Vernon T. Jones MTS, Spiritual Consultant, Author
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​Scripture Reflection: God’s Love is Eternal, and Will Even Outlast the Coronavirus!

3/30/2020

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“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 this Coronavirus crisis, sometimes it 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, and national governmental bodies. With still so many unknowns around this situation, 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 the Coronavirus!
 
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 couldn’t do anymore. To make a long story short, a number of 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 wouldn’t 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 this crisis, be open to offering God’s love and support to those that 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 this Coronavirus crisis. Again, be well, safe, and as sane as you can be! Peace Vernon T.
 
Copyright © 2020 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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​Reflection: God’s Kingdom Expressed in our Present Day in the Midst of the Coronavirus Crisis

3/26/2020

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One of the first public messages that was recorded at the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry was when he said "the kingdom of God has come near." Thus, when Jesus came, he established the kingdom of God here on earth into this time and place. When Jesus gave us the words to what has been called the Lord’s Prayer, he told us to pray "your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Additionally, we are also to pray for and do our part to continue to bring about God’s kingdom into our present day. We take part in doing this when we strive for God’s kingdom and are guided by the Holy Spirit to do what we think is God’s will.
 
In the present crisis that we are going through, sometimes we may miss signs where God’s kingdom is present and active in our daily lives. However, over the past few weeks, I am sure that many of you have heard of how people have found creative and loving ways to support those who might have a need in this uncertain time. In my mind they are sharing God’s love and bringing about God’s kingdom into this time and place. Even in the midst of this Coronavirus crisis, many groups and individuals are attempting to impact people’s lives and to make a difference even with this event going on all around us.  

I would like to share a time when bringing God’s kingdom was done by a wide variety of groups; even, if it isn’t going on this year because of the restrictions around large groups getting together due to the virus outbreak. Shirley and I were fortunate enough to have been a part of something special when she was called to be the pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Alpena, MI. In this town there are a group of churches that have lived out a little bit of how God’s kingdom can look in this present age as they joined together to take part in various activities. This group was formed and operating before we got to Alpena and have several functions that they take part in doing the year. (Shirley has since retired from full-time ministry, and we have moved away, but these activities will probably be continued next year.) The most unique event is when they have midweek Lenten worship services.

When this was going on, each Wednesday during Lent the evening worship services are rotated from church to church, they start with a simple soup and bread supper, which is followed by a worship service with a different clergy person preaching each week. It is truly neat and wonderful to have so many faith traditions coming together to break bread and have worship together.
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We got to visit other churches, hear different speakers, and take part in a variety of worship styles. Even though each week the format is unlike the previous week, the worship is centered around praising God, and being in fellowship with other believers. Each year a specific Lenten theme is used for all of the services and the sermons delivered are based on that theme. In my mind this is a real example of having God’s kingdom be in this time and space.

The churches that are involved in the movement in Alpena are from the United Methodist, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, Episcopal, Lutheran (ELCA) and Roman Catholic faith traditions. I realize that Alpena isn’t the only place that this is happening, and in fact there are probably many other places that are more diverse then the churches mentioned here. I would also say that those too are examples of God’s kingdom being present here and now.

During this Coronavirus crisis, even if we can’t be together in groups, please continue to look for creative ways that you can impact someone else’s life, and be a vessel of God’s love to those around you; and in doing so you help bring about God’s kingdom into this time and place. Again, be well, safe, and as sane as you can be! Peace Vernon T.

Copyright © 2020 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved
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​Personal Reflection: The Unknown Road of the Coronavirus Crisis

3/23/2020

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“Eternal God, you call us to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with 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” An often-quoted prayer.
 
As we enter into another week of the Coronavirus crisis, our heads continue to swim with all of the uncertainly that is wide spread, locally and globally. There are so many parts of our daily lives that continue to be impacted by this virus. We have so many people dealing with medical issues related to this virus; we have a health system that is already sprained and may become even more tested; schools, churches, restaurants, and many other services have closed; numerous people have lost jobs or have them drastically changed; we have been asked to stay away from crowds and to stay home whenever possible. We have been asked to do things that just a few weeks ago, we never even thought about doing. Our world has been turned upside down.
 
We are being asked to stay away from all of the groups and communities that a lot of us love to be a part of so that we can be supported and helped, especially in times like this. However, we have to get through this without that physical contact and interaction, that is so vital to our mental and emotional wellbeing. A number of groups are trying to get together via the internet, and offering support in that manner. I would encourage all of you to take advantage of any of these forms of communications, to aid in getting through this time.
 
Please also be open to enhancing or starting some type of prayer, Bible study, and reflection practice, that may help you on your own spiritual pilgrimage, and could possibly help you get through this Coronavirus crisis. Taking part in spiritual practices will not help this event get over any quicker, nor keep you from being impacted by the virus. However, it may help you take another step, get through another hour, or day. For my friends, in the situation that we are now in, that is all we can do; take it one moment/step/day at a time. The road we are all on is completely uncharted and one most of us have never been on before. Our best hope is to trust that our Eternal God’s hand is leading us and that the Lord’s love is supporting us. Be well, safe, and as sane as you can be! Peace! Vernon T.  

Copyright © 2020 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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​​Scripture Reflection: A Right Spirit in These Trying Times of the Coronavirus

3/19/2020

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“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 last week or so life in the United States as we knew it has drastically changed for all of us; no matter who we are or where we came from. What some other parts of the world have been dealing with for quite some time, has finally come here. Things that we once took for granted can’t be counted on any longer. People are dying, getting ill, through no fault of their own; from something that is a mystery and largely unknown to many. We all are overwhelmed by how fast this has come upon us, and how little we truly have control of. I don’t know how all 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 this Coronavirus, 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. Peace! Vernon T.  

 
Copyright © 2020 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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​Scripture Reflection: Trust in the Lord

3/12/2020

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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”  Proverbs 3:5-6
 
After I finished high school, I didn’t have a lot of self-worth, and didn’t have a lot of direction at that point in my life. I was raised by a single Mom, who loved us and kept us out of trouble, however, I didn’t know for sure what I should at that point in my life. Two months out of high school, I got a job in a local steel mill in my home town of Youngstown. After being there a while, I started reading positive thinking books, to help me and to encourage me. One of these books suggested using Bible verses, to help with one’s self-worth. Thus, I began a life-long habit of memorizing Bible verses.
 
This is one of my favorite Bible verses, which has helped me over the years. I have memorized Bible verses to help me cope with the challenges of life, to encourage me and to help me grow in my spiritual walk. I started using the scriptures in various ways. While traveling in my marketing job, (before going to the seminary) I would write a verse on an old business card and then place it on my car dash. This practice helped me try to keep a positive mind set as I went from one agency visit to another.  

Later on, I would write Bible verses on a white board in my office for my support, but it also helped others who saw it. Thus, memorizing and reciting Bible verses are very much who I am and helps me keep my focus on God's kingdom and this spiritual pilgrimage. Think of doing something similar to assist you on your journey. Peace! Vernon T.  
 
Copyright © 2020 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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Scripture Reflection: Laying Aside

3/5/2020

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“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weigh and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith . . . ” Hebrews 12:1-2a

In Hebrews chapter 11 we heard about all of the people who acted by faith, and Hebrews chapter12 reminds us that these people are great witnesses for us. That we should try and follow their example, and leave behind those things in our lives that are barriers to becoming the persons that God wants us to be. This laying aside or leaving behind isn’t a one-time event, but an hourly/daily one. 
 
This laying aside, could be physical, emotional, mental aspects of your life. When I was in the corporate world, I changed jobs every now and then, as I looked forward to a better position for my family and I. Sometimes that new position required me to physically move my family to a new location.

​Of course, there were always good and less then good aspects to making this happen. We got to see different parts of the country, but also had to leave homes we liked, and friends we had made along the way. However, in order to take the new position, choices had to be made in order to make that happen. We had to lay aside our old way of living in order to be able to embrace the new future.

You may not be led by the Holy Spirit to physically move while taking part in your spiritual journey. However, it seems certain, that in some way or fashion, you will be asked to change, either emotionally or mentally, or in some other manner. It has been noted, that if you don’t want to change don’t pray to God. For by taking part in the routines of prayer, Bible study, and reflection, that at some point, you will be given the direction to lay aside something of your prior life.
 
On your pilgrimage may your spiritual practices give the hope, discernment, and courage you need to run your race and lay aside those past things in your life, while keeping your focus on where God wants to direct you. Peace! Vernon T.   
 
Copyright © 2020 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved
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    Vernon T. Jones earned his Master of Theological Studies Degree from Trinity Lutheran Seminary after a lengthy insurance industry career. Jones has assisted people with incorporating into their faith journey the discipleship practices that are outlined in his upcoming book and his presentations. 

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