“But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” – Luke 12:7

We are not excused from duty because it is difficult or dangerous. Devotion to duty should drive us press on when others are quitting, keep on when it seems futile, and not give up when it appears that we might get hurt. We have no right to abandon the ship of ministry just because we encounter storms along the way. Such storms are to be expected and endured. Sometimes it is by means of our misery that we are able to minister to others. Our testimony in troubled times is a powerful tool in showing others what great things God can do. The darker the night the brighter the light! ” Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. ” – Matt. 5:16

“After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”  – Gen 15:1

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me”– Matthew 25:40

There are many of Jesus’ instructions that we show by our actions we have not fully comprehended or considered—or even believed.

He exhorts us “take no thought for tomorrow” and yet we worry ourselves to death. He promises “my yoke is easy” and yet we prefer to labor under our own. He says, “If you love me, keep my commandments” and yet we ever strive to separate the two. He warns “you cannot serve God and money” and yet we always try to join the two.

But perhaps the revelation which is most widely ignored is this: if you do anything for the least of Jesus’ brethren, it is as if you have done it to Jesus. Do you live like that is true?

Have you visited dingy, smelly nursing homes; given to foreign evangelism; reached out to broken addicts; taught your children the Bible—all as if you were doing it to Jesus? So often we hurry by the hurting faces of Jesus’ brothers and sisters because we consider them beneath us. And yet King Jesus says, “you have done it to me.”

Did you wake up this morning with the realization that today you could do something to minister directly to Jesus? Let that revelation sink in. Live like you take Jesus’ statement seriously. Help the hurting, dust the furniture, teach the Bible, give to the needy, encourage the downcast just the way you would if Jesus was the One you were encountering today. Because He is. – Baptist Bible Hour

In light of our current circumstances, do something for someone today to serve Jesus. We are blessed to bless! Be a blessing. – HDS

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

“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”- 1 Timothy 2:3-4

It is amazing that God wants all people to know the truth and be saved. After all, mankind has never been easy to love, have we? Adam and Eve disobeyed the only command God gave them, and when questioned, shirked responsibility for their actions. After the flood in Noah’s time, God gave instructions to multiply and fill the earth. But instead, over time the people built a tower for themselves and made plans to stay together. When God made an incredible promise to Abraham and Sarah, they grew tired of waiting on Him to fulfill it so they took matters into their own hands. And what a mess they made!

When God, after 400 years of slavery in Egypt, delivered the Israelites, they complained and said they’d rather be slaves than trust God…even after God sent the plagues, parted the Red Sea, brought water from a rock, and rained food down from heaven to fill their hungry bellies. When Moses went up the mountain to meet with God, before he could even return, the people had made idols to worship. And when they finally reached the land God promised them, the spies lied about what they saw to avoid entering it. After 40 more years of wandering in the wilderness they finally entered the land. But their obedience and faith was short-lived. It wasn’t long before they begged for an earthly king to follow “like everyone else.” Eventually the nation split into two kingdoms; and God grew so angry at their sin that he allowed both to be taken captive by their enemies and scattered throughout the earth.

And things are no better today. Throughout history people have rebelled, disobeyed and refused to trust God. Romans 1:18 calls it “suppressing the truth of God.” And yet, 1 Timothy 2:4 assures us that God still desires for all men to be saved, coming to a knowledge of the truth.

It is important to understand that the truth is not a concept or a set of beliefs. The truth is a person. In His own words (John 14:6) Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” The truth we must grab hold of is Jesus. Knowing Him brings salvation. And this is God’s desire. This is what pleases Him…that His Son be embraced, known and glorified throughout the earth.

Father, I know I have rejected and run from You so many times. And yet You continue to love me. I want to know You more…to know and trust Jesus more. Thank You for never giving up on me. Help me to believe that You are all I need. – James Merritt

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