Good morning,

Ponder these quotes by William Law. Then if God’s Spirit convicts, act upon that conviction.

Short pithy quotes from William Law

If our life is not a course of humility, self-denial, renunciation of the world, poverty of spirit, and heavenly affection–we do not live the lives of Christians.

~  ~  ~  ~

He who has learned to pray–has learned the greatest secret of a holy and happy life.

~  ~  ~  ~

We may justly condemn ourselves as the greatest sinners we know–because we know more of the folly of our own heart than we do of other people’s.

~  ~  ~  ~

Humility is nothing else but a right judgment of ourselves.

~  ~  ~  ~

He who complains of the weather—complains of the God who ordains the weather!

~  ~  ~  ~

SELF is the root, the tree, and the branches–of all the evils of our fallen state.

~  ~  ~  ~

Prayer is the nearest approach to God and the highest enjoyment of Him, that we are capable of in this life.

~  ~  ~  ~

Feasts and business and pleasure and enjoyments seem great things to us, while we think of nothing else; but as soon as we add death to them–they all sink into an equal littleness.

~  ~  ~  ~

Saving grace draws us out of the vanity of time–into the riches of eternity!

~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Challenging quotes from A. W. Tozer.

Short pithy quotes from A.W. Tozer

Among the plastic saints of our times–Jesus has to do all the dying.
All we want, is to hear another sermon about His dying!
~  ~  ~  ~  ~
It is no longer either dangerous or costly to be a Christian!
~  ~  ~  ~  ~
Some Christians have taken all the justice, judgment and hatred of sin out of the nature of God–and have nothing left but a soft god.
~  ~  ~  ~  ~
Let us start reading our Bibles with the thought that God means exactly what He says!
~  ~  ~  ~  ~
The most godly Christian is the one who knows himself best.
No one who knows himself, will believe that he deserves anything better than Hell.
~  ~  ~  ~  ~
God’s gifts often take the place of God Himself–and the whole course of the man’s life is upset by the monstrous substitution!
~  ~  ~  ~  ~
The world is perishing for lack of the knowledge of God–and the Church is famishing for lack of His presence!
~  ~  ~  ~  ~
Anyone who wishes to check on his true spiritual condition may do so–by noting what his voluntary thoughts have been over the last hours or days.
~  ~  ~  ~  ~
We have learned to live with unholiness in our churches–and have come to look upon it as the natural and expected thing.
~  ~  ~  ~
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

We conclude our study of Ephesians today.

Ephesians 6 begins with instructions to children, parents, servants, masters, and then transitions to the armor of God. This chapter is loaded with practical teaching for living in today’s world.

EPHESIANS 6

 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (6:12)

Introduction

Instruction to children, parents, servants, and masters (6:1-9)

Children (6:1-3)

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.² Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;³ That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Fathers (6:4)

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Servants (6:5-8)

Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;⁶ Not with eyeservice, as men pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;⁷ With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:⁸ Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

Masters (6:9)

And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

The Armor of God (6:10-17)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.¹³ Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.¹⁴ Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;¹⁵ And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;¹⁶ Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. ¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Pray always (6:18-20)

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;¹⁹ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,²⁰ For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Closing (6:21-24)

But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:²² Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.²³ Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.²⁴ Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

CONCLUSION

Obey those over us

Be strong in the Lord

Put on the whole armor of God

Pray always

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good morning,

Is Jesus precious to you? As you read this devotion, answer the questions honestly. Then begin to develop that closer, intimate relationship with Jesus.

Unto you who believe–He is precious!

(“Every Day!” Author unknown, 1872)

“Unto you who believe–He is precious!” 1 Peter 2:7

It is to unbelievers only, that Christ is “as a root out of a dry ground“–having no form nor loveliness.

To those who know Him and put their trust in Him–He is the chief among ten thousand, and altogether lovely! To those who believe, He is precious . . .
in all the offices He sustains,
in all the relations He bears,
as their atoning Sacrifice,
as the Lord their righteousness,
as the source of their spiritual life,
as their Teacher,
as their Example,
and as their Guide.

O my soul, is Jesus precious to you?

Do you realize something of His worth?

Is He your Refuge, your Hiding-place?

Are you sheltered in Him?

Is He your Shepherd, your Guardian, your Friend?

Do you feel that, whatever you are called to part with–you cannot part with Christ?

Do you feel that that He is your Savior, your Life, your All?

Oh, then cleave to Him, serve Him earnestly, and live to His glory!

And know to your comfort, that as unworthy and sinful as you are–you are precious to Him. He bought you with His precious blood, He claims you as His own, and He will treasure you among His jewels when He comes to gather them up!

“Yes, Christ is precious to my soul,
My transport and my trust;
Jewels to Him are gaudy toys,
And gold is sordid dust!”
~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The book of Deuteronomy is a recap of the previous books. It rehearses the law, the wilderness wanderings, and God’s direction for Israel as they enter into the promised land.

Chapter 10 summarizes what God requires of Israel. In fact, it is only verses 12-13.

“And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,¹³ To keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?”

Interestingly enough, that is what God requires of believers in Christ. It is important for us to remember that obedience to God’s commandments is an indication that we love Jesus, John 14:21. If we obey, we will love the Lord, which will cause us to walk in His ways, leading to service, and reverent fear.

Wow! Two Old Testament scripture verses, written to the nation of Israel, have the power to impact our personal lives, our church’s, our country, and the world for Christ. Obedience to God’s word has the potential to cause revival in our world.

But it all starts with obedience to God’s word.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Isaiah 41 makes it clear that God is not through with Israel. Enemies will come against her, but God will protect His chosen people.

Verse 10 tells us that God is with Israel.

God reminds them that He is the great I AM. The God of creation, love, mercy, and grace.

God takes action by stating “I will…”.

God gives Israel six reasons not to fear or be dismayed.

1) I am with thee

2) I am thy God

3) I will strengthen thee

4) I will help thee

5) I will uphold thee

6) With my righteousness

It is comforting to know that the same God that protected Israel is the same God that protects believers in Christ today. The Holy Spirit resides in each believer. He is our comforter.

Thank God today for His watch care over us.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

Good morning,

The Bible is God’s truth. It contains everything we need to know about how to be successful. It must be followed without wavering. Keeping its commandments, shows our love for Jesus.

The Bereans knew this and wanted to make sure Paul was preaching the truth. Do we subject our Pastor/teachers to the same scrutiny? We should.

When we eat an apple

(Letters of John Newton)

“Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Acts 17:11

Remember your exalted privilege–you have the Bible in your hands, and are not bound to follow books or preachers any farther than what they teach agrees with the Oracles of Truth. We have great reason to be thankful for the instructions and writings of spiritual men–but they are all fallible, even as ourselves.

One is our master, even Christ–what He says, we are to receive implicitly–but we do not owe implicit subjection to the best of our fellow-worms. The Bereans were commended because they would not implicitly believe even the Apostle Paul–but examined the Scriptures every day to see if what he said was true. May the Lord give us a spirit of humility and discernment in all things.

When we eat an apple–we first cut out the blemishes, then eat what is good, and lastly throw the core away. Such a rule I would observe in reading human authors–the best may be defective, and the wisest may be mistaken. We are not only permitted, but enjoined, to call no man master.

“Examine everything carefully–hold fast to that which is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21
~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Today we will be studying Ephesians 5.

Ephesians 5

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet- smelling savor. (5:2)

Introduction

Walk in love (5:1-2)

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;² And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.

Holy conversation (5:3-5)

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;⁴ Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. ⁵ For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Be not deceived (5:6-7)

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.⁷ Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

Walk as children of light (5:8-14)

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:⁹ (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)¹⁰ Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. ¹¹ And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.¹² For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.¹³ But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. ¹⁴ Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

Redeem the time (5:15-17)

See then that ye walk circumspectly (prudent and cautious), not as fools, but as wise, ¹⁶ Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.¹⁷ Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Be filled with the Spirit (5:18-20)

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;¹⁹ Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;²⁰ Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Relationship between Christ, the husband, and the wife (5:21-33)

 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.²² Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.²³ For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. ²⁴ Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;²⁶ That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,²⁷ That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.²⁸ So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.²⁹ For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:³⁰ For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.³¹ For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.³² This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.³³ Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

CONCLUSION

Walk in love

Live righteously

Do not be deceived

Walk in the light

Redeem the time

Be filled with the Spirit

Submit yourselves

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

From the very beginning, God loved us with a love beyond our comprehension. He created a perfect world, gave us freedom to make our own choices, and redeemed us when we failed. As you read this devotional, keep this in mind.

The love that surpasses knowledge!

(Horatius Bonar, “The Chief Among Ten Thousand”)

“To Him who loves us, and has freed us from our sins by His blood!” Revelation 1:5

The name of Him who loves us is not given, because it would be superfluous to state it. Only One could be meant. His is love like Himself . . .
infinite,
unchanging,
never ending,
yet free!

Love stronger than death or the grave–love that loves us . . .
out of sin,
out of the grave,
out of Hell,
into Heaven!

It is the love whose breadth and length, depth and height, are immeasurable–the love that surpasses knowledge!

“May you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should–how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is!” Ephesians 3:18

“May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully!” Ephesians 3:19

~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Were it not for Jesus willingly going to the cross, shedding His perfect blood for our sins, rising from the dead on the third day, and seen by over five hundred, we would be lost and headed for hell.

Unfortunately, the understanding of the cross in Jesus time and the understanding of the cross today are not the same. We have denigrated the cross to a meaningless piece of wood.

A. W. Tozer compares the cross of Jesus time and the cross of some of today’s church’s.

The cross of popular evangelicalism!

(A.W. Tozer)

“If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24

The cross of popular evangelicalism is not the cross of the New Testament.

It is, rather–a new bright ornament upon the bosom of a self-assured and carnal Christianity.

The old cross slew men–the new cross entertains them.

The old cross humbled men–the new cross amuses them.

The old cross destroyed confidence in the flesh–the new cross encourages it.

The old cross brought tears and blood–the new cross brings laughter.

The flesh, smiling and confident, preaches and sings about the cross. Before that cross it bows, and toward that cross it points with carefully staged histrionics—but upon that cross it will not die, and the reproach of that cross, it stubbornly refuses to bear.

We must do something about the cross, and only one of two things we can do–flee from it, or die upon it.

The man who takes up the cross no longer controls his destiny–he lost control, when he picked up his cross. That cross immediately became to him an all-absorbing interest, an overwhelming passion. No matter what he may desire to do, there is but one thing he can do–that is, move on toward the place of crucifixion!

“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world!” Galatians 6:14
~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001