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

Rest and Deliverance

Matthew 11:28 (NET) - Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

This verse from Matthew was one of my mother’s favorites.

I cannot count the number of times I heard her recite it.

My mother faced a great deal of adversity in her lifetime.

No doubt that is why she so often turned to this verse.

She understood that when the storms of life gathered, she could call upon the Lord.

She could rely upon His strength rather than her own.

She could find rest within the turmoil.

The prophet Isaiah understood this as well.

He knew that he could count on God’s strength and protection.

He knew that God would deliver him out of every storm.

Isaiah 12:3 (NET) - Joyfully you will draw water from the springs of deliverance.

Each of us has experienced various trials in our lifetime.

Each of us knows what it is like to seek safety and protection.

Each of us desires rest when the storms of life assail us.

True rest and true deliverance can be found.

But they can only be found when we look in the right place.

True rest and true deliverance can only be found in the Lord.

But what then?

Is it enough to merely enjoy the comfort and rest the Lord provides?

No.

Once rested and reassured we have a responsibility.

We must go back out into the world and do His will.

In a world where storms abound, we must tell others where true rest can be found.

More importantly, we must demonstrate this in our actions.

Demonstrating the peace and deliverance we enjoy speaks volumes.

It guides those who are weary to true rest.

It guides them to the Lord.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

 

Priceless Peace

 

Isaiah 60:17 (NIV) - Instead of bronze I will bring you gold, and silver in place of iron. Instead of wood I will bring you bronze, and iron in place of stones. I will make peace your governor and well-being your ruler.

The prophet Isaiah describes the glory of Zion.

In examining these words, it is easy to focus on precious metals like gold and silver.

It is equally easy to overlook the qualities of peace and well-being.

Yet peace and well-being are as precious as gold and silver.

In fact, they are even more precious.

This is contrary to the ways of the world.

The world views peace as a sign of weakness.

Those who serve as peacemakers are also looked upon as weak.

But appearances are often deceiving.

Those who act as peacemakers have a tremendous internal strength.

It is a strength not of their own making, but of God.

Paul understood this.

He discusses this in his letter to the Romans.

Romans 14:17 (NIV) - For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

Desires for gold and silver are earthly matters.

Paul states that even eating and drinking are as well.

Peace, on the other hand, is of the kingdom of God.

It is also something we should practice while on earth.

The world practically shouts that peace, kindness and love are weaknesses.

It teaches that these weaknesses are easily exploited.

But God, in His infinite wisdom, assures us that these are strengths.

In fact, Jesus taught the importance of these qualities by example.

We should, therefore, put these into practice daily just as He taught.

Remember His words in the Beatitudes.

Matthew 5:9 (NIV) - Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 18, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, June 25, 2021

 

Teach Us Again

Psalm 86:5 (NET) - Certainly, O Lord, you are kind and forgiving, and show great faithfulness to all who cry out to you.

Once again, the Psalmist sings of the Lord’s kindness and willingness to forgive.

He sings of the Lord’s faithfulness to those who call upon Him.

Although these words were written centuries ago, the Lord still forgives.

The Lord is still just as faithful.

All that we need to do to receive this forgiveness is to ask for it.

That means coming to Him in prayer.

But doesn’t the Lord know everything already?

Being omniscient, isn’t He aware of all our troubles?

So, why is coming to Him in prayer necessary?

The Lord does indeed know everything!

The Lord is aware of all our troubles.

In fact, He is more aware of them than we are.

Prayer is necessary because it strengthens our relationship with Him.

As we pray, we remind ourselves that we have shortcomings to address.

The disciples of Jesus understood that prayer was important.

So, they asked Jesus to teach them how to pray.

Luke 11:1 (NET) - Now Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he stopped, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

Jesus did so.

In fact, His response to them has become known as “The Lord’s Prayer”.

This prayer recognizes God’s sovereignty.

It recognizes the fact that the will of God shall prevail. 

It humbly asks God to supply our daily needs.

It asks God to forgive our sins.

It also reminds us that we are to forgive others as well.

Yes, God knows everything about us and our lives.

Even so, we must go to Him in prayer.

“The Lord’s Prayer” is an excellent way to renew our relationship with Him.

We can freely ask for forgiveness.

We should also be willing to forgive others.

Like the disciples, we can ask Him to “teach us to pray”.

We should then call upon Him daily.

We can even ask for the courage to do so.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 4, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, June 11, 2021

Prayers of Protection

 

Psalm 91:1-2 (NET) - As for you, the one who lives in the shelter of the Most High, and resides in the protective shadow of the Sovereign One — I say this about the Lord, my shelter and my stronghold, my God in whom I trust—

Once again, the Psalmist writes of the Lord’s protective nature.

He refers to His “protective shadow”.

He refers to Him as his “shelter”.

Equally important, he refers to his “trust” in the Lord.

Throughout history, predators have sought to exploit the weak.

But those who are weak can call upon the Lord.

They can find refuge in His “protective shadow”.

They can find “shelter” in the Lord.

Most importantly, they can place their “trust” in Him.

Those of us who are more fortunate have an obligation.

We are obligated to pray for these victims as well.

1 John 5:14 (NET) - And this is the confidence that we have before him: that whenever we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

This verse does not imply that God will grant us everything we ask for.

It does assure us that He will hear us when our request is “according to His will”.

So, pray for the weak.

Pray for the exploited.

Pray for their safety and their refuge.

Pray that God will grant them courage.

Pray that they will find shelter in the Lord.

This is in accordance with the Lord’s will… and He will hear us.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 21, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, May 28, 2021

 

Radiance, Not Regret

 

Psalm 34:5 (NET) - Look to him and be radiant; do not let your faces be ashamed.

The word radiant means “shining or glowing brightly”.

In the words of the Psalmist, that is how we are meant to be.

But the Psalmist also advises us not to be ashamed.

We are not to show guilt or embarrassment for our past actions or associations.

Each of us, myself included, has a past.

We each have a past full of regrets.

We have endured times of suffering.

We may perhaps be enduring it now.

How, we may ask, is it possible to be radiant and unashamed?

The Psalmist gives us the answer right up front.

We are to look to Him.

But what does that really mean?

Paul sheds some light on this in his letter to the Romans.

Romans 12:12 (NET) - Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer.

Suffering will pass; therefore, it must be endured.

We must look to God which means we must be persistent in prayer.

We are assured there is hope and we can rejoice in that hope.

In times of suffering, guilt and regret it is all too easy to turn away from God.

But in such times, we must do the opposite.

We must look to Him.

As we look to Him, we see His light.

We begin to live in that light.

Moreover, our faces reflect His light and our faces become radiant.

As they become radiant, they are incapable of displaying shame.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 7, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, May 14, 2021

 

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

 

Don't Give Up

Everyone gets tired.

Even people who serve the Lord.

In fact, burnout is a problem pastors face.

Even those of us who serve the Lord in other ways can find ourselves running on fumes.

Let’s face it, serving the Lord can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Fortunately, scripture helps remind us not to give up.

Jesus reminds us we must push forward.

Luke 9:62 (NET) - Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Paul reminds us in one of his letters that we must press onward.

He even tells us what we can expect if we do.

Galatians 6:9 (NET) - So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.

Paul has another reminder for us,

Philippians 3:14 (NET) - with this goal in mind, I strive toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Perhaps Paul’s best advice comes in the next chapter.

In it, he reminds us that we are not in it alone.

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

I lovingly refer to this as my “go to” verse whenever I find myself struggling.

Paul also puts it another way.

Colossians 1:29 (NET) - Toward this goal I also labor, struggling according to his power that powerfully works in me.

Yes, serving the Lord can be difficult at times.

But we must never give up or give in!

We must persevere!

We must remember the Lord is with us.

If we do, in the end we can say what Paul said.

2 Timothy 4:7 (NET) - I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith!

Then the Lord may have something to say to us.

Jesus gave us a foretaste of it in one of His parables.

Matthew 25:21 (NIV) - “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 7, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, June 14, 2019

Upsets

One thing you can always count on in the playoffs or a tournament are upsets.

Experts will look at a supposed mismatch and call one “the favorite”.

The other side given little hope of victory is referred to as “the underdog”.

Still, every now and then, the underdog winds up the victor.

Upsets are not confined to the world of sports.

The Bible reminds us time and again that the favorite does not always come out on top.

Probably the best example of this involves David and Goliath.

David was a young shepherd whereas Goliath was a giant of man and an experienced soldier.

In the moments leading up to their battle, no one standing by would have given David a chance.

What about Samson?

Samson once took on a Philistine army by himself armed with a jawbone.

No one would have given Samson a chance.

Both David and Samson emerged the victors because each had an advantage their opposition did not.

David and Samson each had God on their side.

Perhaps my favorite example from scripture involves a man named Gideon.

For years, the lives of the people of Israel were made miserable by the Midianites.

One day, God chose a man by the name of Gideon.

Gideon put together his own army to fight that of the Midianites.

32,000 men were assembled for this purpose.

But God told Gideon this was too many.

The number was reduced to ten thousand.

Again, God told Gideon this was too many.

Finally, the number of men under Gideon’s command was reduced to 300.

A small force would now take on an entire army.

An observer would not have given Gideon and his men a chance.

Yet God gave Gideon and his men the victory.

What stands out to me is that God reduced the number of Gideon’s men not once, but twice.

In today’s world we tend to associate size with success.

Bur God can do incredible things with small numbers.

He can do so with small groups of believers.

He can do so with individuals.

Judges 7:2 (NET) - The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many men for me to hand Midian over to you. Israel might brag, ‘Our own strength has delivered us.’

1 Samuel 17:45-47 (NET) - But David replied to the Philistine, “You are coming against me with sword and spear and javelin. But I am coming against you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel’s armies, whom you have defied! This very day the Lord will deliver you into my hand! I will strike you down and cut off your head. This day I will give the corpses of the Philistine army to the birds of the sky and the wild animals of the land. Then all the land will realize that Israel has a God and all this assembly will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves! For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will deliver you into our hand.”

Upsets in life still happen.

We just need to remember Who grants victory.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, January 18, 2019.

I will be back here on Friday, January 25, 2019

Finishing the Race

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But Caleb did far more than that.

In August, Caleb was invited to Southern Iowa Speedway.

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

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

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

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

The racing community responded.

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

Caleb left this earthly life days ago.

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

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

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

I prefer to think that he won it.

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

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

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

I will be back here on Friday, September 28, 2018

Only

I love the banners we display in church.

They are not only beautiful; they are also excellent reminders.

Recently, one in particular grabbed my attention.

It is the one that hangs directly behind the pulpit.

It simply states, “The Lord is my Shepherd.”

This is, of course, is the opening of Psalm 23.

The 23^rd Psalm is a chapter from scripture we memorize at a very young age.

We turn to it repeatedly throughout our lives.

We find it a tremendous source of both peace and comfort.

Such were my thoughts minutes before the start of a worship service.

As time went by, I started turning these words over in my mind.

The next thing I knew the word “only” came to mind.

Before I knew it, I found myself inserting that word into this statement in various places.

As I did so, each result had an impact on me.

Consider each one.

ONLY the Lord is my Shepherd.

The ONLY Lord is my Shepherd.

The Lord ONLY is my Shepherd.

The Lord is my ONLY Shepherd.

Now it is true that the Bible warns us of the dangers of altering scripture.

Proverbs 30:6 (KJV) - Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

There are others as well but I feel I am on safe ground here.

Although the Psalmist did not use the word “only”, the word is implied.

I merely inferred it.

The proof lies in the remainder of the verse.

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

When we make the Lord our ONLY Shepherd, we have absolutely everything we need.

C. S. Lewis in The Weight of Glory put it this way: “He who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God only.”

Lord, we thank You for being our only shepherd.

We thank You for being all we need.

We thank You for making us lie down when we make ourselves too busy.

We thank You for restoring our souls.

We thank You for conquering every fear we have.

We thank You for the salvation you planned for us from the beginning.

Amen!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 21, 2016.

I will be back here on Friday, October 28, 2016

Worry and Strife

People tend to worry.

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

We worry about the economy.

We worry about the outcome of elections.

We worry about war and the threat of terrorism.

Worry in and of itself accomplishes nothing.

Just worrying about the economy will not bring about prosperity.

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

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

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

In fact, it does it pretty effectively.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What about the lack of peace?

Scripture even has a reminder for us there.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Mayday!

The month of May is upon us and this brought to mind a particular word.

That word is “Mayday” and it has absolutely nothing to do with the month of May.

It has its origin in the French m’aider which translates as “help me”.

Mayday is an internationally recognized word and is used in distress calls.

When the plot of any craft shouts, “Mayday!” into his radio, you can be certain that his situation is dire and that he needs help immediately.

You can also be certain that any craft in the area will change course and render assistance.

This even happens with prayer.

As human beings, it becomes all too easy for us to place less emphasis on prayer.

Perhaps we pray less often.

Perhaps we may just go through the motions.

Some may even cease praying altogether.

Then one day it happens.

We suddenly find ourselves in dire straits.

Perhaps we get bad medical news.

Perhaps we get injured.

Perhaps we are in danger of losing our job.

Perhaps it is a loved one who is in trouble.

When trouble comes we find it suddenly easier to turn to God in prayer.

Our prayer becomes a distress call.

We cry, “Mayday!” to God and expect Him to render us assistance.

God hears our prayer.

Eventually, the crisis subsides.

What then?

Do we slip back into our old patterns?

Do we even forget to thank Him for hearing our prayer?

This is unfortunate.

Prayer helps us develop and strengthen our relationship with God.

Prayer should be a regular part of our daily walk with God.

It should not only be a distress call when troubles arise.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 15, 2015.

I’ll be back here on Friday, May 22, 2015

What If

Can you recall your first day at school?

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

How about the day you graduated?

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

Think about the day you got married,

Call to mind the day your child was born.

How about the day your grandchild was born?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can you recall asking any of the following questions?

What if I don't get the job?

What if the person I propose to says no?

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

What if I lose my job?

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

These events changed us in one way or another.

Now consider one more thing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What if someone I care about does not know Him?

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Prayer Revisited

I recently had the privilege of leading two adult classes on the topic of prayer.

Prior to leading those classes I posted a blog on my other site entitled Teach Us to Pray.

There I cited the examples Jesus gave us on the proper approach to God in prayer as well as the model He gave us which we now lovingly refer to as The Lord's Prayer.

In this post I thought would expand on the topic of prayer based not only on the curriculum but also from feedback I received from those in attendance.

To begin with, I still maintain my position that prayer is much more than "praying big" to God whose power is limitless.

Prayer remains one of the best means we have of strengthening our relationship with God and not merely a means by which we receive things we request.

Please do not misunderstand me.

I think it is a wonderful thing to pray for others especially when they are ill, coping with loss or dealing with difficult situations.

If we are faced with similar issues, then we should take them to God in prayer as the old hymn reminds us.

But we also need to exercise good judgment when it comes to praying for ourselves.

By that I mean that we really need to understand what is motivating us to pray for ourselves.

When it come to praying for things we really need to exercise caution.

Let's take praying to God for a new church building or for the expansion of an existing one as an example.

On the surface, this seems benign but even in this case we need to examine our motives.

If our motivation is to edify the body and we need more room to accommodate more people then I think we are on good footing.

If our motivation is merely to have a nicer and more beautiful structure then perhaps we should take time to think things over before approaching God.

Granted, I am painting with an extremely broad brush, but this is merely for the sake of example.

That said, let us examine the results of prayer.

For example let us say that there are two people and each has a close family member who is extremely ill.

Let us also say that each prayed for the healing of his family member.

Let us also assume that the first family member was healed but the second died.

Can we conclude that the second person did not pray as hard as the first, or that the right prayer was not said?

Can we conclude that the first person had more faith than the second?

The answer to all these questions is "No".

God has a plan and understands it completely, whereas we cannot.

Though each of the two prayers was answered in a different way, the relationships between each of those praying and God were strengthened.

And the prayers should not end there.

The second should pray for comfort, peace and understanding.

The first should pray with gratitude.

Thus the relationships between those praying and God continues to be strengthened.

It must be stated that too often it is the prayer of gratitude that is overlooked.

These are but a few thoughts on prayer, so I invite you to read Hebrews chapter 11 in its entirety to put things in a proper perspective.

Bear in mind the last two verses.

Hebrews 11:39-40 (NIV) - These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

This brings up a final point.

Some prayers are not answered right away.

Some might not even be answered in our lifetime.


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The  Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 20, 2014.
I’ll be back here on Friday, June 27, 2014

Pearls of Wisdom

This week marked what would have been my parents' wedding anniversary.

Dad passed away several decades ago.

Mom left this world several years ago.

I was looking at their wedding picture that was taken shortly after World War II.

How young they look in that photo.

As I studied the photograph, I found myself reflecting on the wisdom they shared with me as I grew up.

Of course there were lessons that they intentionally taught me.

That was part of their responsibility as parents.

Then there was the wisdom each imparted to me.

That was different because this they did by example and by the way each lived.

The wisdom I gained from Dad was that humor was an essential part of living.

Personally, I find a sense of humor often helps me get through my day and perhaps allows me to help others get through their day as well.

One thing I have discovered is that within every bit of humor there lies at least a grain of truth.

Scripture tells me that there are times when laughter is appropriate.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NET) – For everything there is an appointed time, and an appropriate time for every activity on earth.

Ecclesiastes 3:4 (NET) – A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance.

The wisdom I gained from Mom was in her gentleness.

By example, she showed me that gentleness was not a sign of weakness but a true hallmark of inner strength.

Scripture also bears that out.

James 3:17 (NET) – But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and not hypocritical.

Then, of course, I am also indebted to them for my faith.

Faith, when teamed with humor and gentleness can be quite powerful.

Perhaps the most powerful of ways is encouragement.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NET) – Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, just as you are in fact doing.

Life sometimes presents us with challenges.

When they occur, I am grateful to Dad for helping me to always look for the humor in the situation.

Sometimes it is difficult to find, but I assure you it is there.

I am very grateful to Mom for helping me to be gentle with others and perhaps be a source of strength for them.

I am grateful to them both for the faith they instilled in me as was their charge.

Most of all, I thank God for them both and for showing me the wisdom of their ways.

What pearls of wisdom have you received from the special people God has placed in your life?

What can you do with them?

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 20, 2013.

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

I’ll be back here on Friday, December 27, 2013.