Archives for 2016

Good morning,

Yesterday, we saw the picture of Jesus as the best Physician. Now we will look at God ministering to His people with comfort. Endless times in our walk with the Lord, we need to be comforted. It may be in a time of illness, as we saw yesterday, or loss of home, treasure, or even a job. God is there and ready to comfort.

We will be studying Isaiah 51. Today we will look at the Introduction and Exhortations to trust the Messiah (1-3), Wednesday, The power of God and the weakness of men (4-8), Thursday, Christ defends his people (9-16), and Friday, Their afflictions and deliverances (17-23) and the Conclusion.

INTRODUCTION:

This chapter is designed for the comfort and encouragement of those that fear God and keep his commandments, even when they walk in darkness and have no light. Whether it was intended primarily for the support of the captives in Babylon is not certain, probably it was; but comforts thus generally expressed ought not to be so confined. Whenever the church of God is in distress her friends and well-wishers may comfort themselves and one another with these words. (Matthew Henry Commentary)

EXHORTATIONS TO TRUST THE MESSIAH (1-3)

Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged. ² Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him. ³ For the Lord shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.

“How they are here directed to look back to their original, and the smallness of their beginning: “Look unto the rock whence you were hewn“ (the idolatrous family in Ur of the Chaldees, out of which Abraham was taken, the generation of slaves which the heads and fathers of their tribes were in Egypt); “look unto the hole of the pit out of which you were digged, as clay, when God formed you into a people.” (Matthew Henry Commentary)

God chose the nation of Israel. It began with one family, Abraham’s. It blossomed into a great nation. If the story ended there it would be great. BUT, the nation of Israel disobeys God over an extended period of time and they are now captives living Babylon. Remember this as you read this chapter because it will enhance the concept of comfort and mercy.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

People today want what they want, and they want it NOW. We fail to think through the consequences of our desires. Sometimes God gives us the desires of our heart. Then we determine that the correct course of action should have been to pray, seek God’s wisdom, and make sure it agrees with the Bible. Otherwise we are headed for trouble.

This devotional is the perfect example of this.

A canary and a goldfish!

(Author unknown)

A canary and a goldfish had their allotment together in the same room. One hot day the master of the house heard the fish complaining of his silent condition, and envying the sweet song of his companion overhead. “Oh, I wish I could sing as sweetly as my friend up there!”

Meanwhile the Canary was eyeing the inhabitant of the globe, “How cool it looks! I wish my lot were there.”

“So then it shall be!” said the master, and forthwith placed the fish in the air–and the bird in the water.

Immediately they saw their folly, and repented of their discontent and grumbling.

The moral of this little fable is this: Let every man be content in the state in which Divine Providence has placed him, and believe that it is what is best fitted for him!

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:11-12

Please meditate on this and ask yourself the question, “Am I content?”

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Hymn books are a tremendous way of singing praises and adoration to God. We have been blessed by hymn writers such as Fanny Crosby, Philip Bliss, Isaac Watts, John Newton, Martin Luther, Charles Wesley, and Ira Sankey.

However, before there were hymn books, there was the Bible. The Jewish religious leaders taught and committed to memory the Book of Psalms. The Psalms were put to music to help the people memorize the passages. As the Israelites would come to the Temple three times each year, they would be singing the Psalms.

The bible gives us encouragement to sing, praise and thank God through Scriptures.

GOD’S COMMAND

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. (Psalm 100)

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (Ephesians 5:19)

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (Colossians 3:15-17)

Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. (Isaiah 51:11)

BIBLE MEMORIZATION

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalm 119:11)

GOD’S REFRESHING

I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. (Psalms 40:1-3)

During our midweek Bible Study we learned the melodies to several Scripture passages. We will continue to do this for the next few weeks.

Please come and join us.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

It is part of our nature to desire to be loved. We expect it from our parents, friends, spouses, and children. When we are not loved, it hurts. There is one who always loves us, the Lord Jesus Christ.

He was infinitely happy and glorious without us!

(James Smith, “The Pastor’s Evening Visit”)

“Christ, who loved us!” Romans 8:37

No condition can possibly be more dreary, than to feel that no one loves or cares for us!

There is something peculiarly sweet and pleasant–in being the object of another’s love. Even the love of a poor child is sweet. But to be loved by one who is most wealthy, most exalted in station, and most honorable in character–must be peculiarly delightful!

How, then, should we rejoice; how happy should we be–who are loved by the Lord Jesus! Especially when we consider:

On the one hand . . . how despicable, how poor, how worthless, and how unlovely WE are!

And, on the other hand . . . how glorious, how wealthy, how worthy, how lovely JESUS is!

To be loved by Jesus–is to be preferred before the possession of a world!

Think of . . . the glory of His person, the vastness of His possessions, the number of His angelic attendants, the unlimited sovereignty which He exercises, and the excellent character He bears!

Also bear in mind–that He knew what loving us would cost Him–how He would be treated by us and by others–for our sakes!

Yet He fixed His love upon US! He loved US–just because He would!

He passed by others more dignified in nature, more exalted in station–but He chose US!

He did not, could not, NEED us–for He was infinitely happy and glorious without us!

Yet He loved us! He still loves us!

In those days when you feel like no one loves or cares for you, remember Jesus does. Never forget that!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

It is part of our nature to desire to be loved. We expect it from our parents, friends, spouses, and children. When we are not loved, it hurts. There is one who always loves us, the Lord Jesus Christ.

He was infinitely happy and glorious without us!

(James Smith, “The Pastor’s Evening Visit”)

“Christ, who loved us!” Romans 8:37

No condition can possibly be more dreary, than to feel that no one loves or cares for us!

There is something peculiarly sweet and pleasant–in being the object of another’s love. Even the love of a poor child is sweet. But to be loved by one who is most wealthy, most exalted in station, and most honorable in character–must be peculiarly delightful!

How, then, should we rejoice; how happy should we be–who are loved by the Lord Jesus! Especially whenweconsider:                                                                                                                                   on the one hand . . .                                                                                                                                                how despicable,                                                                                                                                                       how poor,                                                                                                                                                                  how worthless, and                                                                                                                                                 how unlovely WE are!                                                                                                                                       And, on the other hand . . .                                                                                                                      how glorious,                                                                                                                                                           how wealthy,                                                                                                                                                            how worthy,                                                                                                                                                             how lovely JESUS is!

To be loved by Jesus–is to be preferred before the possession of a world!

Think of . . .                                                                                                                                                     the glory of His person,                                                                                                                                           the vastness of His possessions,                                                                                                                            the number of His angelic attendants,                                                                                                                 the unlimited sovereignty which He exercises,                                                                                                  and the excellent character He bears!

Also bear in mind–that He knew what loving us would cost Him–how He would be treated by us and by others–for our sakes!

Yet He fixed His love upon US!

He loved US–just because He would!

He passed by others more dignified in nature, more exalted in station–but He chose US!

He did not, could not, NEED us–for He was infinitely happy and glorious without us!

Yet He loved us! He still loves us!

In those days when you feel like no one loves or cares for you, remember Jesus does. Never forget that!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

How do you think of God? Today’s devotion might help.

The best name by which we can think of God!

(Martin Luther)

“This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in Heaven . . . ” Matthew 6:9

The best name by which we can think of God is Father. It is a loving, deep, sweet, heart-touching name, for the name of Father is in its nature, full of inborn sweetness and comfort.

Therefore, also, we must confess ourselves to be His children—for by this name we deeply touch our God, since there is not a sweeter sound to the father than the voice of the child.

“He shall cry to me: You are my Father, my God, and the rock of my salvation!” Psalm 89:26

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

This Sunday we will celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. In preparation for this event, the next three devotionals will deal with Christ, the Cross, and the Resurrection. Today we will look at the Resurrection of Christ.

We have learned that Jesus is God and He shed His perfect blood to pay our sin debt. Is that it? No! The Resurrection changes everything. We serve a LIVING Savior. He arose from the grave.

He is Risen (Matthew 28:1-10)

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher ² And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.³ His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:⁴ And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.⁵ And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

⁶ He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.⁷ And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.⁸ And they departed quickly from the sepulcher with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.⁹ And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.¹⁰ Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

The Resurrection Changes Everything (1 Corinthians 15:3-6, 13-18)

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; ⁴ And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: ⁵ And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: ⁶ After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: ¹⁴ And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. ¹⁵ Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. ¹⁶ For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: ¹⁷ And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. ¹⁸ Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

These three devotionals point us to the inevitable question, “What must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16:30-31)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13)

If you have never been saved, please do so today. I am available to meet with you and help you make this life or death decision.

Happy Resurrection Day! HE IS RISEN!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

Good morning,

This Sunday we will celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. In preparation for this event, the next three devotionals will deal with Christ, the Cross, and the Resurrection. Today we will look at the Cross of Christ.

What is the relevance of the Cross of Jesus to a believer in Jesus Christ? Why did Jesus have to go to the Cross?

1) Sin debt

Genesis 3 tells us of the original sin committed by Adam. His sin has passed down to all men.

“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:” (Romans 5:12). “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23)

The penalty of sin is death. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

So how do we pay this sin debt?

2) The Cross

When Jesus went to the Cross, He shed His blood to bare, atone, redeem, and cleanse us from our sin debt.

“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” (1 Peter 2:24)

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.” (Leviticus 17:11) “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22) This is what Jesus did for us on the cross.

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” (Ephesians 1:7)

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)

As we learned yesterday, Jesus is God. So when Jesus voluntarily comes to earth to dwell with men, be beaten and abused, and then die for their sins on His Cross, that is amazing.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11)

Tomorrow we look at the Resurrection.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

 

Good morning,

This Sunday we will celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. In preparation for this event, the next three devotionals will deal with Christ, the Cross, and the Resurrection. Today we will look at who Christ is.

Jesus Christ is the central figure of the Resurrection story. So who is Jesus Christ?

1) God

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Matthew 1:23)

2) Maker of all things

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:3)

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (Colossians 1:16-17)

3) The Word

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

4) Perfect Lamb of God

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, (1 Peter 1:18-20)

There are hundreds of other references to Jesus Christ. Meditate on why these are important to our Resurrection celebration.

Tomorrow we will look at the significance of the cross and why Jesus had to be crucified.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001