MORNING MANNA              9-6-24

God is “a very present help in trouble.” But He permits trouble to pursue us, as though He were indifferent to its overwhelming pressure, that we may be brought to the end of ourselves, and led to discover the treasure of darkness, the unmeasurable gains of tribulation.

We may be sure that He who permits the suffering is with us in it. It may be that we shall see Him only when the trial is passing; but we must dare to believe that He never leaves the crucible. Our eyes are holden; and we cannot behold Him whom our soul loveth. It is dark–the bandages blind us so that we cannot see the form of our High Priest; but He is there, deeply touched. Let us not rely on feeling, but on faith in His unswerving fidelity; and though we see Him not, let us talk to Him. Directly we begin to speak to Jesus, as being literally present, though His presence is veiled, there comes an answering voice which shows that He is in the shadow, keeping watch upon His own. Your Father is as near when you journey through the dark tunnel as when under the open heaven!

What though the path be all unknown?
What though the way be drear?
Its shades I traverse not alone
When steps of Thine are near.

Morning Manna, 1-23-13

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

MORNING MANNA               9-3-24

FIX YOUR FOCUS

“Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth.”- – Colossians 3:2

Senior Living told the story Roger Bannister who on May 6, 1954, became the very first man in recorded history to run a mile in less than 4 minutes. But within 2 months, John Landy eclipsed his record by 1.4 seconds. So on August 7, 1954, the two met together for a historic race.

As they moved into the final lap, Landy held the lead and it looked as if he would win. But as he neared the finish he was haunted by the question, “Where is Bannister?” As he turned to look, Bannister, just behind him, took the lead and won the race. Landy later told a reporter, “If I hadn’t looked back, I would have won!”

As Christians, one of the most important things we can do is to focus on what really matters—God. But the problem is that very often, we become so consumed with the minutia of daily life that we allow it to take our eyes off of the ultimate prize. This causes us to become distracted, often losing ground in our walk with Christ.

But if we keep our eyes on Jesus and don’t allow sin and distractions of the world to pull us aside (Hebrews 12:1), we’ll maintain our heaven-focused perspective on the challenges when they arise. So don’t let the small stuff take your attention away from what really matters. Keep your head forward and your eyes on the cross, and you’re guaranteed victory at the finish line!

Pray that God would help you stay focused on Him when you’re tempted to let life’s challenges distract you. 

As Paul said, “ “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭- HDS, 5-20-12

David Stone  

Lakeway Baptist Church  

Humble,Tx

MORNING MANNA             9-2-24

THE SCHOOL OF CHRIS

T“I will instruct thee and teach thee-“–. Psalm 32:8 

Here is a precious promise! The all-knowing God will teach us–and we are in desperate need of the lessons. As one said,”At best we know but little–and we are slow to learn. But the Lord has promised to instruct us. The Lord’s teaching always produces humility, self-loathing, confidence in God, zeal for His glory, and heart devotion to Christ! The Lord’s teaching always brings us to the feet of Jesus, and delivers us from this present evil world. Under Divine instruction we learn the true nature of sin, the vanity of the world, the emptiness of creatures, and the fullness and preciousness of Christ!”(James Smith,1840). 

Seeing that God is willing to instruct us, should we not be eager to learn? Considering that our problems are so large and our abilities are so small, should we not be found early and often sitting at the feet of Jesus, with our Bible open, our body rested, and our mind clear, soaking up the rich treasures of His Word? Since the great God who designed, created, and controls this vast universe bids us to come, should we not be found continually at the throne of grace praying, as the Psalmist, “Shew me thy ways, O LORD teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.”(Psalm 25:4-5). 

In the school of Christ, Jesus is both the teacher and the theme. It is for that reason He said,”Come unto me–and learn of me-“(Matthew 11:28-29). Have you? Is He your teacher? Have you enrolled in the class of Christ, by trusting Him as Lord and Savior? If so, sit at His feet, soak up His words, surrender to His demands, show forth His praise. If you know Him–love Him, learn of Him from Him, leave all to follow Him, live for Him, lean upon Him for support, and look to Him always. Make this your daily prayer–“Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path–“(Psalm 27:11). -HDS,2-1-11 

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