Archives for February 2018

Good morning,

Everyone loves a good mystery. Ephesians 3 tells of a mystery that has been hidden for thousands of years. Paul presents the mystery and then tells us the fulfillment of the mystery.

Ephesians 3

Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) ⁵ Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;⁶ That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: (3:4-6)

A. God’s mystery and man’s place in it revealed

1.(Eph 3:1-5) Preface to the revelation of the mystery

For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,² If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:³ How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,⁴ Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)⁵ Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

2.(Eph 3:6-7) The mystery described

That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:⁷ Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

3.(Eph 3:8-9) Paul’s presentation of the mystery

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;⁹ And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

4.(Eph 3:10-12) The purpose of the mystery

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, ¹¹ According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:¹² In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

5.(Eph 3:13) Paul’s current personal participation in the mystery

Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

B. Paul prays in light of the mystery

1.(Eph 3:14-15) Introduction to the prayer

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,¹⁵ Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

2.(Eph 3:16-19) Paul again prays for the Ephesians

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;¹⁷ That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,¹⁸ May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;¹⁹ And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

3.(Eph 3:20-21) A glorious doxology

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,²¹ Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Time. It is a precious commodity. How we use it tells a lot about who we are. Is our time spent on the trivialities of this world or the laying up of treasures in heaven? How we spend our time might the difference of a person going to heaven or hell.

Today’s devotion challenges us to think about how we spend our lives.

A life once spent, is irrevocable

(Adoniram Judson)

Of how much real happiness we cheat our souls–by preferring a trifle to God! We have a general intention of living a consecrated life–but we intend to begin tomorrow or next year. For the present moment, we prefer living for our trinkets, and say, “A little more sleep, a little more slumber.” Well, a little more sleep–and we shall sleep in the grave! A few more days–and our work will be done. And when it is once done, it is done to all eternity.

A life once spent, is irrevocable. It will remain to be contemplated through eternity.
If it is marked with sins–the marks will be indelible.
If it has been a useless life–it can never be improved.
Such it will stand forever and ever.

The same may be said of each day. When it is once past, it is gone forever. All the marks which we put upon it–it will exhibit forever. It will always remain true–that such a day was spent in such a manner. Each day will not only be a witness of our conduct, but will affect our everlasting destiny. No day will lose its share of influence in determining where our place shall be in Heaven.

How shall we then wish to see each day marked with usefulness! It will then be too late to mend its appearance.

It is too late to mend the days that are past. The future is in our power. Let us, then, each morning, resolve to send the day into eternity in such a garb as we shall wish it to wear forever. And at night let us reflect that one more day is irrevocably gone, indelibly marked.
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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This devotional is a good reminder who the Great Shepherd is and what He does for us.

It challenges us to love Him more. Trust Him completely. Allow Him to lead my life always.

The Lord is my Shepherd–I shall not want!

(“Every Day!” 1872)

“The Lord is my Shepherd–I shall not want!” Psalm 23:1

“I shall not want!” Surely not! He is the Good Shepherd who gave His life for His sheep; and if He has loved me, and given Himself for me–then what will He withhold?

Oh that I knew Him better, and trusted Him as He deserves! Then I would be kept quiet from fear of evil, and be ever assured that He will supply all my needs, according to His riches in glory.

Do I need guidance? The Good Shepherd goes before His sheep–He instructs and teaches us in the way we should go.

Do I wander–and need to be reclaimed? He seeks and finds His straying ones, “He restores my soul, and leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

Am I wounded? He binds up my wounds, and heals me.

Do I need rest and refreshment? “He makes me to lie down in green pastures, and leads me beside the still waters.”

Do I need encouragement? “His rod and His staff, they comfort me.”

Do I need provision? “He spreads a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”

My Shepherd is infinitely wise and kind and gracious. Surely then, “Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever!”

“The Lord my Shepherd is,
I shall be well supplied;
Since He is mine, and I am His,
What can I want beside?”
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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

God does not condone the pride of men. Instead of looking to Him with exaltation and praise, we lift up our talents and good deeds and praise ourselves.

The word protean means “tending or able to change frequently or easily, able to do many different things; versatile.”

Behold my talents, my eloquence and my zeal!

(Octavius Winslow, “Eminent Holiness Essential to an Efficient Ministry“)

“I hate pride and arrogance!” Proverbs 8:13

Pride is a protean evil–assuming a thousand varied and opposite forms.

There is no soil so holy, in which the root of pride will not strike.
There is no employment so sacred, on which pride will not engraft itself.

Pride will even make the cross of Christ a pedestal on which to erect its deformed visage! Yes, while exalting Jesus–we may be found but exalting ourselves. And while exclaiming, “Behold the Lamb of God!”–we may be but veiling His true glory behind our insignificant persons; virtually exclaiming, “Behold my talents, my eloquence and my zeal!” Is there not in us, my brethren, a manifest deficiency of the lowly, self-annihilating humility of the Divine Master whom we serve, and whom it should be our aim and glory to resemble?

The glory of God! What a persuasive motive to ministerial holiness! Let it be ours, my brethren–our one, sole, undeviating aim. Let us sacrifice everything that would divert us from it–fame, applause, reputation, popularity, worldly comfort, the dearest interests of self. If any of these come in competition with the honor of divine truth and the glory of God–then let them go!

“The Lord detests all the proud of heart!” Proverbs 16:5

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The Bible

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness–that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.

Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its stories are true, and its decisions are immutable.

Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy.

It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.

It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter.

Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of Hell disclosed.

Christ is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end.

It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.

Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully.

It is a mine of wealth, health to the soul, and a river of pleasure.

It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Today’s topic is salvation. Salvation to the Jew first and then the Gentiles. This was a new concept. Gentiles were excluded to salvation until Jesus came.

Ephesians 2 tells us how  the process of salvation takes place.

EPHESIANS 2

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (2:8-9)

Introduction

Salvation by faith (2:1-10)

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;² Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:³ Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,⁵ Even in when we were dead sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)⁶ And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:⁷ That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.⁸ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast.¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Gentiles brought into fellowship by the blood of Christ (2:11-13)

 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;¹² That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:¹³ But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

“One new man” for God (2:14-22)

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;¹⁵ Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;¹⁶ And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:¹⁷ And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.¹⁸ For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.¹⁹ Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;²⁰ And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;²¹ In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:²² In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Conclusion

Saved by grace through faith

Gentiles may be saved

Access to the Father

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

We all struggle with giving up the things of this world. The Bible calls them idols, Tozer calls them toys.

Whatever we call them, it is hard to put them aside.

A.W. Tozer prays a very short prayer that will help us to deal with our idols.

My coward heart!

(A.W. Tozer)

Father, I want to know You–but my coward heart fears to give up its toys. I cannot part with them without inward bleeding, and I do not try to hide from You the terror of the parting. I come trembling, but I do come. Please root from my heart all those things which I have cherished so long and which have become a very part of my self–so that You may reign there without a rival. Deliver me from the tyranny of things–and from the idols of my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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OBSERVATIONS

He wants to know the Father

He fears to give up his toys

He does not hide his fear from the Father

He comes trembling before the Father

He requests the Father to root out his idols from his life

He desires the Father to reign without rival

He wants to be delivered from the tyranny of things

Is this our heart’s desire when it comes to our idols? It should be.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Each of us need to read and learn from this devotional on our thought life. This devotional will make us consider how we think and what we think about.

It is pivotal to getting victory over Satan.

When the bird of thought was let go!

(A.W. Tozer)

Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling–fix your thoughts on Jesus!“ Hebrews 3:1

“Bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5

What we think about when we are free to think about what we will–that is what we are, or will soon become.

Anyone who wishes to check on his true spiritual condition may do so by noting what his voluntary thoughts have been over the last hours or days. What has he thought about, when free to think of what he pleased? Toward what has his inner heart turned, when it was free to turn where it would?

When the bird of thought was let go, did it fly out like the raven to settle upon floating carcasses–or did it like the dove circle and return again to the ark of God? Such a test is easy to run, and if we are honest with ourselves we can discover not only what we are–but what we are going to become. We will soon be the sum of our voluntary thoughts!

Long practice in the art of mental prayer (that is, talking to God inwardly as we work or travel) will help to form the habit of holy thoughts.

“For as he thinks within himself, so he is.” Proverbs 23:7

“Oh, Lord, You know the constant struggle which we have with our thought life. You know how often our thoughts settle on rotten carcasses. Take control of my thoughts today, and move me along in the development of the habit of holy thought. Amen.”
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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Over the years, I have been counselled, God is in control. I have shared this same counsel with others. Sometimes though, when we are in the middle of a trial, it does not seem that God is in control. Our personal lives are spinning out of control and we just want it to stop.

God knows. He has a purpose for whatever we are going through. We will understand in God’s timing.

Trials are medicinal!

(John Newton)

Trials are medicinal. They are designed by God to correct or to restrain or to cure–the maladies of our souls.

Though He puts forth His hand, and seems to threaten our dearest comforts–yet when we remember that it is His hand, when we consider that it is His design, His love, His wisdom, and His power—we cannot refuse to trust Him!

Every affliction in the life of the believer–is designed by God and sovereignly implemented by Him.

“Before I was afflicted I went astray–but now I obey Your Word!” Psalm 119:67

“It was good for me to be afflicted–so that I might learn Your decrees.” Psalm 119:71

“I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness You have afflicted me.” Psalm 119:75

Christ’s suffering was punitive–the Christian’s suffering is restorative.
The cup which Christ drank, was filled with Divine wrath–the cup of suffering which God calls His children to drink, is only medicinal to promote their chief good.

Like heavy weights on a grandfather clock–trials are necessary for the Christian life to operate properly. God will allow nothing to grieve us–but what He intends to employ as means for our greater advantage.
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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001