The weather forecast for Sunday called for a combination of rain and cold. While many found this forecast undesirable I found myself praying that this time the forecasters had gotten it right.
I suffer from an allergy to cedar pollen and during the work week I had been feeling terrible.
According to an earlier newscast, we had just experienced the second highest cedar pollen count on record. I certainly did not have to hear that report to know that the cedar count was high.
The week for me largely consisted of watery and itchy eyes accompanied by coughing and sneezing.
To add insult to injury, even my closest friends felt it necessary to remind me that I both looked and sounded terrible.
Sunday, I was to be installed as an Elder in my church and I really wanted to be there. But, as the day approached, my condition worsened.
Throughout the day Saturday I prayed for the rain that was predicted by the weather forecast that night.
When evening came, I was exhausted but found it difficult to fall asleep due to my symptoms.
It was a faint noise that woke me up after only an hour or two of sleep. Not being fully awake, I wondered what it was. A few seconds later, I realized what it was.
Rain!
I turned on the television to view the radar and beheld a beautiful sight.
This was no passing shower. Almost the entire state was experiencing rain to one degree or another.
I thanked God for this blessing and went back to sleep.
When the alarm clock woke me up Sunday morning, I heard the rain still softly falling outside.
Throughout the night, as the rain fell, countless pollen grains were being washed from the air and my symptoms had dramatically improved.
By the time I left for church, the rain had decreased to a light drizzle and I got through the installation ceremony without so much as a sneeze.
Later that day, as I thanked God once again for this blessing, I also reflected on the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus.
Just as the rain washed the air clean of airborne irritants, so the blood of Jesus washes away all of our sins.
Romans 5:8-9 (KJV) - But God commandeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
Ephesians 1:7 (KJV) - In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace;"
Hebrews 9:12 (KJV) - Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, He entered in once into the Holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us]."
It is through the blood of Jesus that we have eternal life.
And that really makes me breathe a whole lot easier.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, January 21, 2011.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, January 28, 2011.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Me? Are You Sure?
Philippians 4:13 (KJV) - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Someone once said that the only constant in the world is change.
There is a grain of truth in that.
As the new year approaches, I find my life in a state of flux.
I now find myself in a position of leadership in my church.
Many of my Christian friends have also informed me that their walk of faith is in a state of transition as well. They are experiencing changes in the ways they serve God.
As for me, I was approached in October 2010 to make this transition and I really had to prayerfully consider it.
This was not a position I had ever planned on accepting. In fact, I had turned others down when asked in years past. It was nothing personal. This time, things were different. I felt that this time God was leading me to accept this position.
I have always relied on that passage of scripture from Philippians in the past. This time, God led me with it and with two additional passages as well.
Hebrews 11:8 (KJV) - By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
I certainly could relate to that. If I were to accept this position, I would certainly be entering unfamiliar territory. If I honestly believed God were leading me in this direction, I too should obey His leading.
Then, there was a second passage of scripture that spoke volumes to me.
Luke 12:48b (KJV) - For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
I acknowledge that any ability I have comes from God and that He expects me to use such ability in service to Him. That, coupled with the fact that my church has done so much for me in my spiritual growth, convinced me that it is now time for me to serve my church in ways I had not before considered.
Will this take me outside my comfort zone? Yes.
Is this going to be a learning experience for me? Undoubtedly.
Yet, that is how we as Christians both grow and mature.
I also realized that I was not going to be able to do all the things I had been doing and take on new responsibilities as well.
I was going to have to sit down and determine what roles I would continue to fill and what roles I would relinquish.
With His help I determined those functions which I originally felt Him calling me to do and decided to keep doing those things.
Although painful, I opted to step down from a committee on which I had served for four years.
As I stated before, many of my Christian friends tell me their spiritual walk is in a state of transition.
Yet, we must each trust that God is in charge and that He will put us exactly where He wants us to be doing exactly what He wants us to do. We can take comfort in the fact that He will walk with us each step of the way.
As we enter a new year, I encourage you to make yourself available to His leading.
Philippians 2:13 (KJV) - For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of (His) good pleasure.
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, January 7, 2011.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, January 14, 2011.
I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Someone once said that the only constant in the world is change.
There is a grain of truth in that.
As the new year approaches, I find my life in a state of flux.
I now find myself in a position of leadership in my church.
Many of my Christian friends have also informed me that their walk of faith is in a state of transition as well. They are experiencing changes in the ways they serve God.
As for me, I was approached in October 2010 to make this transition and I really had to prayerfully consider it.
This was not a position I had ever planned on accepting. In fact, I had turned others down when asked in years past. It was nothing personal. This time, things were different. I felt that this time God was leading me to accept this position.
I have always relied on that passage of scripture from Philippians in the past. This time, God led me with it and with two additional passages as well.
Hebrews 11:8 (KJV) - By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
I certainly could relate to that. If I were to accept this position, I would certainly be entering unfamiliar territory. If I honestly believed God were leading me in this direction, I too should obey His leading.
Then, there was a second passage of scripture that spoke volumes to me.
Luke 12:48b (KJV) - For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
I acknowledge that any ability I have comes from God and that He expects me to use such ability in service to Him. That, coupled with the fact that my church has done so much for me in my spiritual growth, convinced me that it is now time for me to serve my church in ways I had not before considered.
Will this take me outside my comfort zone? Yes.
Is this going to be a learning experience for me? Undoubtedly.
Yet, that is how we as Christians both grow and mature.
I also realized that I was not going to be able to do all the things I had been doing and take on new responsibilities as well.
I was going to have to sit down and determine what roles I would continue to fill and what roles I would relinquish.
With His help I determined those functions which I originally felt Him calling me to do and decided to keep doing those things.
Although painful, I opted to step down from a committee on which I had served for four years.
As I stated before, many of my Christian friends tell me their spiritual walk is in a state of transition.
Yet, we must each trust that God is in charge and that He will put us exactly where He wants us to be doing exactly what He wants us to do. We can take comfort in the fact that He will walk with us each step of the way.
As we enter a new year, I encourage you to make yourself available to His leading.
Philippians 2:13 (KJV) - For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of (His) good pleasure.
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, January 7, 2011.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, January 14, 2011.
I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
An Unforgettable Christmas
Christmas is supposed to be a happy time.
For me, the two most difficult times in my life occurred around my birthday and around Christmas.
I was my parents' only surviving child.
Father died many years ago and was laid to rest on my nineteenth birthday.
Birthdays seemed less special after that.
Mother was forty years old when I was born and because of the differences in our ages, I became her primary caregiver making sure she had everything she needed before I went to work each day.
She suffered from severe arthritis, but was otherwise in good health and mentally sharp as Christmas drew near a few years ago. In fact, we talked about our plans for Christmas during the last conversation we were to have.
Then suddenly, mere days before Christmas, she became critically ill and, as her only surviving child, the decision to take her off life support fell squarely on me.
If you have never had to make such a decision, I hope that you never have to. It is without doubt one of the most gut wrenching decisions that has to be made and knowing that it is the right thing to do is of little comfort.
If you have had to make that decision, then you know exactly what I am talking about.
I knew I could not make this decision alone.
I leaned harder on God that day than I ever leaned on Him before.
Looking back, I honestly believe that He wanted me to lean on Him.
God used those circumstances to both tear me down and then rebuild me.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Though this was the most difficult decision I had ever faced, the difficulties continued.
I then began handling the arrangements for her services.
I had to call family and friends and break the news to them (most thought I was calling to wish them "Merry Christmas").
Some had already left town for the holidays and sadly a few did not find out until they returned.
When her funeral ended, I was absolutely exhausted.
That night, I slept the kind of sleep that my physical body had been craving for days.
When I awoke the next morning, the realization of what had transpired over the prior days was immediate.
There was also something else. There was also a deep sense of peace within me.
John 14:27 (KJV) - Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
I also felt His message in my heart...
"I just got you through the most difficult days of your lifetime. I will get you through others. All you need do is trust Me."
I will never forget what that felt like.
I also have no trouble sharing that with others.
In the years that have followed, I can honestly and confidently say that He has transformed my life.
I serve Him now in ways that I could neither have foreseen nor imagined.
One more thing...
In spite of the loss, I still love Christmas and celebrating the birth of my Savior.
Certainly, there are moments that are still painful.
There's that one song I hear during the holidays that always gets to me.
There's also that one Christmas movie that I can't through without tears.
Last year, it was a particular aroma coming from my host's kitchen that did it.
These and other things remind me of the special relationship I had with Mother.
Yet, I know that it is okay for me to miss her.
As a believer, I know I can still love her.
In the end, love is what Christmas is all about.
It is not about how we try to reach up to God.
Rather, Christmas is about how God loved us so much that He reached down to us through Jesus Christ.
John 3:16 (KJV) - For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
In loving memory of "Mom" Pokorny (as she was known by many) I wish you a Merry Christmas,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, December 17, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, December 24, 2010.
For me, the two most difficult times in my life occurred around my birthday and around Christmas.
I was my parents' only surviving child.
Father died many years ago and was laid to rest on my nineteenth birthday.
Birthdays seemed less special after that.
Mother was forty years old when I was born and because of the differences in our ages, I became her primary caregiver making sure she had everything she needed before I went to work each day.
She suffered from severe arthritis, but was otherwise in good health and mentally sharp as Christmas drew near a few years ago. In fact, we talked about our plans for Christmas during the last conversation we were to have.
Then suddenly, mere days before Christmas, she became critically ill and, as her only surviving child, the decision to take her off life support fell squarely on me.
If you have never had to make such a decision, I hope that you never have to. It is without doubt one of the most gut wrenching decisions that has to be made and knowing that it is the right thing to do is of little comfort.
If you have had to make that decision, then you know exactly what I am talking about.
I knew I could not make this decision alone.
I leaned harder on God that day than I ever leaned on Him before.
Looking back, I honestly believe that He wanted me to lean on Him.
God used those circumstances to both tear me down and then rebuild me.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Though this was the most difficult decision I had ever faced, the difficulties continued.
I then began handling the arrangements for her services.
I had to call family and friends and break the news to them (most thought I was calling to wish them "Merry Christmas").
Some had already left town for the holidays and sadly a few did not find out until they returned.
When her funeral ended, I was absolutely exhausted.
That night, I slept the kind of sleep that my physical body had been craving for days.
When I awoke the next morning, the realization of what had transpired over the prior days was immediate.
There was also something else. There was also a deep sense of peace within me.
John 14:27 (KJV) - Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
I also felt His message in my heart...
"I just got you through the most difficult days of your lifetime. I will get you through others. All you need do is trust Me."
I will never forget what that felt like.
I also have no trouble sharing that with others.
In the years that have followed, I can honestly and confidently say that He has transformed my life.
I serve Him now in ways that I could neither have foreseen nor imagined.
One more thing...
In spite of the loss, I still love Christmas and celebrating the birth of my Savior.
Certainly, there are moments that are still painful.
There's that one song I hear during the holidays that always gets to me.
There's also that one Christmas movie that I can't through without tears.
Last year, it was a particular aroma coming from my host's kitchen that did it.
These and other things remind me of the special relationship I had with Mother.
Yet, I know that it is okay for me to miss her.
As a believer, I know I can still love her.
In the end, love is what Christmas is all about.
It is not about how we try to reach up to God.
Rather, Christmas is about how God loved us so much that He reached down to us through Jesus Christ.
John 3:16 (KJV) - For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
In loving memory of "Mom" Pokorny (as she was known by many) I wish you a Merry Christmas,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, December 17, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, December 24, 2010.
Friday, November 26, 2010
God was with Him
We are familiar with the narrative.
God makes a covenant with Abram.
Genesis 15:5 (NET) - The LORD took him outside and said, ‘Gaze into the sky and count the stars - if you are able to count them!” Then He said to him, “So will your descendants be.”
Abram trusted God and was considered loyal according to verse 6.
Genesis 15:6 (NET) - Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD considered his response of faith as proof of genuine loyalty.
When Abram was 99 years old, God reaffirms this promise even though Abram’s wife Sarai had not conceived (Genesis 17).
God changes Abram’s name to Abraham and Sarai’s name to Sarah.
Here is Abraham at almost 100 years of age and Sarah at 90 and still Sarah has not had a child.
Abraham suggests to God that He fulfill this covenant through Ishmael who was conceived through Hagar, Sarah’s servant.
God has his own plan.
Genesis 17:19 (NET) - God said, “No, Sarah your wife is going to bear you a son, and you will name him Isaac. I will confirm my covenant with him as a perpetual covenant for his descendants after him.”
God then tells Abraham that this will happen in approximately one year.
It did.
Genesis 21:5 (NET) - (Now Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.)
Yet, in Genesis 22, God tells Abraham to offer his only son, whom he loves. as a burnt offering.
Abraham obeys.
He, Isaac and two young servants set out for the destination God stipulated.
On the third day, they are within site of the destination.
Abraham and Isaac proceed alone leaving the two servants behind.
Genesis 22:6 (NET) - Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and put it on his son Isaac. Then he took the fire and the knife in his hand, and the two of them walked on together.”
They conversed along the way.
Based on the facts that Isaac carried the wood and that he had an intelligent conversation with his father Abraham it can be safely concluded that a number of years had passed since Isaac’s birth.
We know the rest of the narrative.
Abraham is ready to sacrifice his only son whom he loves but God stays his hand at the last moment.
God was indeed with Abraham through this trial.
What of Isaac?
Isaac was old enough to converse with his father, yet he neither tried to change his mind nor did he beg for his life.
Isaac was strong enough to carry the wood, yet he neither tried to overpower nor even simply run away from a man one hundred years older than he was.
Yes, God was with Abraham.
Let us keep in mind that God was with Isaac, too.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, December 3, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, December 10, 2010.
God makes a covenant with Abram.
Genesis 15:5 (NET) - The LORD took him outside and said, ‘Gaze into the sky and count the stars - if you are able to count them!” Then He said to him, “So will your descendants be.”
Abram trusted God and was considered loyal according to verse 6.
Genesis 15:6 (NET) - Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD considered his response of faith as proof of genuine loyalty.
When Abram was 99 years old, God reaffirms this promise even though Abram’s wife Sarai had not conceived (Genesis 17).
God changes Abram’s name to Abraham and Sarai’s name to Sarah.
Here is Abraham at almost 100 years of age and Sarah at 90 and still Sarah has not had a child.
Abraham suggests to God that He fulfill this covenant through Ishmael who was conceived through Hagar, Sarah’s servant.
God has his own plan.
Genesis 17:19 (NET) - God said, “No, Sarah your wife is going to bear you a son, and you will name him Isaac. I will confirm my covenant with him as a perpetual covenant for his descendants after him.”
God then tells Abraham that this will happen in approximately one year.
It did.
Genesis 21:5 (NET) - (Now Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.)
Yet, in Genesis 22, God tells Abraham to offer his only son, whom he loves. as a burnt offering.
Abraham obeys.
He, Isaac and two young servants set out for the destination God stipulated.
On the third day, they are within site of the destination.
Abraham and Isaac proceed alone leaving the two servants behind.
Genesis 22:6 (NET) - Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and put it on his son Isaac. Then he took the fire and the knife in his hand, and the two of them walked on together.”
They conversed along the way.
Based on the facts that Isaac carried the wood and that he had an intelligent conversation with his father Abraham it can be safely concluded that a number of years had passed since Isaac’s birth.
We know the rest of the narrative.
Abraham is ready to sacrifice his only son whom he loves but God stays his hand at the last moment.
God was indeed with Abraham through this trial.
What of Isaac?
Isaac was old enough to converse with his father, yet he neither tried to change his mind nor did he beg for his life.
Isaac was strong enough to carry the wood, yet he neither tried to overpower nor even simply run away from a man one hundred years older than he was.
Yes, God was with Abraham.
Let us keep in mind that God was with Isaac, too.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, December 3, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, December 10, 2010.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The Meaning of Life
Why am I here? What is the meaning of life?
Philosophers have wrestled with these questions for centuries.
Their answers are varied and some even border on the ridiculous.
The Bible, on the other hand, gives us some very definite answers to these questions.
Genesis 1:27 (BBE) - And God made man in His image, in the image of God He made him: male and female He made them.
There are currently some six billion of us living in the world today.
There were billions who preceded us with an unknown number yet to come.
Of the billions upon billions who have lived, currently live or will live, no two of us will be exactly identical.
Even twins who share genetic make up have unique characteristics (personality for example).
We are each different and yet, we are made in the image of God. God's image must indeed be truly remarkable.
Even Moses, a man of God, wished to see God's face but could not.
Exodus 33:20 (BBE) - But it is not possible for you to see My face, for no man may see My face and still go on living.
So, God made us.
Genesis 2:7 (BBE) - And the Lord God made man from the dust of the earth, breathing into him the breath of life: and man became a living soul.
Several times in scripture, God is depicted as a potter and we, His creation, are depicted as clay.
Jeremiah 18:6 (BBE) - O Israel, am I not able to do with you as this potter does? Says the Lord. See, like the earth in the potter's hand are you in my hands, O Israel.
Surely God has created us to fulfill any purpose He has planned for us, yet the reminder of our humble origins remain.
So, that is how we came into being, but why?
The answer is twofold.
First, God created us for His glory.
Second, He wants us to have a personal relationship with Him.
Psalm 145:10 (BBE) - All the works of Your hands give praise to You, O Lord, and Your saints give You blessing.
Isaiah 43:7 (BBE) - Every one who is named by My name and whom I have made for My glory, who has been formed and designed by Me.
Our beginnings of earth are humble. We are made of the ordinary. Yet, we are made in the image of the extraordinary. We were made to give Him the glory he requires. We were also made for fellowship with Him.
That is why we are here.
That is the meaning of life.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, November 19, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, November 26, 2010.
Philosophers have wrestled with these questions for centuries.
Their answers are varied and some even border on the ridiculous.
The Bible, on the other hand, gives us some very definite answers to these questions.
Genesis 1:27 (BBE) - And God made man in His image, in the image of God He made him: male and female He made them.
There are currently some six billion of us living in the world today.
There were billions who preceded us with an unknown number yet to come.
Of the billions upon billions who have lived, currently live or will live, no two of us will be exactly identical.
Even twins who share genetic make up have unique characteristics (personality for example).
We are each different and yet, we are made in the image of God. God's image must indeed be truly remarkable.
Even Moses, a man of God, wished to see God's face but could not.
Exodus 33:20 (BBE) - But it is not possible for you to see My face, for no man may see My face and still go on living.
So, God made us.
Genesis 2:7 (BBE) - And the Lord God made man from the dust of the earth, breathing into him the breath of life: and man became a living soul.
Several times in scripture, God is depicted as a potter and we, His creation, are depicted as clay.
Jeremiah 18:6 (BBE) - O Israel, am I not able to do with you as this potter does? Says the Lord. See, like the earth in the potter's hand are you in my hands, O Israel.
Surely God has created us to fulfill any purpose He has planned for us, yet the reminder of our humble origins remain.
So, that is how we came into being, but why?
The answer is twofold.
First, God created us for His glory.
Second, He wants us to have a personal relationship with Him.
Psalm 145:10 (BBE) - All the works of Your hands give praise to You, O Lord, and Your saints give You blessing.
Isaiah 43:7 (BBE) - Every one who is named by My name and whom I have made for My glory, who has been formed and designed by Me.
Our beginnings of earth are humble. We are made of the ordinary. Yet, we are made in the image of the extraordinary. We were made to give Him the glory he requires. We were also made for fellowship with Him.
That is why we are here.
That is the meaning of life.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, November 19, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, November 26, 2010.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Science and the Bible
Romans 10:17 (KJV) - So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
It is hard to believe that there was once a time when science and the Bible were not in opposition.
Long ago, the goal of science was to try to explain the observable works and laws of God visible in nature.
Science looked at God's creation and proposed theories about that creation. It then designed experiments intended to either prove or disprove those theories. Those experiments would then be performed and the results carefully observed. Then, conclusions would be drawn.
Somewhere along the way, however, the goal of science underwent a change.
Rather than seeking to understand God's creation, men of science decided that the pursuit of science was the path to enlightenment. Science would now attempt to disprove God's involvement in both creation and the natural laws in place.
In all fairness, one has to admit that science has a proven track record of being wrong.
For example, science at one time concluded that the earth was flat and that getting too close to the edge would put one in danger of falling off. We now know that such is not the case.
Science then changed it's mind and determined that the earth was not flat but rather a sphere. Furthermore, this sphere was at the center of everything and that all celestial bodies revolved around it. Once again, we now know that this is also inaccurate.
The science of medicine is not immune to error. Science at one time concluded that sickness was the result of bad blood and that the remedy was for the one sick to visit a barber in order to have that bad blood removed. This borders on the unbelievable today.
I could continue, but I think I have been hard enough on science.
Science does the best it can based on the information it has available. Yet it often draws incorrect conclusions.
As time goes by and new information comes to light science revises its theories, experiments and conclusions.
I am not anti-science. I have benefited from the things it has gotten right.
Modern technology, medicine and other advances have made my life both better and easier.
Yet, based on its proven track record of being wrong, I can hardly place my faith in science.
The Bible on the other hand is something in which I can find solid ground for my faith.
It has a timeless quality and is completely reliable.
God uses His Word to reveal truth.
The truth about who He is.
The truth about what He has done for us.
The truth about how He provided for our salvation through Jesus Christ.
Science, if properly applied, can give us glimpses of God and His creation in tangible and provable ways.
For far too long science and the Bible have been in opposing camps.
How wonderful it would be for the two to come back together again.
Between the two, only science has the capacity to move. So far, it has been reluctant to do so.
This is unfortunate.
If properly interpreted and applied, each could shed light upon the other.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, November 5, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, November 12, 2010.
It is hard to believe that there was once a time when science and the Bible were not in opposition.
Long ago, the goal of science was to try to explain the observable works and laws of God visible in nature.
Science looked at God's creation and proposed theories about that creation. It then designed experiments intended to either prove or disprove those theories. Those experiments would then be performed and the results carefully observed. Then, conclusions would be drawn.
Somewhere along the way, however, the goal of science underwent a change.
Rather than seeking to understand God's creation, men of science decided that the pursuit of science was the path to enlightenment. Science would now attempt to disprove God's involvement in both creation and the natural laws in place.
In all fairness, one has to admit that science has a proven track record of being wrong.
For example, science at one time concluded that the earth was flat and that getting too close to the edge would put one in danger of falling off. We now know that such is not the case.
Science then changed it's mind and determined that the earth was not flat but rather a sphere. Furthermore, this sphere was at the center of everything and that all celestial bodies revolved around it. Once again, we now know that this is also inaccurate.
The science of medicine is not immune to error. Science at one time concluded that sickness was the result of bad blood and that the remedy was for the one sick to visit a barber in order to have that bad blood removed. This borders on the unbelievable today.
I could continue, but I think I have been hard enough on science.
Science does the best it can based on the information it has available. Yet it often draws incorrect conclusions.
As time goes by and new information comes to light science revises its theories, experiments and conclusions.
I am not anti-science. I have benefited from the things it has gotten right.
Modern technology, medicine and other advances have made my life both better and easier.
Yet, based on its proven track record of being wrong, I can hardly place my faith in science.
The Bible on the other hand is something in which I can find solid ground for my faith.
It has a timeless quality and is completely reliable.
God uses His Word to reveal truth.
The truth about who He is.
The truth about what He has done for us.
The truth about how He provided for our salvation through Jesus Christ.
Science, if properly applied, can give us glimpses of God and His creation in tangible and provable ways.
For far too long science and the Bible have been in opposing camps.
How wonderful it would be for the two to come back together again.
Between the two, only science has the capacity to move. So far, it has been reluctant to do so.
This is unfortunate.
If properly interpreted and applied, each could shed light upon the other.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, November 5, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, November 12, 2010.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
A Mansion Was Not For Her
Matthew 6:19-21 (ASV)
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also.
A few years ago, I took Mother out for a drive one Saturday.
The land was relatively flat where we lived and the Texas Hill Country was just a few miles away. I thought this change of scenery would do us both some good.
I suggested this little trip and she readily agreed.
We set out and about an hour later, we reached the very first hills.
I periodically glanced in her direction and observed her taking in the scenery.
A short time later, we entered an affluent area and in one of those periodic glances I noticed she was looking up.
Curiosity got the best of me.
"Mom, what are you looking at?", I asked.
She replied, "I'm looking at those houses on the tops of those hills. I would not like living there."
Mother grew up in the Great Depression era and had no idea just how expensive those homes and land holdings really were. These homes were owned by people with fantastic incomes.
I could not let this opportunity pass by.
"Mom, I promise you here and now that I will never force you to live in one of those homes," I stated. It was a promise made in jest since I knew I would never have the means to do so. Neither did I aspire to.
Mother was called home by the Lord not long afterward and I know that according to scripture she is in His presence.
Nothing this world has to offer could compete with that.
I also know that heaven far surpasses anything I can imagine.
John 14:1-2 (ASV) - Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.
I also know Mother has a place there. I am as sure of that as I am sure that I am writing this.
I also know I will see her there some day.
Those who have given their lives to Jesus have that assurance.
I know she gave her life to Jesus because she helped me to do the same.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, October 15 and Friday, October 22, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, October 29, 2010.
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also.
A few years ago, I took Mother out for a drive one Saturday.
The land was relatively flat where we lived and the Texas Hill Country was just a few miles away. I thought this change of scenery would do us both some good.
I suggested this little trip and she readily agreed.
We set out and about an hour later, we reached the very first hills.
I periodically glanced in her direction and observed her taking in the scenery.
A short time later, we entered an affluent area and in one of those periodic glances I noticed she was looking up.
Curiosity got the best of me.
"Mom, what are you looking at?", I asked.
She replied, "I'm looking at those houses on the tops of those hills. I would not like living there."
Mother grew up in the Great Depression era and had no idea just how expensive those homes and land holdings really were. These homes were owned by people with fantastic incomes.
I could not let this opportunity pass by.
"Mom, I promise you here and now that I will never force you to live in one of those homes," I stated. It was a promise made in jest since I knew I would never have the means to do so. Neither did I aspire to.
Mother was called home by the Lord not long afterward and I know that according to scripture she is in His presence.
Nothing this world has to offer could compete with that.
I also know that heaven far surpasses anything I can imagine.
John 14:1-2 (ASV) - Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.
I also know Mother has a place there. I am as sure of that as I am sure that I am writing this.
I also know I will see her there some day.
Those who have given their lives to Jesus have that assurance.
I know she gave her life to Jesus because she helped me to do the same.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com on Friday, October 15 and Friday, October 22, 2010.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I'll be back here on Friday, October 29, 2010.
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