MORNING MANNA             9-23-23
INTERCESSION
David McCasland said,”People often ask for our prayers, but do we faithfully pray for them? Many times we see others in great need but find it easier to discuss their plight with friends rather than to intercede for them. But people need and want our prayers.

Paul concluded his call to put on “the whole armor of God” (Eph. 6:12-17) by writing, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” (Eph.6:18)”

Oswald Chambers often referred to prayer as “the ministry of the interior” and said, “There is no snare, or any danger of infatuation or pride in intercession; it is a hidden ministry that brings forth fruit whereby the Father is glorified.”

Faithful prayer—whether in public or private—is one of the greatest gifts we can give others.”

To give to others what they need,
We show no greater care
Than when we give them to the Lord,
Upholding them in prayer. —D. De Haan

Our intercession may be the key to God’s intervention.

F.B.Meyer wrote, We should pray in the Spirit. Reversing the order of the words, but bringing in their true meaning, we might say, “Let the Spirit pray in the soul.” It is well in prayer to wait until the scum of our own choice and desire has passed off, that the yearnings of the Holy Spirit may arise and manifest themselves. We need to be in the Spirit, not only on the Lord’s Day, but always, that He may be mightily in us, teaching us the will of God.
We should pray unselfishly. “For all saints,” said the apostle, “and for me.”
We should watch. Do not give runaway knocks. Stand at God’s door till it opens. Be on the alert. Wait on the watch-tower. Many of God’s ships pass in the night, and many of his gifts arrive at the wharf when those to whom they were consigned are asleep or gone.

We should persevere. God keeps us waiting that He may test and humble us, and know what is in our heart. Delays are his winnowing fan, discriminating between the chaff and the wheat. What we asked so vehemently we did not ask wisely. When we pray according to his heart, He graciously sustains us. Persevere; you do not know how near you are to the blessing you have sought for years.

David Stone      
Lakeway Baptist      
Humble, Tx.

MORNING MANNA            9-22-23
BATTLING BITTERNESS
“Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;”-Heb. 12:15

The blight of bitterness is an awful thing. It doesn’t just make us miserable, it is terribly destructive. Yet many act as though it is no big deal and dismiss it with the wave of a hand. Watching people try to deny or hide bitterness would be funny were it not so serious. They don’t seem to realize that bitterness colors every area of their life.

The characteristics of bitterness are many, such as sourness, moodiness, rudeness, ingratitude, complaining, impatience, anger, holding grudges, evil speaking, etc. These are things that do not go unnoticed for very long. It is common to see folks with these problems and wonder what’s wrong with them–the answer is “bitterness”. They are so burdened by bitterness that they can’t enjoy the beauty of a sunset, the laughter of a child, or the embrace of a loved one. Nothing makes them happy.
 
In the battle against bitterness it helps to consider the cause—things such as resentment toward God or man for failing to fulfill our expectations, unresolved anger, unforgiveness, etc. Although we would like to blame someone else, the fact is, it is our sin that causes us to get bitter. We might be bitter toward them but it is because of us. People can and will mistreat you, but they cannot make you bitter–that is a choice you alone can make.

It also helps us to consider the consequences— the harm it does. If you don’t see the danger you won’t see the problem, nor take any corrective measures to fix it, and things will go from bad to worse. The Greek word translated “bitterness” was used to describe plants that produced fruit that was poisonous and inedible. In addition to making us miserable, bitterness causes us to treat others as Satan treats us. We become a tool in his workshop! Thus, we are useless to God.

What a horrible way to spend your life! And some have been in that sad state for years, and it is there for all to see. For others it is a root, underground and hidden from view. However, unless dealt with, it will grow and grow until it springs up. Consequently we should deal with it as soon as possible. The longer we linger the greater the danger. Some are so blinded and bound by bitterness that they can’t hardly function–all because they delayed in dealing with it.

So what is the cure? How can we rid ourselves of this sad situation? The late Adrian Rogers suggested these three things:
1. Let God reveal it– Ps. 139:23-24
2. Let grace remove it– Heb. 12:15
3. Let good replace it– Heb. 12:14
That is good advice. This is not a terminal illness that can’t be cured. Bitterness is something we can do something about. There is no need for any of us to enslaved by such a dreadful thing. We have a choice. We can choose to get bitter or choose to get better. (HDS, 7-11-15)

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

MORNING MANNA            9-21-23 

  “FAINT NOT”     

“To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.”- Ephesians 3:10-13

One of the most important things we must remember when difficulty, tribulation, or trouble come into our lives is that God is still in control. Everything that happens to us is known by Him in advance. He is never taken by surprise or forced to switch to a fallback plan. Not everything that happens in our lives is good, but God can cause everything that happens to be used for our good and His glory according to His plan and purpose. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

When things happen that we do not understand or enjoy, God’s purpose is still in place. If we forget this truth, we are in danger of fainting and allowing hardship to deter us from continuing to walk in God’s will for our lives. Paul faced intense hardship and persecution during his ministry. He was beaten, shipwrecked, thrown in jail, threatened, and even stoned. He didn’t quit. After describing trials, Paul said, “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24).

This world is not all there is. Remembering our future gives us perspective on today. God calls us to keep our faith strong. His love for us gives us confidence that He will work for our good, and His power gives us confidence that He is able to do what is best. Trouble does not mean that God is no longer in control, nor does it mean that we should give up in despair.- Paul Chappell

David Stone    

Lakeway Baptist Church    

Humble, Tx 

MORNING MANNA            9-20-23    
YE ARE NOT YOUR OWN

 ”Ye are not your own.”- 1 Cor.6:19

After preaching about this last Sunday I was amazed and pleased when, a couple days later, I ran across this quote by James Smith, written about 1840.

“No: Jesus has purchased you with His own blood, quickened you by His Spirit, espoused you to Himself, and intends to glorify you with Himself for ever. He claims you, and says, “I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine.” He will provide for you as His own, and spare you, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

You are His beloved bride. His portion. A member of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones. In loving you, He loveth Himself. He requires you to live under the daily conviction that you are His; that all you have is His. You have nothing of your own; all you have He freely gave, and all you have you profess to have surrendered to Him.

Think more of Jesus than of His gifts, cleave to Him, and not to what you may be called to surrender. He will never take anything from you, but He will give you something better. If He strip you, it is to teach you; to lead you to live upon Himself, and to find your heaven in His company, grace, and offices.

Do you live, walk, and act, so as to leave the impression upon the minds of observers that you are the Lord’s? Do you expect Him to preserve, guide, and supply you? Let conscience answer.”

Lord! am I Thine, entirely Thine?
Purchased and saved by blood Divine?
With full consent, Thine I would be,
And own Thy sovereign right in me.

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

MORNING MANNA            9-19-23    
SUFFICENT SUPPLIES

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”–Matthew 6:33 

The famous missionary, Hudson Taylor wrote in his journel: “Our heavenly Father is a very experienced One. He knows very well that His children wake up with a good appetite every morning… He sustained 3 million Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years. We do not expect He will send 3 million missionaries to China; but if He did, He would have ample means to sustain them all… Depend on it, God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.”

 Perhaps you woke-up this morning worried about your bills and wondering how you’re going to keep your head above the water. Please consider God’s command–“seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” and focus on His promise–“all these things shall be added unto you.” And remember–God cannot lie! 

Doing God’s will isn’t always easy, but it always pays off in a big way. It wasn’t easy for Abraham to obey God when he was told to sacrifice his only son, yet he obeyed and discovered that the Lord will provide. He will do the same for you. If God takes care of the flowers in the field and the fowls that fly, surely He will provide for His own family–“for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things—-Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficent unto the day is the evil thereof.”(Matthew 6:32,34).

 
 Thank God for what you have, you don’t deserve it, and trust Him for what you need–“all these things shall be added unto you.”- HDS

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