Archives for April 2022

Good morning,

God is always at work.

The Scriptures are filled with incidents when it seemed that a disaster was on the horizon. There was no help in sight. BUT GOD…

That is what we will be looking at this week. How God intervenes in the affairs of men and nations.

But God acts:

And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.³⁰ But God raised him from the dead:³¹ And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. (Acts 13:29-31)

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; (1 Corinthians 1:27)

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10)

 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.⁷ So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)

CONCLUSION

God acts on the behalf of men

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

God is always at work.

The Scriptures are filled with incidents when it seemed that a disaster was on the horizon. There was no help in sight. BUT GOD…

That is what we will be looking at this week. How God intervenes in the affairs of men and nations.

But God is:

But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. (Psalm 75:7)

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.²¹ Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. (Galatians 3:20-21)

These verses give us three characteristics of God. He is a judge, He is faithful, and He is a mediator.

As we walk through this world, it is encouraging to know that God judges wisely, He is faithful to His word, and that when we need a mediator, He is there. We do not walk alone!

Ponder that thought. Then think about how God has blest you by His presence.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

BUT GOD

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, (Ephesians 2:4)

Introduction

But God helped in time of need:

And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. (Genesis 31:7)

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. (Genesis 50:20)

And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand. (1 Samuel 23:14)

My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. (Psalm 73:26)

The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness. (Proverbs 21:12)

And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,¹⁰ And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. (Acts 7:9-10)

For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. (Philippians 2:27)

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,⁵ Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (Ephesians 2:3-5)

But God will:

But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah. (Psalm 49:15)

But God is:

But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. (Psalm 75:7)

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.²¹ Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. (Galatians 3:20-21)

But God acts:

And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.³⁰ But God raised him from the dead:³¹ And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. (Acts 13:29-31)

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; (1 Corinthians 1:27)

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10)

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.⁷ So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)

CONCLUSION

God acts on the behalf of men

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

God is always at work.

The Scriptures are filled with incidents when it seemed that a disaster was on the horizon. There was no help in sight. BUT GOD…

That is what we will be looking at this week. How God intervenes in the affairs of men and nations.

But God will:

But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah. (Psalm 49:15)

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;¹⁹ But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1 Peter 1:18-19)

God is in the business of redeeming our souls. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.¹⁷ For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)

Redeemed—how I love to proclaim it

1

Redeemed—how I love to proclaim it!

Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;

Redeemed through His infinite mercy,

His child, and forever, I am.

Chorus

Redeemed, redeemed,

Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;

Redeemed, redeemed,

His child, and forever, I am.

2

Redeemed and so happy in Jesus,

No language my rapture can tell;

I know that the light of His presence

With me doth continually dwell.

3

I think of my blessed Redeemer,

I think of Him all the day long;

I sing, for I cannot be silent;

His love is the theme of my song.

4

I know I shall see in His beauty

The King in whose way I delight;

Who lovingly guardeth my footsteps,

And giveth me songs in the night.

Have you been redeemed? Have you told others how they may be redeemed?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

God is always at work.

The Scriptures are filled with incidents when it seemed that a disaster was on the horizon. There was no help in sight. BUT GOD…

That is what we will be looking at this week. How God intervenes in the affairs of men and nations.

BUT GOD

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, (Ephesians 2:4)

But God helped in time of need:

And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. (Genesis 31:7)

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. (Genesis 50:20)

And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand. (1 Samuel 23:14)

My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. (Psalm 73:26)

The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness. (Proverbs 21:12)

And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,¹⁰ And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. (Acts 7:9-10)

For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. (Philippians 2:27)

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,⁵ Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (Ephesians 2:3-5)

Jacob, Joseph, David, the righteous man, Epaphroditus, and the children of wrath, were all helped by God in their worst circumstances. God protected, delivered, overthrew the wicked, gave mercy, quickened or made alive.

God is still at work in our lives. When we are in need, God is there to help us. We just need to call on His name.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Redeemed 50 years with Jesus

“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)

Good morning,

This week is special for me. Fifty years ago, God drew me to Himself. Through a series of events, including a Dear John letter, church members caring for my soul, a university professor who taught God’s word, and the convicting power of the Holy Spirit of God, brought me to my knees in repentance and belief in Jesus Christ.

Let me tell you about it.

SPIRITUAL BIRTHDAYS

Spiritual birthdays are not commonly celebrated by believers. I think Spiritual birthdays are more important than our physical birth. The second birth brings us into God’s kingdom. It allows us many benefits, not the least of which is having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Today meditate on that day you first believed. Has it changed your life? What have you learned about Jesus since then? Does anyone know that you are a believer? Have you told anyone of the hope that lies within you? Are you being God’s ambassador for your heavenly home?

It is good to take time to remember what God has done for you.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Redeemed 50 years with Jesus

“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)

Good morning,

This week is special for me. Fifty years ago, God drew me to Himself. Through a series of events, including a Dear John letter, church members caring for my soul, a university professor who taught God’s word, and the convicting power of the Holy Spirit of God, brought me to my knees in repentance and belief in Jesus Christ.

Let me tell you about it.

MINISTRY YEARS

When I graduated from Boise State, I entered the ministry. I joined the Military Ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. I ministered to the needs of our servicemen and women from all branches of service.

Then I transitioned to working in a local church in California. From there I was recruited to a position in a church ministry in Anchorage, Alaska. That is where I met my wife to be.

MARRIAGE

July 16, 1983 God gave me my wife, Kathy. She has been my friend, companion, mentor, and help mate for the last thirty-eight years. For all these years she has never wavered in her support and love for me. She is the greatest!

THE WASI ADVENTURE

November 1, 2013, I began God’s next adventure for me. Chaplain at the Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc (WASI). What a privilege to serve our fine seniors. Even more when they minister to me. 

I have been given the opportunity to write a Daily Devotion on the WASI website. Preach and teach God’s word during a midweek Bible service. Minister to our sick in hospitals around the area.

THE FUTURE

God has allowed me to be here today. He still has something for me to do. I will continue to be about my Father’s business.

I am satisfied. God has tremendously blessed me. He has allowed me to serve Him in different capacities over the years. Nothing of any value for the kingdom’s sake has been by my power. All has been done through the power of God.

While pursuing my degree at Boise State, I was involved in the on campus ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. They taught me the basics of discipleship, sharing Christ with others, and how to minister for Christ. I was challenged to higher levels of responsibility within the ministry.

Then God called me to go full time. Immediately after graduation, I was in the process of raising support. In March of 1975, I was in Monterey, California on my first assignment at the Presidio of Monterey.

Tomorrow, spiritual birthdays.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Redeemed 50 years with Jesus

“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)

Good morning,

Today is a special day for me. Fifty years ago, God drew me to Himself. Through a series of events, including a Dear John letter, church members caring for my soul, a university professor who taught God’s word, and the convicting power of the Holy Spirit of God, brought me to my knees in repentance and belief in Jesus Christ.

Let me tell you about it.

CHILDHOOD

I was born in 1948 in Chicago, Illinois.

My mother was born in Czechoslovakia of Jewish heritage. She was the only one of her family who survived the Holocaust. My dad was from a Protestant background. They were married in 1946 and decided that they would not teach their children about anything religious.

When I was 11 my father did not come home. My parents were soon divorced and my life completely changed. This was 1960. Divorce was not common. My brother and I lived with my mother. I was a rebellious child and my mother could not handle me, so I went to live with my dad and his new wife. These events have shaped the way I see divorce and how to deal with it.

MILITARY SERVICE #1

In June 1968 I began my relationship with the military. I began my service career with three years of active duty in the United States Army (1 year in Viet Nam), followed by three years of duty in the Idaho Army National Guard. During this time, I was introduced to the person of Jesus Christ.

BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY

I attended Boise State University from fall 1971 through December 1974. I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. I took a break from the military, 1975 to 1985. Then in 1985 did another twenty-three years on active duty with the Alaska Army National Guard. Followed by five years of being a military contractor.

SALVATION

On April 20, 1972 my life changed forever. On that day I trusted Christ as my Savior and Lord. I embraced the fact that Jesus came to shed His perfect blood to pay for my sin debt. A debt I could not pay. Jesus died on the cross, was buried, rose again the third day, and being God, ascended to His rightful place in heaven.

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

That was the beginning of a great adventure of learning about Jesus Christ and how I could share Him with others. It has been amazing to watch what God has done over all these years. He has trained me, led me, corrected me, chastised me, was patient with me, was merciful, compassionate, rejoiced and wept over me. When I meditate on all God has done, Psalm 63:5-7 comes to mind.

“My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.” (Psalm 63:5-7)

I began to learn about Jesus from the Bible. This changed my approach to life. My life would now be directed from the pages of Scripture. My desires, actions, approach, and conduct would be dictated by the Scriptures. Decisions were based on what the Bible stated.

MINISTRY YEARS

When I graduated from Boise State, I entered the ministry. I joined the Military Ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. I ministered to the needs of our servicemen and women from all branches of service.

Then I transitioned to working in a local church in California. From there I was recruited to a position in a church ministry in Anchorage, Alaska. That is where I met my wife to be.

MARRIAGE

July 16, 1983 God gave me my wife, Kathy. She has been my friend, companion, mentor, and help mate for the last thirty-eight years. For all these years she has never wavered in her support and love for me. She is the greatest!

THE WASI ADVENTURE

November 1, 2013, I began God’s next adventure for me. Chaplain at the Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc (WASI). What a privilege to serve our fine seniors. Even more when they minister to me. 

I have been given the opportunity to write a Daily Devotion on the WASI website. Preach and teach God’s word during a midweek Bible service. Minister to our sick in hospitals around the area.

THE FUTURE

God has allowed me to be here today. He still has something for me to do. I will continue to be about my Father’s business.

I am satisfied. God has tremendously blessed me. He has allowed me to serve Him in different capacities over the years. Nothing of any value for the kingdom’s sake has been by my power. All has been done through the power of God.

SPIRITUAL BIRTHDAYS

Spiritual birthdays are not commonly celebrated by believers. I think Spiritual birthdays are more important than our physical birth. The second birth brings us into God’s kingdom. It allows us many benefits, not the least of which is having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Today meditate on that day you first believed. Has it changed your life? What have you learned about Jesus since then? Does anyone know that you are a believer? Have you told anyone of the hope that lies within you? Are you being God’s ambassador for your heavenly home?

It is good to take time to remember what God has done for you.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Redeemed 50 years with Jesus

“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)

Good morning,

This week is special for me. Fifty years ago, God drew me to Himself. Through a series of events, including a Dear John letter, church members caring for my soul, a university professor who taught God’s word, and the convicting power of the Holy Spirit of God, brought me to my knees in repentance and belief in Jesus Christ.

Let me tell you about it.

SALVATION

On April 20, 1972 my life changed forever. On that day I trusted Christ as my Savior and Lord. I embraced the fact that Jesus came to shed His perfect blood to pay for my sin debt. A debt I could not pay. Jesus died on the cross, was buried, rose again the third day, and being God, ascended to His rightful place in heaven.

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

That was the beginning of a great adventure of learning about Jesus Christ and how I could share Him with others. It has been amazing to watch what God has done over all these years. He has trained me, led me, corrected me, chastised me, was patient with me, was merciful, compassionate, rejoiced and wept over me. When I meditate on all God has done, Psalm 63:5-7 comes to mind.

“My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.” (Psalm 63:5-7)

I began to learn about Jesus from the Bible. This changed my approach to life. My life would now be directed from the pages of Scripture. My desires, actions, approach, and conduct would be dictated by the Scriptures. Decisions were based on what the Bible stated.

Did this happen to you? Although each salvation experience is different, the result should be a desire to get closer to God, read and study the Word of God, and to tell others of what God has done.

Tomorrow, the ministry years.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Redeemed 50 years with Jesus

“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)

Good morning,

This week is a special for me. Fifty years ago, God drew me to Himself. Through a series of events, including a Dear John letter, church members caring for my soul, a university professor who taught God’s word, and the convicting power of the Holy Spirit of God, brought me to my knees in repentance and belief in Jesus Christ.

Let me tell you about it.

CHILDHOOD

I was born in 1948 in Chicago, Illinois.

My mother was born in Czechoslovakia of Jewish heritage. She was the only one of her family who survived the Holocaust. My dad was from a Protestant background. They were married in 1946 and decided that they would not teach their children about anything religious.

When I was 11 my father did not come home. My parents were soon divorced and my life completely changed. This was 1960. Divorce was not common. My brother and I lived with my mother. I was a rebellious child and my mother could not handle me, so I went to live with my dad and his new wife. These events have shaped the way I see divorce and how to deal with it.

MILITARY SERVICE #1

In June 1968 I began my relationship with the military. I began my service career with three years of active duty in the United States Army (1 year in Viet Nam), followed by three years of duty in the Idaho Army National Guard. During this time, I was introduced to the person of Jesus Christ.

BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY

I attended Boise State University from fall 1971 through December 1974. I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. I took a break from the military, 1975 to 1985. Then in 1985 did another twenty-three years on active duty with the Alaska Army National Guard. Followed by five years of being a military contractor.

It is sad not to have known about Jesus until I became an adult. Yet God used that for good, once I received Christ. My desire for the Word, training, and willingness to tell others was intensified.

Tomorrow, salvation.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com