MORNING MANNA            12-28-23

CONSIDER THIS

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”- Rom.8:18 

What is to be compared with the salvation of the soul? What are riches, honors, health, long life? What are all the pleasures which the world can offer, sin promise, or the flesh enjoy? What is all that men call good or great? What is everything which the outward eye has seen, or natural ear heard, or has entered into the carnal heart of man, put side by side with being saved in the Lord Jesus Christ with an everlasting salvation?

For consider what we are saved from, as well as what we are saved unto. From a burning hell to a blissful heaven; from endless wrath to eternal glory; from the dreadful company of devils and damned spirits, mutually tormenting and tormented, to the blessed companionship of the glorified saints, all perfectly conformed in body and soul to the image of Christ, with thousands and tens of thousands of holy angels, and, above all, to seeing the glorious Son of God as he is, in all the perfection of his beauty, and all the ravishments of his presence and love.

To be done forever with all the sorrows, troubles, and afflictions of this life; all the pains and aches of the present clay tabernacle; all the darkness, bondage, and misery of the body of sin and death; to be perfectly holy in body and soul, being in both without spot, or blemish, or any such thing, and ever to enjoy uninterrupted union and communion with the Father, Son, and blessed Spirit—O what a heaven lies before the believing saints of God as the end of their faith in the salvation of their souls! – J. C. Philpot

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

MORNING MANNA           12-27-23

The Best Is Yet to Be

In his book, The Best Is Yet to Be, Henry Durbanville told the story of an elderly woman who lived in southwest Scotland. She wanted very much to see the city of Edinburgh, but was afraid to take the train because it had to go through a long tunnel to get there.

Things came up and she was forced to travel to Scotland’s capital. Filled with fear and anxiety, the trip began and she became more anxious as the train sped along the tracks. Before the train reached the long tunnel, the older woman, exhausted with worry, fell fast asleep. When she awoke, she was already in the city.

Of this story, Durbanville commented, “It is even so with the dying saint. He closes his eyes on earth, passes into what he thinks of as the tunnel of death, and opens them immediately in the celestial land.”

Your earthly body is nothing more than a temporary home. Moving day is coming for everyone. You’ll never know when the moving truck will pull up to your “house,” with its crumbling foundation, failed heating system, and cracked windows, load up what’s left inside, and take it away to your new home.

The Scripture says, ” For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” (Hebrews 13:14). As moving day approaches, it is important to realize in this analogy that death for the believer is not a dreaded parting—it is a glorious homecoming.

Pray that God would give you peace as you prepare to leave your earthly home. Thank God for the upcoming homecoming reunion that will take place when you are reunited with the ones you love and most importantly—the Lord Jesus Christ.– Senior Living

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

MORNING MANNA            12-26-23  

CHRIST’S COMPASSION

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.” Matthew 9:35-37

Our verses show us that Christ had compassion on people….He saw beyond the masses of people come to hear Him teach, and saw their individual needs. He saw they were “sheep having no shepherd.”There are people this holiday season who have no shepherd. They are wandering through life, struggling to survive, and desperately seeking hope. 

Christmas isn’t a joyous time for everyone, but it should be a time when everyone spreads joy. As a Christian, you have great reason to be joyous! Just as Christ looked upon the masses and saw their need, so you should overlook the outward impressions of others, but see their need this season. 

Some people around you need a warm meal this holiday. Some could use presents or gift cards for their family. Others would benefit from homemade cookies and time spent together. While many people need to hear the Gospel. How can you help spread joy to these people? 

When you see people as God sees them, you’ll be more in tune with their needs. Ask God right now to give you His eyes for people. Seek to see others as God would see them, as sheep needing a shepherd. Rather than hurrying about your way, take time to look for those who are hurting, alone, or discouraged this season, and do something to help spread joy to their lives.( Edited from article in my drafts)

David Stone  

Lakeway Baptist Church   

Humble,Tx.

MORNING MANNA   12-25-23

JESUS

He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and
The Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be…
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!
He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!
The world can’t understand him,
The armies can’t defeat Him,
The schools can’t explain Him, and
The leaders can’t ignore Him.
Herod couldn’t kill Him,
The Pharisees couldn’t confuse Him, and
The people couldn’t hold Him!
Nero couldn’t crush Him,
Hitler couldn’t silence Him,
The New Age can’t replace Him.
He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.
His ways are right,
His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and
His mind is on me.
He is my Redeemer,
He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and
He is my peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and
He rules my life!
I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light, and
His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
The power of the powerful,
The ancient of days, the ruler of rulers,
The leader of leaders, the overseer of the overcomers, and
The sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.
He will never leave me,
Never forsake me,
Never mislead me,
Never forget me,
Never overlook me.
When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!
He is God, He is faithful.
I am His, and He is mine!
God is in control, I am on His side, and
That means all is well with my soul.
(edited, author unknown) 

Merry Christmas !!!!!!!

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

MORNING MANNA            12-24-23

MARY’S MIRACLE
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word—.Luke 1:38 

Every year around Christmas I make it a point to mention Mary’s part in the birth of our dear Savior. I usually devote one entire sermon to the subject and write at least one short article. There is much that we can learn from her example. The following article appeared in “Senior Living” and the author does a good job of describing the situation: