Archives for January 2018

Good morning,

Everyone had a home, but Him!

(James Smith, “Daily Bible Readings for the Lord’s Household”)

“Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests–but the Son of man has no place to lay His head!” Matthew 8:20

What an astonishing fact! 

Here is the Creator of all things–without a home!

Here is the Ruler of the universe–without a habitation!

Here is the eternal, immortal King–more destitute than the birds of the air, or the beasts of the forest!

“Then each one went to his own home–but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.” John 7:53-8:1

Everyone had a home, but Him!

What brought Him into these circumstances?

LOVE!

Love for whom? 

Love for sinners–the vilest, the basest of mankind!

Why did He stoop so low? 

He became poor–that we might become rich!

He was without a poor cottage on earth–that we might possess a splendid mansion in Heaven!

He was destitute in time–that we might possess a glorious portion in eternity!

O Jesus, how astonishing is Your love!

O my soul, admire, adore, and praise–the wondrous love of your beloved Lord!

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich–yet for your sakes He became poor; so that you through His poverty might become rich!” 2 Corinthians 8:9
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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This will be our final sermon on prayer. These three messages are tremendously important for our continued success in walking with the Lord.

HOW TO PRAY/CONDITIONS OF PRAYER/HINDRANCES TO PRAYER

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26)

INTRODUCTION Bible ways to pray and how we hinder our prayer life

HOW TO PRAY

INTERCESSORY (Romans 8:26-27)

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.²⁷ And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

IN FAITH, BELIEVING (Hebrews 11:6, Mark 11:24)

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

PERSISTANCE (Luke 18:1-8)

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;² Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:³ And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.⁴ And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;⁵ Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.⁶ And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.⁷ And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?⁸ I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

HUMILITY (2 Chronicles 7:14)

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

CONDITIONS OF PRAYER

IN THE WILL OF GOD (Romans 8:27)

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

 FORGIVE OTHERS (Mark 11:25-26)

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought 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.

KEEP GOD’S COMMANDMENTS (1 John 3:22)

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

ABIDE IN JESUS (John 15:7)

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

PRAY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT (Jude 20-21)

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,²¹ Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

PRAY IN JESUS NAME (John 16:23-24)

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.²⁴ Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

HINDRANCES TO PRAYER

UNBELIEF (James 1:6-7)

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.⁷ For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

UNFORGIVING SPIRIT (Mark 11:24-26)

(See above)

UNCONFESSED SIN (Psalm 66:18)

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

ASK AMISS (James 4:3)

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

CONCLUSION

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Sheep need a Good shepherd. We have that in the Lord Jesus Christ.

This was an encouragement to me and I hope it will be to you also.

A weak, defenseless, thoughtless creature–and prone to wander!

(John Newton)

“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” John 10:11

This great and good Shepherd has a flock, whom He loved from everlasting–and whom having loved, He will love to the end. He . . .
humbled Himself for their sakes,
submitted to partake of their nature and their sorrows,
took upon Him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of sinful flesh.

He died for His sheep, “the just for the unjust,” to redeem them . . .
from the curse of the law,
from the guilt and dominion of sin,
from the power of Satan–and to bring them to God.

They, by nature, are all “gone astray, every one to his own way”. But having thus bought them with His blood–in His own appointed time He seeks, finds, and restores His sheep. By the power of His Word and Spirit–He makes Himself known to their hearts, causes them to hear and understand His voice, and guides them into His fold. They are under His immediate protection and government.

Considered as individuals, they are fitly described by the name of sheep. A sheep is a weak, defenseless, thoughtless creature–and prone to wander! If once gone astray–it is seldom known to return of its own accord.

A sheep has neither strength to fight with the wolf, nor speed to escape from him; nor has it the foresight of the ant, to provide its own sustenance.

Such is our character, and our situation—
unable to take care of ourselves,
prone to wander from our resting-place,
exposed to enemies which we can neither withstand nor avoid,
without resource in ourselves,
and taught, by daily experience, the insufficiency of everything around us.

Yet, if this Shepherd is our Shepherd, as weak and helpless as we are–we may be of good courage. If we can say with David, “The Lord is my Shepherd”–then we may make the same inferences which he did, “Therefore I shall not want. Therefore I need not fear.”

“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish! No one can snatch them out of My hand!” John 10:27-28

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That encourages me.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Our eyes are consumed with the things of this world. The newest, shiniest, more powerful, or environmentally friendly.

Today’s devotional will challenge us to keep our eyes on Jesus. Our author, John Newton, knew all about the things of the world. His life turned totally around when he received Christ as Savior and Lord.

Every step along the path of life

(John Newton)

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith!” Hebrews 12:2

Every step along the path of life, is a battle for the Christian to keep the eyes of the heart on Jesus.

If I may speak my own experience, I find that to keep my eye simply upon Christ, as my peace, and my life–is by far the hardest part of my calling.

Hungering and thirsting for Christ, is the central daily Christian discipline.

We depend on Him for hourly supplies of wisdom, strength, and comfort!

To know Jesus, is the shortest description of true grace;
to know Him better, is the surest mark of growth in grace;
to know Him perfectly, is eternal life.

This includes all I can wish for my dear friends–that you may grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus.
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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The sweet, twin hounds of heaven!

(Don Fortner)

“Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever!” Psalm 23:6

Happy New Year!

Children of God, how thankful we ought to be!

How happy! How God has blessed us! He has . . .
loved us with an everlasting love,
chosen us as the objects of His grace,
redeemed us by the precious blood of His dear Son,
called us to life and faith in Christ,
forgiven all our sins,
justified us,
sanctified us and
preserves us!

But that is not all.

The Lord our God daily loads us with all the bounty of His grace in Christ in daily providence. The sweet, twin hounds of heaven (Goodness and Mercy) have been at our heels all the days of our lives–and shall continue to pursue us right into Heaven’s glory!

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Our topic this week is prayer. The Subjects of Prayer.

SUBJECTS OF PRAYER

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. (Matthew 6:6)

Introduction Subjects of prayer

The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.¹⁰ Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.¹¹ Give us this day our daily bread.¹² And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.¹³ And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Our Father which art in heaven

“Our Father who art in heaven” is teaching us who to address our prayers to, the Father.

Hallowed be thy name

“Hallowed be thy name” is telling us to worship God, and to praise Him for who He is.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven

The phrase “thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven” is a reminder to us that we are to pray for God’s plan in our lives and the world, not our own plan. We are to pray for God’s will to be done, not for our desires.

Give us this day our daily bread

We are encouraged to ask God for the things we need in “give us this day our daily bread.”

Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors

“Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” reminds us to confess our sins to God and to turn from them – and then also to forgive others as God has forgiven us.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

The conclusion of the Lord’s prayer, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil” is a plea for help in achieving victory over sin and a request for protection from the attacks of the devil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever

It is God’s kingdom, who has the power and the glory forever.

Afflicted, merry, sick, church leadership, sinners, one another (James 5:13-16)

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. ¹⁴ Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:¹⁵ And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.¹⁶ Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

All men, kings, those in authority (I Timothy 2:1-4)

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;² For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;⁴ Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Hezekiah’s prayer for healing (Isaiah 38:1-5)

In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.² Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the Lord,³ And said, Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.⁴ Then came the word of the Lord to Isaiah, saying,⁵ Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.

CONCLUSION

Pray for everything

To God the Father

In the name of Jesus (We pray in Jesus name because we are his possessions. It was through the blood of Christ that we are saved. He bought us with His blood. Thus, it is Jesus Christ who owns us. We are praying in our Masters name.)

For all things

 

 

Good morning,

The news today is depressing. It seems that there is nothing good or positive being accomplished in our world. Hopelessness would be the way to describe our world, our leaders, and even the church.

But God is still in control. Today’s devotion was written in 1943. To refresh your memories, World War 2 was being contested. The 2 major areas of operation were Europe and Japan. The forces of good were fighting against the forces of evil.

Where was God in all of that? Just where He has always been. Heaven, orchestrating the affairs of mankind.

Men and women were getting saved, serving God, and trusting Him for their futures.

Today is no different. Trust God and allow Him to take care of you!

As we launch out into another year

(Arthur Pink, “New Year’s Comfort” 1943)

“The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you! He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid–do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

As we launch out into another year, there is little visible prospect of a smooth and pleasant voyage. To the natural eye, the clouds are dark and fierce storms seem imminent. The very uncertainty of what the morrow may bring forth, fills many with uneasiness and trepidation.

But how different should be the state of God’s children! An all-sufficient Object is presented to the eyes of their faith, from which unbelief derives no comfort. The poor worldling is concerned with what lies before him–but it is the blessed privilege of the believer to be occupied with Who goes before him–the One who is his Captain, his Guide, his Forerunner. “The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you!” What a difference that makes! O that writer and reader may be enabled to lay hold of this grand Truth as we enter another period of time, and keep it steadily in mind throughout the coming days!

“Do not be afraid–for I have ransomed you.

I have called you by name–you are Mine!

When you go through deep waters–I will be with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty–you will not drown.

When you walk through the fire of oppression–you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior!” Isaiah 43:1-3

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This should be an encouragement to each of us. God has not quit on us. He loves us and is constantly taking care of us.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

The heart. If it is working well, we are living well. However, when the heart fails us, we are either sick or dead. So, each of us tries to take care of our heart.

What about in the spiritual realm? This devotion will help us focus in on why God tells us to “Guard our heart…”.

The great business of a Christian’s life!

(John Flavel)

“Guard your heart above all else–for it determines the course of your life!” Proverbs 4:23

The heart is the seat of principles–and the fountain of actions. The eye of God is, and the eye of the Christian ought to be–principally fixed upon it.

The greatest difficulty in conversion–is to win the heart to God.
The greatest difficulty after conversion–is to keep the heart with God.

Here lies the very pinch and stress of religion; here is that that makes the way to life a narrow way, and the gate of Heaven a straight gate.

The keeping and right managing of the heart in every condition–is the great business of a Christian’s life!

“Oh, for a holier heart!
Oh for a heart to hate sin more!
Oh for a heart to love God more–and to walk more closely with Him!
Lord, whatever you deny me–do not deny me such a heart!
Give me a heart to fear You, love You and delight in You!”
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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

What is a “Random Act of Kindness”? A “random act of kindness” is a selfless act performed by a person or a group wishing to either assist or to cheer up an individual.

My wife demonstrated this on Wednesday night. It had been snowing. I was planning on shoveling the snow Thursday morning. About 2 am I checked to see if there was any further accumulation. What I saw was a “random act of kindness.” My wife had shoveled more than half our driveway. This was not a light fluffy snow. It was a wet and heavy snow.

I got up and went out and finished shoveling the driveway. Then invited her to breakfast at her favorite restaurant.

The book of Ruth shows Ruth’s kindness to Naomi. When she could have left Naomi, Ruth chose to go with Naomi. She was a comfort and encouragement to her.

Rahab was a harlot. However, she demonstrated a “random act of kindness”, by protecting the Jewish spies sent by Joshua.

The Bible tells us, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:” (Hebrews 10:24) and “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

This weekend, would you do a “random act of kindness” for someone. You will be blessed and so will the recipient.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

One of the greatest attributes of the Lord Jesus is His compassion. He sees a situation, which to us is hopeless, and comes along side and either remedies the problem or brings His comfort.

Today’s devotion deals with Jesus compassion.

Are we willing to allow Jesus to use us to be compassionate to others? Do we care about others problems? Are we willing to help?

Let us bear this in mind, and take comfort in it!

(J.C. Ryle, “The Gospel of Luke” 1858)

“When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, ‘Do not weep!’ Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, ‘Young man, I say to you, arise!'” Luke 7:13-14

We learn from these verses–how deep is the compassion of our Lord’s heart. We see this beautifully brought out in His behavior at this funeral in Nain. He meets the mournful procession accompanying the young man to his grave, and is moved with compassion at the sight. He does not wait to be requested to help. His help appears to have been neither asked for, nor expected. He saw the weeping mother, and knew well what her feelings must have been, for He had been born of a woman Himself.

At once He addressed her with words alike startling and touching. He said unto her, “Do not weep!” A few more seconds–and the meaning of His words became plain. The widow’s son was restored to her alive. Her darkness was turned into light–and her sorrow into joy.

Our Lord Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His heart is still as compassionate as when He was upon earth. His sympathy with sufferers is still as strong. Let us bear this in mind, and take comfort in it. 

There is no friend or comforter who can be compared to Christ. In all our days of darkness, which must needs be many–let us first turn for consolation to Jesus, the Son of God. He will never fail us, never disappoint us, and never refuse to take interest in our sorrows. 

He still lives–who made the widow’s heart sing for joy in the gate of Nain.
He still lives–to receive all laboring and heavy-laden ones, if they will only come to Him by faith.
He still lives–to heal the broken-hearted, and be a Friend who sticks closer than a brother.

And He lives to do greater things than these one day. He soon will come again for His people–that they may never weep again, and that all tears may be wiped forever from their eyes!
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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001