Archives for July 2018

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Good morning,

Today we start our study of 2 Peter.

The Introduction and outline are attached.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 71

Good morning,

The Bible is the greatest book ever written. It tells us how the world began, how it will end, and its complete history. It tells us about life and death. It tells us why there is so much wickedness in the world. It tells us of the love of God. It explains what sin is and why we need a Savior.

The greatest chapter of the Bible dealing with God’s word is Psalm 119. The 176 verses are divided into twenty-two groups of eight verses each. The first group of eight begin with the Hebrew letter aleph. The next eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter beth. This pattern continues throughout the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

Psalm 119:81-88 I forsook not thy precepts

“⁸¹ My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.

⁸² Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?

⁸³ For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.

⁸⁴ How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?

⁸⁵ The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.

⁸⁶ All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.

⁸⁷ They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.

⁸⁸ Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.”

The Psalmist is being persecuted. He asks God to comfort him, execute judgement on his enemies, and quicken him.

The Psalmist’s bedrock is God’s word. In the midst of his persecution he continues to obey the commandments of God.

Believers in Christ should have that same perspective.  Every decision we make should be based on the word of God. If what we want to do is in conflict with God’s word, DON’T DO IT! God gave us His word to be obeyed, not to limit our freedom, but to protect us from the evil in this world.

Obey God’s word..

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

The Bible is the greatest book ever written. It tells us how the world began, how it will end, and its complete history. It tells us about life and death. It tells us why there is so much wickedness in the world. It tells us of the love of God. It explains what sin is and why we need a Savior.

The greatest chapter of the Bible dealing with God’s word is Psalm 119. The 176 verses are divided into twenty-two groups of eight verses each. The first group of eight begin with the Hebrew letter aleph. The next eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter beth. This pattern continues throughout the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

Psalm 119:73-80 That I be not ashamed

“Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.

⁷⁴ They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.

⁷⁵ I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.

⁷⁶ Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.

⁷⁷ Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.

⁷⁸ Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.

⁷⁹ Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.

⁸⁰ Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.”

The Psalmist acknowledges the creative power of God, His judgements, and His merciful kindness. He requests God’s mercy for his comfort and life. He prays that God would take care of his enemies.

The Psalmist heart is centered around the word of God. He requests understanding to learn God’s commandments. Everything he does is “…according to thy word…” He hopes, delights, and meditates, in the word of God.

The result of the Psalmist’s desire to know God’s word is that “…my heart be sound in the statutes…that I be not ashamed.”

This challenges me to spend more quality time studying and applying God’s word to my life.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The Bible is the greatest book ever written. It tells us how the world began, how it will end, and its complete history. It tells us about life and death. It tells us why there is so much wickedness in the world. It tells us of the love of God. It explains what sin is and why we need a Savior.

The greatest chapter of the Bible dealing with God’s word is Psalm 119. The 176 verses are divided into twenty-two groups of eight verses each. The first group of eight begin with the Hebrew letter aleph. The next eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter beth. This pattern continues throughout the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

Psalm 119:65-72 God’s word overcomes evil and is better than gold and silver

“Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O Lord, according unto thy word.

⁶⁶ Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.

⁶⁷ Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.

⁶⁸ Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.

⁶⁹ The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.

⁷⁰ Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.

⁷¹ It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

⁷² The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.”

The Psalmist’s testimony is that when evil came against him, he turned to God’s word. It was in the times of affliction that he learned the most from God’s word. He then states that God’s word is greater than gold or silver.

It should be our desire to study God’s word all the time. Not just in times of affliction. Then when we are tested, we are well able to stand firm on God’s word.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

The Bible is the greatest book ever written. It tells us how the world began, how it will end, and its complete history. It tells us about life and death. It tells us why there is so much wickedness in the world. It tells us of the love of God. It explains what sin is and why we need a Savior.

The greatest chapter of the Bible dealing with God’s word is Psalm 119. The 176 verses are divided into twenty-two groups of eight verses each. The first group of eight begin with the Hebrew letter aleph. The next eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter beth. This pattern continues throughout the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

Psalm 119:57-64 Immediate Obedience with Genuine Commitment

“Thou art my portion, O Lord: I have said that I would keep thy words.

⁵⁸ I intreated thy favor with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.

⁵⁹ I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

⁶⁰ I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.

⁶¹ The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.

⁶² At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.

⁶³ I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.

⁶⁴ The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.”

The Psalmist uses words like “haste’ and “delayed not” in reference to the speed in which he desired to keep God’s word.  Immediate obedience to God’s word is paramount to him. His obedience is directly related to his relationship to God.

Then he shows his commitment to God. He acknowledges God as “my portion”. He asks the Lord for His favor, turns to God’s word, gives thanks at midnight, and is obedient to God’s word.

In the beginning of this passage, the Psalmist asks for mercy and at the end he acknowledges that the whole earth is full of His mercy.

Then, humbly, asks God to teach him.

That should be the pattern for our lives. Immediate obedience, seeking God’s favor, word, and mercy. Being thankful for God’s word. Having a desire for God to teach us His word.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The Bible is the greatest book ever written. It tells us how the world began, how it will end, and its complete history. It tells us about life and death. It tells us why there is so much wickedness in the world. It tells us of the love of God. It explains what sin is and why we need a Savior.

The greatest chapter of the Bible dealing with God’s word is Psalm 119. The 176 verses are divided into twenty-two groups of eight verses each. The first group of eight begin with the Hebrew letter aleph. The next eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter beth. This pattern continues throughout the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

Psalm 119:49-56 The Troubles of Life

“Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.

⁵⁰ This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

⁵¹ The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.

⁵² I remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord; and have comforted myself.

⁵³ Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.

⁵⁴ Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.

⁵⁵ I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept thy law.

⁵⁶ This I had, because I kept thy precepts.”

When troubles come upon us, how do we react? The Psalmist was comforted by God’s word. He found hope, life, and comfort. He understood that God was with him during his affliction.

During his time of affliction, he did not forsake God or his word. He used God’s word to encourage himself. He used God’s word as his hymnal.

Many of the Bible’s verses have become Scripture songs. Learning these is a practical and fun way to memorize Scripture. Then when trouble, trials, and tribulations come, we will be able to draw upon them for comfort and encouragement.

We must remember that the Psalmist received the blessings of God’s word because he obeyed God’s word. If we fail to obey God’s word, we will fail to receive the blessings that God wants to shower upon us.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The Bible is the greatest book ever written. It tells us how the world began, how it will end, and its complete history. It tells us about life and death. It tells us why there is so much wickedness in the world. It tells us of the love of God. It explains what sin is and why we need a Savior.

The greatest chapter of the Bible dealing with God’s word is Psalm 119. The 176 verses are divided into twenty-two groups of eight verses each. The first group of eight begin with the Hebrew letter aleph. The next eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter beth. This pattern continues throughout the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

Psalm 119:41-48

“Let thy mercies come also unto me, O Lord, even thy salvation, according to thy word.

⁴² So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.

⁴³ And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.

⁴⁴ So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.

⁴⁵ And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.

⁴⁶ I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.

⁴⁷ And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.

⁴⁸ My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.”

The love of God’s word requires a response.

The Psalmist put “shoe leather” to his convictions about God’s word. Each verse tells what he is doing or what he will do.

The word of God equals ACTION!

All these actions have to do with how the Psalmist sees God’s word.

Merciful, trust, hope, keep, walk, seek, speak, delight, love, lift up, and meditate.

When we read the word of God, do we identify with the Psalmist, or is our rendering of God’s word less intense?

These verses give us a greater appreciation for God’s word.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The Bible is the greatest book ever written. It tells us how the world began, how it will end, and its complete history. It tells us about life and death. It tells us why there is so much wickedness in the world. It tells us of the love of God. It explains what sin is and why we need a Savior.

The greatest chapter of the Bible dealing with God’s word is Psalm 119. The 176 verses are divided into twenty-two groups of eight verses each. The first group of eight begin with the Hebrew letter aleph. The next eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter beth. This pattern continues throughout the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

Psalm 119:33-40

“Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.³⁴ Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.³⁵ Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.³⁶ Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.³⁷ Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.³⁸ Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.³⁹ Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.⁴⁰ Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.”

Notice the Psalmist’s request. He requested to be taught the statutes, given understanding, follow God’s commandments, turn him to the Scriptures, and away from wickedness, to establish the word of God, and for righteousness.

The Psalmist wants these so that he can use them. He will keep the God’s word with his whole heart. He delights in God’s word. He is devoted to God. He acknowledges that God’s judgments are good. He longs for God’s word.

What a challenge for us! Do we pray like the Psalmist did? Do we want what the Psalmist wanted? Do we long to know, understand, and delight in God’s word?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The Bible is the greatest book ever written. It tells us how the world began, how it will end, and its complete history. It tells us about life and death. It tells us why there is so much wickedness in the world. It tells us of the love of God. It explains what sin is and why we need a Savior.

The greatest chapter of the Bible dealing with God’s word is Psalm 119. The 176 verses are divided into twenty-two groups of eight verses each. The first group of eight begin with the Hebrew letter aleph. The next eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter beth. This pattern continues throughout the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

The focal point for the 176 verses is the Word of God. This Psalm includes seven names for the Word of God. These seven names are: “thy law,” ”thy testimonies,” “thy word,” “thy statutes,” “thy judgments,” “thy precepts,” and “thy commandments.”

Psalm 119:25-32

“My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.²⁶ I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.²⁷ Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.²⁸ My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.²⁹ Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.³⁰ I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.³¹ I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O Lord, put me not to shame.³² I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.”

The Psalmist begs God to make him alive, strengthen him, according to the word of God. The word of God is powerful. It encourages us and makes us able to stand in this world of wickedness.

He asks God to teach him and allow him to understand.

He has chosen the path of righteousness and asks God to keep him from lying. He then uses two action verbs, stuck and run. He has stuck or kept the commandments of God and desires to run to them.

Is this our commitment to God’s word? Is it our desire to understand God’s word, to keep it, to run to it? Are we willing to allow God’s word to convict us of our sin? Do we want God to remove our sin from us?

These verses challenge us to ask God for understanding of His word. To run to the word of God and keep His commandments.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

The Bible is the greatest book ever written. It tells us how the world began, how it will end, and its complete history. It tells us about life and death. It tells us why there is so much wickedness in the world. It tells us of the love of God. It explains what sin is and why we need a Savior.

The greatest chapter of the Bible dealing with God’s word is Psalm 119. The 176 verses are divided into twenty-two groups of eight verses each. The first group of eight begin with the Hebrew letter aleph. The next eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter beth. This pattern continues throughout the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

The focal point for the 176 verses is the Word of God. This Psalm includes seven names for the Word of God. These seven names are: “thy law,” ”thy testimonies,” “thy word,” “thy statutes,” “thy judgments,” “thy precepts,” and “thy commandments.”

Psalm 119:17-24

“Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. ¹⁸ Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.¹⁹ I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.²⁰ My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.²¹ Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.²² Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.²³ Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.²⁴ Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.”

The Psalmist is humble before God. He requests life and power to keep God’s word.

He asks God to open his eyes to the wonders of God’s word and not to hide God’s word from him. The Psalmist has a longing to be obedient to God’s commands at all times.

God’s word is his delight and counselor.

Are we humble to God and His word? Do we long to be obedient to the word of God? Do we delight in God’s word? Is God’s word our counselor?

These verses challenge us to humble ourselves before God, long to be obedient to His word, and to accept counsel from the word of God.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001