MORNING MANNA            3-24-23
A Word To The Weak

”And I will strengthen them in the Lord; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the Lord.”- Zechariah 10:12 

Spurgeon called this,”A solace for sick saints.” Indeed it is. This is a stirring promise of strength. It reminds us that God can remove the the dread and disability of a disease, as well as the illness itself. He can turn our weakness into strength. Notice, however, that this strength is found in the Lord, not in self. Apart from Him we would be as feeble and helpless as little children facing a dreadful beast. 

But, also notice that this power enables them to “walk up and down in his name—“. God doesn’t empower us so we can pursue our own selfish desires. We are strengthened by Him that we might live for Him. This precious promise is for those whose purpose is proper and motives are pure. If God has been so gracious as to raise you from your sick bed do not forget that He intends that you “walk up and down in his name.” Live for Him and you will always have something worth living for! Make that your purpose and God will provide the power.–HDS

David Stone

Lakeway Baptist Church 

Humble, Tx.

MORNING MANNA                3-23-23

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 her little boy names 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 

5901 FM 1960 E.
Humble, Tx. 77346

MORNING MANNA             3-22-23

WE ARE RICH

“  For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”- 2 Cor. 8:9

In light of this text someone wrote the following:

The guy was obviously down in the mouth as he sat on the park bench. He was so depressed looking that a policeman who was patrolling the area sat down, and sought to console him. “Something the matter?” asked the policeman of the young man who was staring into space. “Yeah,” he said, “you just wouldn’t believe it. Two months ago my grandfather died, and left me $85,000 and some oil wells.” The policemen raised his eyebrows and responded, “That doesn’t sound like something to get upset about.” “Yeah,” the young man replied, “but you haven’t heard the full story yet. Last month my uncle died and left me $150,000.” The policeman shook his head in bewilderment. “I don’t understand,” he said. “Why are you sitting here looking so unhappy?” The guy responded, “So far, this month, not a cent.”

We laugh, and yet the joke is on us. Here is a fellow who failed to appreciate what he already has. He was rich, yet he acts like he is poor. He was blessed beyond measure, but he doesn’t see it or savor it. The Christian can make a similar mistake. On a given day we can feel poorly about life and ourselves, failing to appreciate and appropriate the blessings, and riches that are ours in Christ. Our judgment can become clouded, and overlook the fact that we are spiritual millionaires, who are also looking forward to an eternal inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-5; Rev. 2:9). The truth of this is best seen in the book of Ephesians, a book that has been called the believers’ checkbook. Six times in this letter Paul references God’s riches toward them in Christ (Eph. 1:7, 18; 2:4, 7; 3:8, 16). Ephesus was no mean city, and the wealth of some of its residents was apparent in the lavish terrace houses just off Curetes Street. But the richest among its citizens were the followers of Jesus Christ. They had what money could not buy or death could not steal. The debt of their sin had been paid for in the blood of Christ (Eph. 1:7; 2:4-5). They, who once lived without God and without hope, now lived in the expectation of a glorious inheritance in heaven (Eph. 1:18; 2:7). Plus, the enlivening and enriching presence of the Holy Spirit was theirs to draw upon generously (Eph. 3:16). And how priceless are these blessings in Christ given the fact that they are un-deserved, unexpected, unsurpassed, and inexplicable given their recipients (Eph. 2:7; 3:8). 

Remember, you are richer than you think! Enough of the poor attitude, enough of the impoverished thinking, and enough of the bankrupt faith.

David Stone

Lakeway Baptist Church 

Humble, Tx 

MORNING MANNA             3-21-23

DON’T QUIT

“Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the Lord said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.—-them will I drive out from before the children of Israel”–.Josh.13:1, 6 

Joshua had accomplished much on the battlefield and in taking the Promised Land. Yet, at a very old age, his command from God to take all of the land had not been fulfilled. The Lord had to remind Joshua that his mission hadn’t been fully achieved.

Isn’t it interesting that God didn’t look for a younger leader, but went straight to Joshua even in his old age? God went to the person who had accomplished much and asked him to continue on with His purpose. The Lord wasn’t finished with Joshua, and he isn’t through with you either.

Whether it’s through volunteer work, a part-time job, or serving in a position at your church, God still has a purpose for you. He didn’t say, “OK…when a man or woman reaches the age of 55, they are no longer of any use to Me.” 

In almost every Christian congregation or ministry, there are things not being accomplished that could be done by seniors. All that is required is a willing and able senior to step up and take the challenge God has presented to participate in various activities and ministries. 

Joshua was virtually “retired” from his job. But, even in his old age, God called him out of retirement to continue on with the job he was to complete. Is God calling you in your later years to continue on in ministry for His purposes? Are you willing to take on that challenge today? God will continue with His work through His people, even those who are “well advanced in years.”

 Ask God to show you a ministry in which you can be involved. Surrender yourself, even in your later years, to fulfilling His call on your life. (From Senior Living). 

None of us are getting any younger, so this might be your best (or last) opportunity to be used of God. If that isn’t the purpose for which we live then there is no reason for us to keep living. Think about it! – HDS

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

MORNING MANNA            3-20-23

PRAY

“Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.” Hebrews 13:18 

Never take for granted the power of prayer.

I once read the following story of a missionary’s testament to the power of prayer: 

“A mother at our mission station died after giving birth to a premature baby. We tried to improvise an incubator to keep the infant alive, but the only hot water bottle we had was beyond repair. So we asked the children [at our orphanage] to pray for the baby and for her sister. One of the girls responded. ‘Dear God, please send a hot water bottle today. Tomorrow will be too late because by then the baby will be dead. And dear Lord, send a doll for the sister so she won’t feel so lonely.’ That afternoon a large package arrived from England. The children watched eagerly as we opened it. Much to their surprise, under some clothing was a hot water bottle. Immediately the girl who had prayed so earnestly started to dig deeper, exclaiming, ‘If God sent that, I’m sure He also sent a doll!’ And she was right. The heavenly Father knew in advance of that child’s sincere requests, and five months earlier He had led a ladies’ group to include both of those specific articles.” 

Paul  Chappell wrote: “Even the prayer of a small child could miraculously be answered by God. No prayer is too small or too bizarre for God to answer. 

One of Paul’s last comments in Hebrews is his request in our verse, “Pray for us.” He desired that the readers of his letter would take time to pray for him and his fellow laborers. Studying the life of Paul we see the trials and pains he faced as he served God, and he requested prayer that God would strengthen him. 

Prayer is your most important commodity as a Christian. With prayer, you have direct access to your Saviour, His power, and His help. Not only is prayer an important part of your personal Christian battle, prayer helps you intercede for other Christians. 

Every Christian is facing difficult battles and is trying to stand against the devil’s attacks. Satan’s temptations may not be the same in their lives as they are in yours, but his presence is just as real to them. While you may not be able to actually help them fight the devil, you can help them through prayer. Notice three groups of people who need your prayers every day…..

Prayer is more powerful in Christian battle than the strongest army, the mightiest warrior, or the craftiest weapon. Your pastor, family, and friends need your prayers each day. Take a few minutes now to pray for these three categories of people. Ask God to protect, guide, and bless them. Never take for granted the power of prayer.”

Pray as thought everything depends upon it, because it does.- HDS

David Stone

Lakeway Baptist Church 

Humble, Tx