The Act of Creation

 

Isaiah 45:12 (NET) - I made the earth; I created the people who live on it. It was me—my hands stretched out the sky. I give orders to all the heavenly lights.

The prophet Isaiah once again reminds us that it was God who created the earth.

God created us and the heavens also.

God created the very air we breathe and the stars we gaze upon in the sky,

The introduction to the book of John reminds us that Jesus was present when the world was created.

As importantly, it reminds us of His role.

It also reminds us that He is an essential part of the Trinity.

John 1:1-4 (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. In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind.

This same chapter reminds us that Jesus had to enter his creation as one of us.

Sadly, it also reminds us of the kind of reception He received.

John 1:11 (NET) - He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him.

Soon, we will celebrate Christmas.

The season of Advent is ending.

Our wait for the arrival of Christ will be over.

But what kind of reception will He receive?

Many, just like those He encountered 2,000 years ago, will not accept Him.

Perhaps some will accept Him for a brief time until Christmas is over.

Then, He will be packed away and relegated to storage just like the decorations and lights.

When the mood strikes next year, they will once again bring Him out for a short while.

But still, there are those who have accepted Jesus.

The ones who understand that Christmas is just the beginning of a journey.

A journey that ultimately leads to a cross and an empty tomb beyond it.

We tend to make Christmas a big day, and rightfully so.

But we should celebrate Jesus every day.

Of course, our celebration should include His birth.

But we should also celebrate His power – His role in creation.

The universe He created for us is magnificent.

In fact, it should inspire us to do a little creating of our own.

Not just creating in the artistic sense but creating things that are brand new.

The creation of new relationships is a wonderful place to start.

The forging of these relationships within our communities could lead to even bigger things.

Our communities could then build relationships with other communities.

Such communities could conceivably redefine nations.

Such nations could reach out to others and change the world.

A world that accepts Him.

Is this an impossibility?

Many would say it is.

But aren’t these the ones who need new relationships the most?

 

Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a new year filled with new relationships,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Creator and Created

 

Jeremiah 10:12 (NET) - The Lord is the one who by his power made the earth. He is the one who by his wisdom established the world. And by his understanding he spread out the skies.

Recently, our young people led our worship service.

One of the points they stressed was from the creation account from Genesis.

It was an excellent reminder that everything and everyone is a creation of God.

God is the creator.

Everything else is what He created.

The prophet Jeremiah understood this.

Jeremiah stresses that all that we know was created by God through His power and wisdom.

Paul touches on this topic in his letter to the Hebrews.

Hebrews 11:3 (NET) - By faith we understand that the worlds were set in order at God’s command, so that the visible has its origin in the invisible.

Like Jeremiah, Paul reminds us that all of creation happened at God’s command.

But Paul goes on to state that it is by faith that we understand this.

We understand that the visible creation resulted from a Creator whom we do not see.

But, through faith, we can catch glimpses of God in the world around us.

But to do so, we must also have patience and allow ourselves periods of reflection.

Faith combined with patience allows us to catch glimpses of God in the world He created.

Faith combined with periods of reflection allows us to glimpse God in others.

Perhaps that is what makes “reflection” so important.

For it may also allow others to catch a glimpse of God when they look at us.

God has created an amazing universe for us to live in.

We have an obligation to be its caretakers.

But that means caring for others as well.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 17, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, December 24, 2021

 

By Our Side

Zephaniah 3:17 (NET) - The Lord your God is in your midst; he is a warrior who can deliver. He takes great delight in you; he renews you by his love; he shouts for joy over you.”

The prophet wrote of the corruption of God’s people.

He also wrote of God’s purification.

Moreover, he promised that God would be in the midst of His people.

This is something easily forgotten especially when things are not going well.

A similar thing happened to the followers of Jesus.

One night, they went fishing.

Although they stayed out all night, they did not catch a single fish.

They returned to shore empty handed.

Although they did not realize it, someone was already there.

John 21:3-4 (NET) - Simon Peter told them, “I am going fishing.” “We will go with you,” they replied. They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already very early morning, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.

Jesus knew they had caught no fish.

So, He instructed them to cast their nets in a different direction.

When they did, they caught more fish than they could handle.

In times of difficulty, it is easy to forget that the Lord is nearby.

In fact, He is right by our side.

He can help us overcome our fears,

He can help us overcome any feelings of doubt.

Most importantly, He can help us move forward once again.

We can move forward, confident that He is at our side.

Many of us have just celebrated Thanksgiving.

But Scripture reminds us we should be thankful in all things.

That means being thankful regardless of our present circumstances.

Perhaps we might find it easier to be thankful by first remembering His nearness.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 3, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, December 10, 2021

Constant and Continual

 

Psalm 44:8 (NET) - In God we boast all day long, and we will continually give thanks to your name.

The heading in this translation refers to Psalm 44 as a “well-written song.”

I am inclined to agree.

First, the Psalmist reminds us that we are to praise God “all day long.”

Second, he reminds us to “continually give thanks.”

But human beings find praise and gratitude difficult at times.

We certainly find praise and gratitude easier when things are going well for us.

But they do not come so easily when circumstances become difficult.

Is it possible to praise God when illness strikes?

Is it possible to be grateful when we face unemployment?

Is it possible to praise or be grateful when a loved one dies?

Despite human reasoning, the answer is yes.

Paul, in his first letter to the Thessalonians, reminds us to rejoice always.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 (NET) - Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,

That means rejoicing no matter the circumstances.

But how can we rejoice when faced with things like illness, unemployment, or loss?

Paul gives us the answer.

We are to “pray without ceasing.”

Prayer is the key.

In prayer we find that the Lord is our strength.

In prayer we remember that the Lord is worthy of praise throughout the day. 

In prayer we find that we are always able to praise Him even in difficult circumstances.

Prayer reminds us that there is no one like God.

It reminds us that we may approach God daily for there is no other help but His.

Challenging times are temporary.

But God always hears us and answers us.

Therefore, God deserves our constant praise.

He also deserves our continual gratitude.

Both are possible when we persist in prayer.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 1, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, October 8, 2021

Lingering Doubt

Isaiah 42:1 (NET) - Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.

In these words, the prophet speaks of the commissioning of a very special servant.

A servant who is yet to come.

That servant is Jesus.

It would take centuries for this prophecy to be fulfilled.

In the Gospel of Luke, we read about the time Jesus confirmed the prophecy.

Jesus goes to Nazareth and enters the synagogue.

He stands up to read and the scroll of Isaiah is handed to Him.

He looks for a particular passage and reads the words.

Luke 4:18-19 (NET) - “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and the regaining of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Jesus then returns the scroll.

Everyone looks at Him waiting for Him to speak.

His words astound them.

He tells them that the scripture was fulfilled even as they heard it.

At first the people are amazed.

Luke 4:22 (NET) - All were speaking well of him, and were amazed at the gracious words coming out of his mouth. They said, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”

But Jesus continues to speak.

He reminds them that “no prophet is acceptable in his hometown.”

The people are filled with rage.

They force Him out of town and threaten to throw Him down a cliff.

But Jesus passes through the crowd and goes safely on His way.

Many doubted Isaiah’s prophecy.

Especially as it took centuries to unfold.

Even those who heard the words directly from Jesus doubted.

Now, 2,000 years later, people still doubt.

But those who believe know that Jesus is our redeemer.

We know we can continue to rely upon Him.

We can speak well of Him.

We can praise Him.

As we do, we also help others overcome their doubt.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 17, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, September 24, 2021

There is Always Hope

Father’s Day was Sunday.

Although my father died almost forty years ago, my thoughts turned to him days before.

You see, I had to replace my broken television and my father repaired these for a living decades ago.

Now, these items and many others have become disposable.

We buy them.

We use them until they either break or a newer one comes along.

Then, we replace them.

It’s that way with many things today.

It has even been said that we live in a “disposable society”.

Sometimes, we might even look upon people as disposable.

Even some who claim to be Christians might look upon someone else as “beyond hope”.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

1 John 1:9 (NET) - But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.

Even on our best day, we cannot save anyone.

But when we say that someone is beyond hope, we attempt to put limits on God.

God has no limits.

Matthew 19:25-26 (NET) - The disciples were greatly astonished when they heard this and said, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and replied, “This is impossible for mere humans, but for God all things are possible.”

People, unlike appliances, should never be considered disposable.

I thank God for the father he gave me.

I also thank Him for the time we had together.

My father taught me many things while he lived.

Although he is gone, I can still learn things indirectly four decades later.

One thing is certain.

I will always have God, my Heavenly Father.

Nothing on earth can change that.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

I’ll be back here on Friday, July 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 Prodigal's Brother

Most, if not all of us, are familiar with the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

This parable can be found in Matthew 15 beginning in verse 11.

In it, the younger of two sons asks his father for his share of the inheritance.

The father (though still living) complies and the son takes his newfound wealth and moves to a distant country.

In no time at all, the young man spends all he inherited.

A short time later, the country falls victim to famine.

Hungry and broke, he hires himself out to a citizen of that country.

This citizen gives the young man the job of feeding his pigs.

The young man is so desperate, he even desires to eat the pods he is feeding the pigs.

In no time, the young man comes to his senses.

He decides to return home, confess his errors to his father and ask to be hired on as a hand.

When the father sees his son returning in the distance, he feels compassion and joy.

He runs out to meet his son, throws his arms around him and kisses him.

Matthew 15:21 (NIV) - The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

The father calls to his servants and asks them to bring his son a fine robe, a ring and sandals.

He then orders that the fatted calf be slaughtered for a celebration.

Matthew 15:24 (NIV) - For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

The man’s other son hears the noise of celebration.

He calls a servant and asks what all the commotion is about.

The servant tells him of his brother’s return and all his father is doing to celebrate it.

The brother grows angry and refuses to go.

His father goes out to him and pleads with him.

But this merely fuels the brother’s anger.

Matthew 15:29-30 (NIV) - But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

The father then explains his actions.

Matthew 15:31-32 (NIV) - “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

One lesson we can take from this is that God will welcome back the truly repentant… no matter their past.

Yet how many Christians in today’s world find themselves siding with the angry brother?

Perhaps even defending his “right” to be angry.

That is something we should not do.

Worshipping God in what we say and do is something we should do, but it does not entitle us to anything “extra”.

It certainly does not entitle us to judge others.

And if someone with a repentant heart returns to God, we should not become angry at God’s joy.

After all, God was just as happy when we came to our senses as well.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 6, 2019.

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

Proof

The 50^th anniversary of the first manned lunar landing continues to be on my mind.

This is due in part because it is hard for me to believe 50 years of my life have elapsed since then.

But, there is more to it than that.

There are people who still refuse to believe this event took place.

Theories abound as to how this was all some elaborate hoax.

Although there is definite proof, some will never believe that man set foot on the moon in July 1969.

Faith is a bit like that.

Try as we might to share the Good News, some people will absolutely refuse to believe it is true.

Yet the evidence is all around us.

Romans 1:20 (NET) - For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, because they are understood through what has been made. So people are without excuse.

Christ gave his disciples specific instructions on what they were to do.

This is known as “The Great Commission” and can be found in the gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 26:18-20 (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.”

Those instructions were not just for a handful of men who lived a long time ago.

They are for all believers for all time.

I once met and listened to a man who had a doctorate in theology.

He spoke about some of the most common questions he had been asked over the years.

One such question: How many people have you saved?

His reply: None. I am not Jesus!

Another question was: When were you saved?

His reply: At midday on a Friday about 2,000 years ago.

Faith is a matter of belief.

For those who find it, no amount of proof is necessary.

For those who do not, no amount of proof will ever be enough.

If that is the case, why should we take part in “The Great Commission” today?

I think the answer is a very simple one.

Because Jesus told us to do so.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 19, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, July 26, 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

Priorities in a Hectic World

Matthew 6:33 (NET) - But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Now that Fall has arrived where I live more than the weather has changed.

My drive home often takes place at dusk.

It seems that drivers want to go faster and take more risks once the sun has gone down.

Part of it must be psychological.

Perhaps the oncoming darkness reminds drivers that there are few hours left in the day.

As a result, they rush about in an attempt to get things done.

Yet when it comes to spiritual matters, broadly speaking, I think many of us lack a similar sense of urgency.

To be honest, not one of us knows how much time we have remaining to us.

Some of us may have years or even decades.

Others have mere days or perhaps hours.

Yet we seem to rush about placing more emphasis on the here and the now rather than the eternal.

We stay busy but accomplish little.

We are bombarded with information, but do we really learn?

Scripture reminds us to seek the Kingdom of God first.

We tend to lose sight of this in a world that gets more hectic with each passing day

So, pause.

Take a breath.

Reassess your priorities.

God not only wants to be first in our lives, he expects this.

When we place God first, a wonderful thing happens,

He helps us prioritize everything else!

Luke 12:34 (NET) - For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 5, 2018.

I will be back here on Friday, October 12, 2018

Finishing the Race

Revelation 21:4 (NET) - He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will not exist anymore—or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the former things have ceased to exist.

I have been a fan of auto racing for a very long time.

As with every sport, sometimes a story emerges that transcends the sport itself.

Weeks ago, one emerged that resonated within me and with fans all across America.

It was a story about an 11-year old boy diagnosed with leukemia.

This young man’s name was Caleb Hammond and he was a bigger fan than I could ever hope to be.

With treatments proving ineffective, it was decided that he would leave the hospital and live out his remaining days at home.

But Caleb did far more than that.

In August, Caleb was invited to Southern Iowa Speedway.

There, he learned that he would get to live his dream.

He would be able to race his own car on the track.

Later, he was able to take a ride in a Ferrari on a racetrack.

Shortly thereafter, the news broke that Caleb wanted racing stickers to adorn his coffin.

The racing community responded.

Drivers and teams sent boxes full of stickers to help fulfill Caleb’s final wish.

Caleb left this earthly life days ago.

With racing this week at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, several drivers honored Caleb with “Team Caleb” stickers on their cars.

When weather postponed the race until after Caleb’s death, the Speedway honored his memory with a moment of silence.

There are those who will say that Caleb lost his battle.

I prefer to think that he won it.

Death is an eventuality that all must face in the end.

I pray that when my time comes, I can face it with the courage of this 11-year old.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NET) - I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith! Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me in that day—and not to me only, but also to all who have set their affection on his appearing.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

I will be back here on Friday, September 28, 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

Two Kinds of Followers

In the fourth chapter of the book of Matthew we read about those who followed Jesus.

In verses 18 through 22 we read first of Simon (Peter) and his brother Andrew.

Fishermen by trade, they were busy casting their nets when Jesus came upon them.

Matthew 4:19-20 (NET) - He said to them, “Follow me, and I will turn you into fishers of people.”  They left their nets immediately and followed him.

Moving further along Jesus encounters two more brothers who were also fishermen.

Matthew 4:21-22 (NET) - Going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in a boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. Then he called them. They immediately left the boat and their father and followed him.

Shortly afterward we read of His healing ministry.

Jesus went through all Galilee and taught in the synagogues.

He preached the gospel of the kingdom and cured all manner of diseases and afflictions.

Word of this healing ministry spread throughout the land.

As a result, people brought to Jesus many who suffered.

Scripture tells us that Jesus healed these people.

It also tells us that others followed him.

Matthew 4:25 (NET) - And large crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan River.

So, this chapter tells us of two kinds of followers.

First, there were those who were called by Jesus.

Simon, Andrew, James and John not only followed, they followed immediately.

James and John even left their father in response to His call.

Second, there were the crowds that followed because of what Jesus said and did.

Some followed because of His teaching.

Some because of the healing they either witnessed or received.

There is a significant difference between these groups of followers.

The first group was called.

The second group was not.

That first group remained relatively small, but they responded immediately.

The second and larger group grew over the course of time.

Many of us hear His call to us today in one form or another.

I wish that I could tell you that my response was immediate, but I cannot.

I can say that I am grateful for both His patience and persistence with me.

In fact, I could tell you about others with whom He was patient and persistent.

Eventually, we came around as well.

If you have not as yet responded to His call, it is not too late to do so.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, January 19, 2018.

I will be back here on Friday, January 26, 2018

A Three-Minute Start

A number of nations celebrate Thanksgiving Day.

The dates range from early October to late November.

Days of Thanksgiving in America date to its colonial period.

They were proclaimed by church leaders, governors and even the Continental Congress.

In each case a Day of Thanksgiving was set aside to give thanks to God.

It was President George Washington who proclaimed that Americans should set aside November 26, 1789 as a “day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God."

From then on. the observance of Thanksgiving varied from state to state.

On October 3, 1863, while America was still in the middle of its Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving should be observed on the final Thursday in November.

Lincoln’s proclamation concluded with the following: “I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.”

Because of the Civil War, those in opposition to Lincoln refused to adopt the date he proclaimed until the 1870’s.

In the late 1930’s President Franklin Roosevelt proclaimed that Thanksgiving Day be observed on the fourth Thursday in November.

In 1941, a joint resolution of Congress officially recognized the date change and it was signed into law by Roosevelt.

From its very beginnings throughout the course of its history, Thanksgiving Day is about giving thanks to God in all circumstances.

Unfortunately, with each passing year, we push God further away from the concept of Thanksgiving.

We find more and more ways to distract ourselves from its original intent.

The day after Thanksgiving has now become the biggest shopping day of the year.

Many stores are now opting to remain open on Thanksgiving Day.

I believe it is not too late to return the day to its original purpose.

I recall a story told by a Vietnam veteran of his experiences on one particular Thanksgiving Day.

He and his fellow soldiers had been consuming rations for a very long time.

When Thanksgiving Day arrived, helicopters flew in and brought he and his fellow soldiers a traditional and hot Thanksgiving meal.

But that was not what made the day special.

A satellite telephone unit the size of a bus had also been flown in and set up.

With it, he and rest of the men were each allowed to make a three-minute phone call home.

Some waited in line for over 8 hours just for the opportunity to make their three-minute call.

That three-minute call home meant everything to this man and the others.

Perhaps we can start there.

Paul reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven.

Perhaps we could start with a three-minute prayer to God thanking Him and ask Him to help us better put things in perspective.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NET) - Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 1, 2017.

I will be back here on Friday, December 8, 2017

Take Courage

Another week has gone by and another senseless tragedy has unfolded.

This one took place inside a church located in a small town only two hours away from me.

While the worship service was going on, a man armed with a rifle entered.

In all, 26 people were killed and still others were wounded.

Among the dead was the pastor’s 14 year old daughter.

Also killed was the visiting pastor.

There are so many people that need our prayers right now.

I pray for the surviving members of this church who are dealing with the kind of shock and anguish I cannot even begin to comprehend.

I pray for this small community where everyone knew at least one person who worshipped there.

I pray for others outside this community who might now be too afraid to go to church because of what happened.

I pray for other church leaders who now have to consider what steps they might take in light of this tragedy.

Of all my prayers, I find my prayers for this congregation’s pastor to be the most intense.

He is a man of God, but, he is a man.

He is a man coping with his own grief.

He is a man coping with his own loss.

He is a man coping with his own questions.

As he wrestles with these things and more, others are turning to him.

They are turning to him with their own difficult questions.

They are turning to him for guidance.

They are turning to him for hope.

He will likely lean on God more in the days to come than he has ever leaned on Him before.

God will be there for him.

God will be with the others as well.

One question that always arises is: “Why must bad happen?”

Jesus gave us the answer.

He also gave us hope.

John 16:33 (NET) - I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage—I have conquered the world.

Together, let us pray together for shattered lives.

Together, let us pray for peace.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 17, 2017.

I will be back here on Friday, November 24, 2017

Praise and Courage

Psalm 145:4 (NET) - One generation will praise your deeds to another, and tell about your mighty acts!

This Psalm of praise is a reminder.

First, it is a reminder that we should praise God.

Second, it is a reminder that each generation shares its praise with the next.

As we continue our journey through Advent we are also reminded of God’s greatest deed and mightiest act.

God was merciful to a fallen and disobedient world.

It is remarkable that His mightiest act came about through the innocence of one special child.

A child born to humble and obedient parents in an obscure village.

A child whose earthly journey began in a manger and ended on a cross.

While He lived among us He did remarkable things.

He also gave those closest to Him the power to do some remarkable things as well.

The book of Acts reminds us how a new generation was shown the way.

Acts 5:13-14 (NET) - None of the rest dared to join them, but the people held them in high honor. More and more believers in the Lord were added to their number, crowds of both men and women.

Those who witnessed these acts became believers.

They also held the apostles in high esteem.

Even so, scripture reminds us that they did not dare join them.

Although many generations have passed, we are not that much different.

We believe.

We may even have a great deal of respect for the apostles and those who followed in their footsteps.

But do we have the courage to join them?

Perhaps the Psalmist did more than praise God.

Perhaps he gave us some insight on how we can find that courage.

Psalm 145:5-7 (NET) - I will focus on your honor and majestic splendor, and your amazing deeds! They will proclaim the power of your awesome acts! I will declare your great deeds! They will talk about the fame of your great kindness, and sing about your justice.

I wish you a blessed Christmas and, together, let us pray for peace in the coming year

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Leaving the Past Behind

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

I enjoy listening to music.

A singer who had been in declining health died in early April.

The news of his passing moved those of us who enjoyed his music over the years

As the news spread, many of his peers came forward.

They spoke not only of his accomplishments but also the influence he had on their careers.

I was a bit amazed by the amount of respect he was shown.

He not only accomplished a great deal musically in his lifetime. he also overcame a rather troubled past.

His father died when he was young.

He tried his hand at a number of jobs.

He also found himself frequently in trouble with the law.

That trouble grew and he eventually found himself sentenced to doing hard time in an infamous prison.

He likely had more than his share of critics as a young man.

Many likely doubted that he had much of a future.

A few probably gave up on him altogether.

How surprised his critics would have been to see the amount of respect his peers paid to him in the end.

Our spiritual journeys are somewhat similar.

We are born sinful creatures.

As we make our journey through this world we realize how desperate is our need for salvation.

We also realize we have no way to redeem ourselves.

Others might look at us and mistakenly conclude that we do not have much of a future.

We might even start to believe this ourselves.

God, however, knows better.

God planned for our future, including our salvation, from the beginning.

God loves us and wants to save us.

Our past, no matter how stained, is of no consequence.

What matters is the present and how we respond to Him.

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.

Speaking metaphorically, some of the people I see in heaven might surprise me.

If so, then a good many more will be surprised to see me there.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 6, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, May 13, 2016

What If

Can you recall your first day at school?

Do you remember when you learned how to drive a car?

How about the day you graduated?

Do you recall the day you started your first real job?

Think about the day you got married,

Call to mind the day your child was born.

How about the day your grandchild was born?

These are but some of the milestones we experience in life.

As you thought about these milestones, did you remember mostly the good things?

If you are like me, then you probably answered yes to that question.

If that is the case then think about these events once again and as you do try to remember any anxiety you might have experienced with each one.

With each of these events and others you probably experienced at least some anxiety along with the anticipation.

As a rule, we tend to repeatedly ask ourselves questions that begin with the words “what if”.

Can you recall asking any of the following questions?

What if I don't get the job?

What if the person I propose to says no?

What if we cannot afford to have a child right now?

What if I lose my job?

Yet here we are today and these events are now memories on which we can reflect.

These events changed us in one way or another.

Now consider one more thing.

Remember that there is Someone who has been along side us for the entire journey.

Someone who has not changed one bit even though we did!

Hebrews 13:8 (NET) – Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever!

I am particularly fond of this translation as it uses “forever” instead of “tomorrow”.

It is good for us to remember that He was with us through all our yesterdays.

It is nice to be reminded that He was there for us today.

It is both reassuring and encouraging to know that He will be there for us not just for tomorrow, but forever!

Finally ask yourself one of the very few “what if” questions that really matters.

What if someone I care about does not know Him?

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 7, 2014.

I’ll be back here on Friday, November 14, 2014