Rain For All

Given October 27, 2007
"That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:45". God's sun shines on everyone and His rain falls on all as well. Here's what I was shown on this scripture today: For instance, if I pray for rain for my crops, it will also rain on my neighbor's garden too. They will be blessed because of God's favor toward me.

In addition, if my unjust neighbors know that I am one of "the children of your Father which is in heaven", because I've stepped out of my comfort zone and reached out to them, they are more likely to hear what I have to say. If I show God's love and help them when they're in need, that will open the door a little wider the next time. When this situation develops, God will give me what I need to reach them. Maybe they won't let Him in but thy will me and God will supply me and use me as the "go-between" to get His message to them.

Here's the point: always show the love of God to your neighbors no matter how bad they are and they will see your good deeds and soften up to the Gospel. "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16". Do this and God will supply you with whatever resources you need to get the Word to them. But it starts with living the Christ-like life before them.

Willing And Obedient

Given February 22, 2007
I remember the story of an active little boy in church who wouldn't sit still. After several "requests" from his mother, which went unheeded, he got a pinch and was made to sit down. The boy glared at his mom and whispered, "I may be sitting on the outside but, on the inside, I'm standing up!"

Aren't we like that with Father God sometime? We'll do something we know we should, we're obedient, but are we willing on the inside? The Bible says, "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: Isaiah 1:19". Willing AND obedient. In that case, we do what God desires and we WANT to do it. Do you think that would please Him? I do.

As a father, I remember times when one of my boys would do a chore I'd asked, like pick beans or something, but they wouldn't be too happy about. They did it begrudgingly and without their best effort. On the other hand, there were times when they would say, "Sure Paw, I'd be glad to!" Now, which one do you think made me the happiest and more inclined to reward them?

I want to be like the latter with God my Father.

Prayer Reminder

Given June 2, 2007
There is a friend who goes to my church who has been through, and continues to go through, a very rough time medically. He has several medical problems and we have been praying for him a lot. God is at work in his life, we know that. "for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 3:5".

This friend drives a yellow car and every time I see a yellow car, I think of him. The Holy Spirit quickened me that I should pray for him whenever I see a yellow car. So I do; probably 10-15 times a day, when I see a yellow car. It's just a short prayer but there are a lot of yellow cars.

The revelation is that this can work for anyone or anything we need to pray for. In your mind, think of someone or some situation you need to pray for and assign a visual or other reminder to it. A lost loved one - when you see a red roof, a situation you need favor in - when you see a medicine commercial on TV, someone who needs healing - when you send an email. Your daily routine dictates what you see often and you do want to pray often. "Being glad in hope, quiet in trouble, at all times given to prayer. Hebrews 2:12". There's a yellow car, "Freddy, be healed in Jesus name!"