What Tomorrow Brings

 

Psalm 84 is about the joy of worship in the Temple.

The psalmist opens by remarking on its beauty.

Psalm 84:1 (NRSVue) - How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!

In John 14, Jesus tells His followers that He is the way to the Father.

Jesus reminds them of the Father’s house.

It is a house that has room for many.

Christ reminded His followers that He would prepare a place for them.

John 14:2 (NRSVue) - In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

That means He has prepared a place for us as well.

Days ago, we celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord.

In His Resurrection we have hope!

We know that death has been conquered!

2 Timothy 1:10 (NRSVue) - but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

We need not live in fear.

We know what tomorrow brings.

We know a dwelling place awaits us.

And we know it will be beautiful.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, April 3, 2026.

I will be back here on Friday, April 10, 2026

Rise!

 

Psalm 9 is about God’s justice and power.

In verse 19, the psalmist calls upon the Lord to prevail against mortal men,

Psalm 9:19a (NRSVue) - Rise up, O Lord! Do not let mortals prevail;

In Mark 9, Jesus foretells His death and resurrection.

Mark 9:31 (NRSVue) - for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.”

The day would come for His crucifixion,

Upon His death, undoubtedly there were some mortals who thought they prevailed.

They certainly thought death prevailed.

But the resurrection of Jesus proved them wrong on both counts.

The miracle of the resurrection proved that neither mortals nor even death itself can prevail.

For our part, we should be forever grateful for His sacrifice.

It was a sacrifice not made in vain.

For on the third day, the Lord did rise!

And our response of gratitude should be rooted in faith, hope, and love.

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

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, April 3, 2026.

I will be back here on Friday, April 10, 2026

True Forgiveness

 

2 Chronicles 30:18b-19 (NIV) - “May the Lord, who is good, pardon everyone who sets their heart on seeking God—the Lord, the God of their ancestors—even if they are not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary.”

In 2 Chronicles, King Hezekiah celebrated the Passover.

He sent messengers throughout the kingdom asking the people to return to the Lord.

Many mocked the messengers.

Yet some of the faithful traveled to Jerusalem with their sacrifices.

Many were ceremonially unclean, so the Levites consecrated their offerings.

And so, Hezekiah prayed to the Lord to pardon everyone, even those who were ceremonially unclean.

In Mark 2, Jesus showed forgiveness.

He forgave and then healed a paralyzed man.

He dined with sinners.

The Pharisees criticized Jesus for doing so.

Jesus explained His actions regarding sinners.

Mark 2:17 (NIV) - On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

I honestly believe that forgiveness is something people struggle with.

This can be true even of Christians.

And when taken to task on this, we find it too easy to justify our unwillingness to forgive.

And just as sad, we sometimes have trouble forgiving ourselves.

This is a tremendous and unnecessary burden which we impose on ourselves.

But the truth of the matter is that we are completely and forever forgiven.

This is not our doing.

True forgiveness is made possible through Jesus.

And He extends that forgiveness to all.

He even extends it to those we find difficult to forgive.

Even when we find it hard to forgive ourselves, Christ offers complete and eternal forgiveness.

Through Christ, we are forgiven.

Through Christ, we are made new.

Through Christ, hearts of stone are made flesh once more.

Through Christ, relationships are mended.

When we truly seek forgiveness, Christ is there, ready to forgive.

And when that happens, we are free to love and forgive others.

We can even forgive ourselves and forever lose the guilt which burdens us.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 19, 2023.

I will be back here on Friday, May 26, 2023

A Temporary Journey

Psalm 39:4 (NRSVue) - “Lord, let me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.

Psalm 39 is a prayer.

It is a prayer for mercy and forgiveness.

The Psalmist prays to be reminded that we are here temporarily.

He prays, “let me know how fleeting my life is.”

Paul understood that, in the grand scheme of things, we live for a brief time.

But he also knew that physical death is not the end.

Death is a transition.

Paul explained this to those living in Corinth in his second letter.

2 Corinthians 5:1 (NRSVue) - For we know that, if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Believers understand that our citizenship is in heaven.

But we sometimes lose sight of this.

This is easily done when we become distracted.

It is easily done when circumstances seem to be against us.

In the grand scheme of things, our lives are indeed fleeting.

Each of us journeys through this world for a time known only by God.

We are born.

We live.

And yes, we die.

But despite that, we still have hope.

Through the resurrection power proven by Christ, we will have a new body.

We will have a new life.

Best of all, we will have a home.

Like citizens who have traveled abroad, we will wander no more.

We will go to the home planned for us from the very beginning.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 5, 2023.

I will be back here on Friday, May 12, 2023

Cause and Effect

 

Amos 3:6 (NET) - If an alarm sounds in a city, do people not fear? If disaster overtakes a city, is the Lord not responsible?

The prophet Amos discussed cause and effect in the beginning of the third chapter.

Amos cited numerous examples of cause and effect.

In the first half of this verse, Amos described the sound of an alarm and people’s reaction.

But it is the second half of this verse that most captured my attention.

Amos linked a city’s disaster with the Lord’s responsibility.

In other words, everything is subjected to God’s will.

The disaster which befell the city happened because God willed it so.

This is important for us to remember right now.

We celebrated the resurrection of Christ just a few days ago.

But before His resurrection, Christ was executed in the most painful way possible.

Prior to that, Christ was abandoned by His friends, tortured, and mocked.

Christ endured so very much.

His suffering was an effect.

And, following the reasoning of Amos, this effect must have had a cause.

This cause can be found in Luke’s gospel.

Luke 24:26 (NET) - Wasn’t it necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and enter into his glory?”

The reason Christ suffered and died is because it was necessary.

It was also God’s will.

God understood that man was in dire need of salvation.

He also understood that there was only one way to achieve it.

Christ, His only Son, had to suffer and die on our behalf.

What of today?

There are still many who do not have a relationship with Christ.

Is this not a cause?

If so, does this too not require an effect?

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

Only Christ is capable of that.

Our responsibility, or effect, is introducing others to Him.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 16, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, April 23, 2021

The Path to Bravery

 

Joshua 1:9 (NET) - I repeat, be strong and brave! Don’t be afraid and don’t panic, for I, the Lord your God, am with you in all you do.”

These words were part of God’s commission to Joshua.

Moses, who led the people out of bondage and through the wilderness, was dead.

Joshua formerly assisted Moses, but now he would lead.

Before these words God told Joshua to be ready, cross the Jordan and lead the people.

Every place where they stepped would be handed over to them.

This was as God promised His servant Moses.

God then reminded Joshua to obey Him completely.

If so, God would be with Joshua and never abandon him.

God then repeated His reminder to be strong and brave,

He also reminded Joshua that He will not face future challenges alone.

This is certainly not the only time in scripture God reminds us to be brave.

Scripture reminds us time and again to “fear not”.

Paul wrote two letters to Timothy while imprisoned.

Through these letters we get an idea of the close relationship they shared.

In his second letter to Timothy, Paul reminds him to be brave.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NET) - For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Bravery is rooted in power and obedience.

It is also rooted in love.

Rather than give in to fear, we too must be strong and brave.

Like Joshua and Timothy, we do not face challenges alone.

God is with us every step of the way.

Joshua trusted God.

He reminded the people to recommit themselves to God.

He did so by example: “But I and my family will worship the Lord.”

Like Joshua and Timothy, we should also be strong and brave.

Today’s headlines bear this out.

The path to bravery begins with a single step.

It is a journey.

The more we love God, the more courageous we become.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 2, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, April 9, 2021

 

Living in the Light

Micah 7:8 (NET) - My enemies, do not gloat over me! Though I have fallen, I will get up. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.

There is an expression about being “kept in the dark”.

To be “kept in the dark” means that knowledge has been deliberately withheld.

Each of us knows what this is like.

We have been kept in the dark by elected officials on both sides of the aisle.

We have been kept in the dark by those with whom we work.

Even family and friends sometimes keep us in the dark.

It certainly is worth thinking about.

In fact, it reminds me that I too have been guilty of keeping others in the dark.

That is certainly not the way we were meant to live.

We are meant to live in the light and Jesus is the light of the world.

His light penetrates even the deepest darkness.

His is the light of truth.

The prophet Micah understood this.

True, the book of Micah describes God’s judgement on His people.

Also true is the fact it prophesied Christ’s birth.

Difficult times and difficult people do not last forever.

Neither does the darkness.

So, get up and step into the light of Jesus!

1 Thessalonians 5:5 (NET) - For you all are sons of the light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of the darkness.

Living in the dark is no way to live.

The best way to live is to live in the light!

We must therefore allow the light of Christ to shine in us and through us.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, March 19, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, March 26, 2021

 

Ambassadors for Christ

 

Isaiah 6:8 (NET) - I heard the voice of the Lord say, “Whom will I send? Who will go on our behalf?” I answered, “Here I am, send me!”

Before Isaiah’s confident response, he saw the Lord seated upon a throne in His temple.

The glory of the Lord filled the temple.

The temple was also filled with smoke and shook to its foundation.

Isaiah knew that he was a sinner.

He lamented that he was a man with unclean lips who lived among others with unclean lips as well.

Moreover, he had just seen the Lord.

But rather than destroy Isaiah, God took away his sin.

The Lord then asked, “Whom will I send? Who will go on our behalf?”

With his sins atoned for, Isaiah’s fear was replaced by courage.

Isaiah answered, “Here I am, send me!”

Isaiah became a great prophet for the Lord.

What about us?

Do we need to experience such a vision before we can serve the Lord?

No.

We often expect, perhaps even demand, that the Lord perform the extraordinary.

The truth is that the Lord can be extremely subtle.

Remember that the Lord revealed himself to Elijah in a whisper.

And, according to Paul, our citizenship is in heaven.

Moreover, we are already ambassadors for Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NET) - Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making his plea through us. We plead with you on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God!”

We are His ambassadors because of what Christ did for us.

Nations send ambassadors to other nations in an official capacity to act on their behalf.

As ambassadors for Christ, we are to act on His behalf as well.

One way we accomplish this is through our words.

Another way is through our actions.

These often speak louder than our words.

Christ has already equipped us for the task.

So, plead with the world on His behalf, “Be reconciled to God!”

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, March 5, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, March 12, 2021

A Full Pardon

 

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?

Man rebelled against God in the beginning.

We still do.

Adam and Eve gave into pride.

They were lured into disobedience on a false promise.

The promise that they would “be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3).

We are just as guilty.

So often we want to do things our way rather than God’s way.

The result of our disobedience is all around us.

Things like injustice, division, crime, and hatred make headlines.

C. S. Lewis once wrote: “All that we call human history—money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery—the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.”

Lewis published this in 1952, and the sad tale of our pride and disobedience continues.

It might seem that man is forever lost.

It might even seem that, as individuals, we too are forever lost.

Both assumptions are incorrect.

God is more than capable of forgiveness and pardon.

In fact, He has forgiven and pardoned already.

This is not due to anything we have done.

It is due to what Christ did on our behalf.

Romans 8:32 (NET) - Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, freely give us all things?

Those who have accepted Him are completely forgiven.

God completely forgives because of His limitless love.

But if so, why does the world continue in its present state?

For one thing, we have not learned to forgive others.

For another, we have not even learned to forgive ourselves.

If God forgives so much, should we not be willing to forgive others of so little?

If God loves us all, should we not love each other as well?

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 19, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, February 26, 2021

 

Truth and Freedom

 

2 Corinthians 3:17 (NET) - Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom.

I write these words on the same day we inaugurate a new president.

There is all manner of pomp and circumstance.

There are flags, speeches, military bands… the works.

No doubt, many of the speeches and commentaries will include the concept of freedom.

But what does freedom mean?

According to the dictionary, one definition says it is the right to speak or act without hindrance.

Another states it is the absence of subjugation to a foreign or despotic power.

Still another says it is the state of not being incarcerated or enslaved.

But when it comes to being a Christian, we find that these definitions do not literally apply.

For example, we are not free to speak whatever happens to be on our minds.

James 1:26 (NET) - If someone thinks he is religious yet does not bridle his tongue, and so deceives his heart, his religion is futile.

Neither does the second definition apply.

Even Christ was brought before a foreign ruler.

John 18:33 (NET) - So Pilate went back into the governor’s residence, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?

Christians have even been incarcerated.

Paul wrote several of his letters while in prison.

Even history reminds us that many Christians have been imprisoned for their faith.

Despite the definitions, freedom for Christians is a real and tangible thing.

John 8:31-32 (NET) - Then Jesus said to those Judeans who had believed him, “If you continue to follow my teaching, you are really my disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Freedom, real freedom, can be found in truth.

It can be found in the truth of the teachings of Christ.

Understanding truth, the truth of His teachings, is what sets us free.

Those who are imprisoned for Christ are free.

Those who are subject to foreign powers are free.

Yes, even those who bridle their tongues are free.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 5, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, February 12, 2020

 

Epiphanies

 

Matthew 2:1-2 (NET) - After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, in the time of King Herod, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem saying, “Where is the one who is born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

January 6, the twelfth day after Christmas, is known as Epiphany in the Christian calendar.

This is where we get the tradition of the twelve days of Christmas.

It was held that it took the wise men twelve days to make the journey from the East.

Nativity scenes often depict the wise men at the birth of Jesus.

They also depict three wise men.

But scripture never tells us exactly how many there were.

It is likely that there were more travelling by caravan to avoid being preyed upon by robbers.

We tend to think of three wise men because of the three gifts they brought.

The gifts included gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Each gift has a meaning.

Gold symbolizes a kingship on earth.

Frankincense, an incense, symbolizes deity.

Myrrh, an embalming oil, symbolizes death.

All three symbols apply to Jesus.

Jesus is king, He is God incarnate and He came into this world to die for us.

These wise men, regardless of number, experienced Epiphany.

They understood that Jesus was the manifestation of God on earth.

So, they travelled an exceedingly long way to find Him.

The dictionary also defines an epiphany as an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure.

Some may refer to this as having an “Aha” or life changing realization.

The same day as Epiphany, people stormed the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

In total, four people were killed.

Many were injured and criminal arrests will follow.

Yet this is just another example of division in America right now.

Isn’t it past time the nation had an epiphany of its own?

An “Aha” moment or life changing realization.

An epiphany that it is time to seek Jesus once again.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, January 15, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, January 22, 2020

 

The Gift of Peace

 

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.

As I write these words, I prepare my heart for Christmas.

Although this is a celebration of the birth of Jesus, my thoughts turn to His gift of peace.

As we near the close of 2020, I realize how much the world needs to experience peace.

For human beings, peace does not come easily.

We find there is so much for us to worry about.

Many of us have lost loved ones to the pandemic.

Many of us have learned of loved ones who have contracted the virus.

Many of us have lost our jobs.

The list goes on.

Although true peace is a very real thing, many of us find it elusive.

Some even think true peace is impossible to achieve.

True peace can be found, but it can only be found in Jesus Himself.

The prophet Isaiah referred to Jesus as “The Prince of Peace” in his prophecy.

Isaiah 9:6 (NET) - For a child has been born to us, a son has been given to us. He shoulders responsibility and is called Wonderful Adviser, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Achieving peace simply requires us to look for it.

But we must look in the right place to find it.

We must look to Jesus to find true and lasting peace.

Having faith does not mean the adverse circumstances in our lives will vanish overnight.

Having faith better enables us to deal with them.

My Christmas prayer is that we can find true and lasting peace.

Find it where it can only be found - in Jesus

Once found, we must in turn share it with others.

What a remarkable gift to give at Christmas!

Christmas Blessings!

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

I’ll be back here on Friday, January 8, 2020

 

Doing It All

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

Despite the pandemic, December finds me extremely busy.

The Sunday School class I teach is gearing back up.

Work has me very busy, or as my father would say: “snowed under”.

More and more people are counting on my support.

We are now well into the season of Advent and Christmas will be here very soon.

That is why I love this verse from Philippians.

I’ve often referred to it as my “go to” verse.

No matter how many things pile up on my plate, this verse is a great reminder.

It reminds me not to count on my own strength, but to rely on His.

This is what helps me cope when things start to pile up.

Sometimes, we think we just don’t have room on our plates for one more thing.

That is when God does the unexpected.

He doesn’t remove things from our plate.

Instead, He just gives us a bigger plate.

Which, if you think about it, is not completely surprising.

God frequently does the unexpected.

He did that 2,000 years ago when He sent us His Son.

He came not as a general of political ruler in the presence of the powerful.

Christ came to us as an infant; born to obedient parents and announced to humble shepherds.

Christ reminded us we could not serve two masters.

If we did, we would love one and hate the other.

That is why we should do everything as as we would for God,

When we keep God first, He helps us prioritize "all things" that we do.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 18, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, December 25, 2020

The Blessing of Friendship

 Thanksgiving Day had me reflecting on all the ways God has blessed me in my lifetime.

 Every blessing from Him I thought of, without exception, had something else in common.

 God used people in His blessing.

 As a child, God used my parents to bless me.

 When I attended school, God used teachers to bless me.

 At church, He used pastors and Sunday School teachers to bless me.

 In my professional life, He used my colleagues to bless me.

 To develop my character, He blessed me with wonderful role models.

 To uplift me, He blessed me with a wonderful church family

 To love me, He blessed me with many loving uncles, aunts and cousins,

 Then there is perhaps my favorite blessing of all.

 God has blessed me with friends.

 I say this is among my favorite blessings for several reasons.

 Many of my friends I can trace back to the groups I mentioned before.

 For example, I consider my colleagues my friends.

 I also count members of my church family as friends.

 Even some of my role models became my friends and that is a very special feeling indeed,

 Now, through technology and social media, the number of friends God blesses me with continues to grow.

 I consider these friends special too.

 Some I see on a regular basis.

 Some I see only occasionally.

 Some I will never meet face to face in this world.

 Whatever the frequency, each friendship is one to treasure.

 Then, there is the most special blessing of all friendships.

 John 15:13-15 (NIV) – No one has greater love than this – that one lays down His life for His friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because the slave does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because I have revealed to you everything I have heard from My Father.

 I would not trade this special blessing for anything.

 This blessing has no bounds.

 Best of all, Jesus offers this blessing to everyone.

 Before Thanksgiving Day fades into memory, take a moment to reflect.

 Reflect on the blessings of friendship.

 Then, reflect on the very best friendship of all.

 Reflect on the friend who laid down His life for you… for us…. for everyone!

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 4, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, December 11, 2020

 

No Favoritism

 

Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NET) - Having heard everything, I have reached this conclusion: Fear God and keep his commandments, because this is the whole duty of men.

America experienced division prior to the 2020 election.

Now, one side claims victory while the other side cries foul.

Even the election results (such as they are) are posted as “red” states and “blue” states.

Unfortunately, the outcome, whatever it is, will likely encourage more division.

One thing I have observed throughout the campaign disturbs me.

Christian supporters for each candidate claimed in effect that God was on their side.

This is nothing new.

Even generals in various armed conflicts assured their troops of victory for the same reason.

But speaking for God and claiming to know which side He is on is a dangerous game to play at best.

Speaking for myself, I am glad America is a nation that has a say in its choice for leadership.

But I know the pendulum swings both ways.

Sometimes the candidate I support will win.

Sometimes the candidate I support will lose.

That is politics.

Rather than speaking for God, Christians would be far better off seeking to heal division.

Christ told us to love God and to love our neighbor.

That means loving those who supported a different candidate than we did.

It also means praying for our leaders and respecting the offices they hold.

Even those who did not get our vote.

Peter understood that God does not show favoritism.

Neither should we.

Acts 10:34 (NET) - Then Peter started speaking: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism in dealing with people,

Perhaps understanding that would help Christians be a force for healing rather than a force for division.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 20, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, November 27, 2020

 

What's Good About It?

What can possibly be “good” about Good Friday?

Not only did Jesus die on this day, He endured so very much along the way.

He was abandoned by those closest to Him.

He was beaten and made to wear a crown of thorns.

He was mocked.

He was made to carry His own cross.

He was then crucified – the most painful and cruel form of execution ever devised.

So what can possibly be “good” about Good Friday.

To begin with, He did this willingly for the entire world.

This was foretold centuries before.

Isaiah 53:3-5 (NET) - He was despised and rejected by people, one who experienced pain and was acquainted with illness; people hid their faces from him; he was despised, and we considered him insignificant. But he lifted up our illnesses, he carried our pain; even though we thought he was being punished, attacked by God, and afflicted for something he had done. He was wounded because of our rebellious deeds, crushed because of our sins; he endured punishment that made us well; because of his wounds we have been healed.

Jesus endured all of this for us.

Yet upon His death He knew He had fully accomplished the Father’s will

John 19:30 (NET) - When he had received the sour wine, Jesus said, “It is completed!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Then, at the exact moment Jesus died… God did something incredible.

Matthew 27:51a (NET) - Just then the temple curtain was torn in two, from top to bottom.

The physical barrier that separated sinful man from a perfectly Holy God was no more.

What a beautiful gesture on God’s part!

Of course, all this was but a prelude of what was to come.

On the third day, His tomb was found empty.

Luke 24:2-3 (NET) - They found that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

These things are what make this week the most important week in the calendar to Christians.

This year we will not be able to gather due to the pandemic.

But that in no shape, way or form diminishes the significance of what Jesus did!

Jesus is exactly who He claimed to be!

Jesus did exactly what He came to do!

Yet still we might wonder “what’s good about Good Friday?”

We might even wonder why God would allow a pandemic that would keep us from gathering at such an important time.

In the following days, may we find comfort in the book of Romans.

Romans 8:28-29 (NET) - And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose, because those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

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

Just Look

People often expect God to do one thing only to find that He does something else.

Sometimes whet He does just does not make any sense to us.

We read in the book of Numbers of God’s people and their encounter with serpents.

Moses led the people in a direction that would take them around the land of Edom.

The people became impatient along the way and spoke out.

Numbers 21:5 (NET) - And the people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness, for there is no bread or water, and we detest this worthless food.”

In response, God sent poisonous snakes among the people.

Many people were bitten.

Many died.

It did not take very long for the people regret their rebellion.

Numbers 21:7 (NET) - Then the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you. Pray to the Lord that he would take away the snakes from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.

The people expected God to simply make the snakes go away.

God had something completely different in mind.

Numbers 21:8 (NET) - The Lord said to Moses, “Make a poisonous snake and set it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will live.”

Moses did as God instructed him and God was true to His word.

Numbers 21:9 (NET) - So Moses made a bronze snake and put it on a pole, so that if a snake had bitten someone, when he looked at the bronze snake he lived.

The people expected one thing and got another.

They expected God to remove the snakes.

God gave them something to do instead.

God’s response probably made little sense to them at first.

How was simply looking at a bronze snake hanging on a pole going to save their lives?

It probably did not take the people very long to see that God was true to His word.

They likely remembered its exact location at all times just in case they were bitten.

People often expect God to do one thing only to find that He does something else.

Today we look around and see all the problems there are in the world.

We would prefer that God would just simply make these problems go away.

God gives us something to do instead.

God gives us places to look as well.

He gives us a cross that no longer has an occupant.

He gives us a tomb that now lies empty.

I wish you a Blessed Easter.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 21, 2017.

I will be back here on Friday, April 28, 2017

An Empty Container

There are currently at least two television programs that involve containers.

One is about storage lockers.

The other is about large shipping containers.

In both programs, the containers have been abandoned and their contents are auctioned off.

The highest bidder then claims the contents.

The participants in these auctions get some idea as to the contents.

The container is opened and the bidders are allowed a quick look inside,

They are not allowed to venture inside the container for a better look at all the contents.

From this cursory glance they then determine how much of their money they are willing to risk.

Often, labels on boxes or visible items provide clues as to the remaining contents which cannot be seen.

Imagine what were to happen if a container or locker were opened and there was absolutely nothing inside.

How much do you suppose bidders would consider paying for a container or locker that contained nothing?

A container in such a state would be worthless.

In contrast, we find ourselves on the verge of Easter.

This is the day Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus.

After His crucifixion, Jesus was removed from the cross and was laid in a tomb.

Three days later, the tomb was found empty.

Luke 24:1-3 (NET) - Now on the first day of the week, at early dawn, the women went to the tomb, taking the aromatic spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

Jesus had risen, just as He said He would.

This was proof that He in fact was just who He claimed to be.

Luke 24:6-7 (NET) - He is not here, but has been raised! Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.”

That tomb… that container… was for all practical purposes empty.

When Peter arrived, he only found the strips of linen in which Jesus was buried.

Luke 24:6-12 (NET) - But Peter got up and ran to the tomb. He bent down and saw only the strips of linen cloth; then he went home, wondering what had happened.

By contrast that tomb… that empty container… is quite valuable.

It is valuable because it is proof of Who it once contained.

His value is beyond measure.

He is not for sale; not even to the highest bidder.

He gave himself as a gift.

A gift which is available to everyone.

Come and see.

The tomb is empty!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 8, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, April 15, 2016

Come and You will See

John 1:38-39 (NET) – Jesus turned around and saw them following and said to them. “What do you want?” So they said to Him, “Rabbi (which is translated Teacher), “where are you staying?” Jesus answered, “Come and you will see.” So they stayed with Him that day. Now it was about four o'clock in the afternoon.”

This passage was part of a larger reading in our worship service Sunday.

It has been on my mind a great deal since then.

Especially the response Jesus gave the two disciples.

“Come and you will see.”

Jesus did not simply say where he was staying, rather it was an invitation for them to follow Him.

And follow Him they did.

So did the other disciples chosen by Jesus.

They came with Jesus and saw many remarkable things.

In time, they also did many remarkable things.

The lame were made to walk.

The blind were given sight.

Lepers were cured and made whole.

Even demons were cast out.

They came and saw things they could not have possibly imagined before following Jesus.

Yet for all they saw there was something they did not understand.

Luke 18:32-33 (NET) – “For He will be handed over to the Gentiles; He will be mocked, mistreated and spat on. They will flog Him severely and kill Him. Yet on the third day He will rise again.”

These things came to pass just as Jesus said they would.

Jesus was mocked, mistreated and spat upon.

Jesus was flogged severely.

Jesus was killed in the cruelest way known.

He was crucified.

Then, He was laid in a tomb which was covered with a stone.

When the women arrived at the tomb after the Sabbath an angel of the Lord had rolled the stone away.

His words, when compared to those of Jesus are quite remarkable.

Matthew 28:6 (NET) – “He is not here, for He has been raised, just as He said. Come and see the place where He was lying.”

When they returned to the disciples, the book of Mark tells us the disciples did not believe them.

I can imagine them saying, “Come and you will see.”

We have eternal life because of who Jesus was and the price He paid which we could not.

He was and is who He claimed to be!

The tomb is empty.

Come and you will see.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

I’ll be back here on Friday, February 14, 2014.