Archives for October 2016

Good morning,

The Bible states that we are all sinners. Romans 3:23 states, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:10 tells us “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” So then the question begs itself, what is our favorite sin? What constitutes our favorite sin?

Men and women both have favorites. This devotional seems slanted to the men, but ladies have their favorites too.

Today’s devotional will help determine what the favorite is. Then we must deal with it by repentance and move forward with the Lord.

The harlot in your bosom! 

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

“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1

There is usually one sin that is the favorite–the sin which the heart is most fond of. A godly man will not indulge his darling sin: “I kept myself from my iniquity.” (Psalm 18:23). “I will not indulge the sin to which the bias of my heart more naturally inclines.”

“Fight neither with small nor great–but only with the king.” (1 Kings 22:31). A godly man fights this king sin. If we would have peace in our souls, we must maintain a war against our favorite sin, and never leave off until it is subdued.

Question: How shall we know what our beloved sin is?

Answer 1. The sin which a man does not love to have reproved–is the darling sin. Herod could not endure having his incest spoken against. If the prophet meddles with that sin–it shall cost him his head! “Do not touch my Herodias!” Men can be content to have other sins reproved–but if the minister puts his finger on the sore, and touches this sin–their hearts begin to burn in malice against him!

Answer 2. The sin on which the thoughts run most–is the darling sin. Whichever way the thoughts go, the heart goes. He who is in love with a person cannot keep his thoughts off that person. Examine what sin runs most in your mind, what sin is first in your thoughts and greets you in the morning–that is your predominant sin.

Answer 3. The sin which has most power over us, and most easily leads us captive–is the one beloved by the soul. There are some sins which a man can better resist. If they come for entertainment, he can more easily put them off. But the bosom sin comes as a suitor, and he cannot deny it–but is overcome by it. The young man in the Gospel had repulsed many sins–but there was one sin which soiled him, and that was covetousness.

Mark what sin you are most readily led captive by–that is the harlot in your bosom! It is a sad thing that a man should be so bewitched by lust, that if it asks him to part with the Kingdom of Heaven–he must part with it, to gratify that lust!

Answer 4. The sin which men most defend–is the beloved sin. He who has a jewel in his bosom, will defend it to his death. The sin we advocate and dispute for, is the besetting sin. The sin which we plead for, and perhaps wrest Scripture to justify it–that is the sin which lies nearest the heart.

Answer 5. The sin which a man finds most difficulty in giving up–is the endeared sin. Of all his sons, Jacob found most difficulty in parting with Benjamin. So the sinner says, “This and that sin I have parted with–but must Benjamin go! Must I part with this delightful sin? That pierces my heart!” A man may allow some of his sins to be demolished–but when it comes to one sin–that is the taking of the castle; he will never agree to part with that! That is the master sin for sure.

The besetting sin is, of all others, most dangerous. As Samson’s strength lay in his hair–so the strength of sin lies in this beloved sin. This is like a poison striking the heart, which brings death.

A godly man will lay the axe of repentance to this sin and hew it down! He will sacrifice this Isaac; he will pluck out this right eye–so that he may see better to go to Heaven.

~  ~  ~  ~

This should give us a cause to consider, seek God, dwell in His word, pray for wisdom, repent, and then go forth and do great things for God. That is a slap in the face of Satan!

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

God made us with a “free will”. That means we are able to choose to do right or wrong. We may yield ourselves to righteousness or wickedness. We will be servants to whomever we choose. Each choice has a consequence. The two choices are righteousness, resulting in eternal life with Christ in Heaven or wickedness, resulting in death and separation from God for all eternity in Hell.

Romans 6:16-23 deal with yielding and its results.

4) Believers are freed from dominion of sin (6:16-20)

¹⁶ Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? ¹⁷ But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. ¹⁸ Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. ¹⁹ I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. ²⁰ For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

5) The end of sin is death and of holiness everlasting life (6:21-23)

²¹ What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. ²² But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. ²³ For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The choice is ours. Life or death.

CHOOSE LIFE

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Salvation is the first act of obedience for all individuals. Second is baptism. Scriptural baptism is by immersion and pictures the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. But what does that mean in the life of a believer?

Romans 6 answers that question. Verses 1-15 teach us about what baptism means to us. When we received Christ as Savior and were baptized, we identified ourselves with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. That means we are dead to sin, we walk in newness of life, and are freed from the dominion of sin. Do we still sin? Yes, but that is not our lifestyle. We repent and move on.

Read and reflect on what Jesus has done for us.

1) Believers must die to sin and live to Christ (6:1-2)

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? ² God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

2) Believers identify with Christ in baptism (6:3-10)

³ Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? ⁴ Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. ⁵ For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: ⁶ Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. ⁷ For he that is dead is freed from sin. ⁸ Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: ⁹ Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. ¹⁰ For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

3) Believers are made alive unto God through Christ Jesus (6:11-15)

¹¹ Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. ¹² Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. ¹³ Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. ¹⁴ For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. ¹⁵ What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

Tomorrow we will look at verses 16-23.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

What do we have to look forward to in heaven? Read today’s devotional to find out.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes!

(“Every Day!” Author unknown, 1872)

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes–and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever!” Revelation 21:4

This is but a glimpse of the glorious state upon which all the people of God will hereafter enter! There will not only be the absence of all evil–there will be the eternal enjoyment of all good. There will be perpetual vigor, perfect purity, happy service, joyous praise, eternal friendship, holy communion, and unmingled and everlasting bliss!

Suffering Christian, a few more pangs–and your last moment of anguish will be past!

Bereaved one, in Heaven you will never wear the garments of sadness–you will never lose a friend!

Sorrowing one, you will soon heave your last sigh, and have all tears wiped from your eyes!

Weary one, your journey is almost ended. Soon you will cross the threshold of your Father’s house, find yourself at home, and enter upon the enjoyment of your everlasting rest!

“A few more storms shall beat
On this wild rocky shore,
Then we shall be where tempests cease,
And surges swell no more.

“A few more struggles here,
A few more partings o’er,
A few more toils, a few more tears,
And we shall weep no more!”

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Samuel was a great prophet of God. When he was young, God called to him 3 times. The first 2 times he went to Eli, thinking that is who called. First Samuel 3:8-10, tells what happens next. “And Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child. ⁹ Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. ¹⁰ And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.”

How is our hearing? How long does it take us to hear when the Lord calls? Today’s devotional will help us be more receptive to the Lord’s call.

Speak Lord, for your servant is listening!

(“Every Day!” Author unknown, 1872)

“Speak Lord, for your servant is listening!“ 1 Samuel 3:9

Lord, I may not expect to hear You speak to me with an audible voice, as You spoke to Samuel; but by Your Word and by Your Spirit–You still speak to the hearts of Your people.

O Lord, but speak thus unto me. Speak to my mind, my conscience, and my heart . . .
words of instruction,
words of warning,
words of reproof,
words of counsel,
words of comfort–
according as You, in Your infinite wisdom, see fit.

Speak to me as my Savior–tell me of Your redeeming mercy.

Speak to me as my Friend—draw near and commune with my heart.

Speak to me as my Father–and tell me of Your care and constant love.

When burdened with sin, say unto me, “I, even I, am He who blots out your sins as a cloud, and your transgressions as a thick cloud!”

When struggling with inward corruption, say unto my soul, “I am your salvation!”

When distressed in the hour of trial, say unto me, “Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you–I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

In every time of need, say to my heart, “My grace is sufficient for you.”

“Speak Lord, for your servant is listening!”

~  ~  ~  ~

Please read 1 Samuel 3:1-21 and see what God was about to do in Samuel’s life.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

God encourages us not to be conformed to this world. Yet many times we are. We are to separate ourselves from the world to the service of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Here is a prohibition and an admonition

(“Every Day!” Author unknown, 1872)

“I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not be conformed to this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2

Here is a prohibition and an admonition. O Lord, give me grace to avoid what You forbid–and to do what you enjoin.

Enable me to avoid compliance with those customs and ways of the world which are contrary to Your will.

While in the world–let me not be of it.

Give me grace to come out and to be separate from its ungodly principles and sinful pleasures.

Transform me by the renewal of my mind.

Deliver me from pride, from selfishness, and vain-glory.

Afford me a continual supply of the grace of Christ.

Impress His image on me–and help me to tread in His steps.

Let it plainly appear that I am not of the world–even as He was not of the world. John 17:16

O Lord, work in me to will and to act according to Your good pleasure.

“Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you–and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:17-18

~  ~  ~  ~

This is how we must live our lives. To be over comers in a world of sinful pleasure, we must follow Jesus moment by moment.

We need to allow God to speak to us about this important issue.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Romans 5, contrasts the love of God against the sin of man. The man of sin, Adam, contrasted to the God of love, Jesus. How Adam brings death while Jesus brings eternal life.

God gave man a free will to obey Him or disobey Him. Adam chose to disobey God’s one and only command.  The command is found in Genesis 2:16-17. “¹⁶ And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:¹⁷ But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Genesis 3:6 states, “⁶ And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.”

At that moment sin entered into the world. Romans 5:12-21 focuses in on the consequences of Adam’s decision.

Sin vs. Righteousness (12-21)

¹² Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: ¹³ (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. ¹⁴ Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. ¹⁵ But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.¹⁶ And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. ¹⁷ For if by one man’s offence death reined by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) ¹⁸ Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. ¹⁹ For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. ²⁰ Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: ²¹ That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

We each must make a choice to follow Adam or Jesus. Adam is synonymous with death while Jesus with life. Adam chose to disobey God. Jesus obeyed God, coming to earth, spending 33 years, preaching and teaching to a sin sick, wicked world, and ultimately dyeing for the sins of all mankind. The result of our allegiance to Adam is death and eternity in Hell. Allegiance to Jesus means everlasting life with Jesus in Heaven.

What will your choice be?

If I can help you make that decision, please contact me.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Romans 5, contrasts the love of God against the sin of man. The man of sin, Adam, contrasted to the God of love, Jesus. How Adam brings death while Jesus brings eternal life.

If this day you find yourself discouraged in your walk with the Lord, rejoice in the things God has done for you through His Son Jesus Christ.

Benefits of being justified by faith (1-11)

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: ² By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³ And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; ⁴ And patience, experience; and experience, hope: ⁵ And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. ⁶ For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. ⁸ But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. ⁹ Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. ¹⁰ For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. ¹¹ And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

God means for His word to be an encouragement, refreshing, and challenge to us. To know God’s heart for each of us and what He did on our behalf, should put new energy and urgency behind all that we do.

Tell someone what God has done for you.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Running on empty? Is your spiritual life less than optimal? Does it seem like a drag to read God’s word or pray? Read today’s devotion and be uplifted, encouraged, and energized.

The never-failing Fountain of blessing!

(“Every Day!” Author unknown, 1872)

“He gives us more grace!” James 4:6

Come, then, my soul, to Him–as an empty vessel to be filled. A supply is waiting for you in Christ Jesus. “It has pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell.” He is the never-failing Fountain of blessing! Out of His fullness, you may receive grace upon grace. Whatever you need–come to God in Christ for it.

Is your faith weak? He can strengthen it.

Is your hope dull? He can enliven it.

Is your love cold? He can warm it.

Is your patience failing? He can sustain it.

Is your zeal languishing? He can invigorate it.

And observe, the Lord gives not only a new supply of grace, but He also gives it in a larger measure: “He gives more grace!” He came not only that we might have life–but that we might have it “more abundantly.”

Come, then, to Him with enlarged desires.
He can fill you with joy and peace in believing.
He can enable you to bear much fruit to the glory of the Father.
He can bless you, and make you a blessing to many.

O Lord, enlarge my desires, raise my expectations, and help me to receive, not only constant supplies of grace–but increased supplies out of Your fullness! For You give “more grace!”

“Open your mouth wide–and He will fill it!” Psalm 81:10

~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Prone to complain and whine? After reading this devotional, thanksgiving and praise may be in order. God did it all. All we have is from Him.

By the grace of God I am what I am!

(“Every Day!” Author unknown, 1872)

“By the grace of God I am what I am!“ 1 Corinthians 15:10

All that I am . . .
as a child of God,
as a servant of Christ,
as an heir of Heavenly glory
–I am by the grace of God!

Am I cleansed from the guilt of my sins? It was Your grace, O God of love, which opened the fountain that washed it all away!

Am I justified? It was Your grace that provided the spotless robe of righteousness, in which I stand accepted before You.

Am I sanctified? It is not by works of righteousness which I have done, but by Your grace I am saved from the love and power of my sins.

Am I bearing any fruit to Your glory? It is by Your grace in Christ Jesus–for apart from Him, I could do nothing.

Am I different from what I once was, or from the ungodly who have their portion in this world? It is Your grace alone which has made me to differ. I have nothing which I have not received from You.

“By the grace of God I am what I am!”
A pardoned sinner,
a justified believer,
an adopted child,
an heir of glory!

~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001