Archives for 2015

Good morning,

This week we will be looking at James 3, the Tongue. The tongue can be a blessing and a curse. Today we will study the dangers of the tongue. Our key verse is James 3:6.

“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.”

Dangers of the tongue v 1-12

Masters (teachers) receive a stricter judgment v 1-2

“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. ² For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.”

Control your tongue and you will control your whole body v 3-5

“Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.⁴ Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.⁵ Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”

The uncontrolled tongue is destructive v 6-12

“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. ⁷ For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: ⁸ But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹ Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. ¹¹ Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? ¹² Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.”

The challenge here is for us to control what we say. God does not look the other way when we speak. We need to carefully choose our words so that we please God, encourage the brethren, and admonish the lost. When we speak for God in a Sunday school lesson, Bible study, or preaching, God is listening to make sure we have rightly divided the Word of God.

My prayer would be that our words would be a blessing to God and the people who hear what we say.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This devotional should be a tremendous encouragement to all of us. Worldly blessings are nothing compared to what God has for us.

Imagine for a moment!

(George Everard, “Help on the Way to the Better Land!” 1873)

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need!” Hebrews 4:16

Imagine for a moment, that on a set day in each year, our beloved Queen were to take her seat upon her throne. She has caused it to be proclaimed far and wide, that on such a day she will be ready to grant all the petitions that may be made to her. What crowds would flock around her! How many would anticipate the hour when they might hope to obtain some long-sought blessing!

Now this sets before us a great reality. What would be impossible in any earthly sovereign–is actually the case with the great and glorious King who reigns in Heaven! His throne of grace is open to the poor and the wretched–to those who feel burdened with ten thousand sins and troubled by ten thousand needs and sorrows. It is open, not once a year–but every day, every hour, every moment! It is open for the heinous sinner who comes weighed down with life’s transgressions. It is open for the child of God, who comes again and again for the supply of grace and strength which he needs!

Over that throne, the eye of faith can discern, in letters glittering like the bright stars in Heaven, some such invitations as these:
“Ask, and it shall be given you!
Seek, and you shall find!
Knock, and it shall be opened unto you!”

Who can describe the preciousness of the gifts to be obtained at this throne!

Years ago an Indian prince was greatly indebted to one high in authority for the aid and support he had rendered to him. History tells us that the prince desired to give the Englishman some strong proof of the gratitude he bore towards him. He took him into a vast underground chamber, where were collected the most costly and precious jewels, gold and silver almost without limit–treasures such as before the Englishman had never seen. When all these had been displayed before him, the Indian prince bade him to choose whatever he desired–nothing would be denied him. Whatever he named, he might call his own.

There is likewise, a rich storehouse of costly treasures which is open to us. Jesus, our great Mediator, holds the key, and opens it to all who ask in His name, and according to His Word.

There are gifts for us concerning the peace and salvation of our souls:
daily pardon for daily sin,
more light to understand the Word of Truth,
more strength in the Holy Spirit to overcome sin and to walk with God,
more joy and peace in believing,
the enduring gold of faith and love,
the white clothing of a perfect justification in Christ,
the eye salve of Divine wisdom in the knowledge of ourselves and of God–all these are in the hand of Jesus for those who call upon Him!
All are bestowed in answer to fervent believing prayer.

Please meditate on God’s many blessings. Then appropriate God’s many blessings and use them to grow in your walk with Jesus.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

We do not like to admit we are weak. However, it is in that very weakness that God shows He is sufficient.

An elastic promise!

(George Everard, “Help on the Way to the Better Land!” 1873)

Very rich and full is the promise, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

It has been spoken of as an elastic promise. The word “sufficient” may not sound very great, but it stretches according to a man’s necessity. A Christian’s need may be great today–and the word “sufficient” reaches it. It may be ten times as great tomorrow–but the word “sufficient” reaches it still. The grace is still sufficient for the greater need–as for the lesser.

The promise shows also that not until we are weak–does the Lord bestow His strength. We may be too strong for the Lord to help us. Gideon’s army must be brought almost to nothing, before the Lord will use it to overthrow the Midianites. And until we are brought low in our own thoughts, until the discipline employed has thoroughly emptied us of all high imaginings as to what we can do, or we can effect, or we can bear–we cannot be strong in the Lord.

“When I am weak,” and not before, “then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10.
When I have learned experimentally . . .
that I am a bruised reed,
that I have in myself no power to endure affliction,
that left to myself I shall assuredly rebel against the rod, and murmur against the gracious Hand that holds it–then the Lord draws near by the Spirit, and gives a joy and a peace that nothing can destroy!

Meditate on this truth and allow God to be your sufficiency.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will be studying James 2, Christian Conduct. The key verse is:

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (James 2:10)

Yesterday we looked at faith and works. Today will look at examples of faith plus works.

James 2

Examples of Faith plus Works v 21-26

a) Abraham v 21-24

Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? ²² Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? ²³ And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. ²⁴ Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

b) Rahab v 25-26

Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? ²⁶ For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

CONCLUSION

• Respect all persons equally
• Keeping the law is unattainable
• Faith without works is dead

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will be studying James 2, Christian Conduct. The key verse is:

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (James 2:10)

Yesterday we looked at the law. Today will look at faith and works.

James 2

Faith and Works v 14-20

a) Destitute man v 14-16

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? ¹⁵ If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, ¹⁶ And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

b) Faith needs works v 17-20

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?

What causes us to fail to put our faith into action? Is it that we fail to have faith that God can accomplish anything He chooses? Do we feel inadequate to in our relationship to our Savior? Each of us needs to spend time with the Lord and iron out these issues. Romans 8:37 states, “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”

Do we believe this and act upon it?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

This week we will be studying James 2, Christian Conduct. The key verse is:

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (James 2:10)

Yesterday we looked at being a respecter of persons. Today will look at keeping the law.

James 2

The Law v 10-13

a) Keeping the law v 10-11

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

b) Judgment and mercy v 12-13

So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

Today’s Scripture explains why salvation is not by the law. Since no one can keep the law, we have all sinned. We are in need of a one who can fulfill the law. The only person able to keep the law perfectly was Jesus Christ. So it was through His mercy, grace, and blood sacrifice we are saved. No other way.

Think about how this portion of Scripture can be used to help people see that they are sinners and how they need a Savior.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

Good morning,

This week we will be studying James 2, Christian Conduct. The key verse is:

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (James 2:10)

James 2

Respecter of Persons v 1-9

a) Rich vs. Poor man v 1-4

My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. ² For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; ³ And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: ⁴ Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

b) Poor: rich in faith, heirs to the kingdom v 5-6a

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? ⁶ But ye have despised the poor.

c) Rich: oppressor v 6b-7

Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? ⁷ Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

d) Respect to persons=transgressor v 8-9

If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: ⁹ But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

This is a convicting passage of Scripture. Who gets preference in our lives and why? Do we look at people as equal in the sight of God? When we were born each of us were born with the same sin nature. Granted, upbringing, personal decisions to follow God or Satan affect our perspective. What does God want us to do?

These are challenging questions for each of us to ponder.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This month we will study the Book of James. Chapter 1 teaches us how to deal with trials and temptations. The key verse is James 1:19.

 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: (James 1:19)

Yesterday, we studied verses 22-25, God does not tempt man. Today we will look at verses 26-27, Pure Religion.

James 1

Pure religion (Verses 26-27)

1. The religious man v 26
2. Pure religion is… v27

“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. ²⁷ Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

If I asked you what is pure religion, the answer here in James would not be high on the list. What do people see when they look at us? James wanted his recipients to be humble servants of God. He wanted them to be caring, gracious, merciful, and loving as His Master Jesus was. He wanted them to live above the temptations of this world. He wanted them to reflect Jesus.

That is what God wants from us today.

This week we have learned how to live above the noise and chaos of the world. If we apply the lessons from James 1, we will be able to successfully navigate through our Christian life.

CONCLUSION

• Count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations
• Trying of your faith works patience
• Lack wisdom, ask God without wavering
• Endure
• Be doers of the Word
• Pure religion is: To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This month we will study the Book of James. Chapter 1 teaches us how to deal with trials and temptations. The key verse is James 1:19.

 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: (James 1:19)

Yesterday, we studied verses 13-21, God does not tempt man. Today we will look at verses 22-25, Be doers of the Word.

James 1

Be doers of the Word (Verses 22-25)

1. Be doers of the Word v 22
2. Not hearers only v 23-24
3. Be a doer and hearer of the Word and be blessed v 25

 ^“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. ²³ For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: ²⁴ For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. ²⁵ But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”

God graciously gave us the Bible so that we would know exactly how we are to live life. Have you ever read the Bible cover to cover? If not, how can you be a doer of the Word if you do not know what it says? The Old Testament gives the foundation stones, history, and ramifications of opposing God. The New Testament fulfills the Old Testament prophecies through Jesus Christ. It is practical and tells us how to be saved and conduct our lives. But it is essential that we read, understand, obey, and do what God has asked us to do through His Word.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

This month we will study the Book of James. Chapter 1 teaches us how to deal with trials and temptations. The key verse is James 1:19.

 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: (James 1:19)

Yesterday, we studied verses 1-12, trials and temptations. Today we will look at verses 13-21, God does not tempt man.

James 1

God does not tempt man (Verses 13-21)

1. How is man tempted? V 13-14
2. How is temptations conceived? V 15-16
3. Where do good gifts come from? V 17-18
4. How do we concur our temptations? V 19-21

^“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: ¹⁴ But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. ¹⁵ Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. ¹⁶ Do not err, my beloved brethren. ¹⁷ Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. ¹⁸ Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. ¹⁹ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: ²⁰ For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. ²¹ Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”

Again we see the practicality of James. Answering questions about how we are tempted, enticed, and drawn away from God. Then we find that good gifts come from above. Finally we see how to concur those temptations.

So what do we learn from the verses? First, God does not tempt us. But secondly, He does give us good gifts. Thirdly, we concur our temptations by reading, studying, and obeying the word of God.

Having said that, it comes down to who we choose to follow, God or Satan. It is in our best interest to choose God’s way.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001