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

Advent Anxiety

12/11/2025

“It is these worldly people, devoid of the Spirit, who are causing divisions. But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” Jude 19-21

As we get closer to Christmas, beside dealing with the evil/war/hatred, political, racial, and economic issues facing us; a good portion of our society is also concerned about the material aspects of this time. For many weeks, at least in the U.S., we have had our fair share of ads letting us know that until we buy the latest new thing, our life will be less than perfect. We know that this is not true (especially in these very trying times), however, the daily message of buy—buy can weigh us down even more, cause us to have anxiety, and continue to keep us off of our spiritual center.

I pray that during this Advent season and these stressful moments in our world, that you may continue with your spiritual practices of prayer, Bible study, and reflection to keep yourselves focused on where the Holy Spirit may be taking you. May there be little or no division in your life about what is really important at this time and all of your life. What we buy today or currently experience is merely short term, only God’s love will last for eternity. Blessings on your Advent pilgrimage! Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2025 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

Advent Refection: Abounding in Hope

12/4/2025

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15: 13

Last Sunday was the first Sunday of Advent; just a few more weeks until Christmas day! The marketing of the holiday season that began well before Thanksgiving continues at a frantic pace. Even in the midst of so many things going on around us locally and globally; marketing for this season continues.

However, for the Christian church, Advent is a time to prepare our hearts, minds, and souls for the coming of the Christ Child, who is with us now, and who is still coming. It is a period set aside to reflect on this wonderful gift of love given to humankind by the God of love.

The Advent season should be a time of hope. However, having hope about the future can be challenging, when it is so easy to be discouraged by the things happening around us, such as the many physical storms of nature, the emotional storms in daily life, the nation’s political divide, and wars that humankind is facing worldwide.

However, God’s hope is always there, even if sometimes hidden by dark clouds. It does not completely take us out of the ups and downs of this fallible world, nonetheless, by focusing on God’s word and love it helps us to get to the other side of these storms. During this Advent may you be able to find hope about your future, and joy and peace in your daily life; no matter what may be facing you at the moment. Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2025 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

HAPPY THANSGIVING!

11/27/2025

“Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.” John 6: 27

Happy Thanksgiving! Shirley and I pray that you and your family have a great holiday and can enjoy the many wonderful things that come with it. At some point reflect on the many things that you have to be thankful for; and realize that there are many all around us that are less fortunate than we are. Many are struggling for any number of reasons.

When we think of others who do not have what we have been blessed to have or have the good health that we have; that may allow us to even be more grateful for where we are. It may be also, allow us to be more appreciative of the small gifts of life, that are all around us that we often miss; especially, when we are too hung up on all of the material stuff that society and mass media throws our way.

Also reflect on these words from the Gospel of John, where the only thing that will last into the next life is God’s love, and what is done for God’s kingdom.

May God’s peace and love be with you and your family! Vernon T., Shirley, and our blended/extended family.

Copyright © 2025 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

The picture is when we were at Golden Gate Canyon State Park in Colorado this Fall.

Prayer for our Nation

11/20/2025

Please to continue to pray for and strongly implore that our Executive Branch, Congress, our Federal-State-Local Governments, and Judicial Systems govern through the lens of TRUTH and JUSTICE!

“O Lord, our governor, your glory shines throughout the world.
We commend our Nation to your merciful care, that we may live securely in peace
and may be guided by your providence.
Give all in authority the wisdom and strength to know your will and to do it.
Help them remember that they are called to serve the people as Lovers of TRUTH
and JUSTICE; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

“Book of Common Worship---Daily Prayer” Westminster/John Knox press

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