Archives for May 2020

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 prays for them, gives them seven portraits of the person of Christ, tells them how Christ reconciled them to Himself, how Christ dwells in them, and that they need to walk in Christ.

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

Walk in Christ (2:6-8)

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:⁷ Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.⁸ Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

The Colossians, like all other saved believers, received Christ by faith (Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9; Ephesians 2:8–9). Paul’s implication is that those who accepted Christ in faith ought to “walk”—to live and think—by faith, as well (Colossians 2:7). The false teachings confronting Colossae emphasized works and personal sacrifice as the means to pleasing God. It is true that works are a vital aspect of the Christian’s life (1 John 3:17–18), but these are the results of saving faith, not the source of it. Our walk with God must be rooted in faith—and therefore rooted in Him, not us—just as salvation is. Otherwise, our spirituality is based on human performance and is destined to fail.
A person who has received Christ as Lord will live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). This kind of faith will lead to many good works, but our salvation remains constant despite our actions because it is based on Christ and what He has done.

Paul provides three images that show the importance of walking in faith (Colossians 2:6). First, we are “rooted” in Christ. The idea is that of a tree or plant whose roots form the strength and basis for life. The believer’s roots are Christ, not another source, as false teachers would suggest. Second, the believer is “built up” in Christ. This building or architectural metaphor speaks of a building that is constructed by the power of Christ. Just as only Christ can save a person, only Christ can build up or mature a person. Third, to be “established” in the faith is a legal metaphor referring to maturity or something firmly decided.

The second half of the verse refers again to Epaphras, the man who brought Christianity to the Colossians. His outreach to these people included the true gospel, in contrast with the false teachings Paul is about to address. The result of the true gospel of Jesus is thanksgiving (Colossians 1:3; Colossians 4:2).

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 prays for them, gives them seven portraits of the person of Christ, tells them how Christ reconciled them to Himself, how Christ dwells in them, and that they need to walk in Christ.

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

Christ dwells within (1:24-27)

“Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: ²⁵ Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God;²⁶ Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:²⁷ To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:”

Colossians 1:24–29 completes this passage with an emphasis on Paul’s work as a minister. According to Paul, his suffering is a service he offers for the sake of Christ, on behalf of the other believers. Paul’s work for the sake for the church is just that: work. He is striving, fighting, and ”toiling” on behalf of his faith. All the same, Paul recognizes that anything he accomplishes is only through the power given through Christ.

The “mystery” of Christ was both for Jews and Gentiles. In addition to mystery, Paul here notes God’s sovereignty, which is His perfect and all-encompassing knowledge and control. The revelation came only when God chose to make it happen. This mystery was “great” both in content and impact among the Gentiles, including to the Colossian believers.

The glory of this mystery “is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Christ came to earth and also now lives in those who believe. Interestingly, this is the one place in Paul’s letters he uses the explicit phrasing of Christ “in you.” He seeks to make the gospel message very personal for these Colossian Christians, whom he has never personally met. With Christ in you, as a saved believer, you have the “hope of glory.” In other words, a believer can be confident of eternity with Christ in heaven when he or she knows Christ is already in them now.

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 prays for them, gives them seven portraits of the person of Christ, tells them how Christ reconciled them to Himself, how Christ dwells in them, and that they need to walk in Christ.

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

Reconciliation (1:20-23)

“And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.²¹ And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled ²² In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:²³ If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;”

Jesus provided reconciliation through the cross (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18; Ephesians 2:16). This reconciliation includes all things, in all places. This peace, however, came at a high price: the blood of Christ. Just as a sacrifice was used in the Old Testament to make peace and reconciliation with God, Jesus served as a once-for-all sacrifice on behalf of the sins of all people. Those who accept His sacrifice and believe have eternal life (John 3:16; Acts 4:12; Ephesians 2:8–9).

Christ reconciled me to Himself on 20 April 1972. It has been my desire to grow closer to Him, learn more about Him, and minister through Him, ever since.

How about you? Has Jesus reconciled Himself to you? Have you ever trusted Christ to be your Lord and Savior? He takes us as we are. All He wants is us to come to Him. He will do the rest.

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 prays for them, gives them seven portraits of the person of Christ, tells them how Christ reconciled them to Himself, how Christ dwells in them, and that they need to walk in Christ.

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

Seven portraits of the person of Christ (1:15-19)

“Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: ¹⁶ For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: ¹⁷ And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. ¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.¹⁹ For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell;”

1. Image of the invisible God. Jesus is God in human form, the visible image of the invisible God. The unseen God became seen, in the form of Jesus.

2. Firstborn of every creature. The term “firstborn” refers to supremacy, or priority. Jesus is the greatest over all creation. He is not a created being; He is the Creator.

3. By him were all things created. Jesus created all things.

4. He is before all things. Here, Paul explains that Jesus existed prior to all other things. He is eternal, just like God the Father (John 1:1–3). In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). God the Father, Son, and Spirit (Genesis 1:2–3) were all involved in creation.

5. He is the head of the body, the church. All believers are under Christ’s authority and leadership. The “head” is the source of decision-making, authority, and control. Christ is meant to be the source of our faith, and our lives should reflect His commands.

6. Firstborn from the dead. Paul refers to Jesus as “the firstborn from the dead,” a reference to His resurrection.

7. He might have the preeminence. Because Jesus rose from the dead, He is to be “preeminent.” The Greek wording in this last phrase emphasizes Jesus as supreme in all things.

This devotion should give us cause to think about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Without Jesus we would not be alive. He created us. He died for our sins. Sins He did not commit. He has given us life, physical and spiritual.

Ponder the greatness and supremacy of Jesus Christ.

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 prays for them, gives them seven portraits of the person of Christ, tells them how Christ reconciled them to Himself, how Christ dwells in them, and that they need to walk in Christ.

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

Paul’s prayer for the Colossians (1:9-14)

“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; ¹⁰ That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; ¹¹ Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;¹² Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:¹³ Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:¹⁴ In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:”

Paul was a prayer warrior. He prayed for the very things they would to be successful in their walk with the Lord.

1. Filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Each of us has prayed for the understanding of God’s will for our lives. Paul knew this would be important for the Colossians.
2. Ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; When we have tasted of the salvation of the Lord, we have a desire to walk worthy of the Lord. We desire to work, be fruitful, and know more about Jesus.
3. Strengthened with all might. Paul knew the Colossians would need God’s strength, power, patience, longsuffering, and joyfulness.
4. Giving thanks unto the Father. Paul wanted the Colossians to acknowledge God the Father. Many times, we as believers, do not give God the praise, honor, and respect due Him.
5. In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. Our redemption comes through Jesus shed blood on the cross for us. He forgives all our sins.

Tomorrow, we will look at seven portraits of the person of Jesus Christ.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Death is imminent. It happens to everyone. Have you thought about your funeral service? Scripture, bio, songs to be sung, or the person to conduct the service?

This devotional might help.

I desire that this may be the text at my funeral:

“The Aged Christian’s Final Farewell to the World and its Vanities” John Whitson, 1558-1629)

I desire that this may be the text at my funeral: Psalm 42:2, “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?”

Oh! when shall I ascend to the eternal throne of blessedness, where no comforts are lacking?

When shall I be covered with the glorious robe of immortality, and shine in the brightness of my Redeemer’s innocence?

When shall I behold the lovely face of my Lord and dwell in the courts of His holy temple, where . . .
  all tears shall be wiped away from my eyes,
  all sorrows removed from my heart,
  and all sins and spots are done away?

Where I shall exchange the dross of this world, for true and durable riches!

Where, instead of these earthly riches which moth and rust corrupt–I shall enjoy the heavenly riches of perfect peace and good conscience, never to be lost!

Instead of these false and flattering honors, I shall enjoy everlasting glory, and be admitted into the fellowship of my Redeemer to reign with Him in His glorious kingdom!

Instead of vain andmomentary pleasures, I shall be filled with fullness of joy and be ravished with those delights which neither eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man to conceive!

Instead of this dark and cloudy knowledge, I shall have my heart enlightened with the beams of the true light!

Instead of this feeble strength, I shall be endowed with the might of angels!

Instead of this transitory health, I shall enjoy a powerful and immortal vigor!

Instead of this fading beauty, I shall be adorned with the loveliness of Christ’s spouse!

Instead of long life, I shall be crowned with life eternal!

We shall sing, Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God almighty! Heaven and Earth are full of your glory. Glory be to You, O Lord, most High.

And now, as the deer pants for the water-brooks, so longs my soul after You, O God! (Psalm 42:1)
O that I had wings like a dove, that I might fly away and be at rest!
For whom have I in Heaven but You–and who is there upon earth that I desire but You? (Psalm 55:6)
My heart and my strength fail me, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever! (Psalm 73:26)
~  ~  ~  ~

One caveat to your plan needs to be the destination. This devotion is sufficient if you are planning to go to heaven. You have trusted Christ to be your Lord and Savior.

However, if you choose to go to hell, then the above devotion is not appropriate. There will be no comfort there. There will be unquenchable fire, no water, no relief, utter isolation, and no God.

We each make our own choices!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

God is in charge. He always has been and He always will.

Our devotion today, Nothing is left to chance, is a fitting testimony to the Sovereignty of God.

Nothing is left to ‘chance’

(James Smith)

“My times are in Your hand!” Psalm 31:15

Every event is under Divine control. Nothing is left to ‘chance’.

The hand of God is in all that occurs: directing, overruling, and sanctifying everything to our good and His glory.

He appointed all that concerns us, and appointed all in infinite wisdom and love. Therefore we should not judge rashly–or conclude hastily. We know not what may occur today–but we know that the purpose of God cannot be frustrated, nor can His purpose fail. He works all things after the counsel of His own will.

He says, “My purpose shall stand–and I will do all My pleasure.” But this is our comfort, that He takes pleasure in His people, and in the prosperity of His redeemed ones.

Let us consider, then, that everything that happens to us . . .
  passes under our Father’s eye;
  is overruled by our Savior’s power;
  is directed by the Holy Spirit to do us good.
It shall not be as our enemies wish, or as our hearts fear; but as our God and Father pleases, and has ordained.

Therefore do not be anxious, troubled, or cast down! The Lord God omnipotent reigns–and He is your Father and your God! He shall preserve you from all evil–He shall preserve your soul.

“We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Spurgeon: When you go through a trial, the sovereignty of God is the soft pillow upon which you lay your head. There is no attribute of God more comforting to His children than the doctrine of Divine Sovereignty. Under the most adverse circumstances, in the most severe troubles, they believe . . .
  that Sovereignty has ordained their afflictions,
  that Sovereignty overrules them, and
  that Sovereignty will sanctify them all.

 ~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This devotion from Thomas Watson was an encouragement to me. When we do things for God, whether great or small, whether seen or unseen, God sees. He remembers and rewards.

Read and rejoice in the great God we serve.

He puts a finger upon the scar!

(Thomas Watson)

“Our Father in Heaven.” Matthew 6:9

Since God is our Father–He will take notice of the least good He sees in His children.

If there is but a sigh for sin–He hears it.
“My groaning is not hidden from You.” Psalm 38:9

If there is but a penitential tear which comes out of the eye–He sees it.
“I have seen your tears.” Isaiah 38:5

If there is but a good intention–He takes notice of it.
“Since it was your desire to build a temple for My name, you have done well to have this desire.” 1 Kings 8:18

God takes notice of the least spark of grace in His children. “Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord.” 1 Peter 3:6. The Holy Spirit does not mention Sara’s unbelief, or laughing at the promise. He puts a finger upon the scar–and only takes notice of the good that was in her.

More, that good which the saints scarcely take notice of in themselves, God in a special manner observes. “I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink. Then the righteous will answer Him–Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink?” They as it were, overlooked and disclaimed their own works of charity! But Christ takes notice of them, “I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat.” Matthew 25

What comfort is this! God spies the least good in His children!He can see a grain of corn, hidden under much chaff. He can see a little grace, hidden under much corruption!

Those duties which we ourselves censure–He will crown. When a child of God looks over his best duties, he sees so much sin cleaving to them that he is confounded. “Lord,” he says, “there is more sulphur than incense, in my prayers.”

But for your comfort, if God is your Father, He will crown those duties which you yourselves censure. He sees there is sincerity in the hearts of His children. Though there may be many defects in the services of His children, He will not cast away their offering.

An earthly father kindly receives a letter from his young child–though there are blots and bad spelling in it. What blottings are there in our holy things! Yet our Father in Heaven accepts them. “It is my child!“ God says, “I will look upon him, through Christ–with a merciful eye!“
 ~  ~  ~  ~

God sees our works. Even when we feel no one cares, God does.

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Growing in grace is the title of today’s devotion.

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. ¹³ Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.¹⁴ But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.¹⁵ But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.¹⁶ For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.”     (1 Corinthians 2:12-16)

Growing in grace

(Thomas Moor, “Counsels and Thoughts for the Spiritual Life of Believers” 1882)

Remember that among your chief thoughts of the Lord Jesus, one must ever have a prominent place: that He is ever looking down upon you and watching you with tenderest love, and ordering all things for your good.

Sometimes it is spiritual medicine, at other times it is spiritual nourishment–but at all times it is spiritual good, and just what is best for you. He sees and knows just what is best for each day and hour. So, always when you think of Him, think of Him as thus looking down upon you and ever caring for you.

The Holy Spirit is ever leading us to think of Christ and to live for Christ and continually to look to Christ.

The natural mind makes self the center, and self the end.
The spiritual mind makes Christ the center, and Christ the end.
The more we seek Christ, and the less we seek self–the more we please Him.

Christ is the source and end both of grace on earth and glory in Heaven.
Grace in the heart, is glory in its beginnings.
Glory in Heaven, is grace in its full consummation.

Growing in grace is living more upon Christ, and living more for Christ, and growing more like Christ.

To learn of Christ and live upon Christ, is the highest experience of the soul here or hereafter!
~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Salvation is by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

When a person places their faith in Christ, they are changed. They no longer desire the things of this world, but the things of God. “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)

If a person claims to be a Christian, but does the things of this world, that person may be deceiving themselves. The Bible gives many characteristics of a true Christian. The fruit of the Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,²³ Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Today’s devotion is a challenge to make sure we are truly saved.

Once saved, always saved!

(Arthur Pink)

“They profess to know God, but they deny Him by their works.
 They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work!” Titus 1:16

I have met many people who profess to be Christians, but whose daily lives differ in nothing from thousands of non-professors all around them.

They are rarely, if ever, found at the prayer-meeting,
they have no family worship,
they seldom read the Scriptures,
they will not talk with you about the things of God,
their walk is thoroughly worldly, yet
they are quite sure that they are bound for Heaven!

Inquire into the ground of their confidence, and they will tell you that so many years ago they accepted Christ as their Savior, and “once saved, always saved” is now their comfort.

There are thousands of such people on earth today, who are nevertheless, on the Broad Road that leads to destruction, treading it with a false peace in their hearts and a vain profession on their lips!

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
 ~  ~  ~  ~

 Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001