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

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

Having a Right Spirit in our Nation’s Trying Times

5/22/2025

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.” Psalm 51:10-12

Over the past four months life in the United States as we knew it has drastically changed for many of us. Things that we once took for granted cannot be counted on any longer. Government workers of all types have had their worlds turned upside down or have been put out of work through no fault of their own. Many groups who have received financial aid have seem this support reduced or removed. So also have many immigrants had their world torn apart. I could go on, but hopefully you get the point, countless folks are hurting today, in most cases because they happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

So many have had to endure recent challenges which have created very deep divisions in our country. Many people from all walks of life, have taken to the streets and in other manners, to try and change this issue in our society. I do not know how all of this will end up, but I do that God’s love will be with us through this, and that God’s Spirit will be within and around us.

In this short passage “spirit” is used three times. There are many definitions of this word, and can be looked at from many different angles. If one is on a spiritual pilgrimage, it could mean that invisible influence that can give guidance and comfort for us. In the footnote of my Harper Collins Study Bible, it shows that the holy spirit in verse 11 means “God’s sustaining, powerful presence.” No matter how it is defined, the writer of this Psalm wants to have a new and right and willing spirit, and wants the Lord God and the Holy Spirit to be nearby.

Another way of looking at this term is in our dealings with others who have kindred spirits. Often, we can quickly bond and connect with other people, if our inner spirits are similar: who otherwise may be totally different from us as to faith traditions or family backgrounds. Sometimes we can meet someone for the first time, and immediately there is a tie or relationship that gives one the feeling: I have known this person for a long time and feel very comfortable being around them.

God’s spirit being in us, and being renewed on a daily basis, has the power to cross barriers, that in other interactions may take years to develop. What we are currently going through as a Nation may cause us all to look at each other, in a totally new and more caring light. For in this situation, our collective future is tied to how we treat and respect each other, and how our mutual loving spirits interact with each other.

As we walk into a very uncertain future from the impact of these recent government actions, may we all hold on to the truth that God’s Spirit will be walking with us no matter what may come. Additionally, this same loving Spirit, can also bring us closer to each other; if we are open to it. Blessing and peace to you and your loved ones! Vernon T.

Copyright © 2025 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

Let us to continue to pray for our Government Leaders and our Nation!

5/19/2025

“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 things Shall Be Made Well”---Julian of Norwich’s Vision /Words From Jesus

5/15/2025

Shirley recently did a presentation on the life of Julian of Norwich, who was an amazing woman. Julian lived in an era that was very challenging and yet she was still able to have a very spiritual life and supported those around her. It seems beneficial to reflect on Julian’s life and the words that she was given by Jesus as we try to live in this present time---with so many difficulties facing us.

We know little of Julian’s early life. She is known to us almost exclusively through her book, “The Revelations of Divine Love,” which is widely acknowledged as one of the great Christian classics of the spiritual life. She is thought to have been the first woman to write a book in English that has survived. When she lived the outbreak of the Black Plague in the middle of the 1300s decreased the population of Europe by a third.

Life for most was short and hard. Death and eternity must have seemed for most a hair’s breadth away because defenses against disease were few and rarely effective. Some historians believe that Julian may have been married and lost her husband and a child/children to the Plague.

In additional to the devasting loss of lives from the Plague many men and much money was sucked out of the economy to sustain England’s forces in the Hundred Year’s War with France. Eventually, the peasants, tradesmen, and well-to-do farmers revolted against the constant collection of war taxes.

As if all this chaos was not enough, religious conflict was added to the mix because John Wycliffe was attacking the wealth and the institutional power of the Catholic Church, seeking a simpler Christianity and the availability of a Bible in English. Social unrest and violent reprisals were prevalent throughout England and Julian’s town of Norwich was not spared any of the social/economic turmoil, wars, or religious questioning.

Julian's “Revelations of Divine Love” is based on a series of sixteen visions she received on the 8th of May 1373. Julian was lying on, what was thought at the time, to be her deathbed (however, she lived to be 74) when suddenly she saw a vision of Christ bleeding in front of her. She received insight into his deep love for us through his Passion. Often Julian referred to Christ as “our courteous Lord.” One of the oft quoted sayings in her book are the words Christ gave to her: “I can make all things well; I shall make all things well; and thou canst see for thyself that all manner of things shall be well.”

We know from the medieval literary work, “The Book of Margery Kempe,” that Julian was known as a spiritual counsellor. People would come to her cell in Norwich to seek advice. Considering that, at the time, the citizens of Norwich suffered from war, plague and poverty, as well as a famine, she must have counselled a lot of people in pain. Yet, her writings are filled with hope and trust in God's goodness.

Presently, we are not living with deadly plagues, extreme poverty and a war like Julian had to deal with. However, we have our own set of challenges and human-made plagues, which makes it easy to become discouraged or stressed out.

Please reflect on Julian’s life and how she was able to have a spiritually rich life that impacted so many people then and now. By doing this it may help all of us to reach out and support those in need. Also reflecting on Jesus words that “he will make all things well,” can give us hope about the future for ourselves, our nation, and the wider world. Peace and blessings to you and your family. Vernon T. (My thanks to Shirley for her wonderful research!)

Copyright © 2025 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

God Reigns

5/12/2025

“God reigns over the nations; God sits upon heaven’s holy throne... The rulers of the earth belong to God, and God is highly exalted.” Psalm 47: 8, 10

Let us keep praying for our nation and our leaders, knowing that over time God’s will----will reign!

“God of power and righteousness, you stand in power over all authorities, and you rule over all governments. Let the peoples of earth rejoice and the leaders of nations follow the way of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Amen”

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

Peace, Vernon T.

Daily Steps

5/8/2025

"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. . .. Our steps are made firm by the Lord, when he delights in our way." Psalm 37: 3, 23

One of the challenging aspects of this faith walk, is taking daily steps when we are not sure how things will turn out. When I was in the business world, most of my time there was in marketing departments. We spent a lot of time doing short and long range planning. It was an expected practice to make plans, and to work very hard to make those plans a reality.

That, however, is not always the case with our faith journey. In our spiritual pilgrimage we can be directed to take steps that do not fit into our personal-short/long-range goals. These steps can also take us to new places, once unknown to us.

After working in a steel mill for over eight years, I was guided to leave that job and move away from family and friends to take a position in the insurance industry. Much later on I left that insurance career of more than twenty-seven years and went to the Seminary, not fully knowing why I was going, only that I was meant to go, and I did.

On your journey may you commit your way to the Lord, take the daily steps as directed, and trust that the Lord will make you steps firm! Peace, Vernon T.

Here is a prayer for guidance that Shirley and I use on a daily basis.

“O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen” Lutheran Book of Worship page 304

Copyright © 2025 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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

5/5/2025

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