love that was perfect.

It is by that love that we were granted grace.

Only in Christ can we find solid footing.

No matter what happens, that foundation will always remain solid.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, March 18, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, March 25, 2022

Rooted in Love

 

Psalm 119:6 (NET) - Then I would not be ashamed, if I were focused on all your commands.

The Psalmist declares his desire to remained focused on God’s commands.

But this desire is not rooted in legality.

Rather, it is a desire to live the way God wants all of us to live.

That means building and strengthening our relationships.

As the created of God, we need to have a strong relationship with Him.

But it does not stop there.

We also need to build and foster relationships with others.

For they, like us, were created in God’s image.

And God loves others as much as He loves us.

Jesus echoed the Psalmist’s sentiments.

Christ desired to do God’s will.

John 4:34 (NET) - Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to complete his work.

Once, a Pharisee tried to trap Jesus.

The Pharisee asked Him which of the commandments was most important.

The Pharisee must have been surprised when Jesus gave him a twofold answer.

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

Jesus innately understood that by keeping these two commandments, we would be keeping them all.

That is because they are rooted in our relationships with God and others.

Both the Psalmist and Jesus desired to live according to God’s will.

That should be our desire as well.

In God’s word, He tries to teach us a love for Him that is open and honest.

God also wants us to love our neighbor.

This means respecting them even when we disagree with them.

The Holy Spirit can help us do that.

God made us in His image.

Therefore, God can teach us to love as He loves.

And Christ, by example, can teach us what love really looks like.

That is why it is essential for us to focus on His commands.

After all, they are rooted in love.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, March 4, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, March 11, 2022

Love Continues

Philippians 4:7 (NET) - He will shelter you with his wings; you will find safety under his wings. His faithfulness is like a shield or a protective wall.

I have attended many funeral services over the last year and a half.

As I write these words, I am about to attend yet another.

Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, discusses Christian practices.

But these practices are not related to rites and rituals.

Rather, Paul’s words refer to our relationship with God.

They should also be reflective of our relationships with one another.

As I think about those who have passed, I am struck by the impact of their lives upon my own.

It also makes me think about the impact their lives had on others.

Prior to verse seven, Paul reminds us to give both praise and thanks in every situation.

This includes times of personal loss.

For it is in such times that we can give thanks for the influence our loved ones had.

Paul also reminds us that we can find comfort in God.

We can find safety and peace beneath His wings.

Paul also discusses this in his first letter to the Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 (NET) - And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Even when we experience loss, God grants us true peace in Jesus.

It is the kind of peace that cannot be completely understood.

As we journey through this world, we will have to say goodbye to those we love.

But no matter how many of His faithful depart, God makes certain we never run out.

God raises up others to continue His ministry of reaching out to others in love.

God will continue placing others in our lives to share His love and to be examples for us.

Hopefully, we will allow God to do the same with our lives.

Once we do, we become part of this wonderful legacy of faith, service, and love.

One thing more.

This path of ministry requires no special training or certification.

The only requisite is love.

And thanks to God and His departed servants, we know what that love looks like.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 18, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, February 25, 2022

Correction Signifies Love

 

Jeremiah 10:24 (NET) - Correct us, Lord, but only in due measure. Do not punish us in anger or you will reduce us to nothing.

The prophet remembers God’s command concerning idols.

It is true that the Lord detests idols.

It is also true that idols are created by man and are completely worthless.

The prophet recognizes God’s complete sovereignty.

He also understands that those who worship idols are foolish.

Therefore, he prays for God’s judgment.

The prophet does not pray for destruction, but rather for correction.

For destruction comes from anger and rage.

By contrast, correction comes from love.

Paul touches on this in his first letter to the Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 (NET) - For God did not destine us for wrath but for gaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here, Paul emphasizes that God did not create us merely to punish or destroy us.

Rather, God created us because of His love for us.

That is why He sent His son into the world to save us.

Christ willingly paid the price not one of us could pay.

But that does not mean we will be free from God’s correction.

A human parent corrects their child when that child goes astray.

A good parent does not administer this correction out of anger or rage.

Instead, they do so because they love the child and only want what is best for him.

God corrects us in the same way.

He corrects us because He loves us.

Yes, we are made in God’s image.

But whenever we seek to please ourselves rather than God we stray away from Him.

When that happens, we can and should expect God’s correction.

In fact, it would benefit us to pray for it.

For it is through God’s loving correction that we can walk with Him once again.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 4, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, February 11, 2022

A Unity of Believers

Psalm 70:4 (NET) - May all those who seek you be happy and rejoice in you. May those who love to experience your deliverance say continually, “May God be praised!”

The Psalmist writes of the hope and happiness of those who seek God.

He also writes of those who have experienced His deliverance.

But things like hope, happiness and deliverance are not restricted to individuals.

Neither is the praising of God.

Paul reminds us of this in his letter to the Romans.

Romans 15:5-6 (NET) - Now may the God of endurance and comfort give you unity with one another in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Each of us is on a journey.

Somewhere along that journey, we will experience deliverance.

As a result, we will experience both a unique and true happiness.

In the end, these are but part of a greater whole.

As Paul writes, these give us unity with one another in accordance with Jesus Christ.

And, just like the Psalmist, Paul reminds us that we should glorify God.

We are individuals.

We each have formed our own ideas and opinions.

Therefore, it is likely that we will disagree about a great many things.

But, despite all our differences, one truth stands out.

We are all united in Christ.

Each of us is part of the Church, 

Paul discusses this in the same letter.

Romans 12:4-5 (NET) - For just as in one body we have many members, and not all the members serve the same function, so we who are many are one body in Christ, and individually we are members who belong to one another.

So, let us belong to one another.

Let us each serve according to our gifts.

Let us focus on He who unites us rather than that which divides us.

Above all, let us continually praise and glorify God.

I leave you with this quote from The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart originally written in 1623 by John Amos Comenius:

“Farewell, dear Christian, and may the leader of light, the Holy Spirit, show you better than I can both the vanity of the world and the glory, happiness and joy of the elect whose hearts are united with God.”

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, January 21, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, January 28, 2022