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Scripture Reflection: Unafraid!

1/28/2016

"They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord. Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid . . ." Psalm 112: 7-8a

One of the most difficult decisions that I and my family had to make was when we decided to put my late wife, Judy, under Hospice care. She had two operations to remove tumors from her brain, and already had radiation and couldn’t have any more. Chemotherapy would only slow this new tumor down and would have side effects. We also had endured several years of hospitals, nursing homes, treatments, doctor appointments, and having to do more care for Judy.

The decision we make was both easy and hard. We loved her and didn’t want to see her suffer any more then she needed to. On the other hand by going under Hospice care we were saying that we wouldn’t try anything else to prolong her life. Our thought was to just keep her comfortable. We weren’t afraid of making the choice that we made, but it was still gut-wrenching. When you take part in your spiritual pilgrimage, may you be secure in the Lord when life challenges come your way! Vernon T.

Copyright © 2015 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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Scripture Reflection: Striving First for God’s Kingdom!

1/21/2016

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"But strive first for the kingdom of God and his 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 wasn’t for everyone, but only for those who were willing to risk following him and 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, it appears that our daily decisions should be made through the lens of God’s kingdom, and not the lens of the world or on our long-term needs. That is hard to do especially when there are so many worldly voices crying out for our attention. May the Holy Spirit assist you in striving first for the kingdom of God before anything else! Vernon T.

Copyright © 2015 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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Scripture Reflection: Praying in Secret!

1/14/2016

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"But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray . . . " Matthew 6: 6a

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 section is about practicing ones piety before others. Many of the religious leaders in Jesus’ time liked to pray in the synagogues and streets so that they may be seen and praised by others.

However, Jesus wanted those closest to him to pray in secret behind closed doors, so that only God could hear them. I am sure it is okay to pray in public, and many of us do that in many different ways. But in this chapter from Matthew Jesus is giving direction about how to pray; alone, and what to pray; the Lord’s Prayer. During your spiritual pilgrimage may you find the time to pray alone, so that God alone can hear your prayers! Vernon T.

Copyright © 2015 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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Reflection: The New Year!

1/7/2016

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One of Shirley’s and my favorite spiritual writers is Henri Nouwen. He was a Catholic priest, now deceased, who was a very important writer in the last century. In his book "Bread for the Journey" for January 8 he writes about having light for the next step. As we begin a new year, we can become concerned about what this year holds for us. He notes that generally we only enough light for the coming hour or the following day.

He writes, "The art of living is to enjoy what we can see and not complain about what remains in the dark." He goes on to say that when we can take the next step with faith, our life can be filled with joy. May you be able to trust the Lord about the future and live today with that faith. Blessings on your spiritual pilgrimage throughout the New Year! Vernon T.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

1/2/2016

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Scripture Reflection: Unafraid!

Scripture Reflection: Striving First for God’s Kingdom!

Scripture Reflection: Praying in Secret!

Reflection: The New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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