Archives for May 2020

Good morning,

In the Gospel of John, Jesus makes seven statements beginning with the words I am. Each of these “I am” proclamations furthers our understanding of Jesus’ ministry in the world. They also link Jesus to the Old Testament revelation of God.

In the Old Testament, God revealed His name to Moses: “I AM THAT I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me unto you’” (Exodus 3:14). Thus, in Judaism, “I AM” is unquestionably understood as a name for God. Whenever Jesus made an “I am” statement in which He claimed attributes of deity, He was identifying Himself as God.

Jesus states, I am the bread of life, light of the world, the door, the good shepherd, the resurrection and the life, the way, the truth, and the life, and the true vine.

This week we will at each of these I AM statements.

“I am the bread of life.”

“Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.³² Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.³³ For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.³⁴ Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.³⁵ And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:31-35)

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. ⁴⁸ I am that bread of life.⁴⁹ Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.⁵⁰ This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.⁵¹ I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:47-51)

Jesus had just fed the five thousand men besides women and children with just two barley loaves and five small fish, yet the people were asking for another miracle for Jesus to prove who He said He was.

Jesus did not say he was like the bread they had just eaten. That would have been a simile whereas He compared Himself to bread. Instead, He said He was bread which is a metaphor. By saying that, He was emphasizing that He wasn’t just bread to fill someone’s hungry belly, but He was the bread that sustains. He said He was the bread of life, the living bread and the bread that was offered then and today as Jesus’ flesh.

As bread sustains physical life, so Christ offers and sustains spiritual life.

He also said He is the “…living bread…” He came in the flesh, to die for our sins, that we might have eternal life.

The “…living bread…” gives eternal life!

Partake in the “…bread of life.”

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

When Saul, the hater of believers in Christ, received Christ, his life was completely changed, including his name to Paul. Everywhere he went he was telling them about Jesus Christ.

Paul encourages the Colossians’ to follow Christ. Paul tells them to allow the word of God to dwell in them, whatever they do, do it heartily to the Lord, pray, and allow their speech be seasoned with salt.

We will look at each of these areas during this week’s devotions. 

Speech seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6)

“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

In Paul’s time, salt served primarily as a preservative, keeping meat from spoiling. It was valuable enough to be used as a form of currency. And, of course, it changes the flavor of whatever it is added to. In that regard, Paul’s use of this metaphor has more than one meaning. The believer’s words are to preserve the message of Christ, helping it effectively reach as many people as possible. What a Christian says ought to add value to the conversation; our words should be uplifting or helpful. Finally, the truth of our renewed Christian lives ought to be clear in the different “flavor” of how we speak and act.

Another aspect of gracious speech is the ability to answer the questions of unbelievers. Peter also noted the importance of this area of ministry, saying, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). Communicating Christ includes both a positive presentation of the gospel and the ability to defend it (Titus 1:9). Mere knowledge is not all that is required. In order to give an answer in a truly “Christian” way, a person must present truth using proper words and a proper attitude.

When we present the gospel message is it “…seasoned with salt…”?

When we are finished, have we left the door open for another opportunity to share Christ? Do we come across as a Know it all or I am better than you attitude?

Our presentation should be out of love. We should be concerned for this soul who Christ died. Remembering that we do not win souls. The Holy Spirit convicts men and women of their sin. We just present the message.

Will we go with a message “…seasoned with salt…”?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

When Saul, the hater of believers in Christ, received Christ, his life was completely changed, including his name to Paul. Everywhere he went he was telling them about Jesus Christ.

Paul encourages the Colossians’ to follow Christ. Paul tells them to allow the word of God to dwell in them, whatever they do, do it heartily to the Lord, pray, and allow their speech be seasoned with salt.

We will look at each of these areas during this week’s devotions. 

Pray (Colossians 4:2-4)

“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;³ Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:⁴ That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.”

Paul began the letter to the Colossians by praying for them. Now, he requests that they continue in prayer for him. He wants them to pray for opportunities to share Christ with others. He also requests that he would have the right words to say.

What a great prayer.

We should be praying that for our Pastors, missionaries, and each other. The Great Commission was not only given to the apostles, but to every one of us. The only way we will be successful in this endeavor is by prayer. When we pray, the Holy Spirit will lead us to people who need to hear about Jesus and how they can become believers in Christ.

Ephesians 6:18-20 explains in detail Colossians 4:2-4.

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; ¹⁹ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,²⁰ For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

Paul says, “Continue in prayer…” Never stop. We should be in a continual state of prayer. Remember, prayer is talking with God. We should be having a continual conversation with God. No item is too trivial to God.

“Pray without ceasing.¹⁸ In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)

The challenge then is continual prayer and going to the lost and tell them about Jesus.

Will we pray and go?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

When Saul, the hater of believers in Christ, received Christ, his life was completely changed, including his name to Paul. Everywhere he went he was telling them about Jesus Christ.

Paul encourages the Colossians’ to follow Christ. Paul tells them to allow the word of God to dwell in them, whatever they do, do it heartily to the Lord, pray, and allow their speech be seasoned with salt.

We will look at each of these areas during this week’s devotions. 

Whatsoever ye do… (Colossians 3:23-25)

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; ²⁴ Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.²⁵ But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.”

In context, Paul is writing to servants. He tells them to serve their masters as if they were serving God.

We are the servants of Christ. We are also servants to others. Maybe an employer or someone who has the rule over us.

Sometimes the people we serve do not know Jesus as personal Lord and Savior. Their view of life is worldly and corrupt. They make fun of or curse the Lord Jesus Christ.

How should we respond?

“…whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord…” We are not to rebel, cause dissension, be bitter, or complain. We should obey God’s word, exemplify the person of Jesus Christ, and love our master. Then God is glorified and we may have opportunity to tell the person about salvation in Jesus Christ.

Romans 13:1-7 explains Colossians 3:23-25.

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.² Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.³ For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:⁴ For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. ⁵ Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.⁶ For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.⁷ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”  

This should change our approach to being a servant. Whomever we serve should be served as if they were the Lord Jesus Christ.

Are we willing to take God’s judgement for failing to serve others properly? Think about employers, ministers, our President (previous and present), state and local officials, and Jesus Himself.

Service=Obedience

Ponder God’s word and then act upon God’s truth.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

When Saul, the hater of believers in Christ, received Christ, his life was completely changed, including his name to Paul. Everywhere he went he was telling them about Jesus Christ.

Paul encourages the Colossians’ to follow Christ. Paul tells them to allow the word of God to dwell in them, whatever they do, do it heartily to the Lord, pray, and allow their speech be seasoned with salt.

We will look at each of these areas during this week’s devotions. 

The Word of God (Colossians 3:16-17)

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.¹⁷ And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

1) Paul knew the Word of God, Jesus. He knew that His teachings were the foundation for living the Christian life.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

2) Paul also knew that the Word of God was truthful.

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)

3) Paul knew that the Word of God was quick, powerful, and sharp.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrew 4:12)

4) Paul knew that the Word of God would stand forever.

“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” (Isaiah 40:8)

It is important to know the Word of God.

Paul goes a step further. He challenges the Colossians’ to teach the Word of God through psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. He wants them to do everything in the name of Jesus, while giving thanks to God the Father.

That is the challenge for us today.

Do we know God’s Word? Do we know it well enough to teach it? Would someone who did not know us, see Jesus in us? And are we giving thanks to God?

The letter to the Colossians was not written solely to the leadership. It was written to individual church members. God has given us the responsibility to carry out His work.

Are we willing to accept God’s challenge of service?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

When Saul, the hater of believers in Christ, received Christ, his life was completely changed, including his name to Paul. Everywhere he went he was telling them about Jesus Christ.

In the letter to the Colossians Paul encourages them to follow Christ. Paul tells them that they are risen with Christ, forgiven and why, challenges them to seek Christ, and contrasts the old man and the new man.

We will look at each of these areas during this week’s devotions. 

New man: Put ON (Colossians 3:10-15)

“And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:¹¹ Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.¹² Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;¹³ Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. ¹⁴ And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. ¹⁵ And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

When we trust Christ as Savior and Lord we are changed. We are “…renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” We have the knowledge of Christ.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

God gives us new desires and motivations. We should see a change in how we live our lives. The character qualities listed should be evident in our lives.

The life of Christ demonstrates these characteristics. Take any story about Jesus and one of these character qualities will appear. Jesus is our example. When we see Jesus, we see what we should desire to be.

The other thing to remember is that Jesus was, before our salvation, and is now, doing all these things for us. Think about His forgiveness of our sin, His mercy, His kindness, His longsuffering, and His charity, love.

These character qualities bind. They bring people together. They build up people. These are the character qualities that make the body of Christ work efficiently.

Have we put on the new man? Do we desire to be like Jesus? Are we willing to obey God’s word and become more like Christ?

Today would be a good day to start!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

When Saul, the hater of believers in Christ, received Christ, his life was completely changed, including his name to Paul. Everywhere he went he was telling them about Jesus Christ.

In the letter to the Colossians Paul encourages them to follow Christ. Paul tells them that they are risen with Christ, forgiven and why, challenges them to seek Christ, and contrasts the old man and the new man.

We will look at each of these areas during this week’s devotions. 

The old man: Put OFF (Colossians 3:5-9)

“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:⁶ For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:⁷ In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.⁸ But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.⁹ Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;”

Mortify means kill or put to death. Paul is telling the Colossians, and us, to put to death these sins. Continuing in these sins, brings the wrath of God upon on them.

Further, Paul tells the Colossians, and us, to put off certain character qualities. All of these lead to disharmony, disloyalty, and separation between believers in Christ.

Although, we think believers in Christ do not participate in these types of behavior, they do. It is obvious in the first century church and in the twenty-first century church of today.

God is giving us a warning. Will we heed the warning?

Tomorrow, we will see what we are to Put ON.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

When Saul, the hater of believers in Christ, received Christ, his life was completely changed, including his name to Paul. Everywhere he went he was telling them about Jesus Christ.

In the letter to the Colossians Paul encourages them to follow Christ. Paul tells them that they are risen with Christ, forgiven and why, challenges them to seek Christ, and contrasts the old man and the new man.

We will look at each of these areas during this week’s devotions. 

Challenge to seek Christ (Colossians 3:1-4)

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.² Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.³ For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.⁴ When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”

Who is risen with Christ? Those, who by faith, have trusted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

What does God tell us to do? Seek those things above. Heavenly things. The Bible tells us of these things. God gives us everything we need to know about things above. How to live above this world.

After we know, then we set our affections on the things above. Do we have more affection for the things of this world or for those of heaven? What we have here is very temporary. What we have in heaven is eternal.

Christ bought us from the slave market of sin. He saved us, forgave all our sins, cleaned us up, and gave us His life. We have eternal life through Jesus.

These verses should motivate us to live totally for Jesus. To do everything to honor and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.² And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2)

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

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

When Saul, the hater of believers in Christ, received Christ, his life was completely changed, including his name to Paul. Everywhere he went he was telling them about Jesus Christ.

In the letter to the Colossians Paul encourages them to follow Christ. Paul tells them that they are risen with Christ, forgiven and why, challenges them to seek Christ, and contrasts the old man and the new man.

We will look at each of these areas during this week’s devotions. 

Forgiven and why (Colossians 2:13-15)

“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; ¹⁴ Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;¹⁵ And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”

Prior to salvation, we were dead to the ways of God. We lived for self. We engaged in all the worldly pleasures Satan gave us.

Then we trusted Christ as Savior and Lord. He quickened, or made us alive in Him. Our desires no longer are centered on pleasing self, but pleasing God. When we repented of our sin, Christ forgave all our transgressions, sin.

We owed a debt we could not pay. He paid that debt that He did not owe. He blotted out the “…handwriting of ordinances…” Those being the list of all our sins. He nailed them to His cross. It is significant that it was nailed to Jesus cross. No other cross or person would have been sufficient.

ONLY JESUS!

Having conquered sin and death, He triumphed over the powers of evil, and Satan. The battle is over and Christ has overcome Satan.

Satan no longer has dominion over the child of God.

Believers in Christ never have to be discouraged or defeated. Jesus Christ who bought our salvation is also the one who has defeated Satan.

Trust Jesus. Obey His word. He will bring you through.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

When Saul, the hater of believers in Christ, received Christ, his life was completely changed, including his name to Paul. Everywhere he went he was telling them about Jesus Christ.

In the letter to the Colossians Paul encourages them to follow Christ. Paul tells them that they are risen with Christ, forgiven and why, challenges them to seek Christ, and contrasts the old man and the new man.

We will look at each of these areas during this week’s devotions. 

Risen with Christ (Colossians 2:12)

“Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”

When we, by faith, trusted Christ to be our Lord and Savior, we died, were buried, and then raised from the dead.

Romans 6:3-7 explains what happened.

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?⁴ Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.⁵ For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:⁶ Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.⁷ For he that is dead is freed from sin.”

Through faith in Christ we have a new life, we identify with and live our lives for Jesus Christ. Since the “old man” has been crucified, we no longer serve sin. Sin has no dominion over us. (Romans 6:9)

What a liberating thought. “For he that is dead is freed from sin.” We no longer have to serve sin. We choose to sin. Just like Adam and Eve. One command from God. They could choose to obey or reject God’s command. Same for us today. We will be tempted, but we are the only one who can obey or disobey God’s commands.

Choose wisely!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001