Good morning,

Psalm 66 is a Psalm of worship and praise. It gives us the template the church uses for their services. Most church’s sing, pray, and read a passage of Scripture before the preaching of God’s word. Today the Psalmist challenges us to keep our vows to God. If we make a commitment to the Lord we must fulfill it. The Psalmist then challenges us to testify of what God has done, pray, recognize that sin hinders our prayers, and that God hears our prayers.

Meditate on these things and thank God for His goodness.

4. He vows for himself religious service to God (66:13-15)

13 I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows, 14 Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble. 15 I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah.

5. He declares God’s special goodness to himself (66:16-20)

16 Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul. 17 I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue. 18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: 19 But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. 20 Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.

CONCLUSION

• Worship God by song, prayer, testimony, witnessing, spiritual gifts
• Remember God’s great works in your life
• Meditate on the benefits of God. His attributes, character, love, mercy, grace, forgiveness
• Fulfill your vows to the Lord. Complete the tasks you have committed to.
• Always keep short accounts with God. Sin (iniquity) causes our prayers not to be heard by God.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Psalm 66 is a Psalm of worship and praise. It gives us the template the church uses for their services. Most church’s sing, pray, and read a passage of Scripture before the preaching of God’s word. The Psalmist tells us to sing, praise, worship, rehearse the works of God and His benefits.

Meditate on these things and thank God for His goodness.

1. David Exhorts to Praise God (66:1-4)

Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: 2 Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious. 3 Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. 4 All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.

2. To observe His great works (66:5-7)

5 Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men. 6 He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him. 7 He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.

Terrible=awesome, protection, power and greatness of God

3. To bless him for his gracious benefits (66:8-12)

8 O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard: 9 Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved. 10 For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. 11 Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. 12 Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The world can be alluring even to the believer in Christ. However, when the world causes us to ignore God’s word then we need to deal with our sin. So this devotional may or may not apply to you, but it applies to someone you know. Share it with them. It may help them to come to know Christ as Savior and Lord.

The world, so fair, so fascinating!

(Hetty Bowman, “Life, Its Duties and Discipline” 1861)

It is possible that these words may meet the eye of some whose hearts are still set on the world, and the things of the world.

Firm are the meshes in which the world entangles the heedless footstep!

Potent is the spell which the world weaves around the thoughtless and unwary!

The mazes of pleasure firmly enslave the soul!

The world, so fair, so fascinating! How shall it be given up? How shall the fingers be unclasped from that bright cup which seems so full of happiness?

Says the worldling, “Surely the sacrifice need not be made yet! The world and its pleasures need not yet be exchanged for the cross of self-denial and sacrifice! Not yet! Not yet!”

But listen, dear reader, and if the words seem harsh–remember that they are the words of Him whose heart yearns with tenderness, pity, and compassion for the lost and the perishing:

“No man can serve two masters. You cannot serve both God and Money.” Matthew 6:24

“If any man loves the world–the love of the Father is not in him.”

“Friendship with the world is enmity with God.”

What shall we say to these things? Shall we, speak peace to you–when there is no peace? Shall we flatter you with the hope that all may yet be well? Shall we point you to a crown of unfading glory–while your heart still rebels against the light and easy yoke of the Crucified One? Nay!

Rather would we remind you of the solemn warning, that “The end of these things is death!” A day will come when your eye will grow dim, and the death-damp gather on your brow, and your feet enter the dark valley. Where, then, will be your hope? Where, then, will be your refuge?

And when that day has passed, and another, yet more terrible, has dawned–when the eternal throne shall be set, and the books opened, and the dead, small and great, stand before God–then where will you conceal yourself, that you will not hear the awful sentence, “Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into everlasting fire!”

It is because we would save you from such a fearful doom–a doom which, as surely as the Word of God is true, will overtake all, however naturally amiable and cordial they may be, yet reject the Savior’s offered mercy–that we would earnestly entreat you in Christ’s stead, “Be reconciled to God!”

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Whether a believer in Christ or a rejecter of the Savior, judgment day is coming. Only in this life do we have the opportunity to be reconciled with Jesus Christ.

Whatever your condition today repent of your sin and allow Jesus to sit on His rightful throne of your life.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

We are always looking for formulas to enhance the way we live our lives. Today we will see a simple formula that has life changing implications. However, the formula is only as good as the implementation. It is only effective and life changing if implemented without reservations.

Oh, what a blessed formula for us!

(John MacDuff)

“Nevertheless, at Your Word!” Luke 5:5

Oh, what a blessed formula for us!

This path of mine is dark, mysterious, perplexing! Nevertheless, at Your Word I will go forward.

This trial of mine is cutting, sore for flesh and blood to bear! It is hard to breathe through a broken heart, “May Your will be done!” But, nevertheless, at Your word I will say, “Even so, Father–for this is Your good pleasure!”

This besetting sin or bad habit of mine–is difficult to crucify. It has become part of myself–a second nature! To be severed from it would be like the cutting off of a right hand, or the plucking out of a right eye! Nevertheless, at Your Word I will lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily entangles me! This idol, I will utterly abolish!

“You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed!” Psalm 119:4

“Help me understand Your instruction–and I will obey it and follow it with all my heart!” Psalm 119:34

~ ~ ~ ~

If we want our lives to change, we must obey God’s word.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

God wants each believer to grow, mature, and live above the world. Sometimes He uses the “potter’s wheel” and sometimes He “prunes”. We may not like the process, but we usually like the results. Let us allow God to encourage us with this devotion.

When the knife cuts deep and the pain is sore!

(J.R. Miller)

“My Father is the gardener!” John 15:1

It is comforting to think of trouble, in whatever form it may come to us–as a heavenly messenger, bringing us blessing from God. In its earthly aspect, it may seem hurtful, even destructive; but in its spiritual outworking, it yields blessing.

Many of the richest blessings which have come down to us from the past, are the fruit of sorrow or pain. We should never forget that redemption, the world’s greatest blessing–is the fruit of the world’s greatest sorrow.

In every time of sharp pruning, when the knife cuts deep and the pain is sore, it is an unspeakable comfort to read, “My Father is the gardener!”

One tells of being in a great hothouse where luscious clusters of grapes were hanging on every side. The owner said, “When my new gardener came, he said he would have nothing to do with these vines unless he could cut them clean down to the stalk. He did, and we had no grapes for two years–but this is the result.”

There is rich suggestiveness in this illustration of the pruning process, as we apply it to the Christian life. Pruning seems to be destroying the vine, the gardener appears to be cutting it all away; but he looks on into the future and knows that the final outcome will be the enrichment of its life and greater abundance of fruit.

In the same way, there are blessings we can never have–unless we are ready to pay the price of pain. There is no way to reach them, but through suffering.

“Every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:2
~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we complete our study of the Church at Thessalonica. The believer’s challenge concerning patience until the coming of the Lord is this week’s theme. The Thessalonians are waiting for the Lord’s return. Paul addresses faithful, patient, separated, disciplined, working, and loving while they wait.

Paul’s commendation to the Thessalonian Church. (3:16-18)

a) Paul commends them to the peace and presence of God. (3:16)

b) Paul convinces them with his handwritten salutation – assuring them of the authenticity of this epistle. (3:17)

c) Paul commends them to the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (3:18)

¹⁶ Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. ¹⁷ The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. ¹⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Paul finishes his letter to the Thessalonians as he began it, commending the church. Paul was commending them for their faith in the Lord and their great love. He encourages them for their consistent growth.

He also wants them to know that he wrote this letter. Remember, another letter had surfaced purporting to have been by Paul, stating that the Tribulation period had begun and that they had missed the Rapture. This letter corrected the false doctrine.

He concludes by commending them to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul blessed the Church at Thessalonica with his encouragement, answers to questions, and correct doctrinal teaching.

We need to take the Paul’s words of admonishment and apply them to our lives.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we complete our study of the Church at Thessalonica. The believer’s challenge concerning patience until the coming of the Lord is this week’s theme. The Thessalonians are waiting for the Lord’s return. Paul addresses faithful, patient, separated, disciplined, working, and loving while they wait.

Stay separated while patiently working until the coming of Christ. (3:6-18)

   1. Paul’s correction of the Thessalonian Church. (3:6-15)

       a.Paul’s command – withdraw from the disorderly (3:6)

       b.Paul’s example. (3:7-10)

              1) He labored for his own food so as not to be a burden on other believers. (3:7-8)

              2) He did this even though he had the right to be provided for as the man of God – in order to provide an example for the Thessalonians. (3:9)

             3) He commanded “that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” (3:10)

      c.Paul’s rebuke. (3:11)

              1) Some of the Thessalonian believer’s were walking disorderly (unruly and undisciplined) (3:11a)

              2) Some of the Thessalonian believer’s were not working at all, but were sitting down and waiting for the Lord to return while other believers felt obligated to feed these lazy and misguided loafers. (3:11b)

              3) Some of the Thessalonian believer’s were busybodies. With all this free time on their hands, they were becoming gossips and meddlers in everyone else’s business. (3:11c)

   d. Paul’s exhortation. (3:12-15)

              1) These Thessalonian busybodies were to shut up, get a job, and eat their own bread. (3:12)

              2) The Thessalonian faithful were not to be weary in well doing. (3:13)

              3) The Thessalonian Church was to discipline those who remained disobedient. (3:14-15)

                  a) They were to note them, that others would be warned. (3:14a)

                 b) They were to have no company with them, that they may be ashamed. (3:14b)

                 c) They were to love and admonish them as brethren and not as enemies. (3:15)

Separation and admonition have a role with dealing with believers who are in error. Sometimes we prematurely separate from those with whom we have never shared correction, information, or admonition.

⁶ Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. ⁷ For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; ⁸ Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: ⁹ Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an example unto you to follow us. ¹⁰ For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. ¹¹ For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. ¹² Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. ¹³ But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. ¹⁴ And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. ¹⁵ Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Paul admonishes the Thessalonians to work, discipline the disorderly, and be not weary in well doing.

We have a generation of people who see welfare as more profitable than getting a job and working. In Paul’s day they would not have eaten.

Our churches are filled with disorderly people but we do nothing to bring Biblical discipline. The principals in Matthew 18:15-18 are being ignored.

Many believers have become weary in well doing. Many of these saints have carried the burden, while others just watch. They are not concerned about souls, obedience, or discipleship.

So what is the answer? Abide in Christ, obey God’s word, and apply God’s word to your life and ministry.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

This week we complete our study of the Church at Thessalonica. The believer’s challenge concerning patience until the coming of the Lord is this week’s theme. The Thessalonians are waiting for the Lord’s return. Paul addresses faithful, patient, separated, disciplined, working, and loving while they wait.

2 THESSALONIANS 3

A. Stay faithful while patiently waiting for the coming of Christ (3:1-5)

     1.Paul’s prayer request from the Thessalonian Church (3:1-2)

        a. Paul asks for prayer that the Word may have free course. (3:1)

        b. Paul asks prayer for deliverance from wicked men. (3:2)

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: ² And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

     2.Paul’s confidence in the Thessalonian Church. (3:3-5)

        a.The Lord is faithful to establish and keep you from evil. (3:3)

        b.The Lord will direct your heart. (3:4-5)

               1) Into the love of God (3:4-5a)

               2) Into the patient (enduring faithfully) waiting for Christ. (3:5b)

³ But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. ⁴ And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. ⁵ And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

Are we patiently waiting for the Lord Jesus? As we wait are we telling others of Christ, praying for the Word to be effective in people’s lives, and praying for the wicked? Is our concern this world or the world to come?

Stay faithful!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Every day we must determine whether we will follow the world’s system or the will of God. Today’s devotion contrasts worldliness against the will of God. We each must the decide who we will follow.

Worldliness!

(Frederick Marsh)

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world–the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does–comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” 1 John 2:15-17

1. Worldliness is evil in its nature. Galatians 1:4

2. Worldliness is downward in its tendency. Ephesians 2:1-4

3. Worldliness is contaminating in its influence. James 1:27

4. Worldliness is antagonistic to God. James 4:4

5. Worldliness is corrupting in its association. 2 Peter 4:1; 2 Peter 2:20

6. Worldliness is unsatisfying in its pleasures. 1 Corinthians 7:31; 1 John 2:17

7. Worldliness is hateful in its opposition. 1 John 3:13

Separation from the world is the Lord’s clear and definite direction. To be specific in our desires and efforts to be separate from the world–the following rules should be followed:

1.Go to no place where the Lord would not take you.

2. Be found in no company that is not helpful to your Christian life.

3. Be no party to any transaction upon which you cannot seek your Lord’s approval.

4. Listen to no voice which would lead you away from the truth of God’s Word.

5. Allow no pleasure to interfere with your attendance at the means of Grace.

6. Whatever you do–do all to the glory of God!  

Strive to do the will of God, as found in His Word–nothing less, nothing more, nothing else!

~  ~  ~  ~

Our choices are clear. We may choose to follow the world and be in opposition to the will of God or we may separate from the world and do the will of God.

Whatever you do–do all to the glory of God!  

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This devotional makes us think about who Christ is, why we follow Him, and what it cost Him. Then we must determine whether we are willing to take up the cross of Christ and follow Him.

Christ calls men to carry a cross!

(A.W. Tozer)

“Then Jesus said to His disciples: If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever!” 1 John 2:15,17

Any appeal to the public in the name of Christ which rises no higher than an invitation to tranquility—must be recognized as mere humanism, with a few words of Jesus thrown in to make it appear Christian.

Christ calls men to carry a cross–but we call them to have fun in His name.

Christ calls them to forsake the world–but we assure them that if they but accept Jesus, the world is their playground.

Christ calls them to suffer–but we call them to enjoy all the bourgeois comforts modern civilization affords.

Christ calls them to holiness–but we call them to a cheap and tawdry happiness.

We can afford to suffer now–we will have a long eternity to enjoy ourselves. And our enjoyment will be valid and pure, for it will come in the right way and at the right time.

~  ~  ~  ~

We now have a choice to make. Follow Christ or follow the world.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001