Archives for January 2016

Good morning,

Today is the first day of February. Each of us should endeavor to start the new month with a clean slate before God. Repent and confess your sin before God. How? Read on.

What is repentance?

 (George Everard, “Welcome home! Plain teachings from the story of the Prodigal” 1871)

“I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ So he got up and went to his father.” Luke 15:18-20

Notice the spirit of deep self-abasement in the resolution which the prodigal made.

True repentance is intensely personal. The prodigal felt it was his own sin. “I have sinned!” He can scarcely see any sin but his own. He sees his own sin in the very worst colors. Study the fifty-first Psalm. See how David again and again speaks. It is my transgression, my iniquity, my sin ever before me.

True repentance beholds the wrong done to God by sin. The prodigal felt that his sin was primarily against God. It was a breach of His holy law. It was opposition to His holiness. It was sin against His goodness, and against redeeming love. So David cries in his bitter sorrow, forgetting for the moment the wrong he had done to Uriah–in the far greater wrong which his sin had done to God: “Against You, You only have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight!”

True repentance makes no excuses. The prodigal seeks for no palliation, no covering, no cloak. He says nothing of the circumstances which led him to do evil, or of companions who had drawn him aside. He does not attempt to shift the burden from his own shoulders to that of others. He makes no self-justifying pleas–he has too much sorrow, too much true brokenness of spirit, to desire or attempt it. One thing, and one thing only, he sees–his own terrible fall, and his own exceeding guilt.

True repentance takes the very lowest place. Once to be a son was not enough for him–but now he will be content even to be a slave or a hired servant! He feels utterly unworthy. As Jacob felt: “I am not worthy of all the mercies You have showed me.” As the centurion felt when he sent to Jesus: “I am not worthy that You should come under my roof.” So did the young prodigal esteem himself: “I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”

Be sure that God delights in the humble and contrite soul.
Lift yourself up in pride and self-satisfaction–and God will assuredly cast you down. Cast yourself down in humble confession of your sin–and God will assuredly lift you up.

“God resists the proud–but gives grace unto the humble.”

But we see here the purpose of the heart accomplished. The young man not only made the resolution, but he kept it, “So he got up and went to his father.” He turned his back forever on that far country and his old companions–and turned his face homeward. Doubtless it was with many a tear, with many a bitter feeling of regret for all that had passed–since in so different a spirit he had trodden that path before. Yet onward he trudges with weary heart and weary footstep, in the hope that a place may still be found for him in his father’s house.

Do you ask, What is repentance? I can scarcely better describe it than from the path of this wanderer. It is turning the back . . .
on sin,
on the ways of the world,
on the lusts of the flesh,
on the service of the devil.

And it is turning the face God-ward, Heaven-ward, confessing all that is past, looking upward for grace to live holier, with one single desire–to abide in the fear and love of God.

Please consider spending time with God today repenting of any known sin.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Today we will look at 5 characteristics that will help us worship Jesus.

Practically speaking, what must we do to be a Mary, one who worships Jesus?

 Colossians 3:1-14 gives us the answers.

Seek those things which are above V 1

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

Set your affection on things above V 2-4

² Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. ³ For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

 Mortify sin V 5-7

⁵ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: ⁶ For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: ⁷ In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

 Put off  V 8-9

⁸ 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 V 10-15

¹⁰ 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.¹⁵ And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Conclusion

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (Colossians 3:17)

This is how to live a victorious Christian life and be able to worship Jesus.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Yesterday, our Midweek Bible class lost another member to relocation. I preached on the Tale of Two Women, Martha and Mary. They chose different ways to relate to Jesus.

Martha chose to confront Jesus about Mary not helping her to serve. Mary was listening to Jesus teach the Word of God. Jesus affirmed that this was needful and Mary had “chosen that good part”. (Luke 10:40-42)

John 11:14, Jesus plainly states to his disciples, “Lazarus is dead.” Four days later when Jesus arrives on the scene, Martha and Mary approach Jesus completely differently.

John 11:20-27, Jesus tells Martha, “I am the resurrection, and the life:” She says she believes Him in verse 27, but does not believe that Jesus can bring Lazarus back to life in verse 39 and Jesus rebukes her in verse 40.

Mary, in verse 29, when she heard Jesus was present went quickly to meet Him.  When she saw Him, “…she fell down at His feet…” and she was weeping. (Verses 32, 33) Then Jesus wept. (Verse 35)

Martha was busy with the chores and cares of everyday life. She was hospitable but not well versed in who Jesus was. She lacked faith and reverence for Jesus.

Mary was busy sitting at Jesus feet, learning all she can about Him. She had learned to honor and reverence Jesus. She had a humble spirit.

The question for us is which type of person are we?

Tomorrow, we will look at 5 characteristics that will help us to worship Jesus.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Today’s devotion challenges us to think about who we are in Christ and to evaluate our walk with Him.

The True Church!

(George Everard, “The True Church!” 1885)

“For it is we who are the true circumcision . . .
who worship by the Spirit of God,
who glory in Christ Jesus, and
who put no confidence in the flesh.” Philippians 3:3

There is a vast difference between the Church as seen by the eye of man–and by the eye of God.

The Church, as seen by man, is the mixed mass of . . .
the true and the false,
good coin and base,
the genuine and counterfeit people of God.

The Church, as seen by God, is the unmixed company of those whose hearts are right before Him. It is the flock who hear the Shepherd’s voice, and follow in His footsteps. It is those who are cleansed in His blood from guilt, and renewed in the inner man by the working of His Spirit.

In the above passage, we have three distinct marks of God’s people. The Jew gloried in circumcision, and accounted the Church of God to be limited to such as had received this rite. But Paul goes deeper. Those who have but the outward circumcision may be very far from God. But the true circumcision, the circumcision of the Spirit–this marks the Church of the saved.

Then he names three points. And if you would know whether you are a member of the mystical body of Christ, the Church of the living God whose names are written in Heaven–try yourself by these three marks:

1. “Who worship by the Spirit of God.”
Is this your worship?
Are your prayers and praises offered by the aid of the Holy Spirit?
Do you come to God as a child to a tender Father? 
Do your hearty desires go with the words you utter?
Do you thoroughly believe that the ear of God is open to your petition, and do you look for an answer in His own time and way?

2. “Who glory in Christ Jesus.”
Do you glory in Christ as . . .
your wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption?
being the Rock, the Resting-place, the Refuge of your soul?
being your great High Priest, your Shepherd, your King, your Redeemer?
the source and spring of your happiness, as well as your salvation and your hope?
Do you glory . . .
  in His changeless love,
in His unshaken fidelity, and
in His Almighty power to save and help?

3. “Who put no confidence in the flesh.” Is this the case with yourself? Have you cast aside all confidence in all that is merely external? Have you learned to put away all confidence in ordinances, duties, church work, and all that is merely on the surface? Have you refused to rely in the least degree on your zeal, or good feelings, or works, or gifts, or self-improvement, or prayers–that to you, Christ alone may be all in all?

Here was Paul’s ground of rejoicing–is it yours?

Are you a member of that Church of God’s true saints, whose marks are such as these?

Good question. Now take time to meditate on this and make your course adjustments.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

God knows each one of us. He has fashioned a life path just for us. The question is how are we doing? Are we following God’s plan or have we wavered over the years. Today we look at a concept little taught or preached about, consistency.

The best sermon that can be preached!

(George Everard, “Consistency!” 1885)

“We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel, unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.” Daniel 6:5

It was a noble testimony. Here was Daniel in high position, as a city set on a hill that could not be hidden. He was a sort of governor of the whole kingdom, and more than a hundred lynx-eyed enemies were ever around him, watching to discover some cause of offence in him. Though in a heathen court, temptation must have abounded on every side–yet these bitter foes have to confess that he is blameless in all the matters entrusted to his charge. His foot stands firm in the paths of truth and equity. Nothing of falsehood, nothing of double-dealing, nothing of injustice can be laid to his charge.

Blessed are they who have something of a like spirit! Consistency of life and walk is one of the most effective arguments that can be used to persuade men of the truth of the religion we profess. It is far away the best sermon that can be preached!

But what is consistency? 

It is the whole life in harmony with the revealed will of God in Scripture. It is a constant painstaking effort in everything, to do the will of God.

It is a life which is all one thing. On Monday–as on Sunday, at home–as in society, in the playground–as in the schoolroom, a hundred miles away–as in the place where you live–
keeping a good conscience towards God and man,
hating everything that is corrupt and evil,
living a holy life, and
striving manfully and bravely to do your duty in the station where God has placed you.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven!”Matthew 5:16

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Last night we experienced a significant magnitude earthquake, 7.1. Alaska earthquakes are usually not a big deal because they happen every day. This one was strong and lasted awhile.

Earthquakes are a sign of the end times. Mark 13:7-8 states, “⁷ And when ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. ⁸ For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.”

The disciples wanted to know when and what will be the signs. Luke 21:7 states, “⁷ And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?” Jesus answers in verse 11 by saying, “¹¹ And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.”

The things listed in Mark and Luke are happening every day, all over our planet. The next event on the prophetic calendar is the rapture of the church.  “¹⁶ For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: ¹⁷ Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)

So for believers in Jesus Christ, earthquakes are a sign of the times.

JESUS IS COMING SOON!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

We all need to take this devotional to heart. Remind others that what we read has lasting effects on our lives. This lesson taught in 1885 is still applicable today!

Did you ever hear the dream of Gutenberg?

(George Everard, “The Importance of Reading” 1885)

Did you ever hear the dream of Gutenberg? He was just about to put forward his invention of the printing press, and it seemed to him as if an angel came and spoke to him:

“John Gutenberg, you have made your name immortal–but at what a cost! Think well what you are doing! The ungodly are many more than the godly. Your work will but multiply their blasphemies and lies. You have uncovered the bottomless pit–and a swarm of seducing spirits shall henceforth come out and turn earth into Hell. Oh think of millions of souls corrupted by your achievement. See the poison of fiends distilled into the souls of boys and girls, making them old in the experience of sin! See that mother weeping over her depraved son, and that grey-haired father hiding his face from his daughter’s shame. Destroy your press, for it shall be the pander of blasphemy and lust! Destroy it, and forget it! Forbear, by multiplying the resources of the wicked, to make yourself through all ages the partaker of their crimes!”

We are all aware that the dream has had a very sorrowful fulfillment. Amidst the vast amount of printed matter sent forth daily, it is to be feared that the evil sadly exceeds the good. None can tell how the minds of multitudes are corrupted by the publications that they peruse. Therefore, my friend, be careful what you read!

Give heed as to what you read. If you knew that on the table there were poisoned dishes, as well as food that was wholesome and nourishing–you would be on your guard, and touch nothing about which you were doubtful. Just so, exercise wise forethought as to the books and magazines you take up and peruse.

It is true that “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” But it is no less true that as a man reads–so very much will he think. Mind, memory, conscience, imagination, will, affection–all will be influenced by that which you read.

The questionable novel, with its picturing of the worst passions of the soul, as is too often the case–ought not to be devoured as if it would leave no bad impression behind. I know quite well, that we all need recreation, but it is not genuine recreation to spend hour after hour pouring over that which is trashy, nonsensical, and worse–and will only unfit you for anything higher and holier.

This is a warning from the past. It has gotten worse since the days when George Everard wrote this.

Be aware.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Prisons conjure up visions of incarceration, deprivation, and suffering. God has over the years used prisons for opportunity, challenge, amazement, prayer, praise, and ultimately salvation. God used Joseph’s prison experience to save two nations. He used Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fiery furnace, to warm the heart of a wicked King. Daniel was cuddled by a pit full of lions, his accusers eaten alive, and another King acknowledged the God of Israel.

However, the man with the most exciting prison ministry was Paul. Most prison ministries come from the outside in, but Paul worked from the inside out. Paul wrote many letters of encouragement, rebuke, and admonishment from prison. In Acts 16:25-34 Paul and Silas are in prison for healing a demon possessed girl. The imprisonment itself was illegal. Paul, being a Roman citizen, could not be given many stripes. That was against Roman law.

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. ²⁶ And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. ²⁷ And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. ²⁸ But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. ²⁹ Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, ³⁰ And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? ³¹ And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. ³² And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. ³³ And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. ³⁴ And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.” (Acts 16:25-34)

Paul and Silas did not see prison as a negative, but as an opportunity to rejoice, pray, and sing praises to the Lord Jesus. They had a captive audience in other prisoners and the keeper of the prison.

Many of us have been through earthquakes. In Paul’s day, prisons were underground. A “great earthquake” should have collapse the prison, killed all the prisoners and the keeper of the jail. It did not. In fact, it opened all the cell doors, and most miraculously, no one left. Not one. The keeper of the prison was so amazed, he asked the question, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” He and the rest of the prisoners were listening to Paul and Silas testify about Jesus. Paul and Silas came into the home of the keeper of the prison, proclaimed Christ, and the rest of the family was brought to salvation.

When you are put in a bad situation for doing what is right, do you see a blessing and opportunity to serve God, or a curse and whine and complain? We need to take the negatives in life and turn them into positives. Paul and Silas did.

Go and do likewise.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

Today’s devotional is a challenge to live our lives for Christ.

There is more breadth than depth!

(George Everard, “Strong & Free! A Book for Young Men” 1882)

In the present day Christianity, there is more breadth than depth. 

There is more profession of the truth–but less eminence in holiness.

Let not this be so with you. Be zealous to excel. Do not be content with a commonplace standard of Christian living. Press on to high attainments. Yield up your heart fully to Christ, and ask Him to fill every niche and cranny with Himself! Let every chamber of your heart be replenished from His own bounteous grace.

Let it ever be remembered, that from first to last your peace, your strength, your hope lies in a simple, whole-hearted dependence upon Christ alone. Think of Him at all times . . .
as your High Priest and Intercessor before the throne,
as your Leader and Captain in the warfare you have to wage,
as your Righteousness and your Robe under the remembrance of sin,
and as your Eternal Refuge and Portion amidst the various changes of this mortal life.

Be content with no half measures–be thorough and whole-hearted. Take the lowest place and cast yourself in deepest humiliation at Christ’s feet. Then trust Him utterly. Believe that He will undertake all that concerns you. On your knees give yourself to Him to be His altogether and forever. Let there be no more reserve, no more delay, no more uncertainty. “Burn the bridge behind you!”

Life is short.
Eternity is near.
The soul is unspeakably precious.
Christ is All-mighty, All-merciful, All-faithful, All-sufficient! 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Today the Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc (WASI) conducts its quarterly business meeting. There will be an agenda, specific topics discussed, votes taken, and adjournment of the meeting. The goal of this meeting is to brief the members on what WASI is doing, its future, and how the membership can be involved.

If past meetings are any indication, our meeting will go smoothly, and our goals will be accomplished. However, I have witnessed too many meetings in other venues that are not so amicable.  There is fightings and contentions from the outset. This is not how God wants us to conduct our lives.

The Bible is clear that we are to “Do all things without murmurings and disputings:” (Philippians 2:14) Further, “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, ² Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. ³ Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Philippians 2:1-3)

God even tells us how to make wise decisions. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

 Let all things be done decently and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:40)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001