Archives for February 2017

Good morning,

Esther 7-8 reveals who perpetrated the wickedness against the Queen, Mordecai, and the Jews, the sentence of the perpetrator, and a new letter being sent.

How clearly God is seen.

Chapter 7 Second Banquet (7:1-2)

So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen.² And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.

Esther’s Request (7:3-4)

³ Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favor in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:⁴ For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king’s damage.

The King Asks “Who is he…”  and Esther’s Reply (7:5-6)

⁵ Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?⁶ And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.

Haman’s Request to Queen Esther (7:7)

⁷ And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king.

Haman Sentenced to Die on the Gallows Built for Mordecai (7:8-10)

⁸ Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face.⁹ And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.¹⁰ So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

The King had no clue that this wickedness was going on. Why? He never asked any questions. When Haman wanted to destroy the Jews, he did not tell him who they were and the King did not ask. When Esther revealed Haman to be the one to destroy her people, the King did not ask for any evidence.

Haman had no idea that Queen Esther knew of, or cared about, his plan to kill the Jews. No one knew the Queen was a Jew. Haman’s arrogance caused him to suffer the shame (Chapter6) and the death, he plotted for Mordecai. God knows our thoughts and the intention of our hearts. We must be very careful not to think wicked deeds. The very act we mean for others may come back on us.

Queen Esther’s courage. When the Queen told the King of Haman’s plan, she was accusing Haman of being a traitor. Since women were not held in high esteem, why did the King believe her? He had no evidence.

The answer to the above questions is God. God’s hand prevailed to protect Queen Esther, condemn Haman, and to hang him on the gallows built for Mordecai. In fact, that same God is intervening in the affairs of men and women today. Every day, 24/7. He knows what we do, whether good or bad. Before we act, we must think about who is watching, and consider our ways.

Tomorrow the letter that changes everything.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

This is a good reminder of why we are not to love the world or the things in it.  Sometimes it does not seem like a big deal. However, if it is in conflict with God’s Word, Christ’s character, or our testimony for Christ do not do it.

WHY?

(Horatius Bonar)

“Do not love the world or anything in the world.” 1 John 2:15

WHY?

1. Because the gain of it, is the loss of the soul–Matthew 16:25-26.

   2. Because its friendship is enmity to God–James 4:4.

   3. Because it did not know Christ–John 1:10; 17:25.

   4. Because it hates Christ–John 7:7; 15:18.

   5. Because the Holy Spirit has forbidden us–1 John 2:15.

   6. Because Christ did not pray for it–John 17:9.

   7. Because Christ’s people do not belong to it–John 17:16.

   8. Because its Prince is Satan–John 13:31; 16:11.

   9. Because Christ’s kingdom is not of it–John 18:36.

   10. Because its wisdom is foolishness–1 Corinthians 1:20.

   11. Because Christ does not belong to it–John 8:23.

   12. Because it is condemned–1 Corinthians 11:32.

   13. Because it is passing away–1 Corinthians 7:31.

   14. Because it slew Christ–James 5:6; Matthew 21:39.

   15. Because it is crucified to us–Galatians 6:14.

   16. Because we are crucified to it–Galatians 6:14.

   17. Because it is the seat of wickedness–2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 5:19.

   18. Because its god is the evil one–2 Corinthians 4:4.

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Separation from sin and separation to Christ seems limiting.  We want no restrictions on our lives. Yet our study shows that God’s limits are for our protection and good. This might be a good list to keep close at hand when tempted to wander away from Jesus.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

God is in control. He knows each of us intimately. He has a plan for each of our lives. This devotional reminds us that God has done all things well. Rejoice in that knowledge.

With perfect wisdom, at the right time, in the right way!

(J.C. Ryle)

“He has done all things well!” Mark 7:37

The truth of these words is full of deep and unspeakable comfort, and ought to be daily remembered by all true Christians.

Let us remember it as we look back over the days past of our lives, from the hour of our conversion. In the first bringing us out of darkness into marvelous light–in humbling us and teaching us our weakness, guilt, and folly–in stripping us of our idols, and choosing all our portions–in placing us where we are, and giving us what we have–how well everything has been done! How great is the mercy that we have not had our own way! “He has done all things well!”

Let us remember it as we look forward to the days yet to come. We know not what they may be–bright or dark, many or few. But we know that we are in the hands of Him who does all things well. He will not err in any of His dealings with us. He will take away and give–He will afflict and bereave–He will move and He will settle–with perfect wisdom, at the right time, in the right way! The great Shepherd of the sheep makes no mistakes! He leads every lamb of His flock by the right way to the city of habitation. “He has done all things well!”

We shall never see the full beauty of these words until the resurrection morning. We shall then look back over our lives, and know the meaning of everything that happened from first to last. We shall remember all the way by which we were led, and confess that all was “well done.” The why and the wherefore, the causes and the reasons of everything which now perplexes us–will then be as clear and plain as the sun at noon-day. We shall wonder at our own past blindness, and marvel that we could ever have doubted our Lord’s love. Truly, “He has done all things well!”

“Now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face. Now we know in part, but then shall we know even as we are known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The Book of Esther shows us how God keeps His promises, how God saves the Jews from annihilation, and the sovereignty of God. Did I mention the name of God is not mentioned in the whole book? God is in every circumstance that happens to save God’s people.

Things to remember as you read Esther. The Jews were captives and living in Babylon. The story takes place in Shushan. Woman, whether Jew or Gentile, did not have any rights. They were required to submit to men. The Babylonians did not worship Jehovah God.

Chapter 6 is a beautiful picture of how God takes care of His children. It also exhibits God’s sense of humor.

The King can’t sleep. He requests the book of records be read to him. The record stated that Mordecai saved the King’s life and no recognition had been given to Mordecai. The King wanted to honor Mordecai.

Haman was in the courtyard waiting to talk to the King in regards to hanging Mordecai. The King requests Haman’s presence and advice on how to honor the man the King chooses to honor. Haman’s pride kicks in. He thinks the King wants to honor him. So, he proceeds to tell the King what he should do. The King agrees.

The King then commands Haman to do all that he said to Mordecai.

The people of Shushan knew that Haman hated Mordecai. So, when Mordecai is exulted, riding on the Kings horse, wearing the King’s robe, and with the King’s crown on his head, lead around town by Haman, it was total humiliation for Haman.

Haman goes home and tells his family and friend about his day. His wife, the one who suggested building the gallows, prophetically tells Haman that he will fall before Mordecai.

God’s hand is all over this chapter.

God knows all things. He can exult whomever He pleases. Haman’s pride was crushed, while Mordecai, who was not looking for anything was exulted.

We must be careful not to harbor evil thoughts, deeds, or actions against anyone. Our evil may come on our own heads. We should to obey God in every aspect of our lives.

NEXT WEEK:

Esther’s second banquet

Revelation

A hanging

A letter

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The Book of Esther shows us how God keeps His promises, how God saves the Jews from annihilation, and the sovereignty of God. Did I mention the name of God is not mentioned in the whole book? God is in every circumstance that happens to save God’s people.

Things to remember as you read Esther. The Jews were captives and living in Babylon. The story takes place in Shushan. Woman, whether Jew or Gentile, did not have any rights. They were required to submit to men. The Babylonians did not worship Jehovah God. To understand why Mordecai and Haman (Chapter 3) were at odds, read Exodus 17:8-16, Genesis 36:12, Deuteronomy 25:17-19, 1 Samuel 15:2,3,7-9,11,26,32-33 28:18.

Chapter 5 shows us Esther’s courage and the pride of Haman. Esther adorns herself in her royal apparel, goes into the inner court, and prays that the King will extend the golden scepter. He does. She invites the King and Haman to a banquet. When the King asked, what is her request, she requested to prepare another banquet for the King and Haman the next day.

Haman goes from the banquet joyful and with a glad heart. He sees Mordecai and is mad because he will not bow down to him. When he gets home, he assemblies his wife and friends and tells them how great he is. The one thing he does not have is Mordecai’s reverence. His wife suggests building a gallows to hang Mordecai. They all agree and the gallows is built.

Esther’s heart was tender towards the Lord. She trusted that God would protect her. She was willing to provide for the King and Haman.

Haman on the other hand was all about self. It is all about me. No one else mattered. Since Haman loathed Mordecai, he chose to murder him.

Two lifestyles, with two perspectives on life. The question then becomes which one do we follow. It may seem obvious, but there are times even Christians, or those who claim to be Christians, do what Haman did. They scheme on how to get rid of someone they do not like or agree with. Maybe not death, but intimidation, false accusations, or character assassination.

Courage in the face of wickedness is God’s course of action. Believer’s in Christ need to be obedient to the Biblical commands in all circumstances.

This chapter sets the stage for the events of Chapter six. Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Tomorrow we will witness one of the greatest stories of God’s taking vengeance on an individual.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Sometimes the Christian life can seem like a drag. People not respecting who Jesus is, what He has done, or the purpose of His coming. We become discouraged.

Today’s devotional will be an encouragement to you. Meditate on the things that God has done for you.

God-pardoned, God-reconciled, Sin-delivered, God-arrayed, Heaven-entitled souls!

(Archibald Brown, “What Christ Has Done for Me!” 1872)

“Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul!” Psalm 66:16

No one word can fully express all that God has done for my soul, though in general it may be described as saved. Saved! Ah, that is a grand word worthy of being written in letters of gold! A saved soul includes many things–I can only mention them:

1. A saved soul is a God-pardoned soul. All its sins are forgiven, and its iniquities are drowned in that deluge of pardoning love that rises high above the topmost peaks of all its mountain sins!

2. A saved soul is a God-reconciled soul. Once at enmity–God and the sinner are now at peace. All differences are at an end. The prodigal sinner has been embraced and kissed by the father. The rebel has thrown down his weapons, and bent his knee to the Monarch–and the Monarch has raised him up, and with a smile of love, has put him among His children. If I may so express it, God and the sinner have met and shaken hands beneath the shadow of the cross. They are at at-one-ment there.

3. A saved soul is also a sin-delivered soul. This is something more than pardon, or reconciliation. It is a higher blessing. Pardon remits the punishment of sin–but leaves the guilt of sin. But justification acquits the person of every charge. Believer, your sins are not merely forgiven–but they are done away with, put out of sight, removed from you as far as the remotest east is from the extreme west! In the eye of God, you are as guiltless as His spotless Son! “You are altogether beautiful, My love; there is no flaw in you!” Song of Songs 4:7

4. A saved soul is also a God-arrayed soul. This is higher still. The former blessing was a negation of guilt–this is a possession of righteousness. A righteousness, mark you, that is not capable of improvement–but a righteousness that is superlative in its quality–it is the righteousness of God Himself! A saved soul, even to the omniscient eye of Deity, is not only without spot or wrinkle or any such thing–but it is altogether lovely and glorious, robed in the splendor of “Jehovah Tsidkenu“–“The Lord our Righteousness!”

5. A saved soul is a Heaven-entitled soul. This crowns all. Not merely am I delivered from Hell–but in my hand is placed a title-deed to eternal glory! This is no fiction or flight of imagination–but a blessed fact. Possessed by every saint, is a title to Heaven that God Himself will declare to be valid to all eternity.

Now believer, if all these things are included in what God has done for our souls, then did I not say rightly that many words were necessary to describe the work? Let us then, as God-pardoned, God-reconciled, Sin-delivered, God-arrayed, Heaven-entitled souls–call on all, far and near, to come and listen to our joyous tale.

God looks upon His redeemed people as the masterpieces of His love and power, and He will before assembled worlds exhibit us as the grandest trophies Heaven contains!
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When someone challenges your belief in Christ, share this devotional. Then ask them what their god has given them. This is truly Good News!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The choices we make in life, determine where we will spend eternity when we die. Today, we are challenged to choose between hell and heaven. Do we crave the things of this world more than the things of God? Is God our number one thought, desire, and priority?

Lord, let me be a pure stream

(Thomas Sherman, “Divine Breathings; Or, a Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ”)

Jordan, that famous river, no doubt runs through many a pleasant meadow, by many a shady grove and flowery bank; and yet at last empties itself into the Dead Sea.

So it is with a wicked man! Here on earth he walks through meadows of worldly pleasures, and rests under the shades of earthly comforts, and sports and wallows among the flowers of worldly delights–but at last runs himself down into the Dead Sea of Hell. And not only so–but . . .
his earthly delights will fade,
his beauty shall be turned into horror,
his honor shall be turned into shame,
his lusts shall be turned into tormentors, and
his pleasures shall be turned into bitterness!

Lord, let me be a pure stream, that I may terminate in Heaven! I care not what difficult channels I pass through here on earth–if in Heaven I may exchange my weakness and corruption, for perfection and glory!

  ~  ~  ~  ~

This should make all of us think about our priorities in life. If the things of God are truly at the forefront, then we might want to share this devotional with lost friends or maybe a believer who is walking in the world.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

God cares for us. He knows that we are wicked, fallen, and unable to save ourselves, so He sends His only Son to pay the sin debt for us.

The most beautiful thing I ever heard of!

(Charles Spurgeon)

“God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us–so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God!” 2 Corinthians 5:21

What could be better than the divine plan of substitutionary atonement? God must punish sin–He could not be God unless He did. It is a necessity of His nature, that He should hate sin with an infinite hatred, and must punish it!

Yet, as He had loved His people with an everlasting love, how could He better show His love to them and His hatred of sin–than by giving up His well-beloved Son to die instead of them! This seems to me to be the most beautiful thing I ever heard of—and it delights my soul to preach it!

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, by becoming a curse for us!” Galatians 3:13

~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The journey of life consists of all the events from cradle to grave. God is with us every second of every day watching over us. He is interested about our successes, failures, sorrows, and tears. He guides us, comforts, strengthens, and encourages us.

Yield yourself to God today and allow Him to take care of your every need.

How cheerfully would they pass along the ‘journey of life’

(James Smith, “Fellowship with God” 1849)

“Cast all your care on Him–because He cares about you!” 1 Peter 5:7

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in Your book.” Psalm 56:8

Jehovah is deeply interested in the welfare of all His people! He has  . . .
formed them for Himself,
redeemed them by the blood of Immanuel, and
new created them by the energy of the Comforter!

He is interested . . .
in all their needs,
in all their troubles,
in all their trials,
in all their persecutions,
in all their temptations,
in all their afflictions
and in their death!

Yes, there is nothing belonging to a believer, but what Jehovah is concerned about:
from their tiny trifles of today–to their ponderous concerns of eternity;
from their feeble flutterings of anxiousness–to the redemption of their immortal soul!
All and everything that concerns them–their heavenly Father is interested in, and concerned about!

O if the Lord’s family did but believe this, that the minutest thing that belongs to them, the least circumstance of their lives, and everything connected with that circumstance, is a matter of concern to Jehovah–how happy would they live, how cheerfully would they pass along the ‘journey of life‘ and commit all to the keeping of their God!

The believer brings to the Lord his sins, trials, griefs, and woes–and the Lord bestows His pardon, riches, relief, and consolation!

Christian, what a thought is this!

“Cast your cares on the Lord–and He will sustain you!” Psalm 55:22

  ~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001