We live in a world made up of very different people, and in some cases the difference is dramatic. While some have billions, others rummage through garbage every day trying to find something to eat. While some are fit as a fiddle, others are bed fast and in terrible pain. However, all people have some things in common. For one thing, we all shall die. But there is something else that puts us all on level ground. None of us have anything that we did not receive. None of us entered this world with anything, and all we gain is the result of God’s goodness. As James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

That being the case there is no justification for pride in any of us. As William MacDonald said, “The constant realization that we have nothing that we did not receive delivers us from boasting and self-congratulation and leads us to give God the glory for anything good that we are or have done.” That is well said.

We need to live every moment with the understanding that every breath we take, every penny we possess, and every opportunity we have is a gift from God. We don’t deserve anything and without God we could not acquire anything. To Him we owe everything. It is the grace of God that bestows every blessing that we enjoy. Due to that, our attitude should be as that which is demanded in Jer. 9:23-24 “Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” The only thing of which we should boast is the grace of God which gives us what we need rather than what we deserve. God is good! – HDS

 “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Prov. 3:5-6
Do you trust God’s plan for your life? Wait! Did you know that God has a plan for your life? It’s true. He has a plan for each of us, and sometimes it’s very different than the road we’re on or what we planned. But, the question is, “Do you trust God’s plan for your life?” Are you convinced that doing His will puts you in the best possible position? If you truly trust God you will believe that, and your behavior will reflect it. Here’s the bottom line. If we can trust God for anything we can trust Him for everything. He is all success and no failure, all light and no darkness, all truth and no deception. Can you think of one good reason to not trust God? I can’t either.

Now, let me tell you why you ought to trust Him. Nobody knows you better and loves you more than God. Nobody knows about your troubles and trials better than God, and nobody cares about you as much as God. He knows, He cares, and He can help! However, we limit what He does and short change ourselves when we refuse to trust Him. Let’s face it, sometimes the weariness of the struggle leaves us exhausted, confused, and doubtful. Although we believe God has a plan for our life all we can see is where we’re at and it feels as though we will be like that forever. But, it won’t! The very next step could change everything, or it might be a mile or so down the road, but change will come – it’s just a matter of time!

So that leaves us wondering, “How do I make it until then?” Here’s the answer in just one word – “Grace” ( 2 Cor. 12:9) and it is available to all who trust Christ. Due to God’s grace, not only are we able to endure life, we can also enjoy it. Grace provides peace, joy, strength, and hope. Regardless of how the story of your life reads right now the last chapter, the best part, is yet to come.
Maybe you’re wondering, “How could God let this happen to me? Why?” The answer is simple- “He is wiser than you”. We don’t always know what’s good for us and what isn’t – but God does. And he is not going to allow our confusion and complaints thwart His plan or change His purpose. You can whine like a spoiled brat about it all you want, but God isn’t going to cave in to your demands. He’s too wise to fall for that.

I know, sometimes God’s promises seem too good to be true, even impossible. We tell ourselves that with God all things are possible, but sometimes they don’t seem probable. We know they could happen, but it doesn’t appear that they will. You are stuck and the only thing you can envision is that it’s going to get worse. Fortunately God is going to make them better regardless of how you feel – it’s just a matter of time. Until then your only hope for peace is to trust Him. You can do that because He can do it. There is no limit to His ability, no end to His love, and no failure in His promises. Trust Him! – HDS

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

In this letter to the church at Smyrna the Lord says, “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer”. The natural response to that is “What?” How is that possible? What do you expect? But to make matters worse He tells them it will get worse – “behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days”. So we’re not talking about petty problems. It was a matter of suffering and death. In other words He is saying, even if life is as bad as it gets “fear none of these things”!

Then, right on the heels of that, the Lord says, “be thou faithful unto death”. That tells us that we are never excused from duty, regardless of the circumstances, cost, or consequences – even if it results in death. If that seems unfair to you, stop and think about who it is that is making the demand, and think about what He did for you. In light of that I’m forced to admit that no expectation is too unreasonable.

Now, if you are wondering why we should subject ourselves to such suffering and sacrifice ourselves for His sake, He tells us – “and I will give thee a crown of life.” That’s one of five crowns that we know about that we can win. Whatever that means, it is of immense value. I say that because it makes suffering and death worthwhile. And, knowing God why should we need any other explanation? He cannot lie.

Yet, sadly, we tend to murmur and complain about our trials and sometimes even desert our duties due to difficulties and danger. Truth is, there is never a reason for us to complain, nor to disobey His commands. We are to accept what He allows, do as He commands, yield to His wishes, and rejoice all the while. Our pain and suffering is but for a moment. Our relief and reward is forever! As the old song says, “It pays to serve Jesus”. Indeed it does! – HDS

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

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”- Gal. 6:7
Man is a strange creature. Being sinful, selfish, and stupid he often complains about what he’s got even though he asked for it. That reminds me of a story I heard many years ago. While the mother was working in the house, her husband and son were relaxing on the front porch. Suddenly the boy started crying loudly and the mother, as mother’s are prone to do, ran to his aid and asked her husband what he was crying about. The dad said, “He’s crying because he wants something and I won’t let him have it”. The mom said, “If it will shut him up let him have it”. Hearing that the boy smiled and ceased crying. Thinking the problem was solved mom returned to her work inside. A short time later the kid started screaming louder than ever. So immediately mom screams “What’s wrong now?”. I let him have what he wanted and he doesn’t like it”. Mom then replied, “What in the world was it?” Dad responded by saying “He was trying to catch a wasp so I did what you said and I let him have it and he got stung!”

Believe it or not there is an important lesson in that story. Sometimes God gives us what we want and then we don’t want what we’ve got. It happened to Israel when, contrary to what God wanted, the people insisted on a king. That was something they later came to regret. Sometimes the same thing happens to us. Ignoring what God wants for us we insist on getting our way and then we suffer because we get it. I’m not a prophet nor a fortune teller. I can’t see into the future. However, I can predict certain things that will happen. I know for a fact that we reap what we sow – God said so and He can’t lie. That tells me without a doubt that America is headed for trouble. Just as He gave Israel what the people wanted, although it was against His will, we will get what we’ve been asking for – although we won’t want what we’ve got after we get it.

For many years America has flaunted its rebellion against God, presuming He will continue to bless us, but payday comes someday. Just like ancient Israel we will reap what we’ve sown and won’t be a pretty picture. Ignoring God’s word and all the examples of history we are literally destroying ourselves, and the majority doesn’t care. – HDS

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