Good morning,

Today’s devotional is a good reminder of how we must be able to discern true teaching from false teaching. The Holy Spirit of God lives within us to help us determine what is right and what is wrong. The question is, are we sensitive to the working of the Spirit in our life?

A spiritual instinct!

(J.C. Ryle)

“He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out. When He has brought out all His own, He goes on ahead of them–and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” John 10:3-5

We have in these verses, a peculiar picture of true Christians. Our Lord describes them as sheep who hear the voice of a true Shepherd, and know His voice–and as “sheep who will never follow a stranger–they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”

The thing taught in these words is a very curious one, and may seem “foolishness” to the world. There is a spiritual instinct in most true believers, which generally enables them to distinguish between true and false teaching.
When they hear unsound religious instruction, there is something within them that says, “This is wrong!”
When they hear the real truth as it is in Jesus, there is something in their hearts which responds, “This is right!”

The careless man of the world may see no difference whatever between minister and minister, sermon and sermon. The poorest sheep of Christ, as a general rule, will “distinguish things that differ,” though he may sometimes be unable to explain why.

Let us beware of despising this spiritual instinct. Whatever a sneering world may please to say, it is one of the peculiar marks of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. As such, it is specially mentioned by John, when he says, “You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.” (1 John 2:20) Let us rather pray for it daily, in order that we may be kept from the influence of false shepherds. To lose all power of distinguishing between bitter and sweet is one of the worst symptoms of bodily disease. In the same way, to be unable to see any difference between . . .
the gospel–and the law,
truth–and error,
Protestantism–and Popery,
the doctrine of Christ–and the doctrine of man,
is a sure proof that we are yet dead in heart, and need conversion!

~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The Bible contains all that we need to know about this life and the life to come. As we meditate on this, we will see the enormity of that statement. Read this devotional and thank God for what He has given us through His written word. Then prayerfully apply it and watch God transform our lives. What a blessing!

The Bible!

(author unknown)

“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13

The Bible contains . . .
the mind of God,
the state of man,
the way of salvation,
the doom of sinners, and
the happiness of believers.

Its doctrines are holy,
its precepts are binding,
its histories are true, and
its decisions are immutable.

Read it to be wise,
believe it to be safe,
and practice it to be holy.

The Bible contains . . .
light to direct you,
food to support you,
and comfort to cheer you.

It is . . .
the traveler’s map,
the pilgrim’s staff,
the pilot’s compass,
the soldier’s sword and
the Christian’s charter.

Here too, Heaven is opened–and the gates of Hell are disclosed.

Christ is its grand subject,
our good is its design, and
the glory of God is its end.

The Bible should . . .
fill the memory,
rule the heart
and guide the feet.

Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully.

The Scripture is . . .
a mine of wealth,
a paradise of glory,
and a river of pleasure!

It . . .
is given to you in life,
will be opened at the judgment,
and be remembered forever.

The Bible . . .
involves the highest responsibility,
rewards the greatest labor, and
will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents!

“Forever, O LORD, thy Word is settled in Heaven!” Psalm 119:89

~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Sleep is a wonderful thing. Sometimes pain causes us to lose a good night’s sleep. My sore shoulders are an example. If we have lived for any length of time, we are prone to acquire pain. It could be back, shoulder, knees, hips, or feet. It affects our lives.

So how do we deal with it? Do we whine and complain and quit serving God? NO! This was not the example of Jacob and Paul.

Genesis 32:24-28 tells the story of Jacob wrestling with God. Jacob prevails. “And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.” So Jacob walked with a limp for the rest of his life. Was God through with him? NO! Verses 26-28 tell us “And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.²⁷ And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.²⁸ And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” God was going to use Israel (Jacob) and his offspring to do great and mighty things.

2 Corinthians 12:7 tells us, “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.” Paul also had a disability. The Bible never tells us what it was, but it was serious enough that Paul requested God three times to take it away. God chose not to. Was Paul put on the shelf? Did he quit because he was hurting? NO! He continued to preach the word of God. Churches were started, souls were saved, and disciples for Christ were made. Not to mention that he wrote much of the New Testament.

So what about us? Do we allow our different aches and pains to prevent us from serving God? It is in these afflictions that God will make us humble and usable to Him. Are we willing to be used of God? He has something for each of us to do.

Let’s get started!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

Good morning,

In our study of Thessalonians we have seen that the Church and founder Paul, lived with affliction and persecution daily. We know how they dealt with them. Job also endured adversity. Today we will see how he handled his and how we should handle ours.

He cannot err–and He cannot be unkind!

(William Purton, “Lessons of Peace in the School of Affliction” 1868)

“Tribulation works patience, and patience experience, and experience hope.” Romans 5:4

When great sorrows came upon righteous Job, he did not complain. There was no word of rebellion against God, when messenger after messenger brought tidings of evil. All his property lost, his servants slain, his sons dead! Yet the good man did not sin, nor charge God foolishly. Dark and mysterious was the painful visitation. Why sore distress came to his house, and grievous sickness to himself–he could not understand. But, out of the depths arose the word of trust; in the midst of his woe, and pain, and loneliness–the bereaved and sorely-stricken soul felt that affliction was the Divine messenger. Job received his burdens from the hand of God. “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21

We, for whose comfort Job’s experience was written, know how it was that the patriarch was afflicted. There was a purpose to be fulfilled–an end to be brought about. We learn that however mysterious our sufferings may be–they are not sent without a wise and loving purpose. Afflictions may be mysterious–but never purposeless.

Oh, for faith to realize that all my troubles come to me in mercy! He cannot err–and He cannot be unkind!

And as I read the Holy Scriptures, may I see how true this verse is, “All whom the Lord loves, He chastens.” So may I learn to take up my cross–and to endure the trials of my lot. And if I am to be an example of suffering affliction–then may God’s will be done–in His way–and in His time!

From restlessness, and impatience, and doubts, and selfishness–good Lord, deliver me!

“Loving Father, show me the mercy of afflictions. Cleanse me from earthly and sensual desires–and strengthen me with trust and heavenly rest. Graciously accept my prayers, O heavenly Father, and help me with true thankfulness to praise You. For Your dear Son Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.”

~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This devotion will either be a blessing or warning. A blessing if we are being obedient to God and a warning if we are not. God sees all we do 24/7.

As if we saw two shining eyes looking on us out of the darkness!

(Thomas Guthrie, 1803-1873)

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to Heaven–You are there. If I make my bed in the depths–behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, if I dwell in the remotest part of the sea–even there Your hand will lead me, and Your right hand will lay hold of me. Even the darkness is not dark to You, and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You!” Psalm 139:7-12

We cannot shake off the presence of God! When our doors are shut, and curtains drawn, and all is still, and darkest night fills our chamber, and we are left alone to the companionship of our thoughts–it might keep them pure and holy to say, as if we saw two shining eyes looking on us out of the darkness, “You, O God, see me!”

The world called that man mad, who imagined that he saw God’s eye looking on him . . .
 out of every star of the sky,
and every flower of the earth,
and every leaf of the forest,
from the ground which he trod upon,
from the walls of his lonely chamber,
and out of the gloomy depths of night!
Mad! It was a blessed and holy imagination!

May God help you to feel yourselves at all times in His presence!

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account!” Hebrews 4:13

~  ~  ~  ~

When we sin, God sees. If we could grasp the totality of what that means, there would be less sin being performed by believers in Christ.

Reread this devotional again and meditate on its message.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we study the Suffering Church.  First Thessalonians 3 reveals what a Christian’s life should be in light of the Rapture. It reveals the rapture as a purifying hope.

We conclude our study of 1 Thessalonians 3 with Paul praying for the Church. He prays for God to do specific things for the Thessalonians.

Paul prays for the Thessalonian Church. (10-13)

¹⁰ Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? ¹¹ Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. ¹² And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: ¹³ To the end he may stablish your hearts unblamable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

a. Paul prayed that he could return to them to help perfect or mature that which was lacking in their faith. (10-11)

b. Paul prayed that they would increase their love for one another. (12)

c. Paul prays that they would be established in the faith. (13)

1) Inwardly-In their relationship with self- “To the end he may stablish     your hearts” (13a)

2) Outwardly-In their testimony with others-“unblamable”. (13b)

3) Upwardly-In their relationship with God-“in holiness before God… at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ”. (13c)

a. Notice that Paul ends this chapter by again referring to Christ’s return. This time he uses it to call us to holiness.

b.The reference to the Coming of “Christ with all His Saints” here refers to the spirits of “the dead in Christ” returning with Him at the Rapture (4:14), not to the Glorified Saints returning with Him at the Second Coming (Zechariah 14:5). (13d)

CONCLUSION

Expect suffering and affliction

Disciple others

Grow in the Lord

Pray

Pray for your Pastor, missionaries, friends, and new believers. God hears and answers our prayers.

Next week 1 Thessalonians 4.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we study the Suffering Church.  First Thessalonians 3 reveals what a Christian’s life should be in light of the Rapture. It reveals the rapture as a purifying hope.

Have you ever had the opportunity to lead someone to Christ, invest time disciplining them, and then they leave? You wonder whatever became of that person. Did they continue on to maturity in Christ? Did they lead others to Christ and disciple them? Then you receive a report that they have grown, matured, and are actively ministering for Christ. We rejoice at the good report.

This is exactly what has happened for Paul. Report comes to Paul about how well the Thessalonians are doing. He rejoices and gives thanks to God for their spiritual growth.

Paul rejoices in the good report of Timothy and their desire to see him. (6)

⁶ But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:

Paul gives thanks for the spiritual growth of the Thessalonians. (7-9)

⁷ Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: ⁸ For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. ⁹ For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

a. For the Comfort that word of spiritual progress brought to Paul during a time of affliction and distress. (7)

b. For the new life their progress brought to Paul. (8)

c. For the joy their progress brought to Paul. (9)

Remember that although God may use us to lead people to the Lord and disciple them, it is God who transforms their lives. We are God’s instruments.

Having said that, God wants to use us in seeing men and women come to Christ. He is looking for workers. The Bible states “Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest.”  (Luke 10:2) Will we be those laborers?

The Great Commission commands us to teach or disciple God’s converts. “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20) Have we ever taken the time to teach a new believer the fundamentals of the Bible? Will we given the opportunity?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we study the Suffering Church.  First Thessalonians 3 reveals what a Christian’s life should be in light of the Rapture. It reveals the rapture as a purifying hope.

Paul sent Timothy to establish the Thessalonians during their suffering for Christ (1-2)

Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; ² And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

Paul now writes to encourage the Thessalonians during their suffering for Christ (3-5)

³ That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. ⁴ For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. ⁵ For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labor be in vain.

a. We are appointed to tribulation (3)

b. We are to expect tribulations (4)

c. We are to endure tribulations (5)

There are two areas of interest in these verses.

First, Paul loved and cared for the Thessalonians so much that he sent Timothy to teach, guide, establish and comfort them. Second Timothy 2:2 states, “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.” Paul had taught Timothy and now it was Timothy’s opportunity to minister to the Thessalonians. Paul challenges each of us to disciple others.

Second, afflictions and sufferings are inevitable. Paul is living through afflictions and sufferings. He told Timothy “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:” (2 Timothy 9-12) Even though we may suffer as we present God’s word, the end state is souls saved and on their way to Heaven.

We need to be encouraged by these verses.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

First Thessalonians 2 explains Paul’s ministry to the Thessalonians and its results. Paul was called by God to preach the gospel. Why? What is the purpose for sharing the Gospel with others?

The glory of the Church (19-20)

a) The greatest reward for a witness is a converted soul.

b) Notice that we are to witness with the rapture and eternity in view.

¹⁹ For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? ²⁰ For ye are our glory and joy.

The answer is so others will have the opportunity to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and that they might be present with Him forever. Our witness should be in light of eternity. There is an eternal destiny waiting for all individuals, in the presence of Jesus or the presence of Satan, Heaven or Hell.

In light of this eternal destiny will we be God’s ambassadors sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

What have we learned from 1 Thessalonians 2?

CONCLUSION

Preach God’s word boldly, honestly, selflessly, gently, lovingly, tirelessly, unblameably, and encouragingly.

Expect results. Not yours, but God’s!

Expect opposition

Witness in light of eternity

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

First Thessalonians 2 explains Paul’s ministry to the Thessalonians and its results. Paul was called by God to preach the gospel. Not everyone was open to the preaching of the gospel. The Jews had opposed Paul before and Satan was continually hindering Paul and his companions.

Enemies of the church (14b-18)

a. Their persecution at the hand of their countrymen just as the Judean churches suffered at the hand of the Jewish leadership (14b-16)

…for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: ¹⁵ Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: ¹⁶ Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins always: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

b. Their opposition at the hand of the devil (17-18)

¹⁷ But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.¹⁸ Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

If we desire to obey God and witness for Christ, there will be opposition. Satan refuses to relinquish one soul to Jesus. Opposition comes in many forms.

Political correctness. Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ might offend someone else’s belief. The Church. Some churches no longer believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. They no longer preach it. Timid. No boldness to tell others about Christ. The things of this world. Worldliness limits the gospel outreach. Hippocrates. People know Christians who say one thing and do another. Organizations that directly oppose preaching the Gospel. Of course there are many more.

We must continue on in spite of the opposition.

Tomorrow we will find out why.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001