Archives for April 2015

Good morning,

Meekness is often characterized by many Christians as weakness. A careful study of the definition and Scriptural passages dispel this thought.

Meekness is defined as, “Softness of temper; mildness, gentleness; forbearance under injury and provocations. In an evangelical sense, humility; resignation; submission to the divine will, without murmuring or peevishness; opposed to pride, arrogance and refractoriness. Meekness is a grace which Jesus alone inculcated, and which no ancient philosopher seems to have understood or recommended.”  (An American Dictionary of the English Language, 1841, volume 2, page 115, Noah Webster)

JESUS IS OUR EXAMPLE

• Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (Matthew 11:29)
• For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:²² Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:²³ Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: (1 Peter 2:21-23)

Jesus was reviled, persecuted, and shamed through His whole three year ministry. Only twice do we see Him get angry, when he cast the money changers at the Temple. Otherwise, Jesus always had emotions under control.

What about us?

SAINTS SHOULD

• SEEK Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger. (Zephaniah 2:3)
• PUT ON Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; ¹³ Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. (Colossians 3:12-13)
• RECEIVE THE WORD Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21)
• ANSWER FOR THE HOPE But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15)
• SHOW TO ALL MEN To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. (Titus 3:2)
• RESTORE THE ERRING ONE Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)

Please meditate on these verses. As we do, think about how we interact with other people. Specifically, when we have been wronged. Do we get angry, mad, bitter, or vengeful? Does our speech betray us? Do we speak evil of others? Then look at Jesus. He suffered and died on the cross for us. Did He do anything wrong?

Tomorrow we shall look at the benefits of being meek.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

 

Good morning,

Civil disobedience seems to be in contradiction to different parts of God’s word. However, as we will see, it was the disciples of Christ that continued to preach God’s word after being told to cease.

Lest you think this is inappropriate, please remember that you and I are in the United States of America and not a British colony, because of civil disobedience.

The High Priest and the Sadducees were very upset that the preaching of Christ was having such an impact on the people. They forbid the disciples from preaching Jesus.

“²⁷ And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, ²⁸ Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. ²⁹ Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. ³⁰ The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. ³¹ Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. ³² And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. ³³ When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.” (Acts 5:27-33)

The High Priest and the Sadducees now discuss this and decided to beat them, command them not to speak in Jesus name, and let them go.

^“40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.⁴¹ And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.⁴² And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” (Acts 5:40-42)

Although they were told to disobey God, they did not. They kept preaching God’s word. Did their actions have consequences? YES. Thousands received Christ. Many became missionaries for the cause of Christ. Also, many were killed for their faith. But ALL obeyed God.

The question for us today is, do we have the faith, trust, and obedient spirit to follow and tell others about Jesus?

Think about that.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

This devotional will be an encouragement to you in a time of need.

The name of the LORD is a strong tower!

(Ralph Erskine, 1685-1752)

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower!
 A righteous person runs to it and is safe!” Proverbs 18:10

Jesus has a name suiting every want, every need.

Do you need wonders to be wrought for you? His name is Wonderful; look to Him so to do, for His name’s sake.

Do you need counsel and direction? His name is the Counselor; cast yourself on Him and His mighty name for this.

Have you mighty enemies to engage? His name is the Mighty God; seek that He may exert His power for His name’s sake.

Do you need His fatherly pity? His name is the everlasting Father; as a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear him. Plead His pity, for His name’s sake.

Do you need peace–external, internal, or eternal? His name is the Prince of Peace; seek for His name’s sake, that He may create peace.

O sirs, His name is Jehovah-Rophi, the Lord, the healer and physician; seek, for His name’s sake, that He may heal all your soul diseases.

Do you need pardon? His name is Jehovah-Tsidkenu, the Lord our righteousness; seek for His name’s sake, that He may be merciful to your unrighteousness.

Do you need defense and protection? His name is Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord your banner; seek, for His name’s sake, that His banner of love and grace may be spread over you.

Do you need provision in extreme want? His name is Jehovah-Jireh, in the mount to the Lord it shall be seen, the Lord will provide.

Do you need His presence? His name is Jehovah-Shammah, the Lord is there; Immanuel, God with us; look to Him to be with you, for His name’s sake.

Do you need an audience of prayer? His name is the Hearer of Prayer.

Do you need strength? His name is the Strength of Israel.

Do you need comfort? His name is the Consolation of Israel.

Sit down and ponder your wants and needs–and you will find He has a name suitable for your supply; He has . . .
all wisdom to guide you,
all power to keep you,
all mercy to pity you,
all holiness to sanctify you,
all righteousness to justify you,
all grace to adorn you,
and all glory to crown you!

When we are in need, God is there. Please save this devotional for current or future use.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Young people today are involved in many worthwhile endeavors. Some play sports, others study the sciences, and others serve in their community.

This weekend three church’s came together to observe their young people participate in Bible quizzing. The questions would be taken from Matthew 15-28. The process consisted of studying all the chapters, understanding who, what, when, where, why, of each chapter, and then committing to memory each chapter. So instead of just memorizing verses, they were hiding God’s word in their hearts.

Many of these young people have been part of the Bible quizzing for many years. In the three previous years they studied Matthew 1-14, and the Book of Acts, 15-28 and 1-14.

It was very impressive how well prepared all the teams were.

So why should believers memorize Scripture?

• IT IS PROFITABLE All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
• OVERCOME SIN Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.¹⁰ With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.¹¹ Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalm 119:9-11)
• IT CONVERTS THE SOUL The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. ⁸ The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. (Psalm19:7-8)
• IT PROSPERS AND GIVES GOOD SUCCESS Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.  ⁸ This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. (Joshua 1:7-8)

So what are we doing in this area of memorizing Scripture? There are many benefits to knowing God. We should all be hiding the word of God in our hearts.

Our young people should be congratulated for all their hard work.  May we as adults be challenged to memorize God’s word.

Have a blessed day.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Today let us look at different types of faith.

GREAT FAITH MATTHEW 8:5-10

THE CENTURION The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.⁹ For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.¹⁰ When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

LITTLE FAITH MATTHEW 6:30, 14:31, 16:8

•  The multitudes Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? (Matthew 6:30)
• Peter And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? (Matthew 14:31)
• DISCIPLES Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? (Matthew 16:8)

NO FAITH DEUTERONOMY 32:20 MARK 4:40

• NATION OF ISRAEL And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith. (Deuteronomy 32:20)
• DISCIPLES And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? (Mark 4:40)

LIVE BY FAITH HABAKKUK 2:4, ROMANS 1:17, GALATIANS 3:11

• THE JUST Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. (Habakkuk 2:4)
• THE RIGHTEOUS OF GOD For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:17)
• MAN But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. (Galatians 3:11)

WALK BY FAITH 2 CORINTHIANS 5:7

• CORINTHIAN BELIEVERS (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) (2 Corinthians 5:7)

So how did my class do in this lesson on faith? Some had great faith. They called all their legislators. Others had little faith. They chose to call some of their legislators. Some had no faith. They either forgot or chose not to call. You see no matter what the group may be, there will always be those with great faith, little faith, or no faith.

So to conclude this lesson on faith we must remember, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

 Have a great weekend.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

Do we believe that the Bible is a practical book? Can we take its truths and apply them to the situations of our daily lives?

Yesterday, during our mid week service we tested that theory.

The message was on faith. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) We studied people of faith, great faith, little faith, no faith, we must live by faith, and walk by faith. The summation was found in Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

I challenged them to call or email the Alaska State Senators on the Finance committee about reestablishing funding for the Fall Prevention Program.  This is an important program for seniors and would pay for itself with one fall being prevented. Names, email addresses, phone numbers were given to them.

Would they be willing to step out in faith to complete this project?

We often speak of trusting the Lord, having faith, always willing to do what God asks. When the rubber meets the road in our daily lives, do we?

James 2:17-20 speaks to this point. “ Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. ¹⁸ Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. ¹⁹ Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. ²⁰ But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?”

So how did they do? Come back tomorrow and we will find out.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

This should encourage each of us.

My own special treasure!

(Theodore Cuyler, “Wayside Springs from the Fountain of Life” 1883)

“You will be My own special treasure!” Exodus 19:5

Luther said that there is great divinity in the personal pronouns of Scripture. “They will be Mine–in the day when I make up My jewels!” Malachi 3:17

Every true believer is surrendered to the ownership of Christ. Up to the hour of conversion we had other masters–self, sin, and the devil. Now Jesus says to each Christian, “You are Mine! I own you. I will instruct you, and polish you, and put you wherever it pleases Me. I will take care of you, and nothing shall pluck you out of My hand. You shall be My own special treasure in the day of My triumphant appearing. I will place you in My crown!”

What a comfort to know nothing can pluck me out of the hand of God. We are His and we are His special treasure. That should excite each of us.

Meditate on these things.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

I hope this encourages and challenges all of us.

Life is wasted by driblets

(Charles Spurgeon)

“A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest–and poverty will come on you like a bandit, and scarcity like an armed man!” Proverbs 24:33, 34 

The worst of sluggards only ask for a little slumber; they would be indignant if they were accused of thorough idleness. A little folding of the hands to rest is all they crave, and they have a crowd of reasons to show that this indulgence is a very proper one. Yet by these littles–the day ebbs out, and the time for labor is all gone, and the field is grown over with thorns!

It is by little procrastinations–that men squander their opportunities. They have no intention to delay for years–a few months will bring the more convenient season. Tomorrow they will attend to serious things; but the present hour is so occupied and altogether so unsuitable, that they beg to be excused.

Like sands through an hour-glass, time passes. Life is wasted by driblets, and seasons of opportunity are lost by little slumbers. Oh, to be wise, to catch the flying hour–to use the moments on the wing! May the Lord teach us this sacred wisdom!

“So teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom!” Psalm 90:12

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Last Friday night we celebrated our Passover Seder. We had 28 guests. One guest was from my Bible study class. She was new and did not know any of the other guests. One of the men present engaged her in conversation, but soon found himself listening to the great stories she told about her time living in Alaska. Then at dinner, a young teenager, struck up a conversation with my friend and really made her welcome.

The Bible tells us to “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

It encouraged me to see my friends, young and old, demonstrating the love of Christ. Jesus was always talking to people, making new friends, encouraging old ones, and always teaching.

Although the stated purpose of the evening was the celebration of the Passover, I believe much more was accomplished. “For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” (1 John 3:11)

We all need to think about how we can love, encourage, and teach others. Hebrews 10:24-25 states, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: ²⁵ Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Have a wonderful day.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

What happens next, changed lives forever. It was normal practice for the Romans to crucify criminals. It was normal for them to die, be buried, placed in a tomb, or the ground. Jesus died, was buried, BUT defied death. He arose on the third day. Matthew 28:1-10 tells us the story.

He is Risen

“In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher. ² And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. ³ His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: ⁴ And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. ⁵ And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. ⁶ He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. ⁷ And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. ⁸ And they departed quickly from the sepulcher with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. ⁹ And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. ¹⁰ Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.”

The resurrection of Jesus was a supernatural event. It had never happened before and will never happen again. The angel tells the women to “Fear not.” That is what Jesus tells us. The angel says “Go” and they went in obedience. Their obedience was rewarded by seeing the resurrected Jesus. What great joy and excitement.

The Resurrection Changes Everything 1 Corinthians 15:3-6, 13-18)

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; ⁴ And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: ⁵ And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: ⁶ After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.”

“But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: ¹⁴ And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. ¹⁵ Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. ¹⁶ For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: ¹⁷ And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. ¹⁸ Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.”

Bottom line, no resurrection, no salvation. All the different parts of the story had to take place. The virgin birth, preaching and teaching, the miracles, Jesus death, shedding His blood for our sins, his burial, and then the triumphal resurrection, His being seen by His disciples and many others, and His visible ascension back to His Father in heaven. And He did it all for you and me. We did not deserve it. We were not worthy. We could not pay for it. He did it because He loved us. John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Would you like to know more about what God has done for you and how you can become a believer in Christ? Please contact me.

TRUST THE RESURRECTED CHRIST TODAY.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001