Archives for June 2019

Good morning,

Stephen was a mighty man of God. He was faithful and never backed down in the face of opposition. He died proclaiming God’s word.

Who was Stephen? Who opposed him? What was Stephen’s message? What was the response to Stephen’s message?

Stephen and his opposition (Acts 6:8-15)

“And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:14 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.15 And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angels.”

Stephen was full of faith and power, who did great wonders and miracles. The synagogue of the Libertines did not like Stephen’s preaching. They disputed with him. When they could not convince him to stop, they hired false witnesses to testify against him.

Telling people about Christ evokes the same response from unbelievers. When we are challenged, do we quit or continue to proclaim Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection?

Stephen’s example may help us to make the correct decision.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The book of Job chronicles God’s testing of Job. We will look at two dialogs between God and Satan, their consequences, and Job’s response.

Does God tempt men? No. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:” (James 1:13) However, as we will see, God does allow Satan the ability to test believers.

Job smote with boils (Job 2:7-8)

“So went Satan forth from the presence of the Lord, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.⁸ And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.”

Job’s wife: Curse God and die (Job 2:9)

“Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.”

Job’s response (Job 2:10)

“But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.”

CONCLUSION

God does test His children

The testing is for our growth

We choose to be bitter or better

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The book of Job chronicles God’s testing of Job. We will look at two dialogs between God and Satan, their consequences, and Job’s response.

Does God tempt men? No. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:” (James 1:13) However, as we will see, God does allow Satan the ability to test believers.

God’s dialog with Satan (Job 2:1-6)

“Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the Lord.² And the Lord said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.³ And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.⁴ And Satan answered the Lord, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.⁵ But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.⁶ And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.”

God initiates the conversation (Job2:2)

God speaks highly of Job (Job 2:3)

Satan’s response (Job 2:4-5)

God allows Satan to touch his bone and his flesh. Puts limits on Satan (Job 2:6)

Job smote with boils (READ Job 2:7-8)

Job’s wife: Curse God and die (Job 2:9)

If it wasn’t bad enough that Job lost everything, now God allows Satan to attack his body. When we are not feeling well, we are apt to do strange things.

What will Job do now? Will he curse God?

Tomorrow we will see.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The book of Job chronicles God’s testing of Job. We will look at two dialogs between God and Satan, their consequences, and Job’s response.

Does God tempt men? No. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:” (James 1:13) However, as we will see, God does allow Satan the ability to test believers.

…HAST THOU CONSIDERED MY SERVANT JOB…

“And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?” (Job 1:8)

INTRODUCTION (READ Job 1:1-5)

1) God’s dialog with Satan (Job 1:6-12)

“ Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.⁷ And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.⁸ And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?⁹ Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?¹⁰ Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.¹¹ But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.¹² And theLord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.”

God initiates the conversation (Job 1:7)

God speaks highly of Job (Job 1:8)

Satan’s response (Job 1:9-11)

God allows Satan to touch all that he has. Puts limits on Satan (Job 1:12)

Job loses everything (READ Job 1:13-19)

2)  Job’s response to losing everything (Job 1:20-22)

“Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,²¹ And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.²² In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.”

3) God’s dialog with Satan (Job 2:1-6)

“Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the Lord.² And the Lord said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.³ And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.⁴ And Satan answered the Lord, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.⁵ But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.⁶ And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.”

God initiates the conversation (Job2:2)

God speaks highly of Job (Job 2:3)

Satan’s response (Job 2:4-5)

God allows Satan to touch his bone and his flesh. Puts limits on Satan (Job 2:6)

Job smote with boils (READ Job 2:7-8)

Job’s wife: Curse God and die (Job 2:9)

4) Job’s response (Job 2:10)

“But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.”

CONCLUSION

God does test His children

The testing is for our growth

We choose to be bitter or better

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The book of Job chronicles God’s testing of Job. We will look at two dialogs between God and Satan, their consequences, and Job’s response.

Does God tempt men? No. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:” (James 1:13) However, as we will see, God does allow Satan the ability to test believers.

Job’s response to losing everything (Job 1:13-19, 20-22)

Job loses everything

“And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house:¹⁴ And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them:¹⁵ And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.¹⁶ While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.¹⁷ While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.¹⁸ While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house:¹⁹ And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.”

Job’s response

“Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,²¹ And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.²² In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.”

Job’s response was to worship and bless the name of the Lord. Job never lost sight of who was in control. God knew Job’s character. He knew Job would not curse Him. Satan is confused. He expected Job to curse God.

Job never lost sight of who was in control. God knew Job’s character. He knew Job would not curse Him. Satan is confused. He expected Job to curse God.

How strong is our faith in God? Would we murmur, complain, and reject God? Or is our faith like Job’s?

At some point in time our day of testing is coming. How will we do?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The book of Job chronicles God’s testing of Job. We will look at two dialogs between God and Satan, their consequences, and Job’s response.

Does God tempt men? No. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:” (James 1:13) However, as we will see, God does allow Satan the ability to test believers.

God’s dialog with Satan (Job 1:6-12)

“ Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.⁷ And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.⁸ And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?⁹ Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?¹⁰ Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.¹¹ But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.¹² And theLord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.”

God initiates the conversation (Job 1:7)

God speaks highly of Job (Job 1:8)

Satan’s response (Job 1:9-11)

God allows Satan to touch all that Job has. Puts limits on Satan (Job 1:12)

Job loses everything (READ Job 1:13-19)

God moves in strange and mysterious ways. Why would He allow this to happen to Job?

Clearly, God wanted Satan to see the character of Job.

Tomorrow, we will see Job’s response to losing everything. Was God’s confidence in Job’s character warranted? Would he curse God?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Temptations. We all hate to be tempted. What we do when we are tempted demonstrates our spiritual condition. Obedient to God or obedient to Satan. We choose.

We will explore 1 Corinthians 10:13, David’s sin with Bathsheba, David confronted with his sin, and Psalm 51, David’s repentance, plea for mercy, request for cleansing, and willingness to teach others about God’s righteousness.

Psalm 51

Repentance and request for mercy (1-4)

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. ² Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. ³ For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. ⁴ Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

Shapen in iniquity (5-6)

⁵ Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. ⁶ Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

Request for cleansing, joy, gladness, clean heart, God’s presence, the Holy Spirit, joy of salvation (7-12)

⁷ Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. ⁸ Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. ⁹ Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. ¹⁰ Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. ¹¹ Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. ¹² Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

Results of getting right with God (13-19)

¹³ Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. ¹⁴ Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. ¹⁵ O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. ¹⁶ For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.¹⁷ The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.¹⁸ Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.¹⁹ Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

CONCLUSION

Be at your appointed place

Be careful what you look at

Do not allow temptation to become sin

Cover ups are always exposed by God

The punishment of sin is always greater than the enjoyment of the sin

Repent

Seek God’s mercy

Continue to minister for God

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Temptations. We all hate to be tempted. What we do when we are tempted demonstrates our spiritual condition. Obedient to God or obedient to Satan. We choose.

We will explore 1 Corinthians 10:13, David’s sin with Bathsheba, David confronted with his sin, and Psalm 51, David’s repentance, plea for mercy, request for cleansing, and willingness to teach others about God’s righteousness.

2 Samuel 12:1-14

Story of the rich man and the lamb (1-6)

And the Lord sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.² The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds:³ But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.⁴ And there came a traveler unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man’s lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him.And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the Lord liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die:” ⁶ And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.

Nathan declares, “…Thou art the man…” (7)

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;

Punishment (8-14)

“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 neighbour, 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.¹³ And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.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.”

David seems to really not realize that his behavior with Bathsheba was wrong. He is now confronted with his sin. The consequences are great. He finally understands and repents.

When we sin, there are consequences. God knows what it will take to bring us back to Him. He executes His punishment. We again have a decision to make. Repent or continue to walk away from God.

To continue in sin does not meet the common sense test. We need to repent of our sin, ask God’s forgiveness, plead for His mercy, and move on.

Tomorrow we will look at Psalm 51 and see how David prayed for forgiveness.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Temptations. We all hate to be tempted. What we do when we are tempted demonstrates our spiritual condition. Obedient to God or obedient to Satan. We choose.

We will explore 1 Corinthians 10:13, David’s sin with Bathsheba, David confronted with his sin, and Psalm 51, David’s repentance, plea for mercy, request for cleansing, and willingness to teach others about God’s righteousness.

What will we do when tempted?

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

INTRODUCTION

2 Samuel 11 – 12:13

2 Samuel 11

Lust of the eyes (1-2)

“…from the roof he saw a woman washing herself;…”

Lust of the flesh (3-5)

“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.And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.”

The cover-up Uriah the righteous man (6-13)

“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.” (11)

The death of Uriah (14-17)

“And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also.” (17)

Report to David (18-25)

Bathsheba mourns (26)

David takes Bathsheba as his wife (27) Displeased the Lord

2 Samuel 12:1-13

Story of the rich man and the lamb (1-6)

“And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the Lord liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die:” (5)

Nathan declares, “…Thou art the man…” (7)

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;

Punishment (8-13)

Psalm 51

Repentance and request for mercy (1-4)

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. ² Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. ³ For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. ⁴ Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

Shapen in iniquity (5-6)

⁵ Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. ⁶ Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

Request for cleansing, joy, gladness, clean heart, God’s presence, the Holy Spirit, joy of salvation (7-12)

⁷ Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. ⁸ Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. ⁹ Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. ¹⁰ Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. ¹¹ Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. ¹² Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

Results of getting right with God (13-19)

¹³ Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. ¹⁴ Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. ¹⁵ O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. ¹⁶ For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.¹⁷ The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.¹⁸ Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.¹⁹ Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

CONCLUSION

Be at your appointed place

Be careful what you look at

Do not allow temptation to become sin

Cover ups are always exposed by God

The punishment of sin is always greater than the enjoyment of the sin

Repent

Seek God’s mercy

Continue to minister for God

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Temptations. We all hate to be tempted. What we do when we are tempted demonstrates our spiritual condition. Obedient to God or obedient to Satan. We choose.

We will explore 1 Corinthians 10:13, David’s sin with Bathsheba, David confronted with his sin, and Psalm 51, David’s repentance, plea for mercy, request for cleansing, and willingness to teach others about God’s righteousness.

2 Samuel 11

Lust of the eyes (1-2)

“…from the roof he saw a woman washing herself;…”

Lust of the flesh (3-5)

“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.And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.”

The cover-up Uriah the righteous man (6-13)

“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.” (11)

The death of Uriah (14-17)

“And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also.” (17)

Report to David (18-25)

Bathsheba mourns (26)

David takes Bathsheba as his wife (27) Displeased the Lord

David was not where he supposed to be.

This opened him up to be tempted.

Satan tempted David with a woman. He saw her, took her, committed adultery with her, had a child with her, tried to cover up his sin, and committed murder.

David was righteous man, who loved God, worshipped God, and consulted God for wisdom and instruction. But when tempted, he failed the test!

We are just as susceptible to be being tempted as David. We must choose to follow God and not Satan.

Will we?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001