Good morning,

Salvation is the first act of obedience for all individuals. Second is baptism. Scriptural baptism is by immersion and pictures the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. But what does that mean in the life of a believer?

Romans 6 answers that question. Verses 1-15 teach us about what baptism means to us. When we received Christ as Savior and were baptized, we identified ourselves with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. That means we are dead to sin, we walk in newness of life, and are freed from the dominion of sin. Do we still sin? Yes, but that is not our lifestyle. We repent and move on.

Read and reflect on what Jesus has done for us.

1) Believers must die to sin and live to Christ (6:1-2)

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? ² God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

2) Believers identify with Christ in baptism (6:3-10)

³ Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? ⁴ Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. ⁵ For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: ⁶ Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. ⁷ For he that is dead is freed from sin. ⁸ Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: ⁹ Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. ¹⁰ For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

3) Believers are made alive unto God through Christ Jesus (6:11-15)

¹¹ Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. ¹² Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. ¹³ Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. ¹⁴ For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. ¹⁵ What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

Tomorrow we will look at verses 16-23.

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

Good morning,

Colossians 3:1-17 is a companion to Psalm 37. Righteousness versus wickedness, good versus evil. We are exhorted to seek things above, put off the wicked character and put on righteous character. The result is the new man has the peace of God. Then we are admonished to let the word of God dwell in us.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you V 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.

Then let the word of Christ dwell in us. Teach others what we have learned. Choosing to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.

It is not enough to know what God wants us to do. Once we know, we must obey. Once we are obedient to God’s word, then God tells us to teach and admonish others.

“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2)

We have all the tools we need to teach. The word of God and the Holy Spirit who resides within us.

Go tell others what you know.

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

Good morning,

Colossians 3:1-17 is a companion to Psalm 37. Righteousness versus wickedness, good versus evil. We are exhorted to seek things above, put off the wicked character and put on righteous character. The result is the new man has the peace of God. Then we are admonished to let the word of God dwell in us.

Put on: V10-14 

The new man, which is renewed in knowledge, bowels of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering, forbearing one another, forgiving one another, charity V 10-14

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.

Peace of God V15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Our testimony for Christ is directly related to the character qualities we present to others. If we fail to exhibit characteristics of love, patience, mercy, humbleness, meekness, forgiveness, we will not be a good witness for Jesus Christ.

God desires us to walk close to Him, proclaim the good news of the gospel message, and pray for the lost to come to Christ.

Each of us has a part to play. Will we be obedient to God’s call?

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

Good morning,

Colossians 3:1-17 is a companion to Psalm 37. Righteousness versus wickedness, good versus evil. We are exhorted to seek things above, put off the wicked character and put on righteous character. The result is the new man has the peace of God. Then we are admonished to let the word of God dwell in us.

Seek those things above V1-7

Seek those things above V1

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affections on things above V2

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Mortify your members which are upon this earth V5-7

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 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.

Put off: V8-9                                                                                

Anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication lie not one with another V8-9

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;

Put on: V10-14 

The new man, which is renewed in knowledge, bowels of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering, forbearing one another, forgiving one another, charity V 10-14

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.

Peace of God V15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you V 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.

How do we conduct ourselves as believers in Christ?

Colossians 3 gives us three things to do. Seek those things which are above, set your affections on things above, and mortify (kill) your members which are on the earth.

Then we are instructed to put off a list of wicked, sinful, character qualities, and put on a list of Godly, spiritual, Biblical, character qualities.

Then let the word of Christ dwell in us. Teach others what we have learned. Choosing to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Our testimony for Christ is directly related to the character qualities we present to others. If we fail to exhibit characteristics of love, patience, mercy, humbleness, meekness, forgiveness, we will not be a good witness for Jesus Christ.

God desires us to walk close to Him, proclaim the good news of the gospel message, and pray for the lost to come to Christ.

Each of us has a part to play. Will we be obedient to God’s call?

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

Good morning,

Colossians 3:1-17 is a companion to Psalm 37. Righteousness versus wickedness, good versus evil. We are exhorted to seek things above, put off the wicked character and put on righteous character. The result is the new man has the peace of God. Then we are admonished to let the word of God dwell in us.

Put off:                                                                                 

Anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication, lie not one with another V8-9

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;

These character qualities are in direct opposition to what God desires. Jesus did exactly the opposite of these.

These characteristics are in direct rebellion to God. Satan exhibits each of these. He wants to draw men, women, boys, and girls, to himself. He makes sin look good, when it is not.

Choose not to follow Satan. “Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

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

Good morning,

Colossians 3:1-17 is a companion to Psalm 37. Righteousness versus wickedness, good versus evil. We are exhorted to seek things above, put off the wicked character and put on righteous character. The result is the new man has the peace of God. Then we are admonished to let the word of God dwell in us.

Seek those things above V1-7

Seek those things above V1

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affections on things above V2

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Mortify your members which are upon this earth V5-7

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 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.

Colossians 3 gives us three things to do. Seek those things which are above, set your affections on things above, and mortify (kill) your members which are on the earth.

The question is where is our focus? Is it on this sin sick world or on heaven and the realm of glory? On Satan or Jesus? On hell or heaven?

God wants our complete attention. He wants us to focus on the things above. He wants our minds set on Godly things, not the things of this world.

Is that our desire? It should be.

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

Good morning,

July 16, 1983 changed my life forever. God entrusted me with one of His children in marriage. That’s right 38 years. Her name is Kathy.

It was not an easy task to get us together. Kathy was serving in the Army in Alaska and I was serving in a church ministry in California.  My assignment ended. My intention was to stay in California. God’s intention was to move me to Alaska.

A pastor from Alaska was preaching at our church. My pastor explained the situation to him. He offered me a position to work in their single’s ministry. I prayed about it and accepted the position.

I went from 60 degrees to 0 degrees in just one plane ride.

My part of the single’s ministry was to visit the local military bases. I would talk to people and invite them to our single’s class. I also was tasked with visiting people already in the class.

Kathy was attending the single’s class. One of my visits was to her. It was not love at first sight. She was not very impressed with me.

At some point in time, her perspective began to change.

What attracted me to her, was that she got her prayers answered.

In September, 1982, my mother passed away. I intended to fly Space-A from Alaska to Illinois. Kathy said she would take me to the Military airport and wait to make sure I got a flight out. We talked all night. I got to know Kathy deeply that night. She shared her heart, testimony, and desire to serve the Lord. There were no Space A flights available. Kathy took me to the international airport and I got a commercial flight.

When I arrived, I told my brother I had met the girl I was going to marry.

In October, I set up a scavenger hunt, all across Anchorage. It ended at the Cattle Company. I proposed to her and she said ”No”. You might have guessed, she eventually said “Yes”.

We would have preferred a small wedding. It was not to be. The church went to great lengths to give us a good wedding.

We honeymooned in Portland, Oregon, at a Bill Gothard seminar.

Proverbs 18:22 says, “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord.” God has given me a wonderful wife and has favored us. My wife is loving, kind, patient, resourceful, generous, and cares about me and others.

She has put up with all my military assignments. My temperament. My shortcomings. She has prayed for me continually. She is constantly studying the Bible.

In each church we have been in she has ministered to the needs of others. From making clothes for children, teaching in a Christian school, learning native culture, making native jewelry, clothes, footwear, and then teaching these tasks to native children, teaching in VBS, Sunday School, children’s church, and the CDIC (Chief decorator in charge).

She manages our home, inside and out. We eat from the bounty she plants in her garden.

Over the years we have had the opportunity to share our home in celebrations for Christmas, Passover, and Hanukkah. She decorated, cooked, and is a great hostess.

I am so pleased that God allowed me the opportunity to meet, court, marry, and be blessed all these years with a person I dearly love.

Thank you, Lord Jesus!

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

Good morning,

Good versus evil. Righteousness versus wickedness. Does it seem that wickedness is triumphing over righteousness? It certainly seems that way. Crime is rampant. Politicians are corrupt. The justice system is biased. The church no longer stands on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ and His word.

Does the bible address these issues? Yes. Psalm 37 looks at the righteous, the wicked, and the response of believers.

PSALM 37

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. (Psalm 37:23-24)

3) God Blesses and Protects the Righteous (22-40)

For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off. ²³ The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. ²⁴ Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. ²⁵ I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. ²⁶ He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. ²⁷ Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. ²⁸ For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. ²⁹ The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever. ³⁰ The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. ³¹ The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. ³² The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. ³³ The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged. ³⁴ Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. ³⁵ I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. ³⁶ Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found. ³⁷ Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. ³⁸ But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. ³⁹ But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble. ⁴⁰ And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

What an awesome God we serve!

God directs our steps, delights in our way, picks us up when we fall, upholds us with his hand, does not forsake us or leave us begging for bread, is merciful, preserves us forever, allows us to inherit the land, law of God is in our heart, steps will not slide, gives us peace, salvation, strength in time of trouble, helps us, and delivers us.

All we need to do is wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and trust in Him.

God wants to bless us. Will we let him?

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

Good morning,

Good versus evil. Righteousness versus wickedness. Does it seem that wickedness is triumphing over righteousness? It certainly seems that way. Crime is rampant. Politicians are corrupt. The justice system is biased. The church no longer stands on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ and His word.

Does the bible address these issues? Yes. Psalm 37 looks at the righteous, the wicked, and the response of believers.

PSALM 37

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. (Psalm 37:23-24)

INTRODUCTION

1) The Righteous (1-9)

Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. ² For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. ³ Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. ⁴ Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. ⁵ Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. ⁶ And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. ⁷ Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. ⁸ Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. ⁹ For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.

2) The Wicked (10-21)

For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. ¹¹ But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. ¹² The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. ¹³ The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. ¹⁴ The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. ¹⁵ Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. ¹⁶ A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. ¹⁷ For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous. ¹⁸ The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever. ¹⁹ They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. ²⁰ But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. ²¹ The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

3) God Blesses and Protects the Righteous (22-40)

For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off. ²³ The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. ²⁴ Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. ²⁵ I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. ²⁶ He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. ²⁷ Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. ²⁸ For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. ²⁹ The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever. ³⁰ The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. ³¹ The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. ³² The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. ³³ The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged. ³⁴ Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. ³⁵ I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. ³⁶ Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found. ³⁷ Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. ³⁸ But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. ³⁹ But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble. ⁴⁰ And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

CONCLUSION

TRUST THE LORD

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

Good morning,

Good versus evil. Righteousness versus wickedness. Does it seem that wickedness is triumphing over righteousness? It certainly seems that way. Crime is rampant. Politicians are corrupt. The justice system is biased. The church no longer stands on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ and His word.

Does the bible address these issues? Yes. Psalm 37 looks at the righteous, the wicked, and the response of believers.

PSALM 37

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. (Psalm 37:23-24)

2) The Wicked (10-21)

For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. ¹¹ But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. ¹² The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. ¹³ The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. ¹⁴ The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. ¹⁵ Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. ¹⁶ A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. ¹⁷ For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous. ¹⁸ The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever. ¹⁹ They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. ²⁰ But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. ²¹ The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

Since the fall of Satan, there has been wickedness in this world. Satan is good at deceiving the righteous into thinking that he is good. However, he is not. Satan is always putting a wedge between what is good and what is evil. He makes evil appear good.

These verses explain that there will be an end to wickedness. The wicked shall not be, their sword shall enter into their own heart, the arms of the wicked shall be broken, and the wicked shall perish.

“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” (Revelation 20:10)

Satan loses in the end.

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