MORNING MANNA            6-18-24

YOUR MISSION

“ One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.“- John 1:40-42

A young woman excited about her salvation developed a deep desire to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. She felt called to missions, so she asked her pastor where she might go to serve to be most effective. He told her to come back the following day and he would have an answer for her then.

The next day, when she returned to his office, the pastor was waiting for her with an answer. He handed her a folded slip of paper and said, “I’m suggesting that you begin with someone who needs Christ right now more than anyone else in the entire world.”

The young woman quickly left the pastor’s office, eager to find out where her mission field was. She carefully opened the note and was surprised to discover two words: “Your father.”

She had been so passionate about reaching the lost in foreign lands that she had neglected to share the Gospel with someone so close to home.

Are there people in your life who don’t know Jesus? Maybe it’s a parent, a sibling, a grandchild, a close friend, an acquaintance, one of your children, or even your spouse. Many people make the mistake of thinking the only mission field is overseas.

But God has called you to share the Good News of His Word right where you are—in your city, neighborhood, and among your circle of friends. If you know someone who is living with no hope and without a relationship with Jesus, then take the time today to share truth that will change their lives forever.- HDS

David Stone  

Lakeway Baptist Church  

Humble, Tx

MORNING MANNA              6-17-24

THANKFUL FOR ANOTHER DAY

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 

Verna Chambers, of Willcox, AZ., got out of bed one morning and put on a t-shirt with these words on it,”Be nice to me. I had a hard day”. Shortly afterward little Eric looked at her and said,”How can you tell this early in the morning?. That ought to get our attention. 

Sometimes we start the day expecting the worst. Before our feet ever hit the floor we have convinced ourself that this is going to be “a hard day”. We rise with no chreeful expectation of what the day might hold. We just assume the worse. In other words, we make ourselves miserable before God has had a chance to bless us with some good thing. The sad thing is that our attitude usually shows in our face and affects those we come in contact with.

 So, how are you doing so far this morning? Have you already decided that this is going to be a bad day? Is there really nothing to smile about? Is it not possible that some delightful blessing is just a few hours, or maybe only minutes, away?

 I know, some of you would like to punch me in the nose about now. And you are right, I don’t know how hard life has been for you. And I don’t know what the day will bring. But I do know this. As a child of God I have a loving Father in heaven who is anxious to bless me–and you. Why then should we not expect Him to do so? 

By the way–blessings come in many forms. Just being able to get out of bed and dress yourself is a great blessing. Many can’t do that. Having a roof over your head, shoes on your feet, and something to eat should be a reason to rejoice. Things could be a lot worse than they are! I’ll admit, I don’t know what your day will hold. It might indeed be “a hard day”, but why should we expect it to happen when we have no evidence that it will? Even if it does can God not use it for some good? The best way to start the day is to be thankful for the gift of life, the gifts in life, and the gift of eternal life. Now, you have a good day! -HDS 

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

MORNING MANNA            6-16-24

MANLINESS

 “Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying, I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man” – 1 Kings 2:1-2

MORNING MANNA           6-15-24 

FAITHFUL FATHERS

“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment…” -.Genesis 18:19 

 Suppose you are God ( some foolish men seem to do that) and this is your planet. Now suppose you are going to choose one man with whom you will build a great nation to represent you upon the earth. What qualification would you look for? 

God chose Abraham, a man who would be faithful to provide spiritual guidance for his family. That’s what we need today! Someone said, “A boy loves his mother, but he follows his father”. As a general rule that is true. Dad, you need to stop and think about where you are leading your family. 

The great military hero, Gen. Douglas McArthur said, “I don’t want to be remembered as the great General who led armies and liberated the people; I want to be remembered as the Christian father who prayed and read the Bible with his children.” God give us more such men!

 If you have such a father–treat him right. If you are such a father–thanks! If you want to be such a father–get busy! For good or bad, your example influences your family, and you get only one chance to get it right–don’t delay. 

One father said, “If I had it to do all over again. I’d love my wife more in front of my children. I’d laugh with my children more. I’d listen more, even to the youngest child. I’d be more honest about my own weaknesses and stop pretending perfection. I would pray differently for my children. I would be more encouraging and bestow more praise. And finally, if I had it to do all over again, I would use every ordinary thing that happened in every ordinary day to point them to God.” That’s good advice! HDS

David Stone  

 Lakeway Baptist Church  

 Humble, Tx

MORNING MANNA            6-14-24

ARE YOU READY?

”Thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.”- 2 SAM. xv. 15.

It was undoubtedly music to David’s ears when his servants made this bold declaration. We, however, have an even greater king to please. As the servants of Christ we should be willing to say the same, and do so without complaint. Listen to these wise words from Frances Ridley Havergal:
If we are really, and always, and equally ready to do whatsoever the King appoints, all the trials and vexations arising from any change in His  appointments, great or small, simply do not exist. If He appoints me to work there, shall I lament that I am not to work here? If He appoints me to wait in-doors to-day, am I to be annoyed because I am not to work out-of-doors? If I meant to write His messages this morning, shall I grumble because He sends interrupting visitors, rich or poor, to whom I am to speak them, or “show kindness” for His sake, or at least obey His command, “Be courteous?” If all my members are really at His disposal, why should I be put out if to-day’s appointment is some simple work for my hands or errands for my feet, instead of some seemingly more important doing of head or tongue? 

If pleasing God is indeed our great desire we should not resent or resist what He commands. Our attitude should be like that of Isaiah–“Here am I; send me.”(Isaiah 6:8). It should not matter if the way be steep, or the waters be deep, or the work be hard, or the world be hateful. All that matters is that we be where God wants us to be, doing what He wants us to do. Pleasing Him is reward enough! HDS