Good morning,

Yesterday was a special day for me. Forty-three 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.

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.

5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: 6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. 7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. (Psalm 63:5-7)

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 are not commonly celebrated by believers. I think this birthday is 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

 

 

Good morning,

The nation of Israel has been taken captive by the Babylonians. Jerusalem, the Temple, and the homes of all the people have been destroyed. God’s prophet, Jeremiah, laments Israel’s failure to repent for their open rebellion toward their God. Then in chapter 3, verses 20-26, he speaks of hope. Hope is used three times. He uses words of encouragement such as remembrance, humbled, mercies, compassions, faithfulness, good, wait, and salvation.

“²⁰ My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. ²¹ This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. ²² It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. ²³ They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. ²⁴ The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. ²⁵ The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. ²⁶ It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:20-26)

God is not done with Israel. After seventy years in captivity, a remnant returned to Jerusalem, rebuilt the walls of the city, and eventually the Temple. It would be destroyed again in 70 AD, but another Temple will be built during the Tribulation.

When our circumstances seem hopeless, there is hope in the Lord. Remember our Lord Jesus is merciful, compassionate, faithful, good, patient, and will bring salvation to those who seek it.

THERE IS HOPE!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Meekness has rewards.

THE MEEK

• ARE PRESERVED When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah. (Psalm 76:9)
• ARE EXALTED The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground. (Psalm 147:6)
• ARE GUIDED AND TAUGHT The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. (Psalm 25:9)
• ARE RICHLY PROVIDED FOR The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live forever. (Psalm 22:26)
• ARE BEAUTIFIED WITH SALVATION For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. (Psalm 149:4)
• INCREASED WITH JOY The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. (Psalm 29:19)
• SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. (Psalm 37:11)

What have we learned about meekness?

• Christ is our example
• We have responsibilities to be meek
• It is necessary for my walk in Christ
• There are benefits for the meek

This weekend let us see if we can apply some of the lessons learned about being meek.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Meekness is often characterized by many Christians as weakness. A careful study of the definition and Scriptural passages dispel this thought.

Meekness is defined as, “Softness of temper; mildness, gentleness; forbearance under injury and provocations. In an evangelical sense, humility; resignation; submission to the divine will, without murmuring or peevishness; opposed to pride, arrogance and refractoriness. Meekness is a grace which Jesus alone inculcated, and which no ancient philosopher seems to have understood or recommended.”  (An American Dictionary of the English Language, 1841, volume 2, page 115, Noah Webster)

JESUS IS OUR EXAMPLE

• Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (Matthew 11:29)
• For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:²² Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:²³ Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: (1 Peter 2:21-23)

Jesus was reviled, persecuted, and shamed through His whole three year ministry. Only twice do we see Him get angry, when he cast the money changers at the Temple. Otherwise, Jesus always had emotions under control.

What about us?

SAINTS SHOULD

• SEEK Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger. (Zephaniah 2:3)
• PUT ON 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. (Colossians 3:12-13)
• RECEIVE THE WORD Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21)
• ANSWER FOR THE HOPE But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15)
• SHOW TO ALL MEN To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. (Titus 3:2)
• RESTORE THE ERRING ONE Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)

Please meditate on these verses. As we do, think about how we interact with other people. Specifically, when we have been wronged. Do we get angry, mad, bitter, or vengeful? Does our speech betray us? Do we speak evil of others? Then look at Jesus. He suffered and died on the cross for us. Did He do anything wrong?

Tomorrow we shall look at the benefits of being meek.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

 

Good morning,

Civil disobedience seems to be in contradiction to different parts of God’s word. However, as we will see, it was the disciples of Christ that continued to preach God’s word after being told to cease.

Lest you think this is inappropriate, please remember that you and I are in the United States of America and not a British colony, because of civil disobedience.

The High Priest and the Sadducees were very upset that the preaching of Christ was having such an impact on the people. They forbid the disciples from preaching Jesus.

“²⁷ And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, ²⁸ Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. ²⁹ Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. ³⁰ The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. ³¹ Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. ³² And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. ³³ When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.” (Acts 5:27-33)

The High Priest and the Sadducees now discuss this and decided to beat them, command them not to speak in Jesus name, and let them go.

^“40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.⁴¹ And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.⁴² And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” (Acts 5:40-42)

Although they were told to disobey God, they did not. They kept preaching God’s word. Did their actions have consequences? YES. Thousands received Christ. Many became missionaries for the cause of Christ. Also, many were killed for their faith. But ALL obeyed God.

The question for us today is, do we have the faith, trust, and obedient spirit to follow and tell others about Jesus?

Think about that.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

This devotional will be an encouragement to you in a time of need.

The name of the LORD is a strong tower!

(Ralph Erskine, 1685-1752)

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower!
 A righteous person runs to it and is safe!” Proverbs 18:10

Jesus has a name suiting every want, every need.

Do you need wonders to be wrought for you? His name is Wonderful; look to Him so to do, for His name’s sake.

Do you need counsel and direction? His name is the Counselor; cast yourself on Him and His mighty name for this.

Have you mighty enemies to engage? His name is the Mighty God; seek that He may exert His power for His name’s sake.

Do you need His fatherly pity? His name is the everlasting Father; as a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear him. Plead His pity, for His name’s sake.

Do you need peace–external, internal, or eternal? His name is the Prince of Peace; seek for His name’s sake, that He may create peace.

O sirs, His name is Jehovah-Rophi, the Lord, the healer and physician; seek, for His name’s sake, that He may heal all your soul diseases.

Do you need pardon? His name is Jehovah-Tsidkenu, the Lord our righteousness; seek for His name’s sake, that He may be merciful to your unrighteousness.

Do you need defense and protection? His name is Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord your banner; seek, for His name’s sake, that His banner of love and grace may be spread over you.

Do you need provision in extreme want? His name is Jehovah-Jireh, in the mount to the Lord it shall be seen, the Lord will provide.

Do you need His presence? His name is Jehovah-Shammah, the Lord is there; Immanuel, God with us; look to Him to be with you, for His name’s sake.

Do you need an audience of prayer? His name is the Hearer of Prayer.

Do you need strength? His name is the Strength of Israel.

Do you need comfort? His name is the Consolation of Israel.

Sit down and ponder your wants and needs–and you will find He has a name suitable for your supply; He has . . .
all wisdom to guide you,
all power to keep you,
all mercy to pity you,
all holiness to sanctify you,
all righteousness to justify you,
all grace to adorn you,
and all glory to crown you!

When we are in need, God is there. Please save this devotional for current or future use.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Young people today are involved in many worthwhile endeavors. Some play sports, others study the sciences, and others serve in their community.

This weekend three church’s came together to observe their young people participate in Bible quizzing. The questions would be taken from Matthew 15-28. The process consisted of studying all the chapters, understanding who, what, when, where, why, of each chapter, and then committing to memory each chapter. So instead of just memorizing verses, they were hiding God’s word in their hearts.

Many of these young people have been part of the Bible quizzing for many years. In the three previous years they studied Matthew 1-14, and the Book of Acts, 15-28 and 1-14.

It was very impressive how well prepared all the teams were.

So why should believers memorize Scripture?

• IT IS PROFITABLE 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)
• OVERCOME SIN Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.¹⁰ With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.¹¹ Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalm 119:9-11)
• IT CONVERTS THE SOUL The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. ⁸ The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. (Psalm19:7-8)
• IT PROSPERS AND GIVES GOOD SUCCESS Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.  ⁸ This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. (Joshua 1:7-8)

So what are we doing in this area of memorizing Scripture? There are many benefits to knowing God. We should all be hiding the word of God in our hearts.

Our young people should be congratulated for all their hard work.  May we as adults be challenged to memorize God’s word.

Have a blessed day.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Today let us look at different types of faith.

GREAT FAITH MATTHEW 8:5-10

THE CENTURION The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.⁹ For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.¹⁰ When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

LITTLE FAITH MATTHEW 6:30, 14:31, 16:8

•  The multitudes Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? (Matthew 6:30)
• Peter And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? (Matthew 14:31)
• DISCIPLES Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? (Matthew 16:8)

NO FAITH DEUTERONOMY 32:20 MARK 4:40

• NATION OF ISRAEL And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith. (Deuteronomy 32:20)
• DISCIPLES And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? (Mark 4:40)

LIVE BY FAITH HABAKKUK 2:4, ROMANS 1:17, GALATIANS 3:11

• THE JUST Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. (Habakkuk 2:4)
• THE RIGHTEOUS OF GOD For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:17)
• MAN But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. (Galatians 3:11)

WALK BY FAITH 2 CORINTHIANS 5:7

• CORINTHIAN BELIEVERS (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) (2 Corinthians 5:7)

So how did my class do in this lesson on faith? Some had great faith. They called all their legislators. Others had little faith. They chose to call some of their legislators. Some had no faith. They either forgot or chose not to call. You see no matter what the group may be, there will always be those with great faith, little faith, or no faith.

So to conclude this lesson on faith we must remember, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

 Have a great weekend.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

Do we believe that the Bible is a practical book? Can we take its truths and apply them to the situations of our daily lives?

Yesterday, during our mid week service we tested that theory.

The message was on faith. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) We studied people of faith, great faith, little faith, no faith, we must live by faith, and walk by faith. The summation was found in Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

I challenged them to call or email the Alaska State Senators on the Finance committee about reestablishing funding for the Fall Prevention Program.  This is an important program for seniors and would pay for itself with one fall being prevented. Names, email addresses, phone numbers were given to them.

Would they be willing to step out in faith to complete this project?

We often speak of trusting the Lord, having faith, always willing to do what God asks. When the rubber meets the road in our daily lives, do we?

James 2:17-20 speaks to this point. “ Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. ¹⁸ Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. ¹⁹ Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. ²⁰ But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?”

So how did they do? Come back tomorrow and we will find out.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

This should encourage each of us.

My own special treasure!

(Theodore Cuyler, “Wayside Springs from the Fountain of Life” 1883)

“You will be My own special treasure!” Exodus 19:5

Luther said that there is great divinity in the personal pronouns of Scripture. “They will be Mine–in the day when I make up My jewels!” Malachi 3:17

Every true believer is surrendered to the ownership of Christ. Up to the hour of conversion we had other masters–self, sin, and the devil. Now Jesus says to each Christian, “You are Mine! I own you. I will instruct you, and polish you, and put you wherever it pleases Me. I will take care of you, and nothing shall pluck you out of My hand. You shall be My own special treasure in the day of My triumphant appearing. I will place you in My crown!”

What a comfort to know nothing can pluck me out of the hand of God. We are His and we are His special treasure. That should excite each of us.

Meditate on these things.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001