Good morning,

Isaiah the prophet had a unique ministry. He warned Israel that their idolatry, iniquity, and rebellion would cause them to be destroyed. Then he prophesied that Israel would be restored, returned to their land, and be comforted. Isaiah 61 tells how God plans to comfort Israel.

We will study what the Messiah will do, what God’s people will do, and the everlasting covenant.

Today we will study ‘What God’s people will do” from verses 4-7.

What God’s people will do (4-7)

a) God’s people will rebuild what is ruined (4)

⁴ And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.

b) God’s people will be set apart to serve the Lord (5-6)

⁵ And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. ⁶ But ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.

c) God’s people will rejoice at God’s great blessings (7)

⁷ For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.

God has not abandoned His chosen people, Israel. Jerusalem will be restored to all her greatness, strangers will serve God’s people, and God’s chosen people shall be set apart to serve and worship God.

Believers in Christ should be busy about the business of praying for, witnessing to, and uplifting the nation of Israel. They need to know their Messiah to enter into the blessings of Isaiah 61.

Will you stand tall and help?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

Isaiah the prophet had a unique ministry.  He warned Israel that their idolatry, iniquity, and rebellion would cause them to be destroyed. Then he prophesied that Israel would be restored, returned to their land, and be comforted. Isaiah 61 tells how God plans to comfort Israel.

We will study what the Messiah will do, what the people will do, and the everlasting covenant.

Today we will study ‘What the Messiah will do” from verses 1-3. Luke 4:16-22 needs to be read first to understand who the “me” in verse one is. The “me” is referring to Jesus Christ, the Messiah of Israel.

What Messiah will do (1-3)

a) The empowerment of the Messiahs ministry (1a)

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me;

Because the Lord hath anointed me

b) The ministry of the Messiah (1b-3)

to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; ² To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; ³ To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

Verse one makes clear that the Spirit of God was on the Messiah and that God the Father anointed Him. This gave Him the authority to minister for God.

What was the Messiah’s ministry?  A list is given of what the Messiah will do. It is a list of action words that provide comfort and encouragement to a nation who had turned their backs on God.

Verse 3 is our Scripture song verse of the week. God contrasts their current situation and their future status. When Israel repents and turns back to God, God will make all things right.

Believers in Jesus Christ are not exempt from falling away from God. They may choose to willfully sin, follow the world, and trample on God’s promises for them.

What should they do? Repent and be reconciled to God. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Then they will be walking in obedience to Jesus and His word.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This devotional will annoy some, convict others, and hopefully challenge us to assess whether we are content.

A remedy against all our troubles!

(Thomas Watson, “The Art of Divine Contentment”)

“I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content–whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.” Philippians 4:11-12

Contentment sweetens every condition.

Christ turned the water into wine. Just so, contentment turns the bitter waters of Marah, into spiritual wine.

Contentment is a flower which does not grow in every garden.

You would think it were excellent, if I could prescribe a remedy or antidote against poverty. Behold, here is that which is more excellent–for a man to be poor, and yet have enough! Contentment teaches a man how to abound–in the midst of poverty!

Have I but little? Yet it is more than I deserve.

Do I meet with some crosses? My comfort is, if they are heavy–I have not far to go!

My cross is light–in comparison with the weight of glory.

Has God taken away my comforts from me? It is well–the Comforter still abides with me.

Thus contentment, as a honeycomb, drops sweetness into every condition.

Discontent is a leaven which sours every comfort; it puts vinegar into every mercy; it doubles every cross. But the contented spirit sucks sweetness from every flower of providence. Contentment is full of consolation.

Contentment is . . .
a remedy against all our troubles,
an alleviation to all our burdens,
the cure of to every worry.

As medicine works disease out of the body–so contentment works trouble out of the heart. Holy contentment keeps the heart from fainting. Contentment is the golden shield, which beats back all discouragements.

Contentment, though it is not properly a grace (it is rather, a disposition of mind,) yet in it there is a happy mixture of all the graces. Contentment is a most precious compound! The ingredients put into it are faith, patience, meekness, humility, etc.

Wicked men are often disquieted in the enjoyment of all things.
But the contented Christian is joyful in the lack of all things! He may have little in the world–yet be perfectly content.

O the rare art or rather–miracle of contentment!

A Christian finds contentment distilled out of the breasts of the promises. He is poor in purse–but rich in promise. There is one promise which brings much sweet contentment into the soul: “Those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.” (Psalm 34:10) If the thing we desire is good for us–we shall have it. If it is not good–then the not having is good for us. The resting satisfied with the promise, gives contentment.

We all need to go to God and seek Him on this issue. Are we content in our lives? What is God trying to teach us in our current circumstances? Can we totally trust Him going forward?

Questions only you and God can answer.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

Change is a common theme in the lives of believers. World events, politics, people, friends, family, are in a constant state of flux. There is only one constant in life and that is the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

You will make no advance in the divine life!

(Octavius Winslow, “Glimpses of truth as it is in Jesus”)

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever!” Hebrews 13:8

You will make no advance in the divine life–if your eye is ever upon yourself instead of Christ.

What though the experience of today is the opposite of the experience of yesterday:
yesterday all brightness–today all cloudiness;
yesterday your soul like a well-tuned Psalm–today every string loosed and breathing no melody;
yesterday, Jesus felt to be so near and precious–today not a loving emotion in your heart;
yesterday, communion with God so sweet–today, none whatever;
yesterday, desiring to walk uprightly, holily, and humbly–today detecting so much that is vacillating, weak, and vile.

Nevertheless, Jesus is not changed!
The work of Christ is the same.
Your acceptance in Him is the same.
His intercession in Heaven for you is the same.

So why are you so eager to fly to spiritual experiences for support, strength, and consolation–rising when they rise, falling when they fall–when all your standing, joy, peace, and hope are entirely outside of yourself, and are solely in Christ?

What though you change a thousand times in one day? He never changes!

God may vary His dispensations.
He may alter His mode of dealing.
He may change the nature of His discipline.
He may vary the lesson–but His loving-kindness and His truth are as unchangeable as His very being. He may dry up the earthly cistern–but He will never seal up the heavenly fountain! That will flow on in grace through all time, and in glory through all eternity!

Remember this when Satan tempts you, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever!”

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

David was a man of prayer. Many of the Psalms are David’s prayer for aid during times of distress. Psalm 55 is one of those Psalms. David is praying for deliverance from his enemies, the destruction of his enemies, and in confidence that God would protect him.

The context of Psalm 55 is rooted in 2 Samuel 13-15. Please read these chapters to see why David was praying.

2 Samuel 13:1-22        Amnon rapes Tamar, Absalom’s sister

2 Samuel 13:23-39      Absalom’s Revenge (He has Amnon killed)

2 Samuel 14:1-33        Absalom forgiven and restoration

2 Samuel 15:1-12        Absalom’s rebellion

2 Samuel 15:13-37      David flees Jerusalem Verse 31 tells us the answer to the “who” in Psalm 55:12-14

Today we will look at David’s confidence in God.

David’s confidence that God would save him and destroy his enemies (16-23)

¹⁶ As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me. ¹⁷ Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. ¹⁸ He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me. ¹⁹ God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God. ²⁰ He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant. ²¹ The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords. ²² Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. ²³ But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.

Prayer was not a new aspect of David’s life. The Bible records story after story in which David seeks God through prayer. David learned some lessons about God through his prayer time.

First, he learned that God hears and answers prayer. Verse 16 David is confident that the Lord will save him. Why? Because he had witness God save him in the past.

Second, he learned that prayer must be continual. Verse 17 alludes to the fact that we must be in a continual state of prayer.  When we pray, God hears our prayers. He then answers our prayers with a yes, no, or wait.

Third, he learned God acts on the prayers of His saints. Verse 18-20 shows David’s confidence that God will act on his behalf.

Fourth, he learned to trust the Lord. When David was in peril, he gave the burden to the Lord, and each time God sustained him.

These are principles that we need to embrace. Do we know God well enough to trust Him with our burdens, problems, and needs? Do we believe God hears and answers our prayers?

Remember that God is ever present, all knowing, and all powerful. There is nothing that He cannot do.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

David was a man of prayer. Many of the Psalms are David’s prayer for aid during times of distress. Psalm 55 is one of those Psalms. David is praying for deliverance from his enemies, the destruction of his enemies, and in confidence that God would protect him.

The context of Psalm 55 is rooted in 2 Samuel 13-15. Please read these chapters to see why David was praying.

2 Samuel 13:1-22        Amnon rapes Tamar, Absalom’s sister

2 Samuel 13:23-39      Absalom’s Revenge (He has Amnon killed)

2 Samuel 14:1-33        Absalom forgiven and restoration

2 Samuel 15:1-12        Absalom’s rebellion

2 Samuel 15:13-37     David flees Jerusalem Verse 31 tells us the  answer to the “who” in   Psalm 55:12-14

Today we will look at David’s prayer for the destruction of his enemies.

David prays for the destruction of his enemies (9-15)

⁹ Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city. ¹⁰ Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it. ¹¹ Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets. ¹² For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: ¹³ But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. ¹⁴ We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company. ¹⁵ Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.

The enemies that David speaks about were at one time his friends and confidants. Absalom, David’s son, rises up and creates an atmosphere of rebellion among the people. Absalom wanted to be King. He spirited away David’s top advisors and drove David out of the city of Jerusalem.

Psalm 55:13-15 speaks of someone close to David. The person is identified in 2 Samuel 15:2, 31 to be Ahithophel. He and David had counseled together over many years.

Even the best of friends can be won over by Satan. The reality here is that Satan, who rebelled against God, was defeated and so were Absalom and his cohorts.

Believers in Jesus Christ should align with His teachings, ministry, and character. When rebels come along we should reject them.  Our standard is Jesus and the Bible is the truth that directs our path.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

David was a man of prayer. Many of the Psalms are David’s prayer for aid during times of distress. Psalm 55 is one of those Psalms. David is praying for deliverance from his enemies, the destruction of his enemies, and in confidence that God would protect him.

The context of Psalm 55 is rooted in 2 Samuel 13-15. Please read these chapters to see why David was praying.

2 Samuel 13:1-22         Amnon rapes Tamar, Absalom’s sister

2 Samuel 13:23-39      Absalom’s Revenge (He has Amnon killed)

2 Samuel 14:1-33        Absalom forgiven and restoration

2 Samuel 15:1-12        Absalom’s rebellion

2 Samuel 15:13-37      David flees Jerusalem Verse 31 tells us the answer to the “who” in Psalm 55:12-14

Today we will look at David’s prayer for deliverance.

David prays for deliverance (1-8)

Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication. ² Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise; ³ Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me. ⁴ My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. ⁵ Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. ⁶ And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. ⁷ Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah. ⁸ I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.

Have you ever been in a situation that was so overwhelming that you wanted to get completely away? That is where David is at. He wanted to fly away and be at rest.

However, His situation was brought about through his own sin. God spared his life, but told him that there would be internal family struggles. The rape of Tamar, murder of Amnon, and the rebellion of Absalom, was the consequence of David’s sin.

Sometimes the overwhelming situations are for our growth or testing. Our greatest growth comes from the experiences in the valleys as opposed to those on the mountaintops.

So David cried out to God! That is what God wants us to do.

PRAY.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Psalm 37 contrasts the righteous and the wicked. It is broken down into 3 sections. The righteous (1-9), the wicked (10-21), and God blesses and protects the righteous (22-40).

We can often be discouraged when we see the wicked prospering and getting ahead. Psalm 37 will change our perspective. God is still in charge and dealing with both the wicked and righteous. That should comfort us as believers in Jesus Christ.

Today we will see how God blesses and protects the righteous in verses 22-40.

God Blesses and Protects the Righteous (22-40)

For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off. ²³ The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. ²⁴ Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. ²⁵ I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. ²⁶ He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. ²⁷ Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. ²⁸ For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. ²⁹ The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever. ³⁰ The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. ³¹ The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. ³² The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. ³³ The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged. ³⁴ Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. ³⁵ I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. ³⁶ Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found. ³⁷ Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. ³⁸ But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. ³⁹ But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble. ⁴⁰ And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

CONCLUSION

TRUST THE LORD

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Today’s devotion is from Ingrid. Although this is an update written by Ingrid, it is inspirational, challenging, and heartfelt. Please continue to pray for her as she “Enjoys the journey”.

INGRID’S UPDATE

Count it all joy.

I have had perhaps the most trying yet incredibly wonderful couple weeks of my life.

As many of you know, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer that presents in the bones in the form of lesions. It sometimes presents as soft tissue tumors as well.

After a short time getting used to the idea that I had cancer and making plans to treat my multiple myeloma which, although it has no cure, treatment options are improving. Giving patients great hopes for long term (up to 11 years) remission -I had my first oncologist visit at which I learned that the oncologist was no longer certain that I had multiple myeloma (mm). Instead he gave me a 20% chance of having mm and an 80% chance of having a different kind of cancer. He listed off five other cancers that are the likely culprit….which, again, I have an 80% chance of having. All of which have a life expectancy of less than one year.

I felt like I had the rug pulled out from under me. Like I had the wind knocked out of me. I admit joy and contentment we’re not the first attitudes that I chose to embrace.

I was scared (oh so very scared), confused and I thought that I had every right to embrace whatever attitude I to chose.

God had different plans. And I am so very thankful.

Over a rather short period of time God replaced my tears of grief and fear with tears
of thankfulness, humility, silliness and pure joy.

God has placed just the right people in my life to help me along the way. One individual who’s been through cancer herself said.,” enjoy the journey- regardless of what the doctors say, you don’t know how much time you have left. Only the Lord knows.”

Enjoy. the. journey. What a beautiful way to sum up this adventure. Not all journeys are easy. Some have bumpy roads along the way; flat tires; transmissions that go out; cracked windshields. Some journeys take you into the dark recesses of valleys. While others take you soaring high on the mountain top where you feel as though you can touch the sun…views so beautiful they put tears in your eyes; oh the smooth sailing.

But, I thank God for cracked windshields, bumpy roads and faulty transmissions, for without them, I would have never known the love and generosity of my family and friends.

My sweet family and friends have given of themselves in ways that I would have never dreamed. They’ve given money, resources, time, sweat, tears, and prayers.

I spend each day in a hospital room filled with family and friends. Smiling, giggling and joking. I sport polka-dot toenails lovingly applied by my best friend who flew from Virginia to be by my side.

And at night, my room is cram packed full of as many people as we can fit. My sweet girl, Emily or my sweet husband, Shane Ling, unusually sleeps with me in the hospital bed.

I may not know the type of cancer I am facing. I may not know how long I have on earth. But I know that God is with me on this journey. And He gives me the strength daily, to smile, to laugh and to enjoy this journey. A journey of joy and contentment that only God can help find the beauty in.

Thank you all for joining me on this beautiful journey.

******************************
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. James 1:2-3
********************************
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Psalm 37 contrasts the righteous and the wicked. It is broken down into 3 sections. The righteous (1-9), the wicked (10-21), and God blesses and protects the righteous (22-40).

We can often be discouraged when we see the wicked prospering and getting ahead. Psalm 37 will change our perspective. God is still in charge and dealing with both the wicked and righteous. That should comfort us as believers in Jesus Christ.

Today we will see what God says about the wicked in verses 10-21.

The Wicked (10-21)

For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. ¹¹ But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. ¹² The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. ¹³ The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. ¹⁴ The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. ¹⁵ Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. ¹⁶ A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. ¹⁷ For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous. ¹⁸ The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever. ¹⁹ They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. ²⁰ But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. ²¹ The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

The wicked are cast as the enemies of God’s righteous. They plot against the just, cast down the poor and needy, slay those of upright lifestyle, and borrow and do not pay back. God laugh’s at them.

What happens to the wicked? They are no more, have no peace, the sword shall enter into their own hearts, theirs bows and arms are broken, they perish, and are consumed.  They will spend eternity separated from God in a place called hell.

It should be the desire of every believer in Christ to snatch these wicked souls from Satan’s grasp with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus came to shed His precious, holy, unstained blood, to pay the sin debt of all the wicked so that the wicked could be saved. He died and after 3 days rose from the grave. The wicked need to repent of their sins and receive Jesus as Savior and Lord. They need to learn of God’s love and mercy for them.

We need to go and tell the gospel message to those who are perishing.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001