Archives for October 2016

Good morning,

We live in a world of pleasures and amusements. Today’s devotional reminds us that pleasures and amusements keep us from fully serving God. The question for each of us is “When we determine what is causing us not to follow God fully, what will we do about it?” Will we continue to ignore God or repent and serve Him with our whole heart?

We must test all our pleasures and amusements by this rule:

(J.R. Miller)

“Lovers of pleasure–rather than lovers of God; having a form of godliness–but denying its power.” 2 Timothy 3:4-5

Is the love of pleasure and amusement growing on you–gaining the power and authority over you?

Is it dulling the keenness of your zest for spiritual pleasures?

Is it making Bible study, prayer, communion with Christ, and meditation upon holy themes–less sweet enjoyments than they once were?

Is it making your hunger and thirst for righteousness and for God–less intense?

Is it interfering with the comfort and blessing which you used to find in church services, or in Christ’s work?

If so, there is only one thing to do–hurry . . .
to return to God,
to abandon the pleasure or amusement which is imperiling your soul, and
to find in Christ, the joy which the world cannot give, and which never harms any aspect of life.

We must test all our pleasures and amusements by this rule: Are they helping us to grow into Christ-likeness and spiritual beauty?

“All things are lawful–but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful–but not all things edify.” 1 Corinthians 10:23

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

What is patience? The personification of patience is the Chicago Cubs and their fans. The last time the Chicago Cubs were in a World Series was 1945. The last time they won the World Series was 1908.

Patience is the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset: quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence:.

Through the good years and the lean Cub fans have never wavered. They always knew that someday they would again be competing for Baseballs ultimate prize.

So today history will be made. Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs, and their fans will host game 3 of the World Series. It was 71 years ago when the Cubs last hosted a World Series game. The series is tied one game apiece. The Cubs need 3 more wins to win the World Series. They have shown they have the “steady perseverance, even-tempered care and diligence” to compete at this level.

You are reading this and asking yourself, “Why is this important to me?” The answer is that each of us is patiently waiting for something. It may be a loved one to get saved, a trip you would like to take, a job you are longing for, a home, a meal, a friend. Ultimately we are waiting patiently for God to call us home, whether by the Rapture or death, to be with Him for ever and ever.

God admonishes us to read and obey His word while we patiently wait. If we do, we will be busy teaching others about the Lord, witnessing, telling those who are unsaved how they can get saved, praying, watching, hoping, and patiently awaiting the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Come quickly Lord Jesus!!!!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

God is holy. His name is holy. God’s word warns us not to take the Lord’s name in vain. Unfortunately, many men and women do just that. They swear using God’s name as a curse word. There are consequences for our actions.

Do not trifle with God!

(J.H. Thornwell)

“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” Exodus 20:7

It is enough to make one’s blood curdle, to think of the name of God bandied about as a bauble and plaything of fools. It is the very spirit and essence of all evil–the very core of iniquity. This offence cannot go unpunished. If there is a God, He must vindicate His own majesty and glory. If you could see it as it is, in the naked enormity of its guilt–you would flee from it as from the very pestilence of death!

You may sport with the whirlwind and trifle with the hurricane,
you may lay your hand upon the lion’s mane and play with the leopard’s spots, you may go to the very crater of a burning volcano, and laugh at the lava which it thunderously belches out, you may trifle with any and everything–but do not trifle with God!

Let there be one holy thing upon which you dare not lay a profane hand–and let that be the name of God.

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

This is a great reminder of what our responsibility is as a believer in Christ. Do we live, work, and play in such a way God would be pleased? Do we honor God by our conduct? This devotional should be a challenge to all of us.

Christianity does not apply to the mundane duties of life

(J.R. Miller)

“Whatever your hand finds to do–do it with all your might!” Ecclesiastes 9:10

Christ never asks for anything which we are not able to do. But let us not forget, that He always expects and requires of each of us, the best that we can do. The faithfulness which Christ wants and approves, implies the doing of all our work, our business, our trade, our daily toil–as well as we can.

Let no one think that Christianity does not apply to the mundane duties of life. It applies to the way you do your most common work–just as really as to your praying and keeping of the commandments. Whatever your duty is, you cannot be altogether faithful to God, unless you do your best. To slur any task, is to do God’s work badly. To neglect it, is to rob God.

The faithfulness which Christ requires, must reach to everything we do. It impacts the way . . .
the child learns his lessons and recites them,
the dressmaker and the tailor sew their seams,
the blacksmith welds the iron, and shoes the horse,
the plumber puts in his pipes,
the carpenter builds the house,
the clerk represents the goods, and measures or weighs them.

How soon would genuine Christian living put a stop to all dishonesty, all fraud, all skimping, all false weights and measures, all shams, all neglects of duty–if this lesson were only learned and practiced everywhere!

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do–do it all for the glory of God!” 1 Corinthians 10:31

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

God never changes. Whether in good times or bad God is always the same. We are not. We sometimes choose to obey God and other times choose to rebel against God. This devotional will help us to see this principle.

All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth

(“Every Day!” Author unknown, 1872)

“All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, unto those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.” Psalm 25:10

The Lord’s faithful ones keep His covenant–for He is their keeper. They keep His testimonies–for He puts His laws into their minds and writes them upon their hearts.

By “the paths of the Lord”–we may understand the different ways He takes in His dealings with His people. Observe that “all” of them are declared to be mercy and truth towards them.

While, commonly, the Lord comes to His people in the way of refreshment and comfort–He sometimes approaches them in clouds and darkness, and in storms of trial. By whatever way He comes–it is in faithfulness and love.

But His people do not always see this, and at times their faith may be sharply tried to believe it–but it is nevertheless true.

Though the Lord’s dispensations change–He does not change.

He is good when He gives–and He is equally good when He denies.

He is faithful when He comforts–and He is just as faithful when He corrects.

He is Love when He cheers–and He is Love when He chides.

Believer, seek grace to trust in the Lord at all times, and to bless Him for crosses as well as for comforts.

“When you can’t trace His hand–trust His heart!”

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Please remember that God is always with you, never changes, and is endeavoring to mature you as His child. We must allow Him to do His work in us.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This devotional challenges us to consider the providence of God. What is our reaction when circumstances in our lives go well and then turn bad? Reflect on these Scripture verses and then allow the Holy Spirit to refine, correct, or redefine our thoughts about God’s providence.

The true recipe for miserable existence is this:

(James W. Alexander, “Consolation” 1852)

“Affliction does not come forth from the dust–neither does trouble spring out of the ground.” Job 5:6

“When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other.” Ecclesiastes 7:14

The first law of true religion is submission to God’s will. Where it does not exist, there is no piety–and just as truly there is no tranquility of soul.

What a hideous sight to see a human creature in full rebellion against God’s providence . . .
  repining at His allotments;
fighting against His dispensations;
and cursing His judgments!

The true recipe for miserable existence is this: Quarrel with Providence!

When God means to make us happy, He teaches us submission--a resignation of everything into His hands, and an acknowledgment that whatever He does is wisest and best.

O how sweetly even afflictions fall, when there is such a temper to receive them! “Shall we accept good from God–and not trouble?” Job 2:10. Such a disposition tends to tranquility of soul; and even amidst chastisement, there is internal quiet.

“The Lord gave–and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21

“He is the Lord–let Him do what is good in His eyes.” 1 Samuel 3:18

“In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

“We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

I am up late tonight after watching a baseball game, and 2 football games concurrently. I need physical rest. This devotional talks about the perfect rest we have as believers in Jesus Christ. Rejoice in what God has done for us.

A perfect rest!

(“Every Day!” Author unknown, 1872)

“There remains, therefore, a rest for the people of God!” Hebrews 4:9

There is present rest in Christ for the weary and heavy laden, who truly come to Him–for He is faithful who has promised, and He has said to such, “I will give you rest! Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart–and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30

There is present rest for the tried believer in the bosom of his heavenly Father. Amidst the anxieties and turmoils of life–how good it is, my soul, to return unto your rest in Him who has dealt so bountifully with you!

But yet there remains a rest to the people of God–a perfect rest . . .
from the burden of guilt,
from spiritual conflict,
from the temptations of the evil one, and
from all the sorrowing and sighing of this valley of tears!

There is in the future a perfect repose of soul, abiding tranquility–and unbroken, eternal rest. Not a rest of inaction, but a rest in happy, unwearied service–and in the enjoyment of the perfect love of God.

My soul, trustfully anticipate the rest that awaits you in the home of the redeemed, in the place that Jesus is preparing for His redeemed people!

“Return to your rest, O my soul–for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you!” Psalm 116:7

“There shall I bathe my weary soul
In seas of heavenly rest;
And not a wave of trouble roll
Across my peaceful breast!”

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This is the rest I anxiously await. Hopefully it is yours also. Let us meditate on these great promises of God.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Romans 7 teaches about the law. Specifically, the law no longer has dominion over the believer in Christ; the law was instrumental in bringing us to Christ, and the current battle between the law and grace.

Today we will look at the constant struggle to walk with the Lord. The forces of evil are pitted against the forces of righteousness in this epic battle.      

The spiritual conflicts between corruption and grace in a believer. (7:14-25)

THE PROBLEM (7:14-17)

¹⁴ For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. ¹⁵ For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. ¹⁶ If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. ¹⁷ Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

The problem is sin dwelleth in us.

THE CONFLICT (7:18-22)

¹⁸ For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: or to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. ¹⁹ For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. ²⁰ Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.²¹ I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. ²² For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

Each day we battle right versus wrong. It is our desire to do good, but sometimes we choose to do wrong. We know that we are saved individuals because we delight in the law of God. The unsaved do not care about God.

THE SOLUTION (7:23-25)

²³ But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. ²⁴ O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? ²⁵ I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

We must realize that this battle is real and waged by the forces of evil. Ephesians 6:10-12 states, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.“

The solution is Jesus Christ who died for our sin, was buried, and rose from the dead. Jesus won the victory over sin and death. So have we. When we sin, and we will, we repent of our sin and move on with God.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Romans 7 teaches about the law. Specifically, the law no longer has dominion over the believer in Christ; the law was instrumental in bringing us to Christ, and the current battle between the law and grace.

Why was the Law important in bringing Paul to salvation? Does God denounce the Law? What was the purpose of the Law?

The use and excellence of the law (7:7-13)

⁷ What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. ⁸ But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. ⁹ For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. ¹⁰ And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. ¹¹ For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. ¹² Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. ¹³ Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

Paul would not have known what sin is without the Law. So the Law pointed out Paul’s sin. It is the same today. No one can keep the Law. Only Jesus was able to do that. When we see our sin and the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, then we must decide whether to forsake our sin or continue to disobey God.

As we have stated before, the consequences are life or death.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Romans 7 teaches about the law. Specifically, the law no longer has dominion over the believer in Christ; the law was instrumental in bringing us to Christ, and the current battle between the law and grace.

Verses 1-6 explains that the law no longer has dominion over the life of a believer in Christ.

Believers are united to Christ, that they may bring forth fruit unto God. (7:1-6)

Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? ² For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. ³ So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. ⁴ Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. ⁵ For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. ⁶ But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

What fruit are we bringing forth? Does our daily conduct and manner of living exemplify that we are believers in Christ? Are we continually maturing in our walk with the Lord? As we minister to others, are people coming to know Christ, coming to church, and growing in their relationship with God?

Is our service out of love for our Savior or a requirement we must fulfill? Is going to church an opportunity to worship, pray, serve, and be challenged by the Holy Spirit of God to grow spiritually?

Meditate on these questions. Allow God to speak to you. Follow His lead and move forward!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001