Archives for 2017

Good morning,

When we are in situations that completely overwhelm us, does God really hear our prayers? Does He really care about us? King David seemed to think so.

Psalm 40:1-5 records King David’s firsthand account.

“I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.² 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.³ 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.⁴ Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.⁵ Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.”

When we pray, God does hear us and answers our prayers. He may not answer in the way we desire, but it is the way God sees best for us.

God knows everything about us. So, His decision on our behalf is made through His perfect knowledge. That should encourage us and comfort us during trying times.

Wait patiently on the Lord.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

When we think of Paul, we think of the man who wrote a good part of the New Testament, made three missionary journeys, and was always successful.

That is partially true. God revealed to Paul things He revealed to no one else. Paul was concerned about pride. God needed a humble servant, always looking upward. So God also put Paul in various positions so he would have to rely completely on God.

Second Corinthians 12:7-10 explains how God humbled Paul. Then Paul’s reaction.

^“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.⁸ For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.⁹ And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.¹⁰ Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

The thorn in the flesh was used to keep Paul humble. After God chose not to take it away, how did Paul react? He praised God. He gloried Him in his infirmities. He took pleasure in his infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions, and distresses for Christ’s sake. God’s grace was sufficient for Paul and is sufficient for us.

God wants His children to be obedient and humble. He will put us in positions so that we must trust in Him. Will we choose to be humble and walk with God or not? How will we respond when God gives us a thorn in the flesh?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

What is “truth”? We learned yesterday, we should be walking in truth. So how does God’s word define truth?

1)  Jesus is the truth.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

2)  The Word of God is the truth.

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)

“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” (Psalm 119:160)

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” (Ephesians 1:13)

3)  The Holy Spirit is the truth.

“Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” (John 14:17)

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” (John 16:13)

4)  Know the truth.

“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” (Philippians 3:10)

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;³² And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

5) Walk in the truth.

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: ⁷ Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:6-7)

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:16, 25)

6)  Love in the truth.

“And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.” (2 John 1:5)

“And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.” (2 John 1:6)

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. ¹¹ Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” (1 John 4:10-11)

These Scriptures help us define truth and how we are to apply truth to our lives. Take some time to meditate on these verses. Then overlay them upon the daily activities of life.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Listening to the news, watching religious programing, reading the newspaper or magazines can be scary. Who and what can we believe? The Bible gives us the answer. Second John 4-11, explains that believers need to be walking in truth. Where is truth found? The Bible.

Unfortunately, if we use the Bible as our filter for truth in today’s world, we find none. News, entertainment, and religious programing do not deliver truth from God’s perspective.

Let’s look at 2 John 4-11.

Joy in discovering truth (4)

⁴ I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.

Command to love one another (5-6)

⁵ And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. ⁶ And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

Deceivers (7-9)

⁷ For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. ⁸ Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.⁹ Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

Receive not the deceivers (10-11)

¹⁰ If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:¹¹ For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

We live in a world of deceivers. They do not believe that Christ came in the flesh. The Bible calls them antichrists. As believers in Christ, it is our duty to separate ourselves from the deceivers and counter their false claims with what is in the Bible.

We must filter all things through God’s word. Do not believe the lies of the media, televangelists, or anyone else not correctly dividing the word of God.

Otherwise we will be caught up in their deceptions.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

David was a patient man. Saul was pursuing him for many years. He was always on the run. He lived in cave, tents, and in the enemy’s land. Yet he waited.

Psalm 13, David prays about this. He asks God to act and yet he really wants God’s will.

“How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?² How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?³ Consider and hear me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;⁴ Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.⁵ But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.⁶ I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.”

David knew who to trust. When David’s patience was running low, he did four things.

First, he trusted in the mercy of the Lord. He rested in God. He had already witnessed the great power of God. He knew of the love and kindness of God.

Second, he rejoiced in the salvation of God. When in battle, it was God that brought him through.

Third, he sang songs of worship and praise to God. He focused his mind on God. The Psalms are the fruit of his labors. Songs extolling the goodness of God in all circumstances.

Fourth, he realized God’s bounty. Whether spiritual or material, God took care of David and his rag tag army. He supplied food, clothing, shelter, and hideouts. He surrounded him with unseen angels of protection. He gave him wisdom and discernment.

When the going got tough, David went to God.

Is that where we go? When the going gets tough for us, do we do what David did or take matters into our own hands? God is much better equipped to deal with our adversities than we are. Why don’t we let Him.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

The last of our character sketches from 1 Samuel is David.

David was shepherd. He played the harp. He was youngest in a family of eight. Yet, God chose him to be the next King of Israel.

“And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.¹² And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.¹³ Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.” (16:11-13)

“And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took a harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.” (16:23)

Saul loves David and makes him his armor-bearer.

“And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armor-bearer.” (16:21)

David kills Goliath in the name of God. The Philistines have come up against Israel. The Philistines challenged Israel to a one-man fight. Their champion Goliath against Israel’s best. Israel was afraid and had no one to fight Goliath. David trusted God. He went in God’s power and defeated Goliath.

“Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.” (17:45)

Saul’s jealousy causes him to want David dead.

“And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.⁶ And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of music.⁷ And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.⁸ And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?⁹ And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.” (18:5-9)

“¹⁰ And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul’s hand. ¹¹ And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.” (18:10-11)

Saul pursues David trying to kill him. He is unsuccessful.

David spares Saul’s life twice because Saul is the Lord’s anointed!

“And he said unto his men, The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord.⁷ So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way.” (24:6-7)

“And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord’s anointed, and be guiltless?¹⁰ David said furthermore, As the Lord liveth, the Lord shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish.¹¹ The Lord forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the Lord’s anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.” (26:9-11)

David was a Godly man who understood he would be King. He also understood he would not be King till the death of Saul. He was willing to wait on God’s timing.

This is a very appropriate topic for this day. Many people today, including believers in Christ, orchestrate events so they can get what they want. They are not concerned about God’s will, word, or way. They want what they want and they want it NOW! David waited patiently, many years, over horrible circumstances, with death knocking at his door daily. His patience was rewarded by God. God allowed him to be King over His people Israel.

God has a plan and purpose for our lives. The process takes a lifetime to execute. The reward is to spend eternity with God in heaven.

Think about your priorities. Do they line up with God’s word? Are you waiting patiently on the Lord? Is Jesus the highest priority in your life?

David put God first. So should we.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good morning,

God has rejected Saul as King. He has had Samuel anoint David as Saul’s successor. Saul realizes this and tries to kill David on numerous occasions. Jonathan, Saul’s son, loved David as his own soul.

“And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” (18:1)

Saul commanded his son Jonathan and his servants to kill David. Jonathan stands up for David and Saul relents and chooses not to have David killed.

“And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David.  And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very good:⁵ For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the Lord wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?⁶ And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul sware, As the Lord liveth, he shall not be slain.” (19:1, 4-6)

Jonathan commits himself to protect David at all costs. This could be seen as treason, but God protects Jonathan. Chapter 20 tells how Jonathan protects David. A covenant is made between Jonathan and David. In their last meeting together, Jonathan and David renew the covenant.

^“And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.¹⁷ And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth. ¹⁸ And they two made a covenant before the Lord: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house. (23:16-18)

Saul and Jonathan die in a battle with the Philistines.

Jonathan exemplifies what a friend should be. Selfless, encouraging, protecting, integrity, concerned more about the other person then themselves, willing to die for their friend. He received no benefit for his loyalty. He required nothing but the opportunity to serve.

Do we have anyone we are that loyal to? Or anyone who is that loyal to us? Jonathan was a blessing to David and ultimately to Israel.

This is the kind of friend we should strive to be!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Saul is king of Israel. He has been anointed and crowned. He has won his first battle. All is going well until…..

Saul failed to keep the commandment of the Lord twice. God removed him from being king.

Israel attacks the Philistine garrison at Geba and takes it. The Philistines mobilize their troops to counter attack. The Philistine army had horses, chariots, and weapons, and a multitude of foot soldiers.

Samuel told Saul to wait seven days till he arrived to offer burnt offering to the Lord. When Samuel failed to show within the seven days, Saul offered the burnt offering. Only the Priest was allowed to perform this duty.

“And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him.⁹ And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering.¹⁰ And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him.¹¹ And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash;¹² Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the Lord: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. ¹³ And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the Lord have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.¹⁴ But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the Lord commanded thee.” (13:8-14)

The Samuel commands Saul to war with Amalek. He was to utterly destroy them. Man, women, children, cattle, houses, everything was to be destroyed.

“Thus saith the Lord of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. ³ Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.” (15:2-3)

Saul did not obey God.

“But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.” (15:9)

Saul argues with Samuel that he did obey the Lord. Then the Lord judges Saul.

“And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the Lord: I have performed the commandment of the Lord.¹⁴ And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?¹⁵ And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.¹⁶ Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the Lord hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.¹⁷ And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the Lord anointed thee king over Israel?¹⁸ And the Lord sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed.¹⁹ Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the Lord, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the Lord? ²⁰ And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the Lord, and have gone the way which the Lord sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. ²¹ But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in Gilgal. ²² And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.²³ For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.”

Disobedience to God’s word has its consequences! We need to remember the example of Saul. God will punish us for disobeying Him.

Please take the word of God seriously. It is there to help you to maneuver the minefields of life.

Praise God daily for His abundant love, mercy, and grace.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

 

Good morning,

Israel demanded a king to rule over them instead of God.

Samuel finds and anoints Saul to be Israel’s first King. “Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,¹⁶ Tomorrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.” (9:15-16) “Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the Lord hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?” (10:1)

Samuel gives Saul specific instructions. Saul complies. One is that the spirit of the Lord would come upon him and God would be with him. “And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.⁷ And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.” (10:6-7)

Saul was a reluctant king. When his presentation before Israel to be pronounced as King, he was hiding.

“When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.²² Therefore they enquired of the Lord further, if the man should yet come thither. And the Lord answered, Behold he hath hid himself among the stuff.²³ And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward. ²⁴ And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the Lord hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king.” (10:21-24)

Saul was a warrior king. Saul led the armies of Israel against the Ammonites. “And it was so on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together.” (11:11)

If the story ended here, all would be fine. It does not. Tomorrow we will see the other side of Saul’s life.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

Good morning,

Yesterday, Eli’s sons caused the nation of Israel to transgress. Eli’s successor, Samuel, had his own family issues.

Samuel was the next Priest and Judge of Israel.

After the death of Eli, the Philistines ruled over Israel for twenty years. Then Samuel said, “And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.⁴ Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the Lord only.” (7:3-4)

Samuel prayed, sacrificed, and cried unto the Lord for Israel. Israel repented, humbled themselves, and trusted the Lord. God gave Israel victory over the Philistines. “So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.¹⁴ And the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even unto Gath; and the coasts thereof did Israel deliver out of the hands of the Philistines. And there was peace between Israel and the Amorites. ¹⁵ And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.” (7:13-15)

Unfortunately, this is not the end of the story. Samuel grows old and made his sons judges over Israel. His sons, Joel and Abiah, were wicked. “And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel.² Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. ³ And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.” (8:1-3)

The elders of Israel come to Samuel. They tell him that they do not want Joel and Abiah to judge over them when he dies. The elders demand a king. “Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah,⁵ And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.⁶ But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord.” (8:4-6)

Again, Samuel, did not train his sons in such a way that they obeyed the Law of Moses. Because of their disobedience, it caused the elders of Israel to demand a king. Although the Bible characterizes Samuel as a Godly man, who taught the nation of Israel well, his sons did not.

The elders of Israel no longer wanted God to rule over them, but they desired a man. “And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.” (8:7) How sad!

And yet, as we share Christ with the unsaved and they reject Him, they have not rejected us, but have rejected Jesus. As believers in Christ, we are commanded to “Go”. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) It is our duty to tell others about Christ. It is the Holy Spirit’s work to bring them to Christ. It is not our job to win souls. We are to proclaim the Good News of Jesus death, burial, and resurrection.

Our King is Jesus Christ.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001