INDEPENDENCE THROUGH CONFLICT

July 4 is Independence Day. On this date in 1776, the United States declared their independence from British rule. This caused a conflict. Britain refused to allow the American colonist’s freedom from oppressive taxes, freedom of the press, and freedom to govern themselves. The American colonist’s wanted to be free. A conflict ensued which the American colonist’s won. Independence through conflict.

Since the beginning of time there has been another conflict brewing, the conflict between God and Satan. Genesis 1 tells how God created heaven, earth, vegetation, animals, and man and woman. He also created the angels. Ezekiel 28:13-16 tells us of Lucifer (Satan), his creation as a perfect angel, his beauty, his residence in Eden. Isaiah 14:12-15 tells of Satan’s rebellion against God. Revelation 12:4 tells of one third of the angels who followed Satan’s rebellion. Satan has been in conflict with God from the beginning.

Genesis 3 brings us the first confrontation. God told Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Satan comes to Eve and tempts her with the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, pride of life. She takes the fruit, eats it, and gives it to her husband Adam. Adam knew what God had commanded and chose to ignore God. The first sin. An animal is sacrificed and blood atonement is made for Adam and Eve. God has given men and women a free will to choose to follow or reject Him.

Genesis 3:15 tells us of the coming Redeemer Jesus Christ who died on the cross to be the once for all sacrifice for man’s sin.

This conflict is playing out for the souls of men and women. The Bible says in Ephesians 6:12 states, “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.” This is Satan and his fallen angels (demons) in conflict with men and women.

Who wins? God does at the cross of Calvary. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) 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)

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. (John 3:16)

Whose side of the conflict are you on? Whose would you like to be on?

Contact me:

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

Independence Day: True liberty and freedom

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1

Our founding fathers knew the price of liberty. They were under the yoke of bondage of the British. When they came together to ratify and sign the Declaration of Independence, they knew that they would be committing treason and would be hunted men. Who were these men?

“All of the colonies were represented in Philadelphia to consider the delicate case for independence. In all, there were fifty-six representatives from the thirteen colonies. The ages of the signers ranged from 26 (Edward Rutledge) to 70 (Benjamin Franklin), but the majority of the signers were in their thirties or forties. More than half of the signers were lawyers and the others were planters, merchants and shippers. Together they mutually pledged “to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” They were mostly men of means who had much to lose if the war was lost. None of the signers died at the hands of the British, and one third served as militia officers during the war. Four of the signers were taken captive during the war and nearly all of them were poorer at the end of the war than at the beginning.” (ConsitutionFacts.com)

They were willing to die for the cause of freedom.

As we enjoy our country’s Independence Day, let us consider that there is a battle for the souls of men that continues to rage.

^“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.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.Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:10-13

Our country is free.  Will we be free from our battle with sin?

FREEDOM FROM TYRANNY

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

“Taxation without representation!” was the battle cry in America’s 13 Colonies, which were forced to pay taxes to England’s King George III despite having no representation in the British Parliament. As dissatisfaction grew, British troops were sent in to quell the early movement toward rebellion. Repeated attempts by the Colonists to resolve the crisis without military conflict proved fruitless.

On June 11, 1776, the Colonies’ Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and formed a committee whose express purpose was drafting a document that would formally sever their ties with Great Britain. The committee included Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson, who was considered the strongest and most eloquent writer, crafted the original draft document. A total of 86 changes were made to his draft and the Continental Congress officially adopted the final version on July 4, 1776.

STAR SPANGLED BANNER

On a rainy September 13, 1814, British warships sent a downpour of shells and rockets onto Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor, relentlessly pounding the American fort for 25 hours. The bombardment, known as the Battle of Baltimore, came only weeks after the British had attacked Washington, D.C., burning the Capitol, the Treasury and the President’s house. It was another chapter in the ongoing War of 1812.

A week earlier, Francis Scott Key, a 35-year-old American lawyer, had boarded the flagship of the British fleet on the Chesapeake Bay in hopes of persuading the British to release a friend who had recently been arrested. Key’s tactics were successful, but because he and his companions had gained knowledge of the impending attack on Baltimore, the British did not let them go. They allowed the Americans to return to their own vessel but continued guarding them. Under their scrutiny, Key watched on September 13 as the barrage of Fort McHenry began eight miles away.

“It seemed as though mother earth had opened and was vomiting shot and shell in a sheet of fire and brimstone,” Key wrote later. But when darkness arrived, Key saw only red erupting in the night sky. Given the scale of the attack, he was certain the British would win. The hours passed slowly, but in the clearing smoke of “the dawn’s early light” on September 14, he saw the American flag—not the British Union Jack—flying over the fort, announcing an American victory.

Key put his thoughts on paper while still on board the ship, setting his words to the tune of a popular English song. His brother-in-law, commander of a militia at Fort McHenry, read Key’s work and had it distributed under the name “Defence of Fort M’Henry.” The Baltimore Patriot newspaper soon printed it, and within weeks, Key’s poem, now called “The Star-Spangled Banner,” appeared in print across the country, immortalizing his words—and forever naming the flag it celebrated.

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE

God has blessed this nation. Our forefathers came to this country to obtain religious liberty. They fought for independence from the economic tyranny of Britain. Many died, but God allowed us to prevail. Freedom was bought through the blood and women who believed in freedom.

JESUS FREED US

The Bible tells us, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”. (Romans 3:23) We have a sin debt that we cannot pay. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) It was Jesus’ blood, shed on the cross for us, that paid our sin debt. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” (Ephesians 1:7)

Christ made us free from our debt of sin. “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2) So we must, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)

Who is Jesus? Jesus answered that question in John 14:6. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

Jesus gave us freedom, but we must be willing to take it.

INDEPENDENCE THROUGH CONFLICT

July 4 is Independence Day. On this date in 1776, the United States declared their independence from British rule. This caused a conflict. Britain refused to allow the American colonist’s freedom from oppressive taxes, freedom of the press, and freedom to govern themselves. The American colonists wanted to be free. A conflict ensued which the American colonist’s won. Independence through conflict.

Since the beginning of time there has been another conflict brewing, the conflict between God and Satan. Genesis 1 tells how God created heaven, earth, vegetation, animals, and man and woman. He also created the angels. Ezekiel 28:13-16 tells us of Lucifer (Satan), his creation as a perfect angel, his beauty, his residence in Eden. Isaiah 14:12-15 tells of Satan’s rebellion against God. Revelation 12:4 tells of one third of the angels who followed Satan’s rebellion. Satan has been in conflict with God from the beginning.

Genesis 3 brings us the first confrontation. God told Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Satan comes to Eve and tempts her with the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, pride of life. She takes the fruit, eats it, and gives it to her husband Adam. Adam knew what God had commanded and chose to ignore God. The first sin. An animal is sacrificed and blood atonement is made for Adam and Eve. God has given men and women a free will to choose to follow or reject Him.

Genesis 3:15 tells us of the coming Redeemer Jesus Christ who died on the cross to be the once for all sacrifice for man’s sin.

This conflict is playing out for the souls of men and women. The Bible says in Ephesians 6:12 states, “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.” This is Satan and his fallen angels (demons) in conflict with men and women.

Who wins? God does at the cross of Calvary. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) 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)

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. (John 3:16)

Whose side of the conflict are you on? Whose would you like to be on?

CONCLUSION

True freedom comes from Jesus Christ

Jesus has made us free from the law of sin and death

Jesus has overcome Satan

FREEDOM FROM TYRANNY

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

“Taxation without representation!” was the battle cry in America’s 13 Colonies, which were forced to pay taxes to England’s King George III despite having no representation in the British Parliament. As dissatisfaction grew, British troops were sent in to quell the early movement toward rebellion. Repeated attempts by the Colonists to resolve the crisis without military conflict proved fruitless.

On June 11, 1776, the Colonies’ Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and formed a committee whose express purpose was drafting a document that would formally sever their ties with Great Britain. The committee included Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson, who was considered the strongest and most eloquent writer, crafted the original draft document. A total of 86 changes were made to his draft and the Continental Congress officially adopted the final version on July 4, 1776.

STAR SPANGLED BANNER

On a rainy September 13, 1814, British warships sent a downpour of shells and rockets onto Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor, relentlessly pounding the American fort for 25 hours. The bombardment, known as the Battle of Baltimore, came only weeks after the British had attacked Washington, D.C., burning the Capitol, the Treasury and the President’s house. It was another chapter in the ongoing War of 1812.

A week earlier, Francis Scott Key, a 35-year-old American lawyer, had boarded the flagship of the British fleet on the Chesapeake Bay in hopes of persuading the British to release a friend who had recently been arrested. Key’s tactics were successful, but because he and his companions had gained knowledge of the impending attack on Baltimore, the British did not let them go. They allowed the Americans to return to their own vessel but continued guarding them. Under their scrutiny, Key watched on September 13 as the barrage of Fort McHenry began eight miles away.

“It seemed as though mother earth had opened and was vomiting shot and shell in a sheet of fire and brimstone,” Key wrote later. But when darkness arrived, Key saw only red erupting in the night sky. Given the scale of the attack, he was certain the British would win. The hours passed slowly, but in the clearing smoke of “the dawn’s early light” on September 14, he saw the American flag—not the British Union Jack—flying over the fort, announcing an American victory.

Key put his thoughts on paper while still on board the ship, setting his words to the tune of a popular English song. His brother-in-law, commander of a militia at Fort McHenry, read Key’s work and had it distributed under the name “Defence of Fort M’Henry.” The Baltimore Patriot newspaper soon printed it, and within weeks, Key’s poem, now called “The Star-Spangled Banner,” appeared in print across the country, immortalizing his words—and forever naming the flag it celebrated.

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE

God has blessed this nation. Our forefathers came to this country to obtain religious liberty. They fought for independence from the economic tyranny of Britain. Many died, but God allowed us to prevail. Freedom was bought through the blood and women who believed in freedom.

JESUS FREED US

The Bible tells us, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”. (Romans 3:23) We have a sin debt that we cannot pay. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) It was Jesus’ blood, shed on the cross for us, that paid our sin debt. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” (Ephesians 1:7)

Christ made us free from our debt of sin. “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2) So we must, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)

Who is Jesus? Jesus answered that question in John 14:6. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

Jesus gave us freedom, but we must be willing to take it.

Contact me to find out how.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Independence Day: True liberty and freedom

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1

Our founding fathers knew the price of liberty. They were under the yoke of bondage of the British. When they came together to ratify and sign the Declaration of Independence, they knew that they would be committing treason and would be hunted men. Who were these men?

“All of the colonies were represented in Philadelphia to consider the delicate case for independence. In all, there were fifty-six representatives from the thirteen colonies. The ages of the signers ranged from 26 (Edward Rutledge) to 70 (Benjamin Franklin), but the majority of the signers were in their thirties or forties. More than half of the signers were lawyers and the others were planters, merchants and shippers. Together they mutually pledged “to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” They were mostly men of means who had much to lose if the war was lost. None of the signers died at the hands of the British, and one third served as militia officers during the war. Four of the signers were taken captive during the war and nearly all of them were poorer at the end of the war than at the beginning.“ (ConsitutionFacts.com)

They were willing to die for the cause of freedom.

As we enjoy our country’s Independence Day, let us consider that there is a battle for the souls of men that continues to rage.  ^“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.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.Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:10-13

Our country is free.  Will you be free from your battle with sin?

Call me 907 715-4001.

Tom Stearns

WASI Chaplain

Good morning,

This will encourage and challenge your heart.

We have need to use this prayer at all times!

(Charles Spurgeon) 

“Do not forsake me, O Lord! Do not be far from me, O my God!” Psalm 38:21 

Frequently we pray that God would not forsake us in the hour of trial and temptation–but we too much forget that we have need to use this prayer at all times. There is no moment of our life, however holy–in which we can do without His constant upholding. Whether in light or in darkness, in communion or in temptation–we alike need the prayer, “Do not forsake me, O Lord!” “Hold me up–and I shall be safe!” 

A little child, while learning to walk–always needs the parent’s aid. 
The ship left by the navigator–drifts at once from her course. 
We cannot do without continuous aid from God! 

Let this be your prayer every day: 
“Do not forsake me, O Lord! Do not be far from me, O my God!
 Father, do not forsake Your child–lest he fall by the hand of the enemy.
 Shepherd, do not forsake Your lamb–lest he wander from the safety of the fold.
 Great Gardener, do not forsake Your tender plant–lest it wither and die!
 Do not forsake me now, O Lord! And do not forsake me at any momentof my life.
 Do not forsake me in my joys–lest they absorb my heart.
 Do not forsake me not in my sorrows–lest I murmur against You.
 Do not forsake me–for without You I am weak, but with You I am strong.
 Do not forsake me–for my path is dangerous and full of snares.
 Do not forsake me–for I cannot travel without Your guidance.
 The hen does not forsake her chicks. O Lord, give me refuge under Your wings.
 Do not be far from me, O Lord, for trouble is near–and there is none to help.
 Do not forsake me, O Lord! Do not be far from me, O God of my salvation!”

   ~  ~  ~  ~  
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will be studying Proverbs 3. The key verses are verses 5 and 6. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Interpersonal relationships can sometimes be difficult. The believer in Jesus Christ has the Bible to lead them when dealing with other people. Proverbs 3:27-35 is one of those passages.

It deals with how believers should treat others.

How to deal with others (27-35)

²⁷ Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.²⁸ Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.²⁹ Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.³⁰ Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.³¹ Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.³² For the froward is abomination to the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous.³³ The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.³⁴ Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.³⁵ The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

CONCLUSION

• Trust in the Lord
• Be wise
• Rest in the Lord
• Treat others with wisdom

Proverbs 3 has given us tools to be successful in our Christian life. How well are we doing?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

PROVERBS 3

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (5-6)

INTRODUCTION

1) SUCCESSFUL LIVING (1-12)

The Law (1-2)                                                                                      

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: ² For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

Mercy and Truth (3-4)

³ Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:⁴ So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the Lord (5-6)

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Fear the Lord (7-8)

⁷ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.⁸ It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

Honor the Lord with your Substance (9-10)

⁹ Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:¹⁰ So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

Chastening of the Lord (11-12)

¹¹ My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction:¹² For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

2) WISDOM (13-22)

Benefits of Wisdom (13-18)

¹³ Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.¹⁴ For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.¹⁵ She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.¹⁶ Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.¹⁷ Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.¹⁸ She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

The Lord by Wisdom… (19-20)

¹⁹ The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.²⁰ By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

Keep sound Wisdom and Discretion (21-22)

²¹ My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:²² So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

3) Wisdom results in God’s Safety (23-26)

²³ Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.²⁴ When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.²⁵ Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.²⁶ For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

4) How to deal with others (27-35)

²⁷ Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.²⁸ Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.²⁹ Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.³⁰ Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.³¹ Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.³² For the froward is abomination to the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous.³³ The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.³⁴ Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.³⁵ The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

CONCLUSION

• Trust in the Lord
• Be wise
• Rest in the Lord
• Treat others with wisdom

Good morning,

This week we will be studying Proverbs 3. The key verses are verses 5 and 6. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

The book of Proverbs is a teaching on wisdom. Proverbs 3:13-26 tells us the benefits of wisdom, the Lord by wisdom…, to keep wisdom and discretion, and the result of wisdom is God’s safety.

Please meditate on the benefits, work of God, keeping sound wisdom, and the fact that we are safe when we have God’s wisdom.

WISDOM (13-26)

Benefits of Wisdom (13-18)

¹³ Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.¹⁴ For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.¹⁵ She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.¹⁶ Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.¹⁷ Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.¹⁸ She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

The Lord by Wisdom… (19-20)

¹⁹ The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.²⁰ By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

Keep sound Wisdom and Discretion (21-22)

²¹ My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: ²² So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

Wisdom results in God’s Safety (23-26)

²³ Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.²⁴ When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.²⁵ Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.²⁶ For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

Thank God today that He gave us the Bible that has all the wisdom that we need to live successfully in this world.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will be studying Proverbs 3. The key verses are verses 5 and 6. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Proverbs 3:1-12 describe how to live the Christian life. God lists seven things that will make us successful in our walk with the Lord.

As God speaks to us may we be sensitive to the moving of God’s Spirit.

SUCCESSFUL LIVING (1-12)

The Law (1-2)                                                                                      

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: ² For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

Mercy and Truth (3-4)

³ Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:⁴ So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the Lord (5-6)

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Fear the Lord (7-8)

⁷ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.⁸ It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

Honor the Lord with your Substance (9-10)

⁹ Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:¹⁰ So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

Chastening of the Lord (11-12)

¹¹ My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction:¹² For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

Did you notice that the odd numbered verses were God’s commands, while the even number verses were the promises that will result if we obey the command. All God is looking for is obedience in His children. When we do He pours out His blessings!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Stephen was a mighty man of God. He was faithful and never backed down in the face of opposition. He died proclaiming God’s word.

Who was Stephen? Who opposed him? What was Stephen’s message? What was the response to Stephen’s message?

Response to Stephen’s defense (54-60)

^“54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.⁵⁵ But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,⁵⁶ And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. ⁵⁷ Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,⁵⁸ And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.⁵⁹ And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.⁶⁰ And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”

Sin makes people do strange things. The people who heard Stephen’s preaching were enrage. They stoned an innocent man for telling the truth.

They could not stand it when he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.”

Stephen’s response to being stoned was, “And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.⁶⁰ And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”

Are we willing to die for our belief in Christ? Are we willing to live for Jesus Christ each day?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001