MORNING MANNA              6-12-25

THE WITNESS OF OUR WAYS

“That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.” Philippians 1:26–28

I’ll never forget the story I read about a Sunday school teacher who was trying to make an impression on his class. Looking out at the young men assembled before him, he asked, “Why do people call me a Christian?” After a moment of silence, one of them said, “Maybe it’s because they don’t know you.” Those who know us best should have the highest view of our commitment to following Jesus Christ. Yet too often people live one way in public and at church, and an entirely different way at home or on the job.

There is no off switch for the Christian life. It is not a Sunday “thing,” but a lifetime, an every day complete surrender to God’s purpose. Jesus pointed out the level of devotion that was required to truly follow Him: “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me”(Luke 9:23).

Our daily life should be a testimony to the power of the gospel to transform people into followers of Christ—not in name, but in action. In our day, the world desperately needs the influence of godly, consistent, loving believers. And it is up to those of us who love Jesus and know the truth to live in a way that lifts up the gospel.

Remember, “You are the only Bible some people will ever read”. What we do speaks louder than what we declare- however loud  we shout it!- HDS

David Stone   

Lakeway Baptist Church   

Humble, TX

Sent by David Stone on Wednesday, June 11 at 5:38AM

MORNING MANNA              6-10-25
THE GREAT INVITATION

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20

Have you ever noticed that we tend to be impressed by the wrong things? For example–we usually give more thought to how bad the world is than we do to how good God is. No wonder we get depressed! Why don’t we focus on God? Can you think of anything more impressive than God? He is amazing in every way. However,the most amazing thing is not that we have an interest in God, but that He has an interest in us. Think about it–the great God who is in need of nothing invites us to invite Him into our life. Wow–now, that’s amazing! That’s grace!

Here’s the point–instead of trying to understand God we need to trust Him. And, we learn to do that by keeping our focus on Him rather than the world or self. As our knowledge of God increases so does our faith. We should not be surprised that there is so much sin and suffering in the world. We should be shocked that it’s not worse than it is. We should be amazed that God, who is holy, wants anything to do with us–because we are sinful. We have rebelled against God and violated His righteous standard. That leaves us undeserving of His favor. Remember, “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.”(Lam.3:22). Keep your focus on the fact that we don’t deserve anything and you will be thankful for everything. Regardless of how bad it is, thank God that we don’t get what we deserve–it would be a lot worse!

Do you sense God knocking at the door of your heart, beckoning you give Him entrance, that He might fellowship with you? Do not delay–accept His invitation, open the door of your heart, let Him in, yield to His desires and you will experience the greatest blessing in life–the pleasure of His presence. Do it now! – HDS

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

MORNING MANNA                  6-9-25
CONTINUE
“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.” 2 Timothy 3:14

“Continue”–that is the command, but it is so hard! Many have stopped, turned around, gone back, and given up. Hopefully you won’t do the same. But don’t assume that it couldn’t happen to you. You are not infallible. The old song says,”Prone to wander”, and that can be said of all.

“Continue”–so simple, yet so very serious! It is simple but not easy. In fact there are times when it seems impossible. Faced with difficult duties, troublesome trials, enormous enemies, and physical pain, it seems more than we can do. But we are not relieved of our responsibility. We are to “continue” although we don’t feel like it, although others don’t, although it seems in vain. We are to remain steadfast and unmovable regardless of the conditions, circumstances, cost, or consequences.

“Continue” that is the counsel for those who have “learned” the truth. Have you? Are you acquainted with God’s ways? Are you familiar with God’s Word? Do you know right from wrong? Then “continue” on! keep going regardless of obstacles, others, or opposition. When difficulties come, doubts arise, and dread fills your heart, stick with what you know. Go back to the Bible and be reminded of what God said. Consult God’s Word and believe what you read. You will never be misled when you are led by the Word of God. 

“Continue”–that is the challenge facing every child of God. Contrary to the way you feel, this is possible– because it is required. If we do what we should and what we can, God will do what we can’t.Follow God’s prescribed plan. Feed your soul with God’s perfect precepts. Fill your mind with His precious promises. Fight temptation with the Spirit’s sword. Remember, God’s Word doesn’t just put you on the right path, it empowers you to do His will.- HDS

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

MORNING MANNA                    6-8-25

ESCAPE FROM EMPTINESS

“Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬ ‭

Man, apart from God, is a miserable creature. Search as he may, and he does, he cannot find the fulfillment he longs for. Like the troubled sea, he cannot rest. I know–it seems that some have found the pot of gold at rainbow’s end, but things are not what they seem to be. Don’t be fooled by all the glitz and glamor of those who live the life style of the rich and famous. They are no closer to finding peace and contentment than the bum on the street. Regardless of their outward appearance there is something missing and, whether they admit it or not, they know it. They are always discontent. The more they get the more they want, and the more apparent it becomes that “all is vanity”. They know that something, something more important than anything else, is missing.

Christians know that that “something” is actually “Someone”–Christ! They have drank from the Fountain of Living Water and they thirst no more. They have eaten the Bread of Life and they hunger no more. They have discovered that contentment is found only in Christ. Their Savior satisfies! Although they have their “ups and downs” like everyone else, they know their Foundation is sure and they are at peace–even when the storms are raging.

What about you? When you’ve run your mad race throughout the day, searching for satisfaction, and finally put your head on the pillow at night, just how satisfied are you? How do you feel? Do you have a calm sense of peace that makes life an enjoyable experience? Or do you feel restless, as though there is no rhyme or reason in life? Are you sick and tired of not having a sense of purpose? Are you bored with going through the same old same old everyday, as though there is nothing better?

Well there is good news. When life is not as it should be, the first step toward a better life is getting dissatisfied with life as it is. Until we acknowledge the problem we can’t solve the problem. If you are fed up with your life as it is, run to Him who is seeking you. Open the door of your heart and give Him entrance while He is knocking. Receive Him and you will be received into God’s family as a joint-heir of Christ! Live for Him who died for you, lest you waste your opportunity. Give your life away and you will find it. Instead of feeling empty you will have life more abundant, full and free. – HDS, 2-1-12

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