THINK ABOUT IT           9-13-23

Sometimes we hear people express their desire to “do something for the Lord”. They are seeking to be involved in a ministry of some sort. But the fact is, there are ministry opportunities all around us.

I read of a pastor who was asked to call on a woman in a psychiatric hospital and pray for her. After his visit, he thought how good it would be for somebody to go there regularly and pray for the residents. The “somebody” turned out to be him. On a table in one of the wards, he put up a sign saying “Free Prayer.” Later he recalled, “Suddenly I had 15 people standing in line to get prayed for.” 

I suspect there are people you know who are in dire need of your prayers also. Sometimes we hear a prayer request and even say we will remember them in prayer, but do we. Other times we hear about or see the needs of others and might even discuss it with others, but do we actually pray for them?

Of all the things a church needs, prayer warriors are at the top of the list. Naturally we can do more than pray, but we can’t do anything more important than pray. Getting your help is great, but getting God’s help is even greater. In your time of need you desire others to pray for you. Will you pray for them? It will make a difference in their lives and yours as well. Will you commit yourself to a prayer ministry today?

David Stone

 Lakeway Baptist Church 

 Humble, Tx 

THINK ABOUT IT            8-31-23

WE’RE NUMBER ONE

I recently read the following by an unknown writer who gives us plenty to think about:

When personalized license plates were introduced in Illinois, the Department of Motor Vehicles received over 1,000 requests for the number “1”. The state official whose job it was to approve requests said, “I am not about to assign it to someone and disappoint a thousand people.” What was his solution? He assigned the number to himself.

A little boy and a little girl were riding a mechanical horse in a shopping mall. The little boy, who was riding in front, turned to the little girl and said, “If one of us would get off, there would be more room for me.”

Nowhere is man’s creativity more apparent than in his ability to discover new and original ways to commit the original sin. It all began in the Garden of Eden when the devil convinced Adam and Eve that he had found a way for them to move God over and become “Number 1.” And the beat goes on—and we keep looking for ways to succeed where Adam and Eve failed. We look for ways to be first on everyone else’s priority list. We look for ways to be first in line. We look for ways to be first at the checkout counter. We look for ways to be the first ones getting out of the parking lot. We look for ways to win in the game of “first come, first served.” But these are mere symptoms of the real transgression. In the case of Christians, our creativity as original sinners is revealed most clearly when we look for ways to be known as disciples of Christ without following His example.

“We are Number 1! We are Number 1!” All well and good, perhaps, to hear the chant ringing out from football fans, but when we hear it ringing out from our hearts, it is all pride and imagination. Remember, therefore, “He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts” (Luke 1:51)             –author unknown—— THINK ABOUT IT

David Stone

Lakeway Baptist Church

Humble, Tx

THINK ABOUT IT             8-30-23

THINK ABOUT IT

A federal court in Montgomery County, Maryland, has ruled that parents do not have the right to be notified when their children will be taught from books that address gender and sexuality. A group of parents, along with Becket Law, which advocates for religious liberty, plans to appeal the decision.

Becket Law will represent a diverse group of parents, including Christians, Jews and Muslims, in the appeal. The case will now be fast-tracked to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

“Parents know and love their children best; that’s why all kids deserve to have their parents help them understand issues like gender identity and sexuality,” said Eric Baxter, vice president and senior counsel at Becket. “The school board’s decision to cut parents out of these discussions flies in the face of parental freedom, childhood innocence and basic human decency.”

David Stone        

Lakeway Baptist Church 

Humble, Tx 

THINK ABOUT IT             8-25-23
GOD’S SEMINARY

Looking through some of my old notes, I came across the following article. I would like to say I wrote it, but the truth is that I’m not sure it was me or someone else. What I do know that this is something we need to think about long and hard. This could change your entire outlook on life.

 “God is preparing you for the ministry that He is preparing for you. He’s working at both ends of the process—in your life to prepare you for a unique role of service, and He’s preparing beforehand the work He’ll give you in His timing. So wherever you are right now is God’s classroom for future service. 

Joseph’s prison term prepared him to be God’s man on Egypt’s throne. Moses’ years in Pharaoh’s court equipped him for his tasks as leader of Israel. For years Joshua served as Moses’ aide, and Elisha did the same for Elijah; God was preparing them both as successors. Paul’s years in Arabia were readying him for years of missionary service. Even Jesus experienced an extended period of preparation in the carpenter’s shop of Nazareth.

Whatever you are right now, God is giving you experiences that are training you for future service. It may be over a long period of time or only a few minutes, but He equips us with what we need to serve Him.”

Think of your circumstances today as God’s Seminary.

Major Ian Thomas, whom I had the pleasure of meeting, said: “All there is of God is available to the man who is available to all there is of God !” Are you? – HDS

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