Love Should Not Be Fleeting

 

1 Corinthians 16:14 (NRSVue) - Let all that you do be done in love.

I received a Christmas card this week that contained this verse.

I recalled a theme that I return to often during this time of year.

As I write this, city squares, homes, and businesses have been decorated for Christmas.

Although these decorations are beautiful reminders of the season, they will be taken down in a few short weeks.

They will be carefully packed away in boxes.

They will then be relegated to attics and storerooms.

There, they will be ignored.

In no time, they will be forgotten for much of the year.

This is unfortunate.

In a sense, hearts are the same way.

During this time of year, we tend to be more loving.

We tend to be more generous.

Perhaps we will be even more forgiving.

But once Christmas is over, we will put these things aside.

Like the decorations, they will be stowed away for another year.

This is most unfortunate.

To expound on Paul’s words, we should do everything in love… always!

The Christ whom we celebrate taught us this in His word and His actions.

Christmas is not about us reaching up to God.

It is about how God reached down to us through Jesus,

1 John 4:19 (NRSVue) - We love because he first loved us.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, December 19, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, December 26, 2025

Personal Humility and Gratitude

 

In Isaiah, the prophet offers praise for deliverance.

He begins by acknowledging the wonderful things God has done.

Isaiah 25:1 (NRSVue) - Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure.

In his letter to the Hebrews, Paul calls upon his readers to persevere.

Hebrews 10:23 (NRSVue) - Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful.

These are excellent reminders for me as I write this on Thanksgiving Day,

Overall, it has been a successful year for me.

But with success, it is all too easy to take all the credit.

It is easy to overlook the role God has played.

But I must never forget two important things.

All good things come from God, including success.

I also must remember that God planned this all along.

God is ever faithful.

Also, when things were not going so well, God was still there for me.

He never stopped loving me.

He always encouraged me.

He used the trying times to draw me closer to Him.

So, I have much to be thankful for.

But gratitude in and of itself is insufficient.

In reflection, I realize that something will be required of me.

Where I am on my journey is simply part of His bigger plan.

Admittedly, I do not fully comprehend that plan yet.

But I know He will reveal it to me according to His timing, not mine.

For the moment, I will acknowledge that my success this year comes directly from God.

I will also acknowledge that this is part of His plan rather than my effort.

I will also recognize His continual fidelity and His love.

Therefore, I approach God in humility and gratitude.

James 1:17 (NRSVue) - Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, December 5, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, December 12, 2025

Darkness into Light

 

Within Isaiah 42 is a hymn of praise.

The hymn refers to the blind and how God will turn their darkness into light.

Isaiah 42:16 (NRSVue) I will lead the blind by a road they do not know; by paths they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I will do, and I will not forsake them.

In John 8, Jesus refers to himself as the light of the world.

John 8:12 (NRSVue) - Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

As I read these verses, they reminded me of my prayers.

While my prayers are not repetitive, there are two things that are common to most.

I ask God to light my path.

I ask God to guide my steps.

Even at my age, I know how easy it would be for me to stumble spiritually.

And I know that God’s presence can keep me upright if I rely on Him.

In my part of the world, it is Autumn.

As the days grow shorter, the slight chill in the air is a reminder that Winter is not far away.

That is why we find the light and warmth of the sun comforting.

Similarly, in our daily walk, we welcome God’s presence as He guides our steps.

We welcome the light of Jesus on the path upon which we travel.

We also reflect that light to those still living in darkness.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, November 7, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, November 14, 2025

His Love and His Blessing

 

In Genesis 32, Jacob wrestles with God until dawn.

As dawn approached, Jacob insisted on a blessing.

Genesis 32:26 (NRSVue) Then he said, “Let me go, for the day is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.”

In Matthew 19, people bring their children to Jesus.

This did not please the disciples.

Matthew says they spoke sternly to the people.

Jesus, however, was far more kind.

He was more than willing to bless the children.

Matthew 19:14 (NRSVue) - but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”

What about us?

Like a willful child, we often struggle with God,

Yet God is forgiving and blesses us despite our willfulness.

And when we need to feel loved and need blessing, we can approach the Lord.

Like those small children, He welcomes us into His presence and blesses us.

The Lord comforts us.

The Lord sustains us.

No matter where we are in our earthly journey, He is always there for us.

He is there for us when we are young.

He is even there for us when we are not so young.

So, where we are on our journey does not matter.

We can always count on His love and His blessing.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, November 7, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, November 14, 2025

Humility and Contentment

 

In Job 42, Job expresses both humility and contentment.

Job 42:2 (NRSVue) - I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

The first chapter of Luke foretells the coming of Jesus into the world.

It also gives us a good reason for being humble.

Luke 1:37 (NRSVue) - For nothing will be impossible with God.

Both humility and contentment are qualities to be found in a Godly person.

Of humility, C.S. Lewis wrote:

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less.”

To put it another way, true humility is putting God and others before us.

As for contentment, the world teaches us not to be satisfied.

Madison Avenue tells us what we should buy to be happy.

Many authors, counselors, and motivational speakers tell us we should not be content, but to continually strive for more.

This is not true in a Christian sense.

To the godly person, contentment is telling God we are satisfied.

It is being grateful for who we are.

It is being thankful for where we are going in life.

It is being satisfied with what we have.

And as we walk with God in this world, we should express both humility and contentment.

James 1:17 (NRSVue) - Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, October 17, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, October 24, 2025

Those Led by the Spirit

Psalm 143 is a psalm of deliverance.

In verse 10, the psalmist asks God to lead him.

Psalm 143:10 (NRSVue) - Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Let your good spirit lead me on a level path.

Paul, in his letter to the Romans, writes about life in the Spirit.

He also writes about those who are led by the Spirit of God.

Romans 8:14 (NRSVue) - For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

This is quite a profound statement.

If the Spirit of God leads you. then you are a child of God.

And to be led by the Spirit means being obedient to that same Spirit.

The world in which we live is complex.

Yet our lives do not have to be complicated.

That is because the Spirit who leads us sets us on right paths and grants us peace.

Psalm 23:2-3 (NRSVue) - He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.

And as we walk this path, may we also see others who are led by the Spirit of God.

May we see all those who are God’s children.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, October 3, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, October 10, 2025

Gratitude for a Hopeful Future

 

Jeremiah 29:11 (NRSVue) - For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.

This is from a letter the prophet wrote to the exiles.

Jeremiah promised that they would return one day.

He also reminded them that the Lord has a plan and their future is hopeful.

Paul, in his letter to Rome discusses both life in the Spirit and future glory.

Romans 8:21 (NRSVue) - that the creation itself will be set free from its enslavement to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

Those who trust in God have hope.

Circumstances, even adverse ones, do nothing to lessen that hope.

And, for that, we can be profoundly grateful.

What is required of us is to trust God’s will in our lives and to respond accordingly.

We have a future, and that future is a hopeful one regardless of our current circumstances.

And, although it may be difficult for us to see, God will make all creation new one day.

This is a promise made repeatedly in scripture.

As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, let us give thanks to God for that future.

Let us also give thanks to God for hope.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, December 6, 2024.

I will be back here on Friday, December 13, 2024

A Just Reward

 

1 Samuel 26:23 (NRSVue) - The Lord rewards everyone for his righteousness and his faithfulness, for the Lord gave you into my hand today, but I would not raise my hand against the Lord’s anointed.

In this chapter, David spares Saul’s life a second time.

Not only does Saul recognize this, but David explains his motivation for sparing Saul.

Because Saul was the Lord’s anointed, David would not take Saul’s life.

David understood that the Lord would reward him for this.

Paul, in his first letter to Corinth discusses the ministry of the Apostles.

Followers of Christ should be trustworthy.

Moreover, no one is to judge until the Lord comes.

The Lord will judge, and nothing is hidden from Him.

And those who do not judge will be commended by the Lord.

1 Corinthians 4:5 (NRSVue) - Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God.

As Christians, we are to serve faithfully.

But we must also serve righteously.

And God can give us the strength to do both.

That means not judging others.

Then, when the time comes, we can stand before Him in the hope that He has found our lives pleasing.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Superior Strength

 

Genesis 6:22 (NRSVue) - Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him.

The second half of Genesis 6 tells of how Noah pleased God.

Scripture reminds us that Noah was a righteous man.

It was in this way that he pleased God.

It was because of his righteousness that God desired to save Noah and his family.

So, He asked Noah to build an ark to His exact specification.

He also asked Noah to bring two of every kind of animal aboard.

And Noah, being a righteous man, set about this monumental task.

Centuries later, Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount.

This can be found in Matthew chapters 5 through 7.

Some view these words as mere suggestions.

Still others view these words as a reminder of just how sinful we are.

They are far more than either.

In these words, Christ tells us how we are to live our lives.

For example, Jesus explains the difference between hearers and doers beginning with this verse. 

Matthew 7:24 (NRSVue) - “Everyone, then, who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.

It is not sufficient merely to hear the words of Christ, we must act on them.

The wise man’s house withstood a flood.

Noah and his family were also saved from a flood.

That is because they relied upon God’s strength as opposed to their own.

And we would be wise to do the same.

Sometimes our journeys seem difficult.

But we can get past the difficulties when we rely on God’s strength.

We can get through them when we realize that we do not travel alone.

And we can always call upon God to help us live in His word.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Men and Angels

 

Psalm 34:7 (NET) - The angel of the Lord camps around the Lord’s loyal followers and delivers them.

Angels recur throughout Scripture.

But what exactly are angels?

Angels, like people, are creations of God.

They also serve as God’s messengers.

Scripture refers to two of them by name – Michael and Gabriel.

These messengers of God also have the power to deliver.

David confirms this in Psalm 34:7.

The book of Acts also reminds us of this fact.

Peter learned this while he was imprisoned.

Those within the church prayed to God on Peter’s behalf.

In answer to their prayers, God sent an angel to deliver Peter.

Acts 12:7 (NET) - Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the prison cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly!” And the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.

Angels are mysterious.

They are also misunderstood,

Even conventional teaching adds to our misunderstanding.

In fact, some of the things we have been taught and believe are not true.

One of the things that bothers me is when a loved one dies.

To be kind someone will say, “Heaven has gained another angel.”

This simply is not true.

There is absolutely nothing in scripture to back up this claim.

When we die, we do not become angels.

It is true that, for a Christian, death is not the end but a transition.

The physical body dies, the spirit lives on, but we do not become angels.

David also addresses the distinction between men and angels.

Psalm 8:4-5 (NET) - Of what importance is the human race, that you should notice them? Of what importance is mankind, that you should pay attention to them? You made them a little less than the heavenly beings. You crowned mankind with honor and majesty.

So, angels are not loved ones who have passed before us.

But angels are still the messengers and deliverers of God.

Are these messengers and deliverers communicating with us today?

Perhaps they are.

Perhaps they are guiding us to live the way God wants us to live.

Perhaps they help steer us in the right direction.

Or perhaps we are too caught up in the world to take notice.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 5, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, August 12, 2022

Faith, Righteousness, and Connection

 

Genesis 15:6 (NET) - Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord credited it as righteousness to him.

Abram and Sarai had no children.

Despite their ages, God instructed Abram to gaze upon the multitude of stars in the sky.

As Abram did this, God compared his future descendants to the number of stars.

Abram believed God.

And because he believed, God acknowledged this as righteousness.

Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, admonished them.

Although they had been told of Christ and His crucifixion, they still gave credence to the law.

Paul reminded them that salvation could not be achieved through personal effort.

It was only obtained through belief.

Paul then reminded them of Abraham’s belief and how God credited his belief for righteousness.

He then explained that those who believe are the sons of Abraham.

Galatians 2:6-7 (NET) - Just as Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, so then, understand that those who believe are the sons of Abraham.

It is certainly true that we currently live under the New Covenant.

But we should neither discard the Old testament, nor should we take it lightly.

Many prophecies made in the Old Testament came to fruition in the New Testament.

These prophecies include the birth, life, and even the crucifixion of Christ.

All this reminds me of a song our children occasionally sing called Father Abraham.

Although it is a simple song, it tells us that Father Abraham had many children.

It also reminds us that we are children of Abraham.

God promised Abraham would have many descendants; as many as the stars in the sky.

Abraham believed God and God accepted his belief as righteous.

Moreover, God was as good as His word.

And, in the words of Paul, we who believe are the sons (and daughters) of Abraham.

And it is through our belief that we connect with God.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 15, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, July 22, 2022