“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”—2 Tim 2:1

We know not what lies ahead. From one second to another life is a mystery. However, although we cannot perceive what a day might hold, we can prepare ourselves to respond wisely. Since we are commanded to “Rejoice in the Lord always” ( Phil. 4:4) there should be no question as to how we are to respond– whether it be a day of drudgery, difficulty, danger, or delight. Due to the grace of God we can be content regardless of the circumstances.

Many years ago, J. C. Philpot offered four suggestions as to how we can prepare for the day. He said, “How to enjoy this day. This will never come by trying to be happy and yet we are responsible for the conditions of real joy.

1. Be right with God; for Gladness is sown for the upright in heart. It is His joy that remains in us that makes our joy to be full.
2. Forget yourself and live for others; for It is more blessed to give than to receive.
3. When you cannot rejoice in feelings, circumstances and states, rejoice in the Lord, and count it all joy, when ye fall into divers temptations.
4. Finally, obey the Lord and be faithful to your trust; and again and again will His blessed Spirit whisper to your heart, Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy Lord.”

Not enjoyment and not sorrow
Is our destined end or way,
But to act that each tomorrow
Finds us farther than today.
Let us then be up and doing
With a heart for any fate,
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait.

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

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”- Isa. 41:10

The Lord’s people are prone to fear; because they do not realize their relation to God, their interest in the promises of God, and that they are always in the presence of God. How graciously our God forbids our slavish fears, and encourages confidence in Himself! Our slavish fears dishonour Him, our filial confidence glorifies Him. He loves to be trusted; He is grieved by our doubts and fears. We should fear nothing but sin; and if we fear sin, follow holiness and preserve a conscience void of offence toward God and man; if we live upon His word, daily use the open fountain, and cultivate communion with our God, we can have no cause to fear. Beloved, leave anxiety, distrust, and slavish fear, to the poor godless worldling; but trust thou in the living God always, and everywhere. Hope in God; wait upon God; expect from God; follow hard after God; and all you want will be given, and all that would injure you will be frustrated. Be not afraid, only believe; Jesus is with thee; therefore, “FEAR THOU NOT.” (James Smith)

 And art Thou with me, gracious Lord,
 To dissipate my fear?
 Dost Thou proclaim Thyself my God,
 My God, for ever near?
 Then farewell, anxious, gloomy care,
 Since God forbids my soul to fear.

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

The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.- Romans 2:4

We ought not wait for the hour of trial, the time of chastening to set our house in order, to take stock of ourselves, to have our commission renewed. God’s goodness not His scourging alone, is meant to lead us to repentance. The day of blessing should bring us to the mourner’s bench, and then we might avert the painful discipline. If we judged ourselves in the sunshine we might not be judged in the shadow.

Thatch your roof in dry weather. Do not wait until the storm breaks. While you have health and loved ones and prosperity, let the Great Physician give you a check up. Do not wait until you are grievously smitten.

Though most of us come to conversion and confession and cleansing in the house of desperation, it need not be so. God’s goodness ought to melt our hearts and break us down and shame our lack of faith and our love grown cold.

Fair-weather repentance might save us many a cloudy day.- Vance Havner

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

“I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”- 2 Corinthians 8:8–9

On a cold winter day, an elderly man stood by the Tower Bridge in London, playing a violin in hopes that those who passed by would place money in his hat. He played poorly, and no one seemed interested in helping him. After some time had passed, a well-dressed man appeared. He listened to the violin player for a moment and then walked over. Rather than giving the man money, the visitor asked for his violin. He took a few moments to tune it and then began to play.

Now as a stunning melody filled the air, a crowd began to gather. Word began to spread across the city and soon hundreds of people were standing in rapt attention as the beautiful music continued. When he had finished playing, the most famous violinist in the world, Niccolo Paganini, returned the violin to its owner. One person after another came by and dropped coins into the beggar’s hat until it was overflowing. He owed it all to the one who took his place.

I have been saved for many years, but I never want to lose the sense of gratitude and wonder for what Jesus did for me. He owed me nothing, but in love and grace gave me everything. It cost Paganini only a few minutes of time to help the beggar, but it cost Jesus everything to save me. To not be thankful for all I have received is a horrible offense against God. “But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins” (2 Peter 1:9). Never forget the miraculous gift of salvation you received because of God’s amazing grace. (Daily in the Word)

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