Archives for 2016

Good morning,

This devotional makes us think about who Christ is, why we follow Him, and what it cost Him. Then we must determine whether we are willing to take up the cross of Christ and follow Him.

Christ calls men to carry a cross!

(A.W. Tozer)

“Then Jesus said to His disciples: If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever!” 1 John 2:15,17

Any appeal to the public in the name of Christ which rises no higher than an invitation to tranquility—must be recognized as mere humanism, with a few words of Jesus thrown in to make it appear Christian.

Christ calls men to carry a cross–but we call them to have fun in His name.

Christ calls them to forsake the world–but we assure them that if they but accept Jesus, the world is their playground.

Christ calls them to suffer–but we call them to enjoy all the bourgeois comforts modern civilization affords.

Christ calls them to holiness–but we call them to a cheap and tawdry happiness.

We can afford to suffer now–we will have a long eternity to enjoy ourselves. And our enjoyment will be valid and pure, for it will come in the right way and at the right time.

~  ~  ~  ~

We now have a choice to make. Follow Christ or follow the world.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

First Thessalonians dealt with the Rapture. Second Thessalonians deals with the Second Coming.  The Thessalonians received a letter, allegedly from Paul (it was not), claiming that the Day of Christ had begun. Paul writes 2 Thessalonians to correct this error. Chapter 2 deals with what happens before the Day of Christ, what will happen during the Day of Christ, and how we must stand till the Day of Christ.

Today we will look at what how we must stand till the Day of Christ.

How we must Stand till the Day of Christ. (2:13-17)

1. We must Stand for our Calling. (2:13-14)

¹³ But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: ¹⁴ Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. We must Stand for the Truths of the Faith. We are to stand fast in faithfulness and hold to the truthfulness of the Word. (2:15)

¹⁵ Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

3.   We are to Stand in the Love, Hope, Grace and Comfort of the father and the Son. (2:16-17a)

¹⁶ Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, ¹⁷ Comfort your hearts,

4.    We must Stand in every good Work and Word. (2:17b)

and stablish you in every good word and work.

Paul concludes Chapter 2 by encouraging the Thessalonians to stand.  They were to stand for their calling, truths of their faith, love, hope, grace, comfort , the Word, and work. They were in the middle of hostile territory and needed to be grounded in God’s Word.

This is where we find ourselves today. We are warned in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”   Ephesians 6:11-13, admonishes us to “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.¹³ Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

Let us take Paul’s teaching to the Thessalonians seriously. We are in a battle that we cannot win apart from Jesus Christ fighting the battle.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

First Thessalonians dealt with the Rapture. Second Thessalonians deals with the Second Coming.  The Thessalonians received a letter, allegedly from Paul (it was not), claiming that the Day of Christ had begun. Paul writes 2 Thessalonians to correct this error. Chapter 2 deals with what happens before the Day of Christ, what will happen during the Day of Christ, and how we must stand till the Day of Christ.

Today we will look at what will happen during the Day of Christ.

What will happen during the Day of Christ? (2:8-12)

1. The Antichrist will be Revealed and Destroyed. (2:8-9)

⁸ And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: ⁹ Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

2. Christ Rejectors will be Deceived and Damned. (10-12)

¹⁰ And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. ¹¹ And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: ¹² That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Paul now tells the Thessalonians that Antichrist will be revealed and destroyed and Christ rejectors will be deceived and damned.  This is during the Tribulation period. The Thessalonian believers are gone in the Rapture. However, I am sure it caused them to think about those unbelievers in their midst. Were they willing to let unbelievers go to a Christless eternity without being given the Gospel?

It is the same question we should be asking. What should our answer be?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

Good morning,

First Thessalonians dealt with the Rapture. Second Thessalonians deals with the Second Coming.  The Thessalonians received a letter, allegedly from Paul (it was not), claiming that the Day of Christ had begun. Paul writes 2 Thessalonians to correct this error. Chapter 2 deals with what happens before the Day of Christ, what will happen during the Day of Christ, and how we must stand till the Day of Christ.

Today we will look at what must happen before the Day of Christ.

The Believer’s Comfort concerning the Prophetic Day of Christ

A. What must happen before the Day of Christ? (2:1-7)

1. Paul admonishes the Church not to fear that they are in the Day of Christ, based upon the fact of the Rapture. (2:1-2)

Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,² That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

2. Paul admonishes the Church not to be deceived into believing that they have entered the Tribulation because of three events which must occur before the Tribulation can begin. (2:3)

               a. The first event that must occur first is a “falling away” or literally, a “Departure”. This has been interpreted in two ways:

1) The “Departure from the faith – A wholesale and total apostasy.        (1Timothy 4:1)

2) The “Departure” of the Saints at the Rapture.

             b.The second event which must occur first is the Revelation of the Antichrist – “…and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.”

1) Until the Antichrist is Revealed, the Tribulation cannot begin. (2:3)

³ Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

2) When the Antichrist is revealed, he will blaspheme God. (2:4-5)

⁴ Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.⁵ Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

          c.The third event which must occur first is the Removal of the restrainer. (2:6-7)

1) He who “withholdeth” and “letteth” and will “let” must be removed before the Antichrist can be revealed. These terms mean to restrain or to hinder. (2:6-7)

2) The Holy Spirit is the Restrainer of the evil in the world today.

3) The Spirit of God cannot be removed until believers are taken out at the Rapture because He is joined to them eternally.

⁶ And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. ⁷ For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

The Tribulation period would be a terrible time to be alive.

Paul comforts the Thessalonians that they will not have to endure this period of time. He explains that they had not missed the Rapture. Then he teaches them what must happen prior, during, and after the Tribulation.

When we talk of the Rapture, Tribulation, and the Second Coming of Christ, how do you respond? Is it with joy that we will soon be with Jesus or is it with fear because of the judgment of God?

The answer to these questions tells a lot about your spiritual condition. If you fear the Lord’s return you need to repent of your sin, believe and receive Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. Then you will not go through the Tribulation.

Questions? Contact me.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Believers in Jesus Christ should not get too comfortable in this world. This is only temporary. It is a place for us to receive Christ as Savior and Lord, grow in that new relationship, and explain to others about Jesus birth, teachings, death, burial, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Then when our work on earth is completed, God calls us to our permanent home in Heaven.

John 14:1-3 states, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. ² In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

Please read today’s devotional with this in mind.

Therefore it is that He withers our gourds and breaks our cisterns!

(Mary Winslow)

How poor and unsatisfying are all things here below–even the best and the loveliest! Oh, to walk more intimately with Him, to live above the world, and hold the creature with a looser hand–taking God’s Word as our guiding light and our unfailing spring of comfort!

God has eternally provided such a magnificent and holy Heaven for us above, that He is jealous lest we should set our hearts too fondly and closely upon the attractions of earth. Therefore it is that He withers our gourds and breaks our cisterns–only to dislodge us here, and lead us to seek those things which are above, where Christ our treasure is.

Let us keep our eye and our hearts upon our blessed eternal home. Earth is but a stage erected as our passage to the glorious place which Jesus has gone to prepare for us. What a place must that be, which infinite power and love has engaged to provide! Oh, let us not lose sight of Heaven for a moment.

How prone are we to allow our minds and hearts (treacherous hearts!) to become entangled with the baubles of this dying world. No wonder Christ exhorted us to watch and pray. Heaven is our home–our happy home. We are but strangers and pilgrims here on earth. Try and realize it. Let us keep ourselves ready to enter with Him to the marriage supper of the Lamb. In a little while we shall see Him–not as the “Man of sorrows”–but the “King in His beauty!” Then let us fight against this poor world and all its false attractions, for it is passing away.

Dearest Jesus! help Your pilgrims to live more like pilgrims, above a poor dying world, and more in full view of the glory that awaits them when they shall see You face to face!

~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

**********If you are missing any of the Daily Devotions for this week, please go to www.wasillaseniors.com. Press the Program tab and then the Chaplain Services.***********

Good morning,

The Book of 2 Thessalonians addresses the Persecution, The Day of the Lord, and idleness in view of the Second Coming. Today we will look at Chapter 1, verses 11-12, God’s calling for the persecuted – Work in faith.

God’s calling for the persecuted – Work in faith (11-12)

Paul’s prayer is that the future glory which the Thessalonians will experience at Christ’s coming will be manifested in their lives in the present.

1. Paul prays that the Thessalonians would walk worthy of the calling which they have received. (11a)

¹¹ Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling,

2. Paul prays that the Thessalonians would “fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness”. (11b)

and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness,

3. Paul prays that the Thessalonians would work in faith – “and the work of faith”. (11c)
4. Paul prays that the Thessalonians would receive spiritual power – “with power:” (11d)
5. Paul prays that the Thessalonians would bring glory to Christ through all of this (12)

¹² That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

CONCLUSION

Faith and Patience

Persecutors will be judged

Walk worthy of God’s calling

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

The Book of 2 Thessalonians addresses the Persecution, The Day of the Lord, and idleness in view of the Second Coming. Today we will look at verses 1-5 in which Paul commends the Thessalonians for their faith, charity (love), patience in light of the persecution they were enduring.

The believer’s calling concerning persecution for the cause of Christ

1. God’s blessing on the persecuted (1-5)

Paul writes this chapter to encourage the Thessalonians during a time of persecution and suffering.

1. Paul’s greeting to the Thessalonian Church (1-2)

Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: ² Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Paul’s thanksgiving for the Thessalonian Church (3)

³ We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

3. Paul’s glory in the Thessalonian Church (4)

⁴ So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

4. Paul’s confidence in the Thessalonian Church (5)

⁵ Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

Can God say about us that our faith is growing, that we are loving people, that we have patience?  We are without serious persecution in our lives. So the question is “Do we need extreme persecution to walk closer to God?” It seems that we as blessed of the Lord without persecution should be doing the most to present the gospel to others, train them to do the same, and teach the Word of God to whoever will listen.

That is what Paul is commending the Thessalonians of doing. How about us?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The Book of 2 Thessalonians addresses the Persecution, The Day of the Lord, and idleness in view of the Second Coming. Today we will look at Chapter 1, verses 6-10 in which Paul gives us the Purpose of the Coming Tribulation, The Rest of the Coming Tribulation, the Judgment of the Coming Tribulation, the Objects of the Coming Tribulation, the Outcome of the Coming Tribulation, and the Conclusion of the Coming Tribulation.

God’s judgment on the persecutors – Vengeance in Fire (6-10)

1. The purpose of the coming Tribulation – God will punish those who have persecuted believers (6)

⁶ Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

2. The Rest of the coming Tribulation (7)

⁷ And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

3. The judgment of the coming Tribulation – “In flaming fire taking vengeance”, pouring out the Wrath of God on those who persecute the Saints. (8a)

⁸ In flaming fire taking vengeance

4. The objects of the coming Tribulation – those who reject God and the Gospel (8b)

on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

5. The outcome of the coming Tribulation (9)

⁹ Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

6. The conclusion of the coming Tribulation – When Christ returns and judges the world, the Saints of all ages will glorify Him. (10)

¹⁰ When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

Simply put, persecution of God’s Saints is a death sentence.

Believers in Christ are already the victors. We may be persecuted, afflicted, shunned, have heartache in this world, but our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ gives us eternal life and a permanent home in Heaven.

We have already won!!!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Today we will be thinking about the suitability of Jesus. What is suitability? Are some things more suitable than others? Why is Jesus most suitable? Read on.

The most suitable good!

(Thomas Doolittle, “Love to Christ Necessary to Escape the Curse at His Coming!” 1693)

A thing is desirable, because it is suitable. The suitableness of the object allures our desires and love.

Suitableness is the ground of love. A thing might be good in itself, yet, if we apprehend no suitableness in it to us–then the love of our hearts is not upon it. Therefore, in pain and sickness, a man judges ease and health to be better for him than gold and silver–because they are more suitable. A man in hunger and thirst esteems bread and water to be better than honors and pleasures–because they are more suitable.

Love to Christ is grounded on the soul discerning the suitableness of Christ unto him. He says,
“Food is not more suitable to a hungry man,
nor medicine to a sick man,
nor clothing to a naked man–
than Christ is to me, a poor, sinful, and lost man–an undone, perishing, and damned man! For . . .
I am naked–and He will give clothe me with His perfect righteousness,
I am blind–and He will restore my spiritual sight,
I am enslaved to sin and Satan–and He will give me liberty,
I am lost–and He will save me,
I am guilty–and He will pardon me,
I am polluted–and He will cleanse me,
I am an enemy to God–and He will reconcile me,
I am ignorant–and He will teach me,
I am indebted–and He will be my Surety,
I am poor–and He will make me wealthy to all eternity,
I am a stranger to God–and He bring me into acquaintance with Him,
I am unfit for Heaven–and He will make me fit to be a partaker of the inheritance of the saints in light.

Love to Christ includes a discovery of Christ unto the soul, as the most suitable good.

In poverty, Christ will be my riches.
In disgrace, Christ will be my honor.
In bonds and imprisonment, Christ will be my liberty.
In pain, Christ will be my comfort.
In death, Christ will be my life.
In the loss of all things, Christ will be better to me than the enjoyment of all these things!

Though I have riches–yet I might be damned.
But if I have Christ–then I shall be saved!

Though men admire me–yet God might loathe me.
But if I have Christ–then the Lord will love me!

Though I prosper in the world, in all my pomp–I might be walking in the way to everlasting misery!
But if I have Christ–He will lead me in the paths unto eternal glory!

Look, O my soul, look around about you, and you shall find none so suitable to you, as the lovely Savior. Then He alone shall have my best love. Is there none for me like Him? Then I will fix my love on Him!

~  ~  ~  ~

So is Jesus most suitable for us? He should be. We are absolutely nothing without Jesus. Think for a moment about what your life would be like without Jesus. Then thank Him for all He has done for you.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The answer to the question below, “Which would you really choose?” seems to have an obvious answer. Initially, all would say Christ over the world. Does the way we live our lives support that answer? Do we live in light of eternity or immediacy? Read and ponder.

Which would you really choose?

(Thomas Doolittle, “Love to Christ Necessary to Escape the Curse at His Coming!” 1693)

What the object of the love of the heart is–is object of the choice of the will. And such as is the choice of your wills–such are you.

If you choose the world before Christ–I dare boldly to call you a worldly man!
If you choose pleasures before Christ–I dare confidently to declare you a voluptuous man!
But if Christ is chosen before all other things–I may term you to be a truly holy man.

Suppose then the world, and all the riches thereof, and all the honors and the pleasures of it, were set on the one hand–and Christ on the other hand. Which would you really choose?

It is an easy thing to say that you would choose Christ, and not the world. But my question is: Which you would really choose?

Can you say, and appeal to God who knows your heart: “Lord, You who know all things–You know that I choose Christ before riches, Christ before pleasures, liberty, life, or anything that is dear unto me in this world. You know that I would rather have Christ without the world–than the world without Christ. You know that I would rather have the Lord Jesus with disgrace, with poverty, and with the cross–than all the treasures of the world!”

This must be a man’s choice–or he cannot be said to have sincere love to Jesus Christ.

If Jesus is not loved above all–He is not sincerely loved at all!

“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other–or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” Matthew 6:24

~  ~  ~  ~

So which do you choose?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001