Vernon T. Jones MTS, Spiritual Consultant, Author - Vernon's Blog

All My Books are 50% Off!

11/13/2025

My publisher, Wipf and Stock, is having their Annual Conference Sale and my books are 50% off until November 30.

If buying them; use code "CONFSHIP" at checkout.
If you select "Media Mail", shipping is free.

My three books are:

Winding Paths, My Spiritual Pilgrimage, is a spiritual biography that covers some of the major events of my life. Nourishment for the Spiritual Pilgrimage, is a year-long daily devotional meant to support one's spiritual pilgrimage. My first book was titled: Discipleship--A Lifelong Spiritual Pilgrimage and offers guidance and support regarding spiritual practices.

Below is link to my books.

Link: https://wipfandstock.com/search-results/...

Be well, peace, Vernon T.

LOVE---TRUTH---JUSTICE---RIGHTEOUSNESS

10/30/2025

Continue to pray for and strongly implore our Executive Branch, Congress, Federal-State-Local Governments, and our Judicial Systems to govern through the lens of LOVE, TRUTH, JUSTICE and RIGHTEOUSNESS.

“Those who say, ‘I LOVE God’ and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not LOVE a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot LOVE God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who LOVE God must love their brothers and sisters also.” I John 4: 20-21

“For thus says the Lord of hosts…These are the things that you shall do: Speak the TRUTH to one another, render in your gates judgements that are TRUE and make for peace, do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath; for all these are things that I hate, says the Lord.” Zechariah 8: 14a, 16-17

“But let JUSTICE roll down like waters, and RIGHTEOUSNESS like an ever-flowing stream.” Amos 5: 24

Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2025 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

Accepting What We Cannot Change---and Courageously Changing What We Can

10/23/2025

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Reinhold Niebuhr

This prayer is commonly referred to as the “Serenity Prayer” and was first written by American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr between 1932-1933. This prayer has been adopted by a number of different groups, and marketed in many distinctive ways. It has been sold on coins, posters, and pictures and has helped countless people over the years.

These words have so much meaning for all of us, at most anytime; but especially during this time of uncertainly with the recent government actions which have impacted numerous individuals and groups. Right now, there are many of us who are feeling confused, and are struggling. There are so many things that we cannot understand, and control related to these situations.

However, this present time may be calling every person to have the courage to change the things that can be. Some of the things that we can control are: how can we faithfully live daily in these crises; how can we try and correct things that we are able to----that need correcting; and how can we treat our neighbors on a daily basis---even those who are different then us.

For people of faith, we can also pray for the courage and wisdom to become the person that God wants us to be---to be more like Jesus; striving to love all of God’s people, no matter who they are. It is up to us to ask God’s Spirit for the wisdom and courage to change the things we can.

I do not know how life will look like in our Nation after we get through this. But my faith is in God’s infinite love, that no matter what the future holds, God’s love will be with us regardless of what comes down the road. During these days, try praying this as the Spirit moves you: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

May you have the courage and wisdom to change what you are being led to change. God bless you and your family as we all travel through these uncertain times; be well. Peace! Vernon T.

Copyright © 2025 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

Hope---In the Midst of our Nation’s Challenges

10/16/2025

“…and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” Romans 5: 5

Needless to say, we are in a very stressful period today. As we continue in this very uncertain time of the many government changes and the shutdown; the impact of actions done upon immigrants, the nonprofit organizations cutbacks, and the stress caused by our nation’s political divisions; many of us are very concerned about how all of this will end up. Over the recent past we have all experienced changes in our daily routines plus: pain, sorrow, grief, and a strong sense of a lack of control over so many things in our lives.

As mentioned before, like many others, I have struggled to get my head around what is going on all around us. I have had a fair number of low periods recently, especially concerning the events impacting persons who are the margins of society.

However, when I read verses like Romans 5: 5, that God’s hope and love does not disappoint us, then I can see some hope for the future. I realize that looking to scripture by itself cannot fix our current issues. However, when I pray for guidance and comfort, and read and reflect on God’s word, I am opening myself to God’s Spirit. When I try to let God’s Spirit settle into my heart and soul, maybe---just maybe I will be able to see myself and those around me in a different light. Changing ourselves and seeing life situations through the lens of God’s love is just the first step to improving the things that are going around us.

Please be aware that when we fervently pray, sincerely asking the Holy Spirit to come into our hearts and souls, we will be changed. That change may take us to places that we have never been before. Perhaps we cannot directly do much about the Government actions that are affecting us now, but we can pray for those impacted by all of this. Additionally, when we are changed, we are different, and can in some small way change those we come in contact with on a daily basis. Changing ourselves and those around us is a start to bringing God’s Kingdom here into this time and space.

May you find God’s hope and love during this very uncertain time in our lives. Hopefully, God’s hope and love can also give you the assurance, that even though we are all going through a lot as individuals, as communities, as a nation, and as a world; the Holy Spirit is beside us, even in our darkest moments. God bless as you travel through these uncertain times; and continue to be safe, well, and as sane as you can be. Peace! Vernon T.

Copyright © 2025 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

God’s Promises---in the Midst of Uncertain Times

10/9/2025

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43: 1-3a

As we continue in this very uncertain time of the many government changes and the shutdown; the impact of actions done upon immigrants, the nonprofit cutbacks, and the stress caused by our nation’s political divisions; many of us are very concerned about how all of this will end up. It is hard to contain our doubts and our fears; with so many lives forever changed, with the loss of jobs and income, and so much more! The emotional stain, and the pain and sorrow of it all can be so overwhelming.

Our anxiety comes to us in many different ways and what so many want to know---when can we get back to a “normal” way of living again? Also, how we deal with all of the other difficulties that are impacting us? Additionally, during these crises, and from what has occurred all around us, what do we really believe in---at our very core?

What many spiritual writers and our desert mothers and fathers have outlined over the years and firmly believed is that God has promised to be with us, no matter what we are going through, or where we happen to be in our earthly walk. Please read this passage from Isaiah again in your Bible and also refer to any footnotes that come with it. In this passage God has promised to redeem the nation of Israel, that they have been called by name, that the Lord would protect them through any problems that they may face. That no matter if the issues were of water or fire that they would come through it.

God called these people by name and promised to walk with them, whatever they went through. God still calls each and every one of us by name, and the promise to walk with us is still there; but sometimes in moments like these, it may seem that the Lord is on another path then the one that we are on. May you continue to have prayer/reflection practices that allows you to sense God calling you and walking with you, even in the midst of these calamities. God bless you on this journey now and in the future. Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2025 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

Strive for God’s Kingdom---One Day at a Time

10/2/2025

“But strive first for the kingdom of God and its righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6: 33-34

This passage is part of what has become known as the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus is teaching those close to him about how he wants them to live. This message was not for everyone, but only for those who were willing to follow him, and risk going against the culture at that time.

This message offers all of us who are attempting to become a disciple of Jesus Christ guidance about where our focus should be. By stating that we are to strive first for the kingdom of God and its righteousness, it reminds us that our daily decisions should be made through the lens of God’s kingdom, and not the lens of the world. That is hard to do especially when there are so many worldly voices vying out for our attention.

During this time of so many challenges and very incredibly stressful times for many of us because of recent government actions; it is certainly very difficult to keep our hearts and minds on striving for God’s kingdom before all else. Additionally, at the same time taking our life one day at a time, and not worrying about tomorrow, and leaving the future in the hands of our Lord---is really trying for most of us.

However, that is what Jesus taught his closest followers, and what this passage continues to teach us today---even in this very uncertain time. May the Holy Spirit assist you in striving first for the kingdom of God before anything else and leaving the tomorrow’s worries to our faithful and loving Lord! God bless you and your family now and always, and may you feel God’s love beside you on this ever-changing journey! Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2025 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

Personal Reflection on the Three-Year Anniversary of the Passing of my Brother and Sister-In-Law.

9/25/2025

(This was previously posted in 2024, but I want to remember them again this year!)

If there was ever a wonderful example of a couple and family who overcame a number of extremely challenging struggles with a joyful love and a strong determination, it was Bennett and Annette Jones. Three years ago, this fall we lost both of them within just about two months of each other.

Bennett was my oldest brother who died on September 16, 2022, and his wife, Annette, passed away on November 19, 2022. They had been married for over fifty-five years. When they got married, they had no idea what was coming later on. Unfortunately, Bennett began showing signs of having Multiple Sclerosis at age 42, in 1985. Over the years the disease increasingly took more and more of his physical abilities. Therefore, Annette, his primary caretaker, and their sons, Benny and Doug, as well as their support group had to do more and more to help him function on a daily basis. Until his death, this disease would play an increasing larger role in their lives.

This reflection is something I feel guided to do because of the manner in which these two handled what life had given them. We all have had to deal with issues that have challenged us, but how these two and their family dealt with those challenges is a wonderful example for all of us.

Even though he was stuck in his MS body, Bennett still seemed to find ways to obtain joy in his surroundings and life in general. Despite his compromised condition, he never seemed to be bitter or angry. He kept a really positive attitude and outlook on life and tried to live each day to its fullest.

Annette was the center of the care for Bennett over the years, as she made sure that he had what was needed daily. She eventually had to bring in people to help care for him, while managing her business and household duties and remaining involved with her community activities. Bennett’s life would have been so much more difficult if not for Annette. Also, I am sure that there are many people who would have just walked away from him over this thirty-seven-year period.

Annette kept him at home as long as she could until having to place him into the VA Facility in February 2017. Even then she would always be sure that he received the care that was needed, or else she would be in someone’s face telling them how she felt and what they ought to be doing. She did all of this because of her love for him, a love that overcame countless physical and medical challenges in herself and with Bennett.

Even though they both are gone, the love, joy, and strength demonstrated throughout their lives will exist in our family members and other lives whom they touched or influenced. This reflection briefly recalls their lives; but it mainly is written so that I can remember how much they impacted my life and how they are still a part of who I am today.

May you take a moment to reflect on those who have touched your life and are still a part of you; even though they may have left this earthly journey! Blessings and peace to you and to those whom you love, Vernon T.

(Picture includes my brother Bennett in chair in front, Annette beside him, back row left to right, their son, Doug, my brother, Brian, their son, Benny, me and Shirley.)

Copyright © 2025 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

Our Ultimate Trust Needs to be in the Lord our God and not in Rulers, Princes, or Government Leaders

9/18/2025

“Do not put your trust in princes, in mortals, in whom there is no help. When their breath departs, they return to the earth; on that very day their plans perish. Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God,” Psalm 146: 3-5

Over the past months our government leaders and especially the Executive Branch have made countless orders that have impacted so many. These orders have caused much pain and hurt and left many wondering what their next step will be in order to make it to another day. Many who have faithfully supported and cared for our country have been tossed aside or have been negatively impacted in some way.

During this trying time in our Nation, please continue to pray for those affected by these actions, and pray for guidance about what we can we do to assist those in harm’s way. Additionally know that according to the Psalmist’s words, all rulers/governmental leaders will eventually return to the earth and their plans will perish with them. Therefore, as faith-filled people our help and hope ultimately is in the Lord our God.

May we not lose hope when what we hear on a daily basis causes us stress and anxiety about our future or those around us. Pray that we are given the strength to take it one day at a time, and leave the future in the hands of our loving God. Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2025 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

Please continue to work toward and pray for peace in our Nation

9/15/2025

As we experienced senseless violence in my home state of Colorado and other places in our Nation and wider world: may we treat our neighbor and those who differ from us with love, as the Holy Scriptures and wise prophets have taught us; while at the same time praying for peace in our daily lives and for the wider community around us. Peace, Vernon T.

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not seek so much to
be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” Amen
Attributed to Francis of Assisi (1181-1226)

The Spirit Speaking Through Us

9/11/2025

“When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of you Father speaking through you.” Matthew 10: 19-20

This passage is recorded after Jesus talks about his twelve disciples going out to the Gentiles to proclaim that the kingdom of God had come near. He gives them instructions for the journey and warns them that they may be handed over to the authorities, in which case they should not worry about what to say, but the Holy Spirit would give them what to speak.

On our spiritual pilgrimage, the Holy Spirit can guide and comfort us when we are open to receiving the help. It can also speak through us, when we are called to witness to our faith, and when we are called to proclaim that the kingdom of God has come near.

A few years ago, I was fortunate to lead two Lutheran (ELCA) Synod workshops on the topic of spiritual discipleship, one in Michigan and one in Indiana within a few weeks of each other. For both workshops I had a handout with a presentation that I could have given. However, the sessions were right after lunch and people had listened to speakers all morning, and I thought that it would a challenge to keep their attention and keep them awake. After a brief overview, I asked them to quickly read over my handout and come up with topics that they wanted to hear versus what I thought they wanted to hear.

In that way they were more invested in the discussion, and we let the Holy Spirit guide what would be covered. It could have been a risk on my part to do it this way, because you never know where the discussion would go. Both breakouts seemed to go well and those who attended appeared to get something out of them. When I had done presentations in the past, I generally followed my outline to keep everything on track. I still had to keep things under control and moving in this case, but I trusted that what would be covered was what the people needed to hear.

May you be open to the Holy Spirit giving you guidance on your daily walk and when you are speaking about your faith or proclaiming the gospel message. It takes courage to trust and to give up some control of the situation, but that is what Jesus asked his disciples to do; hopefully you can do the same when the time is right to do so! Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2025 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved