Vernon T. Jones MTS, Spiritual Consultant, Author
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Lutherland and Italy Tour

5/25/2017

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As most of you know Shirley and I were fortunate enough to take a 12-day Lutherland and Italy Tour. It was done as a way to celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. We visited a number of places connected to Martin Luther’s life, and the beginning of the Reformation.

The main cities in Germany visited were Berlin, Wittenberg, and Munich. Our travels to Italy were done as a way to acknowledge how the Lutheran and Catholic Faiths have come closer together over the recent years. In Italy we were able to visit Venice (took a gondola ride with music), Florence, Rome, Vatican City and see Pope Francis up close and personal.  Additionally, because it was a pilgrimage, we had a time of group prayer/devotions each day. It was a wonderful experience all around. Enjoy the pictures. 
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Book Signing!

5/18/2017

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For those who live in the area there will be a book signing at the Olivet Book & Gift Store in downtown Alpena on Sat. June 3, from 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

​Hope to see you there! Vernon T.
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Scripture Reflection: We All Have Different Gifts!

5/11/2017

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For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: . . . Romans 12: 4-6

The lesson in this passage is also outlined in other passages in the Bible, and they basically state that all of us are called to fulfill different roles in God’s ministry and mission in this time and place, according to the grace given to us. Just as the human body has different parts that function and carry out their duties the body of Christ is the same way. We are all called and given different gifts to use in our various roles.

My two marriages are a good example of this. The written use of the English language is not one of my strongest suits. I have always been challenged in this, and the first class I took in college was Communications 101, a basic English course, which I failed and had to retake.

My late wife, Judy, however was really good in this area and helped me with my college papers and written correspondence afterward. Shirley is also very good in this, and has been a big help with my Seminary papers, sermons, and other publications. Thus these two have used their talents to help me in life and to fulfill my role as called by God. In the same manner I have helped both of them, and continue to help Shirley with skills that they didn’t have so that their ministries could be enhanced. Shirley, Judy, and I helped each other in our mutual ministries and in life with gifts that the other didn’t have.

Please be open to where you are being called, and listen for the discerning voice of the Holy Spirit, which daily offers guidance as to what is needed next in the body of Christ. God allows our skills and gifts to be used in areas that are needed and not being met by others in the community!

Lord of all creation, help me to be open to my calling along this spiritual pilgrimage, and guide me to use my gifts for the building up of the body of Christ! Amen. Vernon T.

Copyright © 2017 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved
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Scripture Reflection: Scriptures Gives Us Hope!

5/4/2017

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For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15: 4

After high school I went to work in a steel mill in my hometown, Youngstown, Ohio. During that time I started to read positive thinking books to help with my low self esteem. I read a number of them and began to use some of the methods and ideas that they expressed. There were a number of good life lessons in those books which were important to learn. They did begin to help me, and gave me confidence that I didn’t previously have. I will always be grateful for what they taught me and how they influenced my life.

However, over the years scripture began to take on an important role in my life and journey. These books could only help me so much, and more were needed from a support and learning standpoint. The wisdom and insight gained about the spiritual and physical pilgrimage from the study of the Bible far exceeded what was gained from reading positive thinking books. That is how it was for me.

I would encourage you to daily seek God’s word in order to gain insight and wisdom on this spiritual walk. Scripture is meant to encourage us and give us hope about the future and the promises of our Lord God!

Lord of all creation, may your word take root in me, and change how I view the physical and spiritual aspects of life, and may this focus reflect how I live on a daily basis! Amen. Vernon T.

Copyright © 2017 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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    Author

    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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