Archives for 2024

Good morning,

In the Father’s eternal dwelling!

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John 14:1-3, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places . . . I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me, that you may be where I am!”

In these comforting words from Jesus, the Christian finds a profound reassurance for his troubled heart.

The Savior acknowledges the very real anxieties and fears that can weigh us down, but He responds with a call to unwavering faith. “You believe in God,” He says, “believe also in Me!” This is an invitation to place our trust in the Son of God who has come to redeem His people from their sins. For in the Father’s eternal home, Jesus declares, there are many dwelling places.

This is a promise of the glorious eternity that awaits all who follow Him. This is no mere earthly abode, but a heavenly home where the redeemed will dwell with their Lord forever.

And though Jesus has gone to prepare this glorious home for us, He assures us that He will return to receive us unto Himself.

What a profound and life-changing hope–that where Christ is, there we shall be forever!

In the midst of our troubled hearts, these words of Jesus offer the peace that surpasses all understanding. They remind us that our eternal destiny is secure in Him, and that the difficulties of this world are but temporary, for an eternity of joy with our Savior awaits.

Let us cling to these promises with unwavering faith, finding comfort in the knowledge that our heavenly home is being prepared, and that one day soon, we shall be united with our beloved Jesus forevermore!

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx  Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

A horrible and shocking thing is done!

(J.C. Ryle, “Calvary”)  LISTEN to audio!  Download Audio

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I know no greater proof of man’s depravity, than the fact that thousands of so-called professing Christians see nothing lovely in the cross.

Well may our hearts be called stony,
well may the eyes of our mind be called blind,
well may our whole nature be called diseased,
well may we all be called dead in sin
–when the cross of Christ is heard of, and yet neglected!

Surely we may take up the words of the prophet, and say, “Hear, O heavens, and be astonished, O earth: A horrible and shocking thing is done!” Christ was crucified for sinners, and yet many professing Christians live as if He was never crucified at all!

Would I know how exceedingly sinful and abominable sin is in the sight of God?

Shall I turn to the history of the flood, and read how sin drowned the world?

Shall I ponder what sin brought on Sodom and Gomorrah?

No! I can find a clearer proof still–I look at what happened on Calvary! There I see that sin is so black and damnable, that nothing but the blood of God’s own Son can wash it away! There I see that sin has so separated me from my holy Maker, that all the angels in Heaven could never have made peace between us. Nothing could reconcile us, short of the death of Christ.
Ah, if I listened to the wretched talk of proud men, I might sometimes imagine sin was not so very sinful; but I cannot think little of sin when I look at Calvary.

I find no balm for a sore conscience and a troubled heart, like the sight of Jesus dying for me on the accursed tree! There I see that a full payment has been made for all my enormous debts.

When I look at the cross, I feel sure that there is a way to Heaven for the very vilest of men.

Would I find strong reasons for being a holy man?
I will look at Calvary and the crucifixion.

There I see that Jesus gave Himself for me, not only to redeem me from iniquity–but also to purify me. He bore my sins in His own body on the tree, that I being dead unto sin, should live unto righteousness.

Ah, reader, there is nothing so sanctifying as a clear view of the cross of Christ!
It crucifies the world unto us, and us unto the world.

How can we love sin when we remember that because of our sins, Jesus died for our sin?

Would I learn how to be contented and cheerful under all the cares and anxieties of life?
What school shall I go to? How shall I attain this state of mind most easily?
Shall I look at:
  the sovereignty of God,
  the wisdom of God,
  the providence of God,
  the love of God?
It is well to do so.
But I have a better argument still. I will look at Calvary and the crucifixion!

I feel that He who did not spare His only begotten Son, but delivered Him up to die for me–will surely with Him, give me all things that I really need.

He that endured that pain for my soul, will surely not withhold from me anything that is really good.

He that has done the greater things for me, will doubtless do the lesser things also.

He that gave His own blood to procure an eternal home for me, will unquestionably supply me with all that is really profitable for me along the way.

Ah, reader, there is no school for learning contentment that can be compared with Calvary and the foot of the cross!

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Sovereign absolute uncompromising control!

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Psalm 115:3, “Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases!”

Psalm 135:5-6, “I know that the LORD is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods. The LORD does whatever pleases Him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths!”

Isaiah 46:10, “My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.”

Ephesians 1:11, “In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will!”

Scripture clearly teaches that the Almighty Creator maintains sovereign, absolute, uncompromising control  over every aspect of His vast universe.

Not a single molecule or particle in all of existence operates outside of God’s sovereign dominion.

The same divine hand that sets the stars in their courses, also directs the smallest details of our individual lives.

Whether triumph or tragedy; whether success or suffering–nothing occurs without first passing through the filter of God’s all-wise and sovereign will, and His eternal plan.

The notions of chance or luck or accident–are merely heathen philosophies.

Every event, every circumstance, and every outcome is meticulously orchestrated by the sovereign Lord who reigns supremely over all.

As Christians, we should find unwavering confidence, comfort and security in the truth that the same God who governs His universe, also intimately directs and wisely orders every detail of our lives.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!” Romans 8:28

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

His abiding presence and inexhaustible resources!

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In the book of Isaiah, the Lord gives a powerful and comforting message to His redeemed people:
“Do not be afraid, for I am with you.
Do not be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand!” Isaiah 41:10

This profound declaration speaks directly to the hearts of all Christians who are facing trials, afflictions, and times of uncertainty. No matter what challenges we may be confronting, we need not succumb to fear or discouragement, for our Almighty God is steadfastly by our side. He is our strength and our help, ready and willing to lift us up and sustain us through the darkest of circumstances.

The imagery of God’s “victorious right hand” reaching down to support us, is a beautiful visual of His sovereign power and unwavering commitment to His people. In a world that so often leaves us feeling small, helpless, and overwhelmed, this promise from our God stands as a beacon of hope–a reminder that He will provide the needed grace to sustain us in every struggle that we will ever encounter!

By trusting in His abiding presence and inexhaustible resources, we can walk forward in courage, confidence, and an unshakable peace, for our Heavenly Father has declared that He will be . . .
  our strength,
  our shield,
  our refuge,
  and our ever-present help in times of trouble!

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This baffles all comprehension!

(John MacDuff, 1874)  LISTEN to audio!  Download Audio

John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us!” 

Philippians 2:7-8, “He emptied Himself, by taking the form of a slave, by being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross!”

What a stoop for that Infinite Being who proclaimed Himself as the Alpha and the Omega! What a transition for “the Ancient of days” to assume the nature and take the form of a helpless infant, sleeping on a virgin mother’s bosom!

We have no plumb line to sound the depths of His humiliation.
We have no arithmetic with which it can be calculated.

If we can entertain for a moment the shocking supposition of the loftiest angel in Heaven laying aside his angel nature, and becoming an insect or a worm–we can, in some feeble degree, estimate the humiliation involved in that angel’s abasement.

But, for the Infinite and eternal God Himself, to become incarnate;
  for the Creator, to take the nature of a creature;
  for Deity, to be linked with dust–
this baffles all comprehension!  

We can only fall down in adoring reverence, and exclaim with the apostle, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” Romans 11:33
“Wonder, O heavens, and be astonished, O earth!”

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The days of your mourning shall be ended!

(John MacDuff)  LISTEN to Audio!  Download Audio

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“The days of your mourning shall be ended!” Isaiah 60:20

Christ’s people are a weeping band, though there is much in this lovely world to make them happy. Yet when they think of their sin, need we wonder at their tears in their pilgrimage in this “valley of tears?”  

Bereavement, sickness, poverty, and death follow the track of sin, adding to their mourning experience; and with many of God’s best beloved, one tear is scarcely dried when another is ready to flow!

Mourners rejoice! When the reaping time comes–the weeping time ends! When the white robe and the golden harp are bestowed, every remnant of the sackcloth attire is removed.

The moment the pilgrim, whose forehead is here furrowed with woe, bathes it in the crystal River of Life–that moment the pangs of a lifetime of sorrow are eternally forgotten!

Reader! If you are one of these careworn ones, the days of your mourning are numbered! A few more throbbings of this aching heart–and then shall sorrow, and sighing, and mourning, be gone forever!

“Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes!” Revelation 7:16-17

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes! There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain–for the old order of things has passed away!” Revelation 21:4 

“The days of your mourning shall be ended!” Isaiah 60:20

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The true spiritual Atlas!

(John MacDuff)  LISTEN to audio!  Download Audio

“You shall make His soul an offering for sin.” Isaiah 53:10

Mark, it is soul-suffering that is the essence of Jesus’ anguish. “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death.”

That ‘cup’ was filled to the brim with curses! His holy soul was like a vast reservoir, into which the transgressions of every elect child of Adam rushed from every age, demanding payment for sin.

He was filled with horror and deep distress at the fearful havoc which sin had wrought, and at its dreadful penalty, which He was now bearing.

The wrath of God, the horrendous manifestation of His displeasure at iniquity, was upon Jesus!

He was the true spiritual Atlas, bearing on His shoulders, the sins of a guilty world.

Jesus’ sufferings were not calamities. They were a judicial punishment inflicted on Him by His Father for the sins of His people. There was an eternity of woe, condensed into His sufferings and sin-atoning death. Christ was the Sin-Bearer, bearing not merely the guilt and punishment of sin, but sin itself.

As we see drop by drop crimsoning the sods of Gethsemane, we may well exclaim:
“He was pierced for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities,
the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him,
and by His wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

“The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Christ loved us, and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The ways, and fashions, and amusements, and recreations of the world

(J.C. Ryle)  LISTEN to audio!  Download Audio

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15

There is a common, worldly kind of Christianity in this day; which many have, and think they have enough. This cheap Christianity offends nobody, and requires no sacrifice. It costs nothing, and is worth nothing.

The standard of the world, and the standard of the Lord Jesus–are indeed widely different. They are more than different–they are flatly contradictory to each other. Never be satisfied with the world’s standard of Christianity!

A crucified Savior will never be content to have a . . .
  self-pleasing,
  self-indulging,
  worldly-minded people!

It costs something to be a true Christian! It will cost us . . .
  our sins,
  our self-righteousness,
  our ease, and
  our worldliness!

The ways, and fashions, and amusements, and recreations of the world–have a continually decreasing place in the heart of a growing Christian. He does not condemn them as downright sinful, nor say that those who have anything to do with them are going to Hell.

He only feels that these things have a constantly diminishing hold on his own affections, and they gradually seem smaller and more trifling in his eyes.
“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world.” 1 John 5:4

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Drinking deeply from the well of God’s holy Word

(Anonymous)  LISTEN to audio!  Download Audio
(You will find it helpful to listen to the audio above, as you read the text below.)                                                                                                                                                                       
Psalm 1:1-2
“Blessed is the man who does not:
walk in the counsel of the wicked,
or stand in the way of sinners,
or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the Word of the LORD,
and on His Word he meditates day and night.”

Blessed indeed, is the man who chooses to distance himself from the corrupting influences of this sin-cursed world. He does not heed the sinful advice and philosophies of those who reject God. Nor does he associate with, or emulate the lifestyles, of those who wallow in their wicked desires. He refuses to align himself with those who mock and scorn the holy ways of God, as found in His Word.

He finds his greatest joy and satisfaction in meditating upon the sacred Scriptures, drinking deeply from the well of God’s holy Word day and night. He does not treat the divine teachings as a mere intellectual exercise, but allows the truths of Scripture:
  to guide his thinking,
  to penetrate his heart,
  and transform his life.
He understands that true blessedness is not found in the fleeting pleasures of this vain world–but in a vibrant, intimate relationship with Almighty God! By immersing himself in God’s Word and striving to guide his steps by Scripture, he experiences the profound blessing of walking in the light of the Lord’s presence, shielded from the darkness that ensnares those who reject Him.

He alone is truly wise and truly blessed, for he has chosen the narrow path that leads to eternal life!

“You have made known to me the path of life,
You will fill me with joy in Your presence,
with eternal pleasures at Your right hand!” Psalm 16:11

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The real reason why unbelievers hate God’s Word!

(Charles Simeon)  LISTEN to audio!  Download Audio

John 3:19-20, “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light, because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed!”

The real reason why unbelievers hate God’s Word, is because they will not part with those sins which His Word condemns! Nor will they practice those holy duties which the Word commands!

If they were willing to renounce their sins, they would find the Word of God to be precious and delightful to them, as an inexhaustible ocean of encouragement!

But unbelievers hate to hear of:
  the wickedness of their hearts,
  the insufficiency of their best works to bring them to God,
  the impossibility of being saved without an entire dependence on the sin-atoning merits of Christ,
  the necessity an unreserved surrender to His will as seen in Scripture.

Their pride and self-sufficiency are insurmountable obstacles to the proper reception of Scriptural instruction. They hate to be told that they are spiritually wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked before a holy God!

They abhor to walk in the path of the righteous. They simply will not forsake the path of sin, which infallibly leads to destruction!

It is in vain that the Scripture shows them the only genuine way to Heaven.  They will never forsake that broad road of sin which inevitably leads to damnation!

Between God and the unbeliever who perishes in his sins, there is a great gulf fixed–a gulf that never can be passed. Once entered into the eternal world, the unbeliever has his state fixed forever! The man who dies unbelieving and impenitent, will bewail his folly in irremediable and everlasting misery!

“For they are a rebellious people, unwilling to hear the instruction of the Lord. They say to the seers, “Do not see!” And to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us what is right. Speak to us smooth things. Prophesy illusions.  Let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel!” Isaiah 30:9-11 (condensed)

“They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie, and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness!” 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com