THINK ABOUT IT             7-15-23
Understanding Understanding

As hard as we might try, we can’t always understand one another. As we listen to people pour out the burdens of their heart, we’re often guilty of saying,”I understand” when we don’t. O we mean well, we want to understand and we try, but we can’t. We are all different and our circumstances are not the same.
 
Sometimes we are guilty of criticizing others when we would actual do worse were we in their exact same situation. They fare better than we would were the roles reversed, yet we complain about their short-comings. We need to realize that we can’t always understand the degree of their temptation, the weight of their burden, the extent of their weakness, and the effects of their past. If we could truly understand we might commend them rather than condemn them.
 
In a thousand years I could not explain to you what it is like to be a pastor. Unless you are a pastor, you don’t have a clue! However, neither can I always understand what it is like being in your shoes. Since that is true, we both need to work at being more understanding regarding things that we don’t understand. Although we can’t understand we can be more understanding, and that would make a tremendous difference in our relationships.
 
We are all different, imperfect, and in need of help. Let’s pray for one another, and for ourselves—asking God to help us understand that we don’t understand. Since we all fail, it behooves us to be “kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”(Ephesians 4:32). That’s not just good advice, it is a command. HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
Humble, Tx.

THINK ABOUT IT             7-8-23

IT’S THE TRUTH

Note:: This is the latest post on the Pastor’s Blog. For others go to our website.
Just like people, every church is different, and in some regards that is just fine. However, there are certain things that should characterize every church. There are certain doctrines that must be believed. These truths are set forth in what is commonly called the “Articles of Faith”– a description of things believed regarding major doctrines.

The problem is that many people have never studied these doctrines. Even worse is that some preachers have never taught them. And they see no need in doing so. That leads to serious problems –problems that are very obvious to the close observer. For example, they sing “It’s all about you Jesus”, when in reality it’s all about them. They are more interested in their feelings than they are in the fundamentals of the faith. The songs they sing are selected on the basis of how it excites them emotionally, rather than what they say about the person and work of Christ. Some are admittedly bored with the grand old hymns of yesteryear. The “preaching” they enjoy is not that where the Word of God is faithfully expounded. They want to be entertained, not enlightened. Even when the Bible is mentioned they pay no mind as to what version is used. They have no idea why one version is better than another– and they don’t care. Their concern is not for what is right or best, but for what is most pleasing to them. While they won’t admit it, everything else is secondary to that.

Even those who are involved in “Christian service” or church related activities are not exempt. They will do a lot of good things if it gains them pleasure or popularity. They love the limelight and will do almost anything to get attention. They give no consideration to why they do what they do other than that. But, motives matter to God. Some people will travel around the world and even subject themselves to hardships to get what they crave, yet they never lift a finger to help a neighbor in need. Some teach Sunday School because they love to teach, not because they love those they teach. Motive matters. If your motive is wrong all you do is wrong. If it’s not for the glory of God and the good of others you’re doing it for the wrong reason.

Most of all, truth matters! Having a good motive and being sincere is not enough. We need to know the truth, love the truth, and obey the truth. It is the truth of God’s Word by which we all shall be judged. I realize that this brief message is not going to change everyone who reads it, nor wake up every liberal preacher, nor shut down every cult that is called a church. I simply pray that that it will provide some food for thought and encourage someone, anyone, to set out in pursuit of the truth. The Bible is the only sure guide and only true churches can be said to be “the pillar and ground of the truth”(1 Tim. 3:15). Only true churches are endowed with authority and endued with the power of God’s Spirit to carry out God’s plan. Don’t be deceived by imitations. Counterfeits might look good, but they will get you in trouble. It’s the truth. Think about it! – HDS (11-20-13)

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

THINK ABOUT IT           7-7-23
Note: This is the latest post on the Pastor’s Blog. For others go to our website.

A BLESSING

Blessings can come at unexpected times and in unusual ways. Just a few weeks ago, just before the Sunday morning service, I spoke with a couple and was blessed by what I heard. They told me they were reading the story of William Carey ( called “the father of modern missions).

As the wife spoke about reading the book she spoke with excitement and a smile on her face. I understood how she felt, because I remember how I felt when I read it nearly 57 years ago. When I surrendered to preach I read everything I could find about famous preachers – especially missionaries. I can’t describe how I felt. I was blessed beyond measure.

I mention this because most people have never read these stories and have no idea what they are missing. People need inspiration as well as instruction and one of the best ways to get it is to read about those who have been greatly used of God. You soon realize that cultural “Christianity” is a far cry from what it should be.

Making this experience even a greater blessing is the fact that their daughter was reading the same book. I thank God for that. I wish every young person would be encouraged to read such stories. It could literally change their lives. I pray that this article will inspire someone to start reading such material. Think about it!

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
Humble, Tx.

THINK ABOUT IT
7-6-23: Note: This is the latest post on the Pastor’s Blog. For others go to our website.
ARE YOU AVAILABLE?

I love to watch God use people. It is interesting and inspirational. It reminds me that there is hope even for a person like me. It assures me that I don’t have to be a failure in life, unless I choose to be. God is not limited by my limitations. If He could use Balaam’s ass to deliver a message He can use me(Num.22:28).

I doubt that any of you ever heard of Lee McDaniel–at least not the one I knew, but I’ll never forget him. Lee had been severely injured in the Korean war and had a steel plate in his head.He was a short stocky man and his speech had been affected by the injury. His mental abilities had also been affected and he was highly emotional. However, Lee loved children–to an extent that I’ve seldom if ever seen. In spite of all his “disabilities” Lee was heavily involved in children’s ministries. He could relate to children far better than most people and they responded to him. Those who think they must scream and yell at kids to get their attention could have learned a lot from Lee–he never raised his voice and he had them eating out of his hand. They knew he loved them and that made a world of difference.Among all the strange things Lee did, he whittled, and was quiet good at it. He would take an old piece of wood and whittle out a car or a toy and give it to some kid. He was always coming up with some unusual idea so he could witness to the children. I’ve often wondered how many people will be in heaven as a result of God using Lee McDaniel–many I’m sure.

I’ve known many people with abilities far greater than Bro. Lee who have done far less than he.Some are doing nothing by way of service to God. They could but they won’t. One of the most troubling things about being a pastor, or a parent, is watching people you love literally wasting their lives. Although possessing great ability and given numerous opportunities they have no interest in being used of God or being a blessing to other. In their mind it’s all about them and what they want to do. It always boils down to that doesn’t it? It’s always about our availability rather than our ability.

It’s heart-breaking to see people more concerned about gratifying the flesh than they are about glorifying the Father, more interested in entertaining self than exalting the Savior, more determined to satisfy themselves than surrendering to the Holy Spirit, more zealous searching for happiness than seeking holiness. What a waste! Such living is a tragedy that has eternal consequences. Not only are such people miserable here (if they are saved), they miss the rewards that await those who are faithful. Maybe not having a handicap is our biggest handicap. Maybe we would be better off if we didn’t have it so good and started looking for a reason to live. Think about it!

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

THINK ABOUT IT            6-29-23

Many years ago I met the famous Russian evangelist Hyman Appleman, a converted Jew, who preached revivals across America and around the world. I was thrilled that I had the opportunity to speak with him, but the greatest blessing was hearing him preach. As a young preacher I was deeply impressed by the way God used him. Below is a message from that dear brother.

By HYMAN APPELMAN (1902-1983) What caused these thirteen colonies, in a little over four lifetimes, to achieve such titanic growth? America was founded on the belief in a Most High God!

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”—II Chronicles 7:14

No one can consider the history of the United States without realizing that we have been blessed of GOD in an extraordinary way…Despite all the faults of our country, the foundation that was laid in our early years – the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the system of checks and balances which characterize the various branches of our government that were introduced by our founding fathers – remains the same. Surely those men who launched the Ship of State two centuries ago were led of GOD! They built far better than they knew.

I think of my own experience in coming to this country from Russia. Having only the equivalent of one year in high school, I found myself at a total loss because of my lack of knowledge of the English language. But the opportunity to learn was open. For me, from that time on, it was a headlong race to get an education. First it was grade school, then preparatory school, then university, then law school – I was filled with an insatiable desire for knowledge. And yet it was not so much for the sake of knowledge as it was “to get ahead.” I was living for myself. There was no time for games or vacations – only time for study. And it came rather hard, though teachers helped me. Uniformly kind and patient, they were veritable mines of information. To me, America was a seven days’ wonder.

I thought to myself, how did America differ from the old country? Was it in its tremendous land area? But Russia was larger by far, being nearly four million square miles larger than this country. What made it so different? Could it be its resources, its natural wealth, salubrious climate, rainfall, mighty rivers, great lakes, mountains of iron, layers upon layers of coal, gold, silver, flowing rivers of oil? But Russia was rich beyond dreams in all these. 

Was it mechanical skill, inventive genius, a land girdled with lines of commerce, belted with giant industries? But then there was Germany. Germany had the best steel, the best glass, the best precision instruments, plastics, synthetics before we had them, and later on guided missiles!  Americans traveled to Germany to polish off their know-how. Surely, I thought, there must be some other reason for the greatness of this golden land.

Then came my own personal conversion to CHRIST, a spiritual upheaval in which my whole outlook changed. Time was taken for reanalysis, restudy, re-evaluation of crammed-in knowledge – so much of it second hand. Then I knew.

What caused these thirteen colonies, in a little over four lifetimes, to achieve such titanic growth? It was this: America was founded on the Atlantic seaboard by men, women, families who sought lebenstraum – living room – not so much for their bodies as for their souls, not to discover the Fountain of Youth, but to gain the privilege of worshiping the Most High GOD in freedom and in truth.

Those stalwart people, saturated with the Word of GOD, recognized the lordship of Jehovah. There was a conviction in their souls that the purpose of man was “to glorify GOD and to enjoy Him forever.” With all due respect to the Plymouth Rock, the stone on which America was founded was the Bible. Christianity, the Book, the Church, prayers, sermons, the salvation of souls, the dedicated lives of Christian believers, meant everything to these early American colonists. Meeting houses were built almost as rapidly as homes. Yet one thing more was needed – a trained ministry. Then those God-fearing ones grouped together, sacrificed their meager funds and started universities like Harvard and Princeton and Yale – for the purpose of training men for the Christian ministry.

Today, unfortunately for us, the Dewey humanist philosophy has taken over our educational system. But in the beginning it was not so. Schools, colleges, universities, technical institutes, far flung across the length and breadth of our republic – these, under GOD, are the factors which, more than other contributory advantages, are responsible for the achievements of our land. Atheists could not have done this kind of a job. They never have. Agnostics could never have accomplished this. They never have. Liberals, modernists, rationalists have never even attempted it. Instead, termite fashion, they have crept into our institutions, befouling the nests where they were nursed, undermining the glorious privileges and opportunities which were bequeathed to them.

It was not education alone, to be sure, that helped to make this nation what it is. It was education rooted in GOD, in CHRIST, in the Bible, in the Church, in the tenets of Christianity, that brought growth, greatness, and glory to this favored land. What else? How else? What other single reason can be found that has made this western democracy what it is today?

We Christians have nothing to be ashamed of when we face the industrialists, the military leaders, the statesmen, the politicians, the educators, who so glibly arrogate to themselves the plaudits of the world for making America great. They came into the picture later, much later.  They built an a foundation already laid in the dedicated, patriotic, self-denying sacrifices of the pioneers who brought CHRIST with them to that rocky Atlantic seaboard.

All honor to them! By the side of the statues, the busts, the portraits of the Hancocks, the Madisons, and the Adamses, we place those of the Jonathan Edwardses, the Roger Williamses, and the David Brainerds.

All praise to the Whigs, the Federalists, the Democrats, and the Republicans. But do not forget the Puritans, the Baptists, the Presbyterians, and the Methodists. They also served, and served well, and the record is written for all to see. Probably more than any others they kept the Ship of State on an even keel.

What is the picture today? Today America is in the greatest danger of its history, not only from the outside, but from the inside. Patriotism has cheapened. Moral standards have degenerated. The almighty dollar is worshiped. Christianity, the Bible, GOD and His CHRIST have been legalized out of our schools. The fear of GOD is ridiculed, painted over, explained away by a pseudo-psycho-religious Pollyanna philosophy that out-Coues Coue. GOD is being limned as the cosmic Errand Boy. The Bible is presented as a book of auto-suggestion texts, affirmations of which will surely bring health, wealth, happiness. Even in evangelical circles people are being told that “getting right with GOD” and “paying your tithe” will make anyone rich. Yet how many we know, tithe-givers for many years, who have never even come close to being wealthy!

America is in danger – serious danger. Standards in the business world, in politics, in education, in science, in arts and (GOD save the mark!) in religion are not GOD’s standards. The test of success today would seem to be a good position, a fine home, money in the bank, the best restaurants, sirloin steaks, and expensive suits.The Cadillac is supplanting the Cross as the sign of rightness with GOD, the symbol of having GOD as your “silent Partner.” Paul is not in tune with the times in his cry that he “may know… the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death.” 

Weakly we profess our love for the Lord JESUS CHRIST, our concern for the souls of men. As someone has said with stinging aptness, “We are suffering in comfort.”And yet, in spite of these things, do not sell America short. America is still possessed of an unbounded zest for living, an enthusiasm, a responsiveness to challenge, an eagerness for adventure, a heroic abandon. Put the old time appeal back into Christianity! Make it not a fire insurance policy to guarantee safety from hell, but a battle to the death against Apollyon and the forces of the pit! Then see what happens!

The same boys who, glib talking and zoot-suited, seemed without a serious care or thought in the world, three times in less than two generations – in Flanders Fields, at Iwo Jima, Tarawa, Bataan, the Battle of the Bulge, Heartbreak Ridge – offered their lives “to make the world safe for democracy,” and to purchase the four freedoms. These boys loved not their lives to the death to guarantee a place in the sun for what? For tiny Korea, situated half way around the world from Broadway!

Do not sell America short. Yes, tidal waves of dollars are being spent in drink, tobacco, cosmetics, sports, entertainments, and we lament. But recall that our land is putting more money into the hands of the Son of GOD in local church work, in missionary offerings, in the propagation of the Gospel, than any generation has ever done in all the glorious history of Christian sacrifice.

Do not sell America short. Our seminaries, Bible schools, Christian universities and colleges see more students enrolling with every passing year, multitudes of them training for the work of the Lord. And there would be even more were there more room, more endowments, more opportunities for those whose hearts burn within them with the desire to go all out for the Lord, but who are limited by economic needs or family responsibilities.

Do not sell America short. Those five lads, hardly grown into young manhood, who took their splendid lives in their hands and offered them to the Lord and the service of their fellow men and were martyred by the Auca Indians, compare favorably with any of the commemorated dead in all the annals of Christian witness. There was no outside compulsion upon them. There was burning in them the holy double constraint of a passion for JESUS CHRIST and an equally wholehearted compassion for those who walk in the outer darkness of sin’s night.

Do not sell America short. Think of those five heroes, some of whom left behind their young wives and their precious babes with whom they had hardly become acquainted. Follow those young widows now. Did they mourn? Of course! Were they sad? Of course! Were they lonely? Of course! Did they have some misgiving as to the shadowy future? Of course! But see them, heads held high, tears held back, courage undaunted, pleading with the Christian world to have compassion for those benighted savage killers.  Then see several of them going right back to the Blood stained sands where their husbands gave up their lives to carry on the work! Surely once again the Blood of the martyrs will prove to be the seed of the Church.

GOD will not abandon us. What we need is not fear, but fervor; not the counsel of cowardice, but the consecration of courage; not attitudes or actions of weakness, but advance and attack of war – all-out war – for CHRIST and His kingdom.

My fellow Christians, America is worth praying for, paying for, preaching for, living for, dying for. What our men and boys have done in the carnage of Bloody battle to protect mundane, temporary things, it is ours to do in even nobler sacrificial devotion for the Prince of Peace, for the souls of those for whose eternal welfare He paid so heavy a price. 

II Chronicles 7:14 is still in the Book: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

There is no room or reason for despair, but a calling rather for a new devotion, a higher dedication to bring America back to the pierced feet of the CHRIST.

David Stone

Lakeway Baptist Church 

Humble, Tx.