Raindrop Devotionals: Volume 1

By Dr. Jeffrey T. Rainey

Normally, we hear the call and the command to come in out of the rain. This devotional is an invitation and an incentive to get out in the rain to get drenched with these drops of devotions. 

Rain is not from the sea, but from the sky. Rain is not drawn from the faucet into the sink, but it falls from the sky. Rain is not from the ground, but from God. 

These raindrop devotionals are written to wet you with the Word, soak you with the Scripture, and mizzle you with the message. 

These raindrops are relevant, revealing, and reaching. So, let down your umbrella and let this rain drop in your walk, work, witness, worship, and week.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Nov 11, 2020
• ISBN: 9781664208438

Dr. Jeffrey T. Rainey

Dr. Jeffrey T. Rainey graduated from Alabama A. & M. University, Huntsville Alabama with a BS Degree in Business Administration. He earned his Master of Theology (2011), Master of Divinity (2012), and Doctor of Ministry (2015) from Faith Evangelical College and Seminary, now Faith International University, in Tacoma, Washington. He has pastored the Christian Union Primitive Baptist Church, Mobile, Alabama since June 10, 1984. He has served as the Bible Expositor of the National Primitive Baptist Convention since 1998. His gifts has made room for him on platforms, on panels, and in pulpits across the United States. He is married to the former Carolyn Suzette Hunter. They have two daughters: Caryn (Brandon) Scott and Carmen Suzette Rainey, and one grandson, Caleb Javon Scott.,

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WEEK 1            MONDAY

GOOD DAY TO you! This is Magnetic Monday! A magnet is a material or object that produces a magnetic field. This magnetic field is invisible but is responsible for the most notable property of a magnet: a force that pulls on other ferromagnetic materials. The definition of magnetice is – possessing an extraordinary power or ability to attract.

Jesus is a magnetic Person with a magnetic personality. Luke records, "Then drew near unto Him all the publicans and sinners for to hear Him (Luke 15:1). John records Him saying, And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me" (John 12:32).

Jesus is still drawing men to Himself. I know of His drawing power. I asked Him to "Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord, To the cross where Thou hast died;

Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord, To Thy precious, bleeding side."

Is there something magnetic about you, your smile, your speech, or your spirit that attracts and draws others to you? Your life, your love, your labor, and your light in the Lord is the power and the ability to attract and to draw others.

The Master drew you, now, draw others. That’s the magnetism of the Master!

WEEK 1            TUESDAY

GOOD DAY TO you! Today is Turning Tuesday! Turn, by definition means an act of changing or reversing position or posture. "And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt" (Exodus 3:3).

The burning bush caused Moses to turn. The bush burning in the desert was usual, but a bush not being consumed was unusual. If the bush had burned in any way, Moses would have continued his day and his duties as usual. Likewise, God has to keep some bushes aflame in our path to get us to turn. When we turn, God supernaturally appears, speaks audibly, and specially assigns.

Like Moses, God has something for us to do. There is a message for us to enunciate, a ministry for us to embrace, and a mission for us to execute. Therefore, God sets a bush on fire for us to see Him, to seek Him, and to serve Him. The fire in the Word, the flame in the work, and the furnace in the witness will not go out.

The bush in the life of the believer is going to burn until you turn! So, "turn aside and see this great sight."

WEEK 1            WEDNESDAY

GOOD DAY TO you! Today is Whether Wednesday. "Whether" is defined as a word used to introduce an alternative. Whether it rains or shine. Whether they stay or go. Whether they give or not.

We use alternatives in our diets, our deeds, and our devotions. Adam and Eve used the diet alternative in Taste Preference. "And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it…" (Genesis 2:16-17).

We use the deed alternative in Treating People. "Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates (Deuteronomy 24:14). We use the devotion alternative in Temporary Posture. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s" (Romans 14:8).

Alternatives in our appetites, attitudes, and actions comes with accountability. The preacher said, "For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:14). In other words, there is an aftermath for every action. There is a consequence for every conduct. There is a discipline for every deed.

So, whether the alternative is presented personally, professionally, or practically our answer, our action, and our approach should be proper, pleasing, and pure.

WEEK 1            THURSDAY

GOOD DAY TO you! Today is Taste Thursday! Taste is one of the five senses. Taste is the sensation produced when a substance in the mouth reacts chemically with taste receptor cells located on taste buds in the oral cavity, mostly on the tongue. The sensation of taste includes sweetness, sourness, saltiness, bitterness, and umami. Taste is associated with appetites, atmosphere, and appreciation. Taste is what distinguishes, drives, and delights our diets.

Spiritually, taste is to try, to test, or to take God at His Word. We try the attributes of God’s Word. The psalmist said, "O taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalms 34:8). We test the authenticity of God’s Word. God said, …prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of Heaven (Malachi 3:10). We take the admonition of God’s Word. James said, But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only…" (James 1:22).

One taste the Word of God by reading it, receiving it, and responding to it. Once you taste It, you will acquire and attain an appetite for all of it. That’s what happened to Ezekiel. "Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll. And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness" (Ezekiel 3:1-3).

You can taste God’s Word in Church school, Bible study, daily devotion, and personal meditation. If you want to satisfy your palette, sample the Word personally.

WEEK 1            FRIDAY

GOOD DAY TO you! Today is Finding Friday! Jesus said, "seek, and ye shall find (Matthew 7:7). We seek for property, possessions, and for people that are lost. The shepherd sought for the sheep that was lost (Luke 15:4). The woman sought for the coin that was lost (Luke 15:8-9). Jesus said, For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10).

In order to find what is lost, we must leave, look, and locate. The shepherd left the ninety nine and went after that which was lost. The woman looked for the silver coin. The Savior located the sinner.

Finding seems to have one in common. There is "one interest. Efforts, energy, and expense is focused on finding what is lost. There is one item. It is usually something specific, special, and sentimental that we are seeking. Then, there is one" identity. What we are trying to find is not in several, separate, or sundry spots. What you are trying to find is always in one location.

The problem is we try to find what is lost or missing in different and diverse places. We try to find it in people, possessions, prosperity, and pleasure. What we need to satisfy us is in one place, rather, in One Person: Jesus. The William Brothers sang All I need is in Jesus. The Bible says, "But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). The hymnodist said, I came to Jesus as I was weary, worn, and sad. I found in Him a resting place and He has made me glad."

If you do not have Him in your life, take the advice from Isaiah. "Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near" (Isaiah 55:6).

WEEK 2            MONDAY

GOOD DAY TO you! Today is Moving Monday! Jesus said, "For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith" (Mark 11:23).

Jesus tells and teaches us what moves mountains. All of us have mountains. Mountains are: problems, pressures, pain, payments, people. To simplify it, mountains is the enemy. Mountains is Satan, himself, and Jesus tells and teaches, not how to climb mountains, but how to move mountains.

When we face mountains, we are instructed to do three things. First:

(1) open our mouth – "ye shall say – Jesus promises in Mark’s account that he shall have whatsoever he saith (Mark 11:23). This promise is a two-edged sword. It can work for us, or it can work against us: depending on what we say. Solomon said, Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21). So, if words determine what we will have, we must be careful what we say.

We have to be careful what we say because "we shall have what we say." So, we need to say the positive, the promising, and the possessive. We need to say what we want, where we are going to be, and what we are going to do. We cannot let mountains muzzle us. We cannot let situations silence us. Open your mouth!

Let’s start talking like we are over-comers, conquerors, victorious, above, the head, and in charge. Mountains, believe it or not, can hear. So, quote the Scripture, say the Word, speak to it, open your mouth!

WEEK 2            TUESDAY

GOOD DAY TO you! Today is Testing Tuesday! Schools test for information, intelligence, and interpretation. The Savior tests for confidence, conviction, and certitude. Tests come when we are unexpected, unequipped, and unendowed.

Jesus gave His disciples a test in a desert place in Bethsaida. A multitude followed the Master because of His miracles and missed mealtime. The test given was "Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? (John 6:5). They failed the test because they figured on their resources. They thought the accomplishing of the assignment was attributed to the area (a desert place – Luke 9:10), their account (Two hundred pennyworth – John 6:7), and their assets (five barley loaves, and two small fishes" – John 6:9).

The disciples made them attempt to avoid the test. They asked the Lord to "Send the multitude away (Luke 9:12). Jesus insisted on administering the test. But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart, give ye them to eat (Matthew 14:16). The saints said, Send them. The Savior said, Seat them."

The disciples figured on their resources instead of putting their faith in the Savior. John points out that Jesus "knew what He would do" (John 6:6). That is why we put our faith in Him. Before the test is administered, He already knows and has the answer. He knows how He is going settle, satisfy, and solve the situation.

"Jesus took the loaves (John 6:11) and blessed them, broke them, and bestowed them upon the multitude to benefit them. And they did all eat, and were filled" (Matthew 14:20). So, when you are being tested, do not figure on your resources. Put your faith in the Savior Who knows how He is going to settle, satisfy, and solve the situation. That is how we pass the test.

WEEK 2            WEDNESDAY

GOOD DAY TO you! Today is Witnessing Wednesday! Jesus said, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

With its background in the courtroom, "witnessing implies the act of testifying. A witness" has been defined as one who speaks of, about, or on the behalf of another. I need to interject, here, that one can speak without substantiating. One can talk, without testifying. One can say words, without witnessing.

"Witnesses are people who share first-hand what they have personally eye-witnessed, encountered, or experienced. When Peter and John were commanded not to speak nor teach any more in Jesus’ Name, their response was We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard (Acts 4:20). John writes what I saw, what I heard, and what I felt as the criteria in his witness about Christ. That which is from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled...That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you..." (1 John 1:1, 3a). A Christian witness declares to others what he knows through his personal relationship.

In order to witness for Him, one must know Him. How do we know Him? The disciples knew Him and we should know Him by:

a. the moments devoted to Him

b. the messages delivered from Him

c. the miracles demonstrated by Him

There is a sense in which believers do not even choose whether or not to be witnesses. Believers ARE witnesses. Jesus said, "ye SHALL BE." So, BE a witness to His Word, about His Work, and of His Wonders!

WEEK 2            THURSDAY

GOOD DAY TO you! Today is Transforming Thursday! Paul admonished the saints, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…" (Romans 12:2).

Transform is the second form mentioned in verse two. The first form mentioned is conform. The word form means the outward expression of the inward nature. This word transform is the same word used in Matthew 17:2 where it is translated transfigured and again by Paul in Second Corinthians. "All of us, then, reflect the glory of the Lord with uncovered faces; and that same glory, coming from the Lord, who is the Spirit, transforms us into His likeness in an ever greater degree of glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18 – TEV).

"Transformed is the word from which we get the English word metamorphosis." This is an inner change, which has observable outward manifestations. This inward change never changes. When a caterpillar goes through the cocoon, it is transformed into a butterfly. It has gone through a metamorphosis. It will never be a worm again.

When a person is saved, they will never be the person they were before. The songwriter penned, "Shackled by a heavy burden ‘Neath a load of guilt and shame Then the hand of Jesus touched me And now I am no longer the same."

Now, I need to hasten to tell you that the word "transformed is in the Passive Voice. The Passive Voice conveys the idea that the subject is being acted upon by an outside force or power. The subject is the recipient or the receiver of the verbal action or effect. Transformation" is not something we do for ourselves. It is God Who convicts us, converts us, and changes us through the work of His Son and the Holy Spirit.

We transition, transfer, translate, transact, transport, and transgress, but Paul admonishes, advises, and advocates that we transform by the renewing of our mind.

WEEK 2            FRIDAY

GOOD DAY TO you! Today is Finishing Friday! The greatest testimony of a task, the greatest commentary of a calling, and the greatest statement of a service is "It is finished."

Many commence maintenance chores, meeting chronicles, ministry callings, and mission commitments, but do not conclude, consummate, or complete them. How many times have we started maintenance chores of cooking food, cleaning furniture, and clothes folding, and did not finish. How many meeting chronicles have we recorded with plans retarded, postponed responsibilities, and partial reports and did not finish. How many ministry callings have we accepted, approached, and attempted and did not finish. How many mission commitments have we selected, sanctioned, and started and did not finish.

Accolades, acknowledgements, and appreciation is not awarded for almost, about, or around. Automobiles are not sold until they are finished. Abodes are not shown until they are finished. Arrangements are not showcased until they are finished.

Saints will be consummated when they finish. Matthew records, "he that endureth to the end shall be saved (Matthew 10:22). Servants will be crowned when they finish. Paul said, … I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness … (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Salvation was finally complete when Jesus finished. He said, It is finished" (John 19:30).

I am planning on finishing. Like the lyrics the hymnist penned, "Lord, I have started to walk in the light Shining upon me from Heaven so bright; I bade the world and its follies adieu, I’ve started in Jesus and I’m going through."

WEEK 3            MONDAY

GOOD DAY TO you! Today is Moving Monday! Jesus said, "For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith" (Mark 11:23).

Jesus tells and teaches us what moves mountains. All of us have mountains. Mountains are: problems; pressures, pain, payments, people. To simplify it, mountains are the enemy. Mountains are Satan, himself. And Jesus tells and teaches, not how to climb mountains, but how to move mountains.

When we face mountains, we are instructed to do three things. Second:

(2) oppose the mountain – "unto this mountain"

We are not just speaking in general, we are talking specific. We are talking to the mountain we are facing. We are not backing down; we are coming against it. We are attacking it head-on.

Whatever is coming against me to discourage me, deter me, defeat me, and destroy me, I am standing and speaking against it. Whether it is debt, drugs, or doubt; habits, hurt, or handicap; esteem, emotion, or emptiness; or fights, fear, or frustration, I am opposing this mountain.

I am speaking against this mountain. The mountain can’t have my spouse, my child, my home, my happiness, my peace, my joy, ... I’m taking a stand. I’m drawing the line. I’m not backing up. I’m not taking down. I’m not afraid. I’m going to speak against this problem, this habit, this threat. I’m going to say something to this mountain. Oppose the mountain!

WEEK 3            TUESDAY

GOOD DAY TO you! Today is Thermostat Tuesday! In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek… (Matthew 5:5). Meekness is a term which has relation to our temper, our temperament, and our temperature. This relation represent our expressions, our emotions, and our environments: all of which need to be established. This is accomplished by setting the thermostat."

A thermostat differs from a thermometer.

Though both instruments act with atmosphere and transact with temperature, they differ in operation. Notice the definition of both. Thermometer is made up of two smaller words: "thermo means heat and meter means to measure. You use a thermometer to tell the temperature outside or inside your house, inside your oven, even the temperature of your body when you are sick. Thermostat is derived from the Greek words thermos which means hot and statos which means a standing." It is used to keep the temperature at a comfort level in both summer and winter when you are home, asleep, or away. The thermostat is intended to save on energy and expense by reducing the heating and the cooling when you don’t need as much.

The difference between the two is, the thermometer adjusts to the temperature, while the thermostat arranges the temperature. The thermometer changes with the temperature, while the thermostat controls the temperature. The thermometer measures or monitors the temperature, while the thermostat manages the temperature. The thermometer registers the temperature, while the thermostat regulates the temperature. The thermometer shows the temperature, while the thermostat sets the temperature.

When Jesus uses the term "meek" He is saying to His disciples that we are not to be thermometers. We are to be thermostats. As disciples, we are to arrange our atmosphere, control our conditions, manage our mood, settle our spirit, and tame our temper. So, child of God, set the thermostat.

WEEK 3            WEDNESDAY

GOOD DAY TO you! Today is Warring Wednesday! Simply stated, war is the conflict that occurs when one party seeks to gain by force something that another party will not willingly give up. Satan is trying to take by force possessions that we as believers should not willingly give up. We are going to have to war to hold on to what God has given to us.

Remember, God had given Israel the land, but not without a struggle. They had to war for it. God said, "Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses (Joshua 1:3). God was saying to them, Start walking. You already have the inheritance; now claim it." Note that the Israelites did not have to fight for new territory, but they had to fight for the land God had already given to them.

Like it was with Israel, God will show you the Promised Land and give you samples of the Promised Land. Then, you will have to war for it. You have to war for it because the enemy is trying to take what God has given you. So, we must do everything to hold on to it

Christ has already won the war for us. It is our responsibility to hold on to His victory. It is important for us to remember that we do not fight for victory, but we fight from victory. Christ has already won the victory for us. Our role in this war is to claim and hold on to the territory and inheritance that has been won for us by Christ.

I am talking to those of us whom the Lord has shown the Promised Land to, but we have to war for it. God has given us positions, promotions, possessions, properties, purposes, plans, potential, power, praise, and peace, but we have to war for it. We can’t let the enemy steal it from us. We can’t let the enemy talk us out of it. We can’t let the enemy make us doubtful, discouraged, distracted, and depressed. We can’t let the enemy take our joy, our jobs, and our journey. We can’t let the enemy take our fellowship, our family, and our fruitfulness. We can’t let the enemy take our Churches, our communities, and our cities.

This is our inheritance that God has given to us. We must war to hold on to our possessions.

WEEK 3            THURSDAY

GOOD DAY TO you! Today is Thinking Thursday! David penned the words, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits (Psalms 103:2). In this verse, David tells us to act in appreciation when we acknowledge the advantages the Almighty has awarded us. He tells us to FORGET NOT."

Memory is the ability God has given us to retain, recall, and remember images, individuals, incidents, instructions, interests, and information. What a wonderful gift! Without it, we would not profit from the past or progress into the possibilities.

One memory is short-term and one is long-term. Somehow, things of importance are forgotten easily, but things of insignificance are forever etched. Some memories are abbreviated by amnesia and Alzheimer’s. Amnesia is caused by self and Alzheimer’s is caused by sickness.

The memory of which the psalmist speaks is long-term. Locked away, down deep inside your heart and mind is a treasure house full of memories and visions of the past that time can never erase. He admonishes us to "forget not. We are to retain, recall, and remember all His benefits."

This hymn of praise is without a peer in all of the world’s literature. It is the language of a man who has stirred up his soul to contemplate the goodness and faithfulness of his God. His speech is stripped of sorrow, scolding, supplication, or selfishness. From beginning to end, the text is like a torrential of thanksgiving. If he is "thanking, he must be thinking. If he is thinking, it is because of the gift of memory."

So, when you remember His benefits, He responds with blessings. When David thought, he said, "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name (Psalms 103:1). When I think of the goodness of Jesus and all He’s done for me, my soul cries out hallelujah!" Am I by myself?

WEEK 3            FRIDAY

GOOD DAY TO you! Today is Following Friday! Paul said to the Christians in Corinth, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). There are few original people in the world. We are a mixture of the many we mimic. We are a conglomerate and a collection of characters and characteristics. We imitate the individuals who influence us, instruct us, and inspire us. We act like the people we admire, appreciate, and associate with. All of us are a product, in part, of other persons.

The new Christians at Corinth needed someone to follow. At this time, the Corinthian believers did not know much about the life and ministry of Christ. Paul could not tell them to imitate Jesus, because the Gospels had not yet been written, so they did not know what Jesus was like. The best way to introduce, to induct, and to involve them in Christ and in Christianity was to illuminate an illustration in an individual with integrity. So, Paul, stepping up, standing up, and speaking up, said to them "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."

Everyone needs an example. Men need a model. People need a pattern. Society needs a standard. While we are the product of other persons we imitate and act like, we are responsible for the persons we are producing who imitate and act like us.

Being one that leads someone to Christ and in a closer relationship with Him is one of the greatest obsessions, opportunities, and obligations of the Christian. If we cannot say to others "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ," we need to choose, commit, and cultivate our walk, our ways, and our witness.

WEEK 4            MONDAY

GOOD DAY TO you! Today is Moving Monday! Jesus said, "For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith" (Mark 11:23).

Jesus tells and teaches us what moves mountains. All of us have mountains. Mountains are: problems, pressures, pain, payments, people. To simplify it, mountains is the enemy. Mountains are Satan, himself. And Jesus tells and teaches, not how to climb mountains, but how to move mountains.

When we face mountains, we are instructed to do three things. Third:

(3) order the move – "remove hence to yonder place"

You have to take authority over the mountain. You cannot give the mountain the option or the choice. You must give the order. Remember, "greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). Remember, Christ gave us the authority over the enemy (Matthew 10:1). You have to tell drugs, gambling, unemployment, stress, pressure, evil, sickness, and temptation, in other words, the devil, to go. Tell the mountain Get thee behind me, Satan" (Mark 8:33). Tell the mountain, to get out of your family, finances, fellowship, functions, and flesh.

Jesus told this mountain, according to Mark’s account, "Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him (Mark 9:25). Matthew confirms, and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour" (Matthew 17:18).

Let me impress upon you that mountains move, not because of watching, waiting, wanting, but words. So, whatever you want, say it. What you say is what you get. If you want to get