Archives for 2018

Good morning,

Today we begin a study of the book of Jonah.

Download (Jonah-Introduction.docx, DOCX, 26KB)

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

“My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2)

It is a great comfort to me to know that the God of creation is the same God that helps me.

Psalm 121 is a Psalm of encouragement to Israel and to us. As we read the Psalm, make note of what the Lord will do for you.

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

² My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

³ He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

⁴ Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.

⁶ The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

⁷ The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

⁸ The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”

The Lord takes care of our every need. He never sleeps. The Lord is always ready to help when needed.

The Lord Jesus Christ can be counted upon in all situations. Trust Him today.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Today, we conclude our devotions on Psalm 119. It has been my desire that you have seen the importance the Psalmist placed on God’s word. His life was centered around trust in God and obedience to the word of God.

The application for us is to do the same.

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 119:169-176 The lost sheep

Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord: give me understanding according to thy word.

¹⁷⁰ Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.

¹⁷¹ My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.

¹⁷² My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.

¹⁷³ Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.

¹⁷⁴ I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my delight.

¹⁷⁵ Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.

¹⁷⁶ I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

The Psalmist trusts God for understanding, deliverance, teaching, help, life, and being found. He expresses praise, witness, supplication, longing for salvation, and a sincere commitment to God’s word.

The Psalmist sees himself as a lost sheep. God is his shepherd. He desires to be in the comfort of his Shepherd.

This is a good picture of us. Many times, we, as God’s children, stray from our Shepherd, Jesus Christ. We cry to Him, to find us and bring us back into the fold. Jesus does because He cares for His sheep. He comforts us, heals our wounds, and encourages us.

This study in Psalm 119 has been about the importance of God’s word in our lives. Please consider spending more time reading, studying, and applying God’s word to your 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 119:161-168 Rejoice in the word

“Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.

¹⁶² I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.

¹⁶³ I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.

¹⁶⁴ Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.

¹⁶⁵ Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

¹⁶⁶ Lord, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.

¹⁶⁷ My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.

¹⁶⁸ I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.”

The culmination for the Psalmist is rejoicing because of the word of God. He says his heart is in awe of the word. He rejoices, loves, praise, and kept the word. He uses love three times to describe his relationship to the word.

How often do we react that way about God’s word? Is it that precious to us? Or is it just another book on our bookshelf that we dust off each Sunday for church.

Yet our Bibles have everything we need to know about where we came from, why we are here, where we are going, and how we are going to get there. Cradle to grave. Sinner to saint. Death to life. Hell or heaven.

Why would we not rejoice over God’s precious 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 119:153-160 Deliver me

“Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.

¹⁵⁴ Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.

¹⁵⁵ Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.

¹⁵⁶ Great are thy tender mercies, O Lord: quicken me according to thy judgments.

¹⁵⁷ Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.

¹⁵⁸ I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.

¹⁵⁹ Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O Lord, according to thy lovingkindness.

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

Two words are key to today’s devotion. Deliver and quicken.

He pleads with God to deliver him from his enemies. This is a recurring theme. His confidence is in the Lord.

Quicken means make alive. Three times, the Psalmist, requests the Lord to quicken him. According to thy word, judgements, and lovingkindness.

He is grieved that his enemies do not keep the word. He knows that if they kept the word, statutes, and testimonies of God, they would not be his enemy.

We live in a world of wickedness. Believers in Christ have enemies all about us. Satan is the greatest enemy we have. We need deliverance daily from his influence in our lives.

The Psalmist stayed in God’s word for encouragement and wisdom. We should too.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Today we complete our study of 2 Peter. Chapter 3 tells us to LOOK FOR THE LORD’S RETURN.

2 Peter 3:1-18

LOOK FOR THE LORD’S RETURN

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” (2 Peter 3:10)

Look for the Lord’s return (2 Peter 3:1-18)

Though scoffers will come (3:1-9)

Who forget that the world was destroyed by water (3:1-7)

This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:² That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Savior: ³ Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,⁴ And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.⁵ For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:⁶ Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:⁷ But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

Do not forget that the Lord is not bound by time, and is longsuffering (3:8-9)

⁸ But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.⁹ The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

For the day of the Lord will come (3:10-18)

As a thief in the night with cataclysmic destruction (3:10,12)

¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.¹² Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

For which we should be ready, with holy conduct, looking for the promise of new heavens and a new earth in which righteous dwells (3:11, 13-14)

¹¹ Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,¹³ Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.¹⁴ Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Remembering the Lord’s longsuffering is salvation, as Paul wrote (3:15-16)

¹⁵ And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;¹⁶ As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

So beware lest you fall, growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ (3:17-18)

¹⁷ Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.¹⁸ 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.

Conclusion

Look for the coming of the Lord

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 119:145-152 Save me

“I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord: I will keep thy statutes.

¹⁴⁶ I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.

¹⁴⁷ I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.

¹⁴⁸ Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.

¹⁴⁹ Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O Lord, quicken me according to thy judgment.

¹⁵⁰ They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.

¹⁵¹ Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth.

¹⁵² Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.”

The Psalmist could not sleep. His enemies are near him. He cries out to God to save him from his enemies. Even in the midst of his troubles, he keeps thy statutes, testimonies, hoped, and meditated in the word of God. He was grounded in God’s word because he knew it was the truth and was founded by God.

This is a great example for us.

When we are in the midst of a trial, do we seek God first or as a last resort? Is God’s word a useful tool in determining the best course of action to take to resolve the issue?

The Psalmist knew where to go. Do we?

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 119:137-144 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness

“Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgments.

¹³⁸ Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.

¹³⁹ My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.

¹⁴⁰ Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

¹⁴¹ I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.

¹⁴² Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.

¹⁴³ Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.

¹⁴⁴ The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.

The Psalmist states that the Lord is righteous and His righteousness is everlasting. Then he states that the Lord’s testimonies are righteous, faithful, pure, truth, and everlasting. The commandments of the Lord are his delight and he will never forget thy precepts.

What does it mean to be righteous? Simply put, it means to do right. The standards for doing right are found in God’s word. Jesus Himself sets the example of what righteousness looks like. Love, empathy, mercy, and graciousness are good qualities.

We also see the examples of mortal men. Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joseph, David, Peter, Paul, and John, all lived righteous lives. Were they perfect, without sin in their lives? NO! However, the totality of their lives was lived in obedience to God and His word. When they failed, they repented of their sin, and resumed their work for God.

Do our lives exhibit righteousness? Are we living to glorify the Lord Jesus or ourselves? Does it matter?

It did to the Psalmist and should for each of 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 119:129-136 Love the Word, Pray, Weep

¹²⁹ Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.

¹³⁰ The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

¹³¹ I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.

¹³² Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.

¹³³ Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

¹³⁴ Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.

¹³⁵ Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.

¹³⁶ Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.

We will break down today’s lesson into three parts.

Verses 129-131 the Psalmist tells us how he views the word of God. It is wonderful, gives light and understanding, and he longs for God’s word.

Verses 132-135 the Psalmist requests that God would look upon him, be merciful, order his steps, deliver him from the oppression of men, and make God’s face to shine upon him.

Verse 136 gives us a picture of the Psalmist’s heart. He weeps over the lost who do not keep the word of God.

Here is a practical lesson on how to stay close to God. Love His word, pray for God to look upon you, and weep for the lost.

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 119:121-128 Psalmist requests to God

¹²¹ I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.

¹²² Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.

¹²³ Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.

¹²⁴ Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.

¹²⁵ I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.

¹²⁶ It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law.

¹²⁷ Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.

¹²⁸ Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

The Psalmist requests God to protect him from his enemies, be surety for thy servant for good, deal with him according to His mercy, to teach him God’s statutes, and understanding of God’s word.

He is already doing judgement, justice, serves God, loves God’s word, and states that God’s word is right.

The Psalmist desires to grow closer to God. He wants more understanding of God and His ways.

Prayer is our vehicle into the throne room of God. God is desirous of hearing from his children. He wants to teach and bless us.

BUT we must come and ask. He expects us to come to Him with humble hearts, seeking a relationship with the God who sent His Son for our salvation. He hears our prayers. He always answers our prayers. Sometimes not the way we want. Remember He knows everything and knows that HIS decision is the best.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001