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

Scripture Reflection: The Church Building May be Closed---But the Lord Still Dwells with Us

4/30/2020

“My (the Lord’s) dwelling place shall be with them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” Ezekiel 37: 27

You might say that I was born into a worshiping community. I started going to Jerusalem Baptist Church before I could walk, and was a member there until I moved away from Youngstown, Ohio and started in my insurance career. When I was younger, if my brothers and I didn’t go to church on Sunday, my Mother wouldn’t let us go to the movies on Sunday afternoon. This was a big deal for us back then, thus, we went to worship.

I grew up always going to worship and have carried that habit throughout my life. Over the years my family and I have been in a number of congregations, faith traditions in different areas of the country, as we have moved around from job to job, or call to call. I might miss one Sunday every once in a while, but never for longer than two weeks.

With all that being said, this new normal of not being able to gather in person to worship with our faith communities is hard to take; for many of us. This is just one of many things that we have had to do differently because of this COVID-19 Crisis. This Virus has impacted the entire world in some form or the other. Shirley and I are blessed that the church we belong to now, Lutheran Church of Hope in Broomfield, CO, is able to Live-Stream an abbreviated Sunday worship service, which works for the time that we are in.

A number of pastors and people have stated, the church building may be closed, but the ministry continues. Many faith communities have found very creative ways in spreading the Gospel message, doing ministry and outreach; while at the same time, trying to continue to build community; given the obstacles that have to be overcome.

We know that we don’t need a building to worship God in, for that can be done anywhere or anytime; even if having a church building is what we are comfortable with in this regard. There are many scriptures that reference the point that God wants to dwell with us, to make a home with us.

Please be encouraged by this insight, that even if we can’t physically be together in worship in a building; that the good Lord still wants to dwell with us, to make a home with us, and to walk with us. In this uncertain time, may you feel the Lord’s presence within you, and around you; no matter what may be going on with you and in the world. Blessings to you during this very trying time. Be safe and well! Vernon T.

Copyright © 2020 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

Reflection: Easter/Spring Hope---Sometimes is Hard to See

4/23/2020

God’s love, grace, mercy, and hope; and human love, friendship, compassion, and community are all concepts that are often difficult to see. These features can’t be seen as they originally are; but we know that they are very much real even when we can’t see, taste, or touch them. We can feel their effects after we experience these aspects of the spiritual and physical life.

Additionally, the wind can’t be seen, but can be very much felt. Also flowers and leaves before they come out, are tough to see before-hand, that doesn’t mean that these acts of nature aren’t there, we just can’t see them before they bloom. We believe that in the Spring time around the Easter season that we will once again see new growth, and the beauty of God’s creation as it breaks wide open, with all of its color. I have been blessed to live in a number of great places, and each area has its own beauty, and I have always loved being able to witness the new growth that comes out every Spring. However, sometimes patience is needed, because Mother Nature moves in her own good time---but it does come.

Also, events like the COVID-19 Virus, can’t be seem directly, but it is still there. The impact of this invisible and mysterious Virus, has shut down the entire world at some point over the past few months. Many have died, numerous are still in treatment; and countless others are trying to tend to the sick, attempting to contain it, and making huge efforts to keep our world moving forward as best as we can. Yes, one can’t see this Virus, but we know it does exist.

Even with the condition that we are all in, we can still see signs; of love, grace, compassion, and friendship being demonstrated all over the world. We can’t see the end of this situation at the moment, just as we can’t see a lot of the characteristics of this spiritual/physical journey. We can only take this Pandemic Crisis one day a time. However, I pray that you can still feel the unending love that our Lord God has for all of creation. May that love give you enough hope to make it one more day. Blessings on your journey, and continue to be safe, well, and sane as you can be! Happy Spring! Vernon T.

Copyright © 2020 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

Scripture Reflection: Promises------ in the Midst of Uncertain Times

4/17/2020

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 Coronavirus Crisis, many of us are still worried and very concerned about how all of this will end up. As countless of us throughout the world are still impacted by this virus in one way or the other, it is hard to contain our doubts and our fears. Our anxiety comes to us in many different ways, will I get the virus, and if so, can I live with it; will the world be able to fully contain the virus at some point; how long will all this last; and when can we get back to a “normal’ way of living again. Of course, there are no easy answers to these and many other questions that we all are asking on a daily basis. Additionally, during this Crisis, 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 issues 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, no matter what 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 feel God calling you and walking with you, even in the midst of this Crisis. God bless you on this journey now and in the future. Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2020 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

Reflection: The Easter Season During the COVID-19 Crisis

4/14/2020

If you follow the normal liturgical church calendar, you would know that we are in the Easter Season, which of course follows Easter Sunday. This season generally is seven weeks long until we come upon Pentecost. That is how things would normally work out in any other year but this one; because of the COVID-19 Crisis. Yes, we are in the Easter Season, but for the vast majority of us, we still can’t be joined together with in-person worship. Thus, celebrating Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter Sunday services had been done via the internet in some form or fashion.

Even though we have come through the Lenten Season, and are now in the Easter Season, there is so much pain in the world today. Because of this Crisis, many people have become ill, numerous have been displaced or unemployed; additionally, medical personnel have been made to work long and dangerous hours; some of us have lost love ones to this virus, and all of us have had to drastically change our daily routines. But God is still with us even in the midst of the Crisis. God is love and can’t help but love us, care for us, and walk with us even when it is difficult to feel or see that love.

During this very trying time in our world, may you be able to know that God’s love, grace, and mercy continues to be with us. Please be well, safe, and as sane as you can be! Peace! Vernon T.

Copyright © 2020 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

HAPPY EASTER!

4/12/2020

HAPPY EASTER!

Scripture Reflection: God wants to Dwell with Us

4/9/2020

“I [the Lord God] dwell . . . with those who are contrite and humble in spirit.” Isaiah 57:15b

When we think of dwelling with someone, we often think of people that are close to us, for the most part those who love us and want to be around us. Of course, there are other situations where we dwell with people that share a common goal or task, like those in the military or in a college dorm. They may not love us or want to around us, but they do so for the sake of the common goal.

The dwelling that is referred to in this verse is more like those who love us and want to be around us. It is written countless times that dwelling with and being with humankind is something God wants to do and in fact loves to do. Our part is to have a contrite, and humble heart and spirit to be able to receive this gift.

This dwelling doesn’t have to be in a certain place or structure. It can be anyplace or in any situation that you may find yourself in. Certainly, places of worship come to mind at first, and that definitely is a good place to start. God can also dwell outdoors, in nature, forests, near beautiful places, or in quiet places. I often think about when the ladies who came in my house to help me care for Judy when she was under Hospice care, brought God’s love with them when ever they entered my house.

Shirley in her role as pastor has often noted that when she visited people in the hospital or nursing homes, who had some difficult things to deal with, that she often felt that in that moment, she was on holy ground, and could feel God’s presence there. Maybe being present at a birth of child could be that indwelling as well. I am sure if you try, you could think of many other examples of where you have felt the Lord’s dwelling with and among you and others.

May your spiritual pilgrimage prepare your heart and spirit to receive this indwelling of the Lord God! Peace! Vernon T.

Copyright © 2020 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

Reflection: Holy Week and Easter During the COVID-19 Crisis

4/6/2020

Yesterday was Palm Sunday, and for the vast majority of the churches in American, there were no in person Palm processions. Many worshiping communities have had to live-stream or use Facebook, or some other method to connect with their members. This crisis has altered so many activities that we once took for granted. I didn’t know what a “Zoom” meeting was until a few weeks ago, and apparently that is the new hot way to get together.

Normally many liturgical churches would be having a number of extra worship services this week leading up to Easter. For some Christians, Easter is the most holy day of the church year. For many, sadly those in person Easter services, will not be held. Since I am married to a retired Lutheran (ELCA) pastor, I know how busy this week could usually be. However, I grew up in an American Baptist Church in Youngstown, Ohio, and for us Holy Week, didn’t have a lot of extra services. But Easter morning was a huge day for us.

Jerusalem Baptist Church was made of persons of Color, who had mainly come from the Southern States to find work up North. They were mostly blue-collar working people, who loved getting dressed up for Sunday worship. However, on Easter morning, they took getting dressed up to another level. Most everyone, got something new and lovely for the worship service. The hats, dresses, and suits were so colorful, and often people tried to outdo each other. Looking back many years later, I wonder, if the resurrection of Jesus on Easter, took a back seat to the clothes worn on that day. I am sure we weren’t the only church to do this. No matter what your faith traditions were years ago or are today; not being able to worship as a community in person, will be hard for all of us. I know for Shirley and I; we dearly miss being able to worship together as a community.

I would encourage all of you, to try and realize that the resurrection of Jesus and the new birth that event brings into our lives, happens daily, when we are open to it. The love that our Lord God has for all us as shown in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, is still there, regardless if we can worship in person on Palm Sunday, during Holy Week, or on Easter.

Acknowledging that this is a very stressful time for the entire world, with many unknowns, with lots of pain for those impacted by the virus, with tons of additional effort by governments and medical personnel to contain the virus; hopefully you are to able to pause, and reflect at some point this week, about the wonderful gift given to humanity by our loving Lord. Even if you are unable to personally attend services this week, try to look for areas of love and hope around you so that Easter can come to you, in more moments/days then just April 12, 2020. May God’s love and grace, bless you and your families/loved ones at this time. Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2020 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

Scripture Reflection: Meditating Day and Night During the COVID-19 Crisis

4/2/2020

“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 current COVID-19 crisis that we are presently in and will probably be in for some time, we are being asked to drastically alter our daily routines. In most states we are told to stay in one’s own space, unless we need to go out for the “essential” things of life, or go out to work in an “essential” operation. Thus, we can’t go out to be with others in so many settings that we used to take for granted, and in most situations; we loved to do.

We are all thinking of creative ways to keep ourselves sane and healthy during this time. 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 calling with this Blog, and with the books I have written, is to assist individuals and congregations 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 can’t 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. Many years ago, that wasn’t necessary, however in the highly competitive world that we live in today, giving ones all requires more effort then what was needed before.

Likewise, if a person who proclaims that Jesus Christ is Lord of their life, and then wanted 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 couldn’t become the person that God wanted them to be, without putting their heart and soul into that spiritual journey. 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 we are being asked to change our routines, maybe think of starting or improving on your spiritual practices. This verse mentions meditating day and night, which could be interpreted as this practice 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 world today, may you find the time, every day, to meditate on God’s word. Maybe you can start some practices that can be continued after we get through 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