On December 29th, I posted the first of what will probably be many pieces on the subject of Papa’s Pipeline.

Here is the introduction again: “Among the lessons I learned pretty early in life was this: Create simple word pictures with which to explain complex things.

One of the greatest lessons I began learning early in my life involved what I called “Papa’s Pipeline”. I wanted to help explain to my family and others how giving should work.

I pictured God, or, as I affectionately refer to Him, Papa, being not only the first, but also the best giver. I saw all these pipes or avenues of blessing, coming down from Heaven. Into these pipes, Papa pours all good things (and only good things according to James). These pipes reach into all of our lives. There are also smaller pipes branching out of each of our lives. We receive what we need from Papa and pass along the overflow. We pour things into our outgoing pipes into the lives of others. Thus, Papa’s Pipeline.”

Well, here’s another current example of how it works. The little inner voice prompted me to call my Mom in Iowa. I talk to her pretty often, but this was different. When she answered, she seemed to be all right. I wondered why I’d called at that particular time.

She said that my father was about to go nuts. Not crazy, just frustrated nearly beyond his capacity to endure. My Mom said that the high speed tape duplicator I’d given them nearly twenty years ago, had finally given up the ghost. The factory is in Minnesota, about four hours each way from their home. They’d called to see about repairs. I guess the person they talked to just laughed at him for calling about such an old machine. No parts!

Mom said that he was fixin’ to make the round trip the next morning, with her, and spend money that really wasn’t available, for a new duplicator.

Imagine my delight when I said to her, “Mom, how would you like a nearly brand new duplicator sitting in your living room by Friday this week?” My father got on the phone and was really excited. It was a decent experience! (grin)

I’ve got a lovely high speed duplicator in my office. My first piece on this subject detailed how some similar equipment found its way to San Antonio. Since 1973 I’ve Pipelined more than a dozen machines to other ministries. How did this one I was offering my parents just “happen” to be sitting on my work table?

A few years ago, I’d sent a new machine to our daughter, Kathleen, in northern Georgia. When we went up to her wedding, she said that her needs had changed and wondered if she could send it back with us. I had absolutely no need for it at the time. Didn’t have the slightest clue about where the Lord intended for it to go. Took it home anyway.

Well, within a few hours, the almost homeless little tape duplicator was properly packed up and on it’s way to Iowa. Got there yesterday (Monday) instead of last Friday. Nobody threatened to maim me for it’s later arrival. I know that it will make many, many tapes and glorify God in special ways.

Ain’t Papa’s Pipeline awesome? Any stories you want to share with me? I really enjoy hearing from my readers. Just use the “Leave a Reply” box below! I’ll respond!

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