MORNING MANNA              3-20-21

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.”– Rom. 10:1

The last two days I have written about the need of telling others about the hope within us. If I took a vote asking how many agree with what I said I doubt that there would be one dissenting vote. In this regard we all know what we ought to do, but something keeps us from doing it. Something is missing and I think I know what it is. We are missing that which motivated Paul to go everywhere telling others the way to salvation.

Paul said “my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.“. His desire was such that he said in Rom. 9:2-3 “That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:”  That’s amazing! It’s as though he is saying I would give up everything or do anything if it resulted in the salvation of my loved ones.

How is it that we see no evidence of such concern among Christians today? The spiritual needs of others doesn’t seem to be a matter of concern to most people. We hear numerous prayer requests for those who are ill, facing financial problems, going through domestic difficulties, and grieving the loss of loved ones, and that’s well and good. But seldom do we hear about the need for people to be saved – which is by far their most important need. Why is that?

Do we really believe that heaven is as wonderful and hell is as woeful as we say? If we truly believed what the Bible says about such things how can we remain silent? As with Jeremiah, there ought to be a fire in our bones compelling us to speak out. May God forgive us for our lack of compassion toward others and our lack of commitment to His commands. I pray that the Holy Spirit will create within us all that is lacking so that God can use us to point others to Christ. So, what is the desire of your heart? – HDS

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

MORNING MANNA          3-19-21

IS THERE BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS?

“Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.”– Acts 20:26-27

MORNING MANNA            3-18-21

ARE YOU READY?
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.”- 1 Pet. 3:15-16

Considering our current circumstances regarding social distancing, wearing mask, the reluctance to get close to strangers, etc. witnessing to others about Christ has become more difficult than ever. Door to door visitation has always been difficult, but now it is harder than ever. No one likes the idea of opening their door to strangers. However, our command is “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” ( Mark 16:15).

In light of the present situation our text is more important than ever. Since it is getting more and more difficult to get people to listen we must capitalize on every opportunity we have to tell others of Christ. And the most likely audience we will have is our family and friends. However, to be effective we must practice what we preach. We must live in such a way that they can see the difference that Christ makes. That can create curiosity and raise questions. Regardless of the difficulties of the day our difference can make a difference. The darker the night the farther a little light shines and as the “light of the world” we need to stand out.

If we simply blend in with the rest of the world, as most do, we create no curiosity, raise no questions, generate no concern, and open no ears. As far as others are concerned we are no different from them and they see nothing desirable in us. And sometimes we make the glorious gospel repulsive to them. They are the people we’re supposed to care about the most and we fail them in the worst possible way.

 
Our witness for Christ should start where we are and move out from there. Just as Andrew first found his own brother Simon and “brought him to Jesus” ( John 1:41-47), and the early church launched its mission in Jerusalem (Acts 1:8), we need to witness to those closest to us. If we live as we should, sooner or later, it will cause others to entertain questions. When that happens we need to be prepared and ready with the answers. By “answers” I don’t mean ideas and opinions.I mean the truth as it is revealed in God’s Word. The question is, “Could you answer their questions?” Are you ready? – HDS

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

MORNING MANNA              3-17-21

AN INHERITANCE

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,”- 1 Pet. 1:3-4

Perspective is of great importance. It is by keeping his eyes on the prize that the runner is able to press on through the pain. It is the assurance of pay day that keeps the worker on the job although he is tired and weary. It is in anticipation of the victory that the soldier musters up the courage to keep fighting. And no doubt, Abraham was greatly encouraged by the fact that “he looked for a city…whose builder and maker is God” (Heb.11:10). As he journeyed from one unknown place to another he always kept the thought of that city in his mind.

Even so, although we face many trials and tribulation, as a child of God we have a glorious inheritance awaiting us. We have assurance from God that we will receive relief from our suffering, rest from our labor, rewards for our service, reunion with the saints, and rejoicing with our Savior. It couldn’t get any better than that.

Regardless of how bad things are at the present we have the prospect of a better day that’s coming. We’re not home yet, but we are as sure of heaven as though we were already there – God can’t lie. My dear friend, thinking of heaven and all that it holds is not child’s play. It is serious business and essential to our welfare. Looking forward to what’s to come will help us get through the difficult days and tough times along the road of life. The hope of heaven not only brings happiness, it also provides help because we know the best is yet to come. – HDS

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