Blog Archives - Vernon T. Jones MTS, Spiritual Consultant, Author

Scripture Reflection: Praying in secret!

2/27/2014

“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.

Scripture Reflection: God calling us!

2/24/2014

“Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days, on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud.” Exodus 24: 15-16

God spoke to Moses out of the cloud on Mount Sinai. One could say that it happened in the Old Testament and God doesn’t speak directly to humans today, at least not to me. I can’t say that God has spoken to me directly either, however, many spiritual writers note that God can speak to humans today in many different ways if we are open to it.

Note these verses, and Moses went up to the mountain and then waited. Could it be that we have to put our hearts and souls in a place that God can get our attention? On this spiritual pilgrimage that could be done by prayer, Bible study, and reflection. Waiting for God to speak to us could be a real pain, for in today’s society we are people of the moment, doing it now, getting it done, etc. However, Moses waited and maybe we should if we want to hear a message. Blessing on your spiritual journey and may you put yourself in a position to listen and be given the patience needed! Vernon T.

Scripture Reflection: Striving first for God’s Kingdom!

2/20/2014

“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 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, 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.

Scripture Reflection: Spiritual Food!

2/17/2014

“And so, brothers and sisters, I [Apostle Paul] could not speak to you as spiritual people, but rather as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for solid food.” I Corinthians 3: 1-2

One of the aspects of the spiritual pilgrimage is that all of us are at a different stage in our journey. What may seem basic for some, may be very challenging for others. The Apostle Paul is writing here to let his reader know---that is okay. However, many spiritual writers do reinforce the point that it is important to start somewhere in your endeavors.

I would encourage you to not be disappointed because you feel like the people Paul is referring to in this passage, that you can only handle milk and not solid food. Often it only takes a few minutes every day, with something as basic as saying the Lord’s Prayer, as a way to get started with spiritual practices. Please start with something, no matter how small and try to make it a habit and see where the Spirit takes you. Blessings on your spiritual pilgrimage! Vernon T.

Scripture Reflection: Letting God’s Light Shine!

2/13/2014

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid . . .let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5: 14, 16

This pass Sunday I was fortunate to preach at all three services at a former church of mine. I was also able to do a book signing after each service. I preached on this verse about letting one’s light shine instead of it being hid.

I used the concept that all of the experiences that I had at that church and other churches were still with me. That their light was a part of whom I am today, and that it would always be a part of me. We are made up of all of the experiences and people that have impacted our lives. Reflect on those experiences that you have had that have given you a light to share. May you be willing to let God’s light, which is in you, shine so that others may see that light! Vernon T.

Scripture Reflection: Discipleship means always learning!

2/10/2014

“When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them . . . ” Matthew 5: 1-2

This passage is mainly known as the “Beatitudes,” where Jesus gave all of the “Blessed are” statements. However, what sometimes gets lost in this passage is how Jesus left the crowds and apparently only spoke these words to his disciples. Thus he is giving those close to him the wonderful words that Matthew records in chapters 5-7.

The other lesson that comes from these verses, is that discipleship means always learning. Jesus is teaching here, and did so quite often. The word disciple means above all else—learner or pupil. We will always be learning about God’s kingdom and our call/role in that kingdom. Striving for God’s kingdom and being a disciple on this spiritual pilgrimage is a life-long learning process! Vernon T.

Scripture Reflection: Unafraid!

2/6/2014

“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 taking 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. As you take part in your spiritual pilgrimage, may you be secure in the Lord when life challenges come your way! Vernon T.

Reflection on Bible verses!

2/3/2014

“But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.’” I Corinthians 2: 9

For many years I have memorized Bible verses, to help me on my spiritual pilgrimage. I generally do one a week, and try to learn it doing my jogging time. When I worked in the insurance industry, I would place an old business card on the dash of my car with a verse on it, to help me stay focused on positive things when making agency visits. Later on when I had an office I started writing them on my board behind my desk.

This verse is one of the earlier ones that I used to help me. We can’t begin to conceive of what God has in store for those who love God and who try to follow God’s will. I would encourage you to have scripture be an aid in your daily walk. Blessings on your spiritual pilgrimage! Vernon T.