MORNING MANNA                2-14-25
“I LOVE YOU”
Valentine Day, like no other day of the year, compels us to think about relationships– especially with those of the opposite sex. Whether it is a cute young couple smitten with “puppy love”; newly weds, filled with excitement; a couple with three kids who find it hard to find time for each other; or an old couple with arthritic hands, making sure they don’t squeeze too tight— they are all thinking about love. The chances are good that before the day is over they will have said “I love you”. If wisdom prevails that will certainly happen!

“I love you”–three short simple words, but O so big in meaning! It is a phrase that should be on uttered every day of the year. If real, it is more than a duty, it is pure delight. And it is desperately needed. That short phrase has great power. It can–
–make a small child feel ten feet tall and able to conquer the world.
–make a troubled teen feel accepted, important, and secure.
–make a stressed out housewife feel like a queen.
–make a weary husband feel like Superman.

That little phrase can get attention, break down barriers, transform enemies into friends, restore relationships, calm fears, create courage, banish doubts, instill peace, thrill hearts, provide joy, strengthen the weak, mend marriages, and 1001 other things never imagined.

That short little phrase is more meaningful than a great composition by a famous composer, more beautiful than a sunset, more powerful than a whirlwind, more helpful than an army, more healing than a doctor. This day should remind us to say “I love you” everyday to those who are near and dear to our heart.- HDS, 2-14-15

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

MORNING MANNA               2-13-25

DAILY DUTIES

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is to gain.”- Philippians 1:21 

The gift of life is a wonderful blessing, yet those who possess it are “of few days and full of trouble”. Durning our difficult days we often entertain the wrong attitude. Sadly some dear souls complain about things for which they ought to be thankful. For them life is a burden rather than a blessing. A few years ago I ran across a quote from a man I had never heard of, but what he said sure made a lot of sense. Maybe it will help you have a better attitude about this day. 

“It is wholly impossible to live according to Divine order, and to make a proper application of heavenly principles, as long as the necessary duties which each day brings seem only like a burden grievous to be borne. Not till we are ready to throw our very life’s love into the troublesome little things can we be really faithful in that which is least and faithful also in much. Every day that dawns brings something to do, which can never be done as well again. We should, therefore, try to do it ungrudgingly and cheerfully. It is the Lord’s own work, which He has given us as surely as He gives us daily bread. We should thank Him for it with all our hearts, as much as for any other gift. It was designed to be our life, our happiness. Instead of shirking it or hurrying over it, we should put our whole heart and soul into it.” AMEN!- HDS

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

Speaking on this verse in 1842, James Smith, predecessor to Spurgeon, said:

Every believer is a pilgrim. He is traveling to his Father’s house! He is presently a stranger in a strange land, surrounded by temptations, trials, and foes. His journey lies through a great and terrible wilderness. Therefore he must not expect a very smooth path, or many comfortable accommodations. He will have much to grieve and distress him. His heart will be often burdened with grief, and filled with sorrow–tears are common to the Christian. He feels the unsuitableness of the things of time to his spirit, profession, and aim. And therefore he confesses, “I am a stranger and a pilgrim–as all my fathers were!” Psalm 39:12

Weariness and painfulness are his portion now–but a rest remains for him! It is a glorious rest. It embraces and includes all that the believer has prayed for–or can desire! 
It waits for him at the end of his journey, 
it was prepared for him from the foundation of the world, 
it is now promised to him in the faithful word, and 
it will be bestowed upon him when he has fought the good fight, and finished his course.

Everything at present may appear gloomy and distressing; but ahead of you, believer, everything is glorious, magnificent, and blessed! Press on then–fight the good fight of faith. Travel on in the strength of Jesus! You are going home–and you have a glorious home to go to! 

The minute after you have entered your rest–you will forget all the fatigue, all the dangers, and all the difficulties of the way! You will perhaps be filled with wonder, that you should ever have allowed such trifles to vex you, or such little trials to discourage you–with such a glorious end before you. 

Fellow-pilgrim, expect trouble–but also expect mercy to help you in time of need! Expect to feel your circumstances to be trying–but also expect your Savior’s strength to be perfected in your weakness! You will soon end your tedious, tiresome journey–and enter into the joy of your Lord!

Never forget you are now a pilgrim–a stranger–only a sojourner here in this poor world. Here you have no continuing city–but you seek for one to come. 

Nothing can make this poor world your rest–it will always be a wilderness to you. Be content then, to wait until you get home! There you shall enjoy–and always enjoy, all your desires! There will not be one unfulfilled want, wish, or desire there! All will be satisfied–all will be full. In a little while–you will see the portal of your Father’s house, and hear Him say, “Come in, you who are blessed of the Lord, tarry no longer outside! Come, dwell forever with Me!”

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

MORNING MANNA                2-10-25

ARE YOU READY?

“Thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.”–2 Sam. 15:15

It was undoubtedly music to David’s ears when his servants made this bold declaration. We, however, have an even greater king to please. As the servants of Christ we should be willing to say the same, and do so without complaint. 

Listen to these wise words from Frances Ridley Havergal: “If we are really, and always, and equally ready to do whatsoever the King appoints, all the trials and vexations arising from any change in His  appointments, great or small, simply do not exist. If He appoints me to work there, shall I lament that I am not to work here? If He appoints me to wait in-doors to-day, am I to be annoyed because I am not to work out-of-doors? If I meant to write His messages this morning, shall I grumble because He sends interrupting visitors, rich or poor, to whom I am to speak them, or “show kindness” for His sake, or at least obey His command, “Be courteous?” If all my members are really at His disposal, why should I be put out if to-day’s appointment is some simple work for my hands or errands for my feet, instead of some seemingly more important doing of head or tongue?”

If pleasing God is indeed our great desire we should not resent or resist what He commands. Our attitude should be like that of Isaiah–“Here am I; send me.”(Isaiah 6:8). It should not matter if the way be steep, or the waters be deep, or the work be hard, or the world be hateful. All that matters is that we be where God wants us to be, doing what He wants us to do. Pleasing Him is reward enough! HDS , 1-15-11 

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

MORNING MANNA                 2-9-25 HIS HANDS It’s strange how the words of a song stick in your mind–even for many long years. As I was thinking about the “terrible times” in which we live, I was reminded of that old…