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    Posted by Dion Todd
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The Stranger At The Diner

  • Elijah said to her, Dont be afraid; go and do as you have said; but make me of it a little cake first, and bring it forth to me, and afterward make for you and for your son. For thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, The jar of meal shall not empty, neither shall the jar of oil fail, until the day that Yahweh sends rain on the earth. She went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, ate many days. 1 Kings 17:1215 WEB

    Once when a pastor / mentor of mine made his regular trip to the local diner to get food for his family, there was a man outside the diner dressed in ragged clothes. It was a small town in the country where everyone knew everyone called Loris, South Carolina and this was a rare sight. He had never seen the man before, but the man looked hungry and asked him for money.

    The pastor looked in his wallet and saw that he only had a twenty dollar bill, just enough to buy dinner. As he started to close his wallet he felt the Holy Spirit say, You have your checkbook with you. You could buy food with that. He pulled out the twenty dollars and gave it to the man.

    He then went inside the diner to get his order and when the food was ready, he went to write them a check for it. The owner told him, Youre the one that pastors that church up there. There is no charge. The pastor thanked him and left.

    The next time that he visited the diner, it was the same thing: No charge. That was now over twenty-five years ago and he and his family still eat there free every week. We have eaten there ourselves and the pastor is a dear friend of ours. The employees just wave them through the line. He does not even pull out his wallet anymore, just thanks them and takes the bag. He never saw the man again.

    Hebrews 13:2 reads: Dont forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it. I am not saying that this man was an angel, but apparently some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Abraham fed three strangers that came by his tent, and it turned out to be the Lord and two angels (Gen 18:1).

    Sometimes God sets up a little test for you. The widow in the story had to make Elijah food first, who was a stranger in need. Jesus said Give and it will be given to you. Action is first required on our part, then there is a reward. Of course we do not have to give. God will just choose someone else to receive what He was going to give us. God just may place a stranger in front of you in need to see what you will do.

    Prayer: Father help me see people as You see them. Give me discernment and speak to me clearly in a way that I understand You. Move on my heart and I will obey You, in the name of Jesus I pray.

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54 comments
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reenie naidoo
reenie naidoo wow ........what encouragement to start off the week...thank you Pastor Todd....and thanks to the LORD for giving you such wisdom.
June 22, 2015
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Marisa Jackson
Marisa Jackson Amen!!
June 22, 2015
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Joan Joseph
Joan Joseph Thank you Pastor Todd for a powerful message.
June 22, 2015
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David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wyles Thank you for a moving and wonderful message. I shall pray this prayer often, thank you for the simple but powerful prayer. Sometimes I just have to ask God to hear my heart, thank you for actual words to say. Stay blessed
June 22, 2015
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Valerie  King
Valerie King Amen! 
June 22, 2015
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Deborah Alexander
Deborah Alexander Amen, I Love Angels
June 22, 2015
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Penelope Rhome
Penelope Rhome Amen
June 22, 2015
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Loriann Riley
Loriann Riley Amen 
June 22, 2015
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Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield I LOVE this story, Pastor Todd! It reminds me of the cold, snowy day I was walking --no, TRUDGING--to church one Sunday morning. There were no cars on the roads, even though I reside in a busy suburb. All of a sudden, a van pulled up beside me and the elderly man asked if I needed a ride to church! He seemed to know exactly where I was going. Then, in the back seat (the passenger had a bulky walker) the woman asked me if my name was Kathy! Imagine that! The kindly couple sat next to me in church and held hands when we recited the Our Father. Strangely, I never saw that couple again.So, your story can also work in REVERSE--WE may meet those angels and not realize it!
June 22, 2015
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Fred Thomas
Fred Thomas Amen
June 22, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Beautiful message. Thank you sharing it with us. God bless you and Sylvia. 
June 22, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Jeremy Lytle
Jeremy Lytle An excellent reminder to begin the new week. Thank U. J LYTLE  - THE LOVE ARTIST
June 22, 2015
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Kay Rushin
Kay Rushin This was a question that was asked yesterday....how good is God when it is being address again today! I don't want to call names....but hopefully the person is reading again today.......Be blessed, I know your heart was troubled over it.......
June 22, 2015
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Angela Williams
Angela Williams Yes awesome word teach us how to be kind and caring to others 
June 22, 2015
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Linda Leeke
Linda Leeke This often makes me sad as I think one day I missed the opportunity. It now hurts my heart.... some how I knew when I did not help ... when I went back the person was gone... I ask forgiveness for not helping and now help.... with whatever I can.... please give me prayers to be the person God wants me to be... I am struggling...
June 22, 2015
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Julie Schneider
Julie Schneider A few years ago a man stopped us in a grocery store parking lot and i think in part we were startled ( we were traveling and in an area that we were unsure of) and immediately said no when he asked us for gas money. An hour later we both felt horrible and knew we should have helped him. Even now we regret our quick decision. 
June 22, 2015
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Yvette Cantrell
Yvette Cantrell :-) AMEN AMEN AMEN 
June 22, 2015
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Kay Rushin
Kay Rushin Yes Ma'am I know the feeling....so much better to help when you can......
June 22, 2015
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Kay Rushin
Kay Rushin I tried now when I can....the regret is not worth it the more you grow in Christ.....
June 22, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Don't beat yourself up about it, Julie, it isn't easy to know what to do sometimes. The pastor that Dion mentioned in the post is one who is particularly adept at hearing God's voice. Also, you were in a strange area and he was in his hometown. I know we are on higher alert when we are traveling, as well. I pray that we all grow in being sensitive to the Holy Spirit and hearing His voice each day!
June 22, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Amen, all we can do is take the lesson and go forward <3. I know that all of us who are seeking Him will become better than we have been!
June 22, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Amen, Kay, I know our minds can't even encompass how good He is!
June 22, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Wow, that is awesome, Kathy! God's blessings are so amazing <3. Also, I had a picture of you walking (trudging :)) through the snow...uphill...both ways...:)
June 22, 2015
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Tonya Evans
Tonya Evans Amen 
June 22, 2015
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Reinhard Blefgen
Reinhard Blefgen Amen 
June 22, 2015
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Carol Pady
Carol Pady It is far my blessed to give than to receive. Whenever I give my heart is glad!
June 22, 2015
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Gail Sellu
Gail Sellu Amen!
June 22, 2015
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Cynthia Nortey
Cynthia Nortey Amen
June 22, 2015
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Michael Griffin
Michael Griffin Good morning!! Great devotional, Pastor. I can remember, a few years ago, having a very trying week at work. This was the week before Thanksgiving. My family and I had already decided and had signed up to assist in feeding the less fortunate at the local Urban Ministries building. I was cranky, my knees hurt too. I really didn't feel like going anywhere!! Well, I got in the car and went anyway. While feeding the people there, I came across some of the most positive people I have ever met!! Interestingly, after hearing some of what some had been through, I started feeling better and my attitude changed completely! I didn't even realize then, that my knees stopped hurting as well!! I truly believe that our Lord puts you in situations such as these to show you that things aren't as bad as you may believe! Thank you, Jesus! Hallelujah!!!
June 22, 2015
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Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt God never waste any oppertunity, I pray that I will here God very clear, to do what God wants me to do. God uses all circumstances in our life so we can grow in grace and mercy, and most of all love.
June 22, 2015
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Kay Rushin
Kay Rushin Is it not amazing when we honor our word, in spite of how we feel, we are the ones who become blessed? Great story, makes us more mindful, it is not always about how we feel! Be blessed!
June 22, 2015
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katrina harrell
katrina harrell amen. thank you for the message this morning 
June 22, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
June 22, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, Jesus is so good.
June 22, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
June 22, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member God is so good, He always takes care of us if we are willing to listen and obey.
June 22, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member God is good, all we have to do is be that willing servant.
June 22, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Jesus always shows us what things are most important, by giving to others, whether its our time, or praying for them. God blesses us just because He loves us so.
June 22, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Isn't God so good, to be able to use us to help others, when many times, by helping others, it helps us, just the feeling of caring for others is awesome.
June 22, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen and Praise The Lord, He is so good to us.
June 22, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
June 22, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli Whenever I am able to give I do because it makes me feel good inside.  I never expect to get anything back in return but it seems like I always do.....amazing.
June 22, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Amen, Michael! We too have been so amazed at how positive people in such terrible situations can be.
June 22, 2015
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Michael Griffin
Michael Griffin I realize that I'm replying to my own message, but it just dawned on me that Joyce Meyer was speaking on the same thing this morning! When we're going through bad times, go and be a blessing to others!!! it really does make you forget about what may be troubling you! Good word! Thank you, Joyce!!!
June 22, 2015
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Agnello Sagar
Agnello Sagar Amen!!!
June 22, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, God is just that loving.
June 22, 2015- Edit- Delete
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J D  Williams
J D Williams THE LORD WILL SURELY TEST OUR GIVING THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE THAT HE WILL SEND TOO SEE IF WE WILL OBEY THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT....
June 22, 2015
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Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams Amen.  Praise God!  Thank you!
June 23, 2015
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Mike Stephenson
Mike Stephenson What a beautiful story and prayer. Such a blessing to read these every day. Thank you Pastor Dion, glory to you Father.
June 23, 2015
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Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler Great teaching.  We lived very close to Hope Rescue Mission.  People when they had to be out for the day wold sit in park near our home.  My husband walked our dogs & met different people.  A man approached to say of his need & a girl was with him.  Charlie gave money.  All a learning lesson. We he told me I said women don't sleep at the shelter.  We went by at time they wold stand to be allowed in.  $2.00 was the cost.  We parked and talked to them.  Charlie had spoke often to him in time past.  He was hurt to think the man lied and used him.  The man was surprised to see us there.  We said what we knew of the shelter.  The man looked awakened & sad.  Next time Charlie saw him in the park he would say of him being hungry and took him to Mc Donald's.  Charlie ate with him. Because of living in the city many years where drugs grew as well as addicts we learned they by more drugs.  This began the approach to they on the street. There have been angel like experiences though many different times.  Discernment is needed as we ask God to show us.  It is great time when eating with them to talk about Jesus
June 23, 2015
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Celestina Ndunda
Celestina Ndunda This is my prayer this week, that i may see the  people God has made the God sees them, that no opportunity to help someone will pass by before me without me noticing it. May discernment from God be with me all the days of my life. Amen.
June 24, 2015
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Lucas Napo
Lucas Napo We experience these  a lot here. "Thinking" The holy Spirit speaking to me? Amen
June 24, 2015
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Lisa Kordich
Lisa Kordich Amen.
June 25, 2015
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Lissy Verghese
Lissy Verghese Thank you dear Pastor for the great message!
July 17, 2015