Good morning,

This weekend we must consider what we will do. Will we please God or the devil? Will we be at the very edge and attempt not to fall? Will we choose to participate in wholesome endeavors pleasing to God?

Today’s devotional may help in making that decision.

The best course to prevent falling into the pit!

(Thomas Brooks)

“Avoid every kind of evil!” 1 Thessalonians 5:22

It is our wisest and our safest course to stand at the farthest distance from sin; not to go near the house of the harlot, but to fly from all appearance of evil. “Keep to a path far from her–do not go near the door of her house!” Proverbs 5:8

The best course to prevent falling into the pit–is to keep at the greatest distance from the pit. He who will be so bold as to attempt to dance upon the brink of the pit–may find by woeful experience, that it is a righteous thing with God that he should fall into the pit!

Sin is a plague, yes, the greatest and most infectious plague in the world; and yet, ah! how few are there that tremble at it, that keep at a distance from it!

~  ~  ~  ~

If any occupation or amusement or association is found to hinder our communion with God or our enjoyment of spiritual things–then it must be abandoned. Whatever I cannot do for God’s glory–must be avoided! (Arthur Pink)

~  ~  ~  ~

CHOOSE WISELY!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning.

God and men see success differently. Christ takes the broken and restores them to gloriousness and beauty.

The Bible changes lives. If read consistently, obeyed fully, and practiced continually, people will be saved, grow in grace, and lead others to Christ.

This devotional is an encouragement, blessing, warning, challenge, and call to action.

Short pithy gems from J.R. Miller

Christ is building His kingdom with earth’s broken things.

Men want only the strong, the successful, the victorious, the unbroken–in building their kingdoms. But God is the God of the unsuccessful, of those who have failed. Heaven is filling with earth’s broken lives, and there is no bruised reed that Christ cannot take and restore to glorious blessedness and beauty. He can take the life crushed by pain or sorrow–and make it into a harp whose music shall be all praise. He can lift earth’s saddest failure–up to Heaven’s glory!

~  ~  ~  ~

It is impossible to estimate full influence of the reading of the Word in a home day after day and year after year. It filters into the hearts of the young. It is absorbed into their souls. It colors all their thoughts. It is wrought into the very fiber of their minds. It imbues them with its own spirit. It’s holy teachings become the principles of their lives, which rule their conduct and shape all their actions.

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

God has allowed each believer in Christ to be unique. We have been brought up in different church affiliations and possess Scriptural knowledge that others may not agree with. Some believers have studied the Bible for many years and have great knowledge while others have a more limited knowledge of God’s word.

However, there are certain essentials that we all should agree on. These essential doctrines of the saving gospel include man’s sinfulness, Christ’s deity, the virgin birth, the bodily resurrection, and the blood atonement. These are the essentials believed by all who are saved.

Romans 14 tells us to receive all who are believers in Christ.  There will be areas of disagreement, but these people are still our brothers and sisters in Christ. It reminds us that we are not to judge others or become a stumbling block. God is the Judge not us. One day each of us will stand before Christ to give an account of our lives.

Christian love charitably bears with differing customs (14:1-12)

Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.² For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.³ Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.⁴ Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.⁵ One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.⁶ He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.⁷ For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. ⁸ For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.⁹ For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.¹⁰ But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.¹¹ For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.¹² So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

For love’s sake Christians may deny themselves (14:13-23)

¹³ Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. ¹⁴ I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.¹⁵ But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.¹⁶ Let not then your good be evil spoken of:¹⁷ For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.¹⁸ For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.¹⁹ Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.²⁰ For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.²¹ It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.²² Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.²³ And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Today we look at the companion piece to yesterday’s devotion.  Although we walk through valleys, struggles, sorrow, and pain, God is there to comfort us along the way. Please allow God to comfort your heart today.

The Valley of Weeping

(Author unknown)

I have been through the valley of weeping,
The valley of sorrow and pain;
But the ‘God of all comfort’ was with me,
At hand to uphold and sustain.

As the earth needs the clouds and the sunshine,
Our souls need both sorrow and joy;
So He places us oft in the furnace,
The dross from the gold to destroy.

When He leads through some valley of trouble,
His omnipotent hand we trace;
For the trials and sorrows He sends us,
Are part of His lessons in grace.

Oft we shrink from the purging and pruning,
Forgetting the Husbandman knows
That the deeper the cutting and paring,
The richer the cluster that grows.

Well He knows that affliction is needed;
He has a wise gracious purpose in view,
And in the dark valley He whispers,
“Hereafter you will know what I do.”

As we travel through life’s shadowed valley,
Fresh springs of His love ever rise;
And we learn that our sorrows and losses,
Are blessings just sent in disguise.

So we’ll follow wherever He leadeth,
Let the path be dreary or bright;
For we’ve proved that our God can give comfort,
Our God can give songs in the night!
~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

A refuge is a place of protection. It is a place of safety. It is a place of encouragement in a time of need. Today we will read about the ultimate Refuge, the eternal God.

We shall only sink into the everlasting arms!

(Author unknown)

“The eternal God is your refuge–and underneath are the everlasting arms!” Deuteronomy 33:27

If we are held in the clasp of the everlasting arms–we need not fear that we shall ever be separated from the enfolding. “Underneath.” They are always underneath us. No matter how low we sink in weakness, in fainting, in pain, in sorrow–we never can sink below these everlasting arms. We can never drop out of their clasp!

God’s love is deeper than human sorrow. Sorrow is very deep, but still and forever, in the greatest grief–these arms of Divine love are underneath the believing sufferer.

God’s love is deeper than death. When every earthly support is gone from beneath us, when every human arm unclasps and every face fades from before our eyes, and we sink away into what seems darkness and the shadow of death–we shall only sink into the everlasting arms!

Drop your plummet into the deepest sea of sorrow, and at the end of your soundings:        “Underneath are the everlasting arms!”

What abiding consolation! What all-embracing, never-failing strength!

  ~  ~  ~  ~

Tomorrow, we will look at a companion devotion on “The Valley of Weeping.”

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

When we are dealing with adversity, it is nice to know that God cares and does not forget us. He comforts, loves, heals, and encourages us.

I trust this devotional will be a blessing to you.

He who counts the stars!

(Charles Spurgeon)

“He heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds. He counts the stars and calls them all by name. How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension!” Psalm 147:3-5

He who counts the stars and calls them by their names, is in no danger of forgetting His own children! He knows your case as thoroughly as if you were the only creature He ever made, or the only saint He ever loved!

It is most important for us to learn, that the smallest trifles are as much arranged by the God of Providence, as the most startling events. He who counts the stars–has also numbered the hairs of our heads. Our lives and deaths are predestined–but so, also, are our sitting down and our rising up!

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered!” Matthew 10:29-30
~  ~  ~  ~

Consider the greatness of God. Consider who He is, what He has done, and how He has impacted your life.

Then thank Him.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Romans 13 was written while Rome ruled. Rome believed they were all powerful and invincible. Rebellion meant imprisonment and death. Jews and Christians were considered rebels and watched closely. So, when Paul begins to teach about civil authority, he had to be very careful what and how he said it.

God ordains civil government. Believers in Christ are subject to these governments. Resisting the government is resisting God. We are to render honor, tribute, fear, and custom to those in authority.

Then Paul tells the Roman’s they must love one another. That meant the hated Roman army. Rome had the ability to give and take life.

He also makes it clear that as believers in Christ we have a responsibility to let the world see Jesus in us. We are to put off wickedness and put on Jesus Christ. Allowing the love Christ to shine through and open opportunities to witness for our Savior.

LOVE FULFILLS THE LAW (13:8-14)

“⁸ Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.⁹ For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.¹⁰ Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.¹¹ And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.¹² The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.¹³ Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.¹⁴ But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.”

Does our light shine so brightly that people want to know what makes us different? Do we love our brothers in Christ? Do we love the lost? Do we walk in the light or in darkness?

Chapter 13 contrasts our relationship to our civil authority and to each other. Love never fails.

Go tell someone about Jesus.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Romans 13 was written while Rome ruled. Rome believed they were all powerful and invincible. Rebellion meant imprisonment and death. Jews and Christians were considered rebels and watched closely. So when Paul begins to teach about civil authority, he had to be very careful what and how he said it.

God ordains civil government. Believers in Christ are subject to these governments. Resisting the government is resisting God. We are to render honor, tribute, fear, and custom to those in authority.

CHRISTIANS SUBJECT TO CIVIL AUTHORITY (13:1-7)

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.² Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.³ For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:⁴ For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.⁵ Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.⁶ For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.⁷ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”

We have a choice to make. Our election has just concluded. Are we willing to be subject to our civil authorities whether we agree or not? If not, do we believe God will damn us? Are we willing to pay our taxes and obey the laws of our land? Remember that there are consequences for our failure to follow our government leaders.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

The life that we live today is temporary. Believers in Christ know that soon we will either exit by death or the rapture and end up in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ for all eternity. Today’s devotional contrasts the present and the future.

Three inscriptions!

(J.C. Pittman, “Bible Truths Illustrated” 1917)

Over the triple doorways of a European Cathedral, there are three inscriptions spanning the splendid arches.

Over one is carved a beautiful wreath of roses, and underneath is the lettering:
“All which pleases us–is but for a moment.”

Over the other arch is sculptured a cross, and there are the words:
“All which troubles us–is but for a moment.”

But on the great central entrance to the main aisle, is the inscription:
“That alone is important, which is eternal.”

If we always realize these three truths, we would not let trifles trouble us;
nor would we be so much interested in the passing pageants of the hour.
We would live, as we do not now–for the permanent and the eternal.

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.
For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal!” 2 Corinthians 4:18

~  ~  ~  ~

Where are our eyes fixed? On the seen or unseen? On the present or on the eternal. This world is not our home. We should be looking forward to our heavenly home and our Savior Jesus Christ.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This is a wonderful devotional on “thanksgiving”. Remember we should be giving thanks to God on a continual basis.

“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!” Ephesians 5:20
~  ~  ~  ~

One day, Johann Tauler of Strosbourg met a peasant and greeted him, “God give you a good day, my friend!”

The peasant answered briskly, “I thank God that I never have a bad day!”

Tauler, astonished, kept silent for a moment. Tauler then added, “God give you a happy life, my friend.”

The peasant replied composedly, “I thank God that I am never unhappy!”

“Never unhappy!” cried Tauler bewildered, “What do you mean?”

“Well,” came the reply, “When it is sunshine—I thank God; and when it rains-–I thank God. When I have plenty—I thank God; and when I am hungry—I thank God. Since God’s will is my will, and whatever pleases God pleases me—I am never unhappy.”

Tauler looked upon him with awe. “Who are you?” he asked.

“I am a king!” said the peasant.

“A king?” Tauler asked, “Where is your kingdom?”

The peasant smiled and whispered softly, “In my heart!”

~  ~ ~ ~
“Thank you consists of just eight letters that form two of the most meaningful words in the English vocabulary.”
~  ~  ~  ~
“Counting up our mercies and our every-day reasons for gratitude, looking at the hundred little things and large things–we do not know where to end the list. The only thing to do, is to live always in an atmosphere sweet and vital with thanksgiving!”
~  ~  ~  ~
“Be thankful for the small things–the trivial things and the mundane things!”
~  ~  ~  ~
“If anyone would tell you the shortest, surest way to happiness–he must tell you to make it a rule to yourself to thank and praise God for everything that happens to you.”
~  ~  ~  ~
“Have an attitude of gratitude. Don’t wait till Thanksgiving.”
~  ~  ~  ~
“Everything short of Hell is mercy!”
~  ~  ~  ~
“God is glorified, not by our complaining’s, but by our thanksgivings.”
~  ~  ~  ~
“We can always find something to be thankful for. There are reasons why we ought to be thankful for even those dispensations which appear dark and frowning.”
~  ~  ~  ~
“A cheerful heart has a continual feast!” Proverbs 15:15

“Be thankful to Him, and bless His name!” Psalm 100:4
~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001