Vernon T. Jones MTS, Spiritual Consultant, Author
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Scripture Gives Us Hope

7/25/2024

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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 did not 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 a more important role in my life and journey. These books could only help me so much, and more direction and support were needed from a 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 and life journey. Scripture is meant to encourage us and give us hope about the future and the promises of our Lord God! Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2024 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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​Shirley Preaches and Leads Worship

7/18/2024

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This past Sunday, at Lutheran Church of Hope, Shirley once again led worship. Since she has retired, she has been called on every so often to preach, and in this case, handle the entire worship service, as both of our pastors were away. I thought since a number of you have enjoyed her previous sermons you might like to view her most recent one.
 
Below is a link to the worship videos for LCHope. Go to the video for July 14, 2024.
 
"LCHope Video Archives — Lutheran Church of Hope"
 
About twenty-four minutes in her sermon starts.
 
About eighty-five minutes in she does a blessing for our youth who are going to the ELCA National Youth Gathering in New Orleans this week. Our Colorado granddaughter, Bella, is the only female youth attending from our church.
 
Of course, if you want to view the entire service, the liturgy we are using this summer is from “Now the Feast and Celebration” by Marty Haugen. We love that liturgy and used it for our own wedding worship service twenty-two years ago this month. 😊
 
Enjoy, and blessing and peace to all of you from Shirley and me.  
 
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​Information about Vernon’s Books.

7/11/2024

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As you may know my most recent book has been in print for several months. Winding Paths, My Spiritual Pilgrimage, is a spiritual biography that covers some of the major events of my life. 
 
This book joins my first two books that had previously been published: Nourishment for the Spiritual Pilgrimage, is a year-long daily devotional meant to support one's spiritual pilgrimage. My first book was titled: Discipleship--A Lifelong Spiritual Pilgrimage and offers guidance and support regarding spiritual practices.
 
For more info about these books go to the Wipf & Stock link above, and they are also available through Amazon.com. 

May these books aid you on your spiritual Pilgrimage. Peace, Vernon T.
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Making a Home Wherever We are Sent

7/3/2024

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“Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce.” Jeremiah 29: 5

This passage is taken from when the God of Israel, through the prophet Jeremiah, told the people living in exile in Babylon how they were supposed to live. They were not to act as exiles but were to fully embrace the area and people that they were now with. God indeed had future plans for them, as noted later in this chapter. However, at that point they were to build homes and plant gardens.

Now I was not ever in exile in a foreign land, but I have moved a number of times as an adult. After finishing college my late wife, Judy, and my family made several corporate moves, out West and then back East. During that time, I worked for five insurance companies in four states, in two of these states I lived in two different cities. After I left the insurance industry and went to the Seminary, I moved to two brand-new states to where Shirley was called as pastor. After Shirley retired, we moved one time, to the Metro Denver area.

Some of the moves were longer than others, but in all of them I tried to make myself and my family at home, and we settled into the community. Along the way we were able to become part of a number of faith communities as well. We bought houses, put in yards and tried to make wherever we lived our home. We also took advantage of the surrounding area to visit on vacation as well as taking in all of the interesting aspects of the town that we lived in.

Part of discernment on this spiritual pilgrimage is living in the moment and trusting the future to God. That is what God was telling the Israel nation that even though they were in exile they were to build homes, live in them and plant gardens, to basically settle down.

You may not be called to move to a new location as you listen to God’s direction and discernment, however you may be asked to try something new, or take on a different ministry role. No matter what it is, take it seriously and embrace the new adventure and live in the moment, knowing that God has a future plan for you! Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2024 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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