MORNING MANNA              9-8-22
THE GREATEST GIVER
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”—Phil. 4:19

This is one of the verses that has sustained me over many years and through many hard trials. It is a tremendous truth, a precious promise, and an awesome assurance. And God has never failed to deliver what I needed when I needed it. And He isn’t through.

God never gives all He has to give. Regardless of how much He gives more remains–the storehouse of His grace never lessens! His supply is never depleted. We receive “according to His riches”, not “out of”. Regardless of how much He gives there is always more. He has no less today than He did when He spoke the world into existence. God’s goods are infinite and inexhaustible. He is the one and only Self-sufficient God who never lacks. His supply is never exhausted and His concern never wanes. Whatever your need, He knows, He cares and He can help. The One who has no need is committed to meeting your needs.

However, although God is a gracious giver He is not a foolish Father. He gives what we need, not what we want. We cannot take this promise out of context and apply it indiscriminately. This promise does not allow for foolish and frivolous spending, nor to non-Christians or disobedient Christians. It is conditional upon our obedience to His commands. This promise was given to kind generous Christians who met Paul’s needs. The Philippians were obedient in their obligation to God and His servants– thus the precious promise. You could say, God meets the needs of those who meet needs.

Notice also that this applies to “all your need”, not just certain ones. There are no exceptions. Whether the need is physical, material, emotional, or spiritual, God “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think–“(Eph. 3:20). There is no need God can’t meet. But, remember this, although this promise pertains to every need it does not apply to every person. Only a child of God in the will of God can claim this promise from God. If that describes you, you can put your head on your pillow tonight and rest assured that you are being cared for by the Greatest Giver–God Himself. Meet His conditions and He shall supply “all” your need. Our response to this glorious truth should be the same as Paul’s when he gave  this great doxology, “Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen”! (Phil. 4:20). Make that your chief concern and you can live with confidence that God will take care for you–regardless of circumstances.- HDS

MORNING MANNA              9-6-22
INSPIRED BY THE INVISIBLE
“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”–2 Cor. 4:18

The first twenty years of my ministry, in addition to pastoring a church, I spent a lot of time away from home preaching revival meetings, etc. In doing so I often found myself in uncomfortable and unpleasant situations. The thing that kept me going was knowing my stay there would be short and I would return home after the meeting was over. At home I could feel the embrace of my wife, hear the laughter of my children, eat home-cooked meals, and sleep in my own bed. Indeed–“there’s no place like home”. That inspired me and kept me going through the days while I was away.Knowing something good lies ahead helps us get through the difficulties we encounter enroute. That’s why I keep saying,”For the Christian, the best is always yet to come”. I believe that. And knowing it is true helps. The anticipation of something delightful can be a great encouragement when you are facing unpleasant situations. If you only focus on your present problems it will drive you to despair. But when we know that we only have to endure for a brief time it makes matters a lot easier. For that reason we ought to think much and more about heaven. The hope of heaven can help you like nothing else that I know of. The reality of it brings great relief to God’s weary children.

Regardless of what you’re going through, if you know the Lord, things will get better, much better, they will in fact be perfect! It’s just a matter of time. If Christ is your Savior then God is your Father, heaven is your home, and the Holy Spirit is your Helper until you get there. Don’t let the hardness of the way cloud your vision and rob you of your joy. Soon your journey will end and you will be home at last. There everything will be absolute perfection. So, keep your eyes on the prize!- HDS

MORNING MANNA          9-5-22

DELAY COULD BE DEADLY

“ (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)”- 2 Cor.6:2

Don Elbourne Illustrations says, Evangelist Paul Rader had often urged a banker in New York State to receive Christ, but the man would not make the decision. One day the preacher sensed that God wanted him to go immediately and speak to him again. So he took a train to the town where the man worked, hurried to the bank, and found his friend standing in the doorway.

“Rader,” he said, “I’m glad to see you! I wrote a telegram begging you to come, but later changed my mind and didn’t send it.” 

“That’s all right,” said the evangelist, “your message came through anyhow by way of heaven.” 

Under deep conviction of sin, the banker was impressed by Rader’s earnestness and his special effort to reach him with the gospel, and within a few minutes he accepted the Lord. In his newfound joy he exclaimed, “Did you ever see the sky so blue or the grass so green!” 

“Hallelujah, you’re truly converted!” came Rader’s response. “It’s just like the song says, ‘Heaven above is softer blue, earth around is sweeter green, something lives in every hue Christless eyes have never seen.” 

Suddenly the banker gave a strange gasp and fell over dead! He had been saved at the very brink of eternity. What if Paul Rader had delayed or failed to stress the banker’s urgent need of turning to the Lord immediately? That man may have been lost.

David Stone

Lakeway Baptist Church

Humble, Tx.

MORNING MANNA         9-2-22

THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”– Acts 4:12

Sin is serious and man is in urgent need of God’s forgiveness. Without it he is doomed to eternity in the lake of fire – yet in and of himself he is unable to do anything to save himself. So, what’s the answer?

An article in a devotion from the Baptist Bible Hour says, “It is not found even in our repentance or good works, because we could never be good enough to please a perfect God. It is not found in sincerity alone, because many religions and philosophies are sincere and yet diametrically opposed to each other. Where can salvation be found?

It is found only in the perfect person and work of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. By His perfect life, selfless and substitutionary death, and powerful resurrection Jesus proved Himself to be what He claimed to be during His life — the one, true God. Salvation is found in Him alone because He alone is able and willing to save us from our sins.

Have you felt the weight of your sins? Have you been convinced of your inability to find any lasting joy, satisfaction, or forgiveness on your own? Then rush into the arms of the One in Whom salvation is found. There is no other name under heaven, whereby we must be saved, than Jesus Christ. But that name is sufficient to wipe away every sin and to save us completely from our guilt and shame.”

Thankfully God has given us the solution for our sinfulness. The only question left is this – Will you reject it or receive it? – HDS

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