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

Provision in Abundance

 

Joel 2:26 (NRSVue) - You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame.

The second part of Joel 2 is about God’s response and promise.

Part of that promise concerns God’s abundance.

The provision Christ offers is equally plentiful.

In Mark 6, Christ feeds five thousand with two fish and five loaves of bread.

Not only were the five thousand fed; they were filled.

Mark 6:41-42 (NRSVue) - Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and blessed and broke the loaves and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and he divided the two fish among them all. And all ate and were filled,

This example of Christ’s abundance is amazing.

It is the only one of His many miracles to be recorded in each of the four Gospels.

The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit give in abundance.

So much so that we often take this abundance for granted.

In fact, we often forget that literally everything we have comes from God.

Now is an excellent time to remember God’s abundant provision.

With His help, we might be more inclined to recognize this in the future.

Perhaps we might even acknowledge that all we have comes from Him.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, May 17, 2024.

I will be back here on Friday, May 24, 2024

The Call of Discipleship

 

Jeremiah 7:23 (NIV) - but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you.

The prophet warned the people against worshipping false gods.

False gods are worthless.

The worship of false God’s invites the Lord’s wrath.

Beyond this, false gods can do absolutely nothing for the worshipper.

But confusion was not confined to Old Testament Times.

The eighth chapter of John provides a good illustration of this.

The chapter begins with the scribes and Pharisees bringing a woman to Jesus.

They claim to have caught her in an act of adultery.

They then try to put Jesus on the spot by reminding Him that the law condemned her to be stoned.

Admittedly, my first question is: “Why did they bring her only?”

Surely it takes two to commit adultery.

But that aside, they wanted to trap Jesus to charge him.

But Jesus did something unexpected.

He bent down and began writing on the ground.

Scripture does not tell us what Jesus wrote, but it obviously had a tremendous impact on those present.

As he wrote, they departed; first one then another.

Finally only Jesus and the woman remained.

There was no one left to condemn her.

Jesus did not condemn her, but He did tell her to depart and sin no more.

Jesus was there for the woman.

Likewise, He is there for us.

The chapter goes on to remind us that Jesus is the light of the world.

It even reminds us that Jesus was aware of the fate that awaited Him.

Finally, it reminds us of who His disciples are.

John 8:31 (NRSVue) - Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples,

People still worship false gods.

Some may not even be aware that they are doing so.

This is a pity as false gods can do nothing for us.

Jesus still does.

And once we come to terms with that, our discipleship begins.

But as Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, there is a cost to discipleship.

Matthew 16:24 (NRSVue) - Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

Discipleship is a privilege.

Discipleship is a call.

The question is: Are we ready to listen?

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 20, 2023.

I will be back here on Friday, October 27, 2023

Compassion for the Ungrateful

Hosea 11:8-9 (NRSVue) - How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my fierce anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim, for I am God and no mortal, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath.

In Hosea, the prophet speaks about two things.

First, he speaks about the people’s lack of gratitude.

Immediately thereafter, he speaks about God’s compassion.

The people worshipped idols and made sacrifices to them.

Fortunately for the people, God was compassionate.

Broadly speaking, are we any better today than God’s people were back then?

Don’t we worship idols?

Don’t we put things and people above God?

Fortunately for us, God is still compassionate.

To prove this, He sent Christ into the world to take our sins upon Himself.

The triune God did this in order that we might be saved.

Christ understood that this was the task set before Him.

His words reflect this.

John 12:47 (NRSVue) - I do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them, for I came not to judge the world but to save the world.

When it comes down to it, we should not put possessions and people above God.

After all, we were created in His image.

But God’s gift of grace is for everyone.

On our best day, we are incapable of saving anyone.

We cannot even save ourselves.

We, like those who came before us, often lack proper gratitude,

But God remains compassionate.

We still belong to Him, even when we sometimes lose sight of that.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 6, 2023.

I will be back here on Friday, October 13, 2023

Provision for Need, Not Greed

 

Psalm 105:40-42 (NRSVue) - They asked, and he brought quails and gave them food from heaven in abundance. He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed through the desert like a river. For he remembered his holy promise and Abraham, his servant.

The Psalmist speaks of God’s provision.

But God’s provision went beyond food and water.

God gave land and descendants to Abraham.

Before he sent drought and famine, God provided Joseph.

When enslaved, God provided Moses.

When freed, God provided the people with the spoils of their masters.

God still provides today.

But it is important to remember that he satisfies our need, not our greed.

Christ reminded His followers of this when He taught them to pray.

Matthew 6:11 (NRSVue) - Give us today our daily bread.

Even during difficult times and negative headlines, God continues to provide.

In fact, we are a part of that provision.

The world God created is remarkable.

No two people, not even twins, are exactly alike.

And everyone has specific needs.

As we make our way through this world, let us follow the example Christ set.

Let us pray for God to provide for our need and not our greed.

And may we find it in ourselves to give as we have received.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 15, 2023.

I will be back here on Friday, September 22, 2023

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

In the Small Things

My office window does not afford much of a view.

From it I can see the parking lot.

I can also see one of several mountain laurel trees.

This is the time of year when these trees come into full bloom.

Clusters of purple flowers drape from them.

Their perfume fills the air with a lovely and sweet fragrance.

I was seated at my desk the other day thinking about all the things I needed to do.

I was also thinking about how the community where I work recently made the news.

The news was not good and at the time it seemed there was no resolution in sight.

As I was about to begin my next task I decided to take a quick look out the window.

There, the mountain laurel tree swayed in the breeze.

Its blossoms seemed to dance in the sunlight.

As I looked closer, I saw something else.

The tree was filled with butterflies and bees.

Every single one of them were busy taking advantage of God’s provision for them.

Each went about his task.

Each was tolerant of all the others; even the ones different from itself.

This brought to mind a passage of scripture.

Matthew 6:26-31 (NET) - Look at the birds in the sky: They do not sow, or reap, or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you more valuable than they are? And which of you by worrying can add even one hour to his life? Why do you worry about clothing? Think about how the flowers of the field grow; they do not work or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these! And if this is how God clothes the wild grass, which is here today and tomorrow is tossed into the fire to heat the oven, won’t he clothe you even more, you people of little faith? So then, don’t worry saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’

The blossoms outside my window will not last very long.

They will soon wither and drop from their branches like rain.

When they do, the butterflies and the bees will not starve.

They will simply move on to the next source of provision granted to them by God.

All this reminded me that the tasks I still had to perform were part of God’s provision for me.

It also meant that it was time to turn away from the window and turn back to them.

I was even able to put the bad headlines out of my mind and any worry they caused me to harbor.

We teach children that God is everywhere, and He is.

He can even be found in the small and delicate just outside the window.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

No Favorites

God does not show favoritism.

Peter made this clear in the book of Acts.

Acts 10:34-35 (NET) - Then Peter started speaking: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism in dealing with people, but in every nation the person who fears him and does what is right is welcomed before him.

That is good news.

As people, we tend to allow our human biases to get in the way of what actually matters.

Our concept of fairness and God’s could not possibly be farther apart.

Here, Peter understood that a person who is in awe of God and does what He deems right is welcome.

It does not matter where in the world that person lives.

It does not matter how much money that person makes.

It does not matter how much power that person wields.

In the verses that follow, Peter speaks of who Jesus is and what He had done.

Acts: 10:36-38 (NET) - You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all)— you know what happened throughout Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John announced: with respect to Jesus from Nazareth, that God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with him.

Peter also spoke of His crucifixion and what happened afterward.

Acts 10:39-43 (NET) - We are witnesses of all the things he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him up on the third day and caused him to be seen, not by all the people, but by us, the witnesses God had already chosen, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to warn them that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. About him all the prophets testify, that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

In a way, these words might seem contradictory.

How can God not show favoritism and still choose Peter and the others as witnesses?

Personally, I think part of the answer lies in how they were chosen.

Scripture tells us that those who saw Jesus after his resurrection did not recognize him right away.

When Mary went to the empty tomb, she thought Jesus was the gardener.

When John and those with him went fishing, they thought he was just a man standing on the shore.

As two of them walked on the road to Emmaus, they thought he was just another traveler.

Even Thomas doubted until he could actually see and touch His wounds.

In short, God chose them but they did not respond immediately.

Jesus had to be revealed to them.

Day after day, the real Jesus is revealed to more and more people.

Some we ourselves would choose.

Some we might not.

Sometimes we look at those chosen and think to ourselves, “That doesn’t seem fair.”

Fortunately, God’s concept of fairness and ours are not the same.

God sacrificed His Only Son for us.

That same Son willingly laid down His life for us.

Let’s be honest.

Would we honestly consider that fair?

As Jesus is revealed to others, let us not question.

Instead, let us rejoice.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, January 20, 2017.

I will be back here on Friday, January 27, 2017

Worry and Strife

People tend to worry.

We even tend to worry about things over which we have little or no control

We worry about the economy.

We worry about the outcome of elections.

We worry about war and the threat of terrorism.

Worry in and of itself accomplishes nothing.

Just worrying about the economy will not bring about prosperity.

Just worrying about an election will not guarantee your candidate will win.

Just worrying about a war or threat of terrorism will not bring about peace.

When you get down to it, worrying does only one thing.

In fact, it does it pretty effectively.

Worrying does help us to forget that God is in control.

Many things are not in our control, but scripture reminds us that Someone is always in control.

In matters of the economy, it reminds us of the widow who willingly gave her last two coins.

Mark 21:44 (NET) - For they all gave out of their wealth. But she, out of her poverty, put in what she had to live on, everything she had.

In matters of elections, it reminds us that Jesus is the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

1 Timothy 6:15 (NET) - whose appearing the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, will reveal at the right time.

What about the lack of peace?

Scripture even has a reminder for us there.

John 14:27 (NET) - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be distressed or lacking in courage.

We would do well to remember these things when worry knocks on our door.

Whatever comes our way, scripture reminds us we do not face it alone.

Exodus 14:14 (NET) - The Lord will fight for you, and you can be still.

Worry, after all, is just a form of strife and scripture has a reminder for us there as well.

Psalm 46:10 (NET) - He says, “Stop your striving and recognize that I am God!

I will be exalted over the nations! I will be exalted over the earth!”

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 20, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, May 27, 2016

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

Heaven Came Down

There will be a full moon this Christmas.

This is a bit of a rare event.

The last time there was a full moon on Christmas was in 1977.

As I thought about this, I considered the influence the moon has on our planet.

Because we have a moon, the wobble in the earth’s axis is minimized.

Without the moon, this wobble would be considerably more dramatic.

There would be no seasons as we currently know them.

Earth’s climate would undergo radical and continual change,

The moon, along with the sun, influences the tides.

The moon has even more influence on the tides than the sun because it is so much closer to the earth.

We don’t always see the moon.

Several times a year, we experience what we call a new moon.

We cannot see it at all because of the shadow of the earth.

At other times, cloud cover obscures our view of the moon.

What is important to remember is that the moon continues to have a profound influence on the earth whether we see it or not.

A similar thing can be said of Jesus.

We set aside Christmas Day to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

John 1:14 (NET) - Now the Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We saw his glory—the glory of the one and only, full of grace and truth, who came from the Father.

Our lives were forever changed.

That first Christmas was not the day we reached up to God.

That first Christmas was the day God reached down to us.

Jesus has a profound influence on our lives.

That influence continues to exist even during the times we fail to see Him.

There are times when the events of the world try to hide Him in the shadows.

There are times when we attempt to obscure our own ability to see Him.

What is important to remember is that Jesus continues to have a profound influence on our lives whether we see Him or not.

Some say that Christmas is a time for children.

There is a grain of truth in what they say, but they are missing the bigger picture.

John 1:12 (NET) - But to all who have received him—those who believe in his name—he has given the right to become God’s children

I wish you a blessed Christmas!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, January 1, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, January 8, 2016

Still Waters

I learned something new the other day.

I learned that sheep will not drink from running water.

This immediately brought to mind Psalm 23.

Especially the second verse.

Psalm 23:2 (KJV) - He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

Most people consider Psalm 23 to be simply a passage that provides comfort and a sense of peace.

It also provides a tremendous amount of truth.

Verse one sets the tone.

Psalm 23:1 (KJV) - The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

The Lord is the shepherd and as such He knows exactly what His sheep need.

Notice that He makes us lie down.

Left to our own devices we constantly find ways of staying busy.

The Lord knows we need rest as well so He makes us do just that.

A good shepherd also knows that his sheep will not drink from running water.

The Lord, being our shepherd, leads us beside still waters.

If we partake of this water, we will never thirst again.

John 4:14 (KJV) - But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

There is more.

Psalm 23:3 (KJV) - He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

The Lord restores our souls and leads us into righteousness not only for our sake, but also because this is who Hs is.

This is what He does.

There is still more.

Psalm 23:4 (KJV) - Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Even the thought of death cannot frighten us, for we do not travel the path alone.

Psalm 23:6 (KJV) - Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

The shepherd assures us that death is not the end, but merely a transition.

Psalm 23 provides us with comfort.

It also provides us with a tremendous amount of truth.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 20, 2015.

I’ll be back here on Friday, November 27, 2015

Coping with Change

We are told not to fear.

We are told never to worry.

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.

I am finding this passage of scripture a wonderful source of strength right now.

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I find that some things in my life could radically change by things completely outside my realm of control.

While the outcome is anything but certain to me, I will not fear nor will I be anxious.

As a Christian, I know that God is in complete control and His will shall prevail.

If these changes take place, there are at least three possible outcomes.

Things can be better than they were before.

Things can stay more or less the same.

Finally, there is the very real possibility that I could be presented with a whole new set of problems and challenges with which to contend.

No matter which of these outcomes materialize, I know that I will not face it alone.

God will continue to be with me as He is now.

Although I am not apprehensive, I will hope for the best and plan for the worst.

After all, effective planning and stewardship go hand in hand.

Scripture reminds me to pray, but even in this I must exercise good judgment.

God is not there merely to grant me wishes.

I must pray for His will to be done and for helping me to accept and effectively deal with the outcome.

People, as a rule, do not like change.

We prefer our lives to be more or less predictable.

Yet there will be times when turbulence upsets our predictable lives.

It is during those times that we must truly rely on God rather than our own sense of self reliance and self worth.

That is when real change takes place because that is when we change.

As I face this unknown, others will be counting on me.

The people at the church I attend, the students in my Sunday School class and my coworkers will continue to count on me during this phase.

As a believer, God helps me to direct their attentions toward Him by how I choose to respond.

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

I can remind them of His presence during periods of uncertainty.

I can also remind them that if God chooses to close one avenue, He will open another.

Having faith does not mean that life ceases to be challenging.

Having faith means knowing to Whom to turn when challenges come.

It also means being a source of strength to those around you by putting their needs ahead of your own.


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The  Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 6, 2013.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, December 13, 2013.

In the Midst of Tragedy

Recently, two tragic events occurred within days of each other.

The first happened near the finish line of the Boston Marathon when two bombs detonated within moments of each other.

The second happened in the Texas community of West when a fertilizer plant exploded.

The first occurred in a major metropolitan area; the second in a small town.

In both, lives were lost.

In both, many were severely injured.

The first was a deliberate act by two individuals who subscribed to an ideology based on hate.

The second was a terrible accident.

In the days that followed I planned to use this devotional to address a specific question that was on the minds of many.

During that time, I also read some things that caused me a tremendous amount of personal anguish and distress.

After much reflection and prayer, I decided to address both beginning with the one that caused me pain.

Shortly after the bombings in Boston I read in the news of a church in America that believed this event was a direct punishment from God.

A short time later I learned that members of this church felt the same way about the tragedy in the town of West.

I refuse to name that church (or the issue that drives them) as I have concluded they seem to enjoy such publicity.

This church not only drew an erroneous conclusion, they compounded their error by planning to engage in protests at the funerals of the fallen.

It was my personal opinion that their position was flawed, their language was profane and their viewpoint could have been considered just as extreme as those of the bombers themselves.

Adding to my sadness were some of the comments news readers posted in response.

One reader stated that this was why he did not go to church.

Another said that this was why he did not believe in God.

As Christians, our mission is to be a beacon drawing others to Christ rather than a force that drives them away.

While there were numerous passages of scripture I could have cited in response, I opted instead to summarize my viewpoint in a comment of my own that I posted in several forums.

I share that comment with you now.

"The God I worship would have none to perish, in fact. He sent His only Son to save sinners. Even sinners like me. That same Son teaches me to love my neighbor, especially when my neighbor refuses to love me in return. Events like this are not a punishment from a vengeful God, rather, they are a symptom of a fallen world. Scripture must be accepted and understood as a whole. You cannot simply carve it apart and accept the parts you agree with and discard the rest."

This brings me to the initial question that I thought many struggled with in the aftermath of these unfortunate events.

Where exactly was God during these tragedies?

We are taught as children that God is everywhere.

He really is.

When the bombs went off in Boston. God was in the first responders who ran toward the explosions rather than away from them.

God was in the three policemen who stood in front of the fallen runner to shield him from another potential blast.

God was in strangers who assisted those they did not know as they applied makeshift tourniquets to torn limbs.

When the fertilizer plant exploded in the town of West, God was in the dispatcher who stayed calm and did her job even though her friends who were already fighting the fire had likely perished in the blast.

God was in the students who were taking a class in becoming emergency medical technicians as they ran in to assist the injured.

God was in the throngs of people from surrounding communities who came in to help. Many were turned away because too many wanted to help.

God was in the people who collected and delivered relief supplies. So many items were donated that this became a problem in and of itself.

These are but a few examples of God’s involvement.

God was also involved much earlier.

God was also with an eight year old boy when he wrote the words "Stop hurting people" well before he was killed in the blast in Boston.

We live in a fallen world.

As a result, bad things happen.

God does not punish us with these events, neither does he abandon us when they occur.

God Is in control even when the world seems chaotic to us.

God has a plan and He is in complete control.

His plan is not one of punishment.

His plan is one of hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NET) - ‘For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the LORD. ‘I have plans to prosper you, not harm you. I plan to give you a future filled with hope.’


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 3, 2013.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, May 10, 2013.
Schedule subject to change.

At the King's Table

(Author’s Note: I have personally learned a great deal from allegories through the years, and often use them when teaching my Sunday school class. As part of my journey through Lent, I felt moved to put one down in writing.)


As you walk into the great dining hall you are amazed.

The magnificent hall seems to go on forever.

For all you know it might, for you cannot see the end of it.

The table is equally spectacular.

It, too, seems to go on forever.

The end of it, like the hall, simply disappears from view.

"There is an empty seat over here," you hear someone say.

You look upon the speaker, one of a vast multitude seated at the table, as they point out an empty chair next to them.

You walk over, thank them, and take your seat.

You look up and down the table and spot some very familiar faces, but you seem to know everyone you can see somehow.

Before you can ask yourself how it is that you know everyone here, a plate is set before you.

You are amazed by the meal placed before you.

Others are already enjoying their meal.

The meal in front of you looks so inviting that you simply must taste it.

This is without doubt the best meal you have ever had.

In time, you and the others finish and you are overwhelmed by a new sensation.

Complete and total satisfaction.

Never before have you ever felt this satisfied.

As you are about to discuss this with the one who offered you your seat, you notice someone come into the hall.

As he nears, you realize two things.

First, this man is the head waiter.

Second, he carries with him the bill for the entire meal.

This is something you certainly had not counted on.

The waiter is getting uncomfortably close to you.

Discomfort turns to something akin to panic when he stops at your seat and places the bill alongside your now empty plate.

What to do?

You certainly could not afford such a meal for yourself. let alone everyone else in the great hall.

Soon, it appears that all eyes are on you.

As you try to think of a way to explain your inability to pay you realize that it is not you they are looking at.

They are looking behind you.

You turn in your seat and look up into the kindest face you have ever seen.

The individual with the kind face looks at you knowingly and smiles.

He reaches for the bill and that is when you see the nail scarred hand.

As He picks up the bill, you turn to face Him again.

You want to say something, but mere words are not enough.

He places His other hand reassuringly on your shoulder.

It, like the other, is nail scarred.

He smiles and says, "It’s okay. You see, My Father wanted Me to pay for everyone that you see here. That means He wanted me to pay for you too."

Words cannot express the gratitude you feel to this man with the kind face, the warm smile, and the nail scarred hands,

The seeds of this allegory were planted years ago when I read of David’s act of kindness to a crippled Mephibosheth.

2 Samuel 9:13 (NET) - Mephibosheth was living in Jerusalem, for he was a regular guest at the king’s table. But both his feet were crippled.

David performed this act of kindness for the sake of Mephibosheth’s father, Jonathan.

Mephibosheth was crippled by a fall as a child, yet David made sure he had a place at the king’s table.

We are crippled from a different kind of fall.

One that goes back to Eden.

As we continue on our journey through Lent, let us be mindful of the kindness Jesus showed us as He obeyed His Father’s will to the cross and beyond.

We cannot earn salvation.

Neither do we deserve it.

Someone had to pay the price we could never hope to pay.

As the hymn reminds us, "Jesus Paid It All!"


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, March 1, 2013.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, March 8, 2013.
Schedule subject to change.

Signs by the Road

Most of the driving I do is on the highway.

Recently, two more highway alert signs have been put up along my commute.

These signs provide several important services.

On days when there are no traffic problems to speak of, they provide information as a public service.

As the holidays approach one such message warns drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving.

A warning those attending parties should take to heart.

When work on the highway is scheduled, these signs inform drivers of the dates and times such work is to take place and that delays can be expected.

This allows drivers the opportunity to leave earlier than normal or perhaps plan an alternate route.

When accidents occur, these signs warn of lane closures and instruct drivers to merge either left or right depending on the situation.

This not only assists in traffic flow, it also helps keep emergency workers safe.

It is evident that these signs are an excellent means of getting information to drivers in order to make their commutes safer.

Sometimes, these signs broadcast messages seeking the public’s involvement when individuals are missing.

When a child is missing an "Amber Alert" is issued and these signs provide drivers with descriptions of the child and other useful information such as the color, make and model of the vehicle in which they still may be traveling.

When a senior citizen goes missing, a "Silver Alert" message is broadcast via these signs with similar information posted.

In such cases, these signs are an excellent means of getting the public involved in the search.

This can greatly assist law enforcement by providing them with extra eyes on major roadways.

These signs are an excellent use of technology.

Wouldn’t it be great if we had something at our disposal like these alert signs to help us out in other parts of our busy lives.

As a matter of fact, we do have something at hand that provides us with information, assistance and much more.

Scripture.

When things appear to be going well for us, scripture is useful for reflection.

When life gets hectic and seems to get out of hand, scripture can help us focus.

When we find ourselves straying from the one true path, scripture helps us return to the straight and narrow way.

When those we know and love are spiritually lost, scripture can help us reach out to them and lead them to Jesus.

Hebrews 4:12 (NET) - 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.

2 Timothy 3:16 (NET) - Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.

Scripture is always there for us.

It is available in a book we probably have on our shelves right now..

It can be found in hotel room night stands.

It is available on line.

It is even available for the mobile devices we carry with us everywhere anyway.

Its availability is practically unlimited.

This is a marvelous provision from God!

Make the most of it.


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 21, 2012.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, December 28, 2012.
Schedule subject to change.

The Lord Provides

Last week, we hosted Vacation Bible School.

While this week is mainly about teaching children, I had the opportunity and the privilege to teach two of the four adult classes provided.

Trusting God was the theme for the week.

Each night, a different episode from the Bible was presented as a means of reinforcing the Biblical truth that God can always be trusted.

On the fourth night, my task was to teach the adult class focusing on the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

While it was easy to see that Jesus trusted God completely throughout His ordeal, the class itself was not easy to teach.

After all, what Jesus accomplished through his death and resurrection are major pillars upon which Christianity rely.

In preparation for this class, I also learned something very valuable that I was able to incorporate into the lesson.

The scripture assigned for this class began with Simon of Cyrene being compelled to carry the cross for Jesus.

Matthew 27:32 (NET) - As they were going out, they found a man from Cyrene named Simon, whom they forced to carry His cross.

I was struck by that and was forced to think about what occurred preceding this.

Just prior to Simon carrying the cross, Jesus carried the cross Himself.

Think about this...

Jesus is God’s one and only Son.

God loves Jesus very much.

For the first part of the journey at least, Jesus carried the wooden cross to the place of His sacrifice.

In the Old Testament, another sacrifice was ordained by God.

God asked Abraham to sacrifice his one and only son, Isaac,

Abraham loved Isaac very much.

Genesis 22:6 (NET) - Abraham took the wood for the sacrifice and put it on his son Isaac. Then he took the fire and the knife in his hand, and the two of them walked on together,

Isaac carried the wood for his own sacrifice.

What a remarkable example of something in the Old Testament pointing to an event in the New Testament.

The prophecy, if you will, continued.

In the Old Testament account, God spared Isaac and provided a ram, the male of the species, for the sacrifice.

Genesis 22:13 (NET) - Abraham looked up and saw behind him a ram caught in the bushes by its horns. So he went over and got the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son.

And there is one more remarkable prophetic event that took place.

Abraham gave a special name to the place where this took place.

Genesis 22:14 (NET) - And Abraham called the name of that place "The LORD provides." It is said to this day, "In the mountain of the LORD provision will be made."

"The Lord provides."

On a dark day in the New Testament, the Lord provided for our salvation in the only way possible.

He sacrificed His one and only Son as provision for us.

The Lord provided.


Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 22, 2012.

Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!

I’ll be back here on Friday, June 29, 2012.

Schedule subject to change.