“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,” – Phil. 1:3

There is much criticism of Christians today – some of which is deserved. But when we focus on the bad we tend to lose sight of the good. It’s the fallen star that gets our attention. Let one single star fall and we focus on it to the exclusion of the millions that remain in their orbit. Even so, as we walk through this wicked world we sometimes lose sight of all the wonderful things. We deprive ourselves of blessings because we are focused on the bad things around us.

The same thing often happens in regards to relationships. We tend to think about a person’s faults and ignore all the good things about them. Sadly this mind set often leads to a problem in the church. Let one person do you wrong and you can’t stop thinking about it – although you are surrounded by kind people who love you dearly. It is a shame that we forget all those good godly people who have contributed so greatly to our lives, all because we are focused on one bad apple.

This would be a good time for you to pay tribute to the godly – those who out of love for God have obeyed His word, followed His ways, and done His will. Let us thank God for those who have dared to walk in obedience to God, separated themselves from the world, resisted temptation, given themselves in faithful service, and responded cheerfully to meet the needs of others. May their deeds never go unappreciated and their tribe increase! – HDS

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

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;”- Phil. 2:9-10

Preaching a sermon entitled “The Name Above Every Name”, from Philippians 2:9-10, R. G. Lee said,

“The Transcendence of the name of Jesus and its everlasting glory depend upon the work accomplished at the place called Calvary and at the open grave. It is because of that, dear friends, that He stands out today the First Begotten from the dead, “that in all things he might have the pre-eminence.” “His name shall endure forever.”
When the names of earth’s benefactors are no more remembered, when the achievements of science are no longer of value, when the guesses of philosophers are seen to be in vain, when time shall be no more – multitudes, in praise of Him in gratitude for salvation through His name, will still sing the song of Moses, and of the Lamb of enduring name. When the Caesars and Charlemagne, the Napoleons and Wellingtons and their so-called splendid victories are forgotten, the multitudinous trophies of His saving power, in enjoyment of His endless fruits of His blood-bought victories, will sing the praises of His peerless name.
There never was a name like the name of Jesus – so representative of sacrificial love at its best. And someday, “every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord . . . to the glory of God the Father.”‘ 

That is the divine end toward which all things are working and headed ( Eph. 1:9-23). This is the glorious place to which God’s eternal purpose will bring us ( Eph. 3:11). – HDS

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

“And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.” –  Sam. 24:17

I recently wrote about “Vices and Virtues” from Eph. 4:31-32). Today I want to sum up the virtues with one word – “mercy“. One of the best examples of this is found in 1 Sam. 24:16-22, where we find David sparing king Saul when he had the perfect opportunity to kill him. Rather than murder him he showed mercy – leaving for us a great lesson on dealing with difficulties.

Keep in mind that Saul was unfairly making David’s life miserable. He was determined to kill David and along with 3,000 men hunting him down like a wild animal. When Saul went to sleep in a cave he had no idea that David and his men were hid in the cave. But rather than kill the wicked king, David simply cut off a piece of his robe – giving evidence that he was not an enemy or threat to the king. He chose to be merciful to the man who was making him miserable!

That made an impression on Saul. He said, “Thou art more righteous than I: for thou rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil” ( 1 Sam. 24:17). This is a great example of what Paul meant when he wrote, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” ( Rom. 12:21). Our natural tendency is to react to evil with evil. But the wise thing to do is to respond to the evil with good, to show mercy. That’s what Jesus did when he prayed for those who crucified him ( Luke 23:34).

There’s no doubt about it, regardless of how well you live there will be those who hate, abuse, use, and neglect you. In some cases they do it because you are godly ( 2 Tim. 3:12). Yet we are to respond in mercy, withholding the evil they deserve. That not only pleases God, it makes an impression on others and gives us the best possible chance to see them change. If for no other reason we ought to do it because “God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” ( Eph. 4:32). – HDS

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