The Bible describes the church as the Bride of Christ. That should get our attention. Knowing that God has so designated it should make a big difference in the way we view it. I don’t know any real man who would intentionally abuse his wife, or any woman, nor sit back and allow others to do so. Nor do I believe for a second that Christ ignores our mistreatment of His Bride– the church. You hurt my wife and you hurt me–and I’m liable to hurt you. You hurt the Lord’s church and He will hurt you. Paul made it clear to the Corinthians that some had died prematurely because of their attitude toward the church. Yeah–whether you believe it or not He is that kind of God! He chastises His own when they refuse to repent.(Heb.12:6-13).

The church is the only institution on earth established by Christ and the only one authorized by Him to carry out His commission. She has been bought by His blood and belongs to Him. She is indwelt by His Spirit, loved by the Father, and precious in His sight. Mistreat her and you have mistreated Him. You have offended the Father, grieved the Holy Spirit, and endangered yourself. Yet, sadly many people ignore her, neglect her, criticize her, and abuse her. Do you really think that this escapes His attention or that they will escape His vengeance?

Here’s something you might need to consider. Perhaps the most common way in which people disrespect the Bride of Christ is to treat her as though she isn’t needed– not important enough to get their attention, respect or support. That wouldn’t be you would it? Remember this–You cannot be in fellowship with Christ if you have no desire to fellowship with His church. You need the church and the church needs you. Every member is an important part of the body and needs to function in harmony with the whole. There are a lot of church members doing nothing, but there is no church member with nothing to do. So, what are you doing? Think about it! – HDS

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

Sent by David Stone on Tuesday, September 23 at 5:54AM

MORNING MANNA              9-22-25

The following was written in 1872 by an unknown writer. He says exactly what I feel, and says it well.

“… What think ye of Christ?…” Matt.22:42

I am ashamed of my thoughts of Him—they are so poor, and so unworthy of Him. He is so great, and so glorious, and so good, and so gracious—that I cannot think of Him as I desire to.

Do you inquire what I think of His person? He is the chief among ten thousand, and the altogether lovely One! He unites in Himself Deity and Manhood—
“All human beauties—all Divine,
 In my Beloved meet and shine!”

Do you ask what I think of His work? It is perfect! His obedience is spotless! His atonement is complete! His work of redemption is accomplished, “It is Finished!”

Do you ask what I think of His love? Ah, here it is that I am most at fault—and no wonder, for His love surpasses knowledge! Its height and depth, its length and its breadth—are immeasurable! His love is free, unchanging, and eternal. It is unparalleled—it is Dying love! He loved me—and gave Himself for me! Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends—but Jesus laid down His life for His enemies!

My prayer for you is as Paul said in Eph.3:17-19 “that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”‭‭- HDS

David Stone  
Lakeway Baptist Church
Humble, TX

LIVING THE WORD

Although we sometimes struggle to understand parts of the Bible, understanding isn’t our biggest problem. Most of Scripture is clear – God is trying to confuse us. More often than not our difficulty lies in knowing how to apply what we understand to everyday living.

 I know that’s true from experience in my own life. Admittedly there are some parts of the Bible that are more difficult to understand than others. But understanding is not the only issue. The goal is apply what I know to the way I live. And that doesn’t happen in one giant step. The path that leads to the Word of God becoming real in my life is a three-step process: information, inspiration, and impartation.

When I read the Word of God I receive information. When I examine my life I by that information I find inspiration. Then when I put the Word of God into practice I experience impartation. The Spirit of God enables me to move from being a student to becoming a servant. 

A.W. Tozer said, “It is not reading the Scripture in the original languages or in some contemporary version that makes us better Christians. Rather, it is getting on our knees with the Scriptures spread before us, and allowing the Holy Spirit of God to break our hearts. Then, when we have been thoroughly broken before God Almighty, we get up off our knees, go out into the world and proclaim the glorious message of Jesus Christ.” 

I say, “Amen”. After all, James 1:22 says, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”- HDS

David Stone  

Lakeway Baptist Church 

Humble,TX

Sent by David Stone on Saturday, September 20 at 6:54AM