Close Call

 

Psalm 34:2 (NIV) - I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

Psalm 34 is a special Psalm.

It is a Psalm of David that is an acrostic poem.

This means each verse begins with consecutive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

But that is not the only thing that makes it special.

Verse two is about the rejected and downtrodden.

The psalmist offers God his praise and lifts those whom society rejects in prayer.

Paul offers similar sentiments in his letter to the Philippians.

Philippians 4:4-5 (NIV) - Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Paul reminds us that we are to rejoice and glorify the Lord.

In fact, he reminds us twice!

He also reminds us that the Lord is close by even when circumstances appear dark.

He also reminds us that as Christians, our gentleness should be evidence to all.

Fortunately for us, Christ told us how he wants us to treat others.

Moreover, He demonstrated how we are to live.

As a result, we really have no choice but to praise and glorify the Lord.

And the combination of peace and joy we feel proves that the Lord is near.

As we reach out to others, especially those in difficult circumstances, they too can rejoice.

They too can glorify God.

They too can experience his nearness.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 7, 2023.

I will be back here on Friday, July 14, 2023

Manly Responsibilities

 

Isaiah 38:19 (NRSVue) - The living, the living, they thank you, as I do this day; fathers make known to children your faithfulness.

Hezekiah was ill.

In fact, he was near death.

When Isaiah arrived, his words were not words of comfort.

“Thus says the Lord: Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover.”

Hezekiah prayed.

God sent Isaiah back to Hezekiah with a promise of fifteen more years.

Upon his recovery, Hezekiah wrote.

In gratitude, his words included: “fathers make known to children your faithfulness.”

Paul, in his letter to the Colossians touched on a similar sentiment.

Colossians 2:6-7 (NRSVue) - As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

We are commanded to walk in Christ.

Those whose fathers taught them are particularly blessed.

In a little over a week, we will celebrate Father’s Day.

But, for one reason or another, not everyone has an earthly father to celebrate.

That is why I think men… all men, have a responsibility.

We must choose our actions as carefully as we choose our words.

The example we set can have a tremendous impact on young lives.

God, in His infinite wisdom, has given us everything we need to live a Godly life.

Most importantly, He gave us His Son who taught us by both word and deed.

As such, our lives should revolve around Him.

In doing so, our lives reflect His light and His love.

And, in doing so, we teach our faithfulness to the young.

It does not matter whether they are our children or not.

The young observe us with great scrutiny.

If there are chinks in our spiritual armor, they will find them.

That is why we must be aware of the example we set.

And, considering the state of today’s world, the young need every advantage we can provide.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 16, 2023.

I will be back here on Friday, June 23, 2023