With Kindness

 

Proverbs 11:17 (NET) - A kind person benefits himself, but a cruel person brings himself trouble.

The temperature here has been over 100 degrees for many days.

A very old cat recently found a relatively cool spot near my door behind a bush.

One day, I opened the door to check my mail and I startled the poor old feline.

It stood up, arched its back and hissed at me in a very menacing way.

To be honest, I was more than a bit startled myself.

But rather than chase the animal away, I spoke to it in a soothing voice.

This ritual repeated itself day after day.

I would open the door and, as expected, the cat would bare its teeth and hiss at me.

I continued speaking to it in a soothing voice.

Days later, my small act of kindness was rewarded.

Now, the old cat looks at me and just goes back to sleep.

Scripture reminds us to be kind… to others.

Ephesians 4:31-32 (NET) - You must put away all bitterness, anger, wrath, quarreling, and slanderous talk—indeed all malice. Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.

We are also to be kind to those less fortunate than ourselves,

Proverbs 14:31 (NET) - The one who oppresses the poor has insulted his Creator, but whoever honors him shows favor to the needy.

Christ stressed this point as well.

Matthew 25:40 (NET) - And the king will answer them, ‘I tell you the truth, just as you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did it for me.’

If you think about it, it really costs nothing to be kind.

The more you practice kindness, the easier it becomes.

Even being kind to the smallest of God’s creation becomes part of our character.

The world in which we now live needs kindness, perhaps now more than ever.

Many are frightened by violence and the pandemic.

Many have lost loved ones.

So, be kind.

The seeds we choose to plant today will bear fruit tomorrow.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 21, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, August 28, 2020

 

Promises, Promises

There are many passages of scripture which remind us that God keeps his promises.

Although true, it is important that we keep our promises as well.

We must keep our promises to God.

Matthew 5:33 (NET) - “Again, you have heard that it was said to an older generation, ‘Do not break an oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’

We must also keep our word when we make promises to others.

Numbers 20:2 (NET) - If a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath of binding obligation on himself, he must not break his word, but must do whatever he has promised.

Probably the easiest promises to break begin with the words: “If there is anything that I can do…”

Such promises are easily made because we do not expect the other person to take us up on it.

If this is the case, it is better that we do not make the promise at all.

With the outbreak of COVID-19, friends I knew well began a new ministry,

I was in contact with one individual by email when it began.

I responded: “If there is anything that I can do…”

As communications continued, there was no mention of my offer to help.

Time went by as did the emails.

In time, I forgot about my offer.

Recently, I was contacted by another friend associated with this new ministry.

Early into our telephone conversation he expressed their need for assistance.

My words to my other friend echoed back to me: “If there is anything that I can do…”

The fact that the promise I made was to a different friend made no difference.

My promise was to that ministry.

That promise I will keep.

Matthew 5:37 (NET) - Let your word be ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no.’ More than this is from the evil one.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 17, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, July 24, 2020

Constants and Changes - Part 2

Those of you who follow my regular offerings here may notice this one is in a different format. This is intentional because of all that is going on around us. This piece is a continuation of my offering last week which can be accessed via the link at the bottom of the page,

COVID-19 continues to change our routines and even more changes are in store. As we try our best to cope, even more questions arise.

8. What is the Church? For many of us, our local churches play a significant role in our lives. By necessity, temporary suspensions of worship services including Sunday school, Bible studies, and outreaches are now a necessity. I will honestly say that this has impacted my life more than any other change. But there are two things we can immediately learn from this. First, the church is NOT the building. Second, the church is NOT simply a small group of people who gather on Sunday because they worship in the same way. The church is the entire body of believers worldwide with Christ as its head. The church is very much alive, and it is my prayer that it may blossom as never before when the current threat of COVID-19 subsides.

Ephesians 2:19-20 (NET) - So then you are no longer foreigners and noncitizens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, because you have been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.

9. Has the Mission of the Church Changed? No. The mission of the church has not changed. The Great Commission remains unaltered. The world was in desperate need of hope before COVID-19 became a part of our vocabulary. That need is even more desperate now.

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.”

10. Can We Pursue the Great Commission Right Now? Perhaps surprisingly, the answer is a resounding “YES!” Congregations and individuals are meeting this challenge by spreading the word in new and creative ways. They are becoming more technologically adept. Pastors are delivering messages online. Individuals are turning to things like social media to share their faith with others. God is there to help us in these endeavors if we but turn to Him for guidance.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NET) - Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different results, but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.

11. What is Important? The importance of prayer cannot be overstated. This was true before COVID-19. It is true now. It will continue to be so as long as we dwell upon God’s earth.

Ephesians 6:18 (NET) - With every prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and to this end be alert, with all perseverance and petitions for all the saints.

12. Can Any Good Come of This? YES! This answer should come as no surprise. But perhaps a reminder would be in order.

Romans 8:28 (NET) - And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose,

13. Is How We LIVE Important? The way we choose to live can speak volumes to those who do not know Christ or need to know Him better. A student of mine once stated: “We may be the closest thing to a Bible a person might encounter”. This is especially true as people choose to live in fear. Our love for God and for our fellow man should be plainly obvious to everyone right now. Especially those whose lives are governed by fear and suspicion. While others “look out for number one”, we should look up to God and out for our fellow man.

Matthew 5: 14-16 (NET) -  You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden. People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.

14. Socially Distant? One of the consequences of COVID-19 is that we adopt “Social Distancing” to help reduce the spread of the virus. While we must (for now) adopt this for the good of all, my greatest concern is that it may have unintended consequences. Broadly speaking, we have already become socially distant from those less fortunate. Moreover, we have all witnessed how people immediately turn to their phones and devices rather than engage with those around them. Once the threat of COVID-19 subsides it might become even more tempting for us to remain socially distant. My prayer is that this period of isolation will make us hunger for more social interaction rather than less. Living in isolation is not what we were designed for.

John 10:10 (NET) - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.

Our lives have changed in some radical ways. Certainly the most in living memory. This will pass! Things will get better! But until they do, let us remember how Jesus wants us to LIVE!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 3, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, April 10, 2020

Choose Not to Remember

I like questions.

In most cases they remind me how much I do not know

As such they force me to dig deeper into God’s word.

I recently had such a question posed to me.

Does God forgive and forget?

After considering the question carefully, I had to turn this into two questions.

Does God forgive?

Scripture makes it very plain that God does indeed forgive.

Daniel 9:9 (NET) - Yet the Lord our God is compassionate and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him.

There are other examples from the Old Testament.

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?

I think my favorite examples come from the Psalmist and Isaiah.

Psalm 103:12 (NET) - As far as the eastern horizon is from the west, so he removes the guilt of our rebellious actions from us.

Isaiah 1:18 (NET) - Come, let’s consider your options,” says the Lord. “Though your sins have stained you like the color red, you can become white like snow; though they are as easy to see as the color scarlet, you can become white like wool.

Forgiveness is possible through His Son.

Ephesians 1:7-8 (NET) - In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our offenses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us in all wisdom and insight.

All of which is well and good.

But, what about the second part of the question?

Does God forget?

God is omniscient.

God is all knowing.

To me, forgetting is a human weakness.

We can forget everything from appointments to birthdays and anniversaries.

We even forget the promises we make.

That is why I have a difficult time saying that God could forget.

Fortunately, Scripture provides the better alternative.

Isaiah 43:25 (NET) - I, I am the one who blots out your rebellious deeds for my sake; your sins I do not remember.

It is the best of everything.

God forgives and chooses not to remember our sins anymore.

He chooses never to hold our past against us.

Shouldn’t we try to do the same with others.

Colossians 3:13 (NET) - bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 21, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, February 28, 2020

Where to Turn

With Thanksgiving on our doorstep, I wanted to write about gratitude.

I will, but in a slightly more roundabout way.

Recently, I had to travel to someone’s home and retrieve a piece of equipment.

I was given the address and a phone number.

This person lived in a remote area.

It was so remote that even technology like map websites and GPS were only helpful to a point.

I traveled out to this area and turned onto the road on which this person lived.

The first thing I noticed were that the house numbers made little sense.

I could have traveled up and down this road for hours and perhaps not found this individual.

I pulled off the road and did the only thing I could and telephoned this person.

He understood my confusion and told me what to look for as I completed the final leg of my journey.

With these instructions I found the residence and retrieved the device.

The journey back was much easier as I simply reversed my course until I reached the highway.

Faith is a little like that.

Sometimes we waver in our faith.

For example, we might find it hard to do certain things like love or forgive.

Knowing the right thing to do and failing to do it is a bit like being lost.

When this happens, the sooner we get our bearings straight the better.

The great news is we do not have to go about it alone

It is often as easy as making a telephone call.

One way is to turn to scripture for guidance.

Hebrews 4:12 (NET) - For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart.

We can also turn to our Christian family and friends.

Proverbs 27:17 (NET) - As iron sharpens iron, so a person sharpens his friend.

These methods and others can point us back to the right path when we have lost our way.

C.S. Lewis put it this way: “Progress means getting nearer to the place you want to be. And if you have taken a wrong turn, then to go forward does not get you any nearer. If you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; and in that case the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive man.”

We all find ourselves on the wrong path from time to time.

Fortunately, God provides us many ways to help us to find our way back to the right path.

That is truly something for which to give thanks!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 6, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, December 13, 2019

The Seduction of Pride

I was recently asked to be one of several speakers at an upcoming event.

I agreed for two reasons.

First, I am familiar with the topic that interests the group.

Second, I was recommended to them by a close friend.

As the event was still weeks away, I turned my attention back to more pressing matters.

A few days later, the group requested my “bio” for the event.

Frankly, I never like submitting these.

Although organizers need them, I dislike them for two reasons.

In the first place, I do not like talking about myself.

In the second, it is easy to allow pride to take over.

Once pride takes over, we can easily overstate our importance.

Before I began, I thought about the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector.

Jesus relates this parable in Luke 18.

He told it to some people who were convinced they were more righteous than others.

Luke 18:10-12 (NET) - “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed about himself like this: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: extortionists, unrighteous people, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of everything I get.’

I was very glad I recalled this parable before I wrote my “bio” as it reminded me how not go about it.

The second part of this parable also proved very helpful.

Luke 18:13 (NET) - The tax collector, however, stood far off and would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, be merciful to me, sinner that I am!’

Keeping these verses in mind, I wrote my “bio”, keeping it to just a few simple lines and submitted it to the organizers.

I am glad that I took this approach.

Luke 18:14 (NET) - I tell you that this man went down to his home justified rather than the Pharisee. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Pride, especially in one’s self, is extremely seductive.

It is easy to see why the ancients considered it one of the deadly sins.

It is so seductive that it can easily lead us to sin in other ways.

Most importantly, pride shifts our focus.

We shift our focus onto ourselves and away from God who rightfully deserves it.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 2, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, August 9, 2019

Just Two Words

Loss.

We have all experienced the loss of a loved one.

Often the pain we experience is compounded.

Perhaps this is due to the circumstances surrounding the loss.

Perhaps this is due to the age of the person.

Perhaps this is due to the number of recent losses we have experienced.

Perhaps this is due to the sheer number of tragedies a family has already experienced.

It is no secret that scripture is a tremendous source of comfort in times of loss.

There are verses about Jesus having conquered death.

There are verses about His going to prepare a place for us.

There are verses about the wiping away of every tear.

There are verses about the resurrection.

There are verses about eternal life.

Verses upon verses in scripture are there ready to provide comfort.

That said, is it okay for us to cry when a loved one has died?

Jesus demonstrated that it is okay to shed tears.

In fact, Jesus shed tears after his friend Lazarus died.

He traveled to Bethany and met with his sisters, Mary and Martha.

When Jesus arrived, Lazarus had already been in the tomb several days.

Mourners were present.

Some of the words spoken to Jesus could be considered harsh.

Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead with a spoken word.

But before all this, Jesus did something quite profound.

The moment is captured for us in the shortest verse in scripture.

That verse contains just two words.

But these words speak volumes.

John 11:35 (KJV) - Jesus wept.

Christ shed tears for his friend.

His tears were genuine.

If Christ shed genuine tears, we may also do likewise when we lose someone special.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 21, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, June 28, 2019

Don't Give Up

Everyone gets tired.

Even people who serve the Lord.

In fact, burnout is a problem pastors face.

Even those of us who serve the Lord in other ways can find ourselves running on fumes.

Let’s face it, serving the Lord can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Fortunately, scripture helps remind us not to give up.

Jesus reminds us we must push forward.

Luke 9:62 (NET) - Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Paul reminds us in one of his letters that we must press onward.

He even tells us what we can expect if we do.

Galatians 6:9 (NET) - So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.

Paul has another reminder for us,

Philippians 3:14 (NET) - with this goal in mind, I strive toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Perhaps Paul’s best advice comes in the next chapter.

In it, he reminds us that we are not in it alone.

Philippians 4:13 (NET) - I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me.

I lovingly refer to this as my “go to” verse whenever I find myself struggling.

Paul also puts it another way.

Colossians 1:29 (NET) - Toward this goal I also labor, struggling according to his power that powerfully works in me.

Yes, serving the Lord can be difficult at times.

But we must never give up or give in!

We must persevere!

We must remember the Lord is with us.

If we do, in the end we can say what Paul said.

2 Timothy 4:7 (NET) - I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith!

Then the Lord may have something to say to us.

Jesus gave us a foretaste of it in one of His parables.

Matthew 25:21 (NIV) - “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 7, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, June 14, 2019

When Life Gets Hard

Some friends of mine and I recently faced challenging circumstances.

One friend suggested to me that I enjoyed them.

But more on that in a moment.

Scripture tells us the things we must do.

We may not enjoy them.

In fact, we may find some of them difficult.

Scripture tells us to love our neighbor.

Galatians 5:14 (NET) - For the whole law can be summed up in a single commandment, namely, “You must love your neighbor as yourself.”

One of the greatest ironies in life is that those who need love the most are often the most difficult to love.

Scripture tells us to forgive.

Ephesians 4:32 (NET) - Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.

Yet forgiveness is probably the one thing Christians struggle with most.

Scripture reminds us to be patient.

Philippians 4:6 (NET) - Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God.

But patience tends to fall by the wayside in a world of instant gratification.

Scripture has other reminders, but among my favorites comes from another of Paul’s letters.

This one came to mind when my friend suggested I liked the circumstances.

1 Corinthians 13:13 (NET) - And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Now faith is a wonderful thing.

And who among us does not like to have hope?

But Paul reminds us that love is the greatest of the three.

Upon recalling this verse, I knew how to respond to my friend.

I told him that I did not like the circumstances any better than he did.

I then added that I refuse to allow the circumstance to dictate how I interact with others.

I believe one thing the world has lost touch with is that it is okay to disagree with people.

We do not have to like or approve of what they say or do.

We certainly do not have to adopt these ways ourselves.

We are, however, obligated to love them.

It is okay for us to disagree.

It is not okay for us to become disagreeable in the process!

The things we find most difficult in life are the result of us relying on our own strength.

Perhaps we should rely on His strength instead.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 17, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, May 24, 2019

No Doubt

John 20:25 (NET) - The other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “Unless I see the wounds from the nails in his hands and put my finger into the wounds from the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe it!”

The world is full of doubt.

We doubt the world will get better.

We doubt the economy will get better.

We doubt the news will get any better.

Many doubt the existence of God.

More doubt that Jesus was His Son.

The very same doubt His resurrection took place.

They are not alone.

A disciple named Thomas was told that the Lord was seen.

Thomas doubted.

He wanted proof.

He got the proof he wanted.

Eight days later the disciples gathered in a house.

The doors were locked.

Suddenly Jesus appeared beside them.

He wished them peace.

Then, He turned to Thomas.

John 20:27 (NET) - Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and examine my hands. Extend your hand and put it into my side. Do not continue in your unbelief but believe.”

Thomas no longer doubted.

In fact, He referred to Jesus as Lord.

John 20:29 (NET) - Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are the people who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Jesus really is the Son of God.

The same God who spoke the world into existence and called His work good.

God gave man free will.

It was mankind’s pride and disobedience that made a mess of things.

But the work of putting things right began with Jesus.

It is up to us to continue that work with the abilities He has given us.

Will the world ever be put completely right?

Yes, when Jesus returns all will be put right.

1 Peter 1:13 (NET) - Therefore, get your minds ready for action by being fully sober, and set your hope completely on the grace that will be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

The work has already begun.

No doubt about it!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 3, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, May 10, 2019

A Symbol

Symbols – We encounter them every day.

Some help us get around language barriers.

Male and female symbols above bathroom doors are a good example.

Some help direct us.

Arrows on road signs are a good example.

They warn us about sharp turns ahead or advise us which exit to take.

Some companies have created their own symbols called logos.

They use these to promote their products or services.

One symbol in the world does all these things and more.

It is instantly recognizable when we lay eyes on it.

That symbol is the cross.

It does all the things mentioned before.

If we see a cross on a church, we instantly know that the people who gather there follow Christ.

We know this even if they speak a different language than we do,

The cross can help direct us.

When we find ourselves lost in our daily struggles, the cross reminds us to turn to Jesus.

The cross is even a bit like a logo.

The sight of it reminds us of all the things Jesus did and continues to do for us.

In that respect, it is unlike any other logo we might see a company use.

It also reminds us of His rejection, suffering and death.

No company in the world would use a symbol for its logo if it reminded people of that.

But, the cross also reminds us of some wonderful things as well.

The cross reminds us of the unfailing love that Jesus has for us.

After all, He willingly laid down His life for us on the cross.

John 15:13 (NET) - No one has greater love than this—that one lays down his life for his friends.

The cross is also a symbol of hope.

It reminds us that death is not the end.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (NET) - For I passed on to you as of first importance what I also received—that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures

Yes, the cross is the most powerful of all symbols.

When we gaze upon it, we may feel one or many emotions.

We might feel love or joy or hope… or we might even feel uncomfortable.

Some might even look upon it with hatred.

The one thing we can never do with the cross… is ignore it.

Romans 6:23 (NET) - For the payoff of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, March 15, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, March 22, 2019

Which Do You Save?

I really enjoy those moments when the material we study opens up dialog in the classroom.

That is especially true when my students’ discussion turns to how the material applies to today.

A recent discussion we were having made me recall a philosophical question I once encountered.

I altered the premise somewhat to better suit today’s circumstances and offered a hypothetical situation.

It goes as follows:

You are walking down the street one evening.

As you do, you near a museum that has on display a very famous work of art on loan to it.

Without warning, the museum erupts into flame.

You rush in and see this work of art along with an unconscious terrorist who started the blaze.

In a split second, you realize that you only have time to rescue one.

Which of the two do you save?

Do you save the priceless work of art on loan?

Or, do you save the terrorist who not only started the fire but likely hates both you and your beliefs?

One school of thought dictates that you save the work of art.

Its reasoning is that the work is priceless and worth more than the one who wanted it destroyed.

From a Christian perspective, there really is no choice.

You must save the individual regardless of how he feels about you or the things you value.

The work of art, although valuable, is an object.

The other is a human being.

Like yourself, he is made in the image of God and has the potential for change.

Whether that change comes about is between him and God.

But, for as long as we draw breath, there remains hope.

We are each capable of saving someone physically.

Only the Lord is capable of saving someone spiritually.

Our task is to love others, not judge them.

Romans 12:18-19 (NET) - If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people. Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

If the change does happen, the ensuing testimony will be powerful.

We may not be able to change hearts, but God certainly can.

Ezekiel 36:26 (NET) - I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your body and give you a heart of flesh.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, March 1, 2019.

I will be back here on Friday, March 8, 2019

What We Worship

The more of N. T. Wright I read, the more I understand why he has been referred to as a contemporary C. S. Lewis.

According to Wright: “You become like what you worship. When you gaze in awe, admiration, and wonder at something or someone, you begin to take on something of the character of the object of your worship.”

When I came across this, I was immediately struck by Wright’s honesty.

It goes without saying that God expects us to worship Him.

When we choose to place anything or anyone above God, we immediately become guilty of idolatry.

But that is not all.

Something else occurs when we place things or people above God.

We dehumanize people who, like us, are created in the image of God.

For those who place power above God, people become just another commodity to exploit.

Dictators and despots throughout history have done exactly that.

Genocide, starvation and poverty on a mass scale begin the list of atrocities of those obsessed with power.

History bears this out.

Placing wealth above God can also cause us to dehumanize people.

Those who do look upon others as merely creditors, debtors, credit scores, bad risks and so on.

This dehumanizes people.

The worship of power and wealth merely begin a long list of ways of ignoring God and disregarding His image. 

That is why it is imperative we worship God exclusively.

When we do, He helps us keep everything else in check.

For believers whom God has entrusted with power, God helps them use it to better the conditions of people.

For believers whom God has entrusted with wealth, God helps them be charitable.

Honesty is another thing God expects from believers in whatever career to which He has led them.

Work, after all, is a task ordained by God in Genesis.

Adam’s job was to tend the garden God created.

Genesis 2:15 (NET) - The Lord God took the man and placed him in the orchard in Eden to care for it and to maintain it.

Regardless of our role in life, we must make certain that we worship God exclusively.

In doing so, He will help us succeed in our journey through His world,

Proverbs 3:6 (NET) - Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.

Finally, we must remember that those with whom we engage either directly or indirectly are human beings.

Each and every one of them is made in the image of God.

Genesis 1:27 (NET) - God created humankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 15, 2019.

I will be back here on Friday, February 22, 2019

Whatever He Tells You

On Sunday I listened to our pastor deliver a message on the first miracle Jesus performed.

It was a miracle that took place at a wedding celebration.

Everything was going fine until the wine ran out.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, told Him about this.

In a somewhat cryptic manner Jesus asked what this had to do with Him.

Jesus then reminded Mary that His time had not yet come.

Mary then told the servants to do whatever He told them to do.

John 2:5 (NET) - His mother told the servants, “Whatever he tells you, do it.”

Jesus instructed the servants to fill six very large stone jars with water.

This done, Jesus told them to draw some of it out and take it to the head steward.

By the time the steward sampled this, the water had been transformed into wine.

Moreover, it was better than the original wine they started with.

So much so it was remarked upon.

John 2:9-10 (NET) - When the head steward tasted the water that had been turned to wine, not knowing where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), he called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the cheaper wine when the guests are drunk. You have kept the good wine until now!”

A short time before I heard my pastor’s message, I had just finished teaching my class.

In this class, we are exploring what the Bible has to say about Heaven.

As I pondered the pastor’s sermon in my mind I was reminded that death is not the end.

There is more to come.

Not only is there more to come, what awaits us is even better.

No matter how much we love this life and that which goes with it, what is to come will be even better.

The question then becomes, how can we make certain we will be a part of it.

I think Mary gave us the answer when she said, “Whatever He tells you, do it.”

We can start by loving God and loving our neighbor.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 1, 2019.

I will be back here on Friday, February 8, 2019

Upsets

One thing you can always count on in the playoffs or a tournament are upsets.

Experts will look at a supposed mismatch and call one “the favorite”.

The other side given little hope of victory is referred to as “the underdog”.

Still, every now and then, the underdog winds up the victor.

Upsets are not confined to the world of sports.

The Bible reminds us time and again that the favorite does not always come out on top.

Probably the best example of this involves David and Goliath.

David was a young shepherd whereas Goliath was a giant of man and an experienced soldier.

In the moments leading up to their battle, no one standing by would have given David a chance.

What about Samson?

Samson once took on a Philistine army by himself armed with a jawbone.

No one would have given Samson a chance.

Both David and Samson emerged the victors because each had an advantage their opposition did not.

David and Samson each had God on their side.

Perhaps my favorite example from scripture involves a man named Gideon.

For years, the lives of the people of Israel were made miserable by the Midianites.

One day, God chose a man by the name of Gideon.

Gideon put together his own army to fight that of the Midianites.

32,000 men were assembled for this purpose.

But God told Gideon this was too many.

The number was reduced to ten thousand.

Again, God told Gideon this was too many.

Finally, the number of men under Gideon’s command was reduced to 300.

A small force would now take on an entire army.

An observer would not have given Gideon and his men a chance.

Yet God gave Gideon and his men the victory.

What stands out to me is that God reduced the number of Gideon’s men not once, but twice.

In today’s world we tend to associate size with success.

Bur God can do incredible things with small numbers.

He can do so with small groups of believers.

He can do so with individuals.

Judges 7:2 (NET) - The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many men for me to hand Midian over to you. Israel might brag, ‘Our own strength has delivered us.’

1 Samuel 17:45-47 (NET) - But David replied to the Philistine, “You are coming against me with sword and spear and javelin. But I am coming against you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel’s armies, whom you have defied! This very day the Lord will deliver you into my hand! I will strike you down and cut off your head. This day I will give the corpses of the Philistine army to the birds of the sky and the wild animals of the land. Then all the land will realize that Israel has a God and all this assembly will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves! For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will deliver you into our hand.”

Upsets in life still happen.

We just need to remember Who grants victory.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, January 18, 2019.

I will be back here on Friday, January 25, 2019

The Dark Alternative

I am preparing to teach a class in June on John Bunyan’s classic The Pilgrim’s Progress.

This classic was published 340 years ago and has been translated in over 200 languages.

Bunyan populated his allegory with many characters including that of Apollyon.

This name can be found in the book of Revelation.

Revelation 9:11 (NET) - They have as king over them the angel of the abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek, Apollyon.

In Bunyan’s classic, a mighty battle takes place between Apollyon and the main character, Christian.

A battle which Christian ultimately wins but only after a long and difficult struggle.

As I continued my preparations, it occurred to me that we do not hear much about Satan these days.

We might if the sermon is about Job.

Job 1:6-7 (NET) - Now the day came when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord—and Satan also arrived among them. The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” And Satan answered the Lord, “From roving about on the earth, and from walking back and forth across it.”

Or, if the sermon is about Christ’s temptation.

Matthew 4:1 (NET) - Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

Other than these instances, we really don’t hear much about Satan these days.

We hear even less about Hell.

Times have certainly changed.

These days, we go out of our way not to make people feel uncomfortable.

But at what cost?

When we begin to care more for people’s feelings than we do for their eternal souls, we can do them a disservice.

Mentioning Satan or Hell, might make people feel uncomfortable.

But that is not necessarily a bad thing.

A little discomfort can be a great motivator for change.

Our focus should remain on the Trinity – The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.

But one fact remains.

Many people today simply refuse to believe that Satan even exists.

That is perhaps the most powerful weapon in his arsenal.

We should emphasize the good and the positive.

But we must never forget for a moment that there is a dark alternative.

An alternative simply lying patiently in wait.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 4, 2018.

I will be back here on Friday, May 11, 2018

The Best Security Around

Throughout our lives we human beings strive for security.

It begins in our infancy without our even being aware of it.

Human babies are born both completely helpless and totally dependent on adults for survival.

The need to feel secure does not end with infancy.

Small children often require a familiar blanket or toy to feel secure.

The fact that the blanket may be old and worn or the toy broken makes no difference to the child.

Children may even require a light to feel secure in an otherwise dark room.

Things may change a bit as children become teenagers who long for independence.

But let’s be completely honest.

It is much easier to long for independence when the security of family is just a phone call away.

Even as fully independent adults, the desire for a sense of security never goes away.

We seek security in our professions and even refer to this as job security.

We seek security for our possessions and purchase insurance to cover them.

We may even invest money on security systems to help protect these possessions.

We even seek security for our loved ones and might purchase life insurance to help protect them.

Other types of insurance can also be purchased to help us feel even more secure.

Some people have taken the need to feel secure to new levels.

They have created shelters for themselves and their families.

They have stockpiled these shelters with food and water; perhaps enough to last for years.

Some have purchased weapons and have been trained to use them.

What all these things have in common is an innate need to feel secure about an uncertain future.

A future that in many cases may not even happen at all.

As for security that really matters, the wisdom of the Old Testament tells us to look to God.

Psalm 91:4 (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.

Jesus also promises us the best in security in the New Testament.

John 10:27-29 (NET) - My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; no one will snatch them from my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can snatch them from my Father’s hand.

Scripture tells us in these verses and others how we can feel totally secure.

That is the best security around.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 16, 2018.

I will be back here on Friday, February 23, 2018

As Good as His Word

Isaiah 40:8 (NET) - The grass dries up, the flowers wither, but the decree of our God is forever reliable.

English is not my first language.

My first language happens to be Czech because that is what my parents spoke at home.

They also tended to speak it with family and old friends.

In public, however, they spoke English so they made certain I learned that as well.

My grandparents, however, spoke Czech almost exclusively.

As I was growing up, my grandmother would send me a card on every special occasion.

The card may have been printed in English, but the sentiment my grandmother wrote was always written in Czech.

Although I could speak Czech fairly well, the written language was another matter.

I would always have to have Mom or Dad read it to me.

As the years went by, I wanted to be able to read my grandmother’s words for myself.

I asked my father to buy me a textbook on the Czech language which I studied.

Eventually I learned enough to grasp the written language.

Then I was able to read my grandmother’s words for myself.

It was one thing for Mom or Dad to tell me that my grandmother loved me.

It was another thing for me to be able to read this in her own words.

In a way, the Bible reminds me a little bit of those cards from my grandmother.

Parents, pastors, Sunday school teachers, friends and others can tell us Jesus loves us.

Through the Bible we are able to read this for ourselves.

One of the first hymns we are taught as children is Jesus Loves Me.

As adults, we still think of it as a song for children.

That is because its message is so simple.

Jesus loves me, this I know

For the Bible tells me so.

We may think that the song is for children, but it can be an excellent reminder in our adult years as well.

Matthew 24:35 (NET) - Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 6, 2017.

I will be back here on Friday, October 13, 2017