Good morning,

The information below came from www.GotQuestions.org.

I found this information useful to our discussion of suicide in the Bible.

Question: “What is the Christian view of suicide? What does the Bible say about suicide?“

Answer: The Bible mentions six specific people who committed suicide: Abimelech (Judges 9:54), Saul (1 Samuel 31:4), Saul’s armor-bearer (1 Samuel 31:4–6), Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23), Zimri (1 Kings 16:18), and Judas (Matthew 27:5). Five of these men were noted for their wickedness (the exception is Saul’s armor-bearer—nothing is said of his character). Some consider Samson’s death an instance of suicide, because he knew his actions would lead to his death (Judges 16:26–31), but Samson’s goal was to kill Philistines, not himself.

The Bible views suicide as equal to murder, which is what it is—self-murder. God is the only one who is to decide when and how a person should die. We should say with the psalmist, “My times are in your hands” (Psalm 31:15).

God is the giver of life. He gives, and He takes away (Job 1:21). Suicide, the taking of one’s own life, is ungodly because it rejects God’s gift of life. No man or woman should presume to take God’s authority upon themselves to end his or her own life.

Some people in Scripture felt deep despair in life. Solomon, in his pursuit of pleasure, reached the point where he “hated life” (Ecclesiastes 2:17). Elijah was fearful and depressed and yearned for death (1 Kings 19:4). Jonah was so angry at God that he wished to die (Jonah 4:8). Even the apostle Paul and his missionary companions at one point “were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself” (2 Corinthians 1:8).

However, none of these men committed suicide. Solomon learned to “fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Elijah was comforted by an angel, allowed to rest, and given a new commission. Jonah received admonition and rebuke from God. Paul learned that, although the pressure he faced was beyond his ability to endure, the Lord can bear all things: “This happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:9).

So, according to the Bible, suicide is a sin. It is not the “greatest” sin—it is no worse than other evils, in terms of how God sees it, and it does not determine a person’s eternal destiny. However, suicide definitely has a deep and lasting impact on those left behind. The painful scars left by a suicide do not heal easily. May God grant His grace to each one who is facing trials today (Psalm 67:1). And may each of us take hope in the promise, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).

Conclusion:

• Suicide does not please God, the giver of life
• Men in the Bible have committed suicide
• Other men overcame their temptation to commit suicide and God greatly used them
• It is God’s desire that all men trust God as their personal Lord and Savior

Please make a study of this issue. Look and see who the men were that committed suicide and then the men that did not. Please refer back to the first two lessons as you study.

Tomorrow, we will look at life vs. death.

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

Good morning,

The last time you bought a big ticket item; did you go to the store and buy the first item you saw? Probably not. Usually, we do some research. We determine exactly what we need, our price range, and the features that we want. Then we shop around, either on the internet, papers, or brick and mortar stores.

Choosing a positive or negative approach to life has several similarities. Research is essential. What are the pros and cons of life? What are the benefits to living a positive life?

Yesterday we learned that God created heaven and earth. He also created man and woman. He equipped them with the ability to make choices. They chose to disobey God’s commandment. So sin enters the world and has increased exponentially.

So far it looks pretty bleak for mankind.  

God sent Jesus to be the Author of life. Although things became progressively worse after that first sin, there were always righteous people on the earth. Think of Noah, Abraham, David, Solomon, and Hezekiah. Jesus was acting behind the scenes to orchestrate God’s plan for the ages.  Let us look at what the Bible records about Jesus.

Jesus is Life

John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

John 11:25,26 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

So what do we take away from this?

• Jesus is our sustenance
• Jesus is our light
• Jesus is the resurrection
• Jesus is the way and truth
• Jesus is the true God
• JESUS IS LIFE

Jesus is someone I would want to follow.

Tomorrow we explore six men who committed suicide in the Bible. Can any of you name all six?

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

Good morning,

This week we will be looking at the concept of life. Unfortunately, the moral fiber of our country has taken a steady progression downward. We have gone from a positive prospect on life, to a preoccupation with death.

During my lifetime, we have banned prayer in our schools, legislated mass killing of unborn babies, made drugs legal, and allowed diversity to the extent that the sanctity of marriage is no longer the norm.  One of the results is Alaska is one of the leading states for death from suicide.

These are all moral issues. Many young people have chosen suicide rather to live. There must be a reason to live. That is what we will explore this week.

Monday: God’s creation

Tuesday: Jesus is life

Wednesday: Suicide in the Bible

Thursday: Life vs. death

Friday: Eternal life

God’s Creation

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Man’s Sin

Genesis 2:16-17 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: ¹⁷ But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Genesis 3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;

Result of Man’s Sin

Genesis 3:22-23 And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever: ²³ Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.

God created man perfect. He placed him in a perfect garden, with perfect fruit, and no thorns or thistles. All was perfect until Adam rejected God’s command. This caused the first sin. It has been a downward spiral from there.

This is how and why there is wickedness in our world. Satan has deceived mankind into thinking evil is good, and good is evil. We have bought the lie hook, line, and sinker.

The good news is that Jesus is Life. Come back tomorrow and discover what that means.

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

Good morning,

Mother’s Day is on May 8^th.  Although Proverbs 31:10-31 is speaking about a wife, a wife is usually a mother.  The descriptions of this virtuous woman are the epitome of a Godly mother.

Remember your mother and how many of these things were true about her.

The Godly Mother

Proverbs 31:25-31

She is honorable and wise (25-26)

²⁵ Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.²⁶ She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

This Godly mother has strength, honor, wisdom, and kindness. These characteristics allows her to complete her work, manage her house, train her children, and to be praised by family and friends.

Each mother comes to the job through a different set of circumstances. No two mothers will be the same. Some will show these characteristics and some will not. But each mom in her own way will try to love and take care of their families.

She manages her family and they call her blessed (27-28)

²⁷ She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.²⁸ Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

As we have seen, this Godly mother is not idle. She is always busy taking care of her family or someone else’s. Her children and husband recognize all her hard work and call her blessed and praise her.

At the end of the day, mother’s need to know they are appreciated. Thank you. I love you. What they do, day in and day out, is extradentary. What’s more is that they do it for years and years.

She excels and she fears the Lord (29-31)

²⁹ Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.³⁰ Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

The Godly mother fears the Lord. Nothing greater can be said. All that has been said previously, is based upon her willingness to put the Lord first in her life.

That should be the desire of every mother. Sadly, many of us did not have the opportunity to live in a family with a Godly mother. God knew this. In some cases, our mothers received Christ. In others, they did not. God was still in charge.

If you had a Godly mother, thank God for the Godly influence she made in your life! If not, thank God that He made a way for you to become a believer in Christ.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 1-907-715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Mother’s Day is on May 8^th.  Although Proverbs 31:10-31 is speaking about a wife, a wife is usually a mother.  The descriptions of this virtuous woman are the epitome of a Godly mother.

Remember your mother and how many of these things were true about her.

The Godly Mother

Proverbs 31:21-24

She is a seamstress (21-22)

^21 “She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.²² She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.”

This Godly mother made clothes for her family. She was self-reliant. She used the best materials.

We grew up in a time when mothers made their families clothes. Most households had a sewing machine. This allowed the family to save money on new clothes.

She has a good reputation (23)

^23 “Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.”

Her husband could praise his wife because of her good reputation in the community. It was a badge of honor to have a wife/mother who was faithful, hardworking, generous, and caring.

She makes fine linen and sells it (24)

^24 “She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.”

She is an entrepreneur. She creates a product and sells it. She contributes to the financial well-being of the family. Everything she did was within the framework of her home.

The Second World War created opportunities for women to work outside the home, to provide for their families. After the war, many of these women/mothers, continued to work outside the home. It caused irreparable damage to the cohesion of the family.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 1-907-715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Mother’s Day is on May 8^th.  Although Proverbs 31:10-31 is speaking about a wife, a wife is usually a mother.  The descriptions of this virtuous woman are the epitome of a Godly mother.

Remember your mother and how many of these things were true about her.

The Godly Mother

Proverbs 31:10-31

Relationship to her husband (10-12)

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.¹¹ The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.¹² She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

She provides for her family (13-14)

¹³ She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.¹⁴ She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

She prepares meals for her family (15)

¹⁵ She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

She is a gardener (16)

¹⁶ She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

She exercises (17)

¹⁷ She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

She is industrious and hard working (18-19)

¹⁸ She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.¹⁹ She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

She cares for the needy (20)

²⁰ She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

She is a seamstress (21-22)

²¹ She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.²² She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

She has a good reputation (23)

²³ Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

She makes fine line and sells it (24)

²⁴ She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

She is honorable and wise (25-26)

²⁵ Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.²⁶ She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

She manages her family and they call her blessed (27-28)

²⁷ She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.²⁸ Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

She excels and she fears the Lord (29-31)

²⁹ Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.³⁰ Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 1-907-715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Mother’s Day is on May 8^th.  Although Proverbs 31:10-31 is speaking about a wife, a wife is usually a mother.  The descriptions of this virtuous woman are the epitome of a Godly mother.

Remember your mother and how many of these things were true about her.

The Godly Mother

Proverbs 31:17-20

She exercises (17)

^{17 “}She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.”

The work of this Godly mother requires her to be strong. She strengthened herself to be able to accomplish the tasks at hand.

Although our homes are outfitted with many conveniences, there is still a lot of lifting, carrying, pushing, and bending. It takes a strong woman to be able cope with all the requirements of the job.

She is industrious and hardworking (18-19)

^{18 “}She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.¹⁹ She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.”

This Godly mother is always busy. When everyone in the family has gone to bed, this woman is still actively working.

Many of us remember times when we had gone to bed and mom was still working on some project. Maybe a project for us.

She cares for the needy (20)

^20 “She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.”

This Godly mother cared about the needy and less fortunate. She probably made them clothes or prepared them meals.

Our moms may have done the same. Or we may have been the recipient of a Godly mother showing kindness to our families.

Think about what your mother has done for you. Even though she may no longer be here, she influenced your life.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 1-907-715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Mother’s Day is on May 8^th.  Although Proverbs 31:10-31 is speaking about a wife, a wife is usually a mother.  The descriptions of this virtuous woman are the epitome of a Godly mother.

Remember your mother and how many of these things were true about her.

The Godly Mother

Proverbs 31:10-31

Relationship to her husband (10-12)

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.¹¹ The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.¹² She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.”

The relationship between the husband and wife is a key component to a happy home. This mother has gained the trust of her husband. She is highly valued. She seeks the best for her husband and family.

We should never take our mothers for granted. As we will see, without them our families and households would fall apart.

She provides for her family (13-14)

^13” She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.¹⁴ She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.”

These verses give us an introduction to the Godly mother. She determines what her family needs and then procures it. Whether it be goods, services, or food.

Today’s mother is constantly on the go. She has things to do, places to go, and people to see. The end state is that her family has what it needs.

She prepares meals for her family (15)

^15” She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.”

Every Godly mother prepares food for their family. She gets up early to prepare breakfast. Packs lunch for family as they walk out the door. Then has meal waiting for them when they get home.

Unfortunately, that does not happen these days. With a families hectic schedules, meals are not eaten together anymore.

She is a gardener (16)

^16” She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.”

This Godly mother is a gardener. She has a plot of ground and plants crops to feed her family.

Much like our moms today.

This Godly mother oversees her household. She knows what needs to be done and does it. She has the trust of her husband.

She completes a myriad of tasks. We have just touch the surface on what she does. As we will see, without her, the family unit would fall apart.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 1-907-715-4001 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 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