Good morning,

When I hide myself in the Rock of Ages cleft for me!

(Alexander Smellie, “The Hour of Silence” 1899)  LISTEN to audio!  Download audio

“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people both now and forevermore!” Psalm 125:2

God, to the humble heart that leans on Him, is like the mountains which surround Jerusalem.

In the mountain, there is safety.
In this dangerous world, I am . . .
  pursued and hunted by principalities and powers,
  in peril of traps and snares and temptations,
  unable to secure my deliverance.

But God in Jesus Christ, becomes . . .
  my Refuge,
  my Rock,
  my Fortress,
  my Shield,
  my Deliverer,
  and my Strength!

I flee to Him, and I am in a secure dwelling. There is no evil which can befall me now. When I hide myself in the Rock of Ages cleft for me, then who can separate me from the love of Christ? That Rock Himself would have to crumble, before any harm could come to my soul! I am so weak in myself, yet so strong in my Savior!

In the mountain, there is assurance.
I feel that the ground is solid and stable underneath my feet.
My sorrow and sighing should flee away.
My fears should be scattered.
The Father and the Son and the Spirit are eternally mine!
From all forebodings and anxieties, my Lord means me to be set free.

In the mountain, there is everlastingness.
My soul is wise when it builds its life-house on the Rock of . . .
  God’s promises,
  God’s grace,
  God’s salvation!
The storm will never be able to blow it down.
The gates of Hell will never prevail against it.
Through the countless and varied changes of my lot, through death and through the long eternity that lies beyond–it will endure, incorruptible, immovable, abiding!

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains. Where does my help come from?
 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and earth!
 He will not let your foot slip. He who watches over you will not slumber.
 The Lord watches over you. The Lord is your shade at your right hand;
 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
 The Lord will keep you from all harm–He will watch over your life.
 The Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore!”
     Psalm 121
   ~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chapla1n@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Fixing our eyes on Jesus!

(Alexander Smellie, “The Hour of Silence” 1899)  LISTEN to audio!  Download audio

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith!” Hebrews 12:2

This is how I am justified and forgiven. Not by the hopeless endeavor to win and fight my way to the favor of God and the Celestial City–but by looking to Jesus alone, and by leaning on Him absolutely.
“Nothing in my hands I bring,
 Simply to Your cross I cling!”

This is how I find assurance. I am tossed with tempest, overcast with doubt, haunted with fear–while I scrutinize my own frames and feelings. But when I fix my gaze steadfastly on Him, so all-sufficient, so perfect–the morning awakens and the shadows decay; behold, the winter is past, and the flowers appear! For my own comfort, I would see Him as a glorious Sun filling my sky.

This is how I grow holy. While indeed I am bidden to work out my own salvation with fear and trembling, it must not be as if everything depended on me. It must rather be by a perpetual faith in Him, and a perpetual prayer to Him, who works in me to will and to do according to His good purpose! The battle is not mine, but His. He sows the seed, and He ripens the harvest. He lays the foundation, and He puts the top-stone in its fitting place.

This is how I shall be glorified in the end. Self will have vanished in the better country, and Christ will be ALL! I shall follow the Lamb wherever He goes. I shall find my safety, my peace, my victory–in keeping very close to Him. He will be familiar, and yet He will be new every morning. And I shall discover in Him a subject of study, and wonder, and worship, and love–which is illimitable and unfathomable!

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith!” Hebrews 12:2
 Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Two gates, two ways, two ends!

(Alexander Smellie, “The Hour of Silence” 1899)  LISTEN to audio!  Download audio

“Enter by the narrow gate.
 For wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leads to destruction,
     and there are many who go in by it.
 Because narrow is the gate, and difficult is the way which leads to life,
     and there are few who find it!” Matthew 7:13-14

There are only two GATES:
One of them wide. Its name is Self . . .
  my own desires,
  my own proud thoughts,
  my own righteousness,
  my own beloved and darling sins,
  my own plans and pleasures.

The other gate is narrow. Its name is Christ: Christ sought with repentance and godly sorrow–Christ followed at any hazard. It is the gate of the crucifixion of Self!

There are only two WAYS:
One of them is broad, easy, pleasant, comfortable, pleasing to the flesh, thronged with multitudes–a primrose path, but always tending downward, and bringing disastrous consequences.

The other way is difficult and narrow, as it were through a gorge between craggy cliffs which nearly meet, haunted by dangers and enemies, chosen by comparatively few. The Christian’s toilsome pilgrimage and dangerous journey–ah, how the road climbs up and up!

There are only two ENDS:
One of them is destruction—
   dark, hopeless, irretrievable,
   the death of peace,
   the death of hope,
   the death of every good impulse,
   the death of the soul!

The other end is life—
   life at its fullest, sublimest, sweetest,
   life without sin and without sorrow,
   life in the land of life and glory,
   life in the presence of Christ to all eternity!

Consciously, deliberately, unequivocally, may I seek . . .
  the narrow gate,
  the difficult way,
  the end which is everlasting life!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

INDEPENDENCE THROUGH CONFLICT

July 4 is Independence Day. On this date in 1776, the United States declared their independence from British rule. This caused a conflict. Britain refused to allow the American colonist’s freedom from oppressive taxes, freedom of the press, and freedom to govern themselves. The American colonist’s wanted to be free. A conflict ensued which the American colonist’s won. Independence through conflict.

Since the beginning of time there has been another conflict brewing, the conflict between God and Satan. Genesis 1 tells how God created heaven, earth, vegetation, animals, and man and woman. He also created the angels. Ezekiel 28:13-16 tells us of Lucifer (Satan), his creation as a perfect angel, his beauty, his residence in Eden. Isaiah 14:12-15 tells of Satan’s rebellion against God. Revelation 12:4 tells of one third of the angels who followed Satan’s rebellion. Satan has been in conflict with God from the beginning.

Genesis 3 brings us the first confrontation. God told Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Satan comes to Eve and tempts her with the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, pride of life. She takes the fruit, eats it, and gives it to her husband Adam. Adam knew what God had commanded and chose to ignore God. The first sin. An animal is sacrificed and blood atonement is made for Adam and Eve. God has given men and women a free will to choose to follow or reject Him.

Genesis 3:15 tells us of the coming Redeemer Jesus Christ who died on the cross to be the once for all sacrifice for man’s sin.

This conflict is playing out for the souls of men and women. The Bible says in Ephesians 6:12 states, “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.” This is Satan and his fallen angels (demons) in conflict with men and women.

Who wins? God does at the cross of Calvary. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 20:10)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Whose side of the conflict are you on? Whose would you like to be on?

Contact me:

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, chaplain@alaskaseniors.com, 907 715-4001

Independence Day: True liberty and freedom

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1

Our founding fathers knew the price of liberty. They were under the yoke of bondage of the British. When they came together to ratify and sign the Declaration of Independence, they knew that they would be committing treason and would be hunted men. Who were these men?

“All of the colonies were represented in Philadelphia to consider the delicate case for independence. In all, there were fifty-six representatives from the thirteen colonies. The ages of the signers ranged from 26 (Edward Rutledge) to 70 (Benjamin Franklin), but the majority of the signers were in their thirties or forties. More than half of the signers were lawyers and the others were planters, merchants and shippers. Together they mutually pledged “to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” They were mostly men of means who had much to lose if the war was lost. None of the signers died at the hands of the British, and one third served as militia officers during the war. Four of the signers were taken captive during the war and nearly all of them were poorer at the end of the war than at the beginning.” (ConsitutionFacts.com)

They were willing to die for the cause of freedom.

As we enjoy our country’s Independence Day, let us consider that there is a battle for the souls of men that continues to rage.

^“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.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.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.” Ephesians 6:10-13

Our country is free.  Will we be free from our battle with sin?

FREEDOM FROM TYRANNY

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

“Taxation without representation!” was the battle cry in America’s 13 Colonies, which were forced to pay taxes to England’s King George III despite having no representation in the British Parliament. As dissatisfaction grew, British troops were sent in to quell the early movement toward rebellion. Repeated attempts by the Colonists to resolve the crisis without military conflict proved fruitless.

On June 11, 1776, the Colonies’ Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and formed a committee whose express purpose was drafting a document that would formally sever their ties with Great Britain. The committee included Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson, who was considered the strongest and most eloquent writer, crafted the original draft document. A total of 86 changes were made to his draft and the Continental Congress officially adopted the final version on July 4, 1776.

STAR SPANGLED BANNER

On a rainy September 13, 1814, British warships sent a downpour of shells and rockets onto Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor, relentlessly pounding the American fort for 25 hours. The bombardment, known as the Battle of Baltimore, came only weeks after the British had attacked Washington, D.C., burning the Capitol, the Treasury and the President’s house. It was another chapter in the ongoing War of 1812.

A week earlier, Francis Scott Key, a 35-year-old American lawyer, had boarded the flagship of the British fleet on the Chesapeake Bay in hopes of persuading the British to release a friend who had recently been arrested. Key’s tactics were successful, but because he and his companions had gained knowledge of the impending attack on Baltimore, the British did not let them go. They allowed the Americans to return to their own vessel but continued guarding them. Under their scrutiny, Key watched on September 13 as the barrage of Fort McHenry began eight miles away.

“It seemed as though mother earth had opened and was vomiting shot and shell in a sheet of fire and brimstone,” Key wrote later. But when darkness arrived, Key saw only red erupting in the night sky. Given the scale of the attack, he was certain the British would win. The hours passed slowly, but in the clearing smoke of “the dawn’s early light” on September 14, he saw the American flag—not the British Union Jack—flying over the fort, announcing an American victory.

Key put his thoughts on paper while still on board the ship, setting his words to the tune of a popular English song. His brother-in-law, commander of a militia at Fort McHenry, read Key’s work and had it distributed under the name “Defence of Fort M’Henry.” The Baltimore Patriot newspaper soon printed it, and within weeks, Key’s poem, now called “The Star-Spangled Banner,” appeared in print across the country, immortalizing his words—and forever naming the flag it celebrated.

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE

God has blessed this nation. Our forefathers came to this country to obtain religious liberty. They fought for independence from the economic tyranny of Britain. Many died, but God allowed us to prevail. Freedom was bought through the blood and women who believed in freedom.

JESUS FREED US

The Bible tells us, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”. (Romans 3:23) We have a sin debt that we cannot pay. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) It was Jesus’ blood, shed on the cross for us, that paid our sin debt. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” (Ephesians 1:7)

Christ made us free from our debt of sin. “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2) So we must, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)

Who is Jesus? Jesus answered that question in John 14:6. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

Jesus gave us freedom, but we must be willing to take it.

INDEPENDENCE THROUGH CONFLICT

July 4 is Independence Day. On this date in 1776, the United States declared their independence from British rule. This caused a conflict. Britain refused to allow the American colonist’s freedom from oppressive taxes, freedom of the press, and freedom to govern themselves. The American colonists wanted to be free. A conflict ensued which the American colonist’s won. Independence through conflict.

Since the beginning of time there has been another conflict brewing, the conflict between God and Satan. Genesis 1 tells how God created heaven, earth, vegetation, animals, and man and woman. He also created the angels. Ezekiel 28:13-16 tells us of Lucifer (Satan), his creation as a perfect angel, his beauty, his residence in Eden. Isaiah 14:12-15 tells of Satan’s rebellion against God. Revelation 12:4 tells of one third of the angels who followed Satan’s rebellion. Satan has been in conflict with God from the beginning.

Genesis 3 brings us the first confrontation. God told Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Satan comes to Eve and tempts her with the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, pride of life. She takes the fruit, eats it, and gives it to her husband Adam. Adam knew what God had commanded and chose to ignore God. The first sin. An animal is sacrificed and blood atonement is made for Adam and Eve. God has given men and women a free will to choose to follow or reject Him.

Genesis 3:15 tells us of the coming Redeemer Jesus Christ who died on the cross to be the once for all sacrifice for man’s sin.

This conflict is playing out for the souls of men and women. The Bible says in Ephesians 6:12 states, “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.” This is Satan and his fallen angels (demons) in conflict with men and women.

Who wins? God does at the cross of Calvary. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 20:10)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Whose side of the conflict are you on? Whose would you like to be on?

CONCLUSION

True freedom comes from Jesus Christ

Jesus has made us free from the law of sin and death

Jesus has overcome Satan

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

FREEDOM FROM TYRANNY

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

“Taxation without representation!” was the battle cry in America’s 13 Colonies, which were forced to pay taxes to England’s King George III despite having no representation in the British Parliament. As dissatisfaction grew, British troops were sent in to quell the early movement toward rebellion. Repeated attempts by the Colonists to resolve the crisis without military conflict proved fruitless.

On June 11, 1776, the Colonies’ Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and formed a committee whose express purpose was drafting a document that would formally sever their ties with Great Britain. The committee included Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson, who was considered the strongest and most eloquent writer, crafted the original draft document. A total of 86 changes were made to his draft and the Continental Congress officially adopted the final version on July 4, 1776.

STAR SPANGLED BANNER

On a rainy September 13, 1814, British warships sent a downpour of shells and rockets onto Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor, relentlessly pounding the American fort for 25 hours. The bombardment, known as the Battle of Baltimore, came only weeks after the British had attacked Washington, D.C., burning the Capitol, the Treasury and the President’s house. It was another chapter in the ongoing War of 1812.

A week earlier, Francis Scott Key, a 35-year-old American lawyer, had boarded the flagship of the British fleet on the Chesapeake Bay in hopes of persuading the British to release a friend who had recently been arrested. Key’s tactics were successful, but because he and his companions had gained knowledge of the impending attack on Baltimore, the British did not let them go. They allowed the Americans to return to their own vessel but continued guarding them. Under their scrutiny, Key watched on September 13 as the barrage of Fort McHenry began eight miles away.

“It seemed as though mother earth had opened and was vomiting shot and shell in a sheet of fire and brimstone,” Key wrote later. But when darkness arrived, Key saw only red erupting in the night sky. Given the scale of the attack, he was certain the British would win. The hours passed slowly, but in the clearing smoke of “the dawn’s early light” on September 14, he saw the American flag—not the British Union Jack—flying over the fort, announcing an American victory.

Key put his thoughts on paper while still on board the ship, setting his words to the tune of a popular English song. His brother-in-law, commander of a militia at Fort McHenry, read Key’s work and had it distributed under the name “Defence of Fort M’Henry.” The Baltimore Patriot newspaper soon printed it, and within weeks, Key’s poem, now called “The Star-Spangled Banner,” appeared in print across the country, immortalizing his words—and forever naming the flag it celebrated.

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE

God has blessed this nation. Our forefathers came to this country to obtain religious liberty. They fought for independence from the economic tyranny of Britain. Many died, but God allowed us to prevail. Freedom was bought through the blood and women who believed in freedom.

JESUS FREED US

The Bible tells us, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”. (Romans 3:23) We have a sin debt that we cannot pay. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) It was Jesus’ blood, shed on the cross for us, that paid our sin debt. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” (Ephesians 1:7)

Christ made us free from our debt of sin. “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2) So we must, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)

Who is Jesus? Jesus answered that question in John 14:6. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

Jesus gave us freedom, but we must be willing to take it.

Contact me to find out how.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Independence Day: True liberty and freedom

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1

Our founding fathers knew the price of liberty. They were under the yoke of bondage of the British. When they came together to ratify and sign the Declaration of Independence, they knew that they would be committing treason and would be hunted men. Who were these men?

“All of the colonies were represented in Philadelphia to consider the delicate case for independence. In all, there were fifty-six representatives from the thirteen colonies. The ages of the signers ranged from 26 (Edward Rutledge) to 70 (Benjamin Franklin), but the majority of the signers were in their thirties or forties. More than half of the signers were lawyers and the others were planters, merchants and shippers. Together they mutually pledged “to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” They were mostly men of means who had much to lose if the war was lost. None of the signers died at the hands of the British, and one third served as militia officers during the war. Four of the signers were taken captive during the war and nearly all of them were poorer at the end of the war than at the beginning.“ (ConsitutionFacts.com)

They were willing to die for the cause of freedom.

As we enjoy our country’s Independence Day, let us consider that there is a battle for the souls of men that continues to rage.  ^“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. 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.” Ephesians 6:10-13

Our country is free.  Will you be free from your battle with sin?

Call me.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

God’s word challenges our thinking.

When the Bible says God rules over everything, that we should “fear not”, the blessings God shows to Israel, the church, and to the United States, then we must ask ourselves, how does this impact me? What should be my response to God’s goodness?

This week we look at what our spiritual attitude should be. We have responsibilities to act in accordance with Scriptural principles. What are they?

6) SPIRITUAL TRUST (PROVERBS 3:5-6)

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.

7) SPIRITUAL CLEANSING (1 JOHN 1:9)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We now come full circle to where we began. God rules. God knows everything. He sees all.

The question is, will we trust Him with our whole heart?

Proverbs 3:5-6 challenges us to trust God with all thine heart, then to lean not unto thine own understanding, then to acknowledge Him in all thy ways, and allow Him to direct our paths.

We will only be able to do this if we believe God rules, knows, and sees all. Then we place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ for our salvation. Then we will be able claim the promise of Proverbs 3:5-6.

Another promise that God gives to us is His forgiveness. If we are willing to confess, repent, turn the opposite direction from our sin, He will forgive us, and will continue to give us opportunity to serve Him.

We are His children and He loves us. He wants to bless us. He wants us to forsake our sin and trust Him without reservations.

Will we?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

God’s word challenges our thinking.

When the Bible says God rules over everything, that we should “fear not”, the blessings God shows to Israel, the church, and to the United States, then we must ask ourselves, how does this impact me? What should be my response to God’s goodness?

This week we look at what our spiritual attitude should be. We have responsibilities to act in accordance with Scriptural principles. What are they?

5) SPIRITUAL CONDUCT (COLOSSIANS 3:1-3, 5, 8-11, 9-14, 17)

Seek those things above V1

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affections on things above V2

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Mortify your members which are upon this earth V5

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Put off:                                                                                  

Anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication lie not one with another V8-9

But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.⁹ Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

Put on: 

The new man, which is renewed in knowledge, bowels of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering, forbearing one another, forgiving one another, charity V 10-14

And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:¹¹ Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.¹² Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;¹³ Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.¹⁴ And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Peace of God V15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

How do we conduct ourselves as believers in Christ?

Colossians 3 gives us three things to do. Seek those things which are above, set your affections on things above, and mortify (kill) your members which are on the earth.

Then we are instructed to put off a list of wicked, sinful, character qualities, and put on a list of Godly, spiritual, Biblical, character qualities.

Our testimony for Christ is directly related to the character qualities we present to others. If we fail to exhibit characteristics of love, patience, mercy, humbleness, meekness, forgiveness, we will not be a good witness for Jesus Christ.

God desires us to walk close to Him, proclaim the good news of the gospel message, and pray for the lost to come to Christ.

Each of us has a part to play. Will we be obedient to God’s call?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

God’s word challenges our thinking.

When the Bible says God rules over everything, that we should “fear not”, the blessings God shows to Israel, the church, and to the United States, then we must ask ourselves, how does this impact me? What should be my response to God’s goodness?

This week we look at what our spiritual attitude should be. We have responsibilities to act in accordance with Scriptural principles. What are they?

SPIRITUAL ATTITUDE

JAMES 3:17

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

1) SPIRITUAL BATTLE (EPHESIANS 6:10-12)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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.

2) SPIRITUAL MIND (PHILIPPIANS 2:1-18) KEY VERSES 2, 3-16

Like minded, same love, being of one accord, one mind V2

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Put others first V3-4

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Let the mind of Christ be in us V5-6

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:                 

Humble ourselves as Jesus did V7-8

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:⁸ And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Bow to Jesus and confess that Jesus is Lord V 10-11

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Work out your salvation with fear and trembling V12

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

God works in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure V13

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Do all things without murmurings and disputing V14

Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

Result that we might be blameless V15

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Holding forth the word of life, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain V16

Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.

Spiritual attitude begins with the wisdom of God. James 3:17 tells us about God’s wisdom. It is pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be done, merciful, with good fruits, without partiality and hypocrisy. Do those terms define how we live our lives?

Elections pit people of opposing views vying for a specific political position. We see the battle as between individuals or political parties. Ephesians 6:11-12 tells us, “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.” Our battle is against Satan and his forces of evil. Satan will do all he can to distract us from following God and obeying His word.

Then God gives us the example of Jesus Christ. What He did. How He acted. That is the template for us.

Read each of the attributes and ask yourself, “How can I apply this to my life?” These character qualities will help shape our spiritual attitude. It will make us more like Christ.

3) SPIRITUAL ACTIONS (PHILIPPIANS 4:1-9) KEY VERSES 4, 6, 7, 8

Rejoice V4

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice

Pray and ask V6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Peace of God V7

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Think on these things: whatsoever is: True, honest, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtue, praise V8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

4) SPIRITUAL FRUIT (GALATIANS 5:22-3)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Philippians 4:1-9 gives practical things to do to enhance our spiritual attitude. Rejoice in the Lord. Why? Because of all the great things He has done for us.

Pray and ask. We have the privilege to go directly to God with our praise, prayers, and concerns.

When we do this we will enjoy the peace of God. It would be hard not to, when we are communing with God.

Philippians 4:8 gives us a way to defeat Satan, grow closer to God, and enhance our spiritual attitude. Eight items are mentioned. We are to think on these things. What things? “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

As we draw closer to God through prayer, the reading, studying, and obedience to the Bible, characteristics about us should change.

The changes should be in line with Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit should be more evident the longer we have been saved. Are they?

Spiritual attitude is made up of a combination of different principles which mature us in Christ. A mature believer brings much happiness to God, believers and unbelievers, and the church family.

5) SPIRITUAL CONDUCT (COLOSSIANS 3:1-3, 5, 8-11, 9-14, 17)

Seek those things above V1

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affections on things above V2

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Mortify your members which are upon this earth V5

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Put off:                                                                                 

Anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication lie not one with another V8-9

But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.⁹ Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

Put on: 

The new man, which is renewed in knowledge, bowels of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering, forbearing one another, forgiving one another, charity V 10-14

And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:¹¹ Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.¹² Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;¹³ Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.¹⁴ And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Peace of God V15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

How do we conduct ourselves as believers in Christ?

Colossians 3 gives us three things to do. Seek those things which are above, set your affections on things above, and mortify (kill) your members which are on the earth.

Then we are instructed to put off a list of wicked, sinful, character qualities, and put on a list of Godly, spiritual, Biblical, character qualities.

Our testimony for Christ is directly related to the character qualities we present to others. If we fail to exhibit characteristics of love, patience, mercy, humbleness, meekness, forgiveness, we will not be a good witness for Jesus Christ.

God desires us to walk close to Him, proclaim the good news of the gospel message, and pray for the lost to come to Christ.

Each of us has a part to play. Will we be obedient to God’s call?

6) SPIRITUAL TRUST (PROVERBS 3:5-6)

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.

7) SPIRITUAL CLEANSING (1 JOHN 1:9)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We now come full circle to where we began. God rules. God knows everything. He sees all.

The question is, will we trust Him with our whole heart?

Proverbs 3:5-6 challenges us to trust God with all thine heart, then to lean not unto thine own understanding, then to acknowledge Him in all thy ways, and allow Him to direct our paths.

We will only be able to do this if we believe God rules, knows, and sees all. Then we place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ for our salvation. Then we will be able claim the promise of Proverbs 3:5-6.

Another promise that God gives to us is His forgiveness. If we are willing to confess, repent, turn the opposite direction from our sin, He will forgive us, and will continue to give us opportunity to serve Him.

We are His children and He loves us. He wants to bless us. He wants us to forsake our sin and trust Him without reservations.

Will we?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com