Good morning,

Psalm 19:7-11 is referring to the word of God. Law of the Lord, testimony of the Lord, statutes of the Lord, and commandments of the Lord, all refer to God’s word. Each description  of God’s word comes with a corresponding action.

Verse 10 tells us how we should regard God’s word. Verse 11 is a warning to obey God’s word.

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.⁹ The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

¹⁰ More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

¹¹ Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

What does God’s word mean to you? Is it just another book? Irrelevant for today? Or is it your standard for living? Obeying it because you know that God’s wisdom is above all else.

Choose wisely.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Proverbs 15:3 says, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.”

God knows when we choose to obey and when we choose to rebel. It is God’s desire that we all obey. So, God has to chastise His children. He does this to bring them back to Him.

Because the Lord loves you

(Letters of John Newton)

“For the Lord disciplines the one He loves and chastises every son whom He receives.” Hebrews 12:6

“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline.” Revelation 3:19

My Dear Friend,

Because the Lord loves you–He appoints trials for you. Like most effectual medicines, they are neither pleasant to the taste nor in their operation, when first taken–but afterwards they yield a harvest of righteousness and peace. He sends them not for His own pleasure, but for our profit. 

He could relieve you in a moment, but He does not. The plain inference is, that it is good, it is best for us to be afflicted!

I have had my trials, and I can from experience bear testimony to His all-sufficiency and faithfulness.

He does all things well. How can He who is infinitely wise and good, do otherwise?

“My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent His rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those He loves, as a father the son he delights in.” Proverbs 3:11-12
~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

When our eyes are opened what do w see? Do we see the things of this world or Jesus? As we read today’s devotion, think about who Jesus is, why He came, and what He has done for us.

Wonderful are the effects when a crucified, glorious Savior is presented!

(Letters of John Newton)

“Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You!” Psalm 73:25-26

There is nothing that I desire more, than frequent, lively, and heart-affecting views of Jesus; who, like the brazen serpent of old, was lifted up on the cross–that we, beholding Him by faith, might live; even though the old serpent has so often stung us and filled us with the baneful, painful poison of sin!

Wonderful are the effects when a crucified, glorious Savior is presented . . .
by the power of the Spirit,
in the light of the Word,
to the eye of faith!

This sight of the crucified, glorious Savior . . .
destroys the love of sin,
heals the wounds of guilt,
softens the hard heart,
fills the soul with peace, love and joy,
and makes obedience practical, desirable and pleasant.

If we could see more of Him–we would look less at other things. But, alas! Unbelief places a veil before our sight, and worldly-mindedness draws our eyes another way. Some vain hope, or vain fear, or vain delight–comes in like a black cloud and hides our Beloved from our eyes.
~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Today we complete our study of the Book of Galatians.

Galatians 5:16-6:18

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (5:16)

Introduction

The flesh against the Spirit (5:16-26)

Walk in the Spirit (5:16)

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Warfare between the flesh and the Spirit (5:17-26)

¹⁷ For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.¹⁸ But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,²⁰ Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,²¹ Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,²³ Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.²⁴ And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.²⁵ If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.²⁶ Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Christian fellowship and duties (6:1-18)

Bear each other’s burdens (6:1-5)

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.² Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.³ For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.⁴ But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.⁵ For every man shall bear his own burden.

Those who teach to be supplied by those taught (6:6)

⁶ Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

Reaping after patient watering (6:7-9)

⁷ Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.⁸ For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.⁹ And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Love and do good to Christians (6:10-15)

¹⁰ As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. ¹¹ Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.¹² As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.¹³ For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.¹⁴ But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.¹⁵ For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

Paul’s farewell (16-18)

¹⁶ And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.¹⁷ From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.¹⁸ Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Conclusion

Walk in the Spirit

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Sunday I filled the pulpit for a local Pastor. I preached a message on obedience. Part of that message included being obedient to the Word of God. Today’s devotional deals with walking by the rule of the Word of God.

Enjoy and be challenged.

He who walks by Scripture rule

(Thomas Brooks)

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your Word.” Psalm 119:9

“I have hidden Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11

If you would not be outwitted by any of Satan’s evil schemes, then walk by the rule of the Word of God.

He who walks by Scripture rule, walks most safely.
He who walks by Scripture rule, walks most honorably.
He who walks by Scripture rule, walks most sweetly.

When men throw off the Word, then God throws them off–and then Satan takes them by the hand, and leads them into snares at his pleasure.

He who thinks himself too good to be ruled by the Word, will be found too bad to be owned by God; and if God does not, or will not own him–then Satan will by his stratagems overthrow him. Those who walk by Scripture rule, shall be kept in the hour of temptation.

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2

“Sanctify them by the truth; Your Word is truth.” John 17:17
~  ~  ~  ~

It is expedient for us to obey God’s Word.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Last week we looked at Israel’s sad decision.

Today, we will look at Josiah’s wise decision.

Second Chronicles 34 and 35 tell of us about King Josiah. Manasseh, the wicked King of Judah, is dead. Amnon, his son, reigns two years and is killed by his servants. Eight year old Josiah takes the throne.

First, he sought the Lord. Then, he purged the high places, groves, carved images, and molten images.

“Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years.² And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left.³ For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images.” (34:1-3)

Second, he repairs the Temple.

“Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land, and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the Lord his God.” (34:8)

Third, the Book of the Law is found and read.

“And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord. And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan.¹⁶ And Shaphan carried the book to the king, and brought the king word back again, saying, All that was committed to thy servants, they do it.¹⁷ And they have gathered together the money that was found in the house of the Lord, and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers, and to the hand of the workmen.¹⁸ Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king.¹⁹ And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the law, that he rent his clothes.²⁰ And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king’s, saying,²¹ Go, enquire of the Lord for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found: for great is the wrath of the Lord that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the Lord, to do after all that is written in this book.” (34:15-21)

Fourth, King Josiah’s tender heart.

“And as for the king of Judah, who sent you to enquire of the Lord, so shall ye say unto him, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel concerning the words which thou hast heard;²⁷ Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the Lord.” (34:26-27)

Fifth, The Word is read before the people and a covenant made.

“And the king went up into the house of the Lord, and all the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the people, great and small: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of the Lord. ³¹ And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book.³² And he caused all that were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand to it. And the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers.” (34:30-32)

Sixth, King Josiah kept the Passover.

“Moreover Josiah kept a passover unto the Lord in Jerusalem: and they killed the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month.” (35:1)

Josiah was the last Godly King of Judah.  The wickedness of Manasseh would not be overturned and Judah was destined to seventy years of captivity under the Babylonians.

Sin has its consequences. As believers, we should never feel we can rebel against God and get away with it. We can’t.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

Good morning,

How sad it is to reject God, His Word, and His messengers.

Second Kings 17 explains how the nation of Israel, the ten northern tribes, rebelled against God. It also tells the consequence of their rebellion.

ISRAEL’S REBELLION

For so it was, that the children of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God, which had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods,⁸ And walked in the statutes of the heathen, whom the Lord cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of Israel, which they had made.⁹ And the children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the Lord their God, and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city. (17:7-9)

And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the Lord had charged them, that they should not do like them.¹⁶ And they left all the commandments of the Lord their God, and made them molten images, even two calves, and made a grove, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served Baal. ¹⁷ And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger.¹⁸ Therefore the Lord was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of his sight: there was none left but the tribe of Judah only. (17:15-18)

GOD’S REQUIRES OBEDIENCE TO HIS COMMANDMENTS

Yet the Lord testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, and by all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments and my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets. (17:13)

ISRAEL’S FINAL ANSWER

Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the Lord their God. (17:14)

GOD’S JUDGMENT

And the Lord rejected all the seed of Israel, and afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of spoilers, until he had cast them out of his sight.²¹ For he rent Israel from the house of David; and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king: and Jeroboam drave Israel from following the Lord, and made them sin a great sin.²² For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not from them;²³ Until the Lord removed Israel out of his sight, as he had said by all his servants the prophets. So was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day. (17:20-23)

We must each look into the mirror of Scripture and make sure we are obeying God’s commandments. Failure to follow God’s plan is a recipe for failure.

Judah, a few years later, is also rebellious and the Babylonians conquer them.

The question each one of us must answer is, “Are we willing to walk with God, keep ALL His commandments, or rebel against God and His Word?”

How we respond will determine our success or failure in this life and ultimately whether we end up in Heaven or hell.

Choose wisely.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

Good morning,

The Christian journey is one of faith. Faith that God knows what He is doing. God is in charge during the good and bad times. Sometimes we learn why and sometimes we do not. But God knows our hearts and will take care of us.

Please read with this in mind.

Later you will understand

(Charles Naylor, “When Adversity Comes” 1944)

“You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” John 13:7

A few years ago a young preacher came to me and told me his troubles. He was passing through a time of darkness that he could not understand. Several months ago he called upon me again, and in the course of our conversation he referred to the time of trouble through which he had passed. He said, “Those things that I could not understand at that time, have taught me lessons which have prepared me to help many souls as I never could have, had I not had those severe trials.” 

Yes, things look different now. He can now see God’s hand in it. He can see that those difficult things were a blessing to his own soul and to the souls of others. He can see that he had been in God’s school of adversity and knew it not. He thought these things were destructive to him, but when he looked back upon them with clear vision and a knowledge of God’s purpose–he saw real blessing in them. He saw them as manifestations of the wisdom and kindness of God, and he thanked God for those things which had been bitter and hard to bear.

Are you passing through difficult things which you cannot now understand?

Does it look as if these things are ruining you?

Just trust God and be patient. Out of your night of bitterness, out of your darkness and woe–will come strength of character, a blessed realization of God’s faithfulness, and a knowledge of Him and yourself which can come to you in no other way. You will look back in time to come, and thank God for His wise care and tender love for you which brought you to these things, and realize that it was His hand leading you to better and richer things beyond.
~  ~  ~  ~
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

We continue our study of the Book of Galatians.

Galatians 4:1-5:15

Redeemed from the Law

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,⁵ To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. (4:4-5)

Introduction

Bondage under the elements of the world (4:1-3)

Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;² But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.³ Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:

Redeemed from the law, believers are Sons of God (4:4-7)

⁴ But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,⁵ To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.⁶ And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. ⁷ Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

The chains of the law and the freedom of faith (4:8-18)

⁸ Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.⁹ But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?¹⁰ Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.¹¹ I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain.¹² Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.¹³ Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.¹⁴ And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.¹⁵ Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.¹⁶ Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?¹⁷ They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.¹⁸ But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

The Allegory: Hagar and Sarah (4:19-31)

¹⁹ My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,²⁰ I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.²¹ Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?²² For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. ²³ But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.²⁴ Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Hagar.²⁵ For this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.²⁶ But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.²⁷ For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.²⁸ Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.²⁹ But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.³⁰ Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. ³¹ So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

Christ’s mission of no value if man justified by circumcision (5:1-15)

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.² Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. ³ For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.⁴ Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.⁵ For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.⁶ For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.⁷ Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?⁸ This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.⁹ A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.¹⁰ I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.¹¹ And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.¹² I would they were even cut off which trouble you.¹³ For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.¹⁴ For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.¹⁵ But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

CONCLUSION

We are redeemed from the law

 

Good morning,

God’s word, the Bible, is a sacred book. Written by God to help us know Him, His attributes, nature, works, and desire for His children.

Do we approach God’s word with reverence? Are we in awe when we read God’s lover letter to us? Do we believe what it says? Are we willing to stake our lives on it?

Today’s devotion will challenge our thinking about how we approach the Word of God.

Sacrilege! 

(Octavius Winslow)

Cultivate a profound reverence for God’s Word. Nothing is more grievous to the Holy Spirit than a trifling with Revelation. The words of Scripture are divinely inspired, “Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

Beware of referring to it with levity. To use the words of Scripture irreverently, or to employ its phraseology flippantly, is . . .
to cast discredit upon inspiration,
to press it into the service of the flesh, and
to make the Word of God the jest book of the profane.
This is awful trifling with the thoughts and words of the Holy Spirit!

Stand in awe of this Holy Book! 

God says, “I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at My Word.” Isaiah 66:2

“Then all who trembled at the Words of the God of Israel…” Ezra 9:4

“My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of Your laws.” Psalm 119:120

“My heart stands in awe of Your Word.” Psalm 119:161
“God’s name is taken more times in vain in churches than anywhere else.
The blasphemy in the sanctuary is worse than the blasphemy in the street!” MacArthur

(Editor’s note: How very sad is it that many professing Christians use the holy Word of God to amuse others with ‘bible jokes’ and in other trifling and irreverent ways. Much of today’s pseudo Christian music, movies and children’s literature use the Word of God in a flippant manner, if not in a downright profane and sacrilegious way.)
~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001