Good morning,

Over my life time I have been privileged to live in cold, warm, and temperate locations. They all have their advantages and disadvantages. Right now, snow shoveling is getting to be a drag.

However, God made a promise to us in Genesis 8:22. “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.”

God keeps His promises. I am glad He does. The fact that each day the sun comes up indicates that God does not lie. It is winter in Alaska, but somewhere on our globe it is summer. Did it ever occur to you that the food we eat is a direct fulfillment of this promise? And yes, it is cold here and warm somewhere else.

What a great God, who can in one verse, promise harvests, seasons, food, and different types of weather. Each is fulfilled daily.

Today, think about some others promises God has made to us. Did He keep His promise? This should encourage us to trust Him even more. He has never broken His word and never will.

Time to shovel more snow.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Today is inauguration day. It is a day of new beginnings.

Some are in great fear today. They have no hope for the future. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the hope of every believer and anyone willing to trust Christ as Savior and Lord.

And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee. (Psalm 39:7)

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. (Psalm 42:5)

Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God: (Psalm 146:5)

When Joshua was getting ready to lead the nation of Israel into the Promised Land, He gave the people this challenge.

⁶ 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. ⁷ 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. ⁸ 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. ⁹ 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. (Joshua 1:6-9)

God gives us hope and that hope is found in the Bible. As we go through this new beginning we must be “…strong and of a good courage:” Joshua challenged the people to meditate on God’s word. He told them not to be afraid or dismayed. Why? “The Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” He is with us today.

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

To alleviate all fears, do this. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

God wants us to grow closer to Him. He uses trial, tribulations, and adversity. When this happens, we have a choice to make. Trust the Lord and grow or reject the Lord and regress. Trials, tribulations, and adversity, are God’s way of bringing us closer to Him and strengthening our faith.

He loves us too well to promise that!

(J.C. Ryle)

“Man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.” Job 5:7

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

If we are true Christians, we must not expect everything smooth in our journey to Heaven. We must count it no strange thing, if we have to endure sicknesses, losses, bereavements, and disappointments, just like other men. Free pardon and full forgiveness, grace along the way, and glory at the end–all this our Savior has promised to give. But He has never promised that we shall have no affliction. He loves us too well to promise that!

By affliction He teaches us many precious lessons which without it we would never learn. By affliction He . . .
shows us our emptiness and weakness,
draws us to the throne of grace,
purifies our affections,
weans us from the world,
and makes us long for Heaven.

In the resurrection morning, we shall all say, “It is good for me that I was afflicted.“ We shall thank God for every storm.

“You do not understand now what I am doing–but you will understand later on!” John 13:7

~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The Holy Spirit lives within us. Today’s devotional reminds us what the Holy Spirit does.

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (John 6:33)

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. (John 14:26)

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (John 16:13)

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 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. (Galatians 5:16-18)

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. (John 14:16-18)

Let us always think of the Holy Spirit with holy awe and reverence!

(Charles Spurgeon)

Let us always think of the Holy Spirit with holy awe and reverence, remembering that . . .
it is the Spirit who quickens us,
it is the Spirit who instructs us,
it is the Spirit who sanctifies us,
it is the Spirit who preserves us,
it is the Spirit who makes us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light!
So unto the ever-blessed Spirit be glory and honor and praise, forever and ever!
~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Consider the greatness of God. God is in control of all things. Small things, large things, or things that have no significance to us, God controls and cares about.

He also knows and cares about us as individuals. Our struggles, joys, adversities, accomplishments, God knows them all.  It is comforting to know the God who created us, also cares about us and our wellbeing.

The smallest trifles are as much arranged by the God of Providence!

(Charles Spurgeon)

“In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.” Ephesians 1:11

It is most important for us to learn that the smallest trifles are as much arranged by the God of Providence–as the most momentous events!

He who counts the stars–has also numbered the hairs of our heads!

Our lives and deaths are predestined–but so, also, are our sitting down and our rising up.

I believe that every particle of dust that dances in the sunbeam, does not move an atom more or less than God wishes.

I believe that every particle of spray that dashes against the steamboat has its ordained orbit, as well as the sun in the heavens.

I believe that the chaff from the hand of the winnower–is as much steered by God, as the stars in their course.

The creeping of an aphid over the rosebush–is as much fixed as the march of the devastating pestilence.

The fall of a leaf from a poplar tree–is as fully ordained as the tumbling of an avalanche!

~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we conclude our study of the book of Romans. Chapter 16 lists the names of many Christians from Rome who have ministered with or influenced Paul’s life. Paul warns his readers of the people who try to cause divisions in the Church. He ends by praising God.

Paul concludes his letter to the Romans with greetings from those in Corinth and praise to God.

Greetings from those in Corinth (16:21-24)

²¹ Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.²² I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.²³ Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.²⁴ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Conclusion to the letter: praise to God (16:25-27)

²⁵ Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,²⁶ But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:²⁷ To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

The Epistle to the Romans began by defining and describing sin. Sin’s consequence was judgement. The result of which was death. Our sin debt could only be paid for by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He shed His perfect blood on our behalf as payment for our sin debt. Then we are told how to live as a Christian. Satan no more has dominion over us. We belong to Jesus who bought us with His own blood. Next, we learn how to relate to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Finally, we see the men and women who influenced Paul’s life in Rome. It reminds us that ministry takes a team of committed believers, each doing their part, to see men and women come to know Christ as Lord and Savior.

If you are reading this and have never trusted Christ to save you from your sin, please read Romans 3-5. If you have questions, please call me.

If you are reading this and you are trusting Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, please tell someone else how they might get saved. Time is running out. The Rapture could come at any time.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

This week we conclude our study of the book of Romans. Chapter 16 lists the names of many Christians from Rome who have ministered with or influenced Paul’s life. Paul warns his readers of the people who try to cause divisions in the Church. He ends by praising God.

It is sad that we must continue to deal with this issue 2000 years after Paul admonished the Church in Rome. We must be vigilant. Deceivers, those who cause division, and those who pervert the Word of God lurk unawares in our churches. They challenge the leadership, God’s word, and the character of other believers. As Paul states, “Mark them…” Then apply the principles of Matthew 18:15-17. Church discipline is the only way to remove them from corrupting God’s people.

Warnings about those who cause divisions (16:17-20)

¹⁷ Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.¹⁸ For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.¹⁹ For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.²⁰ And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Paul makes it clear that the Roman Christians obedience to God’s word was “…come abroad unto all men.”

Is the obedience of you individually, your church, and your church leaders, known among this community?

It should be!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we conclude our study of the book of Romans. Chapter 16 lists the names of many Christians from Rome who have ministered with or influenced Paul’s life. Paul warns his readers of the people who try to cause divisions in the Church. He ends by praising God.

Ministry for Jesus Christ takes a team. The people Paul mentions, played a part in helping Paul be successful. Transportation, lodging, logistics, monetary gifts, and prayer are all part of ministry. Many times we see the Preacher or the Evangelist and are blessed by what they say. However, without the support team, there might not be a message.

Whatever you do in your local church is important to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. People get saved because of what appears to be insignificant ministries. No one may ever know what you do, but God does. He is pleased that you serve.

This is what Paul is communicating to the Christians at Rome.

Greetings to fellow laborers in the Lord (16:1-16)

I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:² That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.³ Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:⁴ Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.⁵ Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.⁶ Greet Mary, who bestowed much labor on us.⁷ Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. ⁸ Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.⁹ Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.¹⁰ Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household.¹¹ Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.¹² Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which labored much in the Lord.¹³ Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.¹⁴ Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.¹⁵ Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them. ¹⁶ Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

Please ask God to show you how you might minister for Him. Then whatever He asks you to do, whether great or small, do it.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Idols come in many forms. Anything that we hold higher than God is our idol. As we will learn today, it may be things, thoughts, or our heart attitude. We need to get rid of the idols in our lives.

Some thoughts on idolatry!

“These men have set up their idols in their hearts!” Ezekiel 14:3

“Their heart went after their idols!” Ezekiel 20:16

“We are all born idolaters!” Thomas Watson

“An idol is an idol–whether worshiped inwardly in heart, or adorned outwardly by the knee.” J.C. Philpot

“Every one of us is, from his mother’s womb, expert in inventing idols. Man’s nature, so to speak, is a perpetual idol factory!” John Calvin

“An idol of the mind is as offensive to God as an idol of the hand.” A.W. Tozer

“O wretched idol, MYSELF!” Samuel Rutherford

“If we are indeed Christians–we have broken a great many idols. We have still some more to break–and we must keep the hammer going until they are all broken!” Charles Spurgeon

“This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!” Ezekiel 14:6

“Dear children, keep yourselves from idols!” 1 John 5:21
~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

God wants us to pray. Prayer acknowledges our dependence on God. Today’s devotional tells us a real need of today’s local churches.

What the Church needs today!

(E.M. Bounds)

“They all joined together constantly in prayer” Acts 1:14

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42

The church is looking for better methods—God is looking for holier men.

What the Church needs today is not more or better machinery, not new organizations or more and novel methods–but men mighty in prayer.

The Holy Spirit does not flow through methods–but through men.
He does not come on machinery–but on men.
He does not anoint plans–but men, men of prayer.

Prayer is our most formidable weapon, the thing which makes all else we do efficient.

“The prayer meeting is the gauge of the Church’s spiritual condition. You may always test your church’s prosperity–by the number who assemble to pray!” Charles Spurgeon

~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001