Archives for August 2016

Good morning,

Today’s devotional shows us how God uses afflictions and testings in our lives. It is helpful to understand that God knows everything. His work of affliction and testing are to help us to grow closer to Him.

His testing room of suffering!

(John MacDuff)

“I have tested you in the furnace of affliction!” Isaiah 48:10

I stood once in the test room of a great steel mill. All around me were little partitions and compartments. Steel had been tested to the limit, and marked with figures that showed its breaking point. Some pieces had been twisted until they broke, and the strength of torsion was marked on them. Some had been stretched to the breaking point, and their tensile strength indicated. Some had been compressed to the crushing point, and also marked. The master of the steel mill knew just what these pieces of steel would stand under strain. He knew just what they would bear if placed in a great ship, or building, or bridge. He knew this, because his testing room revealed it.

It is often so with God’s children. God does not want us to be like fragile vases of glass or porcelain. He would have us like these toughened pieces of steel–able to bear twisting and stretching and crushing to the uttermost, without collapse.

He wants us to be, not hot-house plants–but storm-beaten oaks. He wants us to be, not sand dunes driven with every gust of wind–but granite rocks withstanding the fiercest storms! To make us such, He needs to bring us into His testing room of suffering.

Many of us need no other argument than our own experiences to prove that suffering is indeed God’s testing room of faith. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds–because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2-3

“When He has tested me–I will come forth as gold!” Job 23:10

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Romans 8 takes us from the cradle to the grave. It begins declaring “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,”, salvation and ends declaring “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, ³⁹ Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”, everlasting life. In-between Paul addresses the battle between the Spirit and the flesh, promises to the believer, the Holy Spirit’s ministry, and the four things God has done for us.

Romans 8:28—39 tells us what God did to bring us to Christ. He called, saved, justified, and glorified us. Then He makes it clear that we are eternally safe as a believer in Christ. There is nothing that can separate us from the love of Christ.

Called, Saved, Justified, Glorified (8:28-34)

²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. ³⁰ Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. ³¹ What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? ³² He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? ³³ Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. ³⁴ Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

The Believer is Eternally Safe (8:35-39)

³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ³⁶ As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. ³⁷ Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. ³⁸ For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, ³⁹ Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In conclusion we see that God has given every person the opportunity to believe. Those who have chosen to trust in Christ by faith are totally equipped to live the Christian life. We have the Holy Spirit’s protection, guidance, prayers, and the promise of being joint heirs with Christ. We await our call home, Heaven, and are encouraged by the fact that we will never be separated from the love of Christ.

GOD HAS BLESSED US. PASS THE BLESSING TO OTHERS.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Romans 8 takes us from the cradle to the grave. It begins declaring “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,”, salvation and ends declaring “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, ³⁹ Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”, everlasting life. In-between Paul addresses the battle between the Spirit and the flesh, promises to the believer, the Holy Spirit’s ministry, and the four things God has done for us.

Romans 8:14-27 tells us of the promises God has given us. He has allowed us to be adopted, joint heirs with Christ, receive redeemed bodies, and the intercession of the Holy Spirit on our behalf.

Believers are Joint Heirs with Christ (8:14-17)

¹⁴ For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. ¹⁵ For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. ¹⁶ The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: ¹⁷ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Mortal Bodies wait Resurrection Glory (8:18-25)

¹⁸ For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. ¹⁹ For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. ²⁰ For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, ²¹ Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. ²² For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. ²³ And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. ²⁴ For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? ²⁵ But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Holy Spirit Prays with Us and For Us (8:26-27)

²⁶ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. ²⁷ And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

One choice has literally changed our present and future destinies. No longer are we bound for a devil’s hell but our condemnation has been taken away, we become children of God, joint heirs with Christ, awaiting a redeemed body, Heaven, never to be separated from Jesus, the Holy Spirit helping us and praying for our needs. I believe we are blessed individuals.

Meditate on all that God has done for us through His Son Jesus Christ. Thank Him for the opportunity to serve Him here on earth and then in Heaven. Share this life changing Good News with others.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Romans 8 takes us from the cradle to the grave. It begins declaring “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,”, salvation and ends declaring “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, ³⁹ Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”, everlasting life. In-between Paul addresses the battle between the Spirit and the flesh, promises to the believer, the Holy Spirit’s ministry, and the four things God has done for us.

Romans 8:1-13 tell us about our new life in Christ.

No Condemnation to those in Christ Jesus (8:1-4)

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. ² For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.³ For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: ⁴ That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Spirit-led or Carnally minded (8:5-13)

⁵ For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. ⁶ For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. ⁷ Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. ⁸ So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. ⁹ But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. ¹⁰ And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. ¹¹ But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. ¹² Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. ¹³ For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Jesus payment for our sin debt “…hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”  Our salvation was purchased by Jesus blood on the cross and His resurrection from the grave.

However, we must then make a choice whom to follow, the flesh or the Spirit of God. The flesh does not please God and results in death. The Spirit filled life results in life and peace.

What should our choice be?

Tomorrow we will look at promises God declares to us.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Psalm 66 is a Psalm of worship and praise. It gives us the template the church uses for their services. Most church’s sing, pray, and read a passage of Scripture before the preaching of God’s word. Today the Psalmist challenges us to keep our vows to God. If we make a commitment to the Lord we must fulfill it. The Psalmist then challenges us to testify of what God has done, pray, recognize that sin hinders our prayers, and that God hears our prayers.

Meditate on these things and thank God for His goodness.

4. He vows for himself religious service to God (66:13-15)

13 I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows, 14 Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble. 15 I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah.

5. He declares God’s special goodness to himself (66:16-20)

16 Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul. 17 I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue. 18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: 19 But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. 20 Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.

CONCLUSION

• Worship God by song, prayer, testimony, witnessing, spiritual gifts
• Remember God’s great works in your life
• Meditate on the benefits of God. His attributes, character, love, mercy, grace, forgiveness
• Fulfill your vows to the Lord. Complete the tasks you have committed to.
• Always keep short accounts with God. Sin (iniquity) causes our prayers not to be heard by God.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Psalm 66 is a Psalm of worship and praise. It gives us the template the church uses for their services. Most church’s sing, pray, and read a passage of Scripture before the preaching of God’s word. The Psalmist tells us to sing, praise, worship, rehearse the works of God and His benefits.

Meditate on these things and thank God for His goodness.

1. David Exhorts to Praise God (66:1-4)

Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: 2 Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious. 3 Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. 4 All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.

2. To observe His great works (66:5-7)

5 Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men. 6 He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him. 7 He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.

Terrible=awesome, protection, power and greatness of God

3. To bless him for his gracious benefits (66:8-12)

8 O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard: 9 Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved. 10 For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. 11 Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. 12 Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The world can be alluring even to the believer in Christ. However, when the world causes us to ignore God’s word then we need to deal with our sin. So this devotional may or may not apply to you, but it applies to someone you know. Share it with them. It may help them to come to know Christ as Savior and Lord.

The world, so fair, so fascinating!

(Hetty Bowman, “Life, Its Duties and Discipline” 1861)

It is possible that these words may meet the eye of some whose hearts are still set on the world, and the things of the world.

Firm are the meshes in which the world entangles the heedless footstep!

Potent is the spell which the world weaves around the thoughtless and unwary!

The mazes of pleasure firmly enslave the soul!

The world, so fair, so fascinating! How shall it be given up? How shall the fingers be unclasped from that bright cup which seems so full of happiness?

Says the worldling, “Surely the sacrifice need not be made yet! The world and its pleasures need not yet be exchanged for the cross of self-denial and sacrifice! Not yet! Not yet!”

But listen, dear reader, and if the words seem harsh–remember that they are the words of Him whose heart yearns with tenderness, pity, and compassion for the lost and the perishing:

“No man can serve two masters. You cannot serve both God and Money.” Matthew 6:24

“If any man loves the world–the love of the Father is not in him.”

“Friendship with the world is enmity with God.”

What shall we say to these things? Shall we, speak peace to you–when there is no peace? Shall we flatter you with the hope that all may yet be well? Shall we point you to a crown of unfading glory–while your heart still rebels against the light and easy yoke of the Crucified One? Nay!

Rather would we remind you of the solemn warning, that “The end of these things is death!” A day will come when your eye will grow dim, and the death-damp gather on your brow, and your feet enter the dark valley. Where, then, will be your hope? Where, then, will be your refuge?

And when that day has passed, and another, yet more terrible, has dawned–when the eternal throne shall be set, and the books opened, and the dead, small and great, stand before God–then where will you conceal yourself, that you will not hear the awful sentence, “Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into everlasting fire!”

It is because we would save you from such a fearful doom–a doom which, as surely as the Word of God is true, will overtake all, however naturally amiable and cordial they may be, yet reject the Savior’s offered mercy–that we would earnestly entreat you in Christ’s stead, “Be reconciled to God!”

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Whether a believer in Christ or a rejecter of the Savior, judgment day is coming. Only in this life do we have the opportunity to be reconciled with Jesus Christ.

Whatever your condition today repent of your sin and allow Jesus to sit on His rightful throne of your life.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

We are always looking for formulas to enhance the way we live our lives. Today we will see a simple formula that has life changing implications. However, the formula is only as good as the implementation. It is only effective and life changing if implemented without reservations.

Oh, what a blessed formula for us!

(John MacDuff)

“Nevertheless, at Your Word!” Luke 5:5

Oh, what a blessed formula for us!

This path of mine is dark, mysterious, perplexing! Nevertheless, at Your Word I will go forward.

This trial of mine is cutting, sore for flesh and blood to bear! It is hard to breathe through a broken heart, “May Your will be done!” But, nevertheless, at Your word I will say, “Even so, Father–for this is Your good pleasure!”

This besetting sin or bad habit of mine–is difficult to crucify. It has become part of myself–a second nature! To be severed from it would be like the cutting off of a right hand, or the plucking out of a right eye! Nevertheless, at Your Word I will lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily entangles me! This idol, I will utterly abolish!

“You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed!” Psalm 119:4

“Help me understand Your instruction–and I will obey it and follow it with all my heart!” Psalm 119:34

~ ~ ~ ~

If we want our lives to change, we must obey God’s word.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

God wants each believer to grow, mature, and live above the world. Sometimes He uses the “potter’s wheel” and sometimes He “prunes”. We may not like the process, but we usually like the results. Let us allow God to encourage us with this devotion.

When the knife cuts deep and the pain is sore!

(J.R. Miller)

“My Father is the gardener!” John 15:1

It is comforting to think of trouble, in whatever form it may come to us–as a heavenly messenger, bringing us blessing from God. In its earthly aspect, it may seem hurtful, even destructive; but in its spiritual outworking, it yields blessing.

Many of the richest blessings which have come down to us from the past, are the fruit of sorrow or pain. We should never forget that redemption, the world’s greatest blessing–is the fruit of the world’s greatest sorrow.

In every time of sharp pruning, when the knife cuts deep and the pain is sore, it is an unspeakable comfort to read, “My Father is the gardener!”

One tells of being in a great hothouse where luscious clusters of grapes were hanging on every side. The owner said, “When my new gardener came, he said he would have nothing to do with these vines unless he could cut them clean down to the stalk. He did, and we had no grapes for two years–but this is the result.”

There is rich suggestiveness in this illustration of the pruning process, as we apply it to the Christian life. Pruning seems to be destroying the vine, the gardener appears to be cutting it all away; but he looks on into the future and knows that the final outcome will be the enrichment of its life and greater abundance of fruit.

In the same way, there are blessings we can never have–unless we are ready to pay the price of pain. There is no way to reach them, but through suffering.

“Every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:2
~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we complete our study of the Church at Thessalonica. The believer’s challenge concerning patience until the coming of the Lord is this week’s theme. The Thessalonians are waiting for the Lord’s return. Paul addresses faithful, patient, separated, disciplined, working, and loving while they wait.

Paul’s commendation to the Thessalonian Church. (3:16-18)

a) Paul commends them to the peace and presence of God. (3:16)

b) Paul convinces them with his handwritten salutation – assuring them of the authenticity of this epistle. (3:17)

c) Paul commends them to the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (3:18)

¹⁶ Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. ¹⁷ The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. ¹⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Paul finishes his letter to the Thessalonians as he began it, commending the church. Paul was commending them for their faith in the Lord and their great love. He encourages them for their consistent growth.

He also wants them to know that he wrote this letter. Remember, another letter had surfaced purporting to have been by Paul, stating that the Tribulation period had begun and that they had missed the Rapture. This letter corrected the false doctrine.

He concludes by commending them to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul blessed the Church at Thessalonica with his encouragement, answers to questions, and correct doctrinal teaching.

We need to take the Paul’s words of admonishment and apply them to our lives.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001