Identity

September 1, 2023

Sometimes it’s the very small, but kind gestures sent from our Father that can change your day.

My first choice in food has always been Fish. My number two choice is Chinese and third is Steak. I probaby eat more steak than fish because Cheryl’s first choice is beef.

It’s been a long time since I had Chinese, so I go to #redginger near our home. Cheryl chose to stay home, because that’s way down on her list of food choices.

As I’m being escorted to my table, I walk past a man and wife. The man, Jack, said rather loudly, “Pastor Ken.” I said, “yes.” He said,”you look just like Pastor Ken.” I said, “I know him.” “Well you look just like him,” Jack replied. I then said, your not going to believe this, but I am Pastor Ken Malone. He said your kidding. No, that’s me, I said. “What church do you pastor? I said, Kingdom Gate Worship Center in Satellite Beach. Jack replied, my pastor is Ken Hitte at Discover Church. I gave them a blessing and he said, “we are family.”

As I sat down, I pondered, “What are the odds that I would be called out in a conversation about identity, by another brother and sister in Christ? They do not know me, but said, “You look just like Pastor Ken.” This brief moment was a simple acknowledgment by my Father, that I really needed today. Abba was saying to me, “you look like… We are family.”

I waited for my food, and had the spicy chicken, which is always good. As I was finishing, the waitress came to me and said, “this couple has paid for your meal.” Now, not only am I being acknowledged by Abba, but He has Jack and Amy buy my meal.

The Lord has blessed Cheryl and I, and I’m not in need of having my meal bought. Usually when we go to dinner with another person or couple, I usually buy. But not tonight. Tonight, Abba was saying, “you’re my son, this is your identity. Let Me pay for this one.”

As Jack and Amy got up to leave, I stood up to greet and thank them. I said, “Jack the waitress told on you. Thank you for buying my meal.” I was able to pray with Jack and his wife. Jack is still recovering from the china virus. He got out of the hospital one year ago this month and is on oxygen. He shared with me that he was in a coma for five months and died several times. The prayers of his wife and others kept bringing him back to life. Please pray for Jack.

My heart is enlarged and humbled tonight, that Father acknowledged me.

“Son, I got this one.”