Great Preachers
 “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:”— Rom. 5:3-4
Dr. M. R. DeHaan wrote: The greatest sermons I have ever heard were not preached from pulpits but from sickbeds. The deepest truths of God’s Word have often been taught by those humble souls who have gone through the seminary of affliction.

 The most cheerful people I have met, with few exceptions, have been those who’ve had the least sunshine and the most pain and suffering in their lives. The most grateful people I have ever known were not those who had traveled a pathway of roses all their lives, but those who were confined to their homes, some to their beds, and had learned to depend on God.

 The gripers, on the other hand, are usually those who have the least to complain about. The men and women who are the most cheerful and the most grateful for the blessings of Almighty God are often those who have gone through the greatest trials.

 The Bible tells us that if we respond properly to the trials of life, we will develop patience and godly maturity (Romans 5:3, 4, 5; James 1:3, 4). We must keep in mind that our present sufferings are “but for a moment” and that they are being used by God for our eternal good (2Co 4:17,18). So take heart, suffering one. Someday you too will realize that it was worth it all (1Pe 1:7). 

You might never know exactly why you are forced to suffer, but God has a reason–a good reason. But know this– every trial is an opportunity for you to show others the greatness of God’s grace. Someone is watching how you respond, so this might be your best chance to preach the greatest sermon of your life. And you need not say a word!– HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

THE GREATEST WONDER

“Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.”–Psalms 86:8-10

Some travel the globe seeing the wonders of the world. Others find a greater pleasure in watching their favorite team play, or walking through the Louvre. Whether it is the beauty of nature or the accomplishments of those with exceptional ability these people are moved emotionally by what they see. But there is something far more wonderful. J. H. Jowett described it well when he said:

The greatest wonders are not in Nature but in grace. A regenerated soul is a greater marvel than the marvel of the spring-time. A transfigured face is a deeper mystery than a sun-lit garden. To rear graces in a life once scorched and blasted by sin is more wonderful than to grow flowers on a cinder-heap. If we want to see the realm of surpassing wonders we must look into a soul that has been born again and is now in vital union with the living Christ. Even the angels watch the sight with ever-deepening awe and praise.

As the spiritual is the home of wonders, so also is it the field of brightest exploits. It is not what men have done by the sword that counts in the esteem of heaven—such deeds mean little or nothing; it is what they have done “by faith.” Weak, frail men and women have put their faith in God, and have done the impossible! Faith unites the weakling with almightiness! Faith makes a lonely soul one with “the spirits of just men made perfect,” and with them he shares “the power and the glory” of the eternal God.

I hope you will read that again and think of its practical value. When we lose our sense of wonder regarding God we tend to wonder about everything–living under a cloud of doubt which leads to fear. But when we stand in awe of God’s greatness we can stand courageously against any challenge.–HDS

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

WINNING OVER WORRY
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”–Phil. 4:6-7
Tell the average person not to worry and chances are they will get offended. After all, according to them, they have a list of reasons to justify their worries. Considering the difficulties of life they think it is unreasonable for you to say “don’t worry”. Yet that’s exactly what the Bible tells us—“ Be careful for nothing”.

The question is, “How can we avoid anxiety?”. Paul knew that question would arise, so he gives us the answer–“in every thing by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God“. We can be careful for nothing because we are cared for in everything, when we meet the conditions given here.
When you do that you can expect that “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus“. Because God never fails to care for His children we can be “careful for nothing“. The people of God can have the peace of God because He is the God of peace. I pray that the power of this promise will provide you with perfect peace in whatever problem you face today.–HDS

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

WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?

“But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor?“Luke 10:29 

    

Love to our neighbor seems at first an easy lesson to learn. But when we begin to study it, it grows harder. There is more of the lesson than we thought. We like to pick our neighbors, and we are sure to choose people who are congenial.

How to love our neighbor is taught in the parable. It is easy to have a sort of universal love – a love for everybody, a love we can exercise in our quiet home, looking at people in the distance, but not coming near to anyone. It is not just the same, however, when we go down among the people, and find our neighbor in some disagreeable person we cannot like, but waiting for our help, or in some enemy in need. The Good Samaritan found his neighbor in a hated Jew bleeding by the wayside. He had to get down in the dust and stanch his wounds, and then carry the man to an inn and pay the bills. It often costs a great deal to love a neighbor. The lesson is written out in full at the close: “Go, and do thou likewise.” (J. R. Miller)

We often speak of unconditional love but we seldom see it. Most of us are guilty of withholding love from those who do not live up to our expectations or please us in some way. We seem to forget that “God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” ( Rom. 5:8). May God help us to love the unlovely– just as He loved us. Unconditional love is the result of our character, not the other person’s conduct.–HDS

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

A SOLDIER

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”–2 Timothy 2:3-4

Audie Murphy was an unlikely hero. Weighing in at only 112 pounds and with the face of a child, Audie was 18 years old when he went overseas during World War II. Nothing about him suggested a hero in the making. Yet when called upon by his commanding officers to do the duty of a soldier, Murphy held nothing back. By war’s end, the quiet boy from Texas had fought with extraordinary bravery and saved the lives of countless fellow soldiers. He returned home to an adoring public, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, and received at least 36 other medals—more than anyone else in U.S. history, all because nothing meant more to him as a soldier than the will of his commanding officer. (Today in the Word)

As Americans we should never forget to honor our soldiers who gave sacrificially to keep us free. But, as Christians we should remember that we are soldiers of a different sort. Our warfare is not against flesh and blood, but against the forces of evil that seek to destroy souls. Serving under our great commander Christ, we are called to fight the good fight of faith and to be faithful regardless of our assignment. Knowing we shall one day stand before Him to give an account of ourselves, let us so live that we might hear Him say, “Well done!”– HDS

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