“ Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”—Eph. 3:20
As a new Christian, eager to learn, I loved to read books about and by famous preachers in the past. It thrilled my heart to read about the adventures of missionaries and the great things God had done in their lives. Over and over I read about how God answered prayer, met needs, changed lives, and brought victory. Knowing what He had done gave me great expectations regarding my relationship with God. Thinking of God who supernaturally met needs inspired me. Considering how God used  others gave me hope that He could use me also.
It seems today that very few people expect God to do something miraculous. When we do hear a testimony regarding a supernatural act of God we explain it away by labeling it made up story by some over zealous Charismatic. Why are we so doubtful of such things? It’s as though we have down-sized God to level of man. We, although we probably wouldn’t say it, think of God as too small or weak to do some things. Our confidence in God has waned to the point that having Him as our helper means almost nothing–like having a handyman around the house to assist with repairs. Maybe that’s why we don’t pray as we ought. If that indeed describes God it is a waste of time.
We are in desperate need of rediscovering the greatness of God. We need to concentrate on His attributes, consider His works, and claim His promises. We need to see our need of being filled with and empowered by the Holy Spirit. As William Carey said, we need to “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God”. When we pray it ought to be in the Spirit and with faith. God hasn’t changed! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He still has the power to do all things and has never given us a reason to doubt it. Regardless of how impossible your situation seems it is not too hard for God. With Him all things are possible. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:16). –HDS

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

“Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day….”–Josh. 14:12
I enjoy watching the TV show “Mountain Men”. It reminds me of my childhood dreams, Much older now, I no longer have that desire. My old body couldn’t take it. However, I do have an interest in mountain men of a different kind. You probably already guessed that I’m talking about Caleb. He is the character I want you to consider and hopefully you will be inspired by his example. His story is amazing. Caleb had a lowly beginning as his name indicates. It means “dog”, and not the kind we think of as pets. But even worse is the fact that he wasn’t a Jew by birth. Yet somehow, as a Gentile he was adopted into the tribe of Judah, became a faithful servant, then a great leader, and ascended to great heights. Caleb had a heart for God. He was faithful and fearless as he determined to fulfill God’s will for his life. That should be true of all of us.
From men like this we can learn important lessons and find inspiration that causes us to aspire to greater heights spiritually. Caleb reminds us that a bad start doesn’t have to have a bad ending, to press on when others oppose us, and not to give up when we’re old. He gives us hope that we can still be useful when it appears everything is against us. And remember– this isn’t about us doing things we enjoy, making a name for ourselves, or fulfilling our dreams. This has to do with claiming God’s promises and reaching our God- given goals. In this day when mediocrity is the norm, God give us “mountain men”– folks with a burning desire to be all they can for Christ!— HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

“Do all things without murmurings and disputings:  That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;  Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.  Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.  For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.”–Phil. 2:14-18
Just about everyone realizes that something is seriously wrong with the world. It’s obvious that the world needs help. There is a lot of talk about what the world needs, but nothing is working. Things keek getting “worse and worse”. Only God has the answer– He is the answer! That’s the message the world needs to hear and we Christians are the messengers. And it’s not just what we declare, it’s also what we do. How we relate is crucial. We are to be salt and light.
This world is in spiritual darkness and urgent need of light. In vs. 14 Paul tells us what we ought to do. In vs. 15 he tells us what we ought to be and why. While much more could be said this is what was needed in the case of Paul’s letter. We need the same today. Our life is to be regulated by what God requires. That enables us to reflect the light of Christ to those in darkness. One bright light of godly behavior is often more effective than a sermon or song. When you work out what God put in others see the difference Christ can make, and that can make a difference in their lives. Never under estimate the power of your example. Tough times are the best times for an effective witness. The darker the night the brighter the light! “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16) –HDS

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

“Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?”– John 14:5-9
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson went on a camping trip. After a   good meal.. they lay down for the night and   went to sleep. Some hours later, Holmes awoke and nudged his   faithful friend. “Watson, look up and tell me what you see.”

Watson replied, “I see millions and millions of stars.”

“And what does that tell you?” Holmes asked.

Watson pondered for a minute. “Astronomically, it tells me that   there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of   planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo.   Horologically, I deduce that the time is about a quarter past 3.   Theologically, I can see that God is all-powerful and that we are   small and insignificant. Meteorologically, I suspect that we will   have a beautiful day tomorrow. Why, what does it tell  you?”

Holmes was silent for a minute, then spoke: “Someone has stolen   our tent.”

That humorous story reminds us that most people fail to see the obvious. Worst of all they fail to see the significance of the person and work of Christ. Knowing who He is and what He has done is essential to having a relationship with God, and these facts are clearly presented in the Bible. However, most people are so caught up in the trappings of religion that they miss the obvious– salvation is the result of what Christ does for us, not what we do for Him. They fail to see that they need a Redeemer not religion.–HDS

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

“Delight thyself in the LORD: and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart“.– Psalm 37:4
Suffering loss can have a devastating affect on a person, leaving him in a pit of depression. And it doesn’t just go away because a certain amount of time has passed. The best way to deal with loss is to “Delight thyself in the LORD“. It might not change the circumstances, but it changes the Christian. God is the one constant in our life. Everything else is subject to change, but He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. If we lose everything else He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. When we are abandoned by family and friends He is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother. When we focus on God rather than grief it gives us strength to go on.
When your spirit is overwhelmed within you, turn your attention to God’s greatness, goodness, and grace. Rather than thinking about what was taken from you thank God for the gift of life and the gifts of life. What you have as a Christian always out weighs what you had. So when it seems the very worst has happened, remember–the best is yet to come!But, before you can actually delight yourself in the Lord, you must “Trust in the LORD” (vs. 3). It is that life changing decision that enables us to walk by faith, rather than by sight, and to please God. And when He is pleased the floodgate of His exceeding great and precious promises are opened to us.–HDS

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