"....God, Who Comforts the Downcast...."

"Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus...." (2 Corinthians 7:6)

The proud person will not receive a "Titus."  He doesn't need him because he/she is self sufficient, spiritual, more mature, doesn't need what the rest of us need.  Paul, however, was not such a one.  He says in the previous verse, "For indeed when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side.  Outside were conflicts, inside were fears."  Imagine, the great Apostle, who wrote most of the New Testament Epistles, was admitting to, "conflicts," and, "fears."  But we cannot admit to that.  We might lose our status as the comforter of others, while we are too mature to need such comfort.  Right.

Our Lord Jesus received comfort from an angel in the Garden in His "greatest" moment of decision.  Who do we think we are?  You and I are no less in need of comfort, the strengthening power of that "Titus" Jesus may bring our way.  Most religious people are able to give; they talk of their desire to be "used by the Lord."  Too many times that is just ego talking.  When many give, there is a subtle tendency to feel superior to the person to whom they give.  The "lesser" needs; the "greater" supplies.  Pride can function in this way for a very long time.

How are you at receiving "Titus."  Lay aside any pride which always wants to function as the giver and not the receiver.  Our Lord said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."  We can negate this in our lives, however, if our giving does not conform to what Phillips translates of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4, "....it is neither anxious to impress nor does it cherish inflated ideas of its own importance."  We can miss great comfort if we will only receive input/comfort from above and not from beneath, i.e., "big names" as opposed to "no names."  Our Lord Jesus will many, many times bring a "Titus" who is, "the least of these."   

There are people around you (Jesus will see to this) who are willing and eager to be a "Titus" to you.  Perhaps "he/ she" is near you now and you do not recognize them (or cannot allow yourself to receive them).  Away with such spiritual pride so that you can receive the comfort of our Lord Jesus Christ, "the God of all comfort," Who is in that "Titus."  

Father, in Jesus' Name, if I have ever been too proud to receive Your "Titus," forgive me.  I did it to my own hurt.  Open my eyes to receive Your Comfort from unexpected "sources."  Amen.

**********************

Would you please place a "post it" somewhere to remind yourself to pray for our daughter, Shelly, during these last weeks of her pregnancy.  This Dad would be most appreciative.  

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

The Universe, "Declare[s] The Glory of God"

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork."  (Psalm 19:1)

Am I?

This was/is the intent of creation, "declare the glory of God."  Why?  Is God some sort of divine egotist, wanting glory, praise, worship, a sort of self aggrandizement?  Of course not.  Worship is communion, always "was," always "will be."  Creation of man was intended to be a "mutual admiration society," initiated, by the way, in the Godhead Who has shown Himself in Jesus Christ, "We love Him, because He first loved us."  Read the Book of the Song of Solomon and we get a better "picture" of this intended mutual love and admiration.

It is important to note that there are more expressions in the Bible of love, kindness, loyalty, commitment from our Living Triune God to us than there are expressions of the same from humanity to Him.  One could then hardly say that it is mutual in the sense of "equal."  Jesus is the, "greater than," to Whom He referred in the Gospels, "greater than," in every way, especially in love and admiration of you and me.

Psalm 19:2 says, "Day unto day utters speech ('promise'), and night unto night reveals knowledge."  But verse three then says, by most accounts, "There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard."  We are all too unfamiliar with this kind of, "declare the glory of God."  Worship services are mostly word services.  So very little time, if any, is given to meditation, contemplation, "waiting."  One Sunday many decades ago, I was going through some radio channels and noted how much even secular stations were full of talk.  I told our congregation, "Sunday for most has become a 'talk day.'" 

No criticism here about our church services, just something for us to consider today, something about, "declare the glory of God," which we may have not considered heretofore.  May it always be said of you and me, "[They] declare the glory of God."

Father, in Jesus' Name, Holy Spirit, teach me more of this.  Amen.
******************
* What a strategic time to be in Washington, DC.  Please say a prayer for me while there, September 17-21)
* Also, please pray for Pastor Jim Newsom, who is battling pneumonia. 

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

"The Wicked...Prowl.., as Vileness Is Exalted...."

"The wicked walk or prowl about on every side, as vileness is exalted [and baseness is rated high] among the sons of men."  (Psalm 12:8, Amplified Bible)

Look at the world around us and you will see the fulfillment of our text.  Wickedness is prowling about in the earth because, "vileness is exalted [and baseness is rated high] among the sons of men."  This is why we have the political leadership we have.  This is why there is corruption in Christendom, "....Vileness is exalted....among the sons of men."  People tend to blame leaders, but it is "we the people" who elect them, attend their church meetings, buy their books, go to their movies.  I am sending an article which I designate as a "must read," that is, if you want to get insight into the last 50 years of American history.  America exalted vileness, continues to do so, and has been paying the terrible price.  I have rarely read an article which pinpoints the heart of evil's reign in America as the article I am sending to you.

The remedy for, "vileness is exalted...among the sons of men," is in verses 6 & 7 of Psalm 12, "The words and promises of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times over.  You will keep them and preserve them, O Lord; You will guard and keep us from this [evil] generation forever."  As Jesus is Purity in His Person, so too are His Words.  I do not care how "spiritual" or discerning a person may claim to be.  Without utter, fearful dependence upon Jesus and His Words, we all will eventually, if not already, participate in the, "....vileness...exalted...among the sons of men."

The article I send I pray you will read.  It will give you a clear picture of just how utterly deceived a whole generation was, and how current political and religious trends not only in America, but also throughout the world reflect the wholesale embracing of "The Lie."  As you read the article, examine yourself, as the Bible calls us all to do.  Immerse yourself continually in the Word of God, so that as this, "vileness," continues to consume whole people groups, you and I will escape those things which are surely coming upon the whole earth.

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for Your pure Words.  Amen.
*******************

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2