Archives for 2020

Good morning,

In the Gospel of John, Jesus makes seven statements beginning with the words I am. Each of these “I am” proclamations furthers our understanding of Jesus’ ministry in the world. They also link Jesus to the Old Testament revelation of God.

In the Old Testament, God revealed His name to Moses: “I AM THAT I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me unto you’” (Exodus 3:14). Thus, in Judaism, “I AM” is unquestionably understood as a name for God. Whenever Jesus made an “I am” statement in which He claimed attributes of deity, He was identifying Himself as God.

Jesus states, I am the bread of life, light of the world, the door, the good shepherd, the resurrection and the life, the way, the truth, and the life, and the true vine.

This week we will at each of these I AM statements.

“I am the resurrection and the life.”

“Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.²⁴ Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.²⁵ Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:²⁶ And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 11:23-26)

When Martha told Jesus her brother would not have died if He had come to Lazarus sooner. Jesus told her something very deep that should bring us comfort when our loved ones die. In essence, Jesus was telling Martha that it didn’t matter that He wasn’t there when her brother was sick because standing before her at the very moment, He was the resurrection and the life.

We know the rest of the story surrounding this statement in John 11:25. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead in the presence of those who doubted Him.

Some think Jesus wept (John 11:35) over Lazarus’ death, but He wept over Martha’s and the others’ unbelief. Jesus knew He was the resurrection and the life. His raising His friend from the dead proved it to those who didn’t believe.

Death is not the final word for those in Christ.

Do we believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life?

Our future depends on it. Raising Lazarus from the dead was a notable miracle. However, Lazarus died again. Jesus died, but three days later resurrected, and is seated on His throne in heaven. Christ was resurrected and all the believers in Christ will also be resurrected at the rapture of the church. Then we will have everlasting life.

Jesus truly is the resurrection and the life!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

In the Gospel of John, Jesus makes seven statements beginning with the words I am. Each of these “I am” proclamations furthers our understanding of Jesus’ ministry in the world. They also link Jesus to the Old Testament revelation of God.

In the Old Testament, God revealed His name to Moses: “I AM THAT I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me unto you’” (Exodus 3:14). Thus, in Judaism, “I AM” is unquestionably understood as a name for God. Whenever Jesus made an “I am” statement in which He claimed attributes of deity, He was identifying Himself as God.

Jesus states, I am the bread of life, light of the world, the door, the good shepherd, the resurrection and the life, the way, the truth, and the life, and the true vine.

This week we will at each of these I AM statements.

“I am the door of the sheep.”

“Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.⁸ All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.⁹ I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.¹⁰ The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:7-10)

There is one thing that is common with all doors no matter how they are made. Doors provide an entrance in and doors provide an entrance out of something. In John 10:9, Jesus let people know that He was the entrance into their good things and exit out of their bad things.

Jesus was then, and He is today the passageway for us no matter what we encounter. Jesus is that door that nobody else or nothing can be. Jesus can take us to places that we couldn’t otherwise enter without Him.

Jesus made this declaration after He had previously talked about thieves and robbers. Jesus was teaching that He is the only way to salvation. Jesus is the only way to get to His Father for eternal life.

“I am the shepherd”

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.¹² But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. ¹³ The hireling fleeth, because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep. ¹⁴ I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.¹⁵ As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.¹⁶ And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.¹⁷ Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.¹⁸ No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” (John 10:11-18)

In John 10:11 and 10:14, Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd.” Notice He did not call Himself a shepherd. He described Himself as the good shepherd.

A good shepherd cares for His sheep no matter what. In biblical times, shepherds slept outside with their sheep year round. They knew their sheep, and their sheep knew them.

According to Psalm 23, the shepherd provided for and protected the sheep. On occasions, the shepherd had to use his rod and staff to keep them in line and out of danger.

Today, we can say like the sheep, “The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want.” That’s because the shepherd provides for us by giving us everything we need and He protects us and keeps us out of harm’s way.

Jesus, our good shepherd, laid down His life for us, His sheep. He did it willingly because of His great love for us. Through His paying our sin debt, we now are able to trust Him by faith and walk through the door of His sheepfold.

Will we allow Jesus to be our “…good shepherd…”?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

In the Gospel of John, Jesus makes seven statements beginning with the words I am. Each of these “I am” proclamations furthers our understanding of Jesus’ ministry in the world. They also link Jesus to the Old Testament revelation of God.

In the Old Testament, God revealed His name to Moses: “I AM THAT I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me unto you’” (Exodus 3:14). Thus, in Judaism, “I AM” is unquestionably understood as a name for God. Whenever Jesus made an “I am” statement in which He claimed attributes of deity, He was identifying Himself as God.

Jesus states, I am the bread of life, light of the world, the door, the good shepherd, the resurrection and the life, the way, the truth, and the life, and the true vine.

This week we will at each of these I AM statements.

“I am the light of the world”

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

“As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:5)

That simply means that Jesus brings light into any dark place.

It is recorded in the book of Genesis that the first thing God called forth was light. He said, “Let there be light, and there was light.” Thousands of years later, God’s Son said He was light.

Notice Jesus didn’t just say He was light that would light up a room or even a street corner. He was inclusive by saying He was the light of the world. In other words, He was not just the light that would go bad as our light bulbs do sometimes. Jesus said He was the very embodiment of light. Wherever He is, nothing is dark because He is the light.

The occasion for this saying was that a woman had been caught in adultery and the religious leaders wanted to stone her to death. Jesus told them to cast the first stone if they were without sin. Nobody could do so. Then Jesus assured them that they didn’t have to live in darkness because He was the light of the world, and He was able to bring light into their lives if they would follow Him.

We need light to see. The world we live in is filled with darkness, sin, and negativity. When we allow the light of Jesus in, it brightens everything. Jesus changes us completely.

Are we living in Jesus light or the darkness of the world?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

In the Gospel of John, Jesus makes seven statements beginning with the words I am. Each of these “I am” proclamations furthers our understanding of Jesus’ ministry in the world. They also link Jesus to the Old Testament revelation of God.

In the Old Testament, God revealed His name to Moses: “I AM THAT I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me unto you’” (Exodus 3:14). Thus, in Judaism, “I AM” is unquestionably understood as a name for God. Whenever Jesus made an “I am” statement in which He claimed attributes of deity, He was identifying Himself as God.

Jesus states, I am the bread of life, light of the world, the door, the good shepherd, the resurrection and the life, the way, the truth, and the life, and the true vine.

This week we will at each of these I AM statements.

“I am the bread of life.”

“Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.³² Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.³³ For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.³⁴ Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.³⁵ And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:31-35)

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. ⁴⁸ I am that bread of life.⁴⁹ Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.⁵⁰ This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.⁵¹ I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:47-51)

Jesus had just fed the five thousand men besides women and children with just two barley loaves and five small fish, yet the people were asking for another miracle for Jesus to prove who He said He was.

Jesus did not say he was like the bread they had just eaten. That would have been a simile whereas He compared Himself to bread. Instead, He said He was bread which is a metaphor. By saying that, He was emphasizing that He wasn’t just bread to fill someone’s hungry belly, but He was the bread that sustains. He said He was the bread of life, the living bread and the bread that was offered then and today as Jesus’ flesh.

As bread sustains physical life, so Christ offers and sustains spiritual life.

He also said He is the “…living bread…” He came in the flesh, to die for our sins, that we might have eternal life.

The “…living bread…” gives eternal life!

Partake in the “…bread of life.”

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

When Saul, the hater of believers in Christ, received Christ, his life was completely changed, including his name to Paul. Everywhere he went he was telling them about Jesus Christ.

Paul encourages the Colossians’ to follow Christ. Paul tells them to allow the word of God to dwell in them, whatever they do, do it heartily to the Lord, pray, and allow their speech be seasoned with salt.

We will look at each of these areas during this week’s devotions. 

Speech seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6)

“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

In Paul’s time, salt served primarily as a preservative, keeping meat from spoiling. It was valuable enough to be used as a form of currency. And, of course, it changes the flavor of whatever it is added to. In that regard, Paul’s use of this metaphor has more than one meaning. The believer’s words are to preserve the message of Christ, helping it effectively reach as many people as possible. What a Christian says ought to add value to the conversation; our words should be uplifting or helpful. Finally, the truth of our renewed Christian lives ought to be clear in the different “flavor” of how we speak and act.

Another aspect of gracious speech is the ability to answer the questions of unbelievers. Peter also noted the importance of this area of ministry, saying, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). Communicating Christ includes both a positive presentation of the gospel and the ability to defend it (Titus 1:9). Mere knowledge is not all that is required. In order to give an answer in a truly “Christian” way, a person must present truth using proper words and a proper attitude.

When we present the gospel message is it “…seasoned with salt…”?

When we are finished, have we left the door open for another opportunity to share Christ? Do we come across as a Know it all or I am better than you attitude?

Our presentation should be out of love. We should be concerned for this soul who Christ died. Remembering that we do not win souls. The Holy Spirit convicts men and women of their sin. We just present the message.

Will we go with a message “…seasoned with salt…”?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

When Saul, the hater of believers in Christ, received Christ, his life was completely changed, including his name to Paul. Everywhere he went he was telling them about Jesus Christ.

Paul encourages the Colossians’ to follow Christ. Paul tells them to allow the word of God to dwell in them, whatever they do, do it heartily to the Lord, pray, and allow their speech be seasoned with salt.

We will look at each of these areas during this week’s devotions. 

Pray (Colossians 4:2-4)

“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;³ Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:⁴ That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.”

Paul began the letter to the Colossians by praying for them. Now, he requests that they continue in prayer for him. He wants them to pray for opportunities to share Christ with others. He also requests that he would have the right words to say.

What a great prayer.

We should be praying that for our Pastors, missionaries, and each other. The Great Commission was not only given to the apostles, but to every one of us. The only way we will be successful in this endeavor is by prayer. When we pray, the Holy Spirit will lead us to people who need to hear about Jesus and how they can become believers in Christ.

Ephesians 6:18-20 explains in detail Colossians 4:2-4.

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; ¹⁹ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,²⁰ For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

Paul says, “Continue in prayer…” Never stop. We should be in a continual state of prayer. Remember, prayer is talking with God. We should be having a continual conversation with God. No item is too trivial to God.

“Pray without ceasing.¹⁸ In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)

The challenge then is continual prayer and going to the lost and tell them about Jesus.

Will we pray and go?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

When Saul, the hater of believers in Christ, received Christ, his life was completely changed, including his name to Paul. Everywhere he went he was telling them about Jesus Christ.

Paul encourages the Colossians’ to follow Christ. Paul tells them to allow the word of God to dwell in them, whatever they do, do it heartily to the Lord, pray, and allow their speech be seasoned with salt.

We will look at each of these areas during this week’s devotions. 

Whatsoever ye do… (Colossians 3:23-25)

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; ²⁴ Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.²⁵ But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.”

In context, Paul is writing to servants. He tells them to serve their masters as if they were serving God.

We are the servants of Christ. We are also servants to others. Maybe an employer or someone who has the rule over us.

Sometimes the people we serve do not know Jesus as personal Lord and Savior. Their view of life is worldly and corrupt. They make fun of or curse the Lord Jesus Christ.

How should we respond?

“…whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord…” We are not to rebel, cause dissension, be bitter, or complain. We should obey God’s word, exemplify the person of Jesus Christ, and love our master. Then God is glorified and we may have opportunity to tell the person about salvation in Jesus Christ.

Romans 13:1-7 explains Colossians 3:23-25.

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.² Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.³ For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:⁴ For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. ⁵ Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.⁶ For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.⁷ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”  

This should change our approach to being a servant. Whomever we serve should be served as if they were the Lord Jesus Christ.

Are we willing to take God’s judgement for failing to serve others properly? Think about employers, ministers, our President (previous and present), state and local officials, and Jesus Himself.

Service=Obedience

Ponder God’s word and then act upon God’s truth.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

When Saul, the hater of believers in Christ, received Christ, his life was completely changed, including his name to Paul. Everywhere he went he was telling them about Jesus Christ.

Paul encourages the Colossians’ to follow Christ. Paul tells them to allow the word of God to dwell in them, whatever they do, do it heartily to the Lord, pray, and allow their speech be seasoned with salt.

We will look at each of these areas during this week’s devotions. 

The Word of God (Colossians 3:16-17)

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.¹⁷ 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.”

1) Paul knew the Word of God, Jesus. He knew that His teachings were the foundation for living the Christian life.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

2) Paul also knew that the Word of God was truthful.

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)

3) Paul knew that the Word of God was quick, powerful, and sharp.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrew 4:12)

4) Paul knew that the Word of God would stand forever.

“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” (Isaiah 40:8)

It is important to know the Word of God.

Paul goes a step further. He challenges the Colossians’ to teach the Word of God through psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. He wants them to do everything in the name of Jesus, while giving thanks to God the Father.

That is the challenge for us today.

Do we know God’s Word? Do we know it well enough to teach it? Would someone who did not know us, see Jesus in us? And are we giving thanks to God?

The letter to the Colossians was not written solely to the leadership. It was written to individual church members. God has given us the responsibility to carry out His work.

Are we willing to accept God’s challenge of service?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

When Saul, the hater of believers in Christ, received Christ, his life was completely changed, including his name to Paul. Everywhere he went he was telling them about Jesus Christ.

In the letter to the Colossians Paul encourages them to follow Christ. Paul tells them that they are risen with Christ, forgiven and why, challenges them to seek Christ, and contrasts the old man and the new man.

We will look at each of these areas during this week’s devotions. 

New man: Put ON (Colossians 3:10-15)

“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.”

When we trust Christ as Savior and Lord we are changed. We are “…renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” We have the knowledge of Christ.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

God gives us new desires and motivations. We should see a change in how we live our lives. The character qualities listed should be evident in our lives.

The life of Christ demonstrates these characteristics. Take any story about Jesus and one of these character qualities will appear. Jesus is our example. When we see Jesus, we see what we should desire to be.

The other thing to remember is that Jesus was, before our salvation, and is now, doing all these things for us. Think about His forgiveness of our sin, His mercy, His kindness, His longsuffering, and His charity, love.

These character qualities bind. They bring people together. They build up people. These are the character qualities that make the body of Christ work efficiently.

Have we put on the new man? Do we desire to be like Jesus? Are we willing to obey God’s word and become more like Christ?

Today would be a good day to start!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

When Saul, the hater of believers in Christ, received Christ, his life was completely changed, including his name to Paul. Everywhere he went he was telling them about Jesus Christ.

In the letter to the Colossians Paul encourages them to follow Christ. Paul tells them that they are risen with Christ, forgiven and why, challenges them to seek Christ, and contrasts the old man and the new man.

We will look at each of these areas during this week’s devotions. 

The old man: Put OFF (Colossians 3:5-9)

“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.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;”

Mortify means kill or put to death. Paul is telling the Colossians, and us, to put to death these sins. Continuing in these sins, brings the wrath of God upon on them.

Further, Paul tells the Colossians, and us, to put off certain character qualities. All of these lead to disharmony, disloyalty, and separation between believers in Christ.

Although, we think believers in Christ do not participate in these types of behavior, they do. It is obvious in the first century church and in the twenty-first century church of today.

God is giving us a warning. Will we heed the warning?

Tomorrow, we will see what we are to Put ON.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001