Good morning,

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving day. It is a day that is set aside for our nation to give thanks for all God has given us. Most will be focused on football, turkey, and naps. As believers in Christ, God has blessed us abundantly. Maybe we should thank Him.

Why are we thankful? 

Thanksgiving is the word that should characterize our lives. What makes us thankful?

Family, loved ones, jobs, recreational opportunities. We also should be thankful for the freedoms we have. We have the freedom to express ourselves, political freedom, ability to elect our representatives, and to attend and worship as we please.

God gave us a free will to choose to follow Him or Satan. He laid out His standard in the Bible. He tells us how the world was created, why one man’s transgression has made us all sinners, the result of that sin, how the conflict in the Middle East started, the creation of the nation of Israel, the history of the nation of Israel, the need for a blood sacrifice, and the ultimate redeemer who came to die, being the one time blood sacrifice for all mankind, Jesus Christ. So we should be thankful that God gave us the Bible.

Jesus is the Holy Son of God. Never sinned, never did any wickedness, creator of all things. Then God did something special for each of us by sending Jesus to earth to pay our sin debt with His own blood. “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. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17) We should be thankful that God gave us His Son as Savior for all mankind.

God made sure that salvation was of faith not works. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) God made accepting Jesus easy. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” We should be thankful for salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

If you are interested in knowing more about the Bible, Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection on your behalf, or how to make this happen in your life, call or email me.

What are you thankful for?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Romans 12 challenges us to live for Christ. We must present our bodies as living sacrifices, no longer live for the world, remember that we are part of the body of believers, we have specific responsibilities as a believer, and ultimately how we treat unbelievers.

Christians Love and Fellowship with Other Christians (12:9-16)

“9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”

Christian love requires action. It is God’s desire that believers in Christ demonstrate their Christianity. Does the list above characterize our walk with Christ? If not, we might need to ask God if we are missing something.

How to Treat Outsiders (12:17-21)

“17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. ”

CONCLUSION

* Present your body a living sacrifice

* Be not conformed to this world

* Renewed mind

* One body, many functions

* Christian responsibilities

* Treat others well

We need to allow God to work in us and then allow Him to work through us to minister to the lives of others. During the upcoming weeks, we have an opportunity to tell our friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and strangers about the birth and life of Jesus Christ. It is our responsibility to clearly convey why Jesus birth was so special, unique, and life changing.

May God give us fruit for our labors.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Romans 12 challenges us to live for Christ. We must present our bodies as living sacrifices, no longer live for the world, remember that we are part of the body of believers, we have specific responsibilities as a believer, and ultimately how we treat unbelievers.

The Christian’s Body a Living Sacrifice (12:1-2)

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Christians are Members of the Same Body (12:3-8) Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.

This challenges to think about our lives. Are we living as “living sacrifices”? The Old Testament sacrifices were dead before they were offered. The blood was sprinkled on the altar and once a year in the Holy of Holies.

We have the opportunity to make a positive difference for God. As living sacrifices we have the ability to invoke life into others. Through a gospel witness, encouragement, exhortation, or just a positive attitude. The unsaved world and the church are watching what kind of sacrifice we are.

What kind will we be?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

*****NO DAILY DEVOTION 17-18 NOVEMBER 2016. *****

Good morning,

Please meditate on these “pithy gems” from John Calvin and Matthew Henry.

Short pithy gems from John Calvin!

Man’s heart, so to speak, is a perpetual factory of idols!
When the Bible speaks–God speaks!

Nothing, including human suffering, happens by chance.

No one will calmly and quietly submit to bear the cross–except those who have learned to seek their happiness beyond this world!

Without the fear of God–men do not even observe justice among themselves!

The human heart has so many crannies where vanity hides, so many holes where falsehood works, and is so decked out with deceiving hypocrisy–that it often dupes itself!

Short pithy gems from the Puritan Matthew Henry

We cannot expect too little from man–nor too much from God!

A life spent in the service of God and communion with Him, is the most pleasant life that anyone can live in this world.

The Bible is a letter God has sent to us.
Prayer is a letter we send to Him.

We should take heed of pride–it is the sin that turned angels into devils!

God is either your best friend–or your worst enemy.

Knowledge is vain and fruitless–which is not reduced to practice.

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

These are the sayings of great men from the past. What was true hundreds of years ago, is still true today. Read, enjoy, and allow the Holy Spirit to convict!

Short pithy gems from Jonathan Edwards!

Lord, stamp eternity on my eyeballs!
~  ~  ~  ~
Almost every man who hears of Hell–flatters himself that he shall escape it.
~  ~  ~  ~
The godly are destined for inconceivable happiness!
~  ~  ~  ~
Remember that pride is the worst viper in the heart–and the greatest disturber of the soul’s peace and sweet communion with Christ. Pride was the first sin that ever was. Pride is the most difficult sin to root out. It is the most hidden, secret and deceitful of all lusts. It often insensibly creeps into the midst of religion, and sometimes under the disguise of humility!
Short pithy gems from Charles Spurgeon!

If Christ has died for me–then I cannot trifle with the sin which killed my best Friend!
~  ~  ~  ~
An ounce of heart knowledge–is worth more than a ton of head learning!
~  ~  ~  ~
Amusement should be used to do us good ‘like a medicine.” It must never be used as the food of the man. Many have had all holy thoughts and gracious resolutions stamped out by perpetual trifling. Pleasure, so called, is the murderer of thought. This is the age of excessive amusement–everybody craves for it, like a babe for its rattle!
~  ~  ~  ~
Long ago I ceased to count heads. Truth is usually in the minority in this evil world!
~  ~  ~  ~
Look to the cross, and hate your sin–for sin nailed your Well-Beloved to the tree!
~  ~  ~  ~

We need to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us. We need to see this world as more of a mission field than an amusement park. Do our hearts yearn to see people get saved and go to heaven? Do we spend our time in worldly pursuits or those that honor God?

Stop and consider and move forward in your service for our Lord Jesus.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This devotional is a good reminder that strife is bad for our churches, our personal relationships, our families, and us.

There is an old legend that tells of Hercules encountering a strange animal on a narrow road!

“They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice.” Romans 1:29

There is an old legend that tells of Hercules encountering a strange animal on a narrow road. He struck it with his club and passed along. Soon the animal overtook him–now three times as large as before. Hercules struck it fast and furiously, but the more he clubbed the beast, the larger it grew!

Then Pallas appeared to Hercules and warned him to stop. “The monster’s name is Strife,” he said. “Let it alone and it will soon become as little as at first.”

“For where you have envy and strife–there you find disorder and every evil practice!” James 3:16

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved–clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14

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Satan creates the climate for strife. We may allow strife to rule our lives or reject it. Love is the antidote for strife.

Choose love!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Today is Veteran’s Day. It is a day set aside to remember those who have served their country in the Armed Forces. It is also a time to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their country. We owe a tremendous debt to these fine Americans.

Today, all around the world, men and women are serving proudly. They are in harm’s way. They need our prayers.

Each of us have our “war stories” to tell. Some of those stories have grieved us deeply and will never be told. We recall the hero’s and the everyday “Joe’s” who faithfully served without complaining or causing a ruckus. We remember that one person who lead by example and caused others to follow their lead. Sadly, we will also remember the battle fields on which our comrades in arms died.

Why do we serve? Many reasons could be mentioned. In the beginning it was to defend family, homes, freedom from and oppressive government, and freedom to worship freely. We then codified these freedoms in our Constitution and Bill of Rights. So we fight to protect these freedoms.

The Armed Forces of today is a volunteer organization. Men and women make a conscience choice to defend their country. Some do several years while others make the Armed Forces their career.

When you come across a “Vet” today say “Thank you for your service.” And if you are one of those “Vets” let me be the first to say “Thank you for your service.” You are special people who love this country called the United States of America.

Tom Stearns, United States Army, Retired

Good morning,

Romans 10 identifies a problem, a solution, and a means by which the solution becomes effectual.

The problem is Israel is ignorant of God’s righteousness. The solution is faith in Jesus Christ. The means is individuals telling others about faith in Jesus Christ.

Today we will look at individuals telling others about faith in Jesus Christ.

Faith in Jesus Christ is the solution for Israel. How does the message get to them? Through individuals who tell them.

The Importance of Personal Messengers of the Gospel (10:14-21)

¹⁴ How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? ¹⁵ And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! ¹⁶ But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? ¹⁷ So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.¹⁸ But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.¹⁹ But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.²⁰ But Isaiah is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.²¹ But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

The gospel witness comes from an individual who knows God’s word and tells others. The problem comes when the hearer rejects God’s word. This was the case with Israel. They heard and rejected.

Tell someone about Jesus today.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

THE ELECTION IS OVER!

God has known the results from before the beginning of time. He has a plan and is in the process of executing that plan. Whether we agree or disagree with the results, God has allowed specific candidates to win to fulfill His specific purpose.

It is not God’s will for us to challenge God’s plan. Romans 13:1-5 explains His plan for authority. “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.”

Therefore, I believe there are three things God commands us to do in light of these election results.

First, trust in the Lord. “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.⁷ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.” (Proverbs 3:5-7)

Second, be anxious for nothing. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6 NASB)

Third, pray without ceasing. “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Believers in Christ have nothing to fear. We know the future. However, there are many people this morning who are scared, miserable, and afraid of what the future holds. That was the same situation the nation of Israel was facing.

Paul gives them a solution to their problem and it is the same solution for men and women today. Salvation, by Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. First Corinthians 15:3-6 states, “³ For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;⁴ And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:⁵ And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:⁶ After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.”

Free Salvation for All Who Will Believe on Christ (10:6-13)

⁶ But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)⁷ Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)⁸ But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; ⁹ That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. ¹⁰ For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.¹¹ For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.¹² For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.¹³ For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

The solution is accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and telling others. The people who fear the future need to trust in Jesus.

Tomorrow we will see how the solution is executed.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

Romans 10 identifies a problem, a solution, and a means by which the solution becomes effectual.

The problem is Israel’s ignorance of God’s righteousness. The solution is faith in Jesus Christ. The means is individuals telling others about faith in Jesus Christ.

Today we will look at Israel’s ignorance of God’s righteousness.

Israel’s Ignorance of God’s Righteousness (10:1-5)

Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.² For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.³ For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.⁴ For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.⁵ For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

Paul has throughout the Book of Romans showed his concern, love, and compassion for his people Israel. His prayer is for Israel to get saved. However, Israel lives by the Law and not by God’s righteousness. They do not understand that Christ is the end of the Law.

This problem is shared by many people who choose not to follow God. They believe they have a better way. They are also ignorant of God’s plan of salvation.

Tomorrow we will see God’s solution to this problem.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001