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

Lenten Personal Retreat

3/12/2026

During this Lenten season, some of us may be tempted to try and give up something for Lent. However, something else that could be done is to DO something to enhance or develop our spiritual growth. One way to do this would be to take part in a retreat, which could be done in many ways.

I have been very fortunate to be able to take several personal retreats in my life. One of them was when I was able to take part in a personal retreat at St. Augustine’s House, a Lutheran Monastery, in Oxford, MI. Part of the retreat was silent, and there were many opportunities for worship, as the Monks normally worship eight different times a day. I was able to make several of their worship periods each day, and I had time for my own prayer, reading, and reflection. The Monks were very welcoming and gracious to me while I was there.

It was a very good experience for me, and I came away with a few good insights for me and the ministry that I feel called to. I would encourage you to think about taking part in something like that, somewhere, some day, when moved by the Holy Spirit to do so. You could also do a mini retreat, by just going off to a park, a waterfront, the mountains, an empty church; basically, any place where you can feel calm and quiet in your inner core, where you are able to pray, read, and reflect. Any time is a good time to do something like this, but the Lenten season has been set aside for prayer and reflection. Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2026 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

Intercession for Lent

3/5/2026

“Jesus, remember us when you come into your kingdom.
Hear our intercessions.
For your church around the world,
we ask new life.
For all who carry out ministries in your church,
we ask grace and wisdom.
For people who have accepted spiritual disciplines,
we ask inspired discipleship.
For Christians of every land,
we ask new unity in your name.
For Jews and Muslims and people of other faiths
we ask your divine blessing.
For those who cannot believe,
we ask your faithful love.
For governors and rulers in every land,
we ask your guidance,
For people who suffer and sorrow,
we ask your healing peace.”

Holy God, your Word, Jesus Christ, spoke peace to a sinful world and brought humanity the gift of reconciliation by the suffering and death he endured. Teach those who bear his name to follow the example he gave us. May our faith, hope, and charity turn hatred to love, conflict to peace, and death to eternal life; through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

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

Having a Right Spirit in our Nation’s Trying Times

2/26/2026

(This reflection was posted before---but it is still helpful for us to remember!)

“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 year 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: the poor and vulnerable have been hurt the most. Groups of people have lost loved ones, and other nations have been hurt by our government actions. 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.

God’s Spirit being in us, and being renewed daily, 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 ongoing 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 © 2026 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

The Lenten Season

2/23/2026

Last Wednesday was Ash Wednesday, during this Lenten Season let us reflect on how this New Jerusalem will be!

“Arise, shine, for your light has come; and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you,
though darkness covers the earth and dark night is over the nations.
But upon you the Lord will rise, and the glory of the Lord will appear over you.
Nations shall come to your light; and rulers to the brightness of your dawn.
No longer will violence be heard in your land nor ruin or destruction within your borders.
You will name your walls Salvation, and all your gates Praise.
No more will the sun be your light by day, nor by night will you need the brightness of the moon,
for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.”
Isaiah 60: 1-3, 18, 19

Even during some dark days in this earthly life, we have the promise of this New Jerusalem, and that the Lord will be our everlasting light!!! Peace and have a blessed and light-filled Lenten Season, Vernon T.

Buddhist Monks Walked for Peace, Kindness, and Love

2/19/2026

These monks recently walked 2,300 miles over 109 days from Texas to Washington D.C. Shirley and I and countless others were impacted by their actions and their loving spirit of unity on their long and challenging journey!

Their leader, Bhikkhu Pannakara, stressed that peace is a practice not a destination. One of the messages that he suggested to all who heard him was that each person upon awakening each day (before picking up our cell phones) to tell ourselves, “Today is going to be my peaceful day!”

May their example help us to find peace within ourselves, those around us, those in our communities, and in the nation and the world. Also, the prayer below from St Francis can be included in our daily prayer time to help us find peace.

“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)

Copyright © 2026 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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

2/12/2026

(Refection posted before but still helpful for us to remember!

“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 than 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 © 2026 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

Growing in the Knowledge of God

2/5/2026

“For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1: 9-10

As this passage notes, for those who are on this spiritual pilgrimage, we are to grow in God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Our knowledge about the Lord’s will in our life, and about God’s kingdom will change and evolve over time. Being a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ carries with it the responsibility to always be looking for ways to grow in our faith and in the knowledge about God and God’s word.

I entered Trinity Lutheran Seminary because I thought that was what God wanted me to do. I did not know why I was going, only that I was meant to go. I had always thought that I knew the Bible fairly well and was firm in many of my faith beliefs. However, the first quarter at Trinity was one of the most challenging and demanding times of my life. The remaining quarters had their stresses as well, but that first quarter was off the charts.

A number of things that I believed to be true about the Bible were radically changed or altered during that period. Some of the classes and discussion around the classes caused me to sincerely reflect on some of my long-held faith beliefs. It took a tremendous amount of emotional and physical energy to get through those classes. I made it, but what an effort. I continued my class work and in two years received a Master of Theological Studies Degree from Trinity. Even with this degree, I still read, reflect, and learn, and continue to be challenged regarding my knowledge and beliefs.

Be open on your spiritual pilgrimage to receiving new wisdom and understanding about God’s will in your life. Also, endeavor to grow in the knowledge about God’s word. On this spiritual walk you may be asked to change your beliefs or to alter what you once thought to be truth! Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2026 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

Time Alone

1/29/2026

“Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself . . .” Matthew 14: 13a

In Matthew 14: 1-12 we have the death of John the Baptist described. After Jesus heard this, he was sad and had to get away. Even though he was the Son of God, this event greatly grieved him, and he had to be alone so that he could mourn the death of someone he loved very much.

We may have times in our lives when we have to be alone to think about, grieve, or contemplate something that has happen to us. Like Jesus we want to remove ourselves from the noise and strain of the world around us. However, notice what occurred in the verses that follow this one, Jesus was moved by the crowds and went to them and ministered to them. Thus, at some point after our periods of grief and reflection, and we are the only ones who know when that time is, we ought to think about getting active again in the community that we live in.

I experienced something like this, after my late wife, Judy, died after a long struggle with cancer. We had been married for more than twenty-eight years when she passed away in January, the middle of winter when the days are short. My time of grieving for her was when there was not much day light, and I remember sitting in my living room alone after work, with it being dark outside, it really was a very trying and painful period for me.

I was alone a great deal in the evenings, for I needed to grieve and process what had happened. Of course, she was missed, and I did not know how my life would unfold. It took a lot of prayer, energy, patience, and support to make it each day. Spring did come, and I began to feel somewhat better. Looking back that time away from doing a lot of extra activity was important for my healing, and for my moving on.

On your spiritual pilgrimage you may have the occasion when you need to get away to pray, grieve, or reflect on events in your life. If that is needed, please do so, remember Jesus did the same thing. However, realize that just as Jesus did, at some point we may need to get back into our surroundings in order to do the ministry that we have been called to do, and to continue with our healing! May you feel God’s hands of love holding you no matter what you may be going through at the moment, Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2026 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

Following Instructions

1/22/2026

“When he [Jesus] had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break.” Luke 5: 4-6

In this chapter from Luke we have Jesus calling his first disciples. Jesus tells Simon (Peter) to go out into the deep water and let his nets now again. Even though Simon had fished all night and came up empty, he did what he was told. The catch was so big that his nets were strained and Simon had to get his partners to help out with the haul. Simon and the others were in awe at what had just happened. After this passage Jesus tells these individuals that they would be soon fishing for people. After getting to shore, all of them left their boats and followed Jesus.

As you take part in this spiritual pilgrimage, you may also be asked to do something that in human terms maybe quite remarkable. However, if the instructions and discernment come from the Lord through the Holy Spirit, hopefully, we will be like the first disciples and do as we are guided.

Something like this happened to me the summer after I got out of high school. I did not quite know what to do afterwards, I was not guided to go to college, or enter the military. I worked for a time at a few odd jobs. I did not have a lot of self-confidence at that time and was somewhat shy. Therefore, going out and trying to find a full-time job, or find out what I was meant to get involved with, was a very frightening task. A couple of men at my church helped me get interviews with two of the steel mills that were in town. I lived in Youngstown, Ohio and the steel mills were still a going concern for the community. However, this was an industry that I knew very little about, and had never been in one before. So, it took a lot of strength and faith on my part to enter this world.

I applied at one mill called Republic Steel, and they told me that they would call me later on if they wanted to hire me. I also applied at Youngstown Sheet & Tube Company, and they offered me a job on the spot and said I could start in a few days. A few days later Republic Steel called back and offered a job as well. I thought about it and decided to go with Youngstown Sheet & Tube.

That really worked out for me in the long run. I was laid off less working for them, rather than for Republic over the next eight years. I was also able over time to work shifts, which allowed me to go to college part time, and eventually leave after getting my college degree. I became somewhat comfortable in those surroundings; however, it was not very easy at first and took a long time before I got used to going to work every day. The mill environment could be very daunting and sometimes dangerous. Thus, interviewing for the steel job and then staying with that job took me way out of my comfort zone.

I did not fully know of the importance of that decision, however for my journey it was extremely significant. My life has been far from being perfect, and I have made my share of mistakes both large and small ones, however, over the years I have increasingly sought the instruction and discernment of the Holy Spirit on my daily walk.

As you take part in this pilgrimage and with your spiritual practices may you like the early disciples listen for Jesus’ voice coming through the Holy Spirit calling you to do things for the kingdom of God that you never thought you could do before! Peace and blessings, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2026 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

Our Life Lens

1/15/2026

As we begin a new year, hopefully we can take time to reflect on how past events have shaped our lives. All of us have been changed ad how we look at our lives and the life around us
is always altered.

We all have a life lens that determines how we look at every aspect of our life. The focus of our lens is developed by our life experiences; all of the things that we have been a part of, all of the people that have come into our live; and all of the events that have happened around us impact who we are and how we see life. Our life lenses are also influenced by the spiritual practices that we take apart in while striving for God’s kingdom in this present time.

My own life lens has been developed by my upbringing by a single Mom growing up on the east side of Youngstown, Ohio. My first church community was Jerusalem Baptist church, which was made up of people of color who had come to Youngstown from the southern states to make a new and better life in the north.

My life lens was later influenced as I worked in a steel mill, went to college part time for eight years in order to earn my bachelor’s degree, married Judy, who was of the Catholic faith. Her death years later, after a long battle with cancer, caused my life lens to change radically. My many moves around the country as I worked for different insurance companies gave me more experiences. Then joining a Lutheran church and eventually going to a Lutheran seminary, and then marrying a Lutheran pastor, Shirley, continues to change my life lens.

I give my life experiences to encourage each of you to think about all of the events both large and small and all of the people that have come and gone into your lives; and reflect upon how all of these situations have gotten you to where you are today. Certainly, this past year has given us much to think about and process. We are who we are today because of what has happened to us in the past, and how we look at life through our life lenses has been formed by these experiences.

At this beginning of a new year, besides reflecting on the recent past, please also be encouraged to either begin or continue to enhance taking part in the practices of prayer, Bible study, and reflection. These habits will give your life lens the ability to see things from a spiritual aspect versus a worldly one. This may help you to better deal with the many and varied issues of life! Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2026 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved