Redeemed 50 years with Jesus
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Good morning,
Today is a special day for me. Fifty years ago, God drew me to Himself. Through a series of events, including a Dear John letter, church members caring for my soul, a university professor who taught God’s word, and the convicting power of the Holy Spirit of God, brought me to my knees in repentance and belief in Jesus Christ.
Let me tell you about it.
CHILDHOOD
I was born in 1948 in Chicago, Illinois.
My mother was born in Czechoslovakia of Jewish heritage. She was the only one of her family who survived the Holocaust. My dad was from a Protestant background. They were married in 1946 and decided that they would not teach their children about anything religious.
When I was 11 my father did not come home. My parents were soon divorced and my life completely changed. This was 1960. Divorce was not common. My brother and I lived with my mother. I was a rebellious child and my mother could not handle me, so I went to live with my dad and his new wife. These events have shaped the way I see divorce and how to deal with it.
MILITARY SERVICE #1
In June 1968 I began my relationship with the military. I began my service career with three years of active duty in the United States Army (1 year in Viet Nam), followed by three years of duty in the Idaho Army National Guard. During this time, I was introduced to the person of Jesus Christ.
BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY
I attended Boise State University from fall 1971 through December 1974. I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. I took a break from the military, 1975 to 1985. Then in 1985 did another twenty-three years on active duty with the Alaska Army National Guard. Followed by five years of being a military contractor.
SALVATION
On April 20, 1972 my life changed forever. On that day I trusted Christ as my Savior and Lord. I embraced the fact that Jesus came to shed His perfect blood to pay for my sin debt. A debt I could not pay. Jesus died on the cross, was buried, rose again the third day, and being God, ascended to His rightful place in heaven.
THE ADVENTURE BEGINS
That was the beginning of a great adventure of learning about Jesus Christ and how I could share Him with others. It has been amazing to watch what God has done over all these years. He has trained me, led me, corrected me, chastised me, was patient with me, was merciful, compassionate, rejoiced and wept over me. When I meditate on all God has done, Psalm 63:5-7 comes to mind.
“My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.” (Psalm 63:5-7)
I began to learn about Jesus from the Bible. This changed my approach to life. My life would now be directed from the pages of Scripture. My desires, actions, approach, and conduct would be dictated by the Scriptures. Decisions were based on what the Bible stated.
MINISTRY YEARS
When I graduated from Boise State, I entered the ministry. I joined the Military Ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. I ministered to the needs of our servicemen and women from all branches of service.
Then I transitioned to working in a local church in California. From there I was recruited to a position in a church ministry in Anchorage, Alaska. That is where I met my wife to be.
MARRIAGE
July 16, 1983 God gave me my wife, Kathy. She has been my friend, companion, mentor, and help mate for the last thirty-eight years. For all these years she has never wavered in her support and love for me. She is the greatest!
THE WASI ADVENTURE
November 1, 2013, I began God’s next adventure for me. Chaplain at the Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc (WASI). What a privilege to serve our fine seniors. Even more when they minister to me.
I have been given the opportunity to write a Daily Devotion on the WASI website. Preach and teach God’s word during a midweek Bible service. Minister to our sick in hospitals around the area.
THE FUTURE
God has allowed me to be here today. He still has something for me to do. I will continue to be about my Father’s business.
I am satisfied. God has tremendously blessed me. He has allowed me to serve Him in different capacities over the years. Nothing of any value for the kingdom’s sake has been by my power. All has been done through the power of God.
SPIRITUAL BIRTHDAYS
Spiritual birthdays are not commonly celebrated by believers. I think Spiritual birthdays are more important than our physical birth. The second birth brings us into God’s kingdom. It allows us many benefits, not the least of which is having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Today meditate on that day you first believed. Has it changed your life? What have you learned about Jesus since then? Does anyone know that you are a believer? Have you told anyone of the hope that lies within you? Are you being God’s ambassador for your heavenly home?
It is good to take time to remember what God has done for you.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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