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

LOVE---TRUTH---JUSTICE---RIGHTEOUS

7/14/2025

Continue to pray for and strongly implore the White House, Congress, Federal-State-Local Governments, and our Judicial Systems to govern through the lens of love, truth, justice and righteous.

“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

A Vision for the Appointed Time

7/10/2025

"Then the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it. For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay." Habakkuk 2: 2-3

One of areas that constantly cause me strain is that I generally hate to wait! Sometimes I can deal with it, but I mostly want to get moving, get on with the task, get it done! Of course, our society does not help with this issue; as we want and have instant everything, and when we (yes also Vernon T.) cannot have it, we wonder why!

However, spiritual writers and the scriptures tell us that following the spiritual pilgrimage comes without a clock or stopwatch. We are told to wait for God’s vision, even when we cannot see what we are waiting for. In my own journey that has been one of the more challenging aspects of this process.

When you have moments of doubt, that things are not going fast enough, try to remember that God’s time frame is not ours and the vision comes at the Lord’s appointed time. Blessings on your waiting periods! Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2025 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

7/7/2025

“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)

Picture is of Church of St. Francis, Assisi, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Emily Finch Gilbert through Julia Post Bastedo, executor, 1898, Public Domain

All Things Pass Away Except God

7/3/2025

“Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing make you afraid. All things are passing. God alone never changes. Patience gains all things. If you have God you will want for nothing. God alone suffices.” Saint Teresa of Avila

Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) founded the Discalced Carmelites and became the first woman to be named Doctor of the Church. She was a very gifted writer, and wrote a number of spiritual classics. Her spiritual teachings were based on a life of prayer. (This prayer was taken from “Let Nothing Disturb You---Teresa of Avila” Series Editor, John Kirvan, Ave Maria Press, 2008)

Many years ago, I learned a form of this prayer. It became one of a number of mantras, that has been used over the years, to help me get through some of life’s more stressful moments. What I have used was this shorten version: “Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things will pass away except God; God alone is sufficient.” No matter which version you reflect on, they hold some important concepts for any time, but especially in these very trying times that we are going through today.

Saint Teresa had a number of challenges that she had to deal with in her life, but she used her prayer routines to help her get through them. She was able to state with some assurance that everything in life passed away except the Lord God. That God alone was sufficient, and that nothing else was needed.

During these nation-wide challenges may you be able to reflect upon, and realize this same understanding. Please be open to using prayers like this one, and the wisdom gained from past and present spiritual saints, to help you make it another day. Please be well and as sane as you can be, and blessings be to you and your family! Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2025 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

Picture is of Saint Teresa of Avila, artist unknown. Smithsonian Art American Museum, 16th-17th century. Public Domain

Prayer for an Openness to All People

6/30/2025

In a time when many people are in harm’s way because of their heritage, we need to continue to pray for love, compassion, and acceptance of all people!

“O God, you created all people in your image.

We thank you for the astonishing variety of races and cultures in this world.

Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of friendship, and show us your presence in those who differ most from us, until our knowledge of your love is made perfect in our love for all your children; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen”

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

Peace Prayer for the Governments of the World

6/26/2025

As we continue to witness wars in a number of places in the world, let us persist in offering up prayers for peace where there is war and human suffering caused by these wars.

“High God, holy God: you rule the ways of peoples, and govern every earthly government. Work with those who work for peace.

Make every person in authority an agent of your reconciliation, and every diplomat an ambassador of hope.

Bring peace and goodwill among all people, fulfilling among us the promise made in Jesus Christ, who was born to save the world.”

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

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

6/19/2025

“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 government changes; the impact of actions done on 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

Meditating Day and Night on God’s Word during our Nation’s Trying Times

6/12/2025

“Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked. . . but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law, they meditate day and night.” Psalm 1: 1-2

During the Nation’s challenges that we are presently in and will probably be in for some time; many in our country are being forced to make drastic changes which has caused them pain and anxiously. Some of us are trying to understand what is going on, and why so many have had to suffer for apparently for no good reason. For many of us, all we can do is pray for those who are hurting, pray for and contact those in power and ask that these actions be stopped and reversed, and in some cases protest these actions to bring awareness to these situations.

Additionally, I would like to again offer something else that we could all think of doing; meditating day and night on God’s word. As some of you know my ministry calling, with this Blog, and with the books I have written, is to assist individuals on their spiritual pilgrimage. This ministry is one where we are all encouraged to begin or enhance our spiritual practices. Like anything else in life, these routines take time, effort, and energy.

I am a fairly big sports fan and have also read my fair share of sport stories and sport biographies. One of the common themes that has appeared is that the very best in any field, devotes a great amount of time in developing their abilities. A person cannot rely solely on their natural gifts; a great amount of hard work is also required. Most professional athletes train almost year-round, even when they are out of season. (Some work at their sport day and night.) They realize that they have to be in the best condition in order to complete with others in their field.

Likewise, if a person proclaims that they want to be a follower of Jesus, and wants to develop a closer loving relationship with Jesus; it seems that they would also need to devote time, energy, and perseverance in studying the Bible in order to develop this relationship. Many current spiritual writers, and the desert mothers and fathers knew that they could not become the person that God wanted them to be, without putting their heart and soul into their spiritual journey and practices. Thus, they have written about this process, and lived it on a daily basis. Jesus, himself, often went off alone to pray, and he was a good Jewish man, in that he knew the scriptures as well. It seems with all of these witnesses; how can we not do the same thing.

During the current crisis that we are in, and while many are being forced to change their daily routines, maybe we can think of starting or improving on our spiritual practices. This verse mentions meditating day and night, which could be interpreted as this habit becoming part of the very fiber of one’s life. For those on this spiritual pilgrimage and for all of us during this uncertain time in our country today, may we find the time, every day, to meditate on God’s word.

Maybe we can start some practices that can be continued after we get through these trying times that we are now in. Also, these routines may give us the strength and courage to take the next steps in our spiritual and earthly journey and to live in hope that God is walking with us, no matter what our trials are. Blessings to you and your family, peace! Vernon T.

Copyright © 2025 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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

6/5/2025

“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 last few months of 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

God’s Love is Eternal, and Will Even Outlast our Nation’s Current Challenges

5/29/2025

“Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant…it bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. I Corinthians 13: 4, 7. 8a

During our Nation’s current challenges, it often may be difficult for us to feel God’s love and be able to trust that the Lord is walking beside us. As this period goes on, some of us may be running out of patience with each other, those around us, and the local, state, national, and world governmental bodies. With still so many unknowns around these situations, it is easy to lose heart and become discouraged. However, many places in the Bible as in I Corinthians 13, it notes that God’s love never ends and is eternal. That no matter what happens in this earthly world that we live in, that love is everlasting. Yes, this love will outlast any current struggles.

As I have shared before, a really trying time for me in my life was when my late wife, Judy, went under Hospice care. We kept her at home during this time and we tried our best to care for her. After about three and half months of this period I hit a wall, and could not do anymore. To make a long story short, several ladies stepped forward to help with Judy’s care. These women were like angels to me, and they shared God’s love with me and my family during that very difficult time.

I would not have made it without their help and the help of many others. As much as we like to think that we can endure most anything, often during our life’s journey, we need others to assist us along the way. Those who do are vessels of God’s love and support when they share that love with us. I know that I will always be grateful for those who have helped me along the way, and especially those during that Hospice period.

As time moves on during these stressful moments, be open to offering God’s love and support to those who need it. Also be open to receiving this same love from those who are willing to offer it to you. We all need each other now more then ever. Remember that God’s love never ends and is eternal, and will long outlast these trying times. Be well, loving, and as sane as you can be! Peace Vernon T.

Copyright © 2025 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved