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Compassion

5/25/2023

"When the Lord [Jesus] saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’ Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, ‘Young man, I say to you rise!’" Luke 7:13-14

Jesus felt compassion for this widow who had but one son, and in that culture, it would mean that she would be in a very tough place if he died. Jesus healed the son, which of course is a big deal, however an even more important thing was that he had compassion for her.

We may not be able to heal people, but all of us can have compassion for those who are struggling with life’s pains and sorrows. One of the definitions of compassion is to suffer with. I pray that you are given the guidance, love, and compassion to suffer with those around you and to walk with them in their pain. Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2023 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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Love One Another

5/18/2023

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"Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind." I Peter 3:8

There is a lot of meaning in this little verse. When I think of loving one another with a tender heart and a humble mind, I think of many people, but Vito often comes to mind first. Vito has my late wife’s father, and to some he might have come off as a tough person on the outside.

However, for me after some initial challenges between us he was a wonderful example of someone who loved with a tender heart and humble mind. His very life embodied this verse, and he continues to impact my life. May your spiritual practices allow you to be open to living a life which embraces these traits. Blessings on your spiritual travels. Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2023 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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Called for this Time

5/11/2023

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". . .Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this." Esther 4: 14b

Sometimes we can become overwhelmed with all of the negative happenings that come into our world every day. It seems that a day does not go by that we do not hear of another story of human suffering in one form or the other. The issue could be caused by some war, accident, or natural catastrophe, no matter what is, it can cause pain to those involved with the event, or to those who have compassion for those connected to it. This could cause some of us to have a sense of hopelessness with what is going on around us and in the world. In most cases all we can do is pray, and offer encouragement.

Another way to look at what is going on, is that each of us has been called to live in this time and place, and we are here for a reason. We may not be able to stop most of the things that are going on that are of a negative nature. However, we can influence our own lives and to a certain extent some of the things going on around us. When our faith and hope are in the love of God and not in what humans are doing, we can still be encouraged that this is the Lord’s world and not ours. Our prayers and concerns can change and help what is going on around us.

Please be encouraged to continue your spiritual practices so these routines can help you cope with the issues and noise that are all around us. These habits will not remove us from the pain of the world, but when we keep our focus on God’s kingdom, we know that in the end God’s love will be the only thing that will remain and that we are called to be where we presently are! Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2023 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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Being Purified

5/4/2023

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"But who can endure the day of his [the Lord of hosts] coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness." Malachi 3: 2–3

This passage from Malachi reminds us that part of this spiritual pilgrimage does include us being purified by fire and soap, which could also involve us letting go of the impurities of our inner self.

My mother and father were divorced, and my mother raised my brothers and me mostly on her own. I am not sure how she did it now that I am a parent and grandparent. However, we made it through and all became functioning adults. Hearing the words, a refiner’s fire makes me think of the times that my mother tried to purify us, so that we could be better people.

My mother did believe in the old way of thinking that at some point, when one of us was out of line, a spanking was required. I know that doing this is looked down upon in our society today, but my mother felt she needed to do that at certain times to keep us four boys out of trouble and to learn how live in our society. Of course, we did not know that at the time.

On your spiritual journey may you be receptive to the Lord God working through the Holy Spirit to purify you to become the person that God wants you to be. This will probably require change and even some pain for you, but God knows what is needed to purify and to refine you! Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2023 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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Compassion

Love One Another

Called for this Time

Being Purified

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Compassion

​Love One Another

Called for this Time

Being Purified

Author

Archives

Categories

Love One Another