For You, My Brother John

As I have said, John Valentino had a deep admiration for Titus. Through John, I have had a chance to learn about Titus as well. He was a man that perhaps we all can learn to admire and see what John saw. It is said that we admire people by looking at their actions. Even 12 Step programs encourage us to find people who have what we want, and do what they do. I think this is what John was trying to do. In many ways, John was like a puzzle. Well, guess what? So was Titus!

Some people in history have volumes written about them. Their lives are considered an open book. This is not the case with Titus. So with Titus, we get to look deeper at the patterns of his life and the things with which he was entrusted. We can tell much about a person by what they are entrusted with; their ministry and how they carry out these responsibilities.

We can't look at Titus without taking a look at Paul. Paul wrote Epistles (letters) to different people. The letters were suited to the personality and qualities of the person(s) receiving them. Titus is mentioned several times other than in the book of Titus. In 2 Corinthians, Paul was writing to the church in Corinth, Greece. In chapter 7, Paul states, " Outside there was conflict from every direction and inside there was fear. But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus. His presence was a joy but so was the news he brought of the encouragement he received from you"

John, in an email to me, in part stated, "......but whenever I am downcast, invariably along comes Titus. At first Icould not find Titus but he was there. God always sends Titus. It is up to us to see him."

So, in this first part, let's look at: Titus was a man who traveled, he went where he was sent without question, he was sent into a place that was in very deep turmoil ( more on this in the next part) and he restored what was out of order. This was not an easy fix. It took time, patience and understanding. But it also took knowledge that he had to right some wrongs.
More to come!

Preface to Titus

Before the summer of 2009, if I had been asked to write or speak about any character in the Bible, chances are, Titus would have been on the bottom of the list. Why? Ignorance. What changes ignorance? Light/Exposure. And very often "light" comes in the form of other people.

John Valentino was my exposure to Titus. It really happened in a strange way. John and I had taught a couple of series together. This particular series on healing included, at John's planning, a night about Titus. The format of the teaching was, he taught half and I taught half. I figured I could "half Titus" with no problem! " Sorrow and Titus" was to be the 8th teaching of that series. A few weeks into the series, John informed me that he would be in Montana for two weeks. I was thrilled for him, as we both had a love for Montana. He then, with his beautiful smile, said, " I will be gone for Titus, but I will send you my notes." I heard my favorite expression," Oh Sweet Jesus" come from my mouth. John immediately encouraged me telling me everything was going to be fine. John was an encourager.

To make a long story short, the Titus notes were late due to John's work schedule, going to school and preparing for his trip. This was very unlike John, as he was always punctual. But it was like God, He knew I had some studying to do! John's notes finally arrived. When I saw the subject for the email, ""my notes for Titus and sorrow" I was elated! I opened it up and there staring me in the face was about 6 sentences. I had to laugh, before I hit panic mode!

So, I am going to be doing a mini "blog study" of Titus. I hope when it is finished you will see why John loved Titus. The truth is, if John Valentino would have looked in the mirror, I believe he would have seen Titus. He would have seen why Paul spoke of Titus the way he did, why Titus was used in the way he was.

Anyone who knew John Valentino loved him. I am not unique in feeling like a very important person in my life is gone. I know for a fact, there are many people sitting in Holy Cross MCC, and have followed the path of Christ because of the example of John. John was a man of humility. He never had to build himself up. He knew who he was, in Christ. Above that, he never had to tear anyone down, he knew who they were, in Christ. As I said, John was an encourager. He would spend time with people and make everyone feel like they were the most important person in his life. He loved the Lord, and had such reverence for Communion. I was most humbled to be able to consecrate Communion with him several times. John and I prayed often together. He and I had the same view on prayer. It is to be a personal conversation with the most important person(s) of our lives. When John and I would hold hands and pray, I could not help but look at him from time to time. His prayers were from the heart, simple, gentle. His eyes would often tear up and often there would be that gorgeous smile. Whatever came from his mouth traveled from his heart. John understood that in order for God to hear our prayers, God did not need a Thesaurus, nor ear plugs because He was being screamed at! All He needed was the love of a heart. A heart like John Valentino. What a legacy.
Thank you John, I love you!

Stay tuned....Titus Part 1 is coming!

In the Works

Well, as I have often said, I am not a blogger! I promise this will change. I think I have all my settings and passwords correct now, so maybe this can be a "more often" event.
I have been working on some writings: "Do You Have a Favorite?" That was to be my subject for January. I have changed the flow.
Coming within the next few days, in memory of my "brother", John Valentino, I will be writing about John's favorite: Titus.