Good morning,

Rebellion against God has its consequences.

God promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel) a land flowing with milk and honey. He said He would drive out the inhabitants of the land.

God’s people were in bondage in Egypt. God brought them out. Then the people murmured, complained, and rebelled against God.

Then God spoke to Moses in Exodus 33:1-4. He explained that the consequence of their rebellion was that He, God, would not go up with them. He would send an angel.

“And the Lord said unto Moses, Depart, and go up hence, thou and the people which thou hast brought up out of the land of Egypt, unto the land which I sware unto Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, Unto thy seed will I give it:² And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite:³ Unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou art a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way.⁴ And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments.”

Moses knew that this was unacceptable. He moved the tabernacle outside the camp, went to God, requested God to guide him, reminded God that these were His people, and asked for the presence of God to lead them.

“And Moses said unto the Lord, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.¹³ Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.¹⁴ And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.¹⁵ And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.¹⁶ For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.¹⁷ And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.” (Exodus 33:12-17)

Even though the people were rebellious, Moses requested God’s wisdom, grace, and presence. God heard Moses request and granted it.

God does lead the people. The children of Israel continue to rebel. God gives them the Promised Land.

Many lives are lost because of the rebellious nature of Israel.

Rebellion against God has consequences.

Believers also rebel against God. We have the Bible to give us God’s direction. When Jesus ascended to Heaven, He left believers the Holy Spirit of God to comfort and direct us.

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?²⁰ For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

God’s presence lives within us. Are we in agreement with or in rebellion to God?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Past, present, or future. Where do you spend your time? You might say, “The present.” However, the present becomes the past very quickly. It is fleeting.

Today’s devotion challenges us to look to the future.

She has listened to the blandishments of those who would woo her away!

(A.W. Tozer)

“They admitted that they were strangers and pilgrims on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them!” Hebrews 11:14-16

Let no one apologize for the powerful emphasis which Christianity lays upon the doctrine of the world to come.

The church is constantly being tempted to accept this present world as her home, and sometimes she has listened to the blandishments of those who would woo her away and use her for their own ends. But if she is wise, she will consider that she stands in the valley between the mountain peaks of eternity past and eternity to come. The past is gone forever–and the present is passing as swift as the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz. Even if the earth should continue a million years, not one of us could stay to enjoy it.

We would do well, to think of the long tomorrow!

“They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever!” Revelation 20:10

“And they will reign for ever and ever!” Revelation 22:5

“To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb–be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” Revelation 5:13
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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Sometimes our lives seem out of control. However, they are never out of God’s control.

This devotional will help put our trials in perspective. God’s perspective!

Everything is necessary–Nothing is necessary 

(John Newton)

Everything is necessary, which God sends.

Nothing is necessary, which God withholds.

How happy are those . . .
who can resign all to Him,
who see His hand in every trying dispensation, and
who believe that He chooses better for them–than they could possibly choose for themselves!

Faithful are the wounds of that Friend who was Himself wounded and slain for us, and who now reigns over all!

Christ is sovereign over all of our trials.

He is the Supreme Disposer of all that concerns us, that He . . .
numbers the very hairs of our heads,
appoints every trial we meet with–in number, weight, and measure,
and will allow nothing to befall us, but what shall contribute to our good.

The view of trials as a necessary medicine suited to our disease–powerfully reconciles us unto every cross.

What a comfort to be assured that our afflictions do not happen to us at random–but are all under the direction of infinite wisdom and love, and all engaged to work together for good to those who love the Lord!

“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

Good morning,

Affliction brings us closer to God. When we are afflicted, we need help, comfort, and answers. God provides all three through His word.

This devotional will either be a comfort to you today or will be at some point down the road.

The book for the afflicted

(Octavius Winslow)

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

The Bible is the book for the afflicted. We fly to it in times of adversity. It is then that we . . .
read it more attentively,
counsel with it more closely,
understand it more clearly,
relish it more sweetly, and
receive it into the heart more experimentally, as the engrafted Word.

Affliction illuminates the Bible–as though a new book had been composed–or another constellation in the spiritual hemisphere had burst upon the telescope of faith!

We know more of the Lord Jesus through one sanctified affliction–than by all the treatises the human pen ever wrote!

Welcome whatever makes you more acquainted with God!

Despise nothing that will deepen your intimacy with Jesus.

Welcome the cross–though it may be heavy!

Welcome the cup–though it may be bitter. Receive it as an blessing sent to you from your Father–receive it as a heavenly message to your soul.

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Spiritual warfare is little discussed, but effects every believer’s life.

Satan does not want believer’s reading their Bibles, attending church, fellow-shipping with other believers who are want to grow in their relationship to God. He encourages believers to compromise their testimonies.  He makes it easy for believers to sin.

God on the other hand has given us victory over Satan, sin, and death.

This is the topic of today’s message.

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Luke 10:17-19, Colossians 2:13-15, Revelation 12:11

And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:17-19)

Introduction:

First Adam had dominion over the Garden of Eden. Gen 1-2 (Read 1:26, 28)

First Adam gave up dominion when he sinned. Gen 3

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Romans 5:12)

Second Adam (Jesus Christ) bought back sinful man through His blood. (Read John 3:16)

1. HOW KINGDOM AUTHORITY SOVEREIGNLY ESTABLISHED

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)

V13 Jesus set us free from spiritual death.

Situation dire: DEATH We deserve DEATH. Quickened=made alive Forgiving ALL our trespasses

V14 Jesus set us free from our staggering debt for our sin.

Heaven has sued us for damages. We are GUILTY before God.

In olden times criminals accused of a crime were given a handwriting of ordinances which stated the charges against him. This was taken to the judge, a trial held and if the person was found guilty, the crime and sentence would be written on the handwriting of ordinances. This would be then posted to the door of his jail cell for all to see. When the sentence was completed and all time served and all debt paid, the handwriting of ordinances would be taken back to the judge. The judge would ask, Has all the sentence been carried out? The jailer would say YES. The judge then writes one word on the handwriting of ordinances:

TETILESTI=It is paid or paid in full. This was same word Jesus used on the cross.

Imagine God writing out handwriting of ordinances on each of us detailing all our sins. The trial is held and the verdict is read GUILTY. Then HE nailed each handwriting of ordinances to the cross. Jesus paid the debt for our sin on the cross. When Satan comes to God to accuse the believer, our attorney the Lord Jesus Christ will show the judge, God, the handwriting of ordinances which has written upon it PAID IN FULL!

V15 Jesus set us free from Satanic dominion.

Principalities and powers are Satan’s dark kingdom.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)

Spoiled=stripped When Jesus Christ died on the cross, shedding His blood for our sins, He stripped Satan of his dominion of this world and shamed Satan openly and made Satan a laughing stock. A king with no clothes, no kingdom.

Triumphing=subdued Satan was subdued by mighty Calvary. The blood of the Lamb Jesus Christ.

SATAN IS A DEFEATED FOE!!!! He does not want you to know this!!!

2. THIS KINGDOM AUTHORITY THAT HAS BEEN SOVEREIGNLY ESTABLISHED MUST BE STRONGLY ENFORCED

Satan does not give up without a fight. He uses deception to win.

SATAN ONLY HAS POWER ON THOSE WHO ALLOW HIM TO HAVE THAT POWER.

HE DOES NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO HIM.

We must appropriate what God has given us. Claim His promises.

OUR DOMINION OVER SATAN

Has Satan’s back been broken? YES

Has his kingdom been ruined? YES

Do you have authority? YES

You must appropriate and enforce your authority.

Satan is holding people captive.

17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, (Luke 4:17-18)

Jesus said: As my Father has sent me, so send I you. We are being sent to the rescue/ to set the captives free.

We have the authority to tell Satan to be gone. Our debt of sin has been forgiven, Jesus defeated Satan at Calvary and stripped him of all power he has over man.

BUT WE MUST EXERCISE THAT AUTHORITY!! WE HAVE AUTHORITY OVER SATAN!!!

3. AUTHORITY MUST BE STRATEGICALLY EXERCISED

a. Person must be right with the Lord. No unconfessed sin. You can not fight spiritual battles if you are not under God’s authority.

b. Right position. We are praying from earth to heaven instead of Heaven to earth.

And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus: (Ephesians 2:6) Our position is seated with God.

c. Right power is in Calvary.

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Use your testimony against Satan. Be willing to serve Jesus even unto death.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

John Newton was a wicked man. Then he trusted Christ as Savior and Lord and became a Godly man. He became a Pastor and preached about Jesus death, burial, and resurrection to whoever would listen.

Today he shares about a group of people he was very familiar with.

The bulk of my congregation were burglars, highway robbers, and poor unhappy prostitutes!

(John Newton)

“But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life!” 1 Timothy 1:16

You would have liked to have been with me last Wednesday, when I preached at the prison. The bulk of my congregation were burglars, highway robbers, and poor unhappy prostitutes–such as infest the streets of this city, sunk in sin, and lost to shame. I had a hundred or more of these criminals before me.

I preached from 1 Timothy 1:15, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst!” and began with telling them my own story. This gained their attention more than I expected. I spoke to them nearly an hour and a half. I shed many tears myself, and saw some of them shed tears likewise.

Ah! Had you seen their present condition, and could you hear the history of some of them, it would make you sing, “O to grace, how great a debtor, daily I’m constrained to be!“

By nature, they were no worse than the most upright and moral people; and there was doubtless a time when many of them little thought what they would live to do and suffer.

I might have been, like them, in chains–and one of them have come to preach to me, had the Lord so pleased!

In my days of folly and vanity, I was a chief sinner indeed—a vile blasphemer, and profligate to an extreme! But it has pleased Him to set me forth as a pattern of His mercy to other chief sinners—that none may despair when they see me!

“By the grace of God I am what I am!” 1 Corinthians 15:10 
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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

The topic of God is unfathomable. No one is greater than God. There is no entity that compares with God. The reason why is God created everything and controls all aspects of His creation.

We will see in today’s devotional that Scripture backs this up.

If we could but grasp this in the depth of our being!

(John Newton)

“The LORD does whatever pleases Him–in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths. He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth; He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from His storehouses.” Psalm 135:6-7

God’s sovereignty is but another name for the unlimited exercise of wisdom and goodness and power. Nothing can hinder Him.

Every drop of rain hits its appointed target–and every particle of dust is carried by the wind to its appointed resting place.

If we could but grasp this in the depth of our being, our souls would be liberated to depend fully on God’s governance over our lives, and to learn to count trials, all joy!

“Our God is in heaven–He does whatever pleases Him.” Psalm 115:3

“All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand or say to Him: What have you done?” Daniel 4:35

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

When our eyes are opened, what do we see? A world of depravity and people bent on wickedness. An environment polluted by the fall of man. Satan having reign over the people of earth.

OR, do you see Jesus?

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Today’s devotion challenges us to look to Jesus.

The duty, the privilege, the safety, the unspeakable happiness!

(John Newton)

“Looking unto Jesus!” Hebrews 12:2

Look unto the Lord Jesus Christ!

Look unto Him as He hung exposed, wounded, bleeding, dead, and forsaken upon the cross!

Look unto Him again as He now reigns in glory, possessed of all power in Heaven and in earth, with thousands of thousands of saints and angels worshiping Him! And then compare . . .
your sins–with His blood,
your needs–with His fullness,
your unbelief–with His faithfulness,
your weakness–with His strength,
your inconstancy–with His everlasting love!
If the Lord opens the eyes of your understanding, you would be astonished at the comparison!

“Looking unto Jesus” is the duty, the privilege, the safety, the unspeakable happiness, of a believer–are all comprised in that one sentence!

It is by looking to Jesus, that the believer is enlightened and strengthened, and grows in grace and sanctification.
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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Everyone had a home, but Him!

(James Smith, “Daily Bible Readings for the Lord’s Household”)

“Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests–but the Son of man has no place to lay His head!” Matthew 8:20

What an astonishing fact! 

Here is the Creator of all things–without a home!

Here is the Ruler of the universe–without a habitation!

Here is the eternal, immortal King–more destitute than the birds of the air, or the beasts of the forest!

“Then each one went to his own home–but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.” John 7:53-8:1

Everyone had a home, but Him!

What brought Him into these circumstances?

LOVE!

Love for whom? 

Love for sinners–the vilest, the basest of mankind!

Why did He stoop so low? 

He became poor–that we might become rich!

He was without a poor cottage on earth–that we might possess a splendid mansion in Heaven!

He was destitute in time–that we might possess a glorious portion in eternity!

O Jesus, how astonishing is Your love!

O my soul, admire, adore, and praise–the wondrous love of your beloved Lord!

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich–yet for your sakes He became poor; so that you through His poverty might become rich!” 2 Corinthians 8:9
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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This will be our final sermon on prayer. These three messages are tremendously important for our continued success in walking with the Lord.

HOW TO PRAY/CONDITIONS OF PRAYER/HINDRANCES TO PRAYER

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26)

INTRODUCTION Bible ways to pray and how we hinder our prayer life

HOW TO PRAY

INTERCESSORY (Romans 8:26-27)

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.²⁷ And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

IN FAITH, BELIEVING (Hebrews 11:6, Mark 11:24)

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

PERSISTANCE (Luke 18:1-8)

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;² Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:³ And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.⁴ And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;⁵ Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.⁶ And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.⁷ And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?⁸ I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

HUMILITY (2 Chronicles 7:14)

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

CONDITIONS OF PRAYER

IN THE WILL OF GOD (Romans 8:27)

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

 FORGIVE OTHERS (Mark 11:25-26)

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.²⁶ But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

KEEP GOD’S COMMANDMENTS (1 John 3:22)

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

ABIDE IN JESUS (John 15:7)

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

PRAY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT (Jude 20-21)

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,²¹ Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

PRAY IN JESUS NAME (John 16:23-24)

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.²⁴ Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

HINDRANCES TO PRAYER

UNBELIEF (James 1:6-7)

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.⁷ For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

UNFORGIVING SPIRIT (Mark 11:24-26)

(See above)

UNCONFESSED SIN (Psalm 66:18)

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

ASK AMISS (James 4:3)

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

CONCLUSION

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001