Archives for 2017

Good morning,

Yesterday we learned that we are sheep and are led by the Great Shepherd. He chooses our pasture, not us.

How does our Great Shepherd Jesus lead us? He gave us a road map to maneuver through life. The Bible is God’s Word, to us, on how to live life. It is to be read, obeyed, and acted upon.

That is how to follow the Great Shepherd.

An unerring chart by which to steer through the dangerous sea of life!

(Arthur W. Pink, “The Attributes of God”)

God has placed His Word in our hands for an intensely practical purpose–namely, to direct our walk and to regulate our deportment. The primary purpose for which God gave the Scriptures, is to make a practical use of them–ordering the details of our lives by its rules and regulations.

“Your Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105. The metaphor used here is taken from a man walking along a dangerous road on a dark night, in urgent need of a lantern to show him where to walk safely and comfortably, to avoid injury and destruction.

God, in His infinite condescension and transcendent grace, has given us His Word for this very purpose, so that we need not stumble along blindly, ignorant of what pleases or displeases Him–but that we might know His mind. That divine Word is not given to us simply for information, but . . .
to regulate our conduct,
to enlighten our minds,
and to mold our hearts.

The Word supplies us with an unerring chart by which to steer through the dangerous sea of life. If we sincerely and diligently follow, it will deliver us from disastrous rocks and submerged reefs–and direct us safely to the heavenly harbor. That Word has all the instructions we need for every problem, and every trouble we may be called upon to face. That Word has been given to us “that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:17. How thankful we should be, that God has favored us with such a Word!

This world is a dark place, and it is only as we take heed to the Word, to the light God has given us, that we shall be able to perceive and avoid “the broad road which leads to destruction,” and discern the narrow way which alone “leads unto eternal life.”

Our first duty, and our first aim, must be to take up the Scriptures to ascertain what is God’s revealed will for us–what are the paths He forbids us to walk, what are the ways pleasing in His sight.

The Scriptures are not given us, primarily, for our intellectual gratification, nor for emotional admiration, but for life’s regulation. Nor are the precepts and commands, the warnings and encouragements contained therein, simply for our information. They are to be reduced to practice–they require unqualified obedience. He who treasures the divine precepts in his heart, and diligently seeks to walk by their rule, will escape those evils which destroy his fellows.

Thus the great business of the Christian is to regulate his life by, and conform his conduct to–the precepts of the written Word, and the example left us by the Incarnate Word. As he does so, and in proportion as he does so, he is
emancipated from the darkness of his natural mind,
freed from the follies of his corrupt heart,
delivered from the mad course of this world,
and escapes the snares of the devil.

~  ~  ~  ~

This is how Jesus leads us.

Unfortunately, many believers in Christ do not read, study, reverence, obey, or do what God’s Word says. Then they wonder why they are not successful in their walk with God.

Simply put, they do not know God, His plan, His power, His knowledge, or His ways. Thus, they are unable to follow His clearly laid out plan for their lives.

May I challenge you to read and study your Bible daily. Then obey what it says. You will be amazed what God will do in your life.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Sheep are timid defenseless creatures. People have been compared to sheep. They are defined as meek, unimaginative, or easily led.

God calls me a sheep. My Shepherd is Jesus. He is the one who leads me. Every day He leads me. Every situation in life, whether I think it is good or not, He knows the path for me. Blessings or hardships, He leads me. He chooses my pasture, not me. He knows what is best for me.

Try to wrap your head around that concept. As you read this devotional, keep this in mind.

The sheep do not choose their own pasture!

(Francis Bourdillon, “Bedside Readings” 1864)

“He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:2

“He makes me lie down in green pastures.” That is, He supplies the needs of our souls. He . . .
gives us the food of the Word of God,
strengthens us with His grace, and
makes us to find our rest in Him.

“He leads me beside the still waters.” That is, He . . .
refreshes us when we are weary,
revives our hearts by His promises,
cheers us by His presence,
gives us His Holy Spirit, and
enables us to rejoice in His salvation.

Amidst all our trials and troubles–He comforts us and gives us fresh hope.

Some may say, “Why should I have trouble at all? Why does the good Shepherd send me anything besides comfort and pleasure? Why am I poor or sad or sick?”

The sheep do not choose their own pasture–the shepherd chooses for them. In the same way, the disciple does not choose his own lot in life–it is appointed for him. His Shepherd knows best what is good for him. The best is not always what is the most pleasant at the moment–but what is most profitable in the end.

Our Shepherd sometimes leads us through what seem to us dry and stony places–but they lead to the Heavenly pastures! And even along the way, He feeds us and comforts us with all a shepherd’s care. Never is our Shepherd nearer to us, than when we are in need or danger.

“My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish–ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand!” John 10:27-28

~  ~  ~  ~

Jesus is always taking care of our needs. He is the Great Shepherd and he is my Shepherd.

He is your Great Shepherd too! Think about what Jesus is doing for you right now. Thank Him for being your Shepherd.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

Good morning,

What is our purpose in life? Is it our family, how much money we make, or the next great vacation? Or is there more?

This devotional will make us think about what is really important. It may be a wake-up call. It will help us to rethink our priorities. Then we must determine to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and change our behaviors.

Made for frivolities?

(Charles Spurgeon, “The One Thing Needful”)

Were you made only to be a machine for digging holes, laying bricks, or cutting out pieces of wood? Were you created only to stand at a counter and measure or weigh out goods? Do you think your God made you for that and that only?

Is this the chief end of man—to earn so many dollars a week, and try to make ends meet?

Is that all immortal men were made for?

As a man with a soul, capable of thought and judgment–and not a mere animal like a dog, nor a machine like a steam engine; can you stand up and look at yourself, and say, “I believe I am perfectly fulfilling my destiny“?

God has made man that he may glorify him–and whatever else man accomplishes, if he attains not to this end, his life is a disastrous failure!

Others are lovers of pleasure. They are merry as the birds, their life is as the flight of a butterfly, which lightly floats from flower to flower, according to its own sweet will.

It cannot be that an immortal spirit was made for frivolities–spending all its time on the playthings of the world.

So great a thing as an immortal soul could not have been made by God–with no higher object than to spend itself upon trifles as light as air.

Oh, pause a while, you careless, godless one! There is something more than the fool’s laugh. All things are not a comedy. Death and Heaven and Hell are serious–and should not life be?

The charms of music, the merriment of the mirthful assembly, the beauties of art, and the delights of banqueting–there must be something more for you than these. Something more must be required of you than that you should waste your precious time from morn to night upon nothing but to please yourself!

~  ~  ~  ~

There is!

Giving Jesus preeminence in our lives. Allowing Jesus to be first in everything we do, think, say, and how we conduct ourselves.

You may ask, “How do we know how to put Jesus first?” We must read and act upon what God has written. God gave us the Bible so that we would know how to live life and be able to live it to its fullest.

Applying God’s word to our lives makes everything better.

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24)

Try it! I think you will agree.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Death is an equal opportunity employer. No one knows when they will die. Death ends life and we go into an eternal state. Today you may choose. Death ends our opportunity to choose.

The two choices are heaven and hell. You must choose one or the other. To choose neither is to choose hell.

Please choose heaven.

I am in eternity–and you are on the brink!

(James Smith, “A Solemn Admonition” 1859)

Passing through a country graveyard the other day, an inscription on a head-stone struck my eye. The stone was by the side of the path, where everyone could see it, and it was placed there in memory of a young man who died at the age of seventeen. It was–

“Reader, one moment,
Stop, and think:
That I am in eternity!
And you are on the brink!”

In eternity! A young man, only seventeen years of age, in eternity!

In a fixed, a changeless, an eternal state!

In Heaven–or in Hell!

Saved with an everlasting salvation–or damned forever!

If it should be the latter–what a fearful supposition! And yet many have gone to Hell–before they have been seventeen years of age!

“I am in eternity–and you are on the brink!” Yes, though you may be young, apparently healthy, full of life and vigor–you are on the brink of eternity! A slight accident, or a few days illness–and you are in eternity! What a solemn thought!

What will eternity be to you?

Where will you be in eternity?

Are your sins pardoned?
Are you reconciled to God by the death of His Son?
Are you sanctified by the Holy Spirit–and thus made fit for Heaven?

If not, remember that in Hell, there is . . .
no gospel,
  no means of grace,
  no way of escape from the wrath of God!
Once there–and your doom is fixed forever!

Think, O think . . .
Of the dreadful consequences of dying in your sins!
Of going down to the grave in an unconverted state!
Of dying under the curse of God!

“Behold, now is the accepted time!
Behold, now is the day of salvation!”

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Reader! The above was written over 150 years ago.
All who then read this little piece–are now in eternity!
All who now read this little piece–are on the brink!

“Reader, one moment,
Stop, and think:
That I am in eternity!
And you are on the brink!”

~  ~  ~  ~

There is no more important decision that you will ever make. Do not put it off. Please ask Jesus to be your Savior and Lord.

If you are saved, please share this devotional with a lost friend.

Thank you.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

What does it mean to rest in God? A complete submission to and reliance on Jesus.

Return unto your rest, O my soul!

(Edward Griffin, 1770-1837)

“Return unto your rest, O my soul–for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.” Psalm 116:7

To rest in God, is . . .
to be satisfied with Him as our portion,
to take Him for our supreme good, and
to feel that we have enough and abound while possessing Him–though everything else is taken away.

“Give me,” says the believer, “the enjoyment of my God–and I desire no more. Allow me to feast on heavenly truth–and I shall never complain that I am poor. Let worldlings divide the globe among themselves–let emmets contend for this little heap of dust; I have God–and I ask no more. Come wars and pestilence, come poverty and death–you cannot rob me of my portion.”

Must it not be substantial rest . . .
to have the infinite God for a portion,
to have all the restless desires of the mind composed,
to feel no anxious apprehension for the future,
to know that if everything which time or death can destroy, were removed–the whole of one’s portion would remain;
to feel that nothing can injure, nothing impoverish, nothing perplex or disturb?

Ah, give me this portion–instead of thrones and kingdoms!

“Whom have I in Heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!” Psalm 73:25-26

~  ~  ~  ~

Is this the rest you experience in Jesus? Allow Him to be your rest today.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

What does living for Christ mean to you? Answer the question before you read this devotional. This devotional will help broaden your concept of what it means to live for Christ.

This should challenge us to live closer to the Lord.

This, and nothing but this, is true Christianity!

(Edward Griffin, 1770-1837)

“You do not belong to yourself–for God bought you with a high price!” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

All that you are and have—are His. You owe Him your whole selves!

The Lord Jesus Christ, who created you and redeemed you from eternal damnation–is your Proprietor, Master, and King.
Whom else then should you serve?
To whom else should you devote your lives?
Whose interest should you rather seek?

“For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself. For if we live–we live for the Lord; or if we die–we die for the Lord. Therefore whether we live or die–we are the Lord’s.” Romans 14:7-8

Our religion is exactly in proportion as we cease to live for ourselves–and live for God alone. We have just as much religion–as we have of self-denial. The only evidence of attachment to Him on which we can rely–is that we make it our design and care to promote His glory and the accomplishment of His benevolent purposes, not now and then, but in the general tenor of our lives.

To live for God, is to regard His will as the rule and ground of our conduct, and His glory as our supreme object. Not merely one day in a week–but in our general course to act from a reference to His authority.

To live for God, is to choose our calling, to pursue our business, to frame our habits, to regulate our actions from hour to hour–from a regard to His will and honor.

To live for God, is to feel and act as those who are not at liberty to live to themselves, but have their work daily assigned them by a heavenly Master.

To live for God, is to live under a sense that we are not our own–not our own masters, not our own proprietors, not at our own disposal.

To live for God, is to live as though our time, talents, influence, property, and all that we are and have–are God’s.

To live for God, is to hold everything in readiness to use for Him, or resign all things to Him as He shall direct.

To live for God, is to be submissive under afflictions, and willing to be at His disposal in all our trials.

To live for God, is to be ready to deny ourselves for Him in every way which His Word or Providence may point out.

To live for God, is to desire life chiefly that we may serve Him.

To live for God, is to make Him the center in which all the lines of our life shall meet.

To live for God, is to make it the business of our lives to please Him and not ourselves.

The very core of all true religion, is not to live for ourselves–but for God; not to consider ourselves our own–but the property and the servants of the Lord Jesus Christ; not to feel as though we are set up in the world to work for ourselves, to spend the most of our time in pursuing what is termed our innocent gratifications–but to hold our time, powers, influence, and property as talents entrusted to us to be used for Christ–keeping our eye on His Word to learn His will, and aiming habitually to please and honor Him.

This, and nothing but this, is true Christianity! Whatever our creed is–if this is not our character–then all our religion is vain!

“So we make it our goal to please Him–whether we are at home in the body or away from it!” 2 Corinthians 5:9

~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

We all celebrated the Resurrection yesterday.  That event oprened the way for us to be saved.

Today’s devotion takes us back to a time before we were believers. It shows us what we have been saved from. If this is not true of you, Jesus Christ is the answer.

Look to the rock from whence you were hewn, and to the pit from whence you were dug!

(Edward Payson, 1783-1827)

“Look to the rock from whence you were hewn, and to the pit from whence you were dug!” Isaiah 51:1

It is profitable for the children of God often to . . .
reflect on what they formerly were,
meditate on their once wretched and helpless condition,
look to the rock whence they were hewn, and to the pit whence they were dug.

Look back, then, Christians, to the time when you were . . .
the enemies of God,
the despisers of His Son,
the willing slaves of the father of lies,
and children of disobedience!

Look back to the time when . . .
your hearts were as hard as the nether millstone;
your understandings were darkened;
you were alienated from the life of God;
your wills were stubborn, perverse and rebellious;
your affections were madly bent on the pleasures of sin;
every imagination of the thoughts of your heart were only evil, and continually evil!

Look back with shame and self-abhorrence to the time when you . . .
lived without God in the world,
drank in iniquity like water,
served various lusts and vanities,
fulfilled the sinful desires of the flesh and mind,
cast God’s holy law behind your backs,
stifled the remonstrances of conscience,
quenched the influences of the Spirit,
neglected the Holy Scriptures, and
mocked God with pretended worship, while your hearts were far from Him.

A rebel against God,
a resister of the Spirit,
a slave of Satan,
a child of wrath,
an heir of Hell–
such, O Christian, was once your character!
Nothing was then before you, but a fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation!

Admire the God of free grace–who save you from such a dreadful plight!

   ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Jesus was crucified to pay the sin debt for mankind. Sometimes we forget that mankind is us. God gives us a great picture of His forgiveness in the thief on the cross. He deserved death, but acknowledged his sin, asked Jesus to remember him, and Jesus did.

Isn’t that what Jesus did for us? What a gracious and loving Savior.

When that monster of a man hung!

(James Smith, “The Believer’s Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble” 1842)

“O Lord, there is none like You!” 1 Chronicles 17:20

Truly, our God is without a parallel!

He could dash His enemies to Hell with one word, and drive them to despair. But instead of this, He constantly provides for them–and many of them are fed by Him with the richest blessings of His providence. He . . .
spreads their tables,
supplies their needs, and
pours His favors upon them abundantly–though they . . .
blaspheme His name,
despise the mention of His grace, and
bid Him to depart from them, in disdain!

He preserves them from a variety of dangers, which would otherwise hurry them out of time into eternity.

He bears with them from day to day, and does not allow their wickedness to arouse His ire, to their immediate destruction. Who, besides Jehovah, would thus feed, preserve, warn, and bear with such obstinate, careless, provoking wretches? Surely none!

“What base rebellious wretches they;
And God as strangely kind!”

When, in His own time, any of His enemies are brought to discover their wickedness, feel their danger, desire to escape their deserved doom, and apply to Him–He freely pardons them, and forgets all their past unkindness!

When that monster of a man hung by the side of Jesus on the cross, mocking His dying agonies, reviling His dear name, and endeavoring to add to His tremendous sorrows–Jesus was as silent as one who heard not, as patient as one who felt not, and as kind as one who had been treated with all possible respect! For, no sooner does the bold blasphemer cry, “Lord remember me!” than Jesus answers, “Today you shall be with Me in paradise!”

And can you, O my Savior, freely and fully pardon such a wretch as that? Can you take him in Your arms, to paradise? Can you forget his scarlet crimes, the insults he offered, and the daring wickedness manifested by him but a few minutes before? “O Lord, there is none like You!”

The vile thief enters Heaven, to . . .
the astonishment of angels,
the confusion of devils,
the wonder of glorified saints, and
the honor of the dear, dear Redeemer!

Jesus not only fully pardons the penitent–but He cordially accepts him! He receives him as one of the dear objects of His love, and says to each and every one such, “I have blotted out your sins as a cloud, and your iniquities as a thick cloud!”

He kindly visits them, as though they had never acted unkindly toward Him; and constantly blesses them with spiritual, holy, and eternal blessings. He . . .
clothes them with the garments of His righteousness,
beautifies them with the graces of His Spirit,
  comforts them with the promises of His love,
acknowledges them at His throne of grace,
defends them against their cruel and malicious foes,
tenderly expostulates with them when they wander from Him,
  mercifully warns them of their dangers and foes,
  kindly exhorts them to cleave close to Himself,
  wisely corrects them when they wickedly stray, and
will crown them with glory at the end of their race!

And what returns does He frequently get for His kindness and love? Alas! alas! Too often, ingratitude, rebellion, hardness of heart, alienation of affection, forgetfulness of His mercies, and following after other lovers rather than Himself!

“O Lord, there is none like You!” 1 Chronicles 17:20

~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

We all have unsaved friends. Invite them to church this weekend. Resurrection Sunday would be a great time for them to hear about the lifechanging power of Jesus.

God can take the most sin-soiled soul!

(J.R. Miller)

Queen Victoria stopped one day at a paper-mill near Windsor Castle, and was shown through it by the foreman. He did not know who she was, as she was alone and was plainly dressed. The queen was intensely interested in every process of the paper-maker’s art. She was conducted at last to a place where a number of rag-pickers were emptying out the dirty rags which they had gathered from the gutters and alleys of the great city. There was a large pile of these filthy, blackened rags, which looked as if they never could be made clean. The queen asked the foreman what he would do with these. To her amazement, he told her that he would make them into the finest, whitest paper.

When the queen had gone, the foreman learned who she was. Some days after, there was received at the palace–a package of the purest, most delicate paper, having the queen’s likeness stamped upon it, with a note from the foreman of the mill, telling her that this paper was made from the very rags she had seen on her visit!

In the same way, the Holy Spirit takes human lives, ruined and blackened by sin–makes them whiter than snow, and stamps upon them the holy image of Jesus!

No life is hopeless in its ruin–which the transforming grace of God renews.

God can take the most sin-soiled soul–and give to it radiant beauty!

“Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were! But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Today think about the crucifixion. Think about the relationship God the Father and God the Son had. Read John 17 to understand this relationship. Then read Matthew 27.

Jesus was crucified for me and you. It was our sin that required a blood sacrifice. Only Jesus blood could take care of my sin debt.

His own Father!

(David Harsha, “The Crucifixion”)

“My God, my God–why have You forsaken Me?” Matthew 27:46

He drinks the bitter cup of God’s wrath due to sin.

The powers of darkness fiercely assail Him.

He enjoys no sensible communion with Heaven. It is the gloomiest period in His whole life.

But at length His agony is so piercing that He is constrained to utter the most touching words of grief, “My God, my God–why have You forsaken Me?”

His Father–His own Father, in whose bosom He had lain from eternity! His Father, by whom He was always beloved–has withdrawn the light of His countenance from Him! And from His cross arises a most piercing and agonizing cry, “My God, my God–why have You forsaken Me?”

Oh, how mysterious, how solemn, how affecting is this cry! It is the most doleful that ever came from the lips of Christ during His sorrowful sojourn from the manger to the cross.

Ah! Why does He hang on yonder cross, uttering these doleful words ‘with strong crying and tears’?

It was not the nails which pierced His hands and feet, nor the agony of a crucifixion, which caused this mournful cry. He was now offering Himself a sacrifice for sins. As our Surety, He suffered all that divine justice required to bring the sinner back to God and to glory.

Here is the great mystery of Godliness: the Father bruises the Son, and puts Him to grief for our sakes! All those cries, and tears, and groans of Him whom the Father appointed to accomplish our salvation–were for us.

On His shoulders was laid the enormous load of our guilt.

Oh, what can we render to our Divine Savior, for His amazing and unparalleled love to us?   ~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001