“Do all things without murmurings and disputings:  That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;  Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.  Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.  For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.”–Phil. 2:14-18
Just about everyone realizes that something is seriously wrong with the world. It’s obvious that the world needs help. There is a lot of talk about what the world needs, but nothing is working. Things keek getting “worse and worse”. Only God has the answer– He is the answer! That’s the message the world needs to hear and we Christians are the messengers. And it’s not just what we declare, it’s also what we do. How we relate is crucial. We are to be salt and light.
This world is in spiritual darkness and urgent need of light. In vs. 14 Paul tells us what we ought to do. In vs. 15 he tells us what we ought to be and why. While much more could be said this is what was needed in the case of Paul’s letter. We need the same today. Our life is to be regulated by what God requires. That enables us to reflect the light of Christ to those in darkness. One bright light of godly behavior is often more effective than a sermon or song. When you work out what God put in others see the difference Christ can make, and that can make a difference in their lives. Never under estimate the power of your example. Tough times are the best times for an effective witness. The darker the night the brighter the light! “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16) –HDS

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

“Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?”– John 14:5-9
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson went on a camping trip. After a   good meal.. they lay down for the night and   went to sleep. Some hours later, Holmes awoke and nudged his   faithful friend. “Watson, look up and tell me what you see.”

Watson replied, “I see millions and millions of stars.”

“And what does that tell you?” Holmes asked.

Watson pondered for a minute. “Astronomically, it tells me that   there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of   planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo.   Horologically, I deduce that the time is about a quarter past 3.   Theologically, I can see that God is all-powerful and that we are   small and insignificant. Meteorologically, I suspect that we will   have a beautiful day tomorrow. Why, what does it tell  you?”

Holmes was silent for a minute, then spoke: “Someone has stolen   our tent.”

That humorous story reminds us that most people fail to see the obvious. Worst of all they fail to see the significance of the person and work of Christ. Knowing who He is and what He has done is essential to having a relationship with God, and these facts are clearly presented in the Bible. However, most people are so caught up in the trappings of religion that they miss the obvious– salvation is the result of what Christ does for us, not what we do for Him. They fail to see that they need a Redeemer not religion.–HDS

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

“Delight thyself in the LORD: and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart“.– Psalm 37:4
Suffering loss can have a devastating affect on a person, leaving him in a pit of depression. And it doesn’t just go away because a certain amount of time has passed. The best way to deal with loss is to “Delight thyself in the LORD“. It might not change the circumstances, but it changes the Christian. God is the one constant in our life. Everything else is subject to change, but He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. If we lose everything else He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. When we are abandoned by family and friends He is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother. When we focus on God rather than grief it gives us strength to go on.
When your spirit is overwhelmed within you, turn your attention to God’s greatness, goodness, and grace. Rather than thinking about what was taken from you thank God for the gift of life and the gifts of life. What you have as a Christian always out weighs what you had. So when it seems the very worst has happened, remember–the best is yet to come!But, before you can actually delight yourself in the Lord, you must “Trust in the LORD” (vs. 3). It is that life changing decision that enables us to walk by faith, rather than by sight, and to please God. And when He is pleased the floodgate of His exceeding great and precious promises are opened to us.–HDS

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