Vernon T. Jones MTS, Spiritual Consultant, Author
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Praying With a Companion

8/29/2024

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"One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o’clock in the afternoon." Acts 3: 1

For some of us doing things with another person is often easier than doing it alone. Organizations like exercise groups, book clubs, sewing circles, travel tours, and various communities, have been around for a long time. These arrangements allow those who want to, the opportunity to join with others to do a certain task, or to share a common experience. This is not for everyone, but a good percentage of people find it easier to have others along for the ride.

In this passage we have Peter and John going up to the temple to pray at the three o’clock in the afternoon. That was a regular time of prayer. They went up together, and they knew the importance of maintaining their prayer practice or routine. Some of you may find it difficult to begin and continue a daily prayer habit. Think of joining with another person or a group to add support to your desire to pray daily. Also look for an open church or quiet place where your prayer time can be done, if you are not at home.

Try different methods and places until you find something that is comfortable for you and your personality. The main thing is to start and to do your best to continue. If you have already started and have a routine, be open to where the Holy Spirit may be leading you next on your spiritual pilgrimage. We can pray at anything of the day or night, but many spiritual writers note the importance of having a specific quiet time where the only focus is on our relationship with our loving God! Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2024 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved 

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God’s Kingdom Expressed in Our Present Day

8/22/2024

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One of the first public messages that was recorded at the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry was when he said, "the kingdom of God has come near." Thus, when Jesus came, he established the kingdom of God here on earth into this time and place. When Jesus gave us the words to what has been called the Lord’s Prayer, he told us to pray "your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Additionally, we are also to pray for and do our part to continue to bring about God’s kingdom into our present day. We take part in doing this when we strive for God’s kingdom and are guided by the Holy Spirit to do what we think is God’s will.

There are times in life when it is really apparent that God’s kingdom is present. Shirley and I were fortunate to be a part of something special when she was called to be the pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Alpena, MI. In this town there were a group of churches that have lived out a little bit of how God’s kingdom can look in this present age as they joined together to take part in various activities. This group was formed and operating before we got to Alpena and had several functions that they took part in doing the year. However, the most unique event is when they had midweek Lenten worship services.

Each Wednesday during Lent the services were rotated from church to church, they started with a simple soup and bread supper, which was followed by a worship service with a different clergy person preaching each week. It was truly neat and wonderful to have so many faith traditions coming together to break bread and have worship together.
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We got to visit the churches, hear different speakers, and take part in a variety of worship styles. Even though each week the format was unlike the previous week, the worship was centered around praising God, and being in fellowship with other believers. Each year a specific Lenten theme was used for all of the services and the sermons delivered were based on that theme. In my mind this was a real example of having God’s kingdom be in this time and space.

The churches that were involved in the movement when we were there were from the United Methodist, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, Episcopal, Lutheran (ELCA) and Roman Catholic faith traditions. I realize that Alpena was not the only place that this was happening, and in fact there are probably many other places that are more diverse than the churches mentioned here. I would also say that those too are examples of God’s kingdom being present here and now. Being ecumenical in today’s world may indeed involve being part of events that include a wide range of faiths and religions.

On your spiritual pilgrimage look for places and events where you can sense that God’s kingdom is present, and where God’s will is being done and people from many faiths, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds come together for a common purpose. Then rejoice and praise God for being able to take part in such a wonderful movement! Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2024 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved
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​Jesus Christ Our Example

8/15/2024

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"For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps." I Peter 2: 21

Having people who can be an example in our lives is important for all of us. A strong role model is a basic family dynamic which is very much needed in order to have healthy children. Of course, there are countless who do not have anyone to be an example or role model for them. Children who are orphans due to no fault of their own, because of life situations like death, war, family breakups, or poverty issues may struggle their entire life because they did not have anyone to love them, protect them, and be an example for them.

My brothers and I were raised by my mother after she and my dad were divorced. My Dad was involved with our lives to a certain degree, but my mom was our main life example or role model while we were growing up. She taught us many things by how she carried herself and raised her family. We did not have a lot of material things, however, overtime we knew that we were loved and after all that was the most life-sustaining aspect for us.

As I got older, people from my home congregation, and then later as I began working and going to those around me, they became important persons in my life, as I learned from them about how to live in this world. They were both men and women who were from different backgrounds. Since I was always looking for wisdom, I was open to what they had to offer me by their words and how they lived.

Jesus is an example for all of us who are on this spiritual pilgrimage. By noticing what he said and how he lived we can learn about how to live as a disciple of his in this time and place. May you see that Jesus can be a perfect role model for you and give you the wisdom and discernment that you need for today. By taking part in the spiritual practices of prayer, Bible study, and reflection you place your mind and soul in a better position to hear and see what Jesus is trying to show you! Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2024 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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Gathered in Prayer

8/8/2024

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"For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them" Matthew 18: 20

Over my lifetime, I have been very fortunate to have been part of a number of Christian communities. They all have contributed to my spiritual growth and have been a part of the ups and downs of my life and that of my family. Of course, no community is perfect and at times some of them have caused me or my family pain. However, like most things in life if something is important to us then we try to work through the difficult times in hopes of them getting better. Thus, since I can remember my family and I have always taken part in regular worship services wherever we lived. Over the years I have been a part of an American Baptist Church, several Roman Catholic churches, and three Lutheran (ELCA) churches, all in six different states.

I realize others may view being in a community in a different light. You may have been a part of a very difficult or challenging situation from being connected to a community, and may have been hurt because of it. That happened to my Mother when I was a young teenager. For a while she was given a very hard time for something that was going on in her life. She felt that she was doing the right thing but others in the community thought otherwise. Even though it was very painful for a while, she stayed there and continued to worship with that same community. Over time things got somewhat better, and she remained in that church until she passed away.

Jesus wants us to pray individually and with others. Where two or three are gathered in Jesus’ name, he will be there also. In this passage he is talking about how to deal with issues coming up in the church, however, one could also state that Jesus is among us whenever we are gathered in his name and trying to do his will.

If you are already involved with a spirit-filled community, please continue to allow them to be a part of your journey. If you do not have one, may this verse encourage you to pray for guidance about finding one and then becoming an active part of the worship practices and the mission of the body of Christ. For when people are gathered in prayer, there is Jesus also! Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2024 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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​We All Have Different Gifts

8/1/2024

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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 great 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 did not 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 did not 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. Blessings on your spiritual walk. Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2024 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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    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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