In Truth and with Love

 

Isaiah 12 is only six verses long.

But in those six verses, the prophet offers both Thanksgiving and praise.

In the second part of verse four, Isaiah reminds us how we can put these concepts into action.

Isaiah 12:4b (NRSVue) - make known his deeds among the nations; proclaim that his name is exalted.

In Matthew, Jesus commissions the disciples.

Jesus concludes this with specific instructions for them.

Matthew 28:19-20 (NRSVue) - Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

The Great Commission applies to all believers.

It was not just for a handful of followers two millennia ago.

Isaiah’s reminder, though far older, still applies.

The world still needs bold witnesses.

As believers, we are called to be those witnesses in today’s world.

Our words and actions can be effective testimony if they are rooted in love.

That testimony must also be founded in truth.

That is a tall order for anyone.

But we can count on the Lord to help us choose our words and our actions.

With His help, we can reflect both His light and His love into an often dark and chaotic world.

Others cannot help but be attracted to that light and that love.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, September 5, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, September 12, 2025

Our Story

 

By the time we get to Exodus 7, God has already called Moses.

Moses resisted, but God would not be denied.

Exodus 7:1-2 (NRSVue) - The Lord said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet. You shall speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his land.

In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, Paul has a similar message.

2 Timothy 4:2 (NRSVue) - proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage with the utmost patience in teaching.

God has a similar mission for us.

We are to share the Good News with those whom we encounter.

And like Moses and Timothy, we are to do so clearly.

With God’s help, we can also do so confidently.

We may not be ordained ministers or missionaries, but this task falls to every believer.

Perhaps the best place to begin is with our own personal story.

Every believer is familiar with those moments when God changed their lives for the better.

That makes for a strong beginning.

Those who do not yet have a personal relationship with God need that kind of transformation.

As I have often said: On my best day I cannot save anyone.

But even on my worst day, I can introduce them to the One who can.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, August 18, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, August 25, 2025