Blog Archives

Happy Thanksgiving!

11/28/2024

“Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.” John 6: 27

Happy Thanksgiving! Shirley and I pray that you and your family have a great holiday and can enjoy the many wonderful things that come with it. At some point reflect on the many things that you have to be thankful for; and realize that there are many all around us that are less fortunate than we are. Many are struggling for any number of reasons.

When we think of others that do not have what we have been blessed to have or have the good health that we have; that may allow us to even be more grateful for where we are. It may be also, allow us to be more appreciative of the small gifts of life, that are all around us that we often miss; especially, when we are too hung up on all of the material stuff that society and mass media throws our way.

Also reflect on these words from the Gospel of John, where the only thing that will last into the next life is God’s love, and what is done for God’s kingdom.

May God’s peace and love be with you and your family! Vernon T., Shirley, and our blended/extended family.

Copyright © 2024 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

The picture is when we were at Elitch Gardens Theme Park, Denver, CO.

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Being Faithful and Being Kept Sound

11/21/2024

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“May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do this.” I Thessalonians 5: 23-24

This letter from Paul gives us a view of his initial missionary activity and it gives encouragement about how believers should live at that time. He wanted them to know that their entire being would be kept sound because Jesus was faithful about his promises to return. We all may have times in our lives when we do not have the faith to trust in the promises of God, or in our present situations, or in the people that are around us.

Having the faith to trust is something that I, personally, have had challenges with at various times in my life. Once, in October of 1993, one of the insurance companies I worked for took all of their management staff to an outward-bound experience with a company called Pecos River Learning Centers. Pecos River worked with organizations to help train their employees to faithfully function together while doing various tasks.

I was worried about it before I went, and even tried to talk my supervisor out of making me go, which did not work. Those few days took me way out of my comfort zone. One of the activities was to climb up this tall pole, which was at least twenty feet up, and to jump off the pole to hit a bell some distance away, with nothing under neath you. You had to do this by trusting that your teammates would securely hold you up with ropes.

I am deathly afraid of heights and told my teammates this, the day before we were scheduled to do it. I let them know that I did not want to do it. However, because we had some other team building events prior to that, I came to trust in my teammates. I was able to climb the pole and jumped off it----in faith. A team member took this picture of me jumping off the high pole and hitting the bell. It was a wonderful experience for me, and one I will always remember and one I am very grateful for.

On your spiritual pilgrimage please be faithful and believe that God will also keep you safe and sound, when you are asked by the Holy Spirit to take a risk; physically, emotionally, or spiritually! Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2024 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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Faith Community

11/14/2024

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"And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10: 24–25

This passage is often quoted to encourage people to worship regularly with a faith community. From my own personal experience, being connected to and involved with a worshiping community has been an important part of my spiritual pilgrimage. Over the years communities I have attended have been a support and help for me. I realize that there are no perfect faith communities, just as there are no perfect people. All of the communities have had aspects that I did not like or care for, but in most cases the good have outweighed the bad. My family and I have been formed and blessed by several, and here are a few of them.

Jerusalem Baptist Church in Youngstown, Ohio was the cradle where my faith formation began. While attending Youngstown State University, I also became involved in its Campus Christian Fellowship. Being a part of this organization and others on campus enabled me to participate in an environment whereby people from different faiths, backgrounds, and cultures could come together in unity.

Following my marriage to my late wife Judy, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Pickerington, Ohio was the faith community that nurtured my family for a number of years. As I moved around the country on corporate moves, my family was also involved in several other Catholic churches. I later joined Epiphany Lutheran (ELCA) Church, also in Pickerington, where I once again became involved in various ministries.

Other faith communities were Bethany Lutheran Church in Louisville, Kentucky where I was their Worship Leader and Spiritual Consultant as well as Christ Lutheran Church, also in Louisville, where I served as Director of Small Group Ministry. The two churches that Shirley has served as Pastor has contributed to my walk as well, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Louisville, Kentucky and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Alpena, Michigan.

While in Alpena I also attended the midweek services at Trinity Episcopal Church. Currently we belong to Lutheran Church of Hope in Bloomfield, CO, and also attend St. James Episcopal Church in Wheat Ridge, CO, for their midweek noon service.

I would encourage all of you to try to find a community that can help you on your journey. In one’s spiritual pilgrimage it is vitally important to be part of a faith—filled community. If you are a part of one that works well for you that is wonderful. Some of you may have even been hurt by a community and could find it hard to join another, however, if you are not part of one, try to find an open, loving, and supportive body that is best for you! Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2024 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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Growing in the Knowledge of God

11/8/2024

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"For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God." Colossians 1: 9–10

As this passage notes, we are to grow in God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Our knowledge about God’s will in our life, and about God’s kingdom will change and evolve over time. Being a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ carries with it the responsibility to always be looking for ways to grow in our faith and in the knowledge about God and God’s word.

I entered Trinity Lutheran Seminary because I thought that was what God wanted me to do. I did not know why I was going, only that I was meant to go. One thing for sure I realized that I was not called to be an ordained pastor. I had always thought that I knew the Bible fairly well and was firm in many of my faith beliefs. However, the first quarter at Trinity was one of the most challenging and demanding times of my life. The remaining quarters had their stresses as well, but that first quarter was off the charts.

A number of things that I believed to be true about the Bible were radically changed or altered during that period. Some of the classes and the discussions from them caused me to sincerely reflect on some of my long—held faith beliefs. It took a tremendous amount of emotional and physical energy to get through those courses. I made it, but what an effort! I continued my class work and in two years received a Master of Theological Studies Degree from Trinity. Even with this degree, I still read, reflect, and learn, and continue to be challenged regarding my knowledge and beliefs.

Please be open on your spiritual pilgrimage to receiving new wisdom and understanding about God’s will in your life. Also, endeavor to grow in the knowledge about God’s word. On this spiritual walk you may be asked to change your beliefs or alter what you once thought to be truth! Peace, Vernon T.

Copyright © 2024 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved

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Prayer for our Government Leaders

11/6/2024

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O Lord, our governor, your glory shines throughout the world.
We commend our nation to your merciful care, that we may live securely in peace
and may be guided by your providence.
Give all in authority the wisdom and strength to know your will and to do it.
Help them remember that they are called to serve the people as lovers of truth
and justice; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“Book of Common Worship---Daily Prayer” Westminster/John Knox press

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Being Faithful and Being Kept Sound

Faith Community

Growing in the Knowledge of God

Prayer for our Government Leaders

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Being Faithful and Being Kept Sound

​Faith Community

Growing in the Knowledge of God

​Prayer for our Government Leaders

Author

Archives

Categories

Faith Community

Prayer for our Government Leaders