MORNING MANNA              8-20-24

THE SIN OF PLOWING

“An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin”.–Proverbs 21:4

MORNING MANNA                   8-19-24
BURDENS INTO BRIDGES
“-–the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel.”-Phil. 1:12

We live in a pressure cooker world and everyone feels the heat! Even believers are often burdened down to the point that they feel they will be crushed if relief isn’t found. No one is exempt from trials (Job 14:1). We all have our share of suffering and sorrow, but people view them and deal with them differently. Some poor souls throw their hands up in despair and quit. Others become bitter and resentful, often rebelling and resorting to destructive habits. A few, however, have learned to turn their burdens into bridges. Their burdens make them better rather than bitter.

The Apostle Paul gives us a good example as to what our attitude should be. Numerous passages tell how he benefited from his burdens. He knew God had a purpose in all that He allows to enter our life, a plan to use it for good, and the power to make it happen.

We too can benefit from our burdens. While burdens weigh heavily upon us, impeding our progress, bridges enable us to rise above difficulties and enable us to cross over into new territory. When your burden becomes a bridge it brings you to places you could have never reached by any other means. It can promote spiritual growth, protect you from danger, or put you in a place of ministry that you could never be in without it. Believe it or not you can advance through adversity, grow through grief, and benefit from your burdens.

Don’t allow your burden to become a barrier, shutting you off from the good things God planned for you. Make your burden a bridge whereby you can experience the blessings of God in your life. In other words, don’t waste your suffering. You cannot escape it, but you can embrace it and allow God to use it to make you the person He wants you to be. 

Having received the promise that God’s grace would be sufficient, Paul wrote, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong.”–2 Cor. 12:9-10. No doubt about it–Paul turned his burdens into bridges, so can you! –HDS, 1-23-12

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

MORNING MANNA                 8-17-24

A PRECIOUS PROMISE

In light of the fact that God cannot lie we should believe it and be at peace with what it says. And in this confusing world we need to have confidence in this if we are to find comfort for our soul. – HDS

David Stone  

Lakeway Baptist Church  

Humble,TX

MORNING MANNA            8-16-24

SPEAK UP

“—be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you-“–.1 Peter 3:15

Too often we Christians talk to each other about telling others about Christ without ever actually telling the lost about our Savior. We discuss our duty without doing it! Sometimes I think we would be better off cancelling a service and spend the time actually serving the Lord. Instead of getting in a holy huddle talking about what we ought to do, break the huddle, get on the field and run the play! This story from the devotional “Senior Living” illustrates what I’m talking about:

The great Christian evangelist, D.L. Moody, was once asked to speak at a convention in Indianapolis. One afternoon, he asked the convention’s song leader to meet him on a street corner downtown at about 6 pm. When Ira Sankey got there, Moody had him stand on a overturned box and sing. This unusual spectacle attracted quite a crowd.

After speaking briefly, Moody persuaded most of the crowd to follow him to a nearby meeting place. They followed in droves and listened intently as Moody shared the good news of Jesus. 

Too soon, the convention delegates started arriving, and Moody had to stop preaching. He said simply, “Now we must close, as the brethren of the convention wish to come and discuss the topic ‘How to reach the masses’!”

So often, we think we have to have special training or special knowledge to tell others about Christ. But like Moody, maybe all you need to do is be creative…and think of simple ways you can share Christ with others.

Maybe it’s fixing dinner for your next-door neighbor. Maybe it’s making a hospital or nursing home visit with a nice card or some flowers. Whatever it is, God wants you to share His love with those around you. Don’t think or talk about sharing your faith any longer…just go out and do it!- HDS , 5-3-11

David Stone

Lakeway Baptist Church

5801 FM 1960 E.

Humble, TX. 77346