Archives for 2015

Good morning,

Psalm 33 begins by praising God. Then explains why we should praise Him. We should praise God for His creation, counsel, and salvation. Today we will look at praising God for His creation.

PRAISING GOD (PSALM 33:1-4)

Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. ² Praise the Lord with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. ³ Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise. ⁴ For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth.

We are to praise God. It can be through words, musical instruments, singing songs of worship and praise.

GOD’S CREATIVE ACTS (PSALM 33:6-9)

⁶ By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. ⁷ He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. ⁸ Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. ⁹ For he spake and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.

Genesis 1 goes into great detail on how and when God created the heavens, earth, ocean, lakes, streams, animals, men and women. It is no wonder the Psalmist tells us to rejoice and praise the Lord. He is worthy to be praised.

Meditate on the fact that all that we have, see, enjoy was created by God. Then praise Him for His goodness to us.

Tomorrow we will at God’s counsel.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

Moses was summoned by God. Moses goes and spends forty days and nights with God.  God gives him two tablets with the Ten Commandments on them. When Moses returns there is a wild party taking place. The people were worshipping a golden calf. Moses throws down the tablets and rebukes Aaron and the people.

Moses is summoned by God a second time. God gives him two tablets with the Ten Commandments on them. This time the people are ready to worship God. The following is what Moses said to the people.

¹² And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, ¹³ To keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good? ¹⁴ Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the Lord’s thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is. ¹⁵ Only the Lord had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day.

Moses says God required five things of them.

1) Fear the Lord thy God. A reverent fear. A holy fear. A fear rooted in the knowledge that this was the God of all creation. He was also the God of judgment.  The God of mercy and love.

2) Walk in all His ways. God had given them leadership through Moses and now through the very written word of God.

3) Love Him. They saw God’s deliverance for them from Egypt. They were free only because God allowed it. That should cause them to love their God.

4) Serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and soul. The goodness of God toward the Israelites should cause them to have a deep desire to serve Him completely, without reservations.

5) Keep the commandments of the Lord, and His statues. God gave them rules to obey. The rules were for their welfare. God gave them all they needed to be successful. All they had to do was keep the commandments.

We know that in the short term the nation of Israel followed the Lord. But then they compromised and felt that their God was unable to give them what they wanted.

Although we are technically not Israelites (although gentiles have been grafted in), God requires these five things of us. So it is important to ask ourselves “How are we doing?”

We have the completed commandments of God. He has given us His complete guidance on how to live life successfully.

Are you reading God’s instruction book, the Bible? If so, are we applying the commands, precepts, and principles? Do we fear the God who created us? Who knows all things, sees all things, and has the power to do anything He pleases.

It begs an answer.

FOLLOW GOD TODAY!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Paul is explaining to the Ephesians’ that he was made a minister of the gospel to the Gentiles.  Then he states that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs in Christ.

⁶ That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: ⁷ Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

Then Paul prays for the Ephesians’. He prays specifically for six areas that will help them to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

¹⁴ For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, ¹⁶ That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; ¹⁷ That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; ¹⁹ And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:14-19)

Although this prayer was for the Ephesians, we should pray this prayer for ourselves. These are qualities that we need. The culmination of our prayer should be, “…that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.”

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

The transcendent excellency divine wisdom

(James Smith, “Food for Hungry Souls”)

“For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold.  Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.  She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left.  She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying.  Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly!” Proverbs 3:14-18

See the transcendent excellency divine wisdom.

Men desire health–but bodily health is only for a time.
Divine wisdom gives perpetual health, both of body and soul.

Men desire wealth–but riches are not forever.
Divine wisdom gives unsearchable riches–enduring riches!

Men desire life–but human life is brief.
Divine wisdom gives everlasting life, and life in perfection and interminable blessedness.

Men desire honor–but earthly honor is fading.
Divine wisdom confers the highest honors, associating us in the nearest relation with God, who is the source of all real honor.

Men desire pleasure–but what does earthly pleasure amount to?
Divine wisdom leads . . .
to rivers of pleasure,
to oceans of joy,
to fountains of purest delight!

Men desire fame–but fame among sinners, is but a puff of noisy breath.
Divine wisdom makes us famous, if not on earth–in Heaven; if not in time–in eternity!

If therefore we would possess health and wealth;
if we would live forever, and live forever in honor;
if we would enjoy endless pleasure, and shine among God’s worthies
–then we must get wisdom! It is transcendently excellent, for all the world would not purchase it–though God freely gives it! Nor would the possession of the whole world make up for the loss of it–if we neglect and despise it. Nor would a world, or ten thousand worlds, make a man half so happy!

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom!” Proverbs 4:7

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Here is another devotional from the past. This comes from the Grace Gems website.

The Bible is no lazy man’s book!

“If you seek it like silver and search for it like hidden treasure–then you will understand the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God!” Proverbs 2:4-5

“The Bible is no lazy man’s book! Much of its treasure, like the valuable minerals stored in the bowels of the earth, only yield up themselves to the diligent seeker.” (Arthur Pink)

“Do not be satisfied with a superficial survey of Scripture, as many Christians are. These are not the days of contemplation as the old Puritan times were, we are too apt to be superficial; but do remember that while there are nuggets of gold upon the very surface of Scripture, yet the most valuable mines of gold are far down!”(Charles Spurgeon)

“Truth lies deep, and must be dug for.” (William Gurnall)

“Strive to penetrate to the bottom of Divine truths, and never be content with a superficial knowledge.” (David Brainerd)

“Dig for the truth like a man digging for Australian gold!” (J.C. Ryle)

“Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding!” Proverbs 4:7

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This was an encouragement to me. I hope it will be an encouragement to you.

Look forward to your sinless and perfect home!

(William Nicholson, “Death, the Believer’s Gain!” 1862)

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain!” Philippians 1:21

At death, the Christian gains holiness without sin. In Heaven, the very existence of sin will be destroyed, “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life!” Revelation 21:27

Here on earth, sin is the ruin of man–the ruin of his immortal soul. It has blighted and blasted the world, and filled it with impurity, misery, and death!

The Christian has here to struggle and wrestle . . .

with sin in his members,

with his depraved heart,

with sin in his family,

with sin in his neighbors,

with sin in his business transactions,

with sin in society at large.

He feels its evil operations, and laments its corrupting effects.

But in Heaven the Christian shall gain purity without sin! All the remains of sin and the dregs of corruption are left forever behind!

No condemning conscience is found there.

No unhallowed appetites are found there.

No disordered affections exist there.

No appearance or vestige of evil is found there.

Every child of God is as pure as Christ is pure–as perfect as his Father in Heaven is perfect.

Child of mortality, heir of corruption! Look forward to your sinless and perfect home, and learn that to die will be gain indeed!

“Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away!” Revelation 21:3-4

Soon, and very soon, this will be our reality. I am looking forward to this.

Have a blessed day.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Yesterday was a special day for me. Forty-three years ago God drew me to Himself. Through a series of events, including a Dear John letter, church members caring for my soul, a university professor who taught God’s word, and the convicting power of the Holy Spirit of God, brought me to my knees in repentance and belief in Jesus Christ.

That was the beginning of a great adventure of learning about Jesus Christ and how I could share Him with others. It has been amazing to watch what God has done over all these years. He has trained me, led me, corrected me, chastised me, was patient with me, was merciful, compassionate, rejoiced and wept over me. When I meditate on all God has done, Psalm 63:5-7 comes to mind.

5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: 6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. 7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. (Psalm 63:5-7)

I am satisfied. God has tremendously blessed me. He has allowed me to serve Him in different capacities over the years. Nothing of any value for the kingdom’s sake has been by my power. All has been done through the power of God.

Spiritual birthdays are not commonly celebrated by believers. I think this birthday is more important than our physical birth. The second birth brings us into God’s kingdom. It allows us many benefits, not the least of which is having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Today meditate on that day you first believed. Has it changed your life? What have you learned about Jesus since then? Does anyone know that you are a believer? Have you told anyone of the hope that lies within you? Are you being God’s ambassador for your heavenly home?

It is good to take time to remember what God has done for you.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

The nation of Israel has been taken captive by the Babylonians. Jerusalem, the Temple, and the homes of all the people have been destroyed. God’s prophet, Jeremiah, laments Israel’s failure to repent for their open rebellion toward their God. Then in chapter 3, verses 20-26, he speaks of hope. Hope is used three times. He uses words of encouragement such as remembrance, humbled, mercies, compassions, faithfulness, good, wait, and salvation.

“²⁰ My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. ²¹ This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. ²² It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. ²³ They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. ²⁴ The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. ²⁵ The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. ²⁶ It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:20-26)

God is not done with Israel. After seventy years in captivity, a remnant returned to Jerusalem, rebuilt the walls of the city, and eventually the Temple. It would be destroyed again in 70 AD, but another Temple will be built during the Tribulation.

When our circumstances seem hopeless, there is hope in the Lord. Remember our Lord Jesus is merciful, compassionate, faithful, good, patient, and will bring salvation to those who seek it.

THERE IS HOPE!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Meekness has rewards.

THE MEEK

• ARE PRESERVED When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah. (Psalm 76:9)
• ARE EXALTED The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground. (Psalm 147:6)
• ARE GUIDED AND TAUGHT The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. (Psalm 25:9)
• ARE RICHLY PROVIDED FOR The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live forever. (Psalm 22:26)
• ARE BEAUTIFIED WITH SALVATION For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. (Psalm 149:4)
• INCREASED WITH JOY The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. (Psalm 29:19)
• SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. (Psalm 37:11)

What have we learned about meekness?

• Christ is our example
• We have responsibilities to be meek
• It is necessary for my walk in Christ
• There are benefits for the meek

This weekend let us see if we can apply some of the lessons learned about being meek.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

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