It all started when I was in a restaurant with a buddy. We were laughing and talking, enjoying the conversation and the food. During the meal, I couldn’t help but notice an elderly lady sitting by herself, eating alone, and quite frankly looking somewhat miserable though she tried to hide it. Our server approached our table and I spoke with the waitress, asking for a big favor.

I asked the waitress to simply total the lady’s tab, and add it to our tab, but not to let the lady know who paid for it. She was instructed to only tell the lady that a secret admirer thought the world of her, and was too shy to approach her just yet, but simply had to buy her lunch. The waitress hesitated at first, and then almost teary eyed told me how sweet that was. Scared to death the waitress would tell her who done it, I made her promise to never tell, to only say that she ‘couldn’t say’.

We finished our own meal and I bolted for a side door, hoping not to be noticed. Looking back, I laugh, because what was I going to be noticed for? I don’t know now either. Once outside, my friend and I jumped in the car and with excitement sped down the road so no chance this lady could find out who I was. It would be two weeks before I could get myself to revisit that restaurant, for fear the waitress might not have kept her promise.

I eventually did return to the restaurant, and as luck would have it, the same waitress served me again. She asked if she could sit for a moment to talk to me. My friends were looking at me like I just robbed a bank, while I hoped she would not get ‘mushy’ on me for doing a good deed.

The waitress informed me, in front of my friends, that when the lady offered to pay her tab, she was told it was taken care of by a secret admirer that wanted to be anonymous because he was shy. Well, that pretty much was true, you never know how some people will take things, in my opinion. The lady sat there for a while longer, and the waitress returned to check on her and see if she needed anything else. The lady insisted the waitress sit down for a moment, which she did.

Teary eyed, the lady explained how she had seen the death of her husband years ago, and their children had passed away before her as well. The morning she came to the restaurant, she was feeling like no one in the world would miss her, that her life continued without reason. “Now, don’t get upset at what I’m saying to you, but that’s how I felt.” she told the waitress. She had prayed that morning to be something to someone, if only for that day, so she would know she still had a purpose. The lady’s eyes lit up and she told the waitress, “I won’t keep you any longer, but I have to tell you that if you see my secret admirer, tell him thank you. I was noticed that day and it meant the world to me. God sometimes answers over a long time, but sometimes he answers then, and I believe God showed me I still have a purpose, even if I don’t fully understand it. Tell my secret admirer that regardless of his reasons, I believe God was showing me that the greatest gift and purpose that anybody can have is compassion and giving, whether it be of themselves, their time, or even buying a lunch for an old lady like me, and I want to thank him for allowing God to use him to remind me of that.” The waitress agreed to pass the message.

Once the waitress explained all this, I was immediately excited and humbled at the same time. Excited that I knew it was appreciated, and humbled because I also knew that God would use even me to answer someone’s prayer that I had no knowledge of. I knew at that very moment, that I would continue surprising people, of all ages, and all walks of life, with a little surprise every now and again. A way to let them know that people around them cared and God loved them.

Over the years, I’ve bought many meals for unsuspecting people, with the message passed by my waiter/waitress that someone bought their meal to remind them that they are loved by people they don’t know are there and especially by God. The message I tend to send is, “God loves you and so do I.”

I always insist that I remain anonymous because that would lessen my reason for doing it. I’ve hesitated writing this, because I don’t want kudos, or pats on the back. What I would like to see is more people doing it. Now, it might not be a meal for everyone, but I do feel everyone can do something anonymously to help a stranger out.

Many years have passed since I started doing it, and I still get that same excitement from doing it. Letting people know that someone cares about them, and sharing God’s love for them is the greatest part, because before they know it, I’m gone without a trace, no one to thank but God.

This past year something happened, that flipped my world upside down, relating to this ‘game of mine’.

My wife, two kids, and I were at a restaurant.  I was able to be off work so that we could have a family outing, which lately has been very hard to come by.   We ate and had a good time and were finishing up, so I called for our ticket.  The waitress came and handed me a business card instead of my bill.  I was confused to say the least, and again asked for our ticket.

The waitress explained that everything had been paid for by someone who wished to remain anonymous.  The only clue I had was a tiny business card that had a weird little saying on it……”Pay it forward”.  I immediately looked around, as I’ve seen a few do when I’ve done this same game when I’ve prepaid someone’s ticket and kept dining, pretending to know nothing.  I had become the one being helped, being blessed by a complete stranger. Honestly, it was awkward at first, then I felt myself choke up.  We thanked the waitress, leaving a very nice tip, and started to head out.  I turned to the waitress and told her that if she would tell the person that we were extremely grateful and would continue this incredible gesture.  She nervously smiled, and I assured her that we were leaving and would not try to figure out who had done it.

As we walked to the car, I wanted to hurry and leave so the waitress would have enough time to express our gratitude if the person was still there.  We got back home and I pulled the card out…..”Pay it forward.”  What does that mean?  Very little searching was needed and I found a movie with the same name.  Watched it online and was amazed.  Yes, I did get choked up some more.  At the bottom, there’s a link to the movie.

Over the years, I have enjoyed letting people know that God loves them, and people can still be thoughtful and considerate….and I still enjoy it!  Maybe this was God’s way of telling me how important we all are, we all have a purpose.  When we reach out to others, we are also reaching out to ourselves.  Arms stretched out for a loving Heavenly Father to scoop His children up and show them how important they are to Him and how much he loves them.

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Even as adults, and equally so for children, a pat on the back can change a person’s emotional upset to a smile. Even that little bit of physical contact is some type of elixer, somehow calming and reassuring. This small gesture shows that you love or understand, and actions always speak louder than words. It shows that the relationship is continuing, that the relationship is true.

Imagine, being led to Mark 10:16

Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.(NLT)

This evidently, was not a general blessing pronounced over the lot of them, He took the time to put His hands on the childrens’ heads and pronounce words of individual blessing upon them. As amazing as it is to see our Lord Jesus Christ bless these children, even more amazing to me is that Christ’s love is the kind of love that doesn’t merely bark orders and rebuke, even in the midst of well-deserved chastisement, but His love is the kind that welcomes the smallest members of society.

Now I understand why when Jesus blessed the children in Mark 10:16, He placed His hands on them. Jesus did not pronounce a general blessing on them all, but took the time to put His hands on the children and pronounce words of individual blessing upon them. The medium that He used to bless them was part of His message. In effect, in His message to the children and to the disciples, He was saying that God loves His children enough to reach out to each one personally and touch them. He is unafraid to be intimately involved in their lives. Jesus reaches down to bless, to put an arm around those little ones and hug, with a welcoming posture that beckoned the children to come to Him. He showed a gentle touch that reassured them and His words encouraged them.

I believe Jesus taught with action and with words that we should bring people to us, draw them near, showing the compassion and love of God, encouraging them instead of knocking them down. Touching those around us, making a difference in their lives. May we go forth, arms open, and teach likewise.

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During the early hours of the morning, the heater suddenly burst into flames, blocking the doorway. In seconds the room became a blazing inferno. A frantic 911 call revealed the unspeakable terror as one of the children could be heard screaming, “I’m on fire!” The distraught father rushed into the flames to try to save his beloved children, receiving burns to 50 percent of his body. Tragically, all five children burned to death. They died because steel bars on the windows had thwarted their escape. There was only one door, and it was blocked by the flames.

Imagine you are back in time, just minutes before the heater burst into flames. You peer through the darkness at the peaceful sight of five sleeping youngster, knowing that at any moment the room will erupt into an inferno and burn the flesh of horrified children. Can you in good conscience walk away? NO! You must awaken them, and warn them to run from that death trap!

The world sleeps peacefully in the darkness of ignorance. There is only one Door by which they may escape death. The steel bars of sin prevent their salvation, and at the same time call for the flames of eternal justice. What a fearful thing Judgment Day will be! The fires of the wrath of Almighty God will burn for eternity. The Church has been entrusted with the task of awakening the lost before it’s too late. We cannot turn our backs and walk away in complacency. Think of how the father ran into the flames. His love knew no bounds. Our devotion to the the sober task God has given us will be in direct proportion to our love for the lost. There are only a few laborers who run headlong into the flames to warn them to fee (Luke 10:2). You have been called to be one of them, and I don’t feel we really have a choice. The apostle Paul said, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16)

We must reach out to the lost children, so they have the opportunity to become brothers and sisters in Christ. If, in the above story, you would have jumped in to save those children, you are well on your way. Well on your way to begin reaching out to the many lost children of the world, in a spirit of compassion, love, and truth. A reaching out that will help them reach towards God, so He may pull them from the flames without end. It’s up to you, are you gonna sit back and watch the suffering, or step up and show the Light of Christ, and the plan of salvation.

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The Question:

“Ok, God, How do I manage both the good days and the tough ones.  Good days are pretty easy enough, but the tough days, and the days that are downright miserable, how can I change them or change me to make them more bearable?”

I know, that asking questions is beneficial to learning what God wants, but sometimes I wonder if I really want the answer….this time I did, and a wealth of knowledge poured on me like a soft rain and a gentle breeze all at the same time….I knew then, that the Holy Ghost was pouring out an answer to see through the scriptures…..here it comes:

First, everyday God gives us is a gift.  How we use this gift is up to us, but it is intended to share His love, reveal His light, and lead others to Him.  This much I know and understand, but I wanted to dig even deeper.

Ephesians 6:

5Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

Notice, in verse 6, that we are not to provide ‘eyeservice’ ?

It was laid on me that when I work, I should do that work as good as if I was doing that work for the Lord Himself!  Wow!  Are you serious?!?  O.K., He is serious, but I am shocked that He answers this in His word, long before I showed up.  Or maybe He threw that in just for me, maybe for everyone.  Either way, it’s a perspective changer!

When you realise that when you work, whether slave/servant/employee, God wants you to give it your best, your all, as if you are doing the work for Him personally.  I’m all for strong work ethics, but this really takes it to a new level.  It pretty much tells you that the shortcuts, half-way doing things, cover up and cut corners every once in a while attitude is not acceptable….ever.

So, how do we  handle our work:  Ecclesiastes 9:10 answers:

10Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

So, what do I need to do, besides do my very best, and not cut corners or make excuses for tough days?

And the answer is…….Proverbs 16:3

Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

So, it would seem, any excuses like some days are better than others, really doesn’t hold water anymore.  Bottom line, give it my all, accomplish everything I can for that day, and when the day is over I can always smile knowing I did everything that I could possibly do, because I know WHO I really work for!

As I prepared this, Proverbs 16 really stood out, and I’ve included it below in the King James version (KJV) and the  New Living Translation (NLT).

Proverbs Chapter 16 (KJV)

2All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

3Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

4The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

5Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

6By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

7When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.

9A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

10A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.

11A just weight and balance are the LORD’S: all the weights of the bag are his work.

12It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.

13Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.

14The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.

15In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.

16How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

18Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

19Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.

21The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

22Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

23The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

25There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

26He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.

27An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.

28A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

29A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.

30He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

31The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.

32He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

33The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.

Proverbs chapter 16 (NLT)

but the Lord gives the right answer.

2People may be pure in their own eyes,

but the Lord examines their motives.

3Commit your actions to the Lord,

and your plans will succeed.

4The Lord has made everything for his own purposes,

even the wicked for a day of disaster.

5The Lord detests the proud;

they will surely be punished.

6Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin.

By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil.

7When people’s lives please the Lord,

even their enemies are at peace with them.

8Better to have little, with godliness,

than to be rich and dishonest.

9We can make our plans,

but the Lord determines our steps.

10The king speaks with divine wisdom;

he must never judge unfairly.

11The Lord demands accurate scales and balances;

he sets the standards for fairness.

12A king detests wrongdoing,

for his rule is built on justice.

13The king is pleased with words from righteous lips;

he loves those who speak honestly.

14The anger of the king is a deadly threat;

the wise will try to appease it.

15When the king smiles, there is life;

his favor refreshes like a spring rain.

16How much better to get wisdom than gold,

and good judgment than silver!

17The path of the virtuous leads away from evil;

whoever follows that path is safe.

18Pride goes before destruction,

and haughtiness before a fall.

19Better to live humbly with the poor

than to share plunder with the proud.

20Those who listen to instruction will prosper;

those who trust the Lord will be joyful.

21The wise are known for their understanding,

and pleasant words are persuasive.

22Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it,

but discipline is wasted on fools.

23From a wise mind comes wise speech;

the words of the wise are persuasive.

24Kind words are like honey—

sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

25There is a path before each person that seems right,

but it ends in death.

26It is good for workers to have an appetite;

an empty stomach drives them on.

27Scoundrels create trouble;

their words are a destructive blaze.

28A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;

gossip separates the best of friends.

29Violent people mislead their companions,

leading them down a harmful path.

30With narrowed eyes, people plot evil;

with a smirk, they plan their mischief.

31Gray hair is a crown of glory;

it is gained by living a godly life.

32Better to be patient than powerful;

better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

33We may throw the dice,^a

but the Lord determines how they fall.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.
All Rights Reserved.

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See this song performed in Sign language:

Waipahu’s Annual Christmas Concert
Majestic Priase signing “Now Behold the Lamb” by Kirk Franklin and the Family

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Presented by the Indiana Bible College

An awesome video and the words to the song really speaks. Can you feel your spirit calling out and singing this song? I can!

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The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, ‘That’s my seat! You took my place!’ The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing.

After Sunday school, the visitor went into the sanctuary and
sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, ‘That’s where I
always sit! You took my place!’ The visitor was even more troubled by
this treatment, but still He said nothing.

Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them,
the visitor stood up, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandled feet.

Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, ‘What
happened to you?’ The visitor replied, as his hat became a crown of thorns, and a tear fell from his eye, ‘I took your place.’

When you receive this, take the time to call out to the One who took
your place. If you know Him, give Him the praise he so rightly deserves. If you don’t know Him, maybe it’s time to have a ‘one on one’ meeting with Him that will never fail you. Either way call out to
Jesus, That’s all you have to do, He will take you by the hand, and
take your place.

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