Archives for 2016

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

Good morning,

Romans 4 illustrates the concept of faith through the life of Abraham. To correctly interpret this chapter we must read Genesis 15:1-6 and Genesis 17:1-14, 22-24. Then we must factor in when and to whom was the Law given. When we have all these reference points clear, then we see how Paul makes his argument that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and not by the Law or Circumcision.

Today we look at Romans 4:13-25.

The promise realized through faith (13-25)

¹³ For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.¹⁴ For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:¹⁵ Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.¹⁶ Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

Remember our introduction. The Law was given many years after Abraham lived. It is not the Law that makes us righteous, but faith in God and His promises.

¹⁷ (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.¹⁸ Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

God chose Abraham to be the father of all of us. Gentiles and Jews. The promise God made to Abram in Genesis 15 was carried out by allowing Abraham to be father to both the Gentiles and Jews. The conflicts we have today in the Middle East are the result of this sibling rivalry.

¹⁹ And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb:²⁰ He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;²¹ And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.²² And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

Do women conceive at the age of 90? No. Abraham believed God could do whatever He said. Do we have that kind of faith?  

²³ Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;²⁴ But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;²⁵ Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

And yet we have believed the impossible. Who would believe that God would send His only Son to die on a cross, shedding His perfect blood to pay our sin debt, be buried, and three days come out of the grave alive? WE DID! We did it by faith in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

As Abraham’s act of faith changed the world, so does ours. When our faith is put in Jesus, the result is a changed life, and one ready to reach others for Christ, ultimately changing the world.

“Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”

Go do the same.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Romans 4 illustrates the concept of faith through the life of Abraham. To correctly interpret this chapter we must read Genesis 15:1-6 and Genesis 17:1-14, 22-24. Then we must factor in when and to whom was the Law given. When we have all these reference points clear, then we see how Paul makes his argument that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and not by the Law or Circumcision.

Today we look at Romans 4:1-12.

Abraham an illustration (1)

What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?

God does not impute sin against a justified man (2-8)

² For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.³ For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.⁴ Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.⁵ But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.⁶ Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,⁷ Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.⁸ Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

Abram trusted in the promise of God and it was counted unto him for righteousness. God promised him a seed from his own body. He was 85 years old at the time. Yet he believed.

3) Abraham’s salvation a pattern for both Gentiles and Jews (9-12)

⁹ Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.¹⁰ How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.¹¹ And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:¹² And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

We learned in the Introduction that the promise was given before the covenant to be circumcised. At that point he had not been circumcised. So Abram/Abraham could not have been justified by circumcision.

Righteousness does not come from works but in believing God’s promises. Today it is through believing in the Lord Jesus Christ who shed His blood to pay our sin debt.

Tomorrow we will look at Romans 4:13-24.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Romans 4 illustrates the concept of faith through the life of Abraham. To correctly interpret this chapter we must read Genesis 15:1-6 and Genesis 17:1-14, 22-24. Then we must factor in when and to whom was the Law given. When we have all these reference points clear, then we see how Paul makes his argument that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and not by the Law or Circumcision.

Genesis 15:1-6

After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.² And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?³ And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.⁴ And, behold, the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.⁵ And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.⁶ And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Abram (Abraham) believed God’s promise.

Genesis 17:1-14, 22-24

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.² And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.³ And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,⁴ As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.⁵ Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.⁶ And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.⁷ And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.⁸ And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.⁹ And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.¹⁰ This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.¹¹ And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.¹² And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.¹³ He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.¹⁴ And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

²³ And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.²⁴ And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.

When was Abram declared righteous, before or after the command to be circumcised?

Who was the Law given? Israel. At the time of Abraham was the nation of Israel established? No. If the Law was given to the nation of Israel how could Abraham been justified through the Law? He could not.

Abram’s faith in the promise of God made him righteous.

Understanding these principles we can now study Romans 4.

Tomorrow we will look at the first 12 verses.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplai