Archives for July 2015

Good morning, 

Today concludes our study of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Solomon gives us a description of what he saw in his life. His assessment is “Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2)

He then proceeds to walk us through what he experiences. He explains that the things of this world hold no true meaning. They are all vanity. Finally, Solomon concludes by stating, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

His conclusion was spot on. Do we believe verse 14? God wants us to fear and obey him. If we will do that, He will take care of the rest.

Please do not seek the things of this world, for they are vanity.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 will be our study this week. Solomon gives us a description of what he saw in his life. Chapter 3 describes the specific periods of time during our lives. Good aspects contrasted to bad aspects. Today we look at verses 7-8.

Ecclesiastes 3:7 “A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;”

Rending of clothing is a sign of great mourning. The rending of the veil from the top to the bottom at the crucifixion of Jesus opened the way to the Father for all believers.

Matthew 27:51 “And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;”

The sewing of this very curtain had been ordained of God. This curtain was sown with thread of beaten gold. No man could have rent it. It had to be Almighty God.

The following Scriptures tell of times to be silent.

Habakkuk 2:20 “But the LORD [is] in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.”

We see in the following Scriptures, that there is a time to speak, also.

Luke 19:37 “And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;”

The most important time of all to speak, is in the following Scriptures.

Romans 10:9-10 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

Ecclesiastes 3:8 “A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”

Hate is a word I do not like, but God says there is a time to hate. Look, with me, at the following Scripture.

Revelation 2:6 “But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”

Notice, He did not hate the Nicolaitans, He hated their deeds. We are to hate the sin, and love the sinner. God wants us to love everyone, even our enemies, as we read in the next verses.

Matthew 5:43-44 “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.” “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”

Jesus gave us two commandments that cover all. They both have to do with love.

Matthew 22:37-39 “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” “This is the first and great commandment.” “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

Love is the greatest positive emotion we can have. God is Love.

John 3:16 “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.”

The condition of the world is, and has been, the fact of wars and rumors of wars. This will not change, until Jesus the King of Peace comes and sets up His thousand year reign of peace upon the earth. God is not against war, when it is preserving the right.

One of the most interesting examples of God blessing in war is found in chapter 17 of Exodus. Joshua fought while Moses lifted his arms in praise to God. Aaron and Hur held up the arms of Moses, until the battle was over and Joshua defeated Amalek.

Exodus 17:12-13 “But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.” “And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.”

There is a day of peace coming when Jesus reigns.

We read in Micah 4:3 “And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”

We need to answer two questions. First, do we know the love of God, through Christ’s atoning blood on the cross? Second, if we do, are we telling anyone about it? If the answer to either question is “NO”, please contact me so we might discuss this.

Tomorrow we conclude our study of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 will be our study this week. Solomon gives us a description of what he saw in his life. Chapter 3 describes the specific periods of time during our lives. Good aspects contrasted to bad aspects. Today we look at verses 5-6.

Ecclesiastes 3:5 “A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;”

A very good example of a time to cast away stones is when you are clearing a field for cultivation. The time to gather stones is when you are building a stone house. Embracing is a way of showing passion, or affection.

When two friends meet, it is alright to embrace in greeting. The negative side of this would be under the classification of passion. It is not, however, a very nice thing for a man and a woman to passionately embrace in public.

Ecclesiastes 3:6 “A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;”

Material things have been put on the earth for the use of mankind. One of the most vivid Scriptures about getting and losing is in Mark 10:29-30

“And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,” “But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.”

The story of Job tells of a man who had received great wealth and blessings from God. Satan caused Job to lose them. God gave twice as many blessings back to Job, when he proved faithful.

There are a number of things we are admonished to keep. The most important of all, is keep the faith. We should cast our cares upon Jesus. We must cast off our sins and idols of this world.

As we meditate on these verses, think about what it means to serve God. What are our stumbling blocks, things or ideas we embrace, material things that hinder us from serving God, and the areas in our lives that need to be cast away.  Are our lives totally surrendered to God?

These are important questions. Ask God and He will show you His direction for your life.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 will be our study this week. Solomon gives us a description of what he saw in his life. Chapter 3 describes the specific periods of time during our lives. Good aspects contrasted to bad aspects. Today we look at verses 3-4.

Ecclesiastes 3:3 “A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;”

The 6th commandment says, “Thou shalt not kill”. Then how, can this Scripture say a time to kill?  Thou shalt not kill, means thou shalt not commit premeditated murder. It does not mean that you are not to go to war to protect your family, or your country. A very good example of a time to kill is shown by God killing the firstborn in Egypt.

Exodus 12:12 “For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.”

Most of Jesus’ ministry here on the earth involved healing. Everyone who had faith enough to receive his healing was healed by Him.

I Peter 2:24 “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”

Why did God not allow David to build His temple?  We read in I Kings 5:3 “Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the LORD his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet.”

The very next verse tells when it was the right time for Solomon to build it. I Kings 5:4-5 “But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent.” “And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto my name.”

Sometimes things have to be torn down to the foundation, before they can build on the spot.

Ecclesiastes 3:4 “A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;”

The shortest sentence in the Bible is in John 11:35 “Jesus wept.”

Jesus is our example in everything, so we know there are times for us to weep. When we lose a loved one, it is a natural thing to weep. You have heard the expression {laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone}. This is very true.

Psalms 126:2 “Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.”

A story of contrast of mourning and a time to dance quickly reminds us of David, when he danced before the Ark of the Covenant.

2 Samuel 6:14-15 “And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.” “So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.”

David’s mourning came at the loss of his firstborn child. David committed adultery with Bathsheba, and then he had her husband killed in battle, so he might marry her. In punishment, God took their first child.

2 Samuel 12:14 “Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.”

The verses today come right of today’s newspaper. Take each verse and pin it to an event going on locally or nationally. God’s word is relevant for today.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 will be our study this week. Solomon gives us  a description of what he saw in his life. Chapter 3 describes the specific periods of time during our lives. Good aspects contrasted to bad aspects. Today we look at verses 1-2.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 speaks of an appointed time. Not only does God fix the standard and withhold or dispense satisfaction, 2:26, but He also appoints “times”. Earthly pursuits are good in their proper place and time, but unprofitable when pursued as the chief goal.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”

This is saying that God arranges even the smallest details of our surroundings. Verse 1 is speaking of all the things collectively, that he will detail in the next few verses. God’s timetable for this earth is perfect. Certain events are ordained from the foundation of the earth.

Jesus will come back to the earth as King and reign in perfect peace for 1000 years. Things, like when we are born and when we die, are foreordained of God. The thing that is not already destined to be is what we do with Jesus. We, of our own free will, accept Him, or reject Him.

Ecclesiastes 3:2 “A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;”

We see that we have no control of the day we are born. We have no control of who we are born to. We have no control over our gender. We have no control over the way we look, when we are born. All of these things are destined of God.

We have no control over whether we are born into a wealthy family, or a poverty stricken family. All of these things are determined of God. We do not have control of the time of our death either.

Isaac is a very good example of God having a precise time for us to be born.

Genesis 21:2 “For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.”

Death is the same. God has set a time for each person’s death.

Hebrews 9:27 “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”

The following Scripture tells us the very best, what our life is.

James 4:14 “Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”

Here is a project for us to do. Take your life and break it down into segments of time. Mine would be:

• Birth through school               5 years
• School years                            12 years
• War years                                3 years
• University years                      4 years
• Ministry years                         8 years
• Military years                          27 years
• Contractor                               5 years
• Ministry                                   1.5 years

This will help you see how your life has had different seasons. Enjoy.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

This week I would like to look at Joshua, the successor, to Moses. We will be looking at Joshua Chapter 1. Today we will look at how the people responded to Joshua.

Response of the People (V16-18)

¹⁶ And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go. ¹⁷ According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the Lord thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses. ¹⁸ Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.

So the people agree to follow Joshua’s leadership. This is in stark contrast to how the people rebelled during the time of Moses. When you read the book of Joshua, the soldiers are all in one accord, willing serving, and fighting to possess the land.  It was only late into the book, that we see hints of fatigue and rebellion. Joshua tells each tribe they must drive out ALL the inhabitants of the land. They were unwilling to do so. Today the remnants are the cause of the bitter conflict in the Middle East.

So what did we learn about leadership this week?

CONCLUSION:

Leaders must:

1) Be full of the spirit of wisdom

2) Follow God’s leading

3) Go

4) Be strong and courageous

5) Obey the word of God

6) Meditate on the word of God

7) Prepare

Remember, as long as you are living, breathing individuals, you are prime candidates for leadership. Follow Joshua’s example.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week I would like to look at Joshua, the successor, to Moses. We will be looking at Joshua Chapter 1. Today we will look at how Joshua prepared the people.

Joshua Prepares to Cross Jordan (V10-15)

¹⁰ Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, ¹¹ Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the Lord your God giveth you to possess it. ¹² And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying, ¹³ Remember the word which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, The Lord your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land. ¹⁴ Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valor, and help them; ¹⁵ Until the Lord have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the Lord your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the Lord’s servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising.

Preparation is a key attribute of a leader. Joshua commanded his officers to prepare to move in 3 days. Then he reminded the tribes of Rueben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, their agreement they made with Moses. These tribes wanted their possession on this side of the river Jordan. Moses told them that they could BUT they must go with the rest of the tribes to help secure their possession first.

As believers, we must also be prepared. First, we must know who our God is. Secondly, we need to know God’s word. Thirdly, we need to apply God’s word to the daily battle of our lives. Fourthly, we stand firm and not waver.

God promises success when we place our faith and trust in Him.

Tomorrow, we see how the people responded.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

This week I would like to look at Joshua, the successor, to Moses. We will be looking at Joshua Chapter 1. Today we will look at God’s command to Joshua.

God’s Command (V5-9)

⁵ There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. ⁶ Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. ⁷ Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest. ⁸ This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. ⁹ Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

The first thing God wants Joshua to know is that He will be with him. That makes the following commands a bit easier to obey.

• Be strong and of a good courage (V6)
• Be courageous (V7)
• Obey the law completely(God’s word) (V7)
• Meditate on God’s Word day and night (V8)
• Be not afraid (V9)

These are characteristics of any leader, at any level. This challenge is for men and women, boys and girls, old or young. Battles come in all forms. Satan knows what we struggle against and he is our arch enemy. He wants to relegate us to be weak, ill equipped, anemic, Christians. God is looking for leaders.

Be a leader today!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week I would like to look at Joshua, the successor, to Moses. We will be looking at Joshua Chapter 1. Today we will look at Joshua’s call by Moses and his commissioning by God.

And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses. (Deuteronomy 34:9)

God chooses Joshua to be the next leader of Israel. “And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the Lord hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it. ⁸ And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:7-8)

God’s Commission (V1-4)

Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, ² Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. ³ Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. ⁴ From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.

Here God gives Joshua his marching orders. Why Joshua? Forty years prior, Moses was ready to take the children of Israel into the Promised Land. He sent 12 spies to spy out the land. Ten came back with a negative report and refused to go into the Promised Land. Only Caleb and Joshua, by faith, trusted God’s promise and came back with a positive report. Joshua became the minister to Moses and his military leader. None of the unbelievers that day would enter the Promised Land. Joshua is chosen to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land. So when God called Joshua was ready. He was obedient to the call of God.

One thing we can take away from this is to be the leader you must learn to be the servant. Joshua served the leader Moses. As he served he learned. Then his day came.

Tomorrow we will look at God’s command to Joshua.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Here is a bit of encouragement and challenge to start your week. Have you ever considered the Holy Spirit’s work in your life? Hopefully this will whet your appetite for further study.

The work of the Holy Spirit

(James Smith, “Rills from the Rock of Ages”, 1860)

I love to meditate on the work of the Holy Spirit, from whom we receive such great and invaluable blessings, and to whom we are so much indebted. To Him, I feel that I am indebted for every good thought, and for every good work. How wonderful His patience–that He should bear with me so long; and how wonderful His loving-kindness–that He should confer on me so much! O that I was more deeply sensible of my obligations!

It was the Holy Spirit who quickened me when I was dead in trespasses and sins . . .
imparting a new life,
infusing new thoughts, and
producing new desires in my soul.

Having quickened me, He conquered me, subduing . . .
the enmity of my heart,
the obstinacy of my will,
the worldliness of my affections,
and bringing every thought into subjection to the obedience of Christ.

Having quickened and conquered me, He comforted me, assuring me of a saving interest in . . .
the love of God,
the perfect work of Jesus,
the precious promises of the Word, and
the eternal rest which remains for the people of God.

Having quickened, conquered, and comforted me, He sanctified me by . . .
separating me from the world, and
setting me apart for my Redeemer’s glory and praise.

As my Sanctifier, He became my Guide . . .
leading me into the truth,
conducting me out of the paths of danger,
and directing me into the everlasting way.

Not only my guide, but He became my Guard . . .
preserving me from danger,
protecting me from foes, and
becoming a wall of fire round about me.

Whenever I wander–He reproves me; when I willfully go astray—He corrects me, and makes me smart for my folly.

The work He began so long ago–He carries on; nor will He withdraw His hand from it, until it is perfected, and I am fully fitted for glory.

Reader, what do you experimentally know of the work of the Holy Spirit?
Has He quickened you?
Has He conquered you?
Does He comfort you?
Are you sanctified by His presence, power, and operation in your heart?
Does He . . .
  guide you by His counsel,
guard you by His power, and
correct you for your follies?

The work of the Spirit within us–is as necessary as the work of Jesus for us! For if the atonement of Christ entitles us to glory–it is the work of the Holy Spirit that prepares us to possess and enjoy it. We must be washed, justified, and sanctified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of God–or we cannot be saved!

Have a great day.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001