God Still Delivers

 

Psalm 91:9 (GNT) - You have made the Lord your defender, the Most High your protector,

The Psalmist reminds us that God is our protector.

There will be difficult days.

There will be challenging circumstances.

But even in difficult times, we can trust on the Lord to see us through them.

That is because we rely on His strength rather than our own.

John’s Gospel reminds us that Jesus is the way to the Father.

John 14:1 (GNT) - “Do not be worried and upset,” Jesus told them. “Believe in God and believe also in me.

My mother loved this verse.

I love it for her memory.

But I also love it for the truth within it.

Christ is the way to the Father.

So, when times are difficult, we are not to worry.

When we face difficult challenges, there is no call for us to become upset.

And just as we believe in God the Father, we also believe in Jesus the Son.

This puts me in mind of yet another Psalm.

Psalm 118:5 (GNT) - In my distress I called to the Lord; he answered me and set me free.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 3, 2023.

I will be back here on Friday, February 10, 2023

Time Out

 

Change occurs in everyone’s life and my life is no exception. Recently, God opened new doors and new avenues of service for me for which I am grateful. Very recently, I could see His hand at work as a new door opened. Unfortunately, there is currently not enough time for me to do all the things I would like to do. After prayerful consideration, I am taking a short leave from both this site and the other to which I contribute. I feel that if I cannot give these my best effort, then I would be shortchanging both myself and anyone who reads them. I do plan to return as I am certainly not the same person I was when I started down this path almost 13 years ago. I also realize that many people promise such things but fail to follow through on them. But I strongly believe that God led me to explore this new path more fully. With His continued help, I will be able to bear fruit in the way He has prepared for me. And, trusting in His guidance, I will know when it is time for me to resume this ministry again which I hope will be soon.

Proverbs 16:9 (GNT) - You may make your plans, but God directs your actions.

Until we meet here again.

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

God at Work

 

Romans 8:31 (GNT) - In view of all this, what can we say? If God is for us, who can be against us?

I always end my adult Sunday School class by leading my students in prayer.

I also invite them to participate in the prayer as well.

There was one specific part of my prayer which I included as I felt led to do so.

I thanked God for actively participating in our lives and not merely observing them.

Events moved very quickly for me during the week leading up to this class.

Even when difficulties arose, they were very quickly resolved.

When everything was said and done, I could see the hand of God at work through it all.

But God’s participation did not end there.

Along with the material I prepare for my class, I also encourage discussion.

It was evident that this session bore much fruit.

After the prayer, we adjourned to the sanctuary for the worship service.

As the pastor delivered his sermon, much of what he said echoed what we discussed in class.

Even the hymns and scripture readings reinforced the same truths.

At the conclusion of the service, I met with my pastor.

I thanked him and shared this with him.

Afterward, two of my students located me and expressed the same view with me.

Those without faith would call this coincidence.

But those with faith innately understand that this is God at work in our lives.

Scripture states that no one can see God and live.

Exodus 33:20 (GNT) - I will not let you see my face, because no one can see me and stay alive,

But when we put aside the distractions that try to clutter our lives, something wonderful happens.

We catch glimpses of God at work in our lives.

We see His hand at work.

We are reminded that He is actively participating in our lives.

God is not just casually observing them.

And maybe, just maybe, we will be able to see Him participating in the lives of others.

Romans 8:37-39 (GNT) - No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us! For I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, neither the world above nor the world below—there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 18, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, November 25, 2022

Wisdom and Patience

 

Jonah 4:4 (GNT) - The Lord answered, “What right do you have to be angry?”

God called Jonah.

But Jonah resisted the Lord from the beginning and tried to run away.

Eventually, he gave in and obeyed the Lord.

He went to Nineveh and proclaimed the Lord’s message of their pending destruction.

Everyone, including the King, heard the message.

Filled with fear, the King issued a proclamation.

All were ordered to fast, pray, and give up their sinful ways.

The people of Nineveh obeyed.

God then relented and spared the city.

Jonah did not understand God’s ways and grew very bitter.

In fact, he became quite angry at God.

He even dared to tell God that he knew this would happen.

But God had a question for Jonah.

“What right do you have to be angry?”

Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, gave them sound instruction in bearing each other’s burdens.

Galatians 6:1 (GNT) - My friends, if someone is caught in any kind of wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should set him right; but you must do it in a gentle way. And keep an eye on yourselves, so that you will not be tempted, too.

As we journey through this world, we will see God at work through us and through others.

But, like Jonah and the Christians in Galatia, we will not always comprehend His ways.

What then?

Will we become angry with God like Jonah did and lash out at Him?

Or will we perhaps ignore Paul’s warning and allow ourselves to be tempted like those we try to reach?

One thing is certain.

We will not always understand God’s methods.

Scripture reminds us that His ways are not our ways.

And because of that, we should indeed consider ourselves fortunate.

While others found us impossible to love, God still loved us.

When others considered us forever lost, God reached down to us and saved us.

So, what do we do when we find it difficult to understand God’s ways.

We pray for wisdom and patience.

We do not have to understand God’s ways to be faithful servants.

But if we ask for wisdom and patience, God will provide.

Only then do we become His effective servants in a confusing world.

John 3:16-17 (GNT) - For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its savior.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 4, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, November 11, 2022

The Need For Stillness

 

Deuteronomy 26:15a (GNT) - Look down from your holy place in heaven and bless your people Israel;

In this chapter, the people are instructed about harvest offerings.

If the offerings are acceptable, the people can be assured of God’s blessings.

But these offerings must involve a relationship.

It is not enough to simply go through the motions.

In Luke 2, we read of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple.

A man named Simeon lived in Jerusalem.

He was a man who loved the Lord and was awaiting the Deliverer.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, he was assured that he would not die until he beheld the Deliverer.

The Spirit led him to the Temple just as Jesus was brought in.

Simeon took the child into his arms and gave thanks to God.

Luke 2:30-32 (GNT) - With my own eyes I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples: A light to reveal your will to the Gentiles and bring glory to your people Israel.”

Simeon was truly blessed.

He was blessed because he recognized the child Jesus as the Deliverer.

But he was also blessed in his love for the Lord and his relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Where the Spirit led, Simeon obediently followed.

His obedience was rewarded.

One of the things I frequently discuss with my students is how easily distracted we have become.

We feel we must always be doing something, watching something, or even listening to something.

As a result, we become easily disconnected from each other.

The pandemic has also encouraged this.

But just as we easily lose our connection with each other, we also disconnect from God.

We need to heed the advice of Scripture and take time to “be still.”

For it is during the quiet moment, free from distraction, that we connect with God.

Psalm 46:10 (NLT) - “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”

We must take the time to “be still.”

We must set aside the distractions.

Then, the Lord will open our eyes and ears.

We will then recognize that He is with us and all around us.

He is within everyone and everything.

That is when we experience Him anew.

We can then experience this relationship regularly.

We can raise our voices and praise Him sincerely.

Most importantly, we will not just be going through the motions.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 21, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, October 28, 2022

The Scope of Outreach

 

Isaiah 12:5 (GNT) - Sing to the Lord because of the great things he has done. Let the whole world hear the news.

In this verse, the prophet tells us to share our faith with the world.

And we should, considering the talents we have been given and the technology available to us.

In my youth, I would watch evangelists like Billy Graham.

He would preach to stadiums full of people as well as those watching at home on television.

He would reach untold thousands at a time.

The book of Acts also reminds us of the importance of evangelism.

Acts 14:27 (GNT) - When they arrived in Antioch, they gathered the people of the church together and told them about all that God had done with them and how he had opened the way for the Gentiles to believe.

Acts 14 tells us of the travels of Paul and Barnabas and their outreach to many.

Yes, evangelism to the masses is important.

But it is also important to reach out to the few.

Even reaching out to one individual at a time is of vital importance.

The other day, I went to the garage to pick up my vehicle from the mechanic.

Among those waiting was a woman I have known for an exceptionally long time.

There was also a younger woman approximately half my age.

My friend and I immediately struck up a conversation catching up on old times.

We then discussed our respective churches.

Although we worship in diverse ways, we remain friends through mutual respect.

My friend then asked the other young lady about her church.

She replied that she did not attend because her parents “forced religion” on her as a child.

I found this extremely sad,

I took the opportunity to remind her that there is an enormous difference between faith and religion.

A moment later the mechanic told me that my car was ready.

I paid the bill.

I said goodbye to my friend.

Then, I said goodbye to the other young lady.

As I did, I suggested she read the gospels paying attention to the words of Jesus.

I promised her that if she did, she would discover that Jesus was not in favor of religion.

He did however approve of faith.

He clearly expressed this to the Pharisees.

Mark 7:6-8 (GNT) - Jesus answered them, “How right Isaiah was when he prophesied about you! You are hypocrites, just as he wrote: ‘These people, says God, honor me with their words, but their heart is really far away from me. It is no use for them to worship me, because they teach human rules as though they were my laws!’ “You put aside God's command and obey human teachings.”

Scripture reminds us to reach out to the world.

But we must always take the opportunity to reach out to individuals, especially those in need.

The number of people we reach at any given time is of little importance.

What matters most is that we reach out.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

An Open Invitation

 

Daniel emerged from the lions’ den without so much as a scratch.

So impressed was King Darius, that he issued an edict stating that all should respect Daniel’s God.

After experiencing visions, Daniel prayed for the people.

In this prayer, Daniel confessed that his people had sinned.

He also recognized God’s willingness to forgive.

Daniel 9:9 (GNT) - You are merciful and forgiving, although we have rebelled against you.

Centuries after the Book of Daniel was written, Christ came to dwell among men.

Some, like his disciples, followed Him.

Others heard Jesus but chose to oppose Him.

Among these were experts in the law.

They witnessed Jesus reaching out to those whom they considered irredeemable.

They then openly criticized Jesus for this.

Luke 15:1-2 (GNT) - One day when many tax collectors and other outcasts came to listen to Jesus, the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law started grumbling, “This man welcomes outcasts and even eats with them!”

Unlike the experts, Jesus was concerned for the lost.

In fact, His concern was so deep that He would willingly lay down His life for them.

Christ came into this world to redeem the lost.

That means that He came to redeem us.

God, the Father, is merciful and forgiving.

Christ, the Son, makes this forgiveness complete.

And the Holy Spirit continues to sanctify the forgiven

It is our relationship with the Trinity that makes us fully aware of just how blessed we are.

That same relationship guides us in our relationship with others.

God extends his mercy and forgiveness to all.

As in the past, He continues to extend His grace to the lost, the lowly, and the outcast.

We should always remember that He extended the same grace to us while we were among the lost.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 16, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, September 23, 2022

Broken Chains

 

Exodus 20:2 (NET) - I, the Lord, am your God, who brought you from the land of Egypt, from the house of slavery.

Before God gave us what we call “The Ten Commandments,” He spoke.

In one sentence, God reminded His people of two things.

First, He is God.

Second, it was He who freed them from bondage.

Paul discusses freedom in his second letter to the believers in Corinth.

But first he had to remind them that the law “carved in letters on stone tablets” brough death.

Paul reminded the Corinthians that the New Covenant brings life.

When one turns to Christ the veil is lifted away and true freedom is granted.

And it is the Spirit of the Lord that makes true freedom possible.

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

We also live in the New Covenant.

We are no longer bound to the law but to the living Christ.

And it is through that bond that we have been freed.

But what does freedom mean?

Does it mean freedom from trials and tribulations?

Does it mean freedom from illness and physical pain?

Does it mean freedom from labor and toil?

Does it mean a life of wealth and leisure?

The freedom the Lord gives is the freedom to serve.

It is the freedom to serve both God and our fellow man.

Such freedom must be used responsibly and is not to be taken lightly.

Thankfully, the Lord can guide us in our journeys.

He can help us make responsible choices in exercising our freedom.

Best of all, He can help us share what true freedom means to those who are still oppressed.

We typically think of chains as being made of metal.

But chains of oppression can be forged of many things.

The strongest chains are often forged from ideology, politics, culture, addiction, or fear.

And the love of Christ can break even these chains.

The love of Christ still sets captives free.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 2, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, September 9, 2022

Diversity in Christianity

 

Psalm 119:63 (NET) - I am a friend to all your loyal followers, and to those who keep your precepts.

This Psalm is the longest of all Psalms and is told in 22 parts.

But this Psalm does more than glorify God.

It does more than glorify His Word.

In this verse, the Psalmist promises to be a friend to those who long to follow God’s will.

This is also at the heart of discipleship.

But there is more to discipleship than reaching out to those like us.

It also means reaching out to those who may be different from us.

The book of Acts provides us with an excellent example of this in Philip.

An angel of God told Philip to travel down a desert road.

Philip did so,

Along the way, Philip encountered an Ethiopian who had come to Jerusalem to worship.

Sitting in his chariot, he was reading from the book of Isaiah.

The spirit moved Philip to join the man, and Philip obeyed.

Acts 8:30-31 (NET) - So Philip ran up to it and heard the man reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked him, “Do you understand what you’re reading?” The man replied, “How in the world can I, unless someone guides me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

In response to the Ethiopian’s question, Philip shared the Good News with him.

This moment forever changed the life of the Ethiopian.

In fact, when the chariot came upon water, the Ethiopian ordered the chariot to stop.

Philip accompanied the Ethiopian into the water and baptized him.

Diversity is a hot topic today.

Politicians build their platforms on diversity.

Businesses teach courses about its importance,

Social media promotes it.

But when you get down to it, diversity has always played a key role in Christianity.

That is because Christian diversity is rooted in love.

It is not politically or socially motivated.

God’s Word gives us examples of diversity among disciples.

Christ Himself commands us to love our neighbor.

Christ reached out to those of diverse backgrounds.

Christ healed the servant of a Centurion.

Christ spoke with a Samaritan woman at the well.

Christ even ministered to those whom society deemed “unclean.”

Just as in the past, we too are called to be disciples.

But to be effective, our outreach must be rooted in love.

We must look for that which unites rather than focus on the things which divide.

We must learn, or even perhaps re-learn, what it means to truly work side by side with others.

When Christ dwelt among us, he felt compassion for those whom He encountered.

Matthew 35:36-38 (NET) - When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were bewildered and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest-ready fields.

Many workers (disciples) are still needed today.

But these workers (disciples) must work together in a spirit of diversity rooted in Christian love.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 19, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, August 26, 2022

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

Commandment, Comprehension, Commission

 

Exodus 20:3 (NET) - You shall have no other gods before me.

These words are taken from the Ten Commandments.

In fact, this is the first commandment of the ten and its language is unmistakable.

There must be no confusion,

This is not a suggestion. 

This is a command directly from God.

God makes it truly clear that He demands to be first in our lives.

And the moment we put any person, thing or even idea above God, we practice idolatry.

Recently, we observed Trinity Sunday.

This celebrates the triune God.

But does this celebration violate God’s first commandment?

The simple answer is no.

For God exists in three persons.

God, the Father, has always existed and has created all things.

We are redeemed by Jesus who is God, the Son.

John 10:30 (NET) - The Father and I are one.

Working together, they sent us the one who makes us holy… God, the Holy Spirit.

John 14:26 (NET) - But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and will cause you to remember everything I said to you.

Many heard the teaching of Jesus.

But some found His teaching difficult and walked away.

He then turned to the disciples who remained.

Jesus asked, “You don’t want to go away too, do you?”

John 6:68-69 (NET) - Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God!”

Peter spoke for the disciples.

I like to think that he spoke for us as well.

Jesus is the word of life.

And it is the triune God that created, redeemed, and now continues to work within us daily.

And thus, we are equipped to fulfill our role in the Great Commission.

Matthew 28:18-20 (NET) - Then Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 1, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, July 8, 2022

God’s Will and New Life

 

I am posting this a bit early as I have one final class to teach on Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Bonhoeffer was a German pastor and theologian who refused to take the oath to Hitler.

He also refused to support the state’s takeover of the church.

Initially, he and a few likeminded pastors created a new and independent church.

He was even asked to teach at one of its seminaries.

In time, this illegal church was shut down by authorities.

Through his brother-in-law, he learned of the atrocities being committed,

After much prayer and consideration, Bonhoeffer chose to become active.

He joined this resistance group.

This was not an easy decision to come to.

But Bonhoeffer did more than ask tough questions, he asked the right question.

“What is God’s will?”

He understood that the will of God might lie hidden within layers of possibilities.

Still, the will of God must be sought regardless of the complexity of the task.

Eventually, Bonhoeffer and his fellow conspirators were arrested.

When their roles became clear, the regime sentenced them to death.

Convicted of high treason, Bonhoeffer was executed on April 9, 1945.

Prior to that, he delivered a sermon to his fellow prisoners based on two verses of scripture.

Isaiah 53:5 (NET) - 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. He did this because He knew we could not accomplish this on our own.

1 Peter 1:3 (NET) - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he gave us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

On the day of his execution, Bonhoeffer prayed.

He faced death calmly.

His final recorded words were: “This is the end – for me, the beginning of life.”

Like Bonhoeffer, we too must seek God’s will, even when the search proves difficult.

And we must share his view of eternity.

For death is not the end, rather, it is a new beginning.

A new beginning paid in full by Jesus Christ.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 17, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, June 24, 2022

There is Always Hope

Father’s Day was Sunday.

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

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

Now, these items and many others have become disposable.

We buy them.

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

Then, we replace them.

It’s that way with many things today.

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

Sometimes, we might even look upon people as disposable.

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

Nothing could be further from the truth.

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

Even on our best day, we cannot save anyone.

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

God has no limits.

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

People, unlike appliances, should never be considered disposable.

I thank God for the father he gave me.

I also thank Him for the time we had together.

My father taught me many things while he lived.

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

One thing is certain.

I will always have God, my Heavenly Father.

Nothing on earth can change that.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

I’ll be back here on Friday, July 10, 2020

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

All the Above

It has been an eventful week.

It has been full of people and events.

Some events were good.

Some were not so good.

A friend’s father passed away.

Another friend was due to be released from the hospital.

Some friends were able to help me out.

Some were not due to illness.

Some people asked for my help and were understanding.

Some demanded my help and were anything but understanding.

Some gave me clear instructions.

Others gave me instructions that weren’t so clear.

Someone broke into our facility and stole a piece of equipment,

This piece of equipment was used by our children.

I ordered materials for my class.

Some were delivered as expected,

Some got held up and I spent time on the phone sorting things out,

As you can see, some things went my way.

Some things did not go my way.

Some people were helpful and understanding.

Some people were not.

One got good medical news.

One did not.

One even took something used by children.

With everything tallied up, questions arise.

Who among these people needs my love and understanding?

Who among these people should I pray for?

I’ll admit this is a bit of a trick question, but I did give away the answer in the title.

All the people listed above I should love and try to understand.

All of them I should pray for.

This includes those that were difficult.

It even includes the one who stole from us.

Colossians 3:12-13 (NET) - Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 1, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, November 8, 2019

Just Two Words

Loss.

We have all experienced the loss of a loved one.

Often the pain we experience is compounded.

Perhaps this is due to the circumstances surrounding the loss.

Perhaps this is due to the age of the person.

Perhaps this is due to the number of recent losses we have experienced.

Perhaps this is due to the sheer number of tragedies a family has already experienced.

It is no secret that scripture is a tremendous source of comfort in times of loss.

There are verses about Jesus having conquered death.

There are verses about His going to prepare a place for us.

There are verses about the wiping away of every tear.

There are verses about the resurrection.

There are verses about eternal life.

Verses upon verses in scripture are there ready to provide comfort.

That said, is it okay for us to cry when a loved one has died?

Jesus demonstrated that it is okay to shed tears.

In fact, Jesus shed tears after his friend Lazarus died.

He traveled to Bethany and met with his sisters, Mary and Martha.

When Jesus arrived, Lazarus had already been in the tomb several days.

Mourners were present.

Some of the words spoken to Jesus could be considered harsh.

Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead with a spoken word.

But before all this, Jesus did something quite profound.

The moment is captured for us in the shortest verse in scripture.

That verse contains just two words.

But these words speak volumes.

John 11:35 (KJV) - Jesus wept.

Christ shed tears for his friend.

His tears were genuine.

If Christ shed genuine tears, we may also do likewise when we lose someone special.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 21, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, June 28, 2019

The Original Black Friday

I always look forward to Thanksgiving Day.

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

It is also a rather ironic time.

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

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

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

It even has earned its own name – Black Friday.

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

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

Human beings are a funny lot.

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

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

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

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

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

It was given on a Friday as well.

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

It was the day Jesus gave His all for all.

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

His gift that day is still available to us today.

All we need to do is accept it.

Romans 6:23 (NET) - For the payoff of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

That is certainly something for which to give thanks,

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Escape Plan

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

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

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

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

These deterrents were not meant to keep people from entering.

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

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

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

Satan can be compared to that regime.

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

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

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

He even tried this with Jesus Christ.

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

There, Satan tried to tempt Jesus.

Jesus resisted all of Satan’s temptations.

Human beings are not as resilient.

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

But God has provided us with a way out.

An escape plan that will work.

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

No Plan B

We had a rather important meeting scheduled recently.

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

I quickly came up with a different option.

This was my Plan B.

One thing experience has taught me is preparedness.

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

A short time later, it did.

I had to put my third plan into motion.

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

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

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

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

Each of us is a part of His plan.

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

God reminded Isaiah of His plan.

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

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

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

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

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

We are not here by accident or coincidence.

Each of us is a part of God’s plan.

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

God requires no “Plan B”.

That is something we can all rely upon.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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