Proverbs 22:9 – He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor. (NKJV)

It was Sunday evening, and we were already tired just thinking about the following week. I had committed myself to entertain four days in a row, Thursday through Sunday, ending with a benefit for a cancer patient in one of our local halls on Sunday afternoon. It's not so much playing the music, but rather packing equipment in the van, driving to the destination, unloading it, and setting up — and then when we're finished, it's the same routine in reverse.

Monday morning was a beautiful day and I had work to be done. The phone rang — Tuesday? Sure, why not? Now we're playing Tuesday as well. It's not easy for me to say no! For stressful times like these, every Christian should make it a practice of memorizing God's Word. A couple of verses come to mind:

Isaiah 41:10 – Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (NKJV)

Isaiah 40:31 – But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (NKJV)

I knew that the Lord would give us the strength that we needed to meet the demands of our commitments.

Sunday afternoon brought great feeling, and a relief to have our last commitment at the local hall a great success. Our local cancer patient had a huge crowd, and we entertained for two hours. When we were all packed up, we tried out a new restaurant that had opened up in town. When we got to the restaurant, it was pretty full, and we knew a good number of the people there. Another couple that we knew dropped in and sat beside us, and we had a great visit.

When we had finished our meal, the waitress came over, and I was getting ready to pay our bill, when she said, "I have some good news for you. Your bill is all paid for!" Someone had paid for our bill and left. What a pleasant surprise! We were very thankful.

I said to my wife, "Isn't that just like our heavenly Father: He not only gave us the strength we needed for the week, but He also paid for our supper." I feel like a blessed man: strength for the journey and a free meal! God is good!

When we are willing to help others in need, it never goes unnoticed by our Lord!

Proverbs 19:17 – He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given. (NKJV)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, so often we don't take the time to stop and consider what You do for us: things that we take for granted and so often don't recognize in our hurried world. So often You show Your love and benevolence toward us in simple ways with pleasant surprises. Help us to have eyes to recognize and appreciate the variety of ways that You demonstrate Your love and care for us in all things, both big and small. May we show our gratitude to You by being faithful to Your will, and love others as ourselves, always being willing to pass on the same care for others as You have shown to us. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

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