COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.“–Col. 3:15
One of man’s biggest problems is extreme expectations, yet it is seldom seen as a problem. Thus we have a nation of spoiled brats with an entitlement mentality. The foolish notion that we are worthy and ought to hold ourselves in high esteem and love ourselves sets us up for a fall. With that attitude you can never be content. It is the expectation of nothing that gives us grounds for gratitude. When we know we deserve nothing and we expect nothing we are thrilled by every blessing and tolerant of every burden. When we don’t deserve anything we pleased with everything and complain about nothing. Complaints cease because gratitude doesn’t grumble.
Naturally there are times when problems and pain distorts our reasoning and distracts us from our responsibilities, but if we stop and think it will cause us to give thanks. That’s why it can be beneficial to sing “Count Your Blessings”. Pay special attention to this part of that song– “When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed. When you are discouraged thinking all is lost”. To lose all would be horrible and cause for despair– if it was true, but it isn’t. For the Christian all is never lost! So finish the verse—“Count your many blessings, name them one by one. And it will surprise you what the Lord has done”. Indeed it will. So think!–HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
TIME FOR THANKSGIVING
TIME FOR THANKSGIVING
“Giving thanks for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ“.–Eph. 5:20
It’s common to hear or say, “It’s almost time for Thanksgiving”, and of course we know it is a reference to Thanksgiving Day, which is fine. But there are times when some folks seem to take the same approach to thanksgiving itself, which is far from fine.
With many things there is a time for them and also a time when they are not appropriate or needed. There is meal-time, bed-time, fun-time, etc., but these are not things we do all the time. However, there is never a time when it’s not time for thanksgiving. Even under the worst of times we need to be mindful of our blessings and thankful for them. In fact it might be more important then than any other time because it will encourage us. It will also keep us from complaining. We don’t grumble about things we’re grateful for.
However, the importance of thanksgiving goes beyond how it benefits us. It is a matter of honoring God and that makes it of utmost importance. Failure to give thanks is a chief characteristic of unregenerate men ( Rom. 1:21). Thanksgiving is one of the evidences of being a Spirit-filled believer (Eph. 5:18), which is in fact the only way we can be truly thankful “always for all things“. Considering the grace of God there is never an excuse for being unthankful because God is good all the time!.–HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
TRULY THANKFUL
TRULY THANKFUL
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”– Eph. 5:20
There are many ways in which we judge, measure, of determine a person’s character, but I doubt that there is anything better than that of true thanksgiving. A genuine grateful heart is centered on God and a truly thankful heart expresses trust in God, seeing that it is focused on Him. And this is what it takes for us to be contented regardless of circumstances as God commands.
Finding such people is rare, and when we do they are to be commended. However, we ought to do more that just admire or honor them, we should emulate their example. We should strive to be like them because they are doing what God demands from all of us. Mark it down, an ungrateful person is an ungodly person. And we do not fulfill our obligation by just acknowledging it by setting aside a day for it.
None of us can relieve our responsibility by merely observing a national holiday once a year. We should be grateful and express it in thanksgiving every day of the year. Even the biggest ingrate can muster up enough gratitude of a sort to enjoy a day filled with food, family, friends and fellowship. But there is nothing praise worthy about that. It is the person who is truly thankful everyday regardless of the circumstances who pleases the Lord.
However, rather than using thanksgiving as the standard by which we measure others let us use it to examine ourselves. If it is lacking that is a sure sign that all is not well in our life. It is impossible to find a Spirit-filled Christian who isn’t thankful. The Spirit of God produces what the Word of God demands, which in this case is “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”. So what is the verdict concerning you? Have you taken the time to look at your life in the light of God’s Word? Are you honest enough to face the facts about yourself? Are you truly thankful? Think about it!–HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
TRIALS HAVE THEIR PURPOSE
TRIALS HAVE THEIR PURPOSE
“Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.”–Psalm 119: 67, 71, 75
One of the most important lessons in the Christian life is learning to relate to the tests, adversities, and difficulties of life. We are taught by the Scripture that when our Heavenly Father permits trials in our lives, they are not without value or purpose. Sometimes trials are a test of our faith. Sometimes they can be attributed to spiritual warfare. Trials can also be the result of unwise decisions we have made, as we are reaping what we have sown. However, in all cases, God is able to use our trials to benefit us and glorify Himself.
In this text, we see that David saw his being “afflicted” as part of God’s correction. He confessed he “went astray,” and acknowledged that the afflictions that God allowed in his life helped correct this wayward inclination. In the great hymn, “Come, Thou Fount Of Every Blessing,” the songwriter penned these words in the third stanza: “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it.” We all need correction because it helps keep us from going astray, just as loving instruction and proper correction helps our children avoid going astray. When we realize that problems are sometimes warnings of reproof to lead us back to God, we see the benefits of those difficulties.
Most of us could testify that we have learned valuable lessons in times of affliction. David was no exception to this. He stated that it was good for him that he had been corrected. Correction is good for us. Proverbs 3:11, 12 tells us, ” My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” God corrects us because He loves us. Sometimes as parents, we may be inconsistent in our correction, but God is faithful to discipline His children.
It is for our benefit, both in this life and in eternity, that we obey the Lord and keep His Word. David said the benefits of his afflictions were “that I might learn thy statutes.” It is wise for us to realize and accept the fact that God’s way is best. When we fail to walk in obedience to His Word, our Heavenly Father sometimes uses afflictions to direct us back into the right path.– Thomas Smith
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
GREAT PREACHERS
Great Preachers
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:”— Rom. 5:3-4
Dr. M. R. DeHaan wrote: The greatest sermons I have ever heard were not preached from pulpits but from sickbeds. The deepest truths of God’s Word have often been taught by those humble souls who have gone through the seminary of affliction.
The most cheerful people I have met, with few exceptions, have been those who’ve had the least sunshine and the most pain and suffering in their lives. The most grateful people I have ever known were not those who had traveled a pathway of roses all their lives, but those who were confined to their homes, some to their beds, and had learned to depend on God.
The gripers, on the other hand, are usually those who have the least to complain about. The men and women who are the most cheerful and the most grateful for the blessings of Almighty God are often those who have gone through the greatest trials.
The Bible tells us that if we respond properly to the trials of life, we will develop patience and godly maturity (Romans 5:3, 4, 5; James 1:3, 4). We must keep in mind that our present sufferings are “but for a moment” and that they are being used by God for our eternal good (2Co 4:17,18). So take heart, suffering one. Someday you too will realize that it was worth it all (1Pe 1:7).
You might never know exactly why you are forced to suffer, but God has a reason–a good reason. But know this– every trial is an opportunity for you to show others the greatness of God’s grace. Someone is watching how you respond, so this might be your best chance to preach the greatest sermon of your life. And you need not say a word!– HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
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