A TIME TO REMEMBER

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Eighty four years ago today Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, a U.S. Naval base. Consider these words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

“Yesterday, December 7, 1941-a date which will live in infamy-the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

“The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our secretary of state a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

“It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

“The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu…

“Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation. As commander in chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. 

“But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us…”

When I read that last line I wonder,”Will we?”. I know we have it recorded in history books, and we tip our hat to it once a year in the news. But do we honestly pause to reflect on its effect on our nation and the world? If we are wise we will.

Not only should we remember it, we should realize that we, as a country and as Christians, are always under attack of some sort. That being the case we should prepare ourselves to prevail. We do that by studying God’s Word, submitting to God’s will, and surrendering ourselves to the Spirit of God. God forbid that we ignore the warning. There is a lot of wisdom in the motto “Be prepared “. Are you? Think about it? – HDS

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

At this very moment some of our folks are going through great difficulties.  They are fighting with fear, struggling with suffering , and hoping for help.  So as you count your blessings please consider their burdens.  Although you can’t change their circumstances, you can call upon God for them and do what you can to help them the best you can.

I also want to remind you that man’s greatest need isn’t physical, financial, or emotional – it’s spiritual.  A person can be in perfect health, out of debt, and happy as a lark and yet be the most needy person you know if he is lost.  His greatest need is to trust Christ as his Lord and Savior.  So as we thank God for having been helped, let us thank Him that we can be a help by telling others how Christ helped us. In Him there is hope that helps and everyone needs to hear that. Think about it! – HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church 

THINK ABOUT IT              11-24-25              
 Have you noticed that stores started decorating for Christmas a month or more before Thanksgiving. I guess that shouldn’t surprise us.  We often hear people say, “What’s on your Christmas list.”  Could it be that we are more concerned about gifts than we are about gratitude?  It sure seems that way.

 Most people talk about their burdens more than they do about their blessings.  Complaints are more common than contentment.  We all tend to think about our trials more than thanksgiving.  Constructing a list of complaints is simple.  Numerous things trouble us — weariness of work, anguish of aging, suffering of sickness, feebleness of fatigue, depression of disappointments, weight of worry, etc.  But, even in all of this, the Christian has reasons to rejoice, things for which to be thankful.

We would all do well to do as the old song says, – “Count your many blessings, name them one by one.”  Not only should that be easy it ought to be exciting.  Thinking about all the things for which we ought to be thankful lifts our spirits.  How about it?  Before you give another thought to Christmas, make a list of your blessings, get down on your knees and thank God for everything on your list.

Don’t be like those who are more concerned about feasting than family, gluttony than gratitude, and football than faith.  As you gather with your family this Thanksgiving pause to thank God for your many blessings.  I pray this day will serve to remind all of us that we should have an attitude of gratitude every day. Think about it!

Your Thankful Servant,
 Bro. Stone

Lakeway Baptist Church

 Humble,TX

THINK ABOUT IT                      11-11-25
VETERAN’S DAY
I can’t think about Veteran’s Day without thinking of what Paul said in Phil. 1:3,”I thank my God upon every remembrance of you”. Dear soldiers, you are in my thoughts and prayers!

“On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 the world rejoiced as a treaty was signed ending World War I” –known as “the war to end all wars”. One year later America celebrated what came to be known as Armistice Day, honoring those who served during the war. Then in 1938 Armistice Day was declared a national holiday. Sadly, shortly after that it became apparent that W.W.I was not to be the last war and W.W.II came– a war even bloodier than the first. But we prevailed because of people like you. Then in 1954 Congress changed the name of the holiday to Veteran’s Day, including the veterans of all U.S. wars.

Veteran’s Day is primarily intended to honor those who are still living for their service to America. While there is no way that we could ever repay our veterans for the service they’ve rendered, and they would be the last to ask for it, yet we can be thankful and show our appreciation–let us not fail in this!

On Memorial Day we remember the dead, as we well should, but on Veteran’s Day our attention is turned to the living—the ones still able to hear our words of thanks. We dare not be silent. We need to let it be known loud and clear that we appreciate their sacrifice. Freedom was gained and maintained at a great cost– the suffering and lives of great men and women who loved country more than life, and were willing to give all for the sake of others. We must never allow that to go unnoticed.

George Washington said,”The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, is directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated.” That being the case, on this special day we want it to be known that we view our veterans as the true heroes, deserving of all honor and respect.

Someone said, “Thanksgiving is a day when we pause to give thanks for the things we have. Veteran’s Day is a day when we pause to give thanks to the people who fought for the things we have!”. So, to all our vets, regardless of where or how you served, I say,”Thank you!” from the bottom of my heart.
 Thank you for–
–putting all your plans on hold, so the rest of us could pursue our dreams,
–the time you spent away from your family and friends, while the rest of us enjoyed their company,
–the rigorous training you were subjected to in preparation for your assignment,
–the difficulties you experienced and never wrote home about,
–the fears you faced as you stepped on foreign soil for the first time, not knowing if you would ever return home,
–the hardships you endured over and over, day after day,
–the long days, sleepless nights, lousy food, and uncomfortable gear you had to wear– so we could be comfortable,
–the dangers you faced, so that others wouldn’t be in danger,
–the problems you’ve faced since returning home, because you willing left home to serve,
–the scars, seen and unseen, that came about all because you wanted to protect the rest of us!

I simply cannot say it enough times and in enough ways–Thanks Soldier! May God bless you and may God bless the United States of America! Never stop thinking about it.HDS

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

THINK ABOUT IT                11-7-25

What Is Sin?: Barna Study Reveals ‘Dramatic Shift In The Nation’s Moral Compass’

“Three out of every five adults (62%) said that sin can be understood as ‘an act of disobedience against God.’” (Interestingly, people were more comfortable with using the word “disobedience” rather than “rebellion,” showing a softening toward the seriousness of sin.)

“About six out of 10 (61%) indicated that sin produces guilt, and such guilt is ‘often worse than the sin’ that caused it.” Yikes!

The research looked at 12 “traditional sins” and found only 6 are still widely regarded as sinful: “…Only six of the 12 behaviors were still widely regarded as sinful, mainly those related to speech, sexuality, faith, and drug use.”

When it comes to these changes, Barna believes, “The current data patterns reflect social turbulence during the past decade in the U.S. in the areas of significant changes in family structure, personal relationships, integrity and ethics, faith practices, and lifestyle choices. These can be traced directly to shifts away from traditional biblical views on sin.”

This “social turbulence” is certainly increasing—we see the clash in the culture at the worldview level, but really it comes from a change of foundation from God’s Word to man’s word.

Really, it all comes back to “Who decides?” Does the Creator and Judge of the universe decide? Or does sinful, fallible man decide? How you answer that question will determine your worldview and what you personally view as sinful (and how seriously you view sin!). And we all know worldviews have consequences!

Yes, America’s “social turbulence” is raging, and the divide between what is Christian and what is not is only going to continue to widen. Our response as Christians is to stand boldly and firmly on the authority of God’s Word, from the very first verse.

I remember my father teaching us as children about whether “white lies” or “black lies” were the worst sin. And then he explained ALL lies are sin! Sin is sin!

Ken Ham is an author, speaker, and Founder and CEO of Answers in Genesis and its two popular interests: the acclaimed Creation Museum and the internationally known Ark Encounter.

David Stone

Lakeway Baptist Church

Humble,TX