Family Talk

Dr. James Dobson: You're listening to Family Talk, the radio broadcasting division of the James Dobson Family Institute. I am James Dobson, and I'm so pleased that you've joined us today.

Roger Marsh: Well, welcome to Family Talk, the broadcast division of the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute. I'm Roger Marsh. Have you ever experienced a moment when God answered a prayer so precisely that you knew without a doubt He was at work? Well, God loves to bless His people like that, and oftentimes He chooses to do so through the generosity of others.

On today's edition of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk, you'll hear the conclusion of a conversation featuring Dr. Dobson and his friend Bruce Wilkinson. Bruce is a gifted teacher and author whose writing has reached millions, including his book *The Prayer of Jabez*, which was one of the fastest-selling books in history.

On today's Family Talk broadcast, he'll share some unforgettable stories about giving, obedience, and God's faithfulness. They're drawn from his book called *The God Pocket*. So now let's rejoin Dr. James Dobson and his conversation with his good friend, Dr. Bruce Wilkinson, right here on today's edition of Family Talk.

Dr. James Dobson: Bruce, thanks so much for being with us again. We talked last time about money, about what the Bible says about money, and even more specifically what Jesus said about money when He was on this earth. Now let's go from the theological understanding, and I hope people got what you were saying because there's just an awful lot there to think about. But to get practical with that, we come to your book, *The God Pocket*. I want you to explain what the God pocket is.

Dr. Bruce Wilkinson: All right, let me start with a question, Jim. Let's say that I lost my job and I maxed out all my credit cards and I have four kids at home and my wife, and I don't have enough money for food, really. And I'm begging God, "God, if You're up there, You've got to give me money."

And God sits on His throne and He listens to all of our millions of requests and He hears this young man praying for this. And God says, "The answer is yes. Give him the money." All right, now peel away the veil between heaven and earth. How is God going to get the money to the young man?

God could speak money into existence in heaven and let the dollar bills float down from heaven, but He doesn't. He could send an angel down with the money, but not one time in the Bible does He, but He could. If you study this biblically, how does God get money to a person who needs it? Answer: It comes from other godly people.

That's right. Which means God must have a human partner for Him to answer the person's prayer. That's a staggering thought. So the verse we talked about in the last program is mind-boggling. It's Proverbs 19:17. It says exactly what I'm saying. He that has compassion on the poor, meaning you give to the poor, lends to the Lord.

Let me explain that. I was in Africa with my son, Dave, and I'd spoken all week to 20,000 leaders at the dome in Johannesburg, 10,000 business professionals and 10,000 religious leaders. At the end of the week, Dave and I hurried back to the hotel to have a bowl of ice cream. It was 10:00 at night, and the place closed at 10:00.

We got there right before 10:00, sat down in the little table, and I said to the waitress, "Ma'am, my son and I ran over here from the dome. Can we get two bowls of ice cream?" She says, "Oh, I'm so sorry, the kitchen is closed. But we have some old gray decaf coffee, would you like some?" I said, "Oh man, we really did hurry over here. Could you possibly reconsider?"

And she saw it was me and my son and she says, "Well, okay." So she turns, Jim, to go back to the kitchen and God, I don't know how God does this, Jim, but God said to me very clearly, "Give her a big tip." Now I already do give people a big tip. And I'm sitting there thinking, how much?

And I had been at the bank at the beginning of the week to get South African money. And my son is opposite me and he leans over. He said, "Dad, we're supposed to give that lady a really big tip." I almost fell off the chair. I said, "Dave, what are you talking about?" He said, "No, and Dad, you're supposed to give her the tip." He's like a son, right?

Dr. James Dobson: Had you shared that with him?

Dr. Bruce Wilkinson: No, no, I was just sitting there thinking. So I said to Dave, "Do you know how much?" He said, "No." So I'm exhausted from the week and I'm befuddled and I have my cash in my front left pocket. I take out the South African Rand and I'm just wondering, do I give her 20 Rand or I give her 10? It's only two bowls of ice cream.

And I give up. And I took this wad, it was a big wad of South African Rand, it was a lot of money. I folded it in half and she came over to me and I said to her, "Ma'am, you are so kind to get Dave and me some ice cream. We want to give you an extra tip," and I quickly stuck it in her apron pocket.

I didn't want my son to see how much I was giving her and I didn't want her to see how much I was giving. And I felt very uncomfortable. Well, Dave and I are eating our ice cream. Now Jim, this really explains what I mean with this. She comes back a few minutes later crying. And she stands right next to the table and she says, "You know Jesus."

And I looked at her, and there was no Bible on the table, I didn't wear a collar or anything. And I said, "Why would you say that?" "Because He's the only one who knows." "He's the only one who knows what?" "I'm by myself, I have a little baby, and the tips have been terrible, and I haven't paid my rent."

"And my landlord told me this morning that if I don't have the entire amount for my rent for the two months I'm behind, he's taking everything I own out of the one room I rent, throwing it in the dirt, and throwing me and my baby out." And she said, "On the way, I took three buses to get here, and I said to God, 'If You love me and if You love my baby, then give me the money for the rent tonight.'" And she takes out this wad and she's crying. She said, "Only Jesus knew. That's exactly how much I owed him."

Now see, she didn't thank me for the money. Why not? It wasn't my money. She thanked Jesus for it because she knew who gave it.

Dr. James Dobson: Now that's a very important point in your book, that when you give what you don't owe, because it wouldn't be a gift if you owed it, and you recognize a need in someone or the Lord gives you that little nudge, you're opening their heart not to you, but to the Lord.

Dr. Bruce Wilkinson: That's right. And Jim, so few people today understand what you and I have just said, that God is actively hunting for people that He can partner with to deliver a financial, and you know to her, if I said to you, what was this tonight? You know what she'd say? That was a miracle for me. Well, how come it was a miracle? Because she knew that it was her last moment because the whole restaurant was closing and she was going to have to go take those three buses to go back and get there probably at home 11:30 or midnight and be kicked out. Now Jim, when you begin to understand how heaven and earth cooperate, do you realize how many amazing experiences you can have? Because there's so few people who will partner with God. That's what the God Pocket book is all about. It teaches you how does it actually work.

Dr. James Dobson: Bruce, I believe everything you just said because I grew up with it. And my father was such a godly man. And I watched him follow that principle. My dad was an evangelist. In those days, he drove an old car maybe a thousand miles to hold a revival meeting someplace. And there wasn't a lot of money given and it was all freewill.

On the last night, my dad would come down to the end of that 10-day service. A lot of people had found the Lord. He had a wonderful gift of leading people to the Lord. And he would notice that the pastor's kids didn't have coats for winter. And he would take what they gave him and he would give it to the pastor and also raise a little love offering for them.

Then he would drive home. And my mother would meet him in the living room and I can see it, I've got it videotaped in my mind. She would come and greet him and she would throw her arms around him and welcome him home, and so would I. I was an only child and I was watching all this. And eventually the subject would come up: "How much did they pay you?"

And my dad would grin. And she would say, "I know. You gave it all away, didn't you?" And he would say, "This pastor was in such need. Do you know, their kids didn't have good shoes and I couldn't take the money and I gave it, but the Lord will take care of us." I watched that. I saw it. And inevitably, we ran out of money too.

And I remember one time in particular where this very thing had happened. And the next morning, my folks were talking about our financial needs and we went into my little bedroom and closed the door. I don't know why. And my dad would pray. And he would say, "Lord, You told us that if we would be generous with Your people in our good times, that You would help us when we had a need, and we have a need now and we look to You to help us meet it."

And money came. Yes, it did. On one occasion, about two days later, $1,200 came in an envelope. And that was a lot. That was a half-year salary. And it would come. And so my dad followed that principle, the principle you're talking about, all the way through. And then he had a heart attack and as it turned out, he wasn't going to live very long.

And he and my mother were in the bedroom. She was getting dressed. They were going someplace. And he was already dressed. He was lying on the bed. And I wasn't there. My mother told me about this. And she looked over at him and he was crying. And she said, "Why are you crying?"

And he said, "Well, it's the strangest thing. I was lying here on the bed, I wasn't praying or anything, and the Lord spoke to me." And she said, "Well, what did He say?" And he said, "He told me something about you." And she said, "Then you are going to tell me." And he said, "Well, it was the strangest thing. I was just lying here and the Lord said He was going to take care of you."

And I worried about my parents when one of them died or when my dad couldn't work because they didn't accumulate anything. My dad gave most of it away. And he said, "Lord's going to take care of you." He died three days later. And I was being the only child, the only son, I had responsibility for the finances and I got into their records and they didn't have anything.

And they owned a house that wasn't paid for, but it was worth $45,000. And that's all the money that my mother had. And in a few years, she had Parkinson's. And she required $50,000 a year in 24-hour day care. This was a long time ago. And where was that going to come from?

And my grandfather had given some stock in Coca-Cola to my dad. And it had just burgeoned. It had really grown enormously. And I never had to give $1 to my mother. Every bill, just like God, Jim, every bill was paid. And I inherited money from them. It is amazing how God answered that prayer because He's faithful.

Dr. Bruce Wilkinson: He is so faithful. And that's the part that you saw lived out in front of you.

Dr. James Dobson: I did. And when you give to others, your kids see it, and your brothers and sisters and your neighbors and your church friends see it. And it doesn't go to waste. It not only helps the person you give it to, but it also blesses them and says, "Go thou and do likewise."

Dr. Bruce Wilkinson: It does.

Dr. James Dobson: Now Bruce, something happened that is relevant to what we're talking about today. And I wasn't sure what direction we were going, but you came into my office in preparation for this broadcast, and you told me a story of something that just happened. Share it with our listeners.

Dr. Bruce Wilkinson: Oh my, this is the truth now, I promise. I was at a banquet just outside of San Jose in California in a town called Dublin. And they had 500 people come of all different denominations, all to celebrate a pro-life center. And this pro-life center had sonogram machines, ultrasound machines.

And they were desperate for some funds. And God dramatically moved those 500 people and they gave $445,000. Unbelievable. And when people were leaving and I was signing books for them, a lady comes up out of the blue. And I had told the people because I knew of their love and respect for you, I said, because of the banquet topic, I said, "You know, I'm going to enjoy seeing Dr. Dobson tomorrow for lunch. And I said, we've been friends a long time." And the people applauded because they love what you've done.

And this lady comes up and says, she slides this piece of paper across the table, Jim. This has never happened to me. She says, "Would you give this to Dr. Dobson?" Well, I thought it was going to be a note. And I looked and it wasn't a note. It was a check. And I said, "This is a check." "Yes." "Is this for Dr. Dobson?" "Yes, it's for the ministry because I really believe in what he's doing."

"You would? Do you want to write a note for this?" "No, I think he knows who I am and I just want to bless what he does." And she smiled and she left. And so here I am. I come down for lunch for you and I've never ever delivered a big check like that to somebody. And I said, "Jim, do you think this will cover lunch today?" And it was $1,000. Yes, it was. Unbelievable.

Dr. James Dobson: You know, as you're listening and being ministered to, I mean, who couldn't have been ministered to by his story he just shared about his dad and his mom and the giving. But you know, wouldn't it be great if there was, I don't know, a thousand ladies like that who just today sent in $1,000, write a note, "Jim, I can't thank you enough, but I want more people to know. Here's a gift."

Dr. Bruce Wilkinson: Bruce, do you realize that the majority of the people listening to us will think that is a setup, that all of this entire conversation has been driving in that direction? Tell them that's not true and I didn't even give you eye contact, did I? I looked away because I didn't want you waving at me.

Dr. James Dobson: Bruce, this is my idea. Why do I feel this way? Because these ministries that you are listening to, it's just like the banquet last night, you know, that one of us gets up and speaks and ministers. You've been getting up and speaking and ministering on the radio for years and years and years and years.

And people, if they only knew how much it costs just to buy a half an hour on a radio station, they would say, "Oh my goodness." So my encouragement to you is from another leader. I didn't ask Jim because I didn't want him to have the possibility of saying don't do that. I just went ahead and did it and hope they don't edit it out.

Bruce, you have changed your specific daily responsibility. You built Walk Thru the Bible to be the largest seminar teaching ministry in the world. And now you're doing something else that I find really interesting and it's not unrelated to what you're talking about right here. What is that passion?

Dr. Bruce Wilkinson: You know, Jim, this is something that's been your passion. And it's surprising to Darlene and me a lot. God directed us to the original God Pocket, which is the womb of a woman that God gives birth to a miracle in. You know, Planned Parenthood's budget is over a billion dollars. And you know what? Believe it or not, that individuals and foundations give as much to Planned Parenthood as the government does.

It's hard to believe. It is hard to believe. And so we're out there helping these crisis pregnancy centers. I will have spoken at 87 different crisis pregnancy center banquets. And God's just blessing. I think honestly, Jim, people are rising up in ways I've never seen. They're giving huge amounts of money for publicity and advertising and being open on the weekend and buying another sonogram machine.

Dr. James Dobson: And you've got a little booklet that you carry in your pocket, you've got it open now, that lists what has happened in recent days.

Dr. Bruce Wilkinson: We were in Bowie, Maryland. The Lord moved the people and they gave $622,000 at the banquet. Then to Dallas, Texas, $500,000. That's unheard of. It is unheard of. It is a movement of God, Jim. You were talking earlier when we at lunch about the days when God's spirit just opened doors and you can't explain it, you stand there with your mouth open.

That's what's happening here. God, I think, said in heaven, "It's enough of my babies. It's enough. No more." And next year, I honestly believe that all of the work that you and all of these centers have been doing, I think it's going to split open honestly. I do. Next year. This is an era that calls for greatness from each of us to rise up and do things that we would have never imagined ourselves doing because this era, this time we're living demands it from us.

Dr. James Dobson: Bruce, I have loved this time talking to you. It's been so inspirational. And it always is when you come. Thank you for being with us. Thank you for the God Pocket and the concept of giving, and I believe a lot of people are going to be touched by it.

Dr. Bruce Wilkinson: Thank you, Jim, and bless you. Keep standing for the truth, my friend.

Dr. James Dobson: We love you.

Dr. Bruce Wilkinson: You too.

Roger Marsh: What we release with an open hand in this life can echo all the way into eternity. You're listening to Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk. And if you'd like to revisit this conversation featuring Dr. Dobson and his friend Bruce Wilkinson, or to learn more about Bruce's book, *The God Pocket*, visit JDFI.org.

Well, there's a thread running through the stories that we heard on today's Family Talk broadcast. Bruce Wilkinson reminded us that God loves to meet one person's need through another person's obedience. And friends, you can be that answer to someone else's prayer right now.

All throughout the month of July, we have a special matching grant in effect. It's our special $250,000 matching grant in honor of America's 250th anniversary. That means that every gift you make to the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling the size and impact of your support.

Think about it, a $500 donation becomes 1,000, 1,000 donation becomes 2,000, and so on. Every day this ministry works to introduce people to the gospel of Jesus Christ, to defend the sanctity of human life, and to strengthen the family as God designed it. When you donate today, you become the very kind of partner Dr. Wilkinson described, a human hand God uses to reach a hurting family somewhere who's praying for hope.

Won't you join us? Together, we can reach even more families in the days to come. You can give securely online when you go to JDFI.org. You can also call a member of our constituent care team. That number is 877-732-6825. That's 877-732-6825. Or if you'd prefer, you can send us a note and your donation through the US Postal Service.

Our ministry mailing address is The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, PO Box 39000, Colorado Springs, Colorado, the zip code 80949. And by the way, if it's easier, just use those initials JDFI for short. Again, our ministry mailing address is PO Box 39000, Colorado Springs, Colorado, the zip code 80949.

Well, I'm Roger Marsh, and on behalf of all of us here at Family Talk and the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, thanks so much for listening today. Be sure to join us again next time right here for another edition of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk, the voice you trust for the family you love.

This has been a presentation of the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.

Gary Bauer: Did you know that an American woman wrote a poem that ended up changing American history? This is Gary Bauer in Washington, D.C. with an American Moment. The year was in 1861 and a poet, Julia Ward Howe, who was also an abolitionist, came to Washington, D.C.

Her purpose was really simple. She wanted to encourage the Northern troops that were in camps all around the city protecting it during the war. As she walked among the men giving her encouragement, she noticed that many of them were singing the same song from one campfire to the next: "John Brown's Body."

John Brown was an abolitionist too, a radical abolitionist, and he was killed in a military confrontation a couple of years before that. After a long day of encouraging the troops, Howe went back to Washington, D.C. to her hotel, the Willard Hotel. Actually, that hotel is still in Washington, D.C., it's just a block from the White House.

She went to her room and she dropped into bed, tired from what she had done during the day. But in the middle of the night, she suddenly woke up. There were these words bouncing around in her head. She knew they were important, so she grabbed a piece of paper and wrote them down, and then fell back to sleep.

The next morning, when she woke up from the morning sun, she wondered whether she had dreamed all that, but no, there was the paper on a stand next to the bed. She picked it up and started reading it, and she was astonished at what she had written.

The words were powerful, but then she noticed something else. The words also fit completely into the tune of "John Brown's Body." In the months ahead, the words of "John Brown's Body" faded away, and the poem that she wrote replaced them. And instead of the song being called "John Brown's Body," it was now called "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."

You probably remember the words. Let me just give you the last verse: "In the beauty of the lilies, Christ was born across the sea, with a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me. As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free, while God is marching on."

Those words inspired the Union troops and some historians believe it helped contribute to the North winning the Civil War and ending the scourge of slavery. I believe, in addition to that, as do others, that those weren't really just the poet's words, that they were dictated to her by the God of the Bible, who wanted an end to slavery. This is Gary Bauer in Washington, D.C. for the James Dobson Family Institute with this American Moment.