“In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul” – Psalm 94:19

What has been filling your thoughts and occupying your mind in recent days? Perhaps a loved one who is sick, an employer who is difficult, an injustice that you have observed, a longing that you have, or a sorrow that you feel? Or maybe all of the above.

In spite of my many tangled, confused, and anxious thoughts—the psalmist says to the Lord—your comforts fill my soul with joy. Although he describes the onslaught of anxious cares as a “multitude,” he insists that the comforts that God has provided far outweigh and exceedingly outnumber the stresses of life.

In fact the psalmist expresses that the encouragement that God has provided in His Word is so intensive and so uplifting that he has been led, not only to be consoled, but to be delighted. This speaks of a transcending comfort that is powerful and substantial enough to reverse the very trend of the mind toward worry or fear.

Have you experienced the soul-delighting comforts of God’s Word as of late? Has your tendency to worry or fret or grieve been overruled to such an extent that the inertia of your thoughts is now toward joy and peace and satisfaction?

When one looks at the love and faithfulness of the cross, at the wisdom and majesty of creation, at the sweetness and surety of God’s promises, the anxiousness of life is overwhelmed by the comforts for the soul. (Baptist Bible Hour) 

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

“Hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps”– 1 Peter 2:21

Christians love to talk about following Christ. But Peter makes it clear that we cannot expect to follow a suffering, rejected Savior without experiencing suffering and rejection ourselves. Amy Carmichael rhetorically presents this searching question:

Can we follow the Savior far,
Who have no wound or scar?

There is nothing meritorious or noble in suffering as an end in itself. As Peter pointed out in the verse immediately before, there is no inherent glory in suffering if we are only being punished for our own wrong-doing. However, he says, if you endure the buffeting of a Christ-hating world because you are following Jesus Christ, then this is pleasing and acceptable to God.

Interestingly, the possibility of not suffering and still following our Savior is not even presented as an option. Why? Because hereunto were you called — when you received the call of God on your life, it was not only the call to salvation but the call to suffering for the sake of your Savior.

Jesus assures us, “Blessed are ye, when [not “if”] men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake (Matthew 5:11). Paul reminds us that “unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake” (Philippians 1:29).

The footprints of Jesus do not travel through luxurious lifestyles and self-asserting ambitions. They lead through uncompromising stands for the glory of God and self-sacrificial suffering for the sake of others. Are you following His steps? Are you obedient to your calling?  (Baptist Bible Hour)

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

“I will surely do thee good.” Genesis 32:12

James Smith was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at a church in London. While I marvel at the beautiful word pictures from Spurgeon, I don’t know of anyone who could say more in fewer words than Smith. The following message from 1840 is a good example of what I’m talking about. Here is a gold mine of truth in a nugget. In these few words we find enough to occupy our mind for hours.

Though this promise was given to Jacob, it was not confined to him, but is intended for all his spiritual seed. It is thus God speaks to us this morning. How gracious! We know not what a day may bring forth, but we know our God, who superintends every event, will do us good. We may mistake as to what will be for our good, but He is infinite in wisdom and goodness, and therefore cannot. We may look at afflictions, losses, and crosses, and cry out, “All these things are against me!” But read the history of David. What a train of troubles attended him! Hear his acknowledgement: “It is GOOD for me that I have been afflicted.” Thy God will do thee good, therefore He will try thee, sift thee, humble thee, and prove thee. He will give thee medicine as well as food. He will consider nothing too expensive, or too painful, if necessary for thy soul’s welfare. Look at your trials, and say, “This also shall turn to my salvation.” Look on the past, and acknowledge, “Goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life.” Look to the future, and rejoice, “The Lord will give that which is GOOD.” Look in every direction, and say, “I will trust and not be afraid.”

I cannot doubt His bounteous love,
So full, so free, so kind;
To His unerring, gracious will
Be every wish resign’d.

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

“- – –  let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” – Heb. 12:1

 “When all our hopes are gone, ‘Tis well  our hands must keep toiling on for others’ sake: For strength to bear is  found in duty done; And he is best indeed who learns to make the joy of  others cure his own heartache.” 

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

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:” – Psalms 103:2

In troublesome times our attention is often diverted away from where it should be. We focus on our burdens rather than our blessings. The following story should serve as a good reminder of where our thoughts should be.

A group of American school children were asked to list what they thought were the present “Seven Wonders Of The World.” Though there were some disagreements, the following received the most votes:

1. Egypt’s Great Pyramids
2. Taj Mahal
3. Grand Canyon
4. Panama Canal
5. Empire State Building
6. St. Peter’s Basilica
7. Great Wall of China

While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student had not finished her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The little girl replied, “Yes, a little. I couldn’t quite make up my mind because there are so many.” The teacher said, “Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help.” The girl hesitated, then read, “I think the “Seven Wonders Of The World” are:

1. To see
2. To hear
3. To touch
4. To taste
5. To feel
6. To laugh
7. To love

The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. The things we overlook as simple and ordinary and that we take for granted are truly wondrous. A gentle reminder – that the most precious things in life cannot be built by hand or bought by man. Think about it! The song writer gave good advice when he said “Count your many blessings”.

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