Blog Archives - Vernon T. Jones MTS, Spiritual Consultant, Author

Personal Reflection: Family Time!

12/28/2013

When I was in the secular work force, I was generally able to take off the time between Christmas and the New Year. This period became a bonding period for my immediate family when my children were young and we lived in Denver and then Northern CA. Both Judy’s (my late wife) and my families were back in Northern Ohio and so we spent these Christmas holidays away from them.

We normally got games as Christmas presents for each other and during the Christmas break, we played games and enjoyed each other’s company. I look back on that time as a blessing for we grew together as a family and enjoyed the time together. May this be a time of bonding and fun for you, your family, and close friends! Vernon T.

Scripture Reflection: Joseph and being changed!

12/23/2013

“When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife.” Matthew 1:24

Here we are on the day before Christmas Eve. The Advent season is also over. Additionally all those last-minute Christmas chores are trying to be hastily done. However, for a moment lets think about how important Joseph’s act was to what we are celebrating. Joseph had planned to quietly dismiss Mary as was his right in the society at that time. However, he changed his mind and went against everything he had always believed in.

While we are on this spiritual pilgrimage taking part in prayer, we should be open to being changed as Joseph was. Just as the angel of God appeared to Joseph and he changed what he had planned to do. God through the Holy Spirit may speak to us through prayer, some scripture, some spiritual book, or any number of ways. This message may cause us to change and move in a new direction. May we all be open to be changed on this Advent/spiritual journey! Vernon T.

Scripture Reflection: Advent Anxiety!

12/19/2013

“It is these worldly people, devoid of the Spirit, who are causing divisions. But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” Jude 19-21

Only a few more days left until Christmas. So much of our society is mainly concerned about the material aspects of this time. Since before Thanksgiving we, at least in the U.S., have had our fair share of ads letting us know that until we buy the latest new thing, our life will be less then perfect. We know that this isn’t true, however, the daily message of buy-buy can weigh us down and get us off our center.

I pray that during this Advent season you may continue with your spiritual practices of prayer, Bible study, and reflection to keep yourselves focused on where the Holy Spirit may be taking you. May there be little or no division in your life about what is really important at this time and all of your life. What we buy today is only short term, only God’s love will last for eternity. Blessings on your Advent pilgrimage! Vernon T.

Scripture Reflection: Here is your God!

12/16/2013

“Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Here is you God.’” Isaiah 35: 3-4a

This month I am preaching and leading worship for Leer Lutheran Church in Posen, MI. The past two Sundays I have preached from Isaiah about this Advent time of waiting and watching for the birth of the Christ child who is with us and who is still to come. Some of the imagery expressed in this passage shows how to see God in our lives.

Verse three talks about the hands and knees being made stronger. We use our hands and knees to pray and to seek God’s will in our lives. When these parts of our bodies are faithfully used in prayer, we are in a better position to see God’s presence in our lives. Then God can strengthen our fearful hearts, and tell us to be strong. Isaiah wants the Israelites and us today to know that “Here is your God.” God is walking with us, even when we can’t see or feel God’s presence, God is here. May you sense God’s present on your Advent journey! Vernon T.

Scripture Reflection: Abounding in Hope!

12/12/2013

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Last Sunday was the second Sunday of Advent, just a few days until Christmas day! The marketing of the holiday season that began well before Thanksgiving continues at a frantic pace. However, for the Christian church Advent is a time to prepare our hearts and souls for the coming of the Christ child, who is with us and is still coming. It is a period set aside to reflect on this wonderful gift of love given to humankind by the God of love.

Advent should be a time of hope. However, having hope about the future can be challenging, when it is so easy to be discouraged by the things happening around us, such as the storms of nature or the storms in daily life. But God’s hope is always there, even if sometimes hidden by clouds. By focusing on God’s word and love it helps us to get to the other side of these storms. During this Advent may you be able to find hope about your future no matter what may be facing you at the moment. Vernon T.

Scripture Reflection: Change and new paths!

12/9/2013

“Many peoples shall come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.’” Isaiah 2: 3

One of the challenging parts of this spiritual pilgrimage is that it can change us and take us to places and things that may take us out of our comfort zone. This writer of Isaiah wants the people to go into the house of the Lord, so that God may show them the path to take. When we seek God’s way in our lives we may be shown God’s path, which will probably be different then the one we would like to take.

Many spiritual writers have expressed the view that if you don’t want to change or be taken to new places, then don’t pray nor seek God’s will in your life. On your spiritual journey, may you be open to being changed and given new paths to take! Vernon T.

Scripture Reflection: Raised arms in prayer!

12/5/2013

“I call upon you, O Lord; come quickly to me; give ear to my voice when I call to you. Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.” Psalm 141: 1-2

In my book on “Discipleship” and in these reflections I talk a lot about the importance of prayer during ones spiritual pilgrimage. The thing about prayer is that there is no one way that fits everyone, and each person is unique in their prayer routine. From what I read and experienced, the main thing is to just try to start in some matter, and try to make it a habit.

Another thing I read was to try raising one’s hands during part of the prayer time. I read that it helps keeps one better focused while praying. I have tried to do that for a few minutes during my prayer time. Try lifting up your hands at some point during your prayer time, and it could be counted as sacrifice of praise to God. Blessings on your prayer practices! Vernon T.

Scripture Reflection: Rejoice and pray!

12/2/2013

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 4-7

Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent, and some church denominations have extra midweek services as a way to prepare for celebrating the Christmas event and birth of Jesus. One way that we all can get ready for this event is to rejoice in the Lord on a daily basis and have our prayer life reflect the peace that God wants us to have. Rejoicing and prayer doesn’t keep us from the trials and challenges of this life. However, it may, just may allow us to feel this peace given to us freely and that the world can’t take away. During this Advent season, may it be one of rejoicing and of prayer! Vernon T.