Sent by David Stone on Friday, July 28 at 5:29AM

THINK ABOUT IT            7-17-23

Spiritual Sight

The hymnwriter Fanny Crosby gave us more than 6,000 gospel songs. Although blinded by an illness at the age of six weeks, she never became bitter. One time a preacher sympathetically remarked, “I think it is great pity that the Master did not give you sight when He showered so many other gifts upon you.” She replied quickly, “Do you know that if at birth I had been able to make one petition, it would have been that I should be born blind?” “Why?” asked the surprised clergyman. “Because when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior!”

One of Miss Crosby’s hymns was so personal that for years she kept it to herself. Kenneth Osbeck, author of several books on hymnology, says its revelation to the public came about this way: “One day at a Bible conference in Northfield, Massachusetts, Miss Crosby was asked by D. L. Moody to give a personal testimony. At first she hesitated, then quietly rose and said, ‘There is one hymn I have written which has never been published. I call it my soul’s poem. Sometimes when I am troubled, I repeat it to myself, for it brings comfort to my heart.’ She then recited while many wept, ‘Someday the silver cord will break, and I no more as now shall sing; but oh, the joy when I shall wake within the palace of the King! And I shall see Him face to face, and tell the story—saved by grace!’” At the age of 95, Fanny Crosby passed into glory and saw the face of Jesus.

That’s the sure hope of every child of God!

David Stone

Lakeway Baptist Church

Humble, Tx

THINK ABOUT IT             7-15-23
Understanding Understanding

As hard as we might try, we can’t always understand one another. As we listen to people pour out the burdens of their heart, we’re often guilty of saying,”I understand” when we don’t. O we mean well, we want to understand and we try, but we can’t. We are all different and our circumstances are not the same.
 
Sometimes we are guilty of criticizing others when we would actual do worse were we in their exact same situation. They fare better than we would were the roles reversed, yet we complain about their short-comings. We need to realize that we can’t always understand the degree of their temptation, the weight of their burden, the extent of their weakness, and the effects of their past. If we could truly understand we might commend them rather than condemn them.
 
In a thousand years I could not explain to you what it is like to be a pastor. Unless you are a pastor, you don’t have a clue! However, neither can I always understand what it is like being in your shoes. Since that is true, we both need to work at being more understanding regarding things that we don’t understand. Although we can’t understand we can be more understanding, and that would make a tremendous difference in our relationships.
 
We are all different, imperfect, and in need of help. Let’s pray for one another, and for ourselves—asking God to help us understand that we don’t understand. Since we all fail, it behooves us to be “kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”(Ephesians 4:32). That’s not just good advice, it is a command. HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
Humble, Tx.

THINK ABOUT IT             7-8-23

IT’S THE TRUTH

Note:: This is the latest post on the Pastor’s Blog. For others go to our website.
Just like people, every church is different, and in some regards that is just fine. However, there are certain things that should characterize every church. There are certain doctrines that must be believed. These truths are set forth in what is commonly called the “Articles of Faith”– a description of things believed regarding major doctrines.

The problem is that many people have never studied these doctrines. Even worse is that some preachers have never taught them. And they see no need in doing so. That leads to serious problems –problems that are very obvious to the close observer. For example, they sing “It’s all about you Jesus”, when in reality it’s all about them. They are more interested in their feelings than they are in the fundamentals of the faith. The songs they sing are selected on the basis of how it excites them emotionally, rather than what they say about the person and work of Christ. Some are admittedly bored with the grand old hymns of yesteryear. The “preaching” they enjoy is not that where the Word of God is faithfully expounded. They want to be entertained, not enlightened. Even when the Bible is mentioned they pay no mind as to what version is used. They have no idea why one version is better than another– and they don’t care. Their concern is not for what is right or best, but for what is most pleasing to them. While they won’t admit it, everything else is secondary to that.

Even those who are involved in “Christian service” or church related activities are not exempt. They will do a lot of good things if it gains them pleasure or popularity. They love the limelight and will do almost anything to get attention. They give no consideration to why they do what they do other than that. But, motives matter to God. Some people will travel around the world and even subject themselves to hardships to get what they crave, yet they never lift a finger to help a neighbor in need. Some teach Sunday School because they love to teach, not because they love those they teach. Motive matters. If your motive is wrong all you do is wrong. If it’s not for the glory of God and the good of others you’re doing it for the wrong reason.

Most of all, truth matters! Having a good motive and being sincere is not enough. We need to know the truth, love the truth, and obey the truth. It is the truth of God’s Word by which we all shall be judged. I realize that this brief message is not going to change everyone who reads it, nor wake up every liberal preacher, nor shut down every cult that is called a church. I simply pray that that it will provide some food for thought and encourage someone, anyone, to set out in pursuit of the truth. The Bible is the only sure guide and only true churches can be said to be “the pillar and ground of the truth”(1 Tim. 3:15). Only true churches are endowed with authority and endued with the power of God’s Spirit to carry out God’s plan. Don’t be deceived by imitations. Counterfeits might look good, but they will get you in trouble. It’s the truth. Think about it! – HDS (11-20-13)

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

THINK ABOUT IT           7-7-23
Note: This is the latest post on the Pastor’s Blog. For others go to our website.

A BLESSING

Blessings can come at unexpected times and in unusual ways. Just a few weeks ago, just before the Sunday morning service, I spoke with a couple and was blessed by what I heard. They told me they were reading the story of William Carey ( called “the father of modern missions).

As the wife spoke about reading the book she spoke with excitement and a smile on her face. I understood how she felt, because I remember how I felt when I read it nearly 57 years ago. When I surrendered to preach I read everything I could find about famous preachers – especially missionaries. I can’t describe how I felt. I was blessed beyond measure.

I mention this because most people have never read these stories and have no idea what they are missing. People need inspiration as well as instruction and one of the best ways to get it is to read about those who have been greatly used of God. You soon realize that cultural “Christianity” is a far cry from what it should be.

Making this experience even a greater blessing is the fact that their daughter was reading the same book. I thank God for that. I wish every young person would be encouraged to read such stories. It could literally change their lives. I pray that this article will inspire someone to start reading such material. Think about it!

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
Humble, Tx.