In Sadness and in Consolation

 

Jeremiah 31 speaks about the return of the exiles.

Scripture specifies that it will be a joyous return.

Jeremiah 31:13b (NRSVue) - I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them and give them gladness for sorrow.

Paul opens his second letter to Corinth with a greeting.

Immediately afterward, Paul writes about affliction and God’s role.

God is with us in our tribulation.

Equally, God is there in our consolation.

2 Corinthians 1:7 (NRSVue) - Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our consolation.

God is compassionate.

He turns our sorrow and mourning into joy.

Yes, God accompanies us in our sadness.

We should also recognize that God will be with us in what lies beyond.

God will be there in our consolation.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, January 23, 2026.

I will be back here on Friday, February 6, 2026

Whatever the Storm

 

Psalm 89:9 (NRSVue) - You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them.

I do not live near the sea.

But this verse reminded me of a painting I saw as a child.

It was a seascape that depicted a storm.

The dark and ominous clouds made a perfect contrast to the lightning.

Huge waves formed by the turbulent wends were depicted in the background.

As they made their way to shore, they grew.

In the foreground, they crashed mightily upon the rocky shore.

This painting frightened me as a child.

Just thinking about it still makes me feel uneasy.

Just one gallon of water weighs more than 8 pounds (almost 4 kg).

As such, a large wave wields considerable power,

In Matthew 8, Jesus and His disciples travel by boat.

Jesus falls asleep.

A storm arises and the waves send water into the boat.

The disciples grow afraid.

In desperation, they wake Jesus!

Matthew 8:26 (NRSVue) - And [Jesus] said to them, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a dead calm.

These are excellent reminders for us.

Life often becomes turbulent.

Adverse circumstances in life arise and multiply.

We might even feel like they are going to overwhelm us.

We can almost hear Christ say to us: “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?”

Christ has the power to conquer any storm, even those unrelated to the weather.

Christ was in the boat with His disciples when the storm came upon them.

He is also with us when adverse circumstances assail us.

He has the power to calm these storms as well.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, January 16, 2026.

I will be back here on Friday, January 23, 2026

Where to Turn?

 

Psalm 25 is about delivery and guidance.

In verse 16, the desire for delivery is obvious.

Psalm 25:16 (NRSVue) - Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.

In Mark 10, we read of a man named Bartimeus.

This blind man begged by the roadside.

When he heard Jesus was passing by, he did more than pray.

Bartimeus shouted.

Mark 10:47 (NRSVue) - When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Although others told him to keep silent, Bartimeus shouted even more.

Jesus had the blind beggar brought to Him.

When he arrived, Jesus asked what the man wanted.

Bartimeus asked for His sight.

Jesus said that his faith made him well and Bartimeus began to see once more.

Jesus did not need to ask Bartimeus what he desired.

Jesus asked this for the benefit of the crowd.

As we encounter the pains and problems in our lives, may we call upon Jesus.

Jesus knows our problems before we even think to ask Him for deliverance.

May we recall the psalmist and Bartimeus who knew where to turn for healing and comfort.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, July 4, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, July 11, 2025

Rousing a Deaf World

Joel 2:13a (NRSVue) - rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord your God,

Here, the prophet implores the people to return to the Lord.

In Biblical times people would tear their clothing when they were overcome with the pain of grief.

This would be an outward sign plainly understood by any observer,

But here the prophet, speaking for God, indicates that a change of heart is necessary.

Clothing is temporary and can be replaced, but a true change of heart is permanent.

And such a change is apparent to God and the one who repents.

It can also be as visible to others as is torn clothing.

Paul, in his first letter to Corinth, tells the people to glorify God.

Paul states they should do so in body and in spirit,

1 Corinthians 6:20 (NRSVue) - For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.

In times of pain and difficulty, it is easy to turn inward as a means of isolating ourselves from pain.

But in doing so, we also isolate ourselves from both God and community.

The far better option is for us to turn to Christ.

With His help, we experience a true change in self.

So equipped, we can rejoin and experience community as opposed to solitude.

We can reach out and serve others in pain and in need.

We can extend mercy to others just as Christ was merciful to us.

C.S. Lewis put it this way: “Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, July 19, 2024.

I will be back here on Friday, July 26, 2024

Rest and Understanding

 

Psalm 6:2-3a (NRSVue) - Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror. My soul also is struck with terror,

Psalm 6 is a prayer for recovery.

In fact, it is a prayer for recovery from a serious illness.

The words reflect just how heavy the burden is and how strong is the fear that accompanies it.

In Matthew 28, Jesus prays to the Father.

He thanks the Father.

Christ acknowledges that those the world deems simple are granted insight.

No one knows the Son except the Father.

And no one knows the Father except the Son and those whom the Son chose to know the Father,

Christ then prays for those who are burdened and promises rest.

Matthew 11:28 (NRSVue) - “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Christ is the great physician.

He tells us to bring our burdens to Him.

And when we do, Christ grants us rest.

This is not just rest for our bodies, this is rest for our souls as well.

It does not matter what our burdens are, Christ invites us to bring those burdens to Him.

He removes all burdens: physical illness, fear; distress of the mind, even concerns of the heart.

In their place, Christ gives rest, peace, and hope.

This is one of the first verses my mother taught me as a small boy more than half a century ago.

I take its meaning to heart.

I also understand that this was a very unique way in which I was chosen to know the Father.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, July 5, 2024.

I will be back here on Friday, July 12, 2024

As Near as Prayer

 

Jonah 2:7 (NRSVue) - As my life was ebbing away, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple.

Jonah prayed from the belly of the fish that swallowed him.

Although in a crisis, Jonah knew God would hear his prayer.

Although miles away from any human being, Jonah knew God was nearby.

Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, encourages his readers.

He reminds them not to worry about anything.

He also reminds them to give thanks and pray.

Philippians 4:6 (NRSVue) - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Everyone, including me, faces difficult and challenging times in life.

When we find ourselves in a crisis, we often focus on the challenge rather than the solution.

We even think we are alone although we are not.

When troubles come, we would do well to remember Jonah.

Though miles away from any human being, God was as near as a prayer.

We would also do well to remember Paul, who reminds us not to worry about anything.

Instead, we should pray with an attitude of thanksgiving.

We will then encounter God’s grace and have enough strength to meet the challenge.

Paul had something to say about this as well.

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (NRSVue) - Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, June 21, 2024.

I will be back here on Friday, June 28, 2024

The Promised Reward

 

Jeremiah 31:16a (NRSVue) - Thus says the Lord: Keep your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for there is a reward for your work, says the Lord:

Jeremiah 31 talks about the joyful return of the exiles.

God’s people had endured hardship.

But God promised their return and renewal.

In John 16, Christ tells His disciples what they still had to face. 

They would be put out of the synagogues.

Christ reminded them there was more suffering to be endured.

But Christ also gave them a promise.

John 16:22 (NRSVue) - So you have pain now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

Believers today understand that while we live in this world, we will face difficulties.

The faithful also know that when we depart this world our suffering will be at an end,

Until then, we must remember that we do not face difficulties alone.

The triune God accompanies us on our journey.

It is easy to focus on pain, loneliness, suffering and persecution.

But we must never allow these things to convince us that we face them alone.

When we focus on God, we see that our burdens are shared.

We can then more clearly see the promise that lies ahead.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, June 3, 2024.

I will be back here on Friday, June 10, 2024

In the Shadow of His Wings

Psalm 63:7 (NRSVue) - for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.

Psalm 63 is a Psalm of David of a time when he was in the wilderness.

He thinks upon his relationship with God.

In doing so, he remembers God’s reassurance and embrace.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul discusses life in the spirit.

Paul reminds his readers of their relationship with God.

And because of that relationship, they can withstand any opposing force.

Romans 8:31 (NRSVue) - What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

What about us and the world we live in?

We sometimes feel beset by challenges.

We are bombarded by information.

But how much of what we are told can we believe?

Most, if not all, media outlets have an agenda.

Politicians make statements hoping it will either gain them office or keep it.

In terms of health care, one organization says something another vehemently disagrees with.

And the list goes on.

We can take heart in the messages of the Psalmist and Paul.

We can find rest in the embrace of God.

We too can find refuge in the shadow of His wings.

It does not matter where life takes us.

It does not matter what challenges we face.

God is there for us.

Moreover, He loves us.

As we continue through the season of Lent, we are reminded that God proved this.

God proved His love and care when He allowed His Son to die for us.

The price has been paid.

We have been made right with God.

And as we journey through life, we do not journey alone.

And God’s presence is more than a match for anything the world can throw at us.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, March 15, 2024.

I will be back here on Friday, March 22, 2024

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

 

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

Memories and Relationships

I discovered that one of my father’s favorite TV shows was available on DVD.

My father left this world almost forty years ago.

Watching these old episodes again brought back some great memories of long ago.

I remember some things very clearly.

I recall being a very small boy at the time.

I remember my father sitting in his favorite chair just before the program started.

I also remember that I always stopped playing.

Then, I would sit on the floor right next to my father.

I did this because I wanted to feel close to him.

I recall how we exchanged glances.

I also remember how my father would smile at me.

Then the program would start.

I recall sitting very quietly for the next hour so as not to disturb him.

I’ll admit I found the program’s opening theme and graphics a bit frightening.

One look toward my father’s confident face and that would quickly dispel any fears.

I did not get much out of the program back then.

Its premise was far beyond my grasp.

It did however allow me the opportunity to spend some time with my father.

These memories make me think of my relationship with my Heavenly Father.

Often, it is enough for me just to sit quietly in His presence.

To feel a special closeness and to feel loved in return.

And when the world seems chaotic a look toward Him makes all my fears vanish.

No matter how old I grow; He always considers me His child.

Hebrews 11:6 (NET) - Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 15, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, November 22, 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

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

Christmas Presence

I had reason to believe that something that occurred would upset a friend of mine.

At my earliest opportunity I checked in on this friend.

My suspicions were confirmed.

After a brief conversation, I determined my friend was not ready to talk about it.

I told this friend that I know that no one likes to be upset.

Before I left, I reminded this friend that they could reach out to me any time they desired.

I prayed for this friend.

I checked in on my friend every day or so.

I could tell my friend was feeling better about things but still had some distance to go.

My friend still did not wish to discuss matters.

I restated to them that I would continue to be there for them.

Once again, I prayed for my friend.

This process went on for a while.

My friend is now feeling much better.

They also know two things.

They know that I will be there for them.

They know that I will pray for them.

There are times when simply knowing someone is there can make a real difference.

We do not have to have to pry into what the other person considers personal.

We do not even have to offer advice.

We just need to make our presence known and pray.

My friend thanked me for being available.

1 John 2:6 (NET) - The one who says he resides in God ought himself to walk just as Jesus walked.

All this caused me to reflect on the Christmas season.

It is the season in which we celebrate the way Christ made his presence known to humanity.

His presence came about in a new and totally unexpected way.

His presence is still felt today.

Hebrews 9:24 (NET) - For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with hands—the representation of the true sanctuary—but into heaven itself, and he appears now in God’s presence for us.

Christ is always there for us.

Shouldn’t we be there for each other?

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 21, 2018.

I will be back here on Friday, December 28, 2018

The Original Black Friday

I always look forward to Thanksgiving Day.

Not only is it a great time for personal reflection, it also means spending time with family and friends.

It is also a rather ironic time.

One day, we gather around the table and share with each other reasons why we are grateful.

The next day, many of us will hit the stores the moment the doors open to shop for material thongs.

In fact, the day after Thanksgiving Day has turned into the busiest shopping day of the year.

It even has earned its own name – Black Friday.

The shopping frenzy continues into Saturday which has earned its own title, that of Small Business Saturday.

Even the following Monday has claimed its own title – Cyber Monday.

Human beings are a funny lot.

One day we say we are grateful, the next days are about continued consuming of more and more and more.

As for me, I plan to avoid all the stores this weekend.

I even stocked up on necessities the week before so as not to get caught up in the madness.

What is most ironic is that the very best gift we can receive cannot be found in any store anywhere.

It was a gift first given about 2,000 years ago.

It was given on a Friday as well.

In some respects, on the blackest Friday of them all.

It was the day Jesus gave His all for all.

Mark 15:33 (NET) - Now when it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.

His gift that day is still available to us today.

All we need to do is accept 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.

That is certainly something for which to give thanks,

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 7, 2018.

I will be back here on Friday, December 14, 2018

Escape Plan

I had the privilege of listening to a speaker Sunday afternoon.

He spoke of how he and his family escaped from an oppressive regime several decades ago.

He spoke of obstacles such as barbed wire, watch towers and armed guards with dogs.

When he finished describing these and other deterrents he added one important point.

These deterrents were not meant to keep people from entering.

They were put in place expressly to keep people from leaving.

The regime was determined to hang on to its population no matter how the people felt about it.

It was willing to use even the most extreme measures to accomplish this.

Satan can be compared to that regime.

He does not want any within his grasp to escape either.

He does not use things like barbed wire and armed guards.

Rather, he relies on temptation to both capture people and keep them ensnared.

He even tried this with Jesus Christ.

The Gospels tell us that Jesus went into the desert and fasted for forty days.

There, Satan tried to tempt Jesus.

Jesus resisted all of Satan’s temptations.

Human beings are not as resilient.

Any of us can find ourselves tempted to the point of becoming and remaining captive.

But God has provided us with a way out.

An escape plan that will work.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NET) -  No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 3, 2018.

I will be back here on Friday, August 10, 2018

No Plan B

We had a rather important meeting scheduled recently.

Moments before the meeting started, we had an equipment failure.

I quickly came up with a different option.

This was my Plan B.

One thing experience has taught me is preparedness.

I immediately formulated a third plan in case my second plan failed.

A short time later, it did.

I had to put my third plan into motion.

Having done that, I immediately formulated a fourth plan, just in case.

Fortunately, I did not have to put that fourth plan into action.

As human beings, we make both plans and backup plans.

Fortunately for us, God has a plan and He has no need of a backup plan.

Each of us is a part of His plan.

When God told Isaiah of his future as a prophet, Isaiah resisted.

God reminded Isaiah of His plan.

Jeremiah 1:5 (NET) - “Before I formed you in your mother’s womb I chose you. Before you were born I set you apart. I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations.”.

Jesus Christ Himself was part of the plan from the very beginning.

John1:1-3 (NET) - “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God. The Word was with God in the beginning. All things were created by him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.

Even our salvation itself was part of the plan from the very beginning.

Ephesians 1:4 (NET) - For he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we may be holy and unblemished in his sight in love.

We are not here by accident or coincidence.

Each of us is a part of God’s plan.

A plan that has always been in place and cannot fail.

God requires no “Plan B”.

That is something we can all rely upon.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 20, 2018.

I will be back here on Friday, July 27, 2018

Love Rather Than Fear

Not long ago there was a knock on my door.

I opened it and was quite surprised to find a group of children standing there.

Two of them I recognized as they live next door.

The others I did not know at all.

One thing that also caught my attention was the little girl who stood furthest away.

Unlike the other children, her expression was one of concern.

One of the children I knew well explained that they were playing and got their ball stuck in a tree.

I suppose one of the two who knew me thought. “Hey, we know somebody tall!”

So, the children escorted me to the tree in which the ball was stuck.

As we walked I noticed that the one little girl still looked concerned and kept well away.

When we arrived at the tree I spotted the ball.

As I reached for it, I asked one of the children if anything was wrong with the little girl.

I was informed that she was the one who threw the ball and got it stuck in the tree.

I was also told, “She’s afraid you are mad at her.”

My heart melted.

The moment my hand grabbed the ball the children began clamoring for it.

“Here you go, sweetheart,” I said as I tossed it to the frightened child who stood far away.

She caught it and her fear suddenly disappeared.

My reward was a beautiful smile.

Our relationship with God can be like that.

Whether we want to admit it or not, sometimes we fear God.

We think of Him as distant and unapproachable.

We convince ourselves that we should keep our distance from Him.

We might even convince ourselves that God will be very angry with us if we draw too near.

We think that He might be unforgiving.

How wrong we are.

If we only trust in God’s kindness, we should be willing to approach God and admit our misdeeds both to ourselves and Him.

Romans 2:4 (NET) - Or do you have contempt for the wealth of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, and yet do not know that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?

We must count on God’s love for us.

That means others should be able to count on our love as well.

Even the smallest among us.

1 John 4:7-8 (NET) - Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been fathered by God and knows God. The person who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 6, 2018.

I will be back here on Friday, July 13, 2018

Rescued

This week our church hosted its annual Vacation Bible School.

Although primarily designed for children, we also provide a class for adults.

After all, education is important throughout our lives.

It was my pleasure and privilege to lead the adult class once again this year.

Months ago, I selected a personal favorite from my video library,

The Pilgrim’s Progress has always held a special place in my heart.

I have read Bunyan’s Christian allegory a number of times.

I have lost count as to the number of times I have watched the modern movie adaptation.

Every time I watch the movie or read the book, some particular element will resonate within me.

This time was no different.

What struck me this time was the fact that Jesus never turns anyone away.

When Christian, the main character, knocked at the gate he was admitted in.

The gatekeeper reminded him that no one is turned away no matter what their past sins may have been.

Evangelist, a major character, reminded Christian that every sin can be forgiven,

Then there was the character known as Hopeful.

Hopeful felt that his past sins were too great to be forgiven.

The words of Christ provided both comfort and forgiveness.

“Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out.”

Hopeful’s relief was apparent in his thoughts: “He was able to make the worst of sinners righteous before God.”

On the fourth evening, I formally dismissed my class of adults.

I went outdoors as I was curious to see what the children were learning.

I watched as a good friend of mine asked the children what happens when we “mess up”.

In a unified voice they shouted, “Jesus Rescues!”

He does indeed!

May we be as forgiving.

James 2:13 (NET) - For judgment is merciless for the one who has shown no mercy. But mercy triumphs over judgment.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 15, 2018.

I will be back here on Friday, June 22, 2018

Thoughts on Resurrection

I am currently teaching a class on Heaven.

This also makes some discussion concerning resurrection a necessity.

People tend to struggle with the concept of resurrection and understandably so.

Some simply cannot understand how a lifeless and decayed body could possibly be resurrected.

A look at scripture can help us better understand this.

First, let’s examine what Jesus did for Lazarus.

The book of John tells us that Jesus loved Lazarus.

When Lazarus fell ill, his sisters Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus.

Before Jesus arrived, Lazarus died and was buried.

In fact, Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days when Jesus arrived.

Jesus ordered the stone covering the tomb to be removed and Martha objected.

John 11:39 (NET) - Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the deceased, replied, “Lord, by this time the body will have a bad smell, because he has been buried four days.”

The tomb was unsealed, and Jesus called for Lazarus to come out of it.

Lazarus emerged from the tomb and Jesus commanded that his wrappings be removed.

Lazarus was once again among the living.

The Old Testament also provides some insight into the concept of resurrection.

The Lord brought Ezekiel into a valley full of dry bones.

The Lord asked Ezekiel if the dry bones could live?

The Lord then commanded Ezekiel to prophesy to them.

Ezekiel 37:7--8 (NET) - So I prophesied as I was commanded. There was a sound when I prophesied—I heard a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to bone. As I watched, I saw tendons on them, then muscles appeared, and skin covered over them from above, but there was no breath in them.

The Lord then commanded Ezekiel to prophesy once more.

Ezekiel 37:10 (NET) - So I prophesied as I was commanded, and the breath came into them; they lived and stood on their feet, an extremely great army.

Lazarus had been entombed for four days.

The bones in Ezekiel’s valley had been dead far, far longer.

Scripture refers to these bones as “dry”.

This implies a state that goes even beyond death.

Is resurrection possible?

Absolutely!

God spoke the universe into being.

Even the tomb in which Jesus was laid was found empty.

God’s power is limitless.

1 Corinthians 15:42 (NET) - It is the same with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable.

Death is no longer something to be feared.

If God can resurrect the dead, just imagine what He can do with the living.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 18, 2018.

I will be back here on Friday, May 25, 2018