Good morning,
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)
Today is my birthday. I am 70 years old. As I reflect what God has done over this time, I move on for the cause of Christ.
Today I will share several significant actions God has done in my life. Some seemingly bad and some good. All were used to get me to where I am today.
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.
June 1968 began my relationship with the military that has never ended. I began my service career with three years of active duty (1 year in Viet Nam), followed by three years of duty in the Idaho National Guard, while going to school at Boise State. Nine years in ministry to soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Coast Guard. Then another twenty-three years on active duty with the Alaska Army National Guard. Followed by five years of being a military contractor.
April 20, 1971 changed my life 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.
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.
July 16, 1983 God gave me my wife, Kathy. She has been my friend, companion, mentor, and help mate for the last thirty-five years. For all these years she has never wavered in her support and love for me. She is the greatest!
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.
Seventy and going strong.
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.
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13:5-6)
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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