“But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers”. – 1 Kings 19:4

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

At one point during World War II, General George Patton met with a high-ranking allied official in Sicily. The man praised Patton for his courage and bravery. But Patton told him, “Sir, I am not a brave man… I have never been within the sound of gunshot or in sight of battle in my whole life that I wasn’t so scared that I had sweat in the palms of my hands.”

Years later in his autobiography, General Patton revealed the secret to his bravery. He wrote, “I have learned early in my life never to take counsel of my fears.”

It’s astonishing just how much fear influences our daily decisions. Think about it. How many decisions do you make daily based on a negative event in the future that may or may not come to pass? And then, how many of those fears actually materialize?

So how can we diagnose fear when we see it? By looking at its source. Fear comes from either a lack of trust in God’s power, or a belief that He doesn’t have your best interest at heart. When you fall into one of those mindsets, you’re operating in fear, not trust.

As believers, we can overcome our fears in any situation by asking the simple question, “What would I do here if I fully trusted God’s power and goodness?” When we answer that and take action on it, we’ll be well on our way to operating free from fear! – Senior Living

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

Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed. O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come. Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away. Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple. – Psalm 65:1-4

It is normal for people to pray with greater intensity when times of trouble come, and there is nothing wrong with that. But prayer should be our constant, continual, habitual practice—not just when things go wrong, but all the time. “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime” (Daniel 6:10).

Prayer is not an empty exercise. God hears when His children cry out to Him. It is a tragedy for us to fail to take advantage of the privilege we have been given as Christians to enter God’s presence and pour out our hearts to Him. Unlike idols worshipped through the years by so many people, God actually hears our requests. We do not have to convince Him to listen—His love has already opened the door.

Jonathan Edwards wrote, “Seeing we have such a prayer-hearing God as we have heard, let us be much employed in the duty of prayer: let us pray with all prayer and supplication: let us live prayerful lives, continuing instant in prayer, watching thereuto with all perseverance; praying always, without ceasing, earnestly, and not fainting.” Prayer is not optional for the believer. It is impossible for us to live as God commands and fulfill His purpose unless we are people of prayer. 

Pray in every situation and at all times, in full confidence that God will hear and answer. ( Daily in the Word)

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

—- the God of all comfort.–2 Cor. 1:3

Do you remember the old song that says, “Troublesome times are here”? Well, you could say that about every generation. This world is a tough place to live. Everyone has troubles and trials, and everyone needs comfort–that’s the bad news. The good news is that God is able and willing to provide exactly what we need. He is “the God of all comfort”, and that is a comfort to know! Knowing that He is at our side to encourage and support us gives us great courage to face the storms of life. Whatever our need is He is able to help.

• When I am sick, the Great Physician is at my bedside.
• When I am impoverished, the One who owns the cattle on a thousand hills is my Provider.
• When I am lonely, He is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother.
• When I am hated and despised, He loves me with an everlasting love.
• When I have sinned, He is the Blessed Redeemer who forgives and cleanses from all unrighteousness.
• When I come to the valley of the shadow of death, the Great Shepherd of the sheep leads me safely through.

Whatever you face today, or may face tomorrow, you have the blessed assurance that “the God of all comfort” will be there to help you. And, He never fails! — David Stone 8/27/08 / 2-6-13

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

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” – Isa. 26:3