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Scripture Reflection: Dwelling in the House of the Lord

8/29/2019

"How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! . . . Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise." Psalm 84: 1, 4

In our society today there are many challenges/barriers to attending worship with a specific community. There are also many options for one to choose from, rather than attending a worship service. From sporting events, to coffeehouse type places, to people being too stressed out, to having been hurt in the past by a church community; many things keep us from community worship.

However, the writer of this Psalm rejoices in being able to be in the house of the Lord. The writer goes so far is to indicate that a person is happy by being able to be in the Lord’s house, and to be able to sing God’s praises. Many spiritual mothers and fathers have expressed the concept that if one is on this pilgrimage that worshiping in community, and in God’s house was an important aspect of this journey. On your spiritual walk may you find the time and right community to worship and praise the Lord in! Vernon T.

Copyright © 2019 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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Scripture Reflection: Immediately

8/22/2019

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"As (Jesus) went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him." Matthew 4: 21-22

This passage is used to show that if Jesus calls someone to follow him, sometimes it should be done quickly and not in months or years later. When I was thinking about going to the Seminary, I had thought about going part time for a year, and continue to work in the insurance industry, before going full time. I had gone to undergraduate school part time while working full time in the steel mill. I thought that was the practical thing to do again. However, God had other plans.

I talked to my pastor about my thoughts, and from things he did, and other signs I was given the clear message for me was to go full time and not to wait for a year. That ended being a really good thing for me, because if I had gone part time versus full time, I wouldn’t have met and got to know Shirley Ross, and wouldn’t have gotten married to her. Sometimes being practical is not what God is calling to do, but rather taking a leap of faith immediately to follow Jesus! Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2019 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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Scripture Reflection: New Adventure

8/15/2019

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"Our steps are made firm by the Lord, when he delights in our way; though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong, for the Lord holds us by the hand." Psalm 37: 23-24

When Shirley and I were married in 2002, Psalm 37 was one of the readings that were chosen for the worship service. This Psalm holds a lot of meaning for both of us, and we knew that we needed the Lord to be with us on this new adventure.

We both started Trinity Lutheran Seminary in the fall of 2000, and didn’t know each before that. We had many things in common, like both losing spouses due to death, and we both had a son and daughter with our late spouses. Of course, we had a few other issues such as not knowing what was going to happen when Shirley finished Seminary in 2004. In addition, we were starting over in a new relationship after being single, and after having long and very good marriages with our late spouses.

Thus, we knew that to begin this new adventure the Lord had to uphold us when we stumbled, for we surely would have our challenges. May this passage help you if you are about to enter a new stage in your life! Vernon T.

Copyright © 2019 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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Scripture Reflection: God’s Foolishness

8/8/2019

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"For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength." I Corinthians 1: 25

Sometimes when we are on this spiritual pilgrimage, we are asked to take steps that may seem odd to others around us. A good example for me was after I earned my undergraduate degree. I had been working full time at a steel mill and going to college part time. After eight years I finally had enough hours to get my degree. I started looking for jobs outside of the steel industry. I remember my father-in-law, Vito, really questioning if that was a good idea. You see, he had worked on the docks in Ashtabula, Ohio and he knew what seniority meant in a company.

I had nearly nine years in the mill and he thought I should stay there, because of how important that was. He wasn’t the only one, many of my mill co-workers thought I would just stay because the pay and benefits were good. Well, again God had other plans, and I was offered a job in the insurance industry (for less money) out of state, and thank goodness, my late wife, Judy, was willing to move, which we did.

One never knows what God may have in store for us. It may seem foolish to the world, but can make perfect sense to us in due time. Blessings on your spiritual journey! Vernon T.

Copyright © 2019 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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Scripture Reflection: Trust in the Lord

8/1/2019

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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

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. 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 helped me try to keep a positive attitude as I went from one agency visit to another. These verses were there to help with my attitude.

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 help 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 © 2019 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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Scripture Reflection: Dwelling in the House of the Lord

Scripture Reflection: Immediately

Scripture Reflection: New Adventure

Scripture Reflection: God’s Foolishness

Scripture Reflection: Trust in the Lord

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Archives

Categories

​Scripture Reflection: Dwelling in the House of the Lord

​Scripture Reflection: Immediately

​Scripture Reflection: New Adventure

​Scripture Reflection: God’s Foolishness

​Scripture Reflection: Trust in the Lord

Author

Archives

Categories

Scripture Reflection: Dwelling in the House of the Lord

Scripture Reflection: Immediately

Scripture Reflection: New Adventure

Scripture Reflection: God’s Foolishness

Scripture Reflection: Trust in the Lord