Archives for 2017

Good morning,

Forgiving someone is a difficult task. The consequences of failing to forgive are monumental. Please read what God says about forgiveness.

God’s example of forgiveness

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

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

“Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.” (Acts 13:38-39)

How often should we forgive?

“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?²² Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21-22)

“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.⁴ And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” (Luke 17:3-4)

What are we to do and why?

“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”  (Colossians 3:13)

 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32)

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15)

“Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.³⁷ Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:” (Luke 6:36-37)

“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. ²⁶ But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25-26)

What is the result when we forgive? Reconciliation.

“Then Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.” (Genesis 33:4) Jacob and Esau.

“So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.¹⁸ And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.¹⁹ And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?²⁰ But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” (Genesis 50:17-20) Joseph and his brothers.

“And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.²⁷ But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.²⁸ And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.” (Acts 9:26-28) Saul and the disciples/apostles.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week is becoming overwhelming. Our church is celebrating its 50^th anniversary and we are in the midst of special meetings. What a blessing! Monday through Wednesday, morning to late evening. So my normal routine is in upheaval.

In the big picture of things, this is not a big deal. However, sometimes things seem to come completely apart. That is when we need todays devotional.

All life’s tangles!

(J.R. Miller)

“We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Our affairs are forever getting tangled, like threads in a child’s hands–and we cannot straighten out the tangles ourselves! We cannot see how anything beautiful or good can come out of our poor living, or our feeble striving.

Our days are full of disappointments, and our night’s rest is broken by anxieties. Yet it is the Christian’s privilege to commit all life’s tangles into the hands of Jesus Christ. He can take our broken things–and build them up into beauty!

One of the finest windows in a great cathedral is said to have been made out of the fragments of broken glass which the workmen had thrown away as worthless. A skillful hand gathered them up–and wrought them into lovely form.

In the same way, Jesus Christ can take . . .
our failures,
our mistakes,
our follies,
our broken fragments of life,
and even our sins—
and make them into beautiful life and character!

“Commit your way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37:5

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Jesus is greater than our circumstances. Cast your cares on Him.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

The Bible is a blessed book. It is historical, devotional, and practical. Meditating on God’s word can be a helpful and encouraging exercise.

Nothing is more helpful and practical in Christian living!

(J.R. Miller)

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8

The habit of treasuring up a text of Scripture in the morning, to be meditated upon while engaged in the business of the world through the day–is both profitable and delightful. It is as a refreshing spring to a weary traveler!

Nothing is more helpful and practical in Christian living, than the habit of getting a verse of Scripture into the mind and heart in the morning. Its influence stays through the day, weaving itself into all the day’s thoughts and words and experiences.

Every verse in the Bible is meant to help us to live–and a good devotional book opens up the precious teachings which are folded up in its words.

A devotional book, which takes a Scripture text, and so opens it for us in the morning–that all day long it helps us to live, becoming a true lamp to our feet, and a staff to lean upon when the way is rough–is the very best devotional help we can possibly have. What we need in a devotional book which will bless our lives–is the application of the great teachings of Scripture—to common, daily, practical life!

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night!” Psalm 1:1-2

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Apply this teaching and see how God blesses.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Immanuel Baptist Church, Palmer, Alaska celebrated their 50-year anniversary on Sunday. More amazing, it has had only two pastors. The current one being there twenty-one years.

How does that happen?

First, a firm foundation. Jesus being the chief corner stone.

^“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;²⁰ And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;²¹ In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord:” (Ephesians 2:19-21)

Second, sound doctrine (teaching). The Bible is God’s word for us. In it He teaches us everything we need to know. Creation, sin, Israel, the law, the prophets, the kings, the blood sacrifices, Jesus virgin birth, salvation, and the gospel. The following verse well sums up the power of the Bible.

“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;¹⁵ And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.¹⁶ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

Third, the full armor of God. The enemy is Satan and the battle is spiritual. Our defense is God. “Be strong in the Lord.”

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.¹¹ 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. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;¹⁵ And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;¹⁶ Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. ¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:¹⁸ Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Fourth, victory. Victory has come because of the obedience to God’s word.

“The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.⁵⁷ But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁵⁸ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:56-58)

The success of Immanuel Baptist Church can be the success of any church. However, it must be anchored in Jesus, His word, and be willing to stand firm against Satan.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Be careful what you say!

Harder to tame than wild beasts!

(J.R. Miller)

“The tongue has the power of life and death!” Proverbs 18:21

“The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by Hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man–but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison!” James 3:6-8

The tongue is a very troublesome member! It is a very important member, however–and with it we can do great good.

Our words, if they are true and loving–carry blessings wherever they are heard. But the tongue is hard to control. When we have really gotten our tongue under control–we are almost perfect. One who can govern his speech–can govern every other part of his life.

A small bit keeps a spirited horse in check–and a little rudder turns a great ship in its course. Just so the tongue, though so small a member, controls the whole life!

The tongue is harder to tame than wild beasts! There has been but one Man who never spoke foolishly, rashly, bitterly. Jesus never did–His words were always pure, sweet, helpful, and inspiring.

We ought to set ourselves the task of mastering our tongues–for then we can do untold good with them. Only Christ can help us to do it. He mastered everything–demons, diseases, winds, waves, death itself. He alone can help us to master the most unruly tongue!

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Additions help thing get bigger.  Add a room to a home, ingredients to a recipe, stocks to your portfolio, and it begins to grow.

The Bible has an example of addition in 2 Peter 1:5-7.

A splendid sum in addition!

(J.R. Miller)

“ADD . . .
to your faith, virtue;
to virtue, knowledge;
to knowledge, self-control;
to self-control, perseverance;
to perseverance, godliness;
to godliness, brotherly kindness; and
to brotherly kindness, love. 2 Peter 1:5-7

Our verses presents us with a splendid sum in addition! These graces are to be added one to another.

Faith comes first. But faith cannot stand-alone, so we add to our faith, virtue–that is, conformity of one’s life and conduct to the highest moral and ethical principles.

Next we are to add knowledge. Knowledge, of course, of the true kind–wisdom for life, spiritual knowledge, knowledge of God, and of God’s will as found in His Word.

Self-control comes next–this is the key of all noble life. No matter how strong we are, or how much we know–if we have not self-control, then something is lacking. He who can rule himself is strong–while he who lacks self-mastery, no matter what other gifts he may have, is pitiably weak.

Self-control produces another element–perseverance, perseverance in all Christian duties.

Another quality to be added to patience is Godliness–Godlikeness, Christlikeness.

Then comes brotherly kindness–affectionateness and forbearance to those among whom we mingle.

Last of all–love, the crowning gift and blessing!

These elements of character make up Christian maturity.

~  ~  ~  ~

Look at this list and take stock. How are we doing with each of these graces? It should be our goal to be growing in each of them.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

Patience is an acquired attribute. The serving order for lunch at WASI  is by table number. There are nine tables. If table one is called first, table nine must wait. I am not a patient person. Depending what is going on that day, I would like to eat and run. That is not always possible. So I have learned to wait. Others just spend the time complaining.

It is God’s design that we should be patient. We have been brought up in a generation where everything is immediate. I want it and I want it now. God says wait. Be patient.

“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” (James 5:7-8)

The food we eat is patiently grown over a period of time. It is planted, cultivated, watered, and nurtured, and then harvested. Then and only then is it ready to be eaten.

That is the beauty of patience. Patience makes us appreciate whatever we are waiting for even more.

Take time today to cultivate the habit of patience.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

This devotional will help determine whether our Christianity is for men or for God. Many people claim to be Christians but do not act like it. Then there are some who are outwardly very pious but wickedness lurks within.

This good, old couple!

(J.R. Miller)

“They were both righteous before God–walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.” Luke 1:6

It is a beautiful thing which we read of this good, old couple, Zacharias and Elisabeth–that they were righteous before God. Some people appear to men to be righteous–who before God have no such record.

Real character is what our hearts are–our hearts make us. We ought not to be satisfied only doing well, the things which men can see. We ought to work and live ever for God’s eye.

Sometimes we say that it is does not matter how we do certain things, because nobody will see them. But we should remember that God will see them–and surely we should never do careless, faulty work for His eye.

The word “commandments” suggests that the holiness of these people was of a very practical kind.

Some people’s religion is chiefly emotional. They talk about loving God–but they pay little heed to His commandments.

God is pleased with ardent devotions, but He wants us to prove our religion by obedience–doing the things which He gives us to do.

~  ~  ~  ~

So which one did you turn out to be? It is God’s desire that we obey His word.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Yesterday I attended a wedding of Marie and Donald. She committed herself to him and he committed himself to her. The Reverend Fulford ministered the marriage. Marriage joins two people together for life.

So how did marriages get started and when? The Bible gives us the answers. It happened at creation and God created the first marriage partners, Adam and Eve. It was God’s original intent that nothing could break this relationship.

“But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. ⁷ For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;⁸ And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.⁹ What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” (Mark 10:6-9)

That all changed in Genesis 3 when man sinned. The law of Moses contained a bill of divorcement. Man’s heart became hard and God’s blessing no longer blessed man.

“And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.³ And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?⁴ And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.⁵ And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.” (Mark 10:2-5)

God designed marriage for one man and one women to become one flesh and never to be parted.

If all couples were willing to read the Bible, study it, obey it, all marriages would be successful. Disobedience to God’s word causes strife, bitterness, and broken relationships.

We all may choose to have a great marriage if we are willing to obey God’s word.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

Jesus gives us rest. He knows are needs and meets them.

Today’s devotional will be an encouragement to you.

The one unfailing source of help and comfort!

(Francis Bourdillon, “Come unto Me!” 1864)

“Come unto Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest!“ Matthew 11:28

Jesus invites all who labor and are heavy laden, to come unto Him. Not sufferers of one kind only–but all sufferers. Not those alone who feel the weight of this particular burden or that–but all the heavy laden.

The poor and needy,
the weak and sickly,
the toiling father,
the anxious mother,
he who feels the weight of his sins,
he whose conscience testifies against him,
he who finds no comfort in this world, and yet fears that he is not prepared for the next
—all are invited to come to Jesus!

Their cases are widely different, the burdens that press upon them are by no means alike–yet all are invited to one Helper and Comforter, “Come unto Me!” He does not bid one sufferer go for comfort to this source–and another to that. He invites all to Himself–as the one unfailing source of help and comfort! 

“Come unto Me!” We do not deserve to be thus invited. Many are suffering the consequences of their own sins–and all of us are sinners. If we met with only what we deserve–then He might justly say to us, “Go away from Me!” Instead of this, Jesus bids us come to Him. Whatever we may have been–however thoughtless, however ungrateful, however wicked–yet if we are now in need or trouble, that is enough. He bids us come to Him.

We are not to stop and think about our own unworthiness. He says nothing here about that. He only says, “Come unto Me.” That is what He invites us to do–that is what we are to do, and we are to do it at once!

~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001