Good morning,

How did you and I get saved? You would say by faith through grace. Trusting in Jesus finished work on the cross for me. And those are good answers, but not totally correct.

It was the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives that brought us to Jesus. He wooed us and took rejectors and sinners to the very cross of Christ.

This devotional expands on this thought.

The only effectual reformer of the world!

(Samuel Davies, “Serious Reflections on WAR” 1757)

“When He comes–He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment!” John 16:8

The Holy Spirit is the only effectual reformer of the world! If He is absent–
  legislators may make laws against crime;
  philosophers may reason against vice;
  ministers may preach against sin;
  conscience may remonstrate against evil;
  the divine law may prescribe, and threaten Hell;
  the gospel may invite, and allure to Heaven;
but all will be in vain!

The strongest arguments, the most melting entreaties, the most alarming denunciations from God and man, enforced with the highest authority, or the most compassionate tears–all will have no effect–all will not effectually reclaim one sinner, nor gain one sincere convert to righteousness!

Paul, Apollos, and Peter, with all their apostolic abilities, can do nothing, without the Holy Spirit. Paul may plant the seed–and Apollos may water it; but God alone can make it grow! “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything–but only God, who makes things grow!” 1 Corinthians 3:6, 7

Never will peace and harmony be established in this jangling world–until this Divine Agent takes the work in hand.

It is He alone, who can melt down the obstinate hearts of men into love and peace!

It is He alone, who can soften their rugged and savage tempers, and transform them into mutual benevolence!

It is He alone–who can quench those lusts that set the world on fire, and implant the opposite virtues and graces. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, are mentioned by Paul, as the fruit of the Spirit, because the Spirit alone is the author of them. And if these dispositions were predominant in the world–what a serene, calm, peaceful region would it be, undisturbed with the hurricanes of human passions! Oh, how much do we need the influence of the blessed Spirit . . .
  to break the heart of stone,
  to enlighten the dark mind, and
  to comfort the desponding soul!
   ~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

We do not like being afflicted. We do not ask God to bring suffering into our lives.

So what is the purpose of afflictions and sufferings? William Romaine has some thoughts about that.

There is not one thing that thwarts your will, that is not in God’s will

(Letters of William Romaine, 1714-1795)

My dear friend,                                                                                                              
Your frequent afflictions are His sweet lessons. It is the proper work of the grace of Jesus to humble the proud sinner, to make him and to keep him sensible of his needs, convinced always that he has not any good of his own and cannot possibly of himself obtain any–but what he must be receiving every moment out of the fullness of Jesus.

All providences, sicknesses, losses, successes–are only so far blessings, as they lead us more out of ourselves, into the fullness of Jesus.

The Lord having appointed you for His heavenly kingdom, has also appointed all the steps which are to lead you there. Your every affliction is in the covenant. Your sicknesses, your failings, your disappointments–there is not one thing that thwarts your will, that is not in God’s will. Nothing can befall you but what is . . .
  divinely ordered,
  contrived for you by infinite wisdom,
  brought upon you by infinite love!

Oh, for eyes to see, for a heart to receive all God’s dealings with you in this covenant view. How sweet would be your many trials, if you found them all appointed and managed for you by the best of friends! Learn to receive them thus.

To the care of His dear loving heart I commend you and yours,
William Romaine
   ~  ~  ~  ~

God uses our afflictions, sufferings, and trials to humble us. In so doing, He brings us closer to Him.

“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.” (Romans 8:28)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Psalm 107:1-32 shows us that problems come to everyone. Four examples are given. The wanderer, the prisoner, the fool, and those who are in a storm. How these problems were dealt with, will be our study this week.

Those who are in a storm (Psalm 107:23-32)

The problem (107:23-27)

They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; ²⁴ These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.²⁵ For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.²⁶ They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.²⁷ They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit’s end.

Their cry (107:28)

²⁸ Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.

God’s solution (107:29) (Reference 107:25-27)

²⁹ He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. ³⁰ Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

Our response should be to praise the Lord for His goodness (107:31)

Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

God’s solution (107:32) (Reference 107:23-27)

³² Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.

Some of the storms in our lives are made specifically for us. God wants to see our level of faith and trust in Him.

Jesus did this to His disciples. Matthew 8:23-27 records a similar storm.

“And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.²⁴ And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.²⁵ And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.²⁶ And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.²⁷ But the men marveled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!”

In the midst of our storms in life, where is our trust? It should be on the Lord Jesus. We are not capable of handling our problems. God is!

Whatever life throws at us, God is bigger than any problem. He has the resources to fix any problem we have.

The question is, do we have the faith to believe God is working on our behalf?  Just like salvation, the Christian life is lived by faith.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.⁷ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.” (Proverbs 3:5-7)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Psalm 107:1-32 shows us that problems come to everyone. Four examples are given. The wanderer, the prisoner, the fool, and those who are in a storm. How these problems were dealt with, will be our study this week.

The fool (Psalm 107:17-22)

The problem (107:17-18)

Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.¹⁸ Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.

Their cry (107:19)

Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.

God’s solution (107:20) (Reference 107:17-18)

He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

Our response should be to praise the Lord for His goodness (107:21)

Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

God’s solution (Psalm 107:22) (Reference 107:17-18)

And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Many people in our world are walking around as fools. They are walking in their sins (iniquities), they reject God’s word (meat), and they are afflicted and near death.

Then God sends them the Word of God. They hear it, obey it, and they trust Christ to be their personal Lord and Savior. Salvation.

They are no longer fools. They have been healed by trusting Christ. Instead of near death they are now headed for an eternity with Christ.

These people are thankful and are excited to be able to tell others about Jesus. Why? Because they have come from death to life eternal.

Does that thought still excite you as a believer in Christ? It should. Someone presented the gospel to you and you got saved. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could introduce someone else to Christ?

No time like the present!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chapla1n, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Psalm 107:1-32 shows us that problems come to everyone. Four examples are given. The wanderer, the prisoner, the fool, and those who are in a storm. How these problems were dealt with, will be our study this week.

The prisoner (Psalm 107:10-16)

The problem (107:10-12)

Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron; ¹¹ Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:¹² Therefore he brought down their heart with labor; they fell down, and there was none to help.

Their cry (107:13)

Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.

God’s solution (107:14) (Reference 107:10)

He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.

Our response should be to praise the Lord for His goodness (107:15)

Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

God’s solution (107:16) (Reference 107:10)

For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.

It is inconceivable to me why anyone who knows God and His word would rebel against it.

The greatest rebel is Satan.

“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!¹³ For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:¹⁴ I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.¹⁵ Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.” (Isaiah 14:12-15)

He was created by God. He was the chief angel. When he rebelled, he took with him one-third of the heavenly host with him.

When we rebel against God and His word, we are following what Satan did.

What we need to do is follow God and His word.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16)

“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)

God wants our obedience not our rebellion.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Psalm 107:1-32 shows us that problems come to everyone. Four examples are given. The wanderer, the prisoner, the fool, and those who are in a storm. How these problems were dealt with, will be our study this week.

The Wanderer (Psalm 107:4-9)

The problem (107:4-5)

“They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.⁵ Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.

Their cry (107:6)

⁶ Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.

God’s solution (107:7) (Reference 107:4)

⁷ And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.

Our response should be to praise the Lord for His goodness (107:8)

⁸ Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

God’s Solution (107:9) (Reference to 107:5)

⁹ For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.”

There are times in our lives when we wander. We have no clear direction where we are going or why.

It may because we chose to walk away from God. God’s word, the bible, gives us God’s direction. When we do not read it or read it and fail to obey it, we have no clear direction from God.

Then there God’s tests in our lives. God brings tests to help us grow closer to Him. In the depth of the trial, Job never cursed God.

God knows what we are going through. He also knows how it ends. But it does not always end the way we want.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.” (Isaiah 55:5)

Whatever the outcome, we are to praise God for His goodness.

The key is not to be a wanderer. Stay close to God. Rely on the Bible for your direction in life. Allow God, through the Holy Spirit, to lead you.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Psalm 107:1-32 shows us that problems come to everyone. Four examples are given. The wanderer, the prisoner, the fool, and those who are in a storm. How these problems were dealt with, will be our study this week.

The Psalmist begins with a reminder that the Lord is good, merciful, redeemer, and gatherer for His redeemed people.

Psalm 107:1-3

“O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.² Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;³ And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.”

The Bible has many references to the characteristics of God. Here we see that He is good.

“To say that God is good means that God always acts in accordance to what is right, true, and good. Goodness is part of God’s nature, and He cannot contradict His nature. Holiness and righteousness are part of God’s nature; He cannot do anything that is unholy or unrighteous. God is the standard of all that is good.” (www.gotquestions.org/God-is-good.html)

His mercy endureth forever. God’s unmerited favor.

He has enough to go around. This phrase is used 35 times in the Bible.

“God’s mercy means His pity, compassion, and kindness toward people. His mercy shows up in the believer’s life at salvation, and then God continues to show mercy in forgiveness. Mercy triumphs over judgment but refusing God’s mercy is disastrous.” (Dawn Wilson, Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer)

He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy.

Redeem is wider in its application than ransom, and means to buy back, regain possession of, or exchange for money, goods, etc.: to redeem one’s property. To ransom is to redeem a person from captivity by paying a stipulated price, or to redeem from sin by sacrifice: to ransom a kidnapped child. (www.dictionary.com)

And gathered them…

Gathered means bring together and take in from scattered places or sources.

So knowing all these things about the Lord, we should give Him thanks. The question is, “Do we?” We know who God is and what He has done for us through our salvation, but do we ever sit back and contemplate how great a God we serve. If not, we should.

We owe our very existence to God. Without His mercy, love, and compassion, we would still be unsaved and headed for an eternity in hell.

Tomorrow, we will begin our study of the four problems and how each was dealt with.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Psalm 32 speaks of sin, repentance, protection, and mercy.

We all sin. It is what we do with our sin that is important. Do we repent or continue to rebel? Depending on the answer to that question, God will either chastise or bless us. If we are willing to acknowledge our sin, confess it to God, and repent of it, God will forgive our sin.

David is a good example of what to do with sin.  In Psalm 51:13 David said, “Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.”

David teaches about sin from his own unique perspective. This is his first person account.

The results of sin (1-4)

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.2 Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.3 When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.

Acknowledgment (repentance) of sin (5-6)

5 I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.6 For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.

The Lord is our hiding place, instructor, and guide (7-8)

7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Stubbornness results in sorrow (9-10)

9 Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about.

How should we react? (11)

11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.

David helps us to see how to deal with our sin. 

It is God’s desire that we live Godly lives free from sin. Although we will not, if we deal with it appropriately, according to God’s word, He will forgive us. Then we will be in fellowship with God and available to serve in whatever capacity He chooses.

What a blessing!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning, 

King David was a great man. He wrote many of the Psalms, was a leader of men, and God testified of him, “…I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill my will.” But David had a darker side. This week we will be looking at the circumstances that led up to David writing Psalm 51.

Today we will look at David’s Changed Focus (Psalm 51:13-19).

The result of David’s repentance is action. He desires to help people by teaching God’s word, helping them to understand salvation, telling of God’s righteousness, and praise to God. He teaches them that God desires the sacrifice of God is a broken spirit and a broken and contrite heart.

When we have sinned and repented, is this how we show our love for our Savior?

Results of getting right with God (13-19)

¹³ Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. ¹⁴ Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. ¹⁵ O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. ¹⁶ For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.¹⁷ The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.¹⁸ Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.¹⁹ Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

CONCLUSION

Be at your appointed place

Be careful what you look at

Do not allow temptation to become sin

Cover ups are always exposed by God

The punishment of sin is always greater than the enjoyment of the sin

Repent

Seek God’s mercy

Continue to minister for God

This has been a practical set of lessons that impacts us each day. Please meditate on these four devotionals and ask God what He wants you to do.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning, 

King David was a great man. He wrote many of the Psalms, was a leader of men, and God testified of him, “…I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill my will.” But David had a darker side. This week we will be looking at the circumstances that led up to David writing Psalm 51.

Today we will look at David’s Repentance (Psalm 51:1-12).

David’s heart is broken. He comes with a humble and repentant heart before God.  He seeks reconciliation, mercy, and cleansing. He requests that God would restore to him a clean heart, gladness, and the joy of his salvation.

As you read these verses feel the heartache David is expressing. 

David’s Repentance  

Psalm 51:1-12

Repentance and request for mercy (1-4)

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving-kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. ² Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. ³ For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. ⁴ Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

Shapen in iniquity (5-6)

⁵ Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. ⁶ Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

Request for cleansing, joy, gladness, clean heart, God’s presence, the Holy Spirit, joy of salvation (7-12)

⁷ Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. ⁸ Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. ⁹ Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. ¹⁰ Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. ¹¹ Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. ¹² Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

CHALLENGE

Unconfessed sin will cause you to wither away. We must deal with unconfessed sin in the same way David did. REPENT and sincerely, humbly, come to the foot of the cross and allow Jesus to deal with our sin. First John 1:9 states, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 

David’s prayer in Psalm 51 helps us to see what it means to repent and humble ourselves before God.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001