Archives for May 2017

Good morning,

David dies and Solomon is the new king. While at Gibeon offering sacrifices to God, Solomon has a dream. “…God said, Ask and I shall give thee.” (1 Kings 3:5) Solomon’s response helps us understand Solomon’s heart.

GOD’S OFFER (1 Kings 3:5)

In Gibeon, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.

SOLOMON’S RESPONSE (1 Kings 3:6-8)

⁶ And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.⁷ And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.⁸ And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.

SOLOMON’S HUMBLE REQUEST (1 Kings 3:9)

⁹ Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

GOD’S RESPONSE (1 Kings 3:10-14)

¹⁰ And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. ¹¹ And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;¹² Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.¹³ And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honor: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.¹⁴ And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.

SOLOMON WORSHIPS GOD AND MAKES A FEAST FOR HIS SERVENTS (1 Kings 3:15)

¹⁵ And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.

Solomon had the opportunity to ask anything he wanted. He asked for an understanding heart to discern between good and bad.

Solomon had a humble heart. He was at Gibeon to worship God. When he awoke from his dream, he returned to Jerusalem and worshipped God again. Then he took care of his servants by making a feast for them.

God sees Solomon’s humbleness and blesses him above and beyond his request.

If we had been confronted by God with this question, what would our response been? Are our hearts humble like Solomon’s? Do we care about the spiritual above the physical? What do we worship?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Galatians 6:1-10 is a challenge to Christians to act on the behalf of others. There are several action verbs telling us what to do. It is our duty as believers to help our brothers and sisters in Christ.

RESTORATION

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

BEAR ONE ANOTHER’S BURDENS

² Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.³ For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. ⁴ But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.⁵ For every man shall bear his own burden.

COMMUNICATE (share with) One who is taught should share material things with the one who helps him. Likewise, “they that preach the gospel should live of the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:14)

⁶ Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

REAPING AND SOWING

⁷ Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.⁸ For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.⁹ And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

DO GOOD TO ALL MEN

¹⁰ As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

These are principles to live by. If we follow these principles, we will have success in life. Even when we fail, others will be there to pick us up.

God is challenging us to follow and obey His word. If we do He will bless us and our fellow believers.

Go find a believer in need and help them.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

David has left Jerusalem. Absalom and the people of Israel come and occupy Jerusalem.

“And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.”

Don’t harm Absalom

Even though Absalom has taken David’s throne, David still loves his son and does not want him hurt.

“And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.” (18:5)

Absalom slain by Joab

Absalom dies at the hand of Joab. Joab disobeyed King David. King David mourned and almost lost his kingdom. Joab coax’s King David out of his lethargy.

“And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.¹⁰ And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.” (18:9-10)

“Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.” (18:14)

“And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!” (18:33)

“And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines;⁶ In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.⁷ Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the Lord, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now.⁸ Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. And they told unto all the people, saying, Behold, the king doth sit in the gate. And all the people came before the king: for Israel had fled every man to his tent.” (19:5-8)

David returns to Jerusalem

“And he bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as the heart of one man; so that they sent this word unto the king, Return thou, and all thy servants.¹⁵ So the king returned, and came to Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to conduct the king over Jordan.” (19:14-15)

Unfortunately, David does live out the rest of his life in peace. There is a residual revolt by the tribes of Israel, a three year famine, and a three day pestilence costing seventy thousand lives.

You can read this in 2 Samuel 20-24.

God’s promise to David in 2 Samuel 12:11-12 was fulfilled.

“Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.¹¹ Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbor, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.”

David is hailed as a great and mighty king. However, it was only by God’s mercy and grace. He was spiritually up and down.

This concludes our study of 1-2 Samuel.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

There are consequences to sin. God told David his consequences in 2 Samuel 12:10-11.

“Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.¹¹ Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbor, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.”

First Evil: Rape of Tamar-murder of Amnon

Absalom, David’s son, had a sister named Tamar. Another of David’s sons was named Amnon. Amnon lusted after his sister and raped her. Then he cast her away. Absalom is furious but waits 2 years before he kills his brother.

“And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.” (13:1) ^“And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.¹¹ And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister.¹² And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly.¹³ And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee.¹⁴ Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her.¹⁵ Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.” (13:5-10)

^“Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.” (13:28)

David loses one son and another flees.

Second evil: Absalom’s rebellion

Absalom rebels against his father and steals the hearts of the men of Israel.

“And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.³ And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.⁴ Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!⁵ And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.⁶ And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” (15:2-6)

“But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.” (15:10)

David Flees

“And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.¹⁴ And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.” (15:13-14)

Now David has lost one son and another rebels against him. David is losing his kingdom.

APPLICATION

Sin has consequences

God chastens His children

Repentance restores our fellowship with God

Come back next week for the continuing saga of God’s dealing with David and Absalom.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

Good morning,

David is King of Israel. God has preserved David and allowed him to defeat their enemies. Then David makes a series of critical mistakes. He committed adultery with Bathsheba, wife of Uriah the Hittite. Remember, David had at least 4 wives of his own at this time and multiple concubines. So how did this happen?

First, David was not where he was supposed to be.

“And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.” (11:1)

David chose not to be at the battle. He was not leading his men. This gave him time for other pursuits.

Second, David saw a woman washing herself. Had he turned and gone back to bed, all would have been fine.

“And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.” (11:2)

Third, he enquired who she was.

“And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” (11:3)

Fourth, his lust turned to action. Bathsheba was brought to David, he lay with her, and a baby was conceived. The Bible calls this adultery. The Mosaic law required both the man and woman to die.

“And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house.⁵ And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.” (11:4-5)

Fifth, David schemes to have Uriah come back from the battlefield and lay with his wife. Uriah was not willing to go home. Here’s why.

“And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? as thou livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing.”

His heart was right with God.

Sixth, David has Uriah killed. David failed to realize that God knew all things. He thought getting rid of the evidence would suffice.

“And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.” (11:15)

“…Thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.” (11:21)

Seventh, David takes Bathsheba to be his wife. David seemingly has covered his tracks. God, however was not pleased by David’s actions.

“And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord.”

DAVID’S DECEPTION REVEALED. Nathan tells David a story about a rich man with many flocks and a poor man with one ewe lamb. The rich takes the ewe lamb to feed his guests. David becomes angry. Then Nathan said to David.

“And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;⁸ And I gave thee thy master’s house, and thy master’s wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.⁹ Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.¹⁰ Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.¹¹ Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbor, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.¹² For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.” (12:7-11)

CONCLUSION

Sin has consequences. We can never do anything in secret, because God ALWAYS knows.

Be where you are supposed to be.

Walk away from temptations.

Don’t allow temptations to become lusts.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

David has been anointed King of all the tribes of Israel. He is in the process of conquering the remaining nations who have opposed them. Twice in 2 Samuel 7 it says “And the Lord preserved David withersoever he went.” (7:6,14) Previously, we have seen God protecting David when King Saul came against him.

God chose David to be King of Israel.

“Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel:⁹ And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth.” (2 Samuel 7:8-9)

David chose to seek God in prayer, patiently wait upon God, worship God, and obey Him. He then wanted to build a house for the” ark of God”. God then speaks through the prophet Nathen and tells David that his son will build the house. He also tells him that “And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.” (7:16) The Davidic covenant.

What is David’s response? Worship and praise to God. “For thy word’s sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all these great things, to make thy servant know them.²² Wherefore thou art great, O Lord God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.²³ And what one nation in the earth is like thy people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for thy land, before thy people, which thou redeemedst to thee from Egypt, from the nations and their gods?²⁴ For thou hast confirmed to thyself thy people Israel to be a people unto thee for ever: and thou, Lord, art become their God.” (7:21-24)

God has redeemed each of us through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. We also should be exulting, praising, and thanking God for His great provision for us.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

When we are in situations that completely overwhelm us, does God really hear our prayers? Does He really care about us? King David seemed to think so.

Psalm 40:1-5 records King David’s firsthand account.

“I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.² He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.³ And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.⁴ Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.⁵ Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.”

When we pray, God does hear us and answers our prayers. He may not answer in the way we desire, but it is the way God sees best for us.

God knows everything about us. So, His decision on our behalf is made through His perfect knowledge. That should encourage us and comfort us during trying times.

Wait patiently on the Lord.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

When we think of Paul, we think of the man who wrote a good part of the New Testament, made three missionary journeys, and was always successful.

That is partially true. God revealed to Paul things He revealed to no one else. Paul was concerned about pride. God needed a humble servant, always looking upward. So God also put Paul in various positions so he would have to rely completely on God.

Second Corinthians 12:7-10 explains how God humbled Paul. Then Paul’s reaction.

^“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.⁸ For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.⁹ And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.¹⁰ Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

The thorn in the flesh was used to keep Paul humble. After God chose not to take it away, how did Paul react? He praised God. He gloried Him in his infirmities. He took pleasure in his infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions, and distresses for Christ’s sake. God’s grace was sufficient for Paul and is sufficient for us.

God wants His children to be obedient and humble. He will put us in positions so that we must trust in Him. Will we choose to be humble and walk with God or not? How will we respond when God gives us a thorn in the flesh?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

What is “truth”? We learned yesterday, we should be walking in truth. So how does God’s word define truth?

1)  Jesus is the truth.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

2)  The Word of God is the truth.

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)

“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” (Psalm 119:160)

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” (Ephesians 1:13)

3)  The Holy Spirit is the truth.

“Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” (John 14:17)

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” (John 16:13)

4)  Know the truth.

“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” (Philippians 3:10)

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;³² And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

5) Walk in the truth.

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: ⁷ Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:6-7)

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:16, 25)

6)  Love in the truth.

“And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.” (2 John 1:5)

“And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.” (2 John 1:6)

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. ¹¹ Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” (1 John 4:10-11)

These Scriptures help us define truth and how we are to apply truth to our lives. Take some time to meditate on these verses. Then overlay them upon the daily activities of life.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Listening to the news, watching religious programing, reading the newspaper or magazines can be scary. Who and what can we believe? The Bible gives us the answer. Second John 4-11, explains that believers need to be walking in truth. Where is truth found? The Bible.

Unfortunately, if we use the Bible as our filter for truth in today’s world, we find none. News, entertainment, and religious programing do not deliver truth from God’s perspective.

Let’s look at 2 John 4-11.

Joy in discovering truth (4)

⁴ I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.

Command to love one another (5-6)

⁵ And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. ⁶ And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

Deceivers (7-9)

⁷ For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. ⁸ Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.⁹ Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

Receive not the deceivers (10-11)

¹⁰ If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:¹¹ For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

We live in a world of deceivers. They do not believe that Christ came in the flesh. The Bible calls them antichrists. As believers in Christ, it is our duty to separate ourselves from the deceivers and counter their false claims with what is in the Bible.

We must filter all things through God’s word. Do not believe the lies of the media, televangelists, or anyone else not correctly dividing the word of God.

Otherwise we will be caught up in their deceptions.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001