Thursday, September 27, 2012
The Hardest Person to Forgive
I have written on the topic of forgiveness before and how it is something with which people, including Christians, struggle.
This is true when it comes to forgiving others.
This time I would like to address our need to forgive the one who is often times our harshest critic, namely, us.
We have a tendency to be harder on ourselves than anyone else.
We recall our past mistakes, our past shortcomings and our past failures.
We then tend to replay them in our minds over and over again.
We may even find it difficult to sleep sometimes when our thoughts become occupied with the past.
The sad part is that this is completely unnecessary.
While we cannot undo the things we have done wrong, we can be forgiven them.
How?
We can start by confessing our sins to Him.
He knows them already, but this is for our benefit.
1 John 1:8-9 (NET) - If we say that we do not bear the guilt of sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.
Next, we forgive others.
Matthew 6:12-13 (NET) - For if you forgive others their sins, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive you.
Many people find this part difficult.
Most worthwhile things in life tend to be difficult in the beginning.
Just remember that it is never too late and we don’t have to do this alone.
As long as we draw breath, there is hope.
Even the thief, while hanging on a cross, found hope when he turned to Jesus.
Luke 23:42-43 (NET) = Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom." And Jesus said to him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise."
With forgiveness comes the removal of guilt.
Psalm 103:12 (NET) - As far as the eastern horizon is from the west, so He removes the guilt of our rebellious actions from us.
The last time I checked, that was pretty far.
Remember, the past is just that.
Once you place your faith in Jesus, you are no longer the person you were.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NET) - So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: what is old has passed away - look, what is new has come!
With His help, we can let go of the past and the feelings of guilt to which we cling.
We can let go of that which robs us of the present and acts as a barrier to what is a brighter future.
We can then live the kind of life that He intends us to live.
John 10:10 (NET) - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so they may have life and may have it abundantly.
Guilt is like an anchor that holds the ship of our lives in place.
He can do more than help us pull up the anchor.
He can cut the line and set us completely free.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 5, 2012.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, October 12, 2012.
Schedule subject to change.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Ready... Set...
The second week in September always finds me in a contemplative mind set.
This is the week during which Mother and I used to celebrate her birthday.
It is also the week that marks the anniversary of the September 11th attacks on America.
This year my contemplation turns to readiness.
In particular, one’s spiritual readiness.
The readiness to close one’s eyes in this world and open them in the next.
Mother and I had a wonderful relationship and I am indebted to her for a great many things.
Of course, I am indebted to her for bringing me into this world, for raising me and for loving me.
Beyond this, I am indebted to her for establishing a foundation of faith within me.
A foundation on which I continue to build upon today with confidence.
When I was a child, she taught me with kind and loving words.
In her later years, her arthritis became ever more debilitating and our roles reversed themselves.
She began to depend on me more and more.
It was then that she taught me by example.
As time went by, she was able to do less and less because the physical pain she endured grew more and more.
In spite of that, her love of the Lord and her trust in Him grew deeper with each passing day.
Even though she left world quite suddenly, I know that she was prepared spiritually.
As I thought on these things, my thoughts turned to those who lost their lives in the September 11th attacks eleven years ago,
All were simply pursuing their daily routines.
Suddenly, in a heartbeat, everything changed.
Some died instantly.
Some moments later.
Others, while attempting rescue.
I cannot help but wonder...
Of the many that lost their lives on what began as just an otherwise bright, sunny, routine day in September, how many were not spiritually ready?
How many had not yet come to know Jesus as their savior?
After you ponder that, take a moment to ask yourself a very important question.
"If my time on earth ran out today, would I be ready to close my eyes in this world and open them in the next?"
If your answer to that question is anything but "Yes", there is still hope.
That hope is in Jesus Christ.
John 3:16-17 (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. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
Neither Mother nor I expected her last day on earth to be just that.
But, as believers, we both knew her last day on earth would not be her last day.
We knew this because of Jesus Christ and the faith we have in Him.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 21, 2012.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, September 28, 2012.
Schedule subject to change.
This is the week during which Mother and I used to celebrate her birthday.
It is also the week that marks the anniversary of the September 11th attacks on America.
This year my contemplation turns to readiness.
In particular, one’s spiritual readiness.
The readiness to close one’s eyes in this world and open them in the next.
Mother and I had a wonderful relationship and I am indebted to her for a great many things.
Of course, I am indebted to her for bringing me into this world, for raising me and for loving me.
Beyond this, I am indebted to her for establishing a foundation of faith within me.
A foundation on which I continue to build upon today with confidence.
When I was a child, she taught me with kind and loving words.
In her later years, her arthritis became ever more debilitating and our roles reversed themselves.
She began to depend on me more and more.
It was then that she taught me by example.
As time went by, she was able to do less and less because the physical pain she endured grew more and more.
In spite of that, her love of the Lord and her trust in Him grew deeper with each passing day.
Even though she left world quite suddenly, I know that she was prepared spiritually.
As I thought on these things, my thoughts turned to those who lost their lives in the September 11th attacks eleven years ago,
All were simply pursuing their daily routines.
Suddenly, in a heartbeat, everything changed.
Some died instantly.
Some moments later.
Others, while attempting rescue.
I cannot help but wonder...
Of the many that lost their lives on what began as just an otherwise bright, sunny, routine day in September, how many were not spiritually ready?
How many had not yet come to know Jesus as their savior?
After you ponder that, take a moment to ask yourself a very important question.
"If my time on earth ran out today, would I be ready to close my eyes in this world and open them in the next?"
If your answer to that question is anything but "Yes", there is still hope.
That hope is in Jesus Christ.
John 3:16-17 (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. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
Neither Mother nor I expected her last day on earth to be just that.
But, as believers, we both knew her last day on earth would not be her last day.
We knew this because of Jesus Christ and the faith we have in Him.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 21, 2012.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, September 28, 2012.
Schedule subject to change.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Can You Relate?
How long have you known God?
Now, let’s turn the question around.
How long has God known you?
Here is what He said to Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 1:4-5 (NET) - The LORD said to me. "Before I formed you in your mother’s womb I chose you. Before you were born I set you apart. I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations."
You are not an accident.
You are alive because God planned your existence.
What about the time between your conception and your birth?
Here is what the Psalmist reveals.
Psalm 139:13 (NET) - Certainly you made my mind and heart; you wove me together in my mother’s womb.
Even in the earliest stage of your earthly existence, God was there with you.
He expertly wove you together cell by cell and organ by organ.
Just how intimately does God know you?
Here is what Jesus said.
Luke 12:6-7 (NET) - Aren’t five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. In fact, even the hairs on your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid; you are more valuable than many sparrows.
Do you know how many hairs there are on your head?
God does.
That is how intimately He knows you.
He even knows your needs?
Here is what Jesus had to say about that.
Matthew 6:8 (NET) - Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
God planned for your existence.
God was at work on you in the womb.
God knows you intimately.
God knows your every need.
Face it, God knows you.
In fact, He knows you even better than you know yourself.
You were created to have a relationship with God.
A relationship, however, requires two working toward the same goal.
God is half of that relationship,
God has done and continues to do everything He can to make His relationship with you possible.
You are the other half of that relationship.
What are you contributing to it?
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 7, 2012.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, September 14, 2012.
Schedule subject to change.
Now, let’s turn the question around.
How long has God known you?
Here is what He said to Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 1:4-5 (NET) - The LORD said to me. "Before I formed you in your mother’s womb I chose you. Before you were born I set you apart. I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations."
You are not an accident.
You are alive because God planned your existence.
What about the time between your conception and your birth?
Here is what the Psalmist reveals.
Psalm 139:13 (NET) - Certainly you made my mind and heart; you wove me together in my mother’s womb.
Even in the earliest stage of your earthly existence, God was there with you.
He expertly wove you together cell by cell and organ by organ.
Just how intimately does God know you?
Here is what Jesus said.
Luke 12:6-7 (NET) - Aren’t five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. In fact, even the hairs on your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid; you are more valuable than many sparrows.
Do you know how many hairs there are on your head?
God does.
That is how intimately He knows you.
He even knows your needs?
Here is what Jesus had to say about that.
Matthew 6:8 (NET) - Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
God planned for your existence.
God was at work on you in the womb.
God knows you intimately.
God knows your every need.
Face it, God knows you.
In fact, He knows you even better than you know yourself.
You were created to have a relationship with God.
A relationship, however, requires two working toward the same goal.
God is half of that relationship,
God has done and continues to do everything He can to make His relationship with you possible.
You are the other half of that relationship.
What are you contributing to it?
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 7, 2012.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, September 14, 2012.
Schedule subject to change.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
The Root of All Evil
It seems as though many of the TV channels I have relied on for documentaries have turned to reality programs as a means of garnering bigger ratings.
Not surprisingly, many of these programs incorporate greed as a driving force.
Thinking about this reminded me of an experience I had many years ago.
I was invited to a party at a private home.
The husband and wife hosting the party were both extremely nice.
It was obvious from their home and its furnishings that this couple had done quite well for themselves.
As I genuinely liked this couple I could not help but feel happy for them.
As the celebration went on, I happened to overhear a conversation that two of their guests were having as they paused behind me.
One said, "If I owned all of this, I could finally be happy."
The guest he said this to agreed with him.
I could not disagree more.
Wealth and possessions do not bring happiness.
The pursuit of wealth and possessions often makes true happiness difficult, perhaps even impossible. to obtain.
We have heard it said that money is the root of all evil.
We have even heard that this can be found in the Bible.
That is not exactly true.
Here is what the Bible really says...
1 Timothy 6:10 (NET) - For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.
It is not money that is the problem, rather, it is the love of money.
Scripture provides us with many examples of this.
In the twelfth chapter of John, Mary anointed the feet of Jesus with an expensive aromatic ointment made of pure nard.
Judas chastised her by stating that the oil could have been sold and the money given to the poor.
John tells us what really motivated Judas.
John 12:6 (NET) - Now Judas said this not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money box, he used to steal what was put into it.
What did Jesus say about Mary’s action.
John 12:7 (NET) - So Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She has kept it for the day of my burial."
Mary showed that she cared more about Jesus than she cared about money.
In the fifth chapter of Acts, we read of a man named Ananias and his wife Sapphira.
Ananias sold a piece of property and withheld some of the money with his wife’s knowledge.
Peter reminded Ananias that this was a lie to the Holy Spirit.
Acts 5:3 (NET) - But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back for yourself part of the proceeds from the sale of the land?
Ananias paid for this lie with his life as he collapsed and died.
Three hours later, Sapphira continued her husband’s lie.
She then paid with her life in a similar way.
The love of money or possessions is a barrier that separates us from real happiness.
Even worse, it separates us from God.
God both demands and deserves to be first in our lives.
When we place more value on money or possessions than we do on God, we practice idolatry.
God makes His feelings very clear regarding this.
Exodus 20:3 (NET) - You shall have no other gods before me.
When we place God first, He helps us prioritize everything else.
That includes money and the possessions it will buy.
Placing God first in our lives is the real key to happiness.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 24, 2012.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, August 31, 2012.
Schedule subject to change.
Not surprisingly, many of these programs incorporate greed as a driving force.
Thinking about this reminded me of an experience I had many years ago.
I was invited to a party at a private home.
The husband and wife hosting the party were both extremely nice.
It was obvious from their home and its furnishings that this couple had done quite well for themselves.
As I genuinely liked this couple I could not help but feel happy for them.
As the celebration went on, I happened to overhear a conversation that two of their guests were having as they paused behind me.
One said, "If I owned all of this, I could finally be happy."
The guest he said this to agreed with him.
I could not disagree more.
Wealth and possessions do not bring happiness.
The pursuit of wealth and possessions often makes true happiness difficult, perhaps even impossible. to obtain.
We have heard it said that money is the root of all evil.
We have even heard that this can be found in the Bible.
That is not exactly true.
Here is what the Bible really says...
1 Timothy 6:10 (NET) - For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.
It is not money that is the problem, rather, it is the love of money.
Scripture provides us with many examples of this.
In the twelfth chapter of John, Mary anointed the feet of Jesus with an expensive aromatic ointment made of pure nard.
Judas chastised her by stating that the oil could have been sold and the money given to the poor.
John tells us what really motivated Judas.
John 12:6 (NET) - Now Judas said this not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money box, he used to steal what was put into it.
What did Jesus say about Mary’s action.
John 12:7 (NET) - So Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She has kept it for the day of my burial."
Mary showed that she cared more about Jesus than she cared about money.
In the fifth chapter of Acts, we read of a man named Ananias and his wife Sapphira.
Ananias sold a piece of property and withheld some of the money with his wife’s knowledge.
Peter reminded Ananias that this was a lie to the Holy Spirit.
Acts 5:3 (NET) - But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back for yourself part of the proceeds from the sale of the land?
Ananias paid for this lie with his life as he collapsed and died.
Three hours later, Sapphira continued her husband’s lie.
She then paid with her life in a similar way.
The love of money or possessions is a barrier that separates us from real happiness.
Even worse, it separates us from God.
God both demands and deserves to be first in our lives.
When we place more value on money or possessions than we do on God, we practice idolatry.
God makes His feelings very clear regarding this.
Exodus 20:3 (NET) - You shall have no other gods before me.
When we place God first, He helps us prioritize everything else.
That includes money and the possessions it will buy.
Placing God first in our lives is the real key to happiness.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 24, 2012.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, August 31, 2012.
Schedule subject to change.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Remembering Kindness
The other afternoon, I stopped at a local restaurant to enjoy a cup of coffee with friends.
There was a man waiting in line who looked me over and then called me by my name and then asked if he was correct.
I told him he was, but I on the other hand had absolutely no recollection of this man.
He removed his sunglasses and introduced himself.
It was only then that I realized I indeed knew this man because we had once worked together over twenty five years ago.
He had yet another surprise for me.
He told me he remembered a kindness I had shown him those many years ago.
Not remembering it myself I had to ask what exactly that kindness was.
After all, a great deal of time had passed and those days were long ago.
At this point in my life I can barely remember what I had for breakfast Tuesday morning.
He related the incident and as he related it the memory of it returned.
This man had made a mistake on the job and knowing our employers the way I did, I feared they would make an example of this man.
I knew this man needed the job and firing him would bring tremendous financial hardship on him.
I spoke to his supervisor and a member of management and told them of his circumstances hoping they would perhaps show him some leniency.
My words fell on deaf ears.
They told me that the decision to fire him had already been made and I received a rather stern speech for trying to intercede for him.
A coworker ran into him a few days later and told him about my efforts.
I had forgotten completely about the incident and my efforts.
This man did not.
Even though more than a quarter of a century had elapsed and the final outcome did not change, this man remembered how I tried to intervene on his behalf.
It reminded me how fortunate I was to have someone intercede on my behalf.
Paul reminds me that I am a sinner.
Romans 3:23 (NET) - For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God.
Even in my fallen state, I have someone who intercedes on my behalf. And where I failed in my attempt, the one who intercedes for me will never fail.
Romans 8:34 (NET) - Who is the one who will condemn? Christ is the one who died (and more than that, he was raised), who is at the right hand of God, and who also is interceding for us.
Why would Christ intercede for me?
I can do nothing to earn salvation.
I certainly can do nothing to deserve it.
If I were to get what I truly deserve my situation would be most dire.
It is because of God’s love and mercy that Christ paid the price I could never hope to pay.
John 3:16-17 (NET) - For this is the way God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that the everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.
It is through Christ’s willingness to follow His Father’s will to the cross that I have hope.
That is a kindness I will never forget.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 10, 2012.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, August 3, 2012.
Schedule subject to change.
There was a man waiting in line who looked me over and then called me by my name and then asked if he was correct.
I told him he was, but I on the other hand had absolutely no recollection of this man.
He removed his sunglasses and introduced himself.
It was only then that I realized I indeed knew this man because we had once worked together over twenty five years ago.
He had yet another surprise for me.
He told me he remembered a kindness I had shown him those many years ago.
Not remembering it myself I had to ask what exactly that kindness was.
After all, a great deal of time had passed and those days were long ago.
At this point in my life I can barely remember what I had for breakfast Tuesday morning.
He related the incident and as he related it the memory of it returned.
This man had made a mistake on the job and knowing our employers the way I did, I feared they would make an example of this man.
I knew this man needed the job and firing him would bring tremendous financial hardship on him.
I spoke to his supervisor and a member of management and told them of his circumstances hoping they would perhaps show him some leniency.
My words fell on deaf ears.
They told me that the decision to fire him had already been made and I received a rather stern speech for trying to intercede for him.
A coworker ran into him a few days later and told him about my efforts.
I had forgotten completely about the incident and my efforts.
This man did not.
Even though more than a quarter of a century had elapsed and the final outcome did not change, this man remembered how I tried to intervene on his behalf.
It reminded me how fortunate I was to have someone intercede on my behalf.
Paul reminds me that I am a sinner.
Romans 3:23 (NET) - For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God.
Even in my fallen state, I have someone who intercedes on my behalf. And where I failed in my attempt, the one who intercedes for me will never fail.
Romans 8:34 (NET) - Who is the one who will condemn? Christ is the one who died (and more than that, he was raised), who is at the right hand of God, and who also is interceding for us.
Why would Christ intercede for me?
I can do nothing to earn salvation.
I certainly can do nothing to deserve it.
If I were to get what I truly deserve my situation would be most dire.
It is because of God’s love and mercy that Christ paid the price I could never hope to pay.
John 3:16-17 (NET) - For this is the way God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that the everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.
It is through Christ’s willingness to follow His Father’s will to the cross that I have hope.
That is a kindness I will never forget.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 10, 2012.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, August 3, 2012.
Schedule subject to change.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Believe God
I am posting later than usual today because I had routine medical procedure earlier today that made me think about the parable of the sower and the seed.
Matthew 13:3-8 (NIV) - Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop - a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."
Jesus then explains the meaning of the parable.
Matthew 3:18-23 (NIV) - "Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."
I am happy to say that the preliminary results of my procedure have the medical staff and myself confident in the final outcome.
Having faith beforehand is a tremendous advantage.
Many times over the years I have encountered people who received bad news from their doctor requiring follow up testing.
In their newfound distress they recognize that their relationship with God is not what it should be.
Often times, a beneficial change begins to take place.
This happens when they begin to have a relationship with God.
Some receive good news that their physical health is not in the jeopardy they originally believed it was.
Sadly, this good news for their physical health proves detrimental for their spiritual health.
Once the fear and dread that drove them to God has been removed, many quickly revert to their original spiritual condition and no longer feeling a need for a relationship with God.
This is extremely unfortunate because sooner or later we all face the reality that our days on earth are limited.
For those that have not established a relationship with God the time to do so is now.
Those of us who have entered into a relationship with Him seek to do His will.
In spite of difficulties, in spite of setbacks we seek to do His will as He has revealed it to us.
Obeying that will means believing He will continue to be with us even when the road becomes difficult.
Those that believe God, stay the course and trust the outcome to Him.
Even if the outcome is not exactly the one we would have hoped for ourselves.
No matter what, those that have such a relationship simply believe God.
Believing in God is one thing,
Believing God is another.
Believing in God is a beginning of a journey.
Believing God is the journey.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 10, 2012.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, August 3, 2012.
Schedule subject to change.
Matthew 13:3-8 (NIV) - Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop - a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."
Jesus then explains the meaning of the parable.
Matthew 3:18-23 (NIV) - "Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."
I am happy to say that the preliminary results of my procedure have the medical staff and myself confident in the final outcome.
Having faith beforehand is a tremendous advantage.
Many times over the years I have encountered people who received bad news from their doctor requiring follow up testing.
In their newfound distress they recognize that their relationship with God is not what it should be.
Often times, a beneficial change begins to take place.
This happens when they begin to have a relationship with God.
Some receive good news that their physical health is not in the jeopardy they originally believed it was.
Sadly, this good news for their physical health proves detrimental for their spiritual health.
Once the fear and dread that drove them to God has been removed, many quickly revert to their original spiritual condition and no longer feeling a need for a relationship with God.
This is extremely unfortunate because sooner or later we all face the reality that our days on earth are limited.
For those that have not established a relationship with God the time to do so is now.
Those of us who have entered into a relationship with Him seek to do His will.
In spite of difficulties, in spite of setbacks we seek to do His will as He has revealed it to us.
Obeying that will means believing He will continue to be with us even when the road becomes difficult.
Those that believe God, stay the course and trust the outcome to Him.
Even if the outcome is not exactly the one we would have hoped for ourselves.
No matter what, those that have such a relationship simply believe God.
Believing in God is one thing,
Believing God is another.
Believing in God is a beginning of a journey.
Believing God is the journey.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 10, 2012.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, August 3, 2012.
Schedule subject to change.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Prayer and the Election
In a few months, Americans will go to the polls to vote for President of the United States.
Until then, discussions regarding who will lead the nation during the next four years will likely be very polarizing.
Such discussions tend to take on a "we versus they" overtone.
I am convinced that as the election draws nearer the nature of these discussions will become even more heated and the election itself could prove to be more divisive rather than decisive.
I will neither use this platform to tell you whom I will vote for, nor will I use it to tell you whom you should vote for.
I will use it to tell you that you that prayer should be incorporated before and after the election.
First. prayerfully consider how you will cast your vote.
God has blessed America and its citizens with rights that citizens of some nations only dream of having.
Exercising the right to vote is a form of stewardship.
That means the preparation and reasoning that goes into whom you choose to vote for is very important.
In the time between today and election day, prayerfully ask God for wisdom in making your choice and thank Him for having the right to vote.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) - Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Whether your candidate wins or loses, remember that God is ultimately still in charge.
Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) - In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
Finally, no matter which of the candidates wins the election, all Christians have a moral obligation to respect the office and the person who holds it.
Romans 13:1 (NIV) - Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Christians also have a moral obligation to pray for their leaders whether they voted for them or not,
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV) - I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Pray that the President is given sound advice on which he will make difficult decisions.
Pray that the President has the courage to make those difficult decisions.
Pray for his health and well being.
Remember that the job of President is difficult, stressful and often times thankless.
After the election, there are bound to hard feelings between the supporters of each candidate.
Remember that, as a nation, we are stronger when united than we are when we are divided.
There is real hope for healing the scars of division.
It is no surprise that this hope also lies in prayer.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV) - if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 20, 2012.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, July 27, 2012.
Schedule subject to change.
Until then, discussions regarding who will lead the nation during the next four years will likely be very polarizing.
Such discussions tend to take on a "we versus they" overtone.
I am convinced that as the election draws nearer the nature of these discussions will become even more heated and the election itself could prove to be more divisive rather than decisive.
I will neither use this platform to tell you whom I will vote for, nor will I use it to tell you whom you should vote for.
I will use it to tell you that you that prayer should be incorporated before and after the election.
First. prayerfully consider how you will cast your vote.
God has blessed America and its citizens with rights that citizens of some nations only dream of having.
Exercising the right to vote is a form of stewardship.
That means the preparation and reasoning that goes into whom you choose to vote for is very important.
In the time between today and election day, prayerfully ask God for wisdom in making your choice and thank Him for having the right to vote.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) - Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Whether your candidate wins or loses, remember that God is ultimately still in charge.
Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) - In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
Finally, no matter which of the candidates wins the election, all Christians have a moral obligation to respect the office and the person who holds it.
Romans 13:1 (NIV) - Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Christians also have a moral obligation to pray for their leaders whether they voted for them or not,
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV) - I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Pray that the President is given sound advice on which he will make difficult decisions.
Pray that the President has the courage to make those difficult decisions.
Pray for his health and well being.
Remember that the job of President is difficult, stressful and often times thankless.
After the election, there are bound to hard feelings between the supporters of each candidate.
Remember that, as a nation, we are stronger when united than we are when we are divided.
There is real hope for healing the scars of division.
It is no surprise that this hope also lies in prayer.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV) - if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 20, 2012.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, July 27, 2012.
Schedule subject to change.
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