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

Cause and Effect

 

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

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

Amos cited numerous examples of cause and effect.

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

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

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

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

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

This is important for us to remember right now.

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

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

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

Christ endured so very much.

His suffering was an effect.

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

This cause can be found in Luke’s gospel.

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

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

It was also God’s will.

God understood that man was in dire need of salvation.

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

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

What of today?

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

Is this not a cause?

If so, does this too not require an effect?

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

Only Christ is capable of that.

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

The Path to Bravery

 

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

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

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

Joshua formerly assisted Moses, but now he would lead.

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

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

This was as God promised His servant Moses.

God then reminded Joshua to obey Him completely.

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

God then repeated His reminder to be strong and brave,

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

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

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

Paul wrote two letters to Timothy while imprisoned.

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

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

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

Bravery is rooted in power and obedience.

It is also rooted in love.

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

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

God is with us every step of the way.

Joshua trusted God.

He reminded the people to recommit themselves to God.

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

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

Today’s headlines bear this out.

The path to bravery begins with a single step.

It is a journey.

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

 

Living in the Light

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

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

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

Each of us knows what this is like.

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

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

Even family and friends sometimes keep us in the dark.

It certainly is worth thinking about.

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

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

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

His light penetrates even the deepest darkness.

His is the light of truth.

The prophet Micah understood this.

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

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

Difficult times and difficult people do not last forever.

Neither does the darkness.

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

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

Living in the dark is no way to live.

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

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

 

Ambassadors for Christ

 

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

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

The glory of the Lord filled the temple.

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

Isaiah knew that he was a sinner.

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

Moreover, he had just seen the Lord.

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

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

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

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

Isaiah became a great prophet for the Lord.

What about us?

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

No.

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

The truth is that the Lord can be extremely subtle.

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

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

Moreover, we are already ambassadors for Christ.

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

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

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

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

One way we accomplish this is through our words.

Another way is through our actions.

These often speak louder than our words.

Christ has already equipped us for the task.

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

A Full Pardon

 

Micah 7:18 (NET) - Who is a God like you? Who forgives sin and pardons the rebellion of those who remain among his people? Who does not stay angry forever, but delights in showing loyal love?

Man rebelled against God in the beginning.

We still do.

Adam and Eve gave into pride.

They were lured into disobedience on a false promise.

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

We are just as guilty.

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

The result of our disobedience is all around us.

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

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

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

It might seem that man is forever lost.

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

Both assumptions are incorrect.

God is more than capable of forgiveness and pardon.

In fact, He has forgiven and pardoned already.

This is not due to anything we have done.

It is due to what Christ did on our behalf.

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

Those who have accepted Him are completely forgiven.

God completely forgives because of His limitless love.

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

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

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

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

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

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

 

Truth and Freedom

 

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

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

There is all manner of pomp and circumstance.

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

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

But what does freedom mean?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Neither does the second definition apply.

Even Christ was brought before a foreign ruler.

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

Christians have even been incarcerated.

Paul wrote several of his letters while in prison.

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

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

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

Freedom, real freedom, can be found in truth.

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

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

Those who are imprisoned for Christ are free.

Those who are subject to foreign powers are free.

Yes, even those who bridle their tongues are free.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

 

Epiphanies

 

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

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

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

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

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

They also depict three wise men.

But scripture never tells us exactly how many there were.

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

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

The gifts included gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Each gift has a meaning.

Gold symbolizes a kingship on earth.

Frankincense, an incense, symbolizes deity.

Myrrh, an embalming oil, symbolizes death.

All three symbols apply to Jesus.

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

These wise men, regardless of number, experienced Epiphany.

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

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

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

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

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

In total, four people were killed.

Many were injured and criminal arrests will follow.

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

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

An “Aha” moment or life changing realization.

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

 

The Gift of Peace

 

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

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

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

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

For human beings, peace does not come easily.

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

Many of us have lost loved ones to the pandemic.

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

Many of us have lost our jobs.

The list goes on.

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

Some even think true peace is impossible to achieve.

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

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

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

Achieving peace simply requires us to look for it.

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

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

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

Having faith better enables us to deal with them.

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

Find it where it can only be found - in Jesus

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

What a remarkable gift to give at Christmas!

Christmas Blessings!

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

 

Doing It All

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

Despite the pandemic, December finds me extremely busy.

The Sunday School class I teach is gearing back up.

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

More and more people are counting on my support.

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

That is why I love this verse from Philippians.

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

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

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

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

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

That is when God does the unexpected.

He doesn’t remove things from our plate.

Instead, He just gives us a bigger plate.

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

God frequently does the unexpected.

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

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

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

Christ reminded us we could not serve two masters.

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

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

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

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

The Blessing of Friendship

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

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

 God used people in His blessing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Then there is perhaps my favorite blessing of all.

 God has blessed me with friends.

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

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

 For example, I consider my colleagues my friends.

 I also count members of my church family as friends.

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

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

 I consider these friends special too.

 Some I see on a regular basis.

 Some I see only occasionally.

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

 Whatever the frequency, each friendship is one to treasure.

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

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

 I would not trade this special blessing for anything.

 This blessing has no bounds.

 Best of all, Jesus offers this blessing to everyone.

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

 Reflect on the blessings of friendship.

 Then, reflect on the very best friendship of all.

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

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

 

No Favoritism

 

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

America experienced division prior to the 2020 election.

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

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

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

One thing I have observed throughout the campaign disturbs me.

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

This is nothing new.

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

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

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

But I know the pendulum swings both ways.

Sometimes the candidate I support will win.

Sometimes the candidate I support will lose.

That is politics.

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

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

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

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

Even those who did not get our vote.

Peter understood that God does not show favoritism.

Neither should we.

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

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

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

 

Overcoming Fear

 

Daniel 6:23 (NET) - Then the king was delighted and gave an order to haul Daniel up from the den. So Daniel was hauled up out of the den. He had no injury of any kind, because he had trusted in his God.

The account of Daniel in the den of lions is one of those we learn in our childhood.

Darius selects over one hundred leaders to help rule his kingdom.

From these, three would be selected as supervisors over the rest.

Try as they might, these leaders and other supervisors tried to find fault with Daniel.

Failing this, they tried to discredit Daniel based on his relationship with God.

They approached Darius with a devious plan.

They suggested that Darius impose a law stating that anyone who prays must pray to Darius alone.

They also proposed that anyone who broke this law should be cast into a den of lions.

Darius agreed and the new law was put into effect.

Daniel knew about the new law.

That did not stop him from praying to God.

The conspirators then reported to Darius how Daniel was in violation of the new law.

Darius liked Daniel so the news disturbed him greatly.

Try as he might, Darius could not think of a way around his new law.

Darius sadly gave the order to have Daniel arrested and thrown into the den of lions.

Throughout the rest of the day and night, Darius feared for the safety of Daniel.

At dawn the following day, Darius rushed to the den to see if God had kept Daniel safe.

To the great relief of Darius, God had.

Darius ordered that Daniel be immediately removed from the den.

He understood that God kept Daniel safe.

Now being cast into a den of lions is a frightening proposition.

But in today’s world fears abound and take various forms.

Some of these fears are real, whereas some are only imaginary,

But even imaginary fears feel real to the person so afflicted.

But fears, both real and imagined, can be dealt with.

Scripture tells us exactly how to effectively deal with fear,

1 Corinthians 16:13 (NET) - Stay alert, stand firm in the faith, show courage, be strong.

Overcoming our own fears is one thing.

Helping others to overcome theirs is another.

Perhaps that is why the very next verse reminds us whatever we do should be rooted in love.

1 Corinthians 16:14 (NET) - Everything you do should be done in love.

Loving others is the best first step in helping them overcome their fears.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 16, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, October 23, 2020

 

To Serve Once Again

Psalm 51:12 (NET) - Let me again experience the joy of your deliverance. Sustain me by giving me the desire to obey.

It goes without saying that many things have changed due to COVID-19.

Some things we took for granted either disappeared or changed.

COVID-19 did what nothing else in recent memory had done.

People stopped going to church.

They stopped attending Sunday School.

They stopped attending Bible Studies.

They stopped attending other group functions previously sponsored by the church.

Granted, these steps were necessary considering there was a public health crisis.

Some churches found new ways to serve.

Worship services began sprouting up online for those churches who had the means.

Now, in some areas, public services have resumed in compliance with local health regulations.

Even so, some things have not resumed such as Sunday School.

To be honest, of all the things I had to give up, teaching Sunday School is what I miss the most.

That is why I chose that opening verse.

While I still have the desire to teach, circumstances still do not allow me to do so,

I long for the joy of once again meeting with my students face to face.

I long for the discussions that arise from study with a committed group of students.

But, until in person classes can resume, I remained sustained.

That is because the One who created me continues to stir the desire to obey within me.

I know that one day, my current sadness will return to joy once more.

John 16:20 (NET) - I tell you the solemn truth, you will weep and wail, but the world will rejoice; you will be sad, but your sadness will turn into joy.

One day, COVID-19 will be just a memory.

But I am concerned that it will have lasting effects.

This is especially true where the church and the group functions it supports are concerned.

Time, of course, will ultimately tell.

Whatever happens, we must pray for the desire to obey.

We must pray for the desire to serve.

We must pray for the day when our sadness will once again be turned into joy.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 2, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, October 9, 2020

One Thing

 

All things considered, current events put me in mind of the sisters Mary and Martha.

Their account can be found in Luke 10:38-42.

In it, Jesus went to a village where Martha welcomed Him as a guest.

Each sister responded to Jesus in a completely different way.

Mary sat at the Lord's feet and listened to everything He said.

Martha worked frantically away; consumed by all the preparations.

In no time, Martha grew upset with Mary for not helping.

Martha certainly let her frustration be known.

She complained directly to Jesus about how Mary had abandoned her to do all the work.

Moreover, she absolutely demanded that Jesus do something about her.

Jesus put things in their proper perspective.

Luke10:41-42 (NET) - But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha you are worried and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the best part; it will not be taken away from her."

I stated at the outset that today's world reminds me of Mary and Martha.

We are practically bombarded with bad news.

There is news of the ongoing pandemic.

There is news of more unrest in the streets.

There is news of continuing injustice.

The list goes on and on.

Meanwhile, those we expect to solve these problems disagree.

They even bicker with each other.

At times it seems as if they prefer bickering to problem solving.

Just like Martha, it is easy for us to be "worried and troubled about many things,"

But Jesus reminds us that only "one thing is needed."

It is simply left to us to choose.

Like Martha, we can choose to be distracted and frustrated by everything going on around us.

Or, like Mary, we can choose to sit at the Lord's feet and listen to everything He says.

This is the best choice and  one that can never be taken from us.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

Love Conquers Fear

 

Proverbs 10:12 (NET) - Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.

Division has been on my mind a great deal.

We’ve seen division in politics.

We’ve seen division between races.

Even the pandemic brings about its own unique divisions.

Saturday, I witnessed two people almost come to blows over the pandemic.

One chose to wear a mask, the other did not.

It occurred to me that this division was born out of fear.

One feared the pandemic.

The other feared a loss of freedom.

When you get down to it, almost every form of division and hatred is born out of fear.

This is not the way mankind was meant to live.

The words of Jesus bear this out.

John 4:13-35 (NET) - Everyone will know by this that you are my disciples—if you have love for one another.”

We are meant to love one another.

We  are to love those who disagree with us politically.

We are to love those whose skin happens to be a different color than our own.

Even in the middle of a global pandemic, we must continue to love one another.

Love conquers hate.

That is because love conquers the fears that are at the root of hatred.

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

Faith is a wonderful thing to have.

Who among us doesn’t want hope?

Yet love is greater than either faith or hope.

Remember, love conquers all fears.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 11, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, September 18, 2020

 

Constants and Changes - Part 2

Those of you who follow my regular offerings here may notice this one is in a different format. This is intentional because of all that is going on around us. This piece is a continuation of my offering last week which can be accessed via the link at the bottom of the page,

COVID-19 continues to change our routines and even more changes are in store. As we try our best to cope, even more questions arise.

8. What is the Church? For many of us, our local churches play a significant role in our lives. By necessity, temporary suspensions of worship services including Sunday school, Bible studies, and outreaches are now a necessity. I will honestly say that this has impacted my life more than any other change. But there are two things we can immediately learn from this. First, the church is NOT the building. Second, the church is NOT simply a small group of people who gather on Sunday because they worship in the same way. The church is the entire body of believers worldwide with Christ as its head. The church is very much alive, and it is my prayer that it may blossom as never before when the current threat of COVID-19 subsides.

Ephesians 2:19-20 (NET) - So then you are no longer foreigners and noncitizens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, because you have been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.

9. Has the Mission of the Church Changed? No. The mission of the church has not changed. The Great Commission remains unaltered. The world was in desperate need of hope before COVID-19 became a part of our vocabulary. That need is even more desperate now.

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.”

10. Can We Pursue the Great Commission Right Now? Perhaps surprisingly, the answer is a resounding “YES!” Congregations and individuals are meeting this challenge by spreading the word in new and creative ways. They are becoming more technologically adept. Pastors are delivering messages online. Individuals are turning to things like social media to share their faith with others. God is there to help us in these endeavors if we but turn to Him for guidance.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NET) - Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different results, but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.

11. What is Important? The importance of prayer cannot be overstated. This was true before COVID-19. It is true now. It will continue to be so as long as we dwell upon God’s earth.

Ephesians 6:18 (NET) - With every prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and to this end be alert, with all perseverance and petitions for all the saints.

12. Can Any Good Come of This? YES! This answer should come as no surprise. But perhaps a reminder would be in order.

Romans 8:28 (NET) - And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose,

13. Is How We LIVE Important? The way we choose to live can speak volumes to those who do not know Christ or need to know Him better. A student of mine once stated: “We may be the closest thing to a Bible a person might encounter”. This is especially true as people choose to live in fear. Our love for God and for our fellow man should be plainly obvious to everyone right now. Especially those whose lives are governed by fear and suspicion. While others “look out for number one”, we should look up to God and out for our fellow man.

Matthew 5: 14-16 (NET) -  You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden. People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.

14. Socially Distant? One of the consequences of COVID-19 is that we adopt “Social Distancing” to help reduce the spread of the virus. While we must (for now) adopt this for the good of all, my greatest concern is that it may have unintended consequences. Broadly speaking, we have already become socially distant from those less fortunate. Moreover, we have all witnessed how people immediately turn to their phones and devices rather than engage with those around them. Once the threat of COVID-19 subsides it might become even more tempting for us to remain socially distant. My prayer is that this period of isolation will make us hunger for more social interaction rather than less. Living in isolation is not what we were designed for.

John 10:10 (NET) - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.

Our lives have changed in some radical ways. Certainly the most in living memory. This will pass! Things will get better! But until they do, let us remember how Jesus wants us to LIVE!

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

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

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

When Life Gets Hard

Some friends of mine and I recently faced challenging circumstances.

One friend suggested to me that I enjoyed them.

But more on that in a moment.

Scripture tells us the things we must do.

We may not enjoy them.

In fact, we may find some of them difficult.

Scripture tells us to love our neighbor.

Galatians 5:14 (NET) - For the whole law can be summed up in a single commandment, namely, “You must love your neighbor as yourself.”

One of the greatest ironies in life is that those who need love the most are often the most difficult to love.

Scripture tells us to forgive.

Ephesians 4:32 (NET) - Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.

Yet forgiveness is probably the one thing Christians struggle with most.

Scripture reminds us to be patient.

Philippians 4:6 (NET) - Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God.

But patience tends to fall by the wayside in a world of instant gratification.

Scripture has other reminders, but among my favorites comes from another of Paul’s letters.

This one came to mind when my friend suggested I liked the circumstances.

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

Now faith is a wonderful thing.

And who among us does not like to have hope?

But Paul reminds us that love is the greatest of the three.

Upon recalling this verse, I knew how to respond to my friend.

I told him that I did not like the circumstances any better than he did.

I then added that I refuse to allow the circumstance to dictate how I interact with others.

I believe one thing the world has lost touch with is that it is okay to disagree with people.

We do not have to like or approve of what they say or do.

We certainly do not have to adopt these ways ourselves.

We are, however, obligated to love them.

It is okay for us to disagree.

It is not okay for us to become disagreeable in the process!

The things we find most difficult in life are the result of us relying on our own strength.

Perhaps we should rely on His strength instead.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 17, 2019.

I’ll be back here on Friday, May 24, 2019

Priorities in a Hectic World

Matthew 6:33 (NET) - But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Now that Fall has arrived where I live more than the weather has changed.

My drive home often takes place at dusk.

It seems that drivers want to go faster and take more risks once the sun has gone down.

Part of it must be psychological.

Perhaps the oncoming darkness reminds drivers that there are few hours left in the day.

As a result, they rush about in an attempt to get things done.

Yet when it comes to spiritual matters, broadly speaking, I think many of us lack a similar sense of urgency.

To be honest, not one of us knows how much time we have remaining to us.

Some of us may have years or even decades.

Others have mere days or perhaps hours.

Yet we seem to rush about placing more emphasis on the here and the now rather than the eternal.

We stay busy but accomplish little.

We are bombarded with information, but do we really learn?

Scripture reminds us to seek the Kingdom of God first.

We tend to lose sight of this in a world that gets more hectic with each passing day

So, pause.

Take a breath.

Reassess your priorities.

God not only wants to be first in our lives, he expects this.

When we place God first, a wonderful thing happens,

He helps us prioritize everything else!

Luke 12:34 (NET) - For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 5, 2018.

I will be back here on Friday, October 12, 2018

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