THE POWER OF ONE
“That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.”- 1 Cor. 12:25
“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”– Gal. 6:10

One of the biggest blessing in life is being around people who are thoughtful, kind, considerate, positive, and cheerful. One of the biggest burdens is being around people who aren’t — and they always seem to be in the majority. But one person with those qualities can help you more than a hundred of the other kind can hinder you. It is impossible to measure the benefits of one person who truly loves God and cares about others. Friends like that are priceless. They can keep you going when the whole world seems to be against you.

I’m glad to say that in every church I’ve been a part of there has been at least one such person to provide what I needed. We ought to thank God for such people, but we should do more than that– we should strive to be such people. Can you imagine how much better things would be if that hundred to one ratio was reversed? If the unkind crowd was reduced to the minority and the caring folks increased to the majority there is no telling what great things might happen. It would certainly enable us to reach more people for Christ.

Think about it. You might be the only bright light in someone’s darkness. Never discount what God can do with a life fully surrendered to Him. He can use you to make a difference in the lives of others. Someone’s welfare, happiness, and usefulness might depend on what you bring into their life. You are important to God because you are important to someone else. God put people in Paul’s life to encourage him and He wants you to be a blessing to someone else. Our prayer should be, as the song says, “Make me a blessing to someone today”. — HDS

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

I AM WITH THEE
“And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.”- 1 Sam. 14:7

Jonathan, intending to make an attack against a garrison of Philistines, asked his armorbearer to accompany him.  The two of them would be greatly outnumbered by this company of troops.  Despite the odds, the armorbearer immediately agreed, saying to Jonathan, “Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.”  The brave Jonathan would not be alone when he faced the Philistines.  Together they killed about twenty of the enemy. 

   Support, fellowship, and encouragement are so important in the Christian fight.  Like Jonathan, we realize how terrifically outnumbered we are in this world.  The values we hold, the priorities we live by, the Bible we believe and obey, and the Savior we serve put us in the minority.  As true soldiers of Jesus Christ, we want to stand true to our Master and His Word, even if it means standing alone.  However, it definitely strengthens our resolve knowing that we are not alone.  What an encouragement when someone comes alongside us and says, “I am with thee.”  Thank God for family and friends who share our convictions and accompany us in this journey. Thank God for those who are there to lift us when we fall.  “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.  For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10).  

   It is for this reason that we should make sure we are associated with the right kind of friends.  We need companions who will encourage us in the right direction, not influence us away from the Lord.  This is also one of the important benefits of church membership and fellowship.  We need the support and encouragement of the brethren in a sound church family.  Even if they do not always vocalize it, we know our brothers and sisters in Christ are there for us.  We are not alone.  For some, the assembly of the church is only a place to occasionally meet for some spiritual food; but for us, it is much more than that.  We belong to Christ and to each other. And remember, our Lord is always with us.  He says, “I am with you alway” (Matthew 28:20).  When we feel there are more against us than for us, Christ is by our side.  Through Him, we can be victorious. (Copied)

Not only do we need someone to be there for us, we need to be there for them. We need both to be helped and to be a helper. Don’t expect from others what you won’t give to others! – HDS

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

THE CHALLENGE OF CHANGE

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”_- Heb. 13:5

There’s one thing that never changes. Wanted or not here they come – that’s the way it is. Change is constantly taking place around us, within us, or with us. It might be so slow that it isn’t perceived or it might be so sudden that it’s shocking, but it happens. And coping with the challenge of change is crucial. When things happen that we can’t change or control we have to learn to live with what we’ve got. The challenge is found in the fact that we are commanded to “be content with such things as ye have” (Heb.13:5).

If you are wondering how that is possible read the rest of that verse “for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” And the next verse takes it a step further – “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper –“ (Heb.13:6). He is the One constant we can rely upon regardless of the circumstances. He never changes. He is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”– Heb. 13:8

You can know beyond all doubt that Christ is conscious of your circumstances, concerned about your concerns, and capable of comforting you. Although He might not change your circumstances He will change you and create something good out of the bad. What He does is always better than what you would do if you had the power to change things. Think about it! – HDS

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