Good morning,

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

This summer we had a number of trees on our property cut down. The contractors cut the wood and stacked it at various places on the property. We needed to move the wood to the exterior of our property. However, my wife and I are not as young as we used to be and the task seemed overwhelming. We asked for some help, but no help seemed to be forthcoming.

Then God, in His timing, and in His way provided the help. A gentleman from my mid-week Bible study volunteered to help. He evaluated the project and determined the way I was doing it was not efficient. He brought a wheel barrow and began moving wood. I had been doing the wood prior to his arrival and was worn out. So I did the lawn. After completing the lawn I went inside for a few minutes to rest. When I looked outside there were three young people helping my friend. I went back out and the wood was moved within the hour.

The young people saw the need and came over to help. Then I asked their names. They were all Bible names. So I asked if they were Christians and they said “yes”. What a blessing.

God does supply all our needs in the most unusual ways.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) He certainly did for me.

So when things seem to overwhelm you, take it to the Lord and allow him to totally amaze you!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

Good morning,

Romans 2, continues to challenge us as to whether we will follow or oppose God’s plan. The themes covered are judging others, choosing to obey or disobey God’s word, the law, and circumcision.

Today we will look at the law.

The law points to Jesus (2:12-16) (Exodus 20:1-17)

¹² For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; ¹³ (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.¹⁴ For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:¹⁵ Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)¹⁶ In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Circumcision (2:17-29) (Genesis 17:9-14)

¹⁷ Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,¹⁸ And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;¹⁹ And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,²⁰ An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.²¹ Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? Thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? ²² Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? Thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? ²³ Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? ²⁴ For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. ²⁵ For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. ²⁶ Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? ²⁷ And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? ²⁸ For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: ²⁹ But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

CONCLUSION

• God will judge everyone
• There is no respecter of persons with God
• The law could not save
• The law pointed to Jesus
• The heart needs to be circumcised

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Romans 2, continues to challenge us as to whether we will follow or oppose God’s plan. The themes covered are judging others, choosing to obey or disobey God’s word, the law, and circumcision.

Today we will look at judging others and whether to obey or disobey God’s word.

God will judge all of us (2:1-5) (Matthew 7:1-5)

Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.² But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.³ And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?⁴ Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?⁵ But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

The parallel passage, Matthew 7:1-5, tells us that Jesus did not approve of judging others. He tells us to look at our own lives and get right with God before we judge others.

Lovers of righteousness (2:6-11) (Deuteronomy 6:1-19)

⁶ Who will render to every man according to his deeds:⁷ To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:⁸ But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,⁹ Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;¹⁰ But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:¹¹ For there is no respect of persons with God.

We are to obey God and love righteousness. God told the nation of Israel in Deuteronomy 6:1-19, that they were to love God and obey Him.

Obedience is the outward expression of our love for God and His Son Jesus Christ. When we obey, we tell God I believe, trust, and rest, in you. Do we want to show our love for Jesus today? Obey His Word!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

God is not bound by our schedule, our desires, or our needs. His plan is in accordance with His will and purpose. Although we may not like it, it is best if we rest in the Savior’s plan.

Later you will understand!

(“Every Day!” Author unknown, 1872)

“You do not realize now what I am doing–but later you will understand.” John 13:7

Peter could not apprehend the design of our Lord in washing the disciples’ feet, and impatiently expressed his surprise, “You shall never wash my feet!” Our gracious Savior in effect replied, “Wait a little, Peter–and you will see the reason for My doing so. You do not realize now what I am doing–but later you will understand.”

How often are we impatient when we cannot at once see the design of the Lord’s dealings with us. Sometimes, when events run contrary to our desires and expectations–we are ready, like Jacob, to say, “All these things are against me!“ While in reality, none of them are against us–but all are, in a wonderful way, working together for our good.

Oh for more confidence in Him who, in infinite wisdom, is so ordering the circumstances of our lives as to promote our spiritual welfare here–and our eternal advantage in the world to come.

Even in the present life, the Lord sometimes shows us the meaning of His past dealings with us, and convinces us that when He was leading us in a rough path–He was leading us by the right way towards the city of habitation.

“Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan His work in vain!
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain!”

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

This devotional is a good reminder that this world is NOT our home.  We must be careful not to be dragged into the pleasantries of this world. Heaven is so much better.

When we find the path thorny, and the journey toilsome!

(“Every Day!” Author unknown, 1872)

“They were longing for a better country–a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:16

“Here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come!” Hebrews 13:14

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city!” Revelation 22:14

God has prepared a city for His redeemed people. Towards that city we are ever journeying. And as we are but sojourners, as our citizenship is in Heaven–let us manifest the pilgrim spirit. While we thankfully use and enjoy the accommodations along the way, let it plainly appear that we do not regard this transient world as our home–but that our affections are set supremely on things which are above. Let it be manifest that we act from higher principles than those which govern the men of this poor world. May our companions, our pleasures, and our spirit plainly show that we are not of the earth–but that we are citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem.

As sojourners, let us patiently endure the trials of the way. If we are faithful witnesses for the Lord–we must expect the world’s scorn. But like Moses, may we esteem reproach for Christ as greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. And when we find the path thorny, and the journey toilsome–let us remember that it is short, and that,

“Nightly we pitch our moving tent
A day’s march nearer home!”

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims–abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul!” 1 Peter 2:11

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

What is our expectation when God’s word is preached? Are we looking for “warm and fuzzy”, messages of encouragement, teaching, or are we expecting God to speak to us personally? This devotional may challenge our thinking about preaching.

Lord, smite this sin!

(Thomas Watson, “The Godly Man’s Picture Drawn with a Scripture Pencil)

“Your Word is completely pure, and your servant loves it.” Psalm 119:140

Do we love the holiness of the Word? The Word is preached–to beat down sin, and advance holiness. Do we love it for its spirituality and purity? Many love the Preached Word only for its eloquence and notion. They come to a sermon as to a performance (Ezekiel 33:31,32) or as to a garden to pick flowers–but not to have their lusts subdued or their hearts purified. These are like a foolish woman who paints her face–but neglects her health!

Do we love the convictions of the Word? Do we love the Word when it comes home to our conscience and shoots its arrows of reproof at our sins? It is the minister’s duty sometimes to reprove. He who can speak smooth words in the pulpit–but does not know how to reprove, is like a sword with a fine handle, but without an edge! “Rebuke them sharply!” (Titus 2:15). Dip the nail in oil—reprove in love–but strike the nail home!

Now Christian, when the Word touches on your sin and says, “You are the man!”—do you love the reproof? Can you bless God that “the sword of the Spirit” has divided between you and your lusts? This is indeed a sign of grace, and shows that you are a lover of the Word.

A corrupt heart loves the comforts of the Word–but not the reproofs: “You hate the one who reproves–and despise him who tells the truth!” (Amos 5:10). “Their eyes flash with fire!” Like venomous creatures that at the least touch, spit poison! “When they heard these things, they were enraged in their hearts and gnashed their teeth at him!” (Acts 7:54). When Stephen touched their sins–they were furious and could not endure it.

How shall we know that we love the reproofs of the Word?

When we desire to sit under a heart-searching ministry. Who cares for medicines that will not work? A godly man does not choose to sit under a ministry that will not work upon his conscience.

When we pray that the Word may meet with our sins. If there is any traitorous lust in our heart–we would have it found out, and executed! We do not want sin covered—but cured!

When we can open our heart to the sword of the Word and say, “Lord, smite this sin!”

When we are thankful for a reproof. “Let a righteous man strike me–it is a kindness; let him rebuke me–it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it.” (Psalm 141:5). David was glad for a reproof.

Suppose a man were in the mouth of a lion, and another should shoot the lion and save the man–would he not be thankful? Just so, when we are in the mouth of sin, as of a lion, and the minister by a reproof shoots this sin to death–shall we not be thankful?

A gracious soul rejoices, when the sharp lance of the Word has pierced his abscess of sin! He wears a reproof like a jewel on his ear: “Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.” (Proverbs 25:12).

To conclude, it is convicting preaching which must do the soul good. As a nipping frost prepares for the sweet flowers of spring–so a nipping reproof prepares the soul for comfort!

~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The book of Romans teaches us about the doctrines of salvation, justification, and sanctification. Chapter one reveals Paul’s passion for what he does. He shares with us ten attitudes or marks of true spiritual service. Then he explains about God’s wrath concerning sin.

The sins referred to in verses 18-32 were all committed in the Book of Genesis and caused a worldwide flood and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. They exist today. Since God has not changed, He still condemns these sins and will bring judgment to those that do them.

Be warned.

Today we will look at verses 18-32.

How the enlightened race turned to heathendom (1:18)

¹⁸ For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

The created universe proves a living God (1:19-21)

¹⁹ Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. ²⁰ For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: ²¹ Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Intelligence became darkened, religion perverted (1:22-23)

²² Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, ²³ And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

God gave them up to uncleanness (1:24-32)

²⁴ Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: ²⁵ Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. ²⁶ For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: ²⁷ And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. ²⁸ And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; ²⁹ Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, ³⁰ Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, ³¹ Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: ³² Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Our God is a longsuffering God. He has allowed these sins to go on for a long time. It is the plan of God that all should be saved. However, some choose to thwart the plan of God and openly rebel against God.

Soon judgment for the saved and unsaved will come. Are you ready? Please repent of your sin and ask Jesus Christ to be your personal Lord and Savior. Relinquish control of your life to Christ.

Questions to ask ourselves.

How many of the 10 attitudes/marks of true spiritual service are you performing? What does this chapter say to me? Do I need to confess/repent of some sin in my life? If so do it NOW!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The book of Romans teaches us about the doctrines of salvation, justification, and sanctification. Chapter one reveals Paul’s passion for what he does. He shares with us ten attitudes or marks of true spiritual service. Then he explains about God’s wrath concerning sin.

The sins referred to in verses 18-32 were all committed in the Book of Genesis and caused a worldwide flood and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. They exist today. Since God has not changed, He still condemns these sins and will bring judgment to those that do them.

Be warned.

Today we will look at verses 1-17.

Paul’s greeting (1:1-7)

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, ² (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) ³ Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; ⁴ And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: ⁵ By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: ⁶ Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: ⁷ To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ten attitudes/marks of true spiritual service (1:8-17)

1. A thankful spirit (1:8)
2. Concerned about others (1:9)
3. Willing spirit to pray (1:9)
4. Submissive spirit (1:10)
5. Loving spirit (1:11)
6. Humble spirit (1:12)
7. Fruitful spirit (1:13)
8. Responsibility (1:14)
9. Ready to preach (1:15)
10. Not ashamed of the gospel of Christ (1:16)

⁸ First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. ⁹ For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; ¹⁰ Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.¹¹ For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; ¹² That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. ¹³ Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. ¹⁴ I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. ¹⁵ So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. ¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  ¹⁷ For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

As we read these verses, how many of these attitudes and marks of true spiritual service are we performing? A good starting point would be to ask if we are a servant of Jesus Christ and separated unto the gospel?

God did not write the Bible as a book for reading, but as a book for doing. Its principles are helping us know what to do in the service of our Lord Jesus.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

How much of the world do we tolerate? Do we try to get as much out of the world, without stepping over the line? This devotional will challenge your thinking and may convict some.

The Minimum Christian!

(C.H. Spurgeon, “Sword and the Trowel” 1876)

The minimum Christian! And who is he? The Christian who is going to heaven at the cheapest rate possible. The Christian who intends to get all of the world he can–and not meet the worldling’s doom. The Christian who aims to have as little religion as he may–without lacking it altogether.

The minimum Christian goes to worship in the morning; and in the evening also–unless it rains, or is too warm, or too cold, or he is sleepy, or has the headache from eating too much at dinner. He listens most respectfully to the preacher, and joins in prayer and praise. He applies the truth very judiciously–sometimes to himself, oftener to his neighbors.

The minimum Christian is very friendly to all good works. He wishes them well, but it is not in his power to do much for them. The Sunday-school he looks upon as an admirable institution–especially for the neglected and ignorant. It is not convenient, however, for him to take a class–his business engagements are so pressing during the week that he needs the Sabbath as a day of rest; nor does he think himself qualified to act as a teacher. There are so many persons better prepared for this important duty–that he must beg to be excused. He is very friendly to home and foreign missions, and colportage, and gives his mite–but he is quite unable to aid in the management, for his own concerns are so excessively important. He thinks there are “too many appeals;” but he gives, if not enough to save his reputation, pretty near it–at all events he aims at it, and never overshoots the mark.

The minimum Christian is not clear on a number of points. The opera and dancing, the theater and card-playing, and large fashionable parties give him much trouble. He cannot see the harm in this, or that, or the other popular amusement. There is nothing in the Bible against it. He does not see why a Christian may not dance or go to the opera. He knows several excellent persons who do so–at least, so he says. Why should not he? He stands so close to the dividing-line between the people of God and the people of the world–that it is hard to say on which side of it he is actually to be found.

Ah, my brother, are you making this attempt? Beware, lest you find at last that in trying to get to Heaven with a little religion–you miss it altogether; lest without gaining the whole world–you lose your own soul. True godliness demands self-denial and cross-bearing–and if you have none of these, you are making a false profession!

So are you a Minimum Christian? If so, WHY? Repent and allow God to change your  life.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

This devotional will challenge us to think about our relationship with God. It was written 325 years ago and is just as applicable today as it was then.

Desires after Christ!

(John Flavel, “The Fountain of Life” 1691)

“Yes, He is altogether lovely! This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend!” Song of Songs 5:16

“Whom have I in Heaven but you? Earth has nothing I desire besides You!” Psalm 73:25

Christ is the very essence of all delights and pleasures--the very soul and substance of them! As all the rivers are gathered into the ocean, which is the meeting-place of all the waters in the world–so Christ is that ocean in which all true delights and pleasures meet!

Are our desires for Christ ARDENT? Has Christ the supreme place in our hearts? Do we esteem all things but dung that we may win Christ and be found in Him?

Are our desires for Christ UNIVERSAL? Is everything about Christ desirable in our eyes? The hypocrite is for a divided Christ. The true believer loves . .
both His government and His grace,
both His sovereignty and His mercy,
both His Lordship and His priesthood.

Do our desires after Christ lead us to EFFORT–to use all the means of grace to accomplish His will?
He is revealed in His Word–do we read it?
He is preached in the gospel–do we hear it?
He will be found by those who seek Him–do we earnestly seek Him?

Are our desires after Christ PERMANENT–or only a sudden fit of emotion, fear or impulse? If our hearts and our longing for communion with Him–we will only be satisfied when we awake with His likeness. Nothing that this world affords can possibly take us from this goal!

Do our desires after Christ spring from a DEEP SENSE OF OUR NEED of Christ? Has conviction of sin opened our eyes . . .
  to see our misery,
to feel our burden of sin,
to understand our inability, and
to make us sensible that the only remedy lies in the Lord Jesus Christ?
Bread and wine are made necessary by hunger and thirst. Christ is only precious to those who need Him!

“My soul yearns for You in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for You!” Isaiah 26:9

~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001