“Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:” – Isa. 30:1
Every pastor desires to say something that will get people’s attention, meet their need, and bless their lives. The closest he can get to that is to give them God’s word. It has exactly what every person needs and has proven itself again and again.  Sadly it is ignored by the vast majority.
Rather than searching out its treasures and embracing its truth, people question its source, debate its declarations, doubt its promises, disobey its commands, and disregard its warnings. Consequently they are left with nothing but their foolish notions or the counsel of others to depend upon. And we can clearly see where that leads. All the ills of the world can be traced back to that fatal moment when, instead of obeying God, Adam and Eve questioned God and took another course of action. We have been reaping the results and repeating their rebellion ever since that day. And then have the audicity to call ourselves wise. If we are so wise why haven’t we devised a way to stop hurting ourselves? There must be a better way, and thank God there is! God has always had a witness in the world.
At numerous times and in different ways God has said, “This is the way, walk ye in it” ( Isa. 30:21), but most have not yet learned the benefit of doing so. Isaiah speaks of a coming day when His people, at long last, shall hear and heed His call – submitting themselves to Him. But we are not there yet. So, until then, this is the world we’re left to live in – a wicked world in rebellion against the Creator. As a result there is corruption, confusion, conflict, and consternation. The only safe course is God’s word – “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” – Psa. 119:105 -HDS

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

“From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, even unto this day, that is the three and twentieth year, the word of the LORD hath come unto me, and I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye have not hearkened” – Jer. 25:3
Nearly everyone, especially parents and pastors, knows the fears and frustration of trying to persuade people to do the right thing only to be ignored. It tears your heart out when you see people racing head-long into trouble and refusing to heed the counsel or warnings. But, try as we may, we aren’t able to persuade people against their will. They do as they desire. We can preach the truth, pray, and plead for people and all that is good, but only the Holy Spirit can convict them of their sins. Preachers might impress people with their subject, personality, speaking ability, or preaching style, but they can’t persuade them to do God’s will unless they have a heart to do it. As you’ve heard, “A man persuaded against his will is of the same opinion still”.

We are in a spiritual warfare. It isn’t a matter of winning an argument or over powering the will of people. Even Spirit-filled preaching and heartfelt prayer will not awaken some sinners. Jesus himself, the greatest preacher ever, could not convince everyone to repent. Neither shall we be able to reach all our dear loved ones. Although we should do our best at using the means appointed by God to win them we are wise to face the reality that we can’t win them all. So what do we do?

The only thing that will cause people to live as they should is love for God. Until they love the Lord they will continue living as they please ( Matt. 22:35-38). And since we love Him because he first loved us, the best hope we have to reach others is to both declare and demonstrate God’s love. The sinner’s mind has been blinded by Satan and reaching them will take a miracle of God’s grace. As those who love the Lord we can play a part in that by loving others unconditionally, as God loves us. If anything can get their attention that will. It is then that they are most likely to see their need and turn to the Lord. So don’t give up! – HDS

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

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”- Phil. 4:19
Words cannot explain how awesome it is to have the assurance afforded by this verse. Living in a world of problems this precious promise provides “peace that passeth all understanding”. Knowing it is a promise from “my God” it is sure, for He “cannot lie” ( Tit. 1:2). Knowing he says, “all your need” I am confident that there are no exceptions. Knowing he does so “according to“, not out of, “his riches in glory” assures us that there is never a shortage. His riches are never diminished due to us drawing on them. Knowing God does this “by Christ Jesus” reminds us where our focus should be.

However, we must not misunderstand. This doesn’t mean that God will give us whatever we want. He is too wise for that. Sometimes what we want is not what we need, and God knows the difference. Nor is this a promise that just anyone can claim. It was given to a generous church that had given sacrificially to support God’s work. We cannot claim this promise if we are lazy and unwilling to work, selfish and unwilling to give, poor stewards who mismanage what we receive, and foolish in that we waste what we have.

This promise was to a generous church, from the voice of experience, for every area of life, and from God who is able. If you are drifting in the darkness of some dire need I hope the light of this promise will direct you into the harbor of hope where you will find comfort in the “God of all comfort”. In light of all this we should be greatly encouraged to do as the Lord says in Matt. 6:33 “– seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”. Since His eye is on the sparrow you can rest assured that He won’t overlook His children. So with that thought I leave you with this reminder: – HDS

Why should I feel discouraged
Why should the shadows come
Why should my heart feel lonely
And long for heaven and home
When Jesus is my portion
A constant friend is He
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches over me
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me

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