Good morning,

Rosh Hashanah is today.

What is Rosh Hashanah?

It’s the Jewish New Year. Literally meaning “the head of the year” in Hebrew – is the first of the Jewish High Holy Days and is usually celebrated in September. Due to the Jewish calendar being based on the lunar cycle – like Easter is for Christians – it moves every year. In 2017, it begins on the night of 20 September 2017.

What happens during Rosh Hashanah?

Though it depends on which Jewish tradition is being followed, much time is spent at a synagogue. During services, a hollowed-out ram’s horn, known as a shofar, is blown, symbolizing a call to repentance. Many Jews also observe a tradition called tashlich, meaning “casting off” in Hebrew, in which they go to a nearby river or lake and throw pieces of bread, which signifies the washing away of sin.

It’s a holiday; isn’t there some eating involved?

Indeed. According to Chabad, an Orthodox organization, Rosh Hashanah meals usually include apples dipped in honey to symbolize a sweet new year. Other foods with a symbolic meaning may be served, depending on local custom, such as the head of a fish, to symbolize the “head” of the year and reflect the prayer “let us be the head and not the tail.” Pomegranates are used in many traditions, to symbolize being fruitful like the pomegranate with its many seeds. In addition, according to the Reform tradition, a round challah – a sweet bread – is eaten, symbolizing the circle of life.

What’s up next?

Rosh Hashanah marks the first day of the “10 Days of Repentance,” where Jewish people acknowledge their sins of the previous year and are judged for their sins by God. The 10 days end with Yom Kippur, which is the “Day of Repentance” and constitutes the holiest Jewish holiday.

Leviticus 23:23-25 states, “And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,²⁴ Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.²⁵ Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord.”

Believers in Yeshua (Jesus) should be continually asking God to show us our sin. Then we should immediately confess our sins. We should always keep short accounts with God.

Today, pray for a Jewish friend, wish them a “Happy New Year”, and if opportunity presents itself, tell them about their Messiah.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Sound doctrine, the word of God, and Paul’s immediate needs, complete the book of 2 Timothy. Watch for the emphasis on knowing and understanding God’s word.

2 Timothy 3-4

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Introduction

EXHORTATION TO SOUND DOCTRINE (3:-4:5)

In view of perilous times (3:1-9)

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.² For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,³ Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,⁴ Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;⁵ Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.⁶ For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,⁷ Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.⁸ Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.⁹ But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.”

Remembering Paul’s own example (3:10-13)

“But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,¹¹ Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.¹² Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.¹³ But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”

By abiding in the Scriptures (3:14-17)

“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;¹⁵ And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.¹⁶ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

 By preaching the Word (4:1-5)

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;² Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.³ For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;⁴ And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.⁵ But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”

EXHORTATION TO COME QUICKLY (4:6-18)

Paul’s end is near (4:6-8)

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.⁷ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:⁸ Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

Paul’s circumstances and requests (4:9-18)

“Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:¹⁰ For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.¹¹ Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.¹² And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.¹³ The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.¹⁴ Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:¹⁵ Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.¹⁶ At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.¹⁷ Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.¹⁸ And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Conclusion (4:19-22)

“Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.²⁰ Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.²¹ Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.²² The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.”

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) God admonishes us to always be in an attitude of prayer. We should pray for things that might seem trivial and those of enormous magnitude.

Dana Clark is a missionary teacher in Bangladesh. She works at the William Carey Academy. Ninety percent of the students are Muslim. They have the opportunity to tell their students of the life changing power of Jesus Christ. However, the school is in need of administrative staff and more teachers. Those presently on the ground, must complete all the tasks. Pray for the William Carey Academy, its teachers, and their immediate needs of administrative staff and more teachers.

Bangladesh is bordered by Myanmar (Burma). The Rohingya people are a Muslim ethnic minority group in Burma. They face extraordinary persecution and violence from the Burmese military; military personnel torch villages, murder refugees, and force hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes.

Human rights watchdogs say the persecution has intensified in recent months, and a top UN official described a renewed offensive by the Burmese military as “a textbook example of ethnic cleansing.” Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees have fled to Bangladesh.

Over 400,000 have fled. Some have been seriously injured during their exodus. One of the hospitals they have been taken to is manned by Christian missionaries. Dana asked us to pray that these refugees might hear and experience the love of Christ, and might get saved.

Please pray for these requests. Watch your newspapers, on line news, and video broadcasts. You will be hearing more about this as the days go by.

Thank you.

PRAY!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

There is an observation and a warning given to us by Arthur Pink. Idols are anything that takes us away from serving God completely. He observes Christians fleeing from Godliness to serving self.

He then warns us of preachers who fail to warn their flocks of turning from serving God to serving self.

We have seen such a tragic repetition of it in our own days

(Arthur Pink)

“With their silver and gold they make idols for themselves to their own destruction!” Hosea 8:4

Sad indeed is the above passage–and the more so, because we have seen such a tragic repetition of it in our own days. 

Oh what earthly-mindedness, what indulging of the flesh, what sinful extravagance–are now seen among professing Christians today!

How practical godliness has waned;
how the denying of self has disappeared;
how covetousness, pleasure and worldliness now possess the great majority of those calling themselves the people of God.

Yet as great as the sin of the people is–far greater is that of most of the preachers, who, instead of warning, admonishing, rebuking, and setting before their people an example of sobriety and contentment–criminally remain silent upon the crying sins of their hearers, while they themselves encourage the reckless indulgence of worldly lusts.

~  ~  ~  ~

What will we do? Will we serve God with our whole heart or the things of the flesh? We often forget that there is a day of reckoning.

“Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.¹⁴ If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.¹⁵ If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:13-15)

Choose to serve God!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

The purpose of medicines is to make one feel better. Hopefully, it will heal the body and lesson the pain. However, medicines cost money. A lot of money.

Did you know God has an alternative plan? A merry heart.

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. (Proverbs 15:13)

All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. (Proverbs 15:15)

Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. (Proverbs 12:25)

The result of a merry heart is to, Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

Good morning,

J.C. Ryle

1816-1900

“My chief desire in all my writings, is to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ and make Him beautiful and glorious in the eyes of men; and to promote the increase of repentance, faith, and holiness upon earth.”

J.C. Ryle Gems #2

Look to the cross, think of the cross, meditate on the cross–and then go and set your affections on the world if you can!

~  ~  ~  ~

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

~  ~  ~  ~

The Gospel was not meant merely to reside in our intellect, memories, and tongues–but to be seen in our lives.

~  ~  ~  ~

Happiness does not depend on outward circumstances–but on the state of the heart.

~  ~  ~  ~

Health is a good thing. But sickness is far better–if it leads us to God.

~  ~  ~  ~

The beginning of the way to Heaven–is to feel that we are on the way to Hell.

~  ~  ~  ~

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

~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

Today we begin our study of 2 Timothy 1-2.

2 Timothy 1-2

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)

Introduction (1:1-5)

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,² To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.³ I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;⁴ Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; ⁵ When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

Exhortations to steadfast service (1:6-2:26)

With zeal and courage (1:6-12)

⁶ Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.⁷ For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.⁸ Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;⁹ Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,¹⁰ But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:¹¹ Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.¹² For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

With steadfastness and loyalty (1:13-18)

¹³ Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.¹⁴ That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.¹⁵ This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.¹⁶ The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:¹⁷ But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.¹⁸ The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

Transmitting the truth to others (2:1-2)

Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.² 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.

Enduring hardship (2:3-13)

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.⁴ No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.⁵ And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.⁶ The husbandman that laboreth must be first partaker of the fruits.⁷ Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.⁸ Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:⁹ Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.¹⁰ Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.¹¹ It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:¹² If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:¹³ If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

Diligent as a servant of the Lord (2:14-26)

Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.¹⁵ Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ¹⁶ But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.¹⁷ And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;¹⁸ Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. ¹⁹ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.²⁰ But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor.²¹ If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.²² Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.²³ But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

²⁴ And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,²⁵ In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;²⁶ And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

CONCLUSION

Paul exhorts Timothy to:

Be zealous and courageous

Be steadfast and loyal

Transmit the truth to others

Endure hardship

Be diligent

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

 

 

Good morning,

Today think on these thoughts from J.C. Ryle. As we meditate, allow God to speak, and then act on what He says. These statements are challenges to believers to walk closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

J.C. Ryle Gems #1
~  ~  ~  ~
It costs something to be a true Christian. It will cost us our sins, our self-righteousness, our ease and our worldliness!
~  ~  ~  ~
A Christian is a walking sermon. Christians preach far more than a minister does–for they preach all week long!
~  ~  ~  ~
According to the men of the world—few are going to Hell.
According to the Bible—few are going to Heaven.
~  ~  ~  ~
Nothing is so offensive to Christ, as lukewarmness in religion!
~  ~  ~  ~
Beware of manufacturing a God of your own . . .
a God who is all mercy–but not just;
a God who is all love–but not holy;
a God who has a Heaven for everybody–but a Hell for none;
a God who will make no distinction between godly and ungodly in eternity.
Such a God is an idol of your own–as truly an idol as any snake or crocodile in an Egyptian temple! The hands of your own imagination and sentimentality have made him. He is not the God of the Bible–and beside the God of the Bible, there is no God at all.
~  ~  ~  ~
Pride is the oldest and most common of sins.
Humility is the rarest and most beautiful of graces.

~  ~  ~  ~

Challenging statements. Commit them to prayer.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The fall of man in Genesis 3 caused a ripple effect. We battle wickedness, temptation, and evil daily. Psalm 143:3-4 frames the problem.

“For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.⁴ Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.”

The Psalmist knows where to turn. He cries out to the Lord. Psalm 141:1-4 is the request for help.

“Lord, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.² Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.³ Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.⁴ Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.”

He continues in verses 8-10. He focuses on the one who can fix the problem. God can protect, guard, and keep us from giving in to temptations.

“But mine eyes are unto thee, O God the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.⁹ Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity.¹⁰ Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst that I withal escape.”

When we are tempted by the enemy, we have a choice to make. Do we give in to the temptation or cry out to the Lord for deliverance? God wants to hear from us.

James 4:7-8, gives us a simple solution.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.⁸ Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”

Did you know that Satan is a defeated foe? Colossians 2:6-15, explain how and why he has been defeated. This is why we can live the Christian life in victory.

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:⁷ Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.⁸ Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.⁹ For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.¹⁰ And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:¹¹ In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:¹² Buried with him in baptism, herein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.¹³ 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.”

Christ was triumphant over sin. Satan is defeated. When we choose to walk according to His Word, we may live a victorious Christian life. Satan will continue to tempt us because he wants us to choose to do evil. It is our choice to do evil.

Rejoice in all that God has done for you. Do not live a defeated Christian life. Live triumphant in the knowledge that Christ has overcome the adversary, Satan.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good morning,

When I was a child, I played a game called “Hide and Seek”. One person hid and the other or others tried to find them. Eventually, the person is found.

This is a great picture of individuals trying to hide from God. We do something we know is wrong and try to hide it from God. Fortunately, God already knew what happened. You cannot hide anything from God.

“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?⁸ If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.⁹ If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;¹⁰ Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.¹¹ If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.¹² Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.¹³ For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:7-13)

Believers should take comfort in the fact that God knows our every move, good and bad. Proverbs 15:3 states, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” He cares about us and is concerned that we do right. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin. We then choose to repent or to continue in sin.

The unbeliever should be concerned. Although sin is the natural state of the unbeliever, it is God’s desire that they repent and trust Christ as Savior and Lord. If they do not, their judgment is everlasting separation from God in the lake of fire (Hell). “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.¹² And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.¹³ And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.¹⁴ And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.¹⁵ And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:11-15)

It is God’s desire that all mankind go to heaven. Jesus said, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10) He sent His son Jesus to pay our sin debt. “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)

We have a choice to make. Believe in Christ and go to Heaven or fail to believe in Christ and go to the lake of fire.

CHOOSE JESUS

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001