Good morning,

Revelation 1 is the gateway to a book containing challenges for the present and the future. This week’s Scripture song comes from verse 18. “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

Today John is given instruction by the Lord Jesus Christ to write in a book what he sees and send it to the seven churches. Again, look for the pictures of Christ.

Salvation to the Churches (7-18)

⁷ Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.⁸ I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.⁹ I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.¹⁰ I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,¹¹ Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.¹² And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;¹³ And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. ¹⁴ His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; ¹⁵ And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.¹⁶ And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.¹⁷ And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: ¹⁸ I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

How is Jesus portrayed today? The Alpha and Omega, beginning and the ending, which is, was, and is to come, Almighty, one like the Son of man, hair white as wool, white as snow, feet like brass, voice like the sound of many waters, out of mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, He that liveth, was dead, and is alive for evermore, and He has the keys of hell and of death.

That is all John’s earthly mind could comprehend. It was much more glorious than words could describe.

Jesus tells John to fear not. When we obey the Lord Jesus we have nothing to fear.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Revelation 1 is the gateway to a book containing challenges for the present and the future. This week’s Scripture song comes from verse 18. “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

Today God gives us the who, what, when, where, and why for the Book of Revelation.  There is also a blessing to those who will read, hear, and keep the prophetic word.

Revelation of Jesus Christ to John (1-3)

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:² Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.³ Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

To the Seven Churches in Asia (4-6)

⁴ John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;⁵ And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,⁶ And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

As we continue on, watch for different references to Christ. Today Jesus was called the “faithful witness”, the “first begotten of the dead”, and the “prince of the kings of the earth”. It is said that He “loved us” and “washed us from our sins in his own blood”.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

These two devotions complement each other. Spurgeon tells us about God’s wisdom in salvation and Tozer tells us about man’s wisdom in evangelism.

The matchless wisdom of God which devised this system of salvation!

(Charles Spurgeon)

“Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her!” Ephesians 5:25

The more I consider the doctrine of substitution–the more is my soul enamored of the matchless wisdom of God which devised this system of salvation. As for a hazy atonement which atones for everybody in general, and for nobody in particular–an atonement made equally for Judas and for John–I care nothing for it. But a literal, substitutionary sacrifice, Christ vicariously bearing the wrath of God on my behalf–this calms my conscience with regard to the righteous demands of the law of God, and satisfies the instincts of my nature which declare that, as God is just, He must exact the penalty of my guilt!

“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep!” John 10:11

The evangelistic methods of our present golden-calf Christianity!

(A.W. Tozer)

Any objection to the evangelistic methods of our present golden-calf Christianity, is met with the triumphant reply, “But we are winning the lost!”

And what are you winning them to?

To true discipleship?
To cross-carrying?
To self-denial?
To separation from the world?
To crucifixion of the flesh?
To holy living?
To nobility of character?
To a despising of the world’s treasures?
To total committal to Christ?

Of course, the answer to all these questions is NO!

When we evangelize the lost, it must be more than 5 verses and a prayer. It is the responsibility of the evangelist, soul winner, and church to take the newly converted and teach them about Jesus. Salvation is step 1. Then begins the life long process of helping the new believer become more like Jesus.  This would not be accepted by many churches.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will be studying Proverbs 3. The Scripture song comes from verses 5 and 6. “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.”

Interpersonal relationships can sometimes be difficult. The believer in Jesus Christ has the Bible to lead them when dealing with other people. Proverbs 3:27-35 is one of those passages.

It deals with how believers should treat others.

How to deal with others (27-35)

²⁷ Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.²⁸ Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.²⁹ Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.³⁰ Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.³¹ Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.³² For the froward is abomination to the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous.³³ The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.³⁴ Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.³⁵ The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

CONCLUSION

• Trust in the Lord
• Be wise
• Rest in the Lord
• Treat others with wisdom

Proverbs 3 has given us tools to be successful in our Christian life. How well are we doing?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will be studying Proverbs 3. The Scripture song comes from verses 5 and 6. “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.”

The book of Proverbs is a teaching on wisdom. Proverbs 3:13-26 tells us the benefits of wisdom, the Lord by wisdom…, to keep wisdom and discretion, and the result of wisdom is God’s safety.

Please meditate on the benefits, work of God, keeping sound wisdom, and the fact that we are safe when we have God’s wisdom.

WISDOM (13-26)

Benefits of Wisdom (13-18)

¹³ Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.¹⁴ For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.¹⁵ She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.¹⁶ Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.¹⁷ Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.¹⁸ She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

The Lord by Wisdom… (19-20)

¹⁹ The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.²⁰ By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

Keep sound Wisdom and Discretion (21-22)

²¹ My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: ²² So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

Wisdom results in God’s Safety (23-26)

²³ Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.²⁴ When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.²⁵ Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.²⁶ For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

Thank God today that He gave us the Bible that has all the wisdom that we need to live successfully in this world.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will be studying Proverbs 3. The Scripture song comes from verses 5 and 6. “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.”

Proverbs 3:1-12 describe how to live the Christian life. God lists seven things that will make us successful in our walk with the Lord.

As God speaks to us may we be sensitive to the moving of God’s Spirit.

SUCCESSFUL LIVING (1-12)

The Law (1-2)                                                                                      

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: ² For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

Mercy and Truth (3-4)

³ Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:⁴ So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the Lord (5-6)

⁵ 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.

Fear the Lord (7-8)

⁷ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.⁸ It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

Honour the Lord with your Substance (9-10)

⁹ Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase:¹⁰ So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

Chastening of the Lord (11-12)

¹¹ My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction:¹² For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

Did you notice that the odd numbered verses were God’s commands, while the even numbered verses were the promises that will result if we obey the command. All God is looking for is obedience in His children. When we do, He pours out His blessings!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Today’s devotional is helpful because it reminds us that to live successfully in this life we must yield control to Christ. Although many of us have tried living the Christian life on our own, we have eventually found that we have failed. Then we turn it over to Jesus and He helps repair what we damaged.

Go to Him in your emptiness, and receive daily out of His fullness!

(Ashton Oxenden, “The Christian Life” 1882)

“As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord–so walk in Him!” Colossians 2:6

We are apt to think that all we need is to look to Christ as our Sin-bearer; and that, having once gone to Him in faith, and obtained forgiveness, the work is done. But the believer now needs the same Savior who pardoned him–to be ever with him, to help him on his way, and to keep his soul alive. He must ever run his Christian race, ‘looking unto Jesus.’ He must ‘come out of the wilderness, leaning on his Beloved.’ In himself, the believer is powerless. Christ is both the Life and Strength of the renewed soul.

The believer needs daily strength. He cannot fight by his own power. He cannot even walk alone. If he hopes to resist temptation, and to lead a holy life of service to his heavenly Master–if he wants boldly to come out from the world, and to stand forth as a decided follower of Christ–he must look to Jesus for daily grace to strengthen him.

It is living upon Christ, which alone can make us growing, thriving, vigorous Christians!

To be ever looking to Christ for grace, to be constantly stretching out the hand and heart to Christ for help, to be daily feeding upon Him–this is the secret of all our spiritual life, and of all our spiritual well-being.

Never suppose that you can become strong enough to do without Christ. Never imagine that you can reach such a point, that you are anything more than a poor, helpless being. As you humbled yourself beneath His cross at the first–so continue to feel your place to be in the dust before Him, your righteousness to be as filthy rags, your strength as utter weakness!

Go to Him in your emptiness, and receive daily out of His fullness!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Believers in Christ are looking forward to spending eternity in heaven. What will heaven be like? Today’s devotion may give us a small glimpse.

Mr, James uses a two words not commonly used today, felicitous and felicity. Felicitous means very well suited or expressed, pleasant, delightful. Felicity means great happiness. Both words ultimately derive from the Latin adjective felix, meaning “fruitful” or “happy”.

What a Heaven!

(J. A. James, “The Practical Believer Delineated”)

Heaven will consist of . . .
  the moral perfection of the soul,
perfect knowledge,
perfect holiness,
perfect love,
perfect likeness to Christ,
perfection of the body in . . .
incorruptibility,
immortality,
      glory, and
spirituality;
the presence of God in the full manifestation of His glory,
the beatific vision of Christ,
the fellowship of angels and all the redeemed,
the joint worship of the heavenly multitudes,
the perfect service of Christ, without . . .
interruption,
      imperfection, or
cessation,
complete freedom from . . .
pain,
toil,
hunger,
thirst,
anxiety,
fear,
sorrow,
death!

Such is the substance of heavenly felicity. Take
any one of them by itself–and each is a Heaven!
Add them altogether–and what a Heaven!

How pure! How elevated! How felicitous!

What a blessing that is in store for us. Encourage yourself and share this with others.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

God sees everything. Do we believe that? If so, why is it that we allow ourselves to sin. Why do we disobey God’s written word? Do we believe there are consequences to our sin?

Today’s devotional should make us think and determine to obey God.

My Father’s eye!

(James Smith, “The Pastor’s Evening Visit”)

“Your Father who sees in secret.” Matthew 6:6

Can anyone hide himself from the Lord in secret places?

Can I, under any circumstances, escape His notice?

Impossible!

The eye of God has been fixed upon me every second of this day; it is now at this moment fixed fully upon me. But it is my Father’s eye! My Father sees in secret!

He sees my needs–and my woes.

He sees every secret working of my foes–and will save me from them.
He sees every secret influence which is likely to injure me–and will prevent it.

He sees . . .
the secret workings of my heart,
my hidden thoughts,
my unuttered desires,
my soul conflicts,
my private temptations.

But He sees also my secret sins!
Every evil thought,
every unfitting word,
every improper action–
passes under His eye!

Solemn consideration this!

May it make me cautious. May it preserve me . . .
from yielding to temptation,
from nourishing sinful thoughts, and
from acting inconsistent with my profession.

My heavenly Father sees me!

He sees me at this moment!

He sees me every moment!

He sees my most secret motives, thoughts, and purposes!

He who thus sees me–hates every sin with an infinite hatred!

“There is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do!” Hebrews 4:13

What will God see in our lives today?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Why must we endure trials? Why can’t life be completely smooth sailing? Today we will find out.

But why?

(Don Fortner)

“Behold, we count them blessed who endure.” James 5:11

Faith counts them blessed who patiently endure trials, as Job, the saints, and prophets of old did.

But why? Upon what grounds do we count them blessed?

Enduring their trials, God’s saints find themselves compelled to cling tightly to their Savior—and that brings them into closer, sweeter communion with Him. And that is our happiness! We are blessed, indeed, when . . .
we are admitted into the inner chambers of Him whom our souls love,
our sorrows more fully reveal to us the Man of Sorrows,
our grief’s cast us upon the heart of our God,
our troubles take us to the Throne of Grace.

Little chicks in the sunshine run all over the yard, pecking and gathering whatever they find. But if a hawk appears in the sky, the mother hen calls them with a sharp alarm. Immediately, they perceive the danger and run under her wings for safety.

God’s saints are like those chicks. He was a much afflicted man who wrote, “He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings shall you trust.” Psalm 91:4

One of the most delicious of sensations outside of Heaven, is to fall helplessly into the arms of Christ! There we find . . .
strength in helplessness,
joy in submission,
rest in resignation,
and peace in surrender!
Anything which . . .
gives new life to prayer,
brings us to the Throne of Grace,
and renews communion with our God–
is so great a gift that, “we count them blessed who endure.”

There is no place in all our pilgrim journey more needful for our souls than the Valley of Humiliation. The tops of the Delectable Mountains are wonderful, exhilarating spots, from which we sometimes see the Golden City. But those are heights too steep for our trembling feet to stand firmly upon them. The valley suits us better, though flesh and blood finds it hard to go downhill. Here our dear Savior manifests Himself to His chosen as He does not to the world. Therefore “we count them blessed who endure.”

Once more, “we count them blessed who endure,” because “our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory!” 2 Corinthians 4:17. Oh, what glory awaits us on the other side! And that glory awaiting us is made all the more glorious by “the trial of our faith!”

That’s why.

When we are afflicted, we draw closer to God. When we are confused, troubled, and don’t know what to do, He draws closer to us. What a blessing.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001