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LOVE---TRUTH---JUSTICE---RIGHTEOUSNESS

10/30/2025

Continue to pray for and strongly implore our Executive Branch, Congress, Federal-State-Local Governments, and our Judicial Systems to govern through the lens of LOVE, TRUTH, JUSTICE and RIGHTEOUSNESS.

“Those who say, ‘I LOVE God’ and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not LOVE a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot LOVE God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who LOVE God must love their brothers and sisters also.” I John 4: 20-21

“For thus says the Lord of hosts…These are the things that you shall do: Speak the TRUTH to one another, render in your gates judgements that are TRUE and make for peace, do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath; for all these are things that I hate, says the Lord.” Zechariah 8: 14a, 16-17

“But let JUSTICE roll down like waters, and RIGHTEOUSNESS like an ever-flowing stream.” Amos 5: 24

Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2025 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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Accepting What We Cannot Change---and Courageously Changing What We Can

10/23/2025

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“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Reinhold Niebuhr

This prayer is commonly referred to as the “Serenity Prayer” and was first written by American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr between 1932-1933. This prayer has been adopted by a number of different groups, and marketed in many distinctive ways. It has been sold on coins, posters, and pictures and has helped countless people over the years.

These words have so much meaning for all of us, at most anytime; but especially during this time of uncertainly with the recent government actions which have impacted numerous individuals and groups. Right now, there are many of us who are feeling confused, and are struggling. There are so many things that we cannot understand, and control related to these situations.

However, this present time may be calling every person to have the courage to change the things that can be. Some of the things that we can control are: how can we faithfully live daily in these crises; how can we try and correct things that we are able to----that need correcting; and how can we treat our neighbors on a daily basis---even those who are different then us.

For people of faith, we can also pray for the courage and wisdom to become the person that God wants us to be---to be more like Jesus; striving to love all of God’s people, no matter who they are. It is up to us to ask God’s Spirit for the wisdom and courage to change the things we can.

I do not know how life will look like in our Nation after we get through this. But my faith is in God’s infinite love, that no matter what the future holds, God’s love will be with us regardless of what comes down the road. During these days, try praying this as the Spirit moves you: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

May you have the courage and wisdom to change what you are being led to change. God bless you and your family as we all travel through these uncertain times; be well. Peace! Vernon T.

Copyright © 2025 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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Hope---In the Midst of our Nation’s Challenges

10/16/2025

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“…and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” Romans 5: 5

Needless to say, we are in a very stressful period today. As we continue in this very uncertain time of the many government changes and the shutdown; the impact of actions done upon immigrants, the nonprofit organizations cutbacks, and the stress caused by our nation’s political divisions; many of us are very concerned about how all of this will end up. Over the recent past we have all experienced changes in our daily routines plus: pain, sorrow, grief, and a strong sense of a lack of control over so many things in our lives.

As mentioned before, like many others, I have struggled to get my head around what is going on all around us. I have had a fair number of low periods recently, especially concerning the events impacting persons who are the margins of society.

However, when I read verses like Romans 5: 5, that God’s hope and love does not disappoint us, then I can see some hope for the future. I realize that looking to scripture by itself cannot fix our current issues. However, when I pray for guidance and comfort, and read and reflect on God’s word, I am opening myself to God’s Spirit. When I try to let God’s Spirit settle into my heart and soul, maybe---just maybe I will be able to see myself and those around me in a different light. Changing ourselves and seeing life situations through the lens of God’s love is just the first step to improving the things that are going around us.

Please be aware that when we fervently pray, sincerely asking the Holy Spirit to come into our hearts and souls, we will be changed. That change may take us to places that we have never been before. Perhaps we cannot directly do much about the Government actions that are affecting us now, but we can pray for those impacted by all of this. Additionally, when we are changed, we are different, and can in some small way change those we come in contact with on a daily basis. Changing ourselves and those around us is a start to bringing God’s Kingdom here into this time and space.

May you find God’s hope and love during this very uncertain time in our lives. Hopefully, God’s hope and love can also give you the assurance, that even though we are all going through a lot as individuals, as communities, as a nation, and as a world; the Holy Spirit is beside us, even in our darkest moments. God bless as you travel through these uncertain times; and continue to be safe, well, and as sane as you can be. Peace! Vernon T.

Copyright © 2025 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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God’s Promises---in the Midst of Uncertain Times

10/9/2025

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“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43: 1-3a

As we continue in this very uncertain time of the many government changes and the shutdown; the impact of actions done upon immigrants, the nonprofit cutbacks, and the stress caused by our nation’s political divisions; many of us are very concerned about how all of this will end up. It is hard to contain our doubts and our fears; with so many lives forever changed, with the loss of jobs and income, and so much more! The emotional stain, and the pain and sorrow of it all can be so overwhelming.

Our anxiety comes to us in many different ways and what so many want to know---when can we get back to a “normal” way of living again? Also, how we deal with all of the other difficulties that are impacting us? Additionally, during these crises, and from what has occurred all around us, what do we really believe in---at our very core?

What many spiritual writers and our desert mothers and fathers have outlined over the years and firmly believed is that God has promised to be with us, no matter what we are going through, or where we happen to be in our earthly walk. Please read this passage from Isaiah again in your Bible and also refer to any footnotes that come with it. In this passage God has promised to redeem the nation of Israel, that they have been called by name, that the Lord would protect them through any problems that they may face. That no matter if the issues were of water or fire that they would come through it.

God called these people by name and promised to walk with them, whatever they went through. God still calls each and every one of us by name, and the promise to walk with us is still there; but sometimes in moments like these, it may seem that the Lord is on another path then the one that we are on. May you continue to have prayer/reflection practices that allows you to sense God calling you and walking with you, even in the midst of these calamities. God bless you on this journey now and in the future. Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2025 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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Strive for God’s Kingdom---One Day at a Time

10/2/2025

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“But strive first for the kingdom of God and its righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6: 33-34

This passage is part of what has become known as the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus is teaching those close to him about how he wants them to live. This message was not for everyone, but only for those who were willing to follow him, and risk going against the culture at that time.

This message offers all of us who are attempting to become a disciple of Jesus Christ guidance about where our focus should be. By stating that we are to strive first for the kingdom of God and its righteousness, it reminds us that our daily decisions should be made through the lens of God’s kingdom, and not the lens of the world. That is hard to do especially when there are so many worldly voices vying out for our attention.

During this time of so many challenges and very incredibly stressful times for many of us because of recent government actions; it is certainly very difficult to keep our hearts and minds on striving for God’s kingdom before all else. Additionally, at the same time taking our life one day at a time, and not worrying about tomorrow, and leaving the future in the hands of our Lord---is really trying for most of us.

However, that is what Jesus taught his closest followers, and what this passage continues to teach us today---even in this very uncertain time. May the Holy Spirit assist you in striving first for the kingdom of God before anything else and leaving the tomorrow’s worries to our faithful and loving Lord! God bless you and your family now and always, and may you feel God’s love beside you on this ever-changing journey! Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2025 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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LOVE---TRUTH---JUSTICE---RIGHTEOUSNESS

Accepting What We Cannot Change---and Courageously Changing What We Can

Hope---In the Midst of our Nation’s Challenges

God’s Promises---in the Midst of Uncertain Times

Strive for God’s Kingdom---One Day at a Time

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Archives

Categories

LOVE---TRUTH---JUSTICE---RIGHTEOUSNESS

Accepting What We Cannot Change---and Courageously Changing What We Can

​Hope---In the Midst of our Nation’s Challenges

​God’s Promises---in the Midst of Uncertain Times

Strive for God’s Kingdom---One Day at a Time

Author

Archives

Categories

Hope---In the Midst of our Nation’s Challenges

God’s Promises---in the Midst of Uncertain Times