Good morning,

Tenderly and graciously does He deal with us!

(Francis Bourdillon, “A Psalm of Blessing!” 1864)

“For He knows how weak we are–He remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone–as though we had never been here! But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear Him.” Psalm 103:14-17

The shortness and uncertainty of our lives–our weakness, frailty, and sinfulness–God knows them all. Tenderly and graciously does He deal with us! In His great mercy and compassion, He . . .
bears with us;
raises us when we fall;
strengthens us when we are weak; and
helps, guides, sustains and comforts us.

He has . . .
a perfect knowledge of our needs,
an unspeakable compassion for them,
and full power to supply them all.

His mercy is everlasting. It will never wear out–and never come to an end.

As for us, we are frail and short-lived. Let but a few years pass, and . . .
the strongest will have fallen to the scythe of death,
the longest-lived will have all passed away, and
our own course here below will have come to a close.
“Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone–as though we had never been here!”

Not so is the mercy of the Lord, and the things which He has prepared for those who love Him. They are from everlasting to everlasting. His promises will never fail. Jesus is . . .
an all-sufficient Savior,
an unfailing Advocate,
an everlasting portion!

Well may every believer join with the Psalmist in rejoicing and praising God,
“Praise the LORD, O my soul–all my inmost being, praise His holy name!
Praise the LORD, O my soul–and do not forget all His benefits!” Psalm 103:1-2

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will begin a study of the book of Galatians.

Attached is a synopsis of the book and lesson one.

Download (Galatians-synopsis.docx, DOCX, 51KB)

Download (Galatians-1.docx, DOCX, 15KB)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Carl Heinrich von Bogatzky was a hymn writer born in 1690. He ministered to orphans. He taught them about Jesus.

This is part of what he taught them.

Abiding in Christ!

(Carl Heinrich von Bogatzky, “A Golden Treasury for the Children of God” 1718)

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine–so neither can you unless you abide in Me.” John 15:4

To abide in Christ, who is our righteousness and strength–is the very life and power of Christianity. We are in this happy state, when . . .
our thoughts are going out after Him,
our hearts are cleaving to Him, and
our minds are staying upon Him.
To abide in Him brings peace and joy, and strength to overcome sin and the world–which believers renounce the more readily, as they have found something better in Christ.

Abiding in Him, believers . . .
look to Christ for all,
go to Christ with all, and
depend on Christ through all.
Thus they abide in Jesus–and Jesus abides in them.

May the Lord give me grace, likewise, immovably to abide in Him. Then I shall . . .
conquer sin,
overcome the world,
and always triumph in Christ.
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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

God has a plan for all things. This plan began before the creation of time.

Today’s devotion helps explain this.

This is not a world of chance–it is our Father’s world! 

(J.R. Miller)

“For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will.” Ephesians 1:4-5

“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.” Ephesians 1:11

This is not a world of chance–it is our Father’s world! Events do not happen without divine order and direction. There is a great divine plan running through the ages–which includes all things and subordinates all forces and all experiences to itself. Our Scripture passages above are full of this great thought.

We will never fully understand these great truths, with their tremendous reach of meaning. We may say, however, at least, that they assure us of a divine plan for the elect–a divine love, a divine purpose of mercy, dating from the infinite past–and running through the eternal ages to come!

All of the elect are eternally secure in Christ the Redeemer!

“Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies.” Romans 8:33-34

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Trusting God in every situation should be the goal of all believers.

Psalm 25:1-6, reveals David’s prayer of trust in God.

“Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.² O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.³ Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.⁴ Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.⁵ Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.⁶ Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy loving kindnesses; for they have been ever of old.”

First, David directs his prayer to God.

“…I lift up my soul.”

“…I trust in thee:”

Second, He makes several requests.

“…let me not be ashamed,…”

“…let none that wait on thee be ashamed:”

Third, He requests God to work in his life.

“Shew me thy ways…”

“…teach me thy paths.”

“Lead me in thy truth,…”

“…teach me:…”

Fourth, He acknowledges who God is.

“…thou art the God of my salvation;…”

Fifth, David’s response.

“…on thee do I wait all the day.”

This is a picture of what we as believers in Christ should be doing. If we will follow David’s example, we will grow closer to God. Then when times of trouble come, we will go directly to God.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

I wrote about God’s all-seeing eye. If He sees everything, would it not make sense that He would also be looking for the best interest of His children?

God has a plan for each of our lives. He is working it out today in each of us. Each plan is different and unique to the individual involved. Although we may not understand what God is doing, remember He has a purpose in all that He does.

We have the unspeakable consolation!

(James Buchanan, “Comfort in Affliction” 1837)

“He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all–how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:32

We have the unspeakable consolation of knowing that the same divine and compassionate Redeemer who suffered, and bled, and died on for us–has the entire management of our affairs; and that nothing can happen in the course of providence, which is not appointed by Him “Who loved us and gave Himself for us!”

In proportion to our persuasion of His love for us, should be our confidence in His government over us. And what proof of sincerity, or what pledge of love, can we desire–which is not given by His past dealings on our behalf? If He died for us on the cruel cross—then certainly He will now, when all things are put under His power, “make all things work together for our good!”

We may rest assured that the love which He manifested for us on earth, is but a pledge of the love which He still bears to us–and that He will neither forget nor forsake us, until He has accomplished the grand end of His mission, by our deliverance from all evil, and our joyful entrance into the glorious kingdom of Heaven!

Oh! how cheering to know, that amidst the joys of Heaven–Jesus has not forgotten any one of His “little flock” for whom He suffered in the garden and on the cross!

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Last week we looked at Passover. This week we will look at the resurrection.

The resurrection changed everything.  Jesus died for our sins and was buried. If that were the end of the story, we would all be lost and separated from God. Without the resurrection, there is no salvation.

There are many dead prophets buried across the world. There is only one, prophet, priest, and king, who died, was buried, and three days later rose from the dead. Jesus Christ, the Messiah of Israel.

Resurrection

John 19:30, 38-42, Matthew 28:1-10, 16-17, 18-20

Jesus Death John 19:30 (Read 19:14-30)

³⁰ When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Jesus is Buried John 19:38-42

³⁸ And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.³⁹ And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pound weight.⁴⁰ Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.⁴¹ Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulcher, wherein was never man yet laid. ⁴² There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulcher was nigh at hand.

He is Risen Matthew 28:1-10

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher.² And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.³ His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:⁴ And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.⁵ And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.⁶ He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.⁷ And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.⁸ And they departed quickly from the sepulcher with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.⁹ And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.¹⁰ Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

Disciples Worship Jesus Matthew 28:16-17

¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.¹⁷ And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

Jesus tells the Disciples to Go and Teach ALL Nations Matthew 28:18-20

¹⁸ And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.¹⁹ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

The Resurrection Changes Everything 1 Corinthians 15:3-6, 13-18

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; ⁴ And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: ⁵ And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: ⁶ After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: ¹⁴ And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. ¹⁵ Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. ¹⁶ For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: ¹⁷ And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. ¹⁸ Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

ACTION POINTS:

• Serve Christ as did Joseph and Nicodemus
• Seek Jesus as did Mary Magdalene
• Worship and fear Jesus as did the women and disciples
• Witness for Jesus as He commanded
• Teach others God’s word as he commanded
• Without the Resurrection your faith is in vain
• REMEMBER: Jesus is always with you

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The all-seeing eye. We thought our parents had one. We are sure our government is watching our every move.

God is watching us 24/7. He sees all that we do, good or bad. “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3)

This should cause us to be careful what we say, do, and how we behave.

God is watching!

Ever since you rose from your bed this morning–there has been an eye watching you!

(Francis Bourdillon, “The Odd Five Minutes” 1873)

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account!” Hebrews 4:13

Ever since you rose from your bed this morning–there has been an eye watching you! Wherever you have been and whatever you have been doing–that eye has seen you. It has gone with you to your work. It has seen you with your companions. It has been on you when you were alone.

It has seen not merely all that you have done, but why you did it. Your thoughts, your feelings, your motives, which even your nearest friend has not fully known–have all been open to that eye of which I speak. For it is an all-seeing eye–the eye of God!

“His eyes are on the ways of men–He sees their every step!” Job 34:21

“He knows the secrets of the heart!” Psalm 44:21

“You have set our iniquities before You–our secret sins in the light of your presence!” Psalm 90:8

Have you thought of Him whose eye has been upon you today?
Have you given so much as one thought to Him, since the day began?

You have need to pray, great need–for you are dependent upon God for everything. You are entirely in His hand!

If you went to your work this morning strong and well–it was only because God made you so and kept you so.

If you have had enough to eat today, if you are clothed comfortably and have a home to live in–it is only because God supplies your needs. You would have nothing–if God did not supply you. You live–only because He gives you life. He could take all your comforts from you–if it pleased Him. He could lay you on a bed of sickness this very day–He could in a moment, strike you dead!

Have you even spoken to Him today? Have you prayed to Him today?

“I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!” Luke 12:5

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Light exposes wickedness. That is why the bulk of wickedness is done in the darkness where no one sees. People know what they are doing is wrong and do not care.

This devotional will help you to understand how the wicked think.

People never reject the Bible because they cannot understand it

(J.C. Ryle, “Thoughts For Young Men“)

“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!” John 3:19-20

Be very sure of this–people never reject the Bible because they cannot understand it.

They understand it only too well! They understand that it condemns their own behavior. They understand that it witnesses against their own sins, and summons them to judgment! They try to believe it is false and useless–because they don’t like to believe it is true.

An evil lifestyle must always raise an objection to this holy book.

Men question the truth of Christianity–because they hate the practice of it!

“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 2:11-12
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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Jesus is dead! One disciple betrayed Him, another denied he knew Him three times, and the others had scattered.

It was over. All they had hoped for and believed about Jesus was finished. He was dead.

It seemed no one believed he would come out of the grave.

What happened next changed everything.

He is risen.

“In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher.² And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.³ His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: ⁴ And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.⁵ And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.⁶ He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.⁷ And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.” (Matthew 28:1-7)

Word spread quickly. Those who did not believe, understand, or rejected Jesus came face to face with the truth. Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah of Israel.

Jesus triumphed over Satan and his demons.

“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;¹⁴ Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;¹⁵ And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” (Colossians 2:13-15)

Satan is now defeated. He no longer has dominion over the life of a believer. Satan does not own us. Jesus bought us with His blood sacrifice. We now belong to Jesus. He owns us.

Jesus appears to the disciples, religious leaders, and the multitudes.

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;⁴ And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:⁵ And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:⁶ After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. ⁷ After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.⁸ And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.⁹ For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-9)

Jesus supplies salvation.

“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.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.¹⁷ For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

The resurrection of Jesus Christ provides a way for those lost, without hope, to partake in the new life Christ offers.

Repent of your sins and believe on Jesus Christ.

Questions? Call me and let’s talk.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001