“What manner of persons ought ye to be?” 2 Peter 3:11

The people of God are expected to be different from the world; they profess to have another Spirit in them, and to be the sons of God. They believe the present frame of things is to be dissolved. They look for a new heaven and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. They are strangers and pilgrims here. What manner of persons then ought we to be? Surely we ought to set light by the things of time, and aim at the things which are eternal. We ought to be watchful, prayerful, diligent, holy, patient, thankful, and expectant. We ought to be contented with such things as we have; to give all diligence to prove our title, make sure of our election, and rejoice in our destination. We ought to walk as Jesus walked. To live as Paul lived, dying daily. Let us ask, this morning, Do we habitually believe that present things will soon be dissolved? If so, are we acting according to the same? Are we laying up for ourselves treasures in heaven? Are we doing good, that we may be rich in good works, and an honour to religion? Is the coming of Jesus the object of our desire and hope?  James Smith, 1840

Then let us wait the sound
That shall our souls release;
And labour to be found
Of Him in spotless peace,
In perfect holiness renew’d,
Adorn’d with Christ, and meet for God.

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

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” – 2Cor. 3:18

As a boy, raised in the Ozarks where there are a lot of caves, one of my favorite things to do was to explore them. Not only is it exciting it can also be an educational experience. Knight’s book of Illustrations gives us this good example of something that can be learned from it.

“There, one can see enormous pillars which have been formed from the roof of the cavern. This masonry, formed of solid rock, made by the slow and silent progress of water, is truly marvelous. A single drop of water, finding its way from the surface down through the roof of the cave deposits its sediment and another follows it and still another, each adding its imperceptible contribution, until the icicle of stone begins to grow, ultimately reaching the pillar which has likewise been forming on the bottom of the cave. It becomes a massive pillar which will stand to the end of the world.

There is a process just like that going on in each of our hearts. Each thought that stirs for a moment sinks into the soul; as each little drop of water, with its limestone deposit, makes its contribution to the pillar in the cave. Other thoughts follow, and still others, until a habit of thought along a given line of reasoning, arousing similar emotions, is formed, erecting within our own hearts monuments of purpose or pillars of ambition that shape our character.

Character is the result of thought. Think high, and you will live high. Whether our lives shall be full and helpful or cruel and hurtful depends upon our thoughts. As believers our thoughts must be grounded in Scripture and bathed in prayer, for we know the heart shapes our actions. Carefully read and study God’s Word, and wait before Him, letting the Word grip mind and heart.“

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” – Phil. 4:8

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…..”– Heb. 12:2

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

“God is faithful.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

This is the believer’s sheet anchor; without this his comforts would droop, and hope would give up the ghost. We are at times shaken to pieces by unbelief, and filled with tormenting doubts. We feel nothing of the presence, power, or comforts of the Holy Ghost; faith, hope, and love seem to be quite extinguished. We have no power, and scarcely any inclination to pray; and we feel only hardness, fretfulness, and misery. We are tempted by Satan, and harassed with tormenting thoughts, so that we feel tired of this miserable life. But God is faithful; He never fails us; but appears again and again, restoring us to peace, joy, and satisfaction; and our most miserable times are often succeeded by peculiar joys. The Scriptures are opened up to our understandings, the promises are applied to our souls, and we are filled with the comforts of the Holy Ghost. Then our souls melt before God in contrition and holy penitence; we feel crumbled into dust before Him, and can only admire and adore the riches of free and sovereign grace. Beloved, in the darkest night, remember, “GOD IS FAITHFUL.” – James Smith, 1840

He will not His great self deny;
A God all truth can never lie:
True to His word, God gave His Son
To die for crimes which men had done:
Blest pledge! He never will revoke
A single promise He has spoke.

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

“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved…” – John 10;9

The very next verse after our text says, “… I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” My dear friends there are untold blessings awaiting all those who receive God’s gift of salvation. All you have to do is open the door and you become a joint heir with Christ! – HDS

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

“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” – 1 Cor. 16:13

Here is a command and a challenge. The phrase “quit you like men” comes from a single Greek word meaning “to make or show one’s self a man, to be brave”. In this confusing world this is a much needed exhortation. Contrary to those who consider this to be chauvinistic this is a crucial issue. Men and women are different in numerous ways and every man needs to understand his God given role and responsibilities. We live in a day when the lines of distinction are being intentionally blurred by those who are deceived. There is a culture war being waged today that seeks to make men feminine and women masculine – turning the God given order up-side down.

This sad sight should get our attention. The word “Watch” tells us that we ought to be alert, attentive, and active. “Like men” we are to show ourselves strong and standing “in the faith“. That’s what others should see in us regardless of what they are seeing all around us. A real man will be different from the world and that makes him noticeable to others. His loyalty to the Word of God, love for others, and labor to support his family sets him apart from the world. It sets him up as an example for the younger generation to follow. Every man should be determined to model what it means to be a real man. The effeminate are an offense to God and do not know God ( 1 Cor. 6:10). That makes this matter of major importance.