VETERANS DAY 2023 

The Four Chaplains 

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13) 

Veterans Day is an official United States public holiday, observed annually on November 11, that honors military veterans; that is, persons who served in the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I; major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. The United States previously observed Armistice Day. The U.S. holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954. 

This week we will explore the heroic actions of four Chaplains on the U.S.A.T. Dorchester. 

The Four Chaplains Part 1 

It was the evening of Feb. 2, 1943, and the U.S.A.T. Dorchester was crowded to capacity, carrying 902 service men, merchant seamen and civilian workers. 

Once a luxury coastal liner, the 5,649-ton vessel had been converted into an Army transport ship. The Dorchester, one of three ships in the SG-19 convoy, was moving steadily across the icy waters from Newfoundland toward an American base in Greenland. SG-19 was escorted by Coast Guard Cutters Tampa, Escanaba, and Comanche. 

Hans J. Danielsen, the ship’s captain, was concerned and cautious. Earlier the Tampa had detected a submarine with its sonar. Danielsen knew he was in dangerous waters even before he got the alarming information. German U-boats were constantly prowling these vital sea lanes, and several ships had already been blasted and sunk. 

The Dorchester was now only 150 miles from its destination, but the captain ordered the men to sleep in their clothing and keep life jackets on. Many soldiers sleeping deep in the ship’s hold disregarded the order because of the engine’s heat. Others ignored it because the life jackets were uncomfortable. 

On Feb. 3, at 12:55 a.m., a periscope broke the chilly Atlantic waters. Through the cross hairs, an officer aboard the German submarine U-223 spotted the Dorchester. The U-223 approached the convoy on the surface, and after identifying and targeting the ship, he gave orders to fire the torpedoes, a fan of three were fired. The one that hit was decisive–and deadly–striking the starboard side, amid ship, far below the water line. 

Captain Danielsen, alerted that the Dorchester was taking water rapidly and sinking, gave the order to abandon ship. In less than 20 minutes, the Dorchester would slip beneath the Atlantic’s icy waters. 

Tragically, the hit had knocked out power and radio contact with the three escort ships. The CGC Comanche, however, saw the flash of the explosion. It responded and then rescued 97 survivors. The CGC Escanaba circled the Dorchester, rescuing an additional 132 survivors. The third cutter, CGC Tampa, continued on, escorting the remaining two ships. 

Aboard the Dorchester, panic and chaos had set in. The blast had killed scores of men, and many more were seriously wounded. Others, stunned by the explosion were groping in the darkness. Those sleeping without clothing rushed topside where they were confronted first by a blast of icy Arctic air and then by the knowledge that death awaited. 

Men jumped from the ship into lifeboats, over-crowding them to the point of capsizing, according to eyewitnesses. Other rafts, tossed into the Atlantic, drifted away before soldiers could get in them. 

The Four Chaplains Part 2 

Through the pandemonium, according to those present, four Army chaplains brought hope in despair and light in darkness. Those chaplains were Lt. George L. Fox, Methodist; Lt. Alexander D. Goode, Jewish; Lt. John P. Washington, Roman Catholic; and Lt. Clark V. Poling, Dutch Reformed. 

Quickly and quietly, the four chaplains spread out among the soldiers. There they tried to calm the frightened, tend to the wounded and guide the disoriented toward safety. 

“Witnesses of that terrible night remember hearing the four men offer prayers for the dying and encouragement for those who would live,” says Wyatt R. Fox, son of Reverend Fox. 

One witness, Private William B. Bednar, found himself floating in oil-smeared water surrounded by dead bodies and debris. “I could hear men crying, pleading, praying,” Bednar recalls. “I could also hear the chaplains preaching courage. Their voices were the only thing that kept me going.” 

Another sailor, Petty Officer John J. Mahoney, tried to reenter his cabin but Rabbi Goode stopped him. Mahoney, concerned about the cold Arctic air, explained he had forgotten his gloves. 

“Never mind,” Goode responded. “I have two pairs.” The rabbi then gave the petty officer his own gloves. In retrospect, Mahoney realized that Rabbi Goode was not conveniently carrying two pairs of gloves, and that the rabbi had decided not to leave the Dorchester. 

By this time, most of the men were topside, and the chaplains opened a storage locker and began distributing life jackets. It was then that Engineer Grady Clark witnessed an astonishing sight. 

When there were no more lifejackets in the storage room, the chaplains removed theirs and gave them to four frightened young men. 

“It was the finest thing I have seen or hope to see this side of heaven,” said John Ladd, another survivor who saw the chaplains’ selfless act. 

The Four Chaplains Part 3 

Ladd’s response is understandable. The altruistic action of the four chaplains constitutes one of the purest spiritual and ethical acts a person can make. When giving their life jackets, Rabbi Goode did not call out for a Jew; Father Washington did not call out for a Catholic; nor did the Reverends Fox and Poling call out for a Protestant. They simply gave their life jackets to the next man in line. 

As the ship went down, survivors in nearby rafts could see the four chaplains–arms linked and braced against the slanting deck. Their voices could also be heard offering prayers. 

Of the 902 men aboard the U.S.A.T. Dorchester, 672 died, leaving 230 survivors. When the news reached American shores, the nation was stunned by the magnitude of the tragedy and heroic conduct of the four chaplains. 

“Valor is a gift,” Carl Sandburg once said. “Those having it never know for sure whether they have it until the test comes.” 

That night Reverend Fox, Rabbi Goode, Reverend Poling and Father Washington passed life’s ultimate test. In doing so, they became an enduring example of extraordinary faith, courage, and selflessness. 

The Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart were awarded posthumously on December 19, 1944, to the next of kin by Lt. Gen. Brehon B. Somervell, Commanding General of the Army Service Forces, in a ceremony at the post chapel at Fort Myer, VA. 

A one-time only posthumous Special Medal for Heroism was authorized by Congress and awarded by the President Eisenhower on January 18, 1961. Congress attempted to confer the Medal of Honor but was blocked by the stringent requirements that required heroism performed under fire. The special medal was intended to have the same weight and importance as the Medal of Honor. 

 The Four Chaplains Scriptural Perspective 

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.⁴No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” (2 Timothy 2:3-4) 

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:9) 

“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13) 

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.¹¹Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10-11) 

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) 

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) 

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

VETERANS DAY 2023 

The Four Chaplains 

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13) 

Veterans Day is an official United States public holiday, observed annually on November 11, that honors military veterans; that is, persons who served in the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I; major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. The United States previously observed Armistice Day. The U.S. holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954. 

This week we will explore the heroic actions of four Chaplains on the U.S.A.T. Dorchester. 

The Four Chaplains Part 2 

Through the pandemonium, according to those present, four Army chaplains brought hope in despair and light in darkness. Those chaplains were Lt. George L. Fox, Methodist; Lt. Alexander D. Goode, Jewish; Lt. John P. Washington, Roman Catholic; and Lt. Clark V. Poling, Dutch Reformed. 

Quickly and quietly, the four chaplains spread out among the soldiers. There they tried to calm the frightened, tend to the wounded and guide the disoriented toward safety. 

“Witnesses of that terrible night remember hearing the four men offer prayers for the dying and encouragement for those who would live,” says Wyatt R. Fox, son of Reverend Fox. 

One witness, Private William B. Bednar, found himself floating in oil-smeared water surrounded by dead bodies and debris. “I could hear men crying, pleading, praying,” Bednar recalls. “I could also hear the chaplains preaching courage. Their voices were the only thing that kept me going.” 

Another sailor, Petty Officer John J. Mahoney, tried to reenter his cabin but Rabbi Goode stopped him. Mahoney, concerned about the cold Arctic air, explained he had forgotten his gloves. 

“Never mind,” Goode responded. “I have two pairs.” The rabbi then gave the petty officer his own gloves. In retrospect, Mahoney realized that Rabbi Goode was not conveniently carrying two pairs of gloves, and that the rabbi had decided not to leave the Dorchester. 

By this time, most of the men were topside, and the chaplains opened a storage locker and began distributing life jackets. It was then that Engineer Grady Clark witnessed an astonishing sight. 

When there were no more lifejackets in the storage room, the chaplains removed theirs and gave them to four frightened young men. 

“It was the finest thing I have seen or hope to see this side of heaven,” said John Ladd, another survivor who saw the chaplains’ selfless act. 

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These four Chaplains selfless service saved the lives of many. 

So, what happens to these four Chaplains? Come back on Thursday to find out. 

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

VETERANS DAY 2023 

The Four Chaplains 

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13) 

Veterans Day is an official United States public holiday, observed annually on November 11, that honors military veterans; that is, persons who served in the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I; major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. The United States previously observed Armistice Day. The U.S. holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954. 

This week we will explore the heroic actions of four Chaplains on the U.S.A.T. Dorchester. 

The Four Chaplains Part 1

It was the evening of Feb. 2, 1943, and the U.S.A.T. Dorchester was crowded to capacity, carrying 902 service men, merchant seamen and civilian workers. 

Once a luxury coastal liner, the 5,649-ton vessel had been converted into an Army transport ship. The Dorchester, one of three ships in the SG-19 convoy, was moving steadily across the icy waters from Newfoundland toward an American base in Greenland. SG-19 was escorted by Coast Guard Cutters Tampa, Escanaba and Comanche. 

Hans J. Danielsen, the ship’s captain, was concerned and cautious. Earlier the Tampa had detected a submarine with its sonar. Danielsen knew he was in dangerous waters even before he got the alarming information. German U-boats were constantly prowling these vital sea lanes, and several ships had already been blasted and sunk. 

The Dorchester was now only 150 miles from its destination, but the captain ordered the men to sleep in their clothing and keep life jackets on. Many soldiers sleeping deep in the ship’s hold disregarded the order because of the engine’s heat. Others ignored it because the life jackets were uncomfortable. 

On Feb. 3, at 12:55 a.m., a periscope broke the chilly Atlantic waters. Through the cross hairs, an officer aboard the German submarine U-223 spotted the Dorchester. The U-223 approached the convoy on the surface, and after identifying and targeting the ship, he gave orders to fire the torpedoes, a fan of three were fired. The one that hit was decisive–and deadly–striking the starboard side, amid ship, far below the water line. 

Captain Danielsen, alerted that the Dorchester was taking water rapidly and sinking, gave the order to abandon ship. In less than 20 minutes, the Dorchester would slip beneath the Atlantic’s icy waters. 

Tragically, the hit had knocked out power and radio contact with the three escort ships. The CGC Comanche, however, saw the flash of the explosion. It responded and then rescued 97 survivors. The CGC Escanaba circled the Dorchester, rescuing an additional 132 survivors. The third cutter, CGC Tampa, continued on, escorting the remaining two ships. 

Aboard the Dorchester, panic and chaos had set in. The blast had killed scores of men, and many more were seriously wounded. Others, stunned by the explosion were groping in the darkness. Those sleeping without clothing rushed topside where they were confronted first by a blast of icy Arctic air and then by the knowledge that death awaited. 

Men jumped from the ship into lifeboats, over-crowding them to the point of capsizing, according to eyewitnesses. Other rafts, tossed into the Atlantic, drifted away before soldiers could get in them. 

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Come back tomorrow to see what happens next.  

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

Good morning,

November 1 is my 10^th anniversary at WASI. It has been an honor to serve for this many years. God called me specifically for this ministry. Along the way God has challenged me in different areas. When Joshua was called God challenged him to GO, BE STRONG, to PREPARE, and OBEY. As we study Joshua 1, I will share how God challenged me in these areas. 

Israel is preparing to go into the promised land. Moses will not be leading them. God has chosen a new leader, Joshua. This week we will look at the transition of leadership. Please read Deuteronomy 31:1-23, 34:1-12 for the historical background. Joshua 1 will be our text.

“And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses.” (Deuteronomy 34:9)

Response of the People (V16-18)

“And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go. ¹⁷ According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the Lord thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses. ¹⁸ Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.”

The people obey!

Believers in Christ should obey God’s word. When we do, we are blessed, and when we do not, we are in line for God’s chastisement.

CONCLUSION:

Leaders must:

1) Be full of the spirit of wisdom

2) Follow God’s leading

3) Go

4) Be strong and courageous

5) Obey the word of God

6) Meditate on the word of God

7) Prepare

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

Good morning,

November 1 is my 10^th anniversary at WASI. It has been an honor to serve for this many years. God called me specifically for this ministry. Along the way God has challenged me in different areas. When Joshua was called God challenged him to GO, BE STRONG, to PREPARE, and OBEY. As we study Joshua 1, I will share how God challenged me in these areas. 

Israel is preparing to go into the promised land. Moses will not be leading them. God has chosen a new leader, Joshua. This week we will look at the transition of leadership. Please read Deuteronomy 31:1-23, 34:1-12 for the historical background. Joshua 1 will be our text.

“And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses.” (Deuteronomy 34:9)

Joshua Prepares to Cross Jordan (V10-15)

“Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, ¹¹ Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the Lord your God giveth you to possess it. ¹² And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying, ¹³ Remember the word which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, The Lord your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land. ¹⁴ Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valor, and help them; ¹⁵ Until the Lord have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the Lord your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the Lord’s servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising.”

Joshua commanded his officers to prepare the people to go in to possess the land. Then he reminds the Reubenites, Gadites, and half tribe of Manasseh, who received their possession already, how they promised to help the other tribes fight for their land.

The Bible gives many examples about being prepared.

“The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;” (Proverbs 30:25)

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:2-3)

“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” (Hebrews 11:7)

“And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” (Revelation 21:2)

Are we prepared to serve God? Do we know what God’s word says? Are we prepared to tells about faith in Jesus Christ?

Let’s get prepared for the spiritual battle ahead!

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

Good morning,

November 1 is my 10^th anniversary at WASI. It has been an honor to serve for this many years. God called me specifically for this ministry. Along the way God has challenged me in different areas. When Joshua was called God challenged him to GO, BE STRONG, to PREPARE, and OBEY. As we study Joshua 1, I will share how God challenged me in these areas. 

Israel is preparing to go into the Promised Land. Moses will not be leading them. God has chosen a new leader, Joshua. This week we will look at the transition of leadership. Please read Deuteronomy 31:1-23, 34:1-12 for the historical background. Joshua 1 will be our text.

And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses. (Deuteronomy 34:9)

Introduction: God chooses Joshua to be the next leader of Israel. “And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the Lord hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it. ⁸ And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:7-8)

God’s Commission (V1-4)

Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, ² Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. ³ Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. ⁴ From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.

There was no fight for the leadership when Moses died. God had preselected Joshua to be the next leader. There was no opposition. God tells Joshua that He would go before them, with them, and would not forsake them. He would give them every place they stepped on. He even specified the boundaries. 

God has also given us a mission to proclaim the good news of Jesus death, burial, and resurrection.  

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;²By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.³For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;⁴And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:⁵And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:⁶After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:1-6) 

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.¹⁹Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:²⁰Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:18-20) 

Will we be obedient to God and share the good news with others who have never heard? Will we impart the knowledge that God has given us to young believers? It is our responsibility and duty. 

God’s Command (V5-9)

⁵ There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. ⁶ Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. ⁷ 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. ⁹ Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous. He uses this term three times. He encourages Joshua by telling him that no man shall stand in his way and that He would be with him. God admonishes Joshua to observe all the law, not to turn from it, and meditate on it daily.  God will make his way prosperous and successful. 

This is an excellent example for believers as we tackle the tribulations of our lives. Be strong and of a good courage, read and meditate on God’s word, and trust God in every area of our lives. 

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.⁶So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13:5-6) 

Is that what we believe? If so, are we boldly proclaiming Christ to others by our attitudes and actions? 

Joshua Prepares to Cross Jordan (V10-15)

¹⁰ Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, ¹¹ Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the Lord your God giveth you to possess it. ¹² And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying, ¹³ Remember the word which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, The Lord your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land. ¹⁴ Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valor, and help them; ¹⁵ Until the Lord have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the Lord your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the Lord’s servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising.

Joshua commanded his officers to prepare the people to go in to possess the land. Then he reminds the Reubenites, Gadites, and half tribe of Manasseh, who received their possession already, how they promised to help the other tribes fight for their land.  

The Bible gives many examples about being prepared. 

“The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;” (Proverbs 30:25) 

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:2-3) 

“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” (Hebrews 11:7) 

“And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” (Revelation 21:2) 

Are we prepared to serve God? Do we know what God’s word says? Are we prepared to tells about faith in Jesus Christ? 

Let’s get prepared for the spiritual battle ahead! 

Response of the People (V16-18)

¹⁶ And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go. ¹⁷ According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the Lord thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses. ¹⁸ Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.

The people obey! 

Believers in Christ should obey God’s word. When we do, we are blessed, and when we do not, we are in line for God’s chastisement. 

CONCLUSION:

Leaders must:

1) Be full of the spirit of wisdom

2) Follow God’s leading

3) Go

4) Be strong and courageous

5) Obey the word of God

6) Meditate on the word of God

7) Prepare

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

Good morning,

November 1 is my 10^th anniversary at WASI. It has been an honor to serve for this many years. God called me specifically for this ministry. Along the way God has challenged me in different areas. When Joshua was called God challenged him to GO, BE STRONG, to PREPARE, and OBEY. As we study Joshua 1, I will share how God challenged me in these areas. 

Israel is preparing to go into the promised land. Moses will not be leading them. God has chosen a new leader, Joshua. This week we will look at the transition of leadership. Please read Deuteronomy 31:1-23, 34:1-12 for the historical background. Joshua 1 will be our text.

“And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses.” (Deuteronomy 34:9)

God’s Command (V5-9)

“There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. ⁶ Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. ⁷ 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. ⁹ Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous. He uses this term three times. He encourages Joshua by telling him that no man shall stand in his way and that He would be with him. God admonishes Joshua to observe all the law, not to turn from it, and meditate on it daily.  God will make his way prosperous and successful.

This is an excellent example for believers as we tackle the tribulations of our lives. Be strong and of a good courage, read and meditate on God’s word, and trust God in every area of our lives.

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.⁶ So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

Is that what we believe? If so, are we boldly proclaiming Christ to others by our attitudes and actions?

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

Good morning,

November 1 is my 10^th anniversary at WASI. It has been an honor to serve for this many years. God called me specifically for this ministry. Along the way God has challenged me in different areas. When Joshua was called God challenged him to GO, BE STRONG, to PREPARE, and OBEY. As we study Joshua 1, I will share how God challenged me in these areas. 

Israel is preparing to go into the promised land. Moses will not be leading them. God has chosen a new leader, Joshua. This week we will look at the transition of leadership. Please read Deuteronomy 31:1-23, 34:1-12 for the historical background. Joshua 1 will be our text.

“And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses.” (Deuteronomy 34:9)

Introduction: God chooses Joshua to be the next leader of Israel. “And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the Lord hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it. ⁸ And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:7-8)

God’s Commission (V1-4)

“Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, ² Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. ³ Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. ⁴ From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.”

There was no fight for the leadership when Moses died. God had preselected Joshua to be the next leader. There was no opposition. God tells Joshua that He would go before them, with them, and would not forsake them. He would give them every place they stepped on. He even specified the boundaries.

God has also given us a mission to proclaim the good news of Jesus death, burial, and resurrection.

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;² By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.³ For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;⁴ And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:⁵ And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:⁶ After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:1-6)

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.¹⁹ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Will we be obedient to God and share the good news with others who have never heard? Will we impart the knowledge that God has given us to young believers? It is our responsibility and duty.

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

Good morning,

Meditate on these “Pithy gems.” Then reflect what blessings we have as believers in Christ.

Pithy gems from Thomas Brooks #2

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Christian! Consider that the trials and troubles, the calamities and miseries, the crosses and losses that you meet with in this world–are all the Hell that you shall ever have!

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The seed of all sins, the vilest and worst of sins–is in the best of men!

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He who will play with Satan’s bait, will quickly be taken with Satan’s hook!

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A preacher’s life should be a commentary upon his doctrine.
Heavenly doctrines should always be adorned with a heavenly life.

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The greatest and the hottest fires that ever were on earth are but ice–in comparison to the fire of Hell!

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The two poles could sooner meet–than the love of Christ and the love of the world.

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 75-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Romans 8 takes us from the cradle to the grave. It begins declaring “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,”, salvation and ends declaring “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, ³⁹ Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”, everlasting life. In-between Paul addresses the battle between the Spirit and the flesh, promises to the believer, the Holy Spirit’s ministry, and the four things God has done for us.

Romans 8:28—39 tells us what God did to bring us to Christ. He called, saved, justified, and glorified us. Then He makes it clear that we are eternally safe as a believer in Christ. There is nothing that can separate us from the love of Christ.

Called, Saved, Justified, Glorified (8:28-34)

²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. ³⁰ Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. ³¹ What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? ³² He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? ³³ Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. ³⁴ Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

The Believer is Eternally Safe (8:35-39)

³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ³⁶ As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. ³⁷ Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. ³⁸ For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, ³⁹ Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In conclusion we see that God has given every person the opportunity to believe. Those who have chosen to trust in Christ by faith are totally equipped to live the Christian life. We have the Holy Spirit’s protection, guidance, prayers, and the promise of being joint heirs with Christ. We await our call home, Heaven, and are encouraged by the fact that we will never be separated from the love of Christ.

GOD HAS BLESSED US. PASS THE BLESSING TO OTHERS.

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