Archives for November 2015

Good morning,

This week we will be walking through James 4.  We will look at the causes for strife in the Christian community, Biblical solutions, and why we need a humble dependence on God. Our key verse is James 4:7-8.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (James 4:7-8)

Reasons for strife in the Christian community. v 1-3

“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? ² Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.³ Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”

1. Wars and fightings v 1
2. Lusts v 1
3. Desire to have v 2
4. Ye ask not v 2
5. Ask amiss v 3

James accurately describes strife among Christians with the terms wars and fightings. Often, the battles that happen among Christians are bitter and severe. The source of wars and fightings among Christians is always the same. There is some root of carnality, an internal war within the believer regarding the lust of the flesh.

The types of desires that lead to conflict are described. Covetousness leads to conflict (you lust and do not have). Anger and animosity lead to conflict (murder).

The reason these destructive desires exist among Christians is because they are not seeking God for their needs (you do not ask). Or, when they do ask, they ask God with purely selfish motivation (ye ask amiss).

This is not how God wants us to live our lives. We will find God’s answers as we continue our study of James 4.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I would encourage each of you to set a portion of the day aside to remember all the things God has done for you this year. Then spend time thanking Him. Please meditate on this devotional. God is in control, takes our sin, gives us His grace, and supplies all our needs. We should be a very thankful people.

Thanksgiving is never out of season!

(James Smith)

“In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus!” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Everything we enjoy should be viewed as coming from the gracious and liberal hand of our sovereign God.

All was forfeited by our sin.

All that we receive is by His grace.

The providence that supplies us–is the wisdom, benevolence, and power of God in operation for us–as expressive of His infinite love and unmerited grace!

Our talents to provide supplies,
our opportunities to obtain them,
and our abilities to enjoy them,
–are alike from the Lord.

Every mercy increases our obligation–and deepens our debt to free grace!

Thanksgiving is never out of season, for we have always much to be grateful for.

We must view all things as . . .
arranged by His wisdom,
dependent on His will,
sanctified by His blessing,
according with His promises,
and flowing from His love!

“In everything give thanks!” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

How do we live our lives? This principle will help us to determine our best course of action.

The universal principle!

(George Everard, “The Right Principle!” 1866)

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do–do it all for the glory of God!” 1 Corinthians 10:31

This same principle is applicable in all common actions and every day affairs. No single moment of our lives, no single action–ought to be taken outside of the sphere of this rule.
Our rising up and lying down,
the disposal of our time,
the spending of our money,
our social gatherings,
our conversations,
our recreations,
the way of conducting the affairs of our household,
the books we read,
buying and selling,
business transactions of various kinds–
all these, and a multitude of other suchlike matters, are all to be ordered under the daily guidance of this same principle. We are to do all to glorify Him who is . . .
  our Creator,
our Savior
our Preserver,
our most loving Father.

Reader, beware of neglecting to exercise this universal principle in little things. Great occasions for serving God occur but seldom; lesser ones arise every moment. Little things are not to be despised. “He who despises little things, shall fall little by little.” Little omissions of duty, little acts of disobedience, as they may seem to us–may prove a great hindrance along our path. A few grains of dust, or a small insect in the eye, will often cause great pain and annoyance. A little stone in a horse’s foot will make it stumble again and again.

The Christian will find much the same thing from the indulgence of apparently trivial sins. They will . .
harass the mind,
  destroy the peace and comfort which he might enjoy,
prove a stumbling-block to him as he endeavors to run the heavenly race.

Is this how we live our lives? It challenges us to see our lives in a whole new way.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Here is a challenging story that will speak to each of us.

A story is told of an old man who lived long ago!

(George Everard, “Daily Warfare!” 1866)

A story is told of an old man who lived long ago. A friend asked him the cause of his struggles, since in the evening he so often had great weariness. “Alas,” answered he, “I have so much to do every day; I have . . .
two falcons to tame,
two hares to keep from running away,
two hawks to manage,
a serpent to confine,
a lion to chain, and
a sick man to tend and wait upon.”

“Why, this is only folly,” said the friend, “no man has all these things to do at once.”

“Yet indeed,” he answered, “it is with me just as I have said.

The two falcons are my two eyes, which I must diligently guard, lest something should please them which may be hurtful to my soul.

The two hares are my feet, which I must hold back, lest they should run after evil objects, and walk in the ways of sin.

The two hawks are my two hands, which I must train and keep to work, in order that I may be able to provide for myself and for my brethren who are in need.

The serpent is my tongue, which I must always keep in with a bridle, lest it should speak anything unfitting.

The lion is my heart, with which I have to maintain a continual fight, in order that vanity and pride may not fill it, but that the grace of God may dwell and work there.

The sick man is my own body, which is ever needing my watchfulness and care. All this daily wears out my strength!”

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him!” James1:12 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Here is a challenge to walk with the Lord daily.

To walk with God, is to live ever as in His presence!

(George Everard, “Daily Walking!” 1866)

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account!” Hebrews 4:13

“The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good!” Proverbs 15:3

To walk with God, is to live ever as in His presence! To realize His presence, to abide continually under His eye, to recognize our Father as close by our side–is the secret of much peace. We must ever regard Him, not as if He were far away in some inaccessible abode–but nearer to us than our nearest friend. In our chamber, by the wayside, at our work, in our recreation, when mingling with others, or all alone–we must see One whom the world sees not, we must hear a voice that the world hears not.

In the life of the sweet Psalmist of Israel, the same truth was ever the joy of his heart. As he lay down to rest, it was his joy to know that the sleepless Guardian of His people was by him: “I will both lay me down in peace and sleep, for You O Lord alone make me to dwell in safety.” As he arose, he still rejoiced in the almighty Friend who was ever near him: “When I awake, I am still with You.” Surrounded by malicious foes, it is still his confidence, “You are near, O Lord.” Under all the vicissitudes of his eventful life, the nearness of God was the rock on which he reposed: “I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”

Whether beneath the eye of man or not, let all things be done under the eye of Him to whom . . .
  all hearts are open,
all desires known, and
from whom no secrets are hidden!

A few plain principles have been given to assist us in carrying this out in daily practice:

Say nothing you would not like God to hear.
Do nothing you would not like God to see.
Write nothing you would not like God to read.
Go to no place where you would not like God to find you.
Read no book of which you would not like God to say, “Show it to Me.”
Never spend your time in such a way that you would not like God to say, “What are You doing?”

To consciously live in God’s presence, will aid us in cultivating thorough genuine piety and godly character. 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Remember you are never alone. The Lord Jesus Christ is always with you. Please enjoy the encouragement of this truth.

The unseen Friend!

(George Everard, “Christian Living!” 1881)

“The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good!” Proverbs 15:3

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age!” Matthew 28:20

Try constantly to realize the nearness and the presence of your Lord. There is always someone in the room with you. The unseen Friend, the Lord Jesus, who has loved you with an everlasting love, who gave Himself to die for your sake–He is most truly, though invisibly, present. He is near you in loving-kindness, ready to help you and comfort you at all times. He sees and hears all–therefore cherish continually the sense of His presence. Believe that He is by your very side.

A man who sincerely believes the omnipresence of God, cannot be indifferent to sin. To realize that the moral Governor of the universe is ever near, in all His holiness and power, and as much present as if He were nowhere else, must awaken solicitude.

To the soul, reconciled to God, the doctrine is full of consolation. In every place, in every condition, to have with us an almighty Friend, is a source of unspeakable comfort and joy. We need not fear, though we pass through fire or flood, if God is with us. Even in the valley of the shadow of death, we may fear no evil. In every circumstance and trial, it conduces to holiness, to know that God is present.

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are Mine!
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior!” Isaiah 43:1-3

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

This week we will be looking at James 3, the Tongue. The tongue can be a blessing and a curse. Yesterday we studied the dangers of the tongue. Today we will look at Earthly and Heavenly wisdom. Our key verse is James 3:17.

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

Earthly wisdom and Heavenly wisdom v 13-18

1. a) Earthly wisdom v 13-16

“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. ¹⁴ But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. ¹⁵ This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. ¹⁶ For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”

1. b) Heavenly wisdom v 17-18

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. ¹⁸ And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”

CONCLUSION

• Be careful what you say
• Use your speech for good not evil
• Be a wise person who exhibits Heavenly wisdom

Which type of wisdom does your life exhibit? Do you exhibit bitter envying and strife or peace and mercy? Heavenly wisdom requires us to show character qualities that glorify God.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

This week we will be looking at James 3, the Tongue. The tongue can be a blessing and a curse. Today we will study the dangers of the tongue. Our key verse is James 3:6.

“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.”

Dangers of the tongue v 1-12

Masters (teachers) receive a stricter judgment v 1-2

“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. ² For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.”

Control your tongue and you will control your whole body v 3-5

“Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.⁴ Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.⁵ Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”

The uncontrolled tongue is destructive v 6-12

“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. ⁷ For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: ⁸ But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹ Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. ¹¹ Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? ¹² Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.”

The challenge here is for us to control what we say. God does not look the other way when we speak. We need to carefully choose our words so that we please God, encourage the brethren, and admonish the lost. When we speak for God in a Sunday school lesson, Bible study, or preaching, God is listening to make sure we have rightly divided the Word of God.

My prayer would be that our words would be a blessing to God and the people who hear what we say.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This devotional should be a tremendous encouragement to all of us. Worldly blessings are nothing compared to what God has for us.

Imagine for a moment!

(George Everard, “Help on the Way to the Better Land!” 1873)

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need!” Hebrews 4:16

Imagine for a moment, that on a set day in each year, our beloved Queen were to take her seat upon her throne. She has caused it to be proclaimed far and wide, that on such a day she will be ready to grant all the petitions that may be made to her. What crowds would flock around her! How many would anticipate the hour when they might hope to obtain some long-sought blessing!

Now this sets before us a great reality. What would be impossible in any earthly sovereign–is actually the case with the great and glorious King who reigns in Heaven! His throne of grace is open to the poor and the wretched–to those who feel burdened with ten thousand sins and troubled by ten thousand needs and sorrows. It is open, not once a year–but every day, every hour, every moment! It is open for the heinous sinner who comes weighed down with life’s transgressions. It is open for the child of God, who comes again and again for the supply of grace and strength which he needs!

Over that throne, the eye of faith can discern, in letters glittering like the bright stars in Heaven, some such invitations as these:
“Ask, and it shall be given you!
Seek, and you shall find!
Knock, and it shall be opened unto you!”

Who can describe the preciousness of the gifts to be obtained at this throne!

Years ago an Indian prince was greatly indebted to one high in authority for the aid and support he had rendered to him. History tells us that the prince desired to give the Englishman some strong proof of the gratitude he bore towards him. He took him into a vast underground chamber, where were collected the most costly and precious jewels, gold and silver almost without limit–treasures such as before the Englishman had never seen. When all these had been displayed before him, the Indian prince bade him to choose whatever he desired–nothing would be denied him. Whatever he named, he might call his own.

There is likewise, a rich storehouse of costly treasures which is open to us. Jesus, our great Mediator, holds the key, and opens it to all who ask in His name, and according to His Word.

There are gifts for us concerning the peace and salvation of our souls:
daily pardon for daily sin,
more light to understand the Word of Truth,
more strength in the Holy Spirit to overcome sin and to walk with God,
more joy and peace in believing,
the enduring gold of faith and love,
the white clothing of a perfect justification in Christ,
the eye salve of Divine wisdom in the knowledge of ourselves and of God–all these are in the hand of Jesus for those who call upon Him!
All are bestowed in answer to fervent believing prayer.

Please meditate on God’s many blessings. Then appropriate God’s many blessings and use them to grow in your walk with Jesus.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

We do not like to admit we are weak. However, it is in that very weakness that God shows He is sufficient.

An elastic promise!

(George Everard, “Help on the Way to the Better Land!” 1873)

Very rich and full is the promise, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

It has been spoken of as an elastic promise. The word “sufficient” may not sound very great, but it stretches according to a man’s necessity. A Christian’s need may be great today–and the word “sufficient” reaches it. It may be ten times as great tomorrow–but the word “sufficient” reaches it still. The grace is still sufficient for the greater need–as for the lesser.

The promise shows also that not until we are weak–does the Lord bestow His strength. We may be too strong for the Lord to help us. Gideon’s army must be brought almost to nothing, before the Lord will use it to overthrow the Midianites. And until we are brought low in our own thoughts, until the discipline employed has thoroughly emptied us of all high imaginings as to what we can do, or we can effect, or we can bear–we cannot be strong in the Lord.

“When I am weak,” and not before, “then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10.
When I have learned experimentally . . .
that I am a bruised reed,
that I have in myself no power to endure affliction,
that left to myself I shall assuredly rebel against the rod, and murmur against the gracious Hand that holds it–then the Lord draws near by the Spirit, and gives a joy and a peace that nothing can destroy!

Meditate on this truth and allow God to be your sufficiency.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001