MORNING MANNA             5-31-23

OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH 

“ God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”- Psalm 46.1(read vs.1-11)

“GOD is our refuge and strength.” John Henry Jowett wrote: “And in the varied conflicts and perils of life we need both these resources. We need the “refuge.” There are times when our mightiest warfare is to lie passive, to shelter quietly in the strong defences of our God. Our finest strategy is sometimes to “rest in the Lord and wait.” We can slay some of our enemies by leaving them alone. We can “starve them out.” They can be weakened and beaten by sheer neglect. We feed their strength, and give them favoured chances, if we go out and face them actively, “marching as to war.” The best way is to hide, and keep quiet; and “God is our refuge.” 

But we also need the “strength.” This is positive equipment for active service. The defensive is changed to the offensive, and in the “strength” of the Lord we advance against the foe. We “ride abroad, redressing human wrongs.” We “tread upon the lion and the adder, the young lion and the dragon we trample under foot.” We meet our enemy on the open field, and we slay him in his pride! 

And so our God is our resource in the double warfare of active and passive crusade. In Him we can take refuge, and the enemy withers. In Him we can find fighting strength, and the enemy is overthrown.”

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

MORNING MANNA                5-30-23

ONE THING“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.” – Psalm 27:4 

As a boy we used wooden pencils. I never saw a ball-point pen until I was in Jr. High School. And I’ve had a fascination with pens ever since. I thought it was great that you never had to sharpen your writing instrument. Back then all the boys carried pocket knives, and I can remember many times whittling my pencil down to a fine point. Although crude, this serves to illustrate what David did with his life–“One thing have I desired” he said. In other words, he is telling us what is at the top of his list. That reminds me of what Paul said in Phil. 3:13, “–this one thing I do–“. It also reminds me of what I should do, what all Christians should do. We need to cut away everything that doesn’t contribute to our main purpose in life, whittle away all the excess until our focus is on the main thing. That doesn’t mean that we never reserve any time for R&R, after all that can contribute to us being at our best. But it means that we never allow other things to crowd out the most important thing–the “one thing” that is of first importance. That’s a big problem for most people. They major on minors. Most of us have too many irons in the fire. Remember the old saying,”Jack of all trades and a master of none”? That describes a lot of folks. Many are like Martha in the kitchen–busy, busy, busy! They are so busy doing things, even good things, that they neglect the most important thing –the “one thing” that they should be focused on. Those people are usually frustrated and miserable, and they tend to make others feel the same way. This would be a good time for us to pause and think about our priorities. What is the “one thing” for which you live? Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness..”- Matt.6:33. That’s a life well lived. -HDS (4-3-11) 

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E. 

MORNING MANNA                   5- 29-23
MEMORIAL DAY
“The memory of the just is blessed…..”—Prov. 10:7

It started shortly after the Civil War when families of the fallen decorated the graves of their loved ones who died in battle. Today we call it “Memorial Day” and we tend to include all our loved ones who have died. Remembering others is fine, we should do it often, but we need to remember that “Memorial Day” is a day to honor those who died in defense of our country –that was the original intent.

 
From the time it was instituted until now we have enjoyed freedom that was purchased and preserved by the sacrifices of those who served in our armed forces. How could we ever forget the price they paid? How can we fail to be grateful?
 
This day should cause our hearts to overflow with thanksgiving for those who loved liberty more than life, and freedom more than fortune, fame, and fun. Let us then honor these men and women by giving thanks for what they did. May we never forget that freedom isn’t free. So, as you enjoy your freedom, doing whatever you do, be grateful that someone cared enough to make the sacrifice necessary to secure it for you. 
As our nation observes Memorial Day, please take time to reflect on what others have provided for you, thank God for His blessings, express in some appropriate way your appreciation, and pray–especially for the families who have suffered the loss of a loved one in the pursuit of freedom.—HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

MORNING MANNA            5-28-23

DOING GOD’S WILL

“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.”- Luke 6:46–48

Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery was one of Britain’s great war heroes. Twice wounded in battle during World War I, “Monty” was given command of the British Eighth Army during the North African campaign of World War II. Known for his hard-charging, attacking style, Montgomery left no doubt about who was in charge. He issued a statement declaring, “From this moment on, the giving of a command does not mean the beginning of a discussion about the command.”

God loves and makes us part of His family through His grace, but He is still God. Jesus is more than just Saviour. He is also Lord. As such, He has the full right to command us to obey. It is impossible to say, “No, Lord” without contradicting ourselves. If He is Lord (and He is), then the only possible acceptable answer is “Yes.” When we insist on going our own way in disobedience, we are declaring through our actions that we refuse to regard and obey Jesus as Lord. While we would never say such a thing with our words, that is what disobedience reveals.

The Christian life is a life of self-denial and submission to God’s will. Jesus said, “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me”(Matthew 10:38). We are not on a pleasure cruise to Heaven. Jesus has called us to follow Him into battle, and we owe our Captain full and complete obedience.God does not expect negotiation—He expects obedience in every part of our lives.- copied

David Stone

Lakeway Baptist Church

Humble, Tx.

MORNING MANNA              5-27-23

THE SONS OF GOD
“ But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: “– John 1:12

One day a pastor had a new believer show up at his home in deep distress. The new believer asked, “Pastor, no matter how much I pray or how hard I try, I simply can’t seem to stay faithful. I think I might have lost my salvation.”

The pastor called his dog into the room and said, “Here’s my dog. He is house-trained, never makes a mess, and is perfectly obedient. He’s a pure delight to me. I also have a baby son. He makes a mess, throws his food, and fouls his clothes every day.

“Which one of these two will inherit everything I have? My son… not my dog. In the same way, we are heirs of Christ not because of our behavior, but simply because of who we are.”

In Christ, our identity, not our performance, makes us sons and daughters of God. That identity, as a child of the Most High, is one that once it’s bestowed, can never be revoked. This means that because of who Christ makes us when we place our faith in Him, we can’t lose our place in heaven!

Don’t let bad performance discourage you and cause you to question your identity in Christ. Remember the One who purchased your life on the cross. Remember your faith in Him. And let that remembrance reaffirm your position as God’s child!–Senior Living

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