A GENTLE SPRINKLE
I awoke this morning to a gentle rain falling on my parched yard, and I thanked God.  Oregon needs a bit of moisture right now, and today’s light drizzle may be just what it takes to rescue the dry forests and fields that surround us, to bring fruit from the orchards and gardens.  Yet a few months ago, it seems I and many others were tired of precipitation.  When it poured down in abundance and rivers filled their banks, it was a bit more difficult to see the water as an outpouring of God’s blessing.  Yet today, in our time of need, just a brief display of the Master’s provision is cause for rejoicing.

Psalm 72:6 speaks of a king when it says, “May he come down like rain upon the mown grass, like showers that water the earth.”  The author initially appears to be praying for blessing upon his own royal reign and legacy, but the language also seems to refer to a future coming King, one who will judge with righteousness (v1), save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor (v4), one to whom all kings will bow down and whom all nations will serve (v11).  That King, Jesus, has already poured out his blood for the salvation of mankind, and continues to pour out timely blessings upon all of us.  He is coming again to renew the Earth and to rule and reign eternally.

Today, many people in our country are parched – not just from the heat wave that is gripping the nation – but also from the “drying up” of Christianity in many places, the failure to appropriate and appreciate the blessings of the salvation God has already provided in abundance.  Many of the same people who shared in that abundant provision just a few decades ago seem now to have forgotten it’s source.  As they are withering under the scorching heat of life’s trials and the attacks of the oppressor, many would rejoice now to have just a sprinkling of the blessing they once took for granted and failed to understand.  It falls upon us, we who believe in the Lord Jesus, we who still worship the coming King, to share the hope that is within us with everyone who asks (1 Peter 3:15) and to invite others to "come and see” (John 1:46) the One who brings blessing and healing, the One who brings fruit from fruitless lives, the One who reminded us with a gentle sprinkle this morning.

May He give you opportunity to share that hope today.

Ministry Opportunities Coming Soon:

• August 10, Portland Pastors’ Prayer at Woodland Park Chapel, 10 AM

• August 16, Sandy Fellowship Breakfast at Tollgate Inn, 9 AM

• September 8-10, Men’s Roundup at Camp Tadmor.  Go to https://mensroundup.com for registration information.

• September 19 (Tentative), NWxNW Fellowship at Mayger-Downing Community Church, 4 PM

• October 20-21, InFaith Children’s Ministry Workshop at Carver Church, with Brett and Cindy Belleque.  Learn about their ministry by clicking this link: https://infaith.org/ministries/brett-cindy-belleque  More details coming in August.

Your brother in Christ,

Tom Hiscox, NW Oregon Area Missionary  thiscox@infaith.org