Perceptions #200034

"TAKING ADVANTAGE OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY"

by Dennis Randall

Several thousand people, young and old, gathered in downtown Shreveport, where Sunday afternoon's temperatures exceeded 100 degrees. They were there to hear a country music concert featuring Toby Keith.

In the midst of all the hoopla, noise and excitement, I was there to pray. I know... you're probably thinking a rowdy event like that, sure needs prayer. But...why would our preacher attend such an event? Well, let me tell you. God has blessed me with some wonderful relationships in the Bossier/Shreveport area. There are several people in our communities I consider "friends", even though they do not attend church at Airline. I am grateful for these relationships and for opportunities like this one Sunday night. When I was introduced as the minister for the Airline Drive Church, brief applause was followed by a hush, where you could have heard the proverbial "pin drop". I prayed as I would for any other event. I asked God to bless the event. I thanked Him for music which has the capability of soothing troubled minds and souls. I thanked Him for Jesus, and for the peace, joy and hope that is found only in Him.

I was very impressed with the respect of the crowd. We tend to view our communities with a great deal of skepticism and cynicism. Sometimes it's difficult to see any good. And yet to know, that when prayer is about to be offered, even at a "country music" concert, there is still a sense of respect for God, is very refreshing. In fact, even to have prayer at such an event is almost remarkable. As I prayed, two thoughts came to my mind: One, the words of Philippians 2:9-11; Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. And two, 2 Chronicles 7:14; ... if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

I am reminded of how important it is that we learn to take advantage of every opportunity. Who knows the good we might be able to do, by simply "letting our light shine." I pray you will let your light shine today, wherever you go, and in whatever opportunities God gives you.

Dennis' email address is: airline@shreve.net

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