Good morning,

Christians look at life differently than those of the world. Our foundation is Jesus and the Bible. Everything God wants us to know about life is covered in the Bible. From the cradle to the grave and beyond.

Charles Spurgeon explains this.

This is just the difference between the Christian and the worldling

(Charles Spurgeon)

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” Job 1:21

“It was good for me to be afflicted–so that I might learn Your decrees.” Psalm 119:71

This is just the difference between the Christian and the worldling:
The worldling blesses God while He gives him plenty,
but the Christian blesses Him when He smites him!

He believes God to be too wise to err–and too good to be unkind.

He trusts God’s heart–where he cannot trace God’s hand.

He looks up to Him in the darkest hour–and believes that all is well.

“We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who
love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Sin is our enemy. Sin produces nothing good in the believer’s life. It is prudent for us put away sin.

Henry Law explains why.

It is the vile monster!

(Henry Law, “Family Prayers”)

God Almighty, holy Father,
We beseech You to deepen in our hearts–the abhorrence of all evil.

May we hate sin with perfect hatred. It is the vile monster which . . .
defies Your power,
casts off Your yoke,
treads down Your lovely law,
defiles our nature,
spreads misery throughout this earth,
brought death into the world, and
nailed the spotless Lamb of God to the accursed tree!

Teach us to look to Jesus on the cross–and so to estimate our sin’s loathsome guilt in Your sight.

There could be no pardon of our sin–but through Your dear Son’s death!

No cleansing could wash out our sin’s filth–but Jesus’ precious blood!

No atonement could expiate the evil of our sin–but the shame, the agony, the bruises of the incarnate God!

We see the boundless price–may we read therein our boundless guilt!

In the infinite payment–show us our infinite debt!

Thus may we . . .
discern the deadly viper in its real malignity,
and tear it with holy indignation from our hearts,
and resolutely turn from its every snare,
and refuse to hold polluting dalliance with it!

“Oh! What a wretched man I am!” Romans 7:24
~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

John 14 speaks of mansions, the way to heaven, love, God’s commandments, the Comforter, and peace.

Meditate on these precious promises.

John 14

If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15)

Introduction

Christ tells of His return (14:1-6)

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.² 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.⁴ And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.⁵ Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?⁶ Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

To know Jesus is to know the Father (14:7-11)

If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.⁸ Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.⁹ Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?¹⁰ Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.¹¹ Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

Believers can do the works Christ did (14:12-15)

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.¹³ And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.¹⁴ If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.¹⁵ If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Promise of the Comforter (14:16-26)

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;¹⁷ Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.¹⁸ I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.¹⁹ Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.²⁰ At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.²¹ He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.²² Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?²³ Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.²⁴ He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.²⁵ These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.²⁶ But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Sweet peace for believers (14:27-31)

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.²⁸ Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.²⁹ And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. ³⁰ Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.³¹ But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

Conclusion

Christ will return for His saints

Christ has prepared a dwelling place for us

Christ and the Father are one

Christ will empower believers to do greater works then He did

Christ gives us the Comforter, the Holy Spirit

Christ gives us peace

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good morning,

Many teach and preach that when we become believers in Christ there are no problems, we are prosperous, and have no pain and suffering.

However, that was not the life Christ led. He preached the word of God. The religious leaders wanted Him stopped. Others believed.

Jesus was hounded by the religious leaders and finally beaten and crucified. Jesus suffered. So will we in this life.

John Newton explains why in today’s devotional.

We must trace His bloody footsteps!

(Letters of John Newton)

“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.” John 16:33

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you–leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21

The Christian life is a warfare–and you must not expect an exemption from the battle.

The Captain of our salvation trod a thorny path Himself–and we must trace His bloody footsteps, and not think to walk to Heaven upon a soft carpet. If we could–then what need would we have of shoes of iron and brass?

Those who are now reaping in joy–sowed in tears when they were here. And why should not we? The way to Heaven is through many trials and sorrows. If we did not meet with such things–we might justly suspect that we had mistaken the road!

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

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

John Newton pithy gems

(John Newton)

The more vile we are in our own eyes–the more precious Christ will be to us!
~  ~  ~  ~
How unspeakably wonderful it is–to know that all our concerns are held in those hands which bled for us!
~  ~  ~  ~
Our sea may sometimes be stormy–but we have an infallible Pilot, and shall infallibly gain our port.
~  ~  ~  ~
Our work is great–our time is short–and the consequences of our labors are infinite.
“Hold me up–and I will be safe!” Psalm 119:117
~  ~  ~  ~
My grand point in preaching–is to break the hard heart, and to heal the broken heart.
~  ~  ~  ~
I am persuaded that love and humility are the highest attainments in the school of Christ–and the brightest evidences that He is indeed our Master.
~  ~  ~  ~
We serve a gracious Master–who will overrule even our mistakes to His glory and our own advantage.
~  ~  ~  ~
Can we wish, if it were possible, to walk in a path strewed with flowers—when His path was strewed with thorns?
~  ~  ~  ~
May we sit at the foot of the cross–and there learn . . .
what sin has done,
what justice has done,
what love has done.
~  ~  ~  ~
Healing and wounding are equally from His hand–and equally tokens of His love and care over us.
~  ~  ~  ~
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

If it were up to me, I would want everything to go smoothly, no problems, no pain or sorrow. However, as this devotional shows, it takes the good and bad to grow and mature us. God knows all the things going on in our lives. He is looking out for our best interests.

A chequered life

(Letters of John Newton)

This life that we live in the flesh, is a chequered life.

The grain requires both rain and sunshine to bring it to maturity; but either of them without the other, would destroy the crop.

Thus, if we had only the sun of prosperity–the plant of grace would be burnt up.

If we only had the rain of affliction–the plant of grace would be overwhelmed and drowned.

The Lord, who knows exactly what we are, and where we are–adjusts these different means, in season and measure, as He, in His wisdom, sees most for our advantage.

Were health at all times and in all respects best for those who fear Him–then they would not feel a moment’s illness!

We pass through so many changes, that when it rains–we may always hope for fair weather. And when the sky is bright and serene–we may expect rain before long.

He prescribes all our afflictions–in number, weight, and measure, and season, exactly according to what our case requires!

What a mercy to know that all our concerns are in the hands of Him who so loved us, as to wash us from our sins in His own blood.
~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

---

 

 

Good morning,

Today’s devotion centers in on what is important in life. We are busy doing things. Some good, some not, and many just wasting time.

Martha was consumed by “many things”. She was not focused on the most important thing, Jesus Christ.

That is our challenge today. The things of this world or Jesus.

Read and reflect.

Let this little sentence be continually before the eyes of our minds! 

(J.C. Ryle)

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things–but only one thing is needed!” Luke 10:41-42

Let us observe what a solemn rebuke our Lord Jesus Christ gave to His servant Martha. Like a wise physician—He saw the disease which was preying upon her, and at once applied the remedy. Like a tender parent–He exposed the fault into which His erring child had fallen and did not spare the chastening which was required.

“Martha, Martha,” He said, “you are worried and upset about many things–but only one thing is needed!” Faithful are the wounds of a friend! That little sentence was a precious balm indeed! It contained a volume of practical divinity in a few words!

“Only one thing is needed!” How true that saying! The longer we live in the world, the more true it will appear. The nearer we come to the grave, the more thoroughly we shall assent to it. Health, and money, and lands, and rank, and honors, and prosperity, are all well in their way. But they cannot be called needful. Without them thousands are happy in this world and reach glory in the world to come. The “many things” which men and women are continually struggling for, are not really necessities. The grace of God which brings salvation, is the one thing needful.

Let this little sentence be continually before the eyes of our minds! 
Let it check us when we are ready to murmur at earthly trials.
Let it strengthen us when we are tempted to deny our Master on account of persecution.
Let it caution us when we begin to think too much of the things of this world.
Let it quicken us when we are disposed to look back, like Lot’s wife.
In all such seasons, let the words of our Lord ring in our ears like a trumpet, and bring us to a right mind! “Only one thing is needed!” 

If Christ is ours–then we have all and abound!
~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Over the years of reading the Bible, the phrase “but God” has intrigued me. It seems when things are the darkest, “but God”.

This lesson is on the phrase “but God”.

BUT GOD

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, (Ephesians 2:4)

Introduction

But God helped in time of need:

And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. (Genesis 31:7)

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. (Genesis 50:20)

And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand. (1 Samuel 23:14)

My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. (Psalm 73:26)

The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness. (Proverbs 21:12)

And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,¹⁰ And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. (Acts 7:9-10)

For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. (Philippians 2:27)

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,⁵ Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (Ephesians 2:3-5)

But God will:

But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah. (Psalm 49:15)

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)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good morning,

God gives Joshua detailed instructions on how to take the city of Jericho. Joshua communicates this to the Priests and the people.

Joshua gave the people a warning.

 ^“And ye, in any wise keep yourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it.¹⁹ But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated unto the Lord: they shall come into the treasury of the Lord.” (Joshua 6:18-19)

God gave the city of Jericho into the hands of Israel and they completely destroyed it.

“And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.” (Joshua 6:21)

“And they burnt the city with fire, and all that was therein: only the silver, and the gold, and the vessels of brass and of iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the Lord.” (Joshua 6:24)

God’s anger is kindled.

“But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the Lord was kindled against the children of Israel.” (Joshua 7:1)

Achan’s confession.

“And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the Lord God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me.²⁰ And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done:²¹ When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.” (Joshua 7:19-21)

God takes Achan and his families, property, and the accursed things and stones them and then burns them.

“And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor.²⁵ And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the Lord shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones.” (Joshua 7:24-25)

The lesson here is that SIN requires a sentence of death. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

Achan saw, coveted, and took, the accursed thing.

Our we not the same way? We see something and must have it at any cost. If God says “NO”, then the answer is NO. The Bible is very clear that we are not to covet.

The wages for sin have not changed since Adam rebelled against God in the Garden of Eden. The wages are death physically and spiritually.

The “GOOD NEWS” is that Jesus paid for our sin debt on the cross. If we repent of our sin, believe on Jesus as our Savior and Lord, and follow Him, our sin debt will be paid.

Has your sin debt been paid? If not, contact me and let’s talk about it.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

Moses is dead. The mantle of leadership has been passed to Joshua. God places His seal of approval on Joshua in Joshua 1:5-9. God makes sure Joshua knows he will not be going alone into this battle. God will be with him all the way.

“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.” (1:5)

God command’s Joshua to be strong and courageous. Then to divide the land.

“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.” (1:6)

God command’s Joshua to follow the book of the law. Observe, obey, meditate, so that they might be prosperous and have great success.

^“Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest. 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.” (1:7-8)

God command’s Joshua not to be afraid or dismayed. Why? God will be with him where ever he goes.

^“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.” (1:9)

Did it ever occur to you that we serve the same God as Joshua? The challenge to be “strong and courageous”, is God’s challenge to believer’s today. God’s presence, protection, are available to all believers in Christ.

It is still God’s desire for every believer to read, obey, meditate, and do what the Bible says. We are commanded to tell others about our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. This is where our battle begins. We must go in the power of the Holy Spirit, with strength and courage.

May we be found faithful to God. Joshua was.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001