Ken Downs

2008-07-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

The God of all Comfort

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort"
2 Corinthians 1:3

Volume 4 of 18

Comfort
In all of
Life’s Changes

"I the Lord
do not
change.
Malachi 3:6

Someone has rightly observed that the only ones that enjoy change are babies with wet diapers. Maybe so, but the fact of the matter is, life changes. Sometimes life changes for the better; sometimes for the worse. Change happens.

All change is unsettling. We tend to be creatures of habit. We have adjusted and grown accustomed to our pace. It may not be the best of life, but it is our life, we rationalize. We know what we like and like what we know. Very seldom do we willfully venture forth to try something different and new. We like stability, yet change happens. Always.

With so much change, it is no wonder that so many of us are in a constant state of agitation.
Well, it is certainly true that there would be no progress without change. Without change we would still be riding horse-drawn wagons and enjoying our outdoor plumbing. So change, some change is good. On this, we can all agree.

The problem with change is the transitional phase. Moving from the known to the unknown is always a fearful thing. Yet we can never escape the only constant in life – Change.

So the real issue is not whether we should resist or embrace change, but how shall we handle the periods of transition. How shall we find comfort as the world around us appears to be spinning out of control and moving to, we know not where? How can we find comfort and peace when we seem to be so out of sorts and unable to exercise any control?

Well, if change is constant, is there anything else that always remains the same. Certainly! God is constant. God is unchanging. So when faced with shifting times, seek the comfort from knowing God, who does not change.
In the give and take, all the ins and outs, and with all the changes we must face, faith in God will always get you through.

Comfort comes from knowing God and to Him alone, being true.

Daily meditations:
Day 1 – Reflect on the changes you have seen in the last 5, 10, 25, & 50 years
Day 2 – Reflect upon how good exactly were the "good ole days"
Day 3 – Reflect upon how it is transition that causes our discomfort.
Day 4 – Think of some changes you would like to see.
Day 5 – Reflect upon heaven and the welcome change this will be.
Day 6 – Reflect upon God’s stability in unstable times.
Day 7 – Reflect upon how your faith in God’s consistency has been a comfort

2008-07-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

The God of all Comfort

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort"
2 Corinthians 1:3

Volume 3 of 18

Comfort from
Knowing
And Doing
God’s Will

"Teach me
to do your will,
for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me
on level ground."
Psalm 143:10

Perhaps in all that we are asked to do, there is nothing more unsettling, nothing more discomforting than to be given an assignment without being given any clear instructions as to how to go about completing it. "Just Do It" may be fine as a slogan for athletic shoes, but it does not work so well as a philosophy of life. Do what? How are we to do it? There are just too many questions that attend such an ill-defined philosophy, however well intentioned.

We crave clarity. We like clearly defined routes to follow. We like simple and clear recipes and pictures are always an added bonus.

Comfort comes from knowing what to do and how we are to go about doing it. Operating in an information vacuum is never pleasant.

Isn’t it amazing that God has provided us with information so that we can know His will for our life. Every human has available to them God’s operating manual for a wise, successful, and happy life. All that God requires of us are two things: 1) read His word, the Bible, in order to know His will, and 2) do as instructed.

Knowing and doing are both requirements if we are to receive any comfort from the Lord. One without the other will not do. Without both, frustration will surely be the only result.

What do observe in our own life and in the lives of others who fail to faithfully follow God’s instructions? Those that refuse to read to learn of God’s will for them are in a constant state of darkness, wandering blindly as they try to seek the "good life." Those who, to some degree, have read some of God’s word, but fail to put it into actual practice also find themselves marked with frustration, disappointment, and constant discomfort.

If we are sincere in our desire to walk upon level ground, surely we will seek to know God’s word and knowing, do all we can to faithfully live God’s will in our daily life. That is where true comfort may be found.

Daily meditations:

Day 1 – Reflect upon the Bible as a gift from God
Day 2 – Read and reflect on the words of Psalm 1: 1 – 3
Day 3 – Read and reflect on the words of Psalm 119: 97 – 104
Day 4 – Read and reflect on Matthew 5, 6, & 7; the Sermon on the Mount
Day 5 – Develop a systematic plan for daily Scripture reading
Day 6 – Develop a plan to daily put God’s word into action
Day 7 – Reflect upon how the Bible brings comfort and clarity to your life.

2008-07-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

The God of all Comfort

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort"

2 Corinthians 1:3

Volume 2 of 18

Comfort for
God’s Children

"As a mother comforts
her child,
so will I comfort you."
Isaiah 66:13

To be a child of God is a great privilege that should never be taken lightly or ignored to the point of neglect.

While everyone, in a sense, is a child of God by virtue of having been created by Him, certainly the Bible speaks of another, more intimate use of the phrase, "a child of God." In this sense, to be God’s child means to have been adopted into God’s family (Ephesians 1: 5). While adopted, we have received the full rights of sonship (Romans 8: 15–17).

The pathway to adoption is to be found only through Christ (John 14: 6). That pathway requires a new birth (John 3: 5–7). As we come up, out of the baptismal water, having clothed ourselves with Christ (Galatians 3: 27), we are added by the Lord to His church; His family (Acts 2: 41). We now enter into a very special relationship with God, one whereby we are now allowed to address God as "Abba" Father.

God, as Father, is drawn upon heavily in Scripture to define our relationship with the Lord. As our Father, He comforts us by providing strong and wise leadership. But the Bible also presents another side of God, the feminine side as, Mother. Our Scripture text today from Isaiah attests to this.

As our earthly Mothers comfort us, so too with God. Loving, caring, compassionate, forgiving, all these traits shown by our Mothers, God also demonstrates towards us as His children.

The scrapped knee, the broken heart, the sense of helplessness, all our insecurities, like a loving Mother, God listens and cares deeply about them all.

As we open our hearts to God in prayer, pouring forth our deepest feelings, hurts, and concerns, He listens, non-judgmentally to every word. When we confess our faults, He, with open arms is ready to forgive (1 John 1: 9). And when we need encouragement, God is always there, cheering us on.

Just like a Mother.

Daily meditations:

Day 1 – Reflect upon what it means to you to be a part of God’s family.
Day 2 – Reflect on the many ways your Mother comforted you.
Day 3 – Reflect on the idea of God as Mother.
Day 4 – Read Luke 13: 34 and reflect upon Jesus’ compassion.
Day 5 – Reflect upon God’s willingness to listen to our concerns.
Day 6 – Reflect why we may be reluctant to be open with God.
Day 7 – Reflect on the Lord’s willingness to forgive.

2008-07-02T07:17:00.000-07:00

The God of all Comfort

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort"
2 Corinthians 1:3

Volume 1 of 18

The God
Who
Comforts

"I, even I,
am He
who comforts you."
Isaiah 51:12

If you search a map of the United States, you will find places with names like; Comfort, TX (pop. 1477), Rocky Comfort, MO (pop. 759), Comfort, WV(pop. ?), and Point Comfort TX (pop.956).

Do you really suppose that comfort can be found in a place, or that these 3200 + people are the only ones living in comfort?

Research Psychologist, Abraham Maslow developed a theory to explain the hierarchy of human needs. The lack of fulfillment in any of these needs causes our discomfort.

These needs, in ascending order include; Physiological Needs – food, water sleep, breathing, and other bodily needs. Next are Safety Needs – clothing, shelter, health, and employment to satisfy our need for financial safety. Belonging Needs come next - friendship, love, family, and intimacy.

Fourth, is our Need of Esteem from Others – worth, acceptance, respect, and confidence. Finally, we come to Self-Actualization Needs – self-worth, moral and ethical values, spirituality.

As humans, we are ever seeking to fill these basic needs. We search everywhere. Mostly, we search in all the wrong places. And the result of not fining fulfillment we need is frustration and discomfort.

But comfort does not come from a place, or from some arbitrary "Happy Hour." Comfort, real and lasting comfort, comes only from God.

The God who created us, knows our needs and has supplied all that we need to find fulfillment, happiness, and comfort. The air we breath, the food we eat, and the water we drink, all come from God. It was God who said it is not good that we live alone, in isolation, and thus He created us male and female for companionship and comfort. God created families for our support and nurturing.

Everything we need, God has provided. God is He who comforts us in our times of need. Seek God.

Daily meditations:

Day 1 – How has God provided for my Physiological Needs?
Day 2 – How has God provided for my Safety Needs?
Day 3 – How has God supplied my need for Belonging?
Day 4 – How does God provide my need for Esteem?
Day 5 – How has God provided for my Self-Actualization Needs?
Day 6 – Reflect upon the peace of mind that comes from God’s comfort.
Day 7 – Reflect upon the "good and perfect gifts" that come from God.

2008-06-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

Walking
with
GOD

Walk in Unity

Can two walk together,
unless they are agreed?
(Amos 3:3)

Many people mistake correlation for causation. That is, seeing two events in close proximity to each other, they make a leap in logic that one caused the other. For instance, when I moved into a small town in eastern Illinois, the local high school football team had not won a single game during the previous four years. However, this hapless team won the very first game they played after I moved to town. Immediately I called the former preacher to let him know of my miraculous influence on the fortune of the local team. He just as quickly reminded me not to mistake correlation for causation. I laughed anyway.

The same thing can happen in other areas; mistaking correlation for causation. Suppose you observe two individuals walking down a city street, both headed in the same direction at the same time, and walking side-by-side. Say one is female and the other male. Are they married? Or let’s say they are two men. Are they gay, or simply co-workers headed to lunch? But why suppose they know one another at all. It may simply be mere coincidence that the two are traveling in the same direction, at the same time. Correlation, but no causation.

Many commute to work daily, driving on the freeway, headed in the same direction. It is highly possible, given their work schedule, that some travel that route together every day, side-by-side. There is, however, no relationship between them as they travel along, alone in their own vehicle.

What is missing in correlation is purpose. There is no cause and effect relationship. When we read the words from the prophet, Amos, we understand his rhetorical question requires causation, rather than correlation. The two have agreed, that is, purposed to walk together.

Our relationship with Jesus is to be more than mere correlation, that is, Jesus just happens to be going where we have already determined to go. Should we decide to take another course different from the one Jesus is traveling, the correlation will come to an end.

Jesus requires of us a purposeful decision to follow Him. Jesus requires causation, rather than correlation. Jesus requires purpose, rather than a momentary, chance encounter.

Jesus has already determined to walk with us. He died for us that we may walk with Him. The decision we each must purposefully make is, do we choose to walk with Him?

2008-05-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

Walking
with
GOD

Walk in
the Way of Holiness

A highway shall be there, and a road,
and it shall be called
the Highway of Holiness.
The unclean shall not
pass over it,
but it shall be for others.
Whoever walks the road,
although a fool,
shall not go astray.
(Isaiah 35:8)

Several years ago, while a student in seminary, I had just finished preaching at the evening service in a small, Mississippi church, and I and my family were driving back to our apartment in Memphis,Tennessee along a lonely, dark, two-lane highway. Suddenly, as we rounded a curve, we came upon flashing lights from several police cruisers. There had been a major accident that had caused the highway to be closed and forcing us to take a detour.

I’ve never been fond of detours, but this particular detour took us off into the great unknown as we traversed over many miles of dark, winding, country roads (I don’t think they were all paved). Left turn. Right turn. Then more lefts and rights as we carefully zigzagged our way for well over an hour hoping we had not missed a sign somewhere along the way.

Finally! We were back to familiar territory! We had wound our way across the backcountry and came once again to the highway we had so often traveled to our home. No more curves. No more twist and turns. Just a straight shot home. And best of all, no uncertainty as to where we were going.

God has a highway that leads directly home to heaven. God’s highway goes by the name, Highway of Holiness. Those who have put on Christ and have begun the journey of following Him, see the straight path that has been laid out before them. All we have to do is keep our eyes firmly fixed on the One who goes before us, leading the way.

Sometimes however, we shift our focus, surrender to temptations, and fail to follow Jesus in the Way. We step off the highway of Holiness, detouring onto another path. This different pathway is shrouded in darkness for it goes by the name of, "The Way of Deceit and Deception." This pathway is full of twists and turns and there is no one out front leading the way. Not sure where we are headed, all we can do is hope we are not eternally lost. And what we want most desperately is to find our way back to the way we know we should go.

Confession and Repentance are the signposts we are looking for. Following them will return us to God’s Highway of Holiness.

The question we each must ask is, "On which road am I now traveling?" You already know the answer. Question is, are you satisfied that the path you are now following will lead you home to heaven?

2008-05-21T11:00:00.000-07:00

Walking
with
GOD

Walk in the Light

But if we walk in the light
as He is in the light,
we have fellowship
with one another,
and the blood of
Jesus Christ
His Son
cleanses us
from all sin.
(1 John 1:7)

There is an old song by the title, "Keep on the Sunny Side." It’s opening verse and chorus go like this:

There's a dark and a troubled side of life

there's a bright and a sunny side too

Though we meet with darkness and strife

the sunny side we also may view

Chorus:

So keep on the sunny side,

always on the sunny side

Keep on the sunny side of life

'cause it will help us every day

it will brighten up the way

if we keep on the sunny side of life

Two paths stretch-out before us: one is veiled in shadow and darkness, the other is illuminated by the light of the sun. One path, the way of darkness, is where we find danger and evil and all manner of dastardly deeds. The other pathway is open, clear, and worry-free. On one we are prone to stumble and fall, while on the other we can safely move ahead with ease. Which path we take is ours to choose, but in making a choice, we also determine who will be our companions along the way.

Those who choose to follow the dark path of life will fall into evil company and become cohorts in evil, sinful pursuits. Those that walk along the dark path can never rest, for they know their evil companions are just as likely to do harm to them as to anyone else they may meet.

Those who choose to follow the lighted path will travel with others that seek the light and their journey will be one of joy.

As Christians, we join with others making the journey of faith by following the light that is found in Christ, the Son.

2008-05-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

Walking
with
GOD

Walk
Worthy of the Calling

I, therefore,
the prisoner of the Lord,
beseech you
to walk
worthy of the calling
with which
you were called
(Ephesians 4:1)

On several occasions when our children were young, we would all gather in a circle facing inward and I would ask all of us to repeat: "Our name is (insert family name) and not Everybody." I would explain to our children that someday, when they were older, they would want to do something which would not only be harmful to them, but would also bring disgrace upon the family name. I suggested that they might be tempted to offer as an excuse as to why they should be able to pursue such a thing by saying; "Everybody is doing it."

It would be then that I would remind them of the silly game we played when they were young: "Our name is (insert family name) and not Everybody." Everyone may well be doing it, but that is not who we are and not how we behave.

That same attitude ought to belong to followers of Christ. When we became followers of Jesus, when we put on Christ in baptism, and when we were adopted into God’s family, we took on a new name: Christian. Our name is not Everybody.

As Christians, we are called to walk differently than those who still follow the pattern of the world. Our way of walking does not make us better than others, merely different, for the goodness and righteousness we have is a gift that we received from the Lord and not from ourselves. But there is a difference.

As Christians we are called to live our life according to the highest moral and ethical standards. We are to be honest and truthful in all our behavior. We are to live such a way as to bring honor on the name we wear.

When people observe our lives they ought to be able to say; "There’s a Christian."

2008-05-07T11:31:00.000-07:00

Walking
with
GOD

Walk by Faith

For we walk by faith,
not by sight.
(2 Corinthians 5:7)

I don’t know about you, but I like to see where I am going. I am not much for taking blind leaps off cliffs. If hiking, I like a well-marked trail to follow. I also like to know what lies around the bend and what lies just over the crest of the hill before I begin to venture forth. I probably would not have made a very good pioneer

Think of those early pioneers in our country’s history. They left the known comforts of the eastern seaboard and ventured out into the unknown west. Not knowing beforehand what obstacles and trials lay ahead, they simply pushed forward with the faith that they would find a better land. They walked by faith, not by sight.

But one thing those early pioneers had was a guide; someone who had explored the frontier and had already mapped out a path by which to lead them. The trail-guide knew where the mountain passes were and where rivers could be safely forded. Those early pioneers came to trust in their guide and knew that he would lead them safely to their destination so long as they did not veer off the path, or lag too far behind. No matter how long the wagon-train each kept their eye firmly fixed on the trail-guide leading the way.

Our walk of faith is not much different than was the journey of those early pioneers. We too are called to leave the known comforts of our existence and push-out on the trail to a new land – heaven. Most of the journey is shrouded in a cloud of mystery. If we knew all the obstacles, hardships, and trials that we would encounter along the way, many of us would never begin the journey. Fear would immobilize us.

What gets us moving is the call of the Trail-guide, Jesus, who calls us to "Come, follow me." And so, we pick up our cross and follow. Tentatively at first, but as we continue on the journey, despite not having a clear vision of what lies ahead, we begin to trust our Guide more and more. Then, eventually, it happens. We no longer need sight, for we are now completely trusting and following in faith.

We also know that so long as we do not veer off the course, or lag too far behind our Guide, and so long as we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, He will lead us safely to our destination – our home in heaven.

2008-04-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

Walking
with
GOD

Walk in
Newness of Life

"Or do you not know that

as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus

were
baptized into His death?
Therefore we were buried with Him

through baptism into death,

that just as Christ was raised from the dead
by the glory of the Father,
even so we also should
walk in newness of life."
(Romans 6:3 - 4)

"Walking in newness of life." Have you ever thought of that phrase? Have you ever thought about what it means, particularly for a new Christian?

Newborns are kind of wobbly when they walk and are prone to falling as they waddle. That’s okay, because God gave them short legs and they don’t have too far to fall. Babies can’t take giant steps. Only giants can take giant steps. Babies take little steps. And that’s okay, because that’s how its suppose to be. Babies are just learning to walk. And we applaud their smallest accomplishments. Take snapshots and video each journey. Brag about them. Tell everyone how exceptional our child is.

"Johnny took his first step today!" "Sara walked all the way from the couch to the table!" Amazing stuff!

Sometimes I believe we place more expectations upon young Christians than God does on either new or older Believers. Fresh from the baptistery, we often expect newborn Christians to act and behave like older members of the family. We complain when they waddle when they walk. We get upset when they stumble and fall. Instead of encouraging them, are often too quick with criticism and a discouraging comment like; "Well, I never thought they would make it anyway."

They’re newborns. Born into a family – the family of God. Placed here by the Lord, to be nurtured, encouraged and strengthened, and maybe even bragged on for even their small accomplishments.

What an honor and privilege God has placed in our care – newborns!