MORNING MANNA            7-25-23

WHEN YOU FEEL ALONE

“And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”— 1 Kgs 19:10

There is something very pathetic in this verse. Elijah really thought he was alone. He did not know of one other man in all the land, who was loyal to God. This made it all the harder for him. Companionship strengthens us. It is comparatively easy in battle for one to march and fight in the ranks, with others all around him; but to move out alone, old soldiers say, is a sore test of courage. It is easy to be good, faithful, and loyal in duty, diligent in Christian service–when one has companionship. But it tests one’s life to have to stand alone, the only Christian in the family, the workshop, the store, the school. But many have to stand just in this way. They are really the only one who is in their place to stand for God. If they fail, God’s work there will suffer greatly.

But we see also the value of a single life. For years Elijah was the only one who confessed the Lord and was faithful to him. Yet though utterly alone, and not knowing of any others who even secretly were true, he yet stood firm, and bravely maintained the honor of Jehovah in the face of a whole nation. As we read the story through to the end–we see the outcome of his faithfulness. He alone wrought a great reformation. We sometimes find ourselves alone–the only one to witness for Christ in the place where we stand. If we simply stand and falter not, we shall by and by see the triumph of that for which we stand.( J.R.Miller)

David Stone

Lakeway Baptist Church 

Humble, Tx 

MORNING MANNA                7-22-23

FORGET & REMEMBER

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”– Rom.12:21

“Many people fret and fuss, wanting everyone to like them. Years ago I came across the following poem, by an unknown author, that would help us a lot if we just put it into practice:

 “Forget each kindness that you do as soon as you have done it. Forget the praise that falls to you the moment you have won it. Forget the slander that you hear before you can repeat it. Forget each slight, each spite, each sneer, whenever you may meet. Remember every promise made and keep it to the letter. Remember those who lend you aid and be a grateful debtor. Remember all the happiness that comes your way in living. Forget each worry and distress; be hopeful and forgiving. Remember good, remember truth, remember heaven is above you. And you will find, through age and youth, that many will love you.” 

That’s good advice, but you need to know that God alone can enable us to do this. It is only as we yield ourselves to His control that we can live as we should ( Rom.12:1-2). You just can’t leave God out of the equation and be successful. Forget about trying to win the applause of others and seek only to please God. Forget about the things you think you deserve and remember that all you have is a result of God’s grace. We who deserve nothing have everything in Christ—let us not complain. – HDS

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

MORNING MANNA              7-21-23

YOU NEED CHRIST’S POWER

“And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.” Mark 4:35–37

How you react to storms will determine their positive or negative effect in your life.

One New Year’s Day, in the Tournament of Roses parade, a beautiful float suddenly sputtered and quit. It was out of gas. The whole parade was held up until someone could get a can of gas. The amusing thing was this float represented the Standard Oil Company, even with its vast oil resources; its truck was out of gas.

As Christians, we represent the Lord to others. We possess an unlimited resource of God’s strength and power for our every need. Yet many times, we can sputter and quit when we face difficulties. 

As seen in our verses, Christ had just spent a busy day preaching, teaching, and casting out demons. After He was done, Jesus said, “Let us pass over unto the other side.” He was directing them tothe east side of the lake, where opportunities to grapple with a desperate case of possession, set a captive free, and give the Gadarenes an opportunity of hearing the message of salvation awaited them.

Suddenly, on the trip across the lake, a great storm caused the boat to rock, sway, and take on water. The disciples feared for their lives. Don’t doubt the disciples’ skill for they were expert sailors. They simply needed Christ’s power.

Notice that the presence of Jesus on board the ship did not assure safety for the disciples. In our lives, simply because we are saved does not mean we will face calm seas and an easy life. We will face difficulties in which we will need God’s power.

Too many Christians expect God to remove all troubles once they are saved. God doesn’t remove trials (He uses trials to mold and grow us), but He does provide His power to sustain us through times of trial. Trials are not a time to question or doubt God, but to turn to Him as the disciples did.

The disciples’ first reaction was to trust their own instincts to weather the storm, but as they soon found, Jesus was the only One who could handle the storm. The same is true in our lives. While we may look to find our own way out, only Christ can give us power to survive the storms of life.

What is your storm in life? Is it a job loss, low finances, health trial, or another type of trouble? You will face storms in your life, but remember that even Christ’s twelve hand-picked disciples faced a time of testing. He wanted them to rely on Him to help them safely cross the stormy lake. 

You cannot weather life’s storms alone. No amount of planning or preparing can help you avoid storms. You must turn to Christ for help during these times. Realize your inability to survive the storm without the Lord, and place your dependence completely in Him. Seek His power through prayer and allow Him to sustain you even through life’s most difficult storms.( Daily in the Word)

David Stone

Lakeway Baptist Church 

Humble, Tx 

MORNING MANNA            7-20-23

”HIS BILLOWS”

Annie Johnson Flint is probably my favorite poet. Many years ago she wrote a wonderful poem entitled “His Billows” based on these words from Psalm 42:7 “—All thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.” Do yourself a favor–find it and read it.

The point of the poem, as the title indicates, is that regardless of our difficulties they are “His billows”. In other words, God either causes or allows everything that happens to us. That’s right, I said, “everything”–no exceptions! He is always in control. He does so for a reason and, if we maintain the right attitude, He will use them for our good. 

Here’s the problem–we really don’t believe Romans 8:28 like we claim to do, at least when the problem is personal. We like to quote it to others when they are going through great difficulties, but we don’t seem to accept it when the problem is ours. When bad things happen that we can’t change or control we tend to get bent out of shape. 

If you’re struggling with your attitude regarding your afflictions, maybe these words from an unknown writer will help: Stand up in the place where the dear Lord has put you, and there do your best. God gives us trial tests. He puts life before us as an antagonist face to face. Out of the buffeting of a serious conflict we are expected to grow strong. The tree that grows where tempests toss its boughs and bend its trunk often almost to breaking, is often more firmly rooted than the tree which grows in the sequestered valley where no storm ever brings stress or strain. The same is true of life. The grandest character is grown in hardship. Remember my dear friend–it is “character”, not comfort, that counts. For every trial there is a reason and a season (it won’t last forever), so let’s “grow” today!  –HDS

 David Stone

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