.-“ -Revelation 21:1

We rejoice over heaven because of what is there, and for good reason, but we also have reason to rejoice about the future because of what will be absent. It must have been with great joy that John listed these things in Revelation 21. And I think it is noteworthy that the first thing he mentions related to things absent is that there will be “no more sea”. These words from the pen of John H. Jowett help us see the significance of this:

No more sea! John was in Patmos, and the sea rolled between him and his kinsmen. The sea was a minister of estrangement. But in the home-country every cause of separation is to be done away, and the family life is to be one of inconceivable intimacy. No more sea!

And no more pain! Its work is done, and therefore the worker is put away. When the building is completed the scaffolding may be removed. When the patient is in good health the medicine bottles can be dispensed with. And so shall it be with pain and all its attendants. “The inhabitant never says: ‘I am sick!’”

And no more death! “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is Death.” Yes, he, too, shall drop his scythe, and his lax hand shall destroy no more for ever. Death himself shall die! And all things that have shared his work shall die with him. “The former things have passed away.” The wedding-peal which welcomes the Lamb’s bride will ring the funeral knell of Death and all his sable company.

Thank God for the assurance that the day will come when we will no longer be separated from the things that bring us joy. What a day that will be. As the song says, “I can only imagine”! “No more sea”–Thank God! – HDS

MORNING MANNA                   3-29-25

OBEYING GOD

“–To obey is better than sacrifice–“1Sam.15:22

Our text comes from the words of Samuel to the rebellious king Saul. James urges us to “be doers of the Word” and that is just one of many verses that command us to obey God. An article in “Senior Living” illustrates our obligation to obey like this:

“Imagine that you are the president of a company and find it necessary to travel out of the country and spend extended time abroad. So you tell your employees, “Manage things while I’m away, and I’ll write you regularly. When I do, I’ll instruct you in what you should do from now until I return from my trip.”

So you leave and stay away for a couple of years. During that time, you write often, communicating your desires and concerns. One day you return. Walking up to the front door of the company, you quickly notice that everything is a mess—weeds are growing in the flower beds, windows are broken across the front of the building, and the secretary at the front desk is asleep!

Without hesitation, you call everyone together and ask, “What happened? Didn’t you get my letters?” Your employees answer and say, “Yes! We got all your letters. Some of us have memorized them. In fact, we even get together each week and talk about them!”

It doesn’t matter how much they would’ve read your letters. What really matters is whether or not they would’ve followed what you told them. In the same way, there are so many people who read the Word of God, yet they never truly do what it says.

So when it comes to the Bible, don’t just read—do! Follow God’s precepts for living and experience the full joy that comes with surrender and obedience.—Ask God to help you not just read His Word, but live it out each day!”

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

MORNING MANNA                 3-27-25

Help From Above

“So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear What man shall do unto me.”‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭6‬ ‭

Nothing in the world so cheers the heart and thrills the soul  as does the remembrance of what Christ has done for us–it should be forever on our mind! A good example of this is found in the story of an old Indian chief who constantly spoke of the Lord Jesus and what He meant to him “Why do you talk so much about Jesus?” asked a friend The old chief did not reply, but slowly, deliberately gathered some sticks and bits of grass He made a circle of them In the circle he placed a caterpillar Still silent, he struck a match and lit the sticks and grass They watched the caterpillar As the fire caught around the circle, the trapped caterpillar began to crawl around rapidly, seeking a way to escape.

As the fire advanced, the helpless caterpillar raised its head as high as it could If the creature could have spoken, it would have said, “My help can only come from above.”

Then the old chief stooped down He extended his finger to the caterpillar which crawled up his finger to safety “That,” said the chief glowing, “was what the Lord Jesus did for me! I was lost in sin My condition was hopeless I was trapped Then the Lord Jesus stooped down in love and mercy and He drew me out of the horrible pit of sin and shame How can I help but love Him and talk of His wondrous love and care?”Author unknown 

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

MORNING MANNA                  3-26-25
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, 9-15-12

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