MORNING MANNA         7-16-21

I just received word that, according to the doctor, one of my few remaining cousins has less than six months to live. That started me thinking about all the family and friends that have passed. In nearly every case I wasn’t there to say a final “I love you” and “Good-bye”. Nor have I been able to be present when dear loved ones were going through great difficulties. And I have often feared that they might think it was because I didn’t care, which certainly isn’t the case.

55 years ago I surrendered my life to preach God’s Word and I have been busy doing that ever since. For the first few years I preached in the area where I was born and raised. That allowed me the opportunity to occasionally spend time with family and friends. But then came the call to a church in Tennessee, so Bev and I packed our bags and took off with our kids to a place we had never been before. After that came a call to a church in Cincinnati, followed by another in Texas where I’ve been for the last 34 years. Along with being a pastor I spent many of those years preaching revivals, conferences, etc.

My point is that I very seldom got to see most of my family and friends from the past. My wife and I both gave our full attention to the ministry, wherever God put us. I don’t mention this to get sympathy, nor as a complaint. I make no apology for not being where others might have thought I should be, and I have no regrets for leaving the beautiful Ozarks that I love. After God saved me from a shameful sinful life and called me to preach it would have been shameful for me to do anything less than my best to serve Him.

I’ll admit it hasn’t always been easy . Many times I have wished that I could see family and friends, attend high school reunions, have my children spend time with their grandparents, or just spend a day fishing in the sparkling clear water in the Ozarks. But God had other plans and He has enabled me to be happy wherever He sent me. It has helped me to remember the words to the old song I used to hear my mother sing while she was washing or hanging up clothes to dry, “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through”. I live daily with the knowledge that my home is in heaven and the best is yet to come. Until that day comes I want to live in such a way as to hear my dear Savior say, “Well done thou good and faithful servant”. God’s people never meet for the last time, so until then let us all be busy about the Master’s business. To all my dear loved ones who remain I say, “Hope to meet you there!”. – HDS

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