MORNING MANNA           2-15-22

MEDITATING ON HEAVEN

“But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” Heb. 11:16

Those who meditate much on heaven and all it holds are the happiest people on earth. With their focus on God their heart is filled with wonder and excitement. As James Meikle (1730-1799) wrote: “Meditation, like the spies sent from Israel in the wilderness, returns with a good account of the good land, presents some of the fruits of paradise, and produces refreshing grapes pulled from the true VINE. Here the weary soul retires to rest in the bosom of the promise, in the love of God, in spite of all surrounding troubles; and drinks at the river before the throne, which makes her forget her miseries, as waters that flow away. O the high estate of the sons of God in meditation! They walk in the fields of glory, associate with the angels of light, and hold communion with God Himself! Thus, their face shines, and their mind seems as if in heaven, nobly opposing the base practices of the men of the world.”

The Psalmist said, “ My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.”(Psalms 104:34). So shall it be with all who follow his example. You can’t stand in the sun for a long period of time without being affected by it and you can’t bask in the splendor of heaven without being changed as a result. Let us then resist the temptation to rush through the day, never taking the time to reflect upon the glories of our heavenly home. Get alone with God, open His Word, read His promises, and meditate deeply upon them. You will be glad you did!

–By David Stone, 7-7-07

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

MORNING MANNA            2-14-22

LOVING ONE ANOTHER

Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more as ye see the day approaching– Hebrews 10:24-25

The Christian life is not one of isolation but of involvement with others.  There is to be a separation from the world and its influences while at the same time maintaining a Christ-honoring interaction with every person we meet.

In this verse we are encouraged to positive action. We must not be just an observer of what is happening around us, but working to encourage and stimulate others to love and good works.

If we are provoking others to love then we must display a loving sprit ourselves. Love is to be more than just a verbal expression — we are to love in deed and in truth.  Love will move us with compassion for those who suffer, with patience toward those who are difficult, and with generosity to those who are in need.

Love will also move us to consider others with regard to attending the assembly of saints. Too often thoughts are centered only on how we feel or what we expect to receive. But we are told that our very presence in the assembly can be a blessing to others and provides the opportunity to encourage them in their service of love.  It’s human nature to think about self, but let us pray for grace to grow in our effort to “consider one another.” ( Baptist Bible Hour)

David Stone

Lakeway Baptist Church 

Humble, Tx.

ON THE WAY HOME

The Bible frequently pictures the Christian as a pilgrim, traveling through a strange land and over tough terrain, enroute to his heavenly home.

During the course of his journey he experiences many different things. His path will often be rough and steep. He will face rapid streams and raging storms—difficulties that require great care, courage, and strength. He will need patience for sure, because the journey will push him to his limits.

So, where do we find the strength to—

–climb the next high hill

–ford the next raging river

–cross the next dry desert

–traverse the next slippery slope

–endure the chill of another winter night

–bear up under the scorching heat of the summer sun.

There seems to be so much against us that after a while we even forget about the pleasures we’ve enjoyed along the way—

–the lush green pastures

–the still cool water

–the gentle breeze

–the beautiful sunset

–the sounds of nature

Sometimes we get to the place where all we think about are the difficulties, rather than the delights. We focus on the pain, rather than the pleasure. Then life becomes a burden rather than a blessing.

So how do we keep going? We do so by—

–keeping our eye upon the prize. We will be home at last and all will be well.

–focusing on our Guide, knowing that He never leads us astray.

–remembering the exceeding great and precious promises of our Heavenly Father, who cannot lie.

–believing that heaven will be worth it all.

              —David Stone 8/2/2007

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

MORNING MANNA                2-12-22

THE PROMISE OF HIS PRESENCE

“… Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matt. 28:20

We never know what a day might hold. Life can get hectic in a hurry. One second we can be on a mountain top rejoicing, the next second we can find ourselves in the valley of despair–scared to death. There seems to be nothing we can depend on for sure. However, there is one thing we can always rely on–we can rest assured that Christ will be with us! We have the promise of His presence, and that provides peace. In 1863 Octavius Winslow wrote the following in response to the Lord’s promise:“Lo, I am with you always–even unto the end of the world!” Matthew 28:20
Whose presence is thus promised and pledged? 

It is the presence of Christ! The Christ who is God. “Immanuel, God with us!”

The Christ who . . .
  made all worlds,
  created all beings,
  governs all empires,
  controls all events!

The Christ who replenishes . . .
  earth with beauty,
  heaven with glory,
  eternity with song!

The Christ before whom angels and archangels, principalities and powers bend, and at whose name every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that He is Lord!

The Christ . . .
  whose glory is divine,
  whose beauty is peerless,
  whose wealth is boundless,
  whose love is as infinite as His being!

The Christ who . . .
  bore and put away your sins forever,
  uplifted and forever removed your curse,
  paid all your great debt to Divine justice,
  sorrowed for you in the garden,
  suffered and expired in your stead on the cross,
  rose from the grave, ascended up to heaven, lives and intercedes for you, representing your person and presenting your prayers and praises with ineffable acceptance and delight–to His Father and your Father, to His God and your God.

 

“Lo, I am with you always! Behold! I, the Incarnate God, I who opened my bleeding heart for your redemption on Calvary, I who am your dearest Friend–I am with you always, in all places, and at all times, unto the end of the world!”

 

O honored saint of God! You have…  the Divinest in the universe to love you,  the Mightiest in the universe to shield you,  the Loveliest in the universe to delight you,  the Dearest in the universe to soothe, cheer, and gladden you! O favored disciple of Jesus–you have such a one ever at your side!  

This is the promise of promises—the richest pearl of all the promises, exceeding in its mightiness and preciousness; while it is the substance, sweetness, and pledge of all the rest!

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

MORNING MANNA            2-11-22

A LESSON IN LIFE
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.”- Luke 16:10

 Here is a story that should cause us to consider how we approach life. The sign in the window read: “Boy Wanted”. Young John Simmons, though he was lazy, saw his opportunity and applied. He was quickly hired by elderly Mr. Peters. The pace was leisurely so he enjoyed the job. Toward the middle of the afternoon however, he was sent up to the attic — a dingy place full of cobwebs and infested with mice. “You will find a long, deep box there,” explained Mr. Peters. “Please sort out the contents and see what should be saved.” John was disappointed.  It was a large container, and there seemed to be nothing in it but old junk. After a few minutes he went back to the ground floor. Asked by the proprietor if he had completed his work, he replied, “No, sir, it was dark and cold up there and I didn’t think it was worth doing.” At closing time he was paid and told not to return. 

The next morning the old sign “Boy Wanted” appeared in its usual place. Crawford Hill was the next to be employed. When he was asked to tidy up the same box, however, he spent hours separating the usable nails and screws from the things to be discarded. Suddenly he raced down the stairs all excited. “At the very bottom I found this!” he exclaimed, holding up a 20-dollar bill. At last the store owner had discovered a conscientious boy to whom he could entrust his business when he retired. Years later Mr. Peters said, “This young man, who is now my successor, found his fortune in a junk box!” Then, correcting himself, he added, “No, he actually found it in his mother’s Bible because he heeded the verse she made him memorize: ‘He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much!'”

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