Good morning,

Heading into the New Year, this devotion will be of help to you.

What is to be our resource in the hour of affliction and sorrow?

(George Everard, “Family Sorrows” 1882)

There is one passage of Scripture that has been to me an anchor of hope and strength in many a dark and sorrowful day, and I desire that it might be cherished in the memory of each reader, and its guidance followed when trouble comes: “Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” 1 Peter 5:7 (Amplified version)

Go then to the mercy-seat in the Savior’s name, and bring your whole care and sorrow, and leave it at your Father’s footstool.

Consider His Fatherly HEART. “He cares for you.” As a father pities his children, yes “as one whom his mother comforts”–so tenderly does the Lord deal with those who fear Him and trust in Him.

Consider His Fatherly HAND. It is the hand of love that smites. It is the hand that has bestowed our every mercy–which holds the cup of sorrow. It is the same hand that in due season will remove our trials, and lift us up from our depths of distress, and set us again on the rock of safety and peace.

Consider His Fatherly EYE. It is ever upon us for good, and not for evil. He knows our sorrow, and beholds every affliction and calamity that befalls us. “Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon those who fear Him, upon those who hope in His mercy.”

Consider His Fatherly EAR. He hears every sigh, every moaning, every cry. He bows down and inclines His ear to every petition. “His ear is open to our prayer.”

Consider His Fatherly PURPOSE. Read the twelfth chapter of Hebrews, and see how He wills only our good. He would make us “partakers of His holiness.” He would purify us from the dross of our corruptions, and make us fit for His presence.

Consider His Fatherly PROMISE. He has promised that He will “never leave us nor forsake us.” He has promised that He will make “all things work together for good to those who love Him.” “He who spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”

Ah, Christian, trust yourself wholly to your Father’s care, and He will not disappoint your confidence!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we celebrate Christmas. This is the most important and unique birth of all time. The story of Christmas begins at creation. Genesis 1:1 states, “In the beginning God created the heaven and earth.” John 1:1-3, helps us to understand who was doing the creating. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² The same was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” John 1:14 tells us the Word is a person. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” The Word is the second person of the trinity, God’s only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

So when God the Father sent His only Son to come to a wicked sinful earth, to dwell among wicked and sinful people, and ultimately shed His Divine blood for man’s sins, it was a tremendous act of love.

Jesus birth represents God’s love for His creation. This birth could have been with great fanfare and rejoicing. God chose a quiet, lonely, humble birth. He did not reveal this birth to the nation’s principal leaders, but to lowly shepherds. Yet the birth of Jesus would change the world forever.

As we read the Christmas story from Luke 2:1-20, meditate on the wonder of Jesus birth. Remember the prophetic Scriptures telling the exact details of His birth. Then thank God for His concern and love for fallen sinners and their souls.

WHY JESUS WAS BORN IN BETHLEHEM (Luke 2:1-5)

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. ² (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) ³ And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. ⁴ And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) ⁵ To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

JESUS BIRTH (Luke 2:6-7)

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

ANGEL’S ANNOUNCEMENT (Luke 2:8-12)

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. ¹⁰ And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

PRAISE FROM THE HEAVENLY HOST (Luke 2:13-14)

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ¹⁴ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

SHEPHERDS GO TO SEE JESUS (Luke 2:15-16)

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. ¹⁶ And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

SHEPHERDS TESTIFY OF WHAT THEY HAVE SEEN (Luke 2:17-19)

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. ¹⁸ And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. ¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

SHEPHERDS GLORIFY AND PRAISE GOD (Luke 2:20)

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

APPLICATION

• Before the beginning of time, God the Father knew that one day God the Son would be born on earth
• The birth of Jesus was prophesized long before the event happened
• The announcement was made to lowly shepherds, not the rich and famous
• The shepherds went to see Jesus, testified to what they had seen, and glorified and praised God

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

This week we celebrate Christmas. This is the most important and unique birth of all time. The Old Testament makes several prophecies about the birth of Jesus. This is what I would like to look at today. Tomorrow, we will look at the story of Jesus birth.

Prophecies

 1) Virgin birth and name

 Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, And shall call his name Immanuel.

 Matthew 1:21-23

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. ²² Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, ²³ Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

2) Place of birth

Micah 5:2

But you, Bethlehem Ephratah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.

Matthew 2:6

And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

John 7:42

Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?

3) Birth and reign

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Luke 2:7, 11

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:25

For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

4) Worshipped and Presented gifts by Kings

 Psalm 72:10

The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.

Matthew 2:11

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

5) Worshipped by Shepherds

Psalm 72:9

They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.

Luke 2:8, 9, 20

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Application

The birth of Jesus Christ was not a random event. God knew this from before the creation. Prophecies were written so all would know that God was sending a Savior, King, Redeemer, for fallen man.

Each of us should be eternally grateful to God for His provision for us. Wicked, vile, and lost, God sent Jesus to redeem our wicked souls. Praise the Lord.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we celebrate Christmas. This is the most important and unique birth of all time. However, prior to coming down to earth in human form, the Son of God, Jesus, was busy. He made many appearances call Theophanies. It was Jesus who created all we have today.

This is what I would like to look at today. Tomorrow, we will look at a few of the Old Testament predictions of the birth of Christ. The Wednesday, our last day this week, we will look at the story of Jesus birth.

Theophanies

“What is a theophany?

Answer: A theophany is a manifestation of God in the Bible that is tangible to the human senses. In its most restrictive sense, it is a visible appearance of God in the Old Testament period, often, but not always, in human form. Some of the theophanies are found in these passages:

1. Genesis 18:1-33 – One day, Abraham had some visitors: two angels and God Himself. He invited them to come to his home, and he and Sarah entertained them. Many commentators believe this could also be a Christophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ.

2. Genesis 32:22-30 – Jacob wrestled with what appeared to be a man, but was actually God (vv. 28-30). This may also have been a Christophany.

And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.  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.  And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.  And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.  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

3. Exodus 3:2 – 4:17– God appeared to Moses in the form of a burning bush, telling him exactly what He wanted him to do.
4. Daniel 3:24-28 – The Fiery Furnace

Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counselors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire. And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counselors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was a hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

Frequently, the term “glory of the Lord” reflects a theophany, as in Exodus 24:16-18; the “pillar of cloud” has a similar function in Exodus 33:9. A frequent introduction for theophanies may be seen in the words “the Lord came down,” as in Genesis 11:5; Exodus 34:5; Numbers 11:25; and 12:5.

Some Bible commentators believe that whenever someone received a visit from “the angel of the Lord,” this was in fact the pre-incarnate Christ. These appearances can be seen in Genesis 16:7-14; Genesis 22:11-18; Judges 5:23 2 Kings 19:35; and other passages. While there are no indisputable Christophanies in the Old Testament, every theophany wherein God takes on human form foreshadows the incarnation, where God took the form of a man to live among us as Emmanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

APPLICATION

The Son of God has been making appearances all through the Old Testament. He was busy doing the business God the Father gave Him to do.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

James 5 has five themes, riches, patience, prayer, faith, and restoration. This week we will explore each of these and make pertinent application.

Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. (James 5:8)

INTRODUCTION:

 When we are patient, we are persevering. We will have confidence and hope in life whatever we face because who we are in Christ.

Today we will look at prayer for the backslidden.

Prayer for the Backslidden (5:19-20) (Restoration)

5:19-21 Our call to help restore the stray sheep (Matt. 18:15)

¹⁹ Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;²⁰ let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

It is the responsibility of every believer, church member, and local church Pastor, to help restore the backslidden.  Galatians 6:1-2 states, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. ² Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Matthew 18:15-17 gives us the process we are to follow.

Unfortunately, believers are prone to ostracize the backslider. We distance ourselves and show no willingness to help. This is where believers need show the love of Christ. We need to live what we say we believe. We need to come along side and encourage them in God’s word, show them why they need to repent, and explain God’s mercy, love, and forgiveness. Remember, that could be you.

This concludes our study of James 5.

CONCLUSION:

 Beware how you deal with money

Be patient; the Lord is coming soon

Do not swear an oath

Pray for the afflicted, the sick, the nation, and the backslidden

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

James 5 has five themes, riches, patience, prayer, faith, and restoration. This week we will explore each of these and make pertinent application.

Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. (James 5:8)

 INTRODUCTION:

 When we are patient, we are persevering. We will have confidence and hope in life whatever we face because who we are in Christ.

Today we will look at prayer.

Prayer for the Sick (5:14-16)

 ^“14 Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: ¹⁵ And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.¹⁶ Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

It is the privilege and responsibility for every Believer to pray for the sick. We should have the faith to believe that God can heal anyone, of any sickness or disease, at anytime. BUT, we must also understand that God is not bound to bend to our desires. There are reasons unbeknownst to us, God may choose to allow a person to suffer or die. Our part is to pray and accept God’s perfect will in each situation.

 Prayer for the Nation (5:17-18) (Israel)

 ^“17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. ¹⁸ And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.”

James takes us back to 1 Kings 17 and 18. King Ahab was a wicked Baal worshipper. He set up pagan shrines called groves to his god. God was not pleased. He sent Elijah to proclaim that no rain would fall for a period of time. (1 Kings 17:1) Then 3 ½ years later the word of the Lord came to Elijah and God caused it to rain. (1 Kings 18:1) The nation of Israel was being punished for failure to follow God. Their wicked leaders drew the nation to idol worship. God sent Elijah with judgment. Only God could withhold rain and then produce it. It was a sign to Israel that the God of creation, the Almighty God, was more powerful than Baal and the other false gods. Prayer changes things.

Effective prayer comes from knowing God. So we must be Believers in God. We must be saved. Then we must understand the way God thinks. To understand how God thinks we must understand His word. We must be willing to read it, study it, and apply God’s word to our lives.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

James 5 has five themes, riches, patience, prayer, faith, and restoration. This week we will explore each of these and make pertinent application.

Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. (James 5:8)

 INTRODUCTION:

 When we are patient, we are persevering. We will have confidence and hope in life whatever we face because who we are in Christ.

Today we will look at oaths and prayer.

Oaths and Christians 5:12

“But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.”

First, we are never to take the Lord’s name in vain. Second, the oaths taken in secret societies are also prohibited. Third, the oath we take in court or for the “oath of office” is an expression of agreement and is acceptable. Many of us have served in the military. When we were inducted we took an oath to “serve and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

Prayer for the Afflicted (5:13)

“Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.”

We are to pray for those who are afflicted. Who are the afflicted? Believers persecuted for their faith. Why are they being persecuted, beaten, and killed, because they will not renounce their faith in Jesus Christ. Although this is the extreme, there are believers at work or in a local church that may be afflicted for their faith.

Pray for these believers. Ask God to put His hedge of protection round about them. Pray that they would stand firm under the affliction.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

James 5 has five themes, riches, patience, prayer, faith, and restoration. This week we will explore each of these and make pertinent application.

Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. (James 5:8)

 INTRODUCTION:

 When we are patient, we are persevering. We will have confidence and hope in life whatever we face because who we are in Christ.

Patient Endurance James 5:7-11

 5:7            Be patient

5: 8-9        Watch because Jesus will return (Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:35-39)

5:10          The Prophets are our example (Matt. 5:10-12)

⁷ Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.⁸ Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.⁹ Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.¹⁰ Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.¹¹ Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

APPLICATION

James challenges us to be patient. In today’s culture we are not accustomed to being patient. We have fast food, stores with all kinds of products, fast internet, and on demand TV. So when the Bible commands us to be patient, we do not know what to do.

Slow down might be a good first step. Find a quiet place in your home, get your Bible, and read. Turn off the TV, cell phones, laptops, and other electronic devices and just relax.

James points out we are to be patiently waiting for the Lord’s return.  We are to be patiently enduring and suffering affliction. We are to follow the example of the prophets and Job.

Be patient!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

James 5 has five themes, riches, patience, prayer, faith, and restoration. This week we will explore each of these and make pertinent application.

Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. (James 5:8)

INTRODUCTION:

When we are patient, we are persevering. We will have confidence and hope in life whatever we face because who we are in Christ.

MONEY PROBLEMS: 5:1-6

• What Their Riches Will Bring (5:1-4)

5:1      Woes to the rich and to corruption (Luke 6:24)

5:2-4   Wealth in time is all worthless (Matt. 6:19-20))

5:5-6   Self indulgence is sin and of no benefit (Luke 16:19-20, 25)

Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. ² Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. ³ Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. ⁴ Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.”

• The Way the Rich Used Their Wealth (5: 5)

Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.

• The Way They Got Their Wealth (5:4, 6)

⁴ Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. ⁶ Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.

APPLICATION:

James is explaining that riches used to profit oneself causes sorrow. He uses words like miseries, corrupted, and moth-eaten clothes. He alludes to the idea that hording was taking place and that laborers were not being paid.

So what is the right use of riches? Riches should be used to further the cause of Christ. What might that look like? Christmas is just around the corner. We are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. When was the last time that you gave Jesus a gift? There are missionaries, church members, Pastors, Evangelists, and people that have blessed you spiritually. Give them a gift for Jesus sake. Thank them for what they mean to you. What about the homeless and down and out? Jesus ministered to these people. How about giving to a soup kitchen or going to work at a holiday meal.

The possibilities are endless. Also each of us need to remember who provided our riches. God Himself. God gave us the ability to work and earn a living. So when we give a gift to in Jesus name, we are really just giving back for what He has given us.

So how are you going to use your riches this Christmas season?

Tom Stearns

WASI Chaplain

907 715-4001

Good morning,

This devotion will close out our celebration of Hanukkah.

Tonight we light the seventh Hanukkah candle. With each night the light grows brighter. It reminds us that light dispels darkness. We live in a dark world. Open a newspaper, a news feed on the computer, or the evening news, and you will notice that the lead story is usually about death, wickedness, or some kind of sin. The light that Jesus gives allows men and women, boys and girls to live above what the world has to offer.

Seventh Candle

The prophet Isaiah speaks of the future glory of a restored Israel in
Isaiah 60:1-3:

Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord
has risen upon you… And nations will come to your light, and kings to
the brightness of your rising.

God is not done with Israel. If you have any doubt, please read the books of Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Revelation. Israel will be restored to Her rightful place as God’s chosen nation and people. Today’s Scripture states that nations and kings will come to light of Israel and ultimately to the Messiah, Yeshua, the Lord Jesus Christ. What a glorious day that will be.

The message of salvation is woven through the whole Hanukkah celebration. I would be remiss in not sharing that message with you.

God created a perfect world, no sin. In Genesis 3, man chose to disobey God’s clear command not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  The first sin. From that time to this God sees us as sinners. In the Old Testament, God directed a blood sacrifice for the covering of sin. We see this demonstrated in Egypt, just before the Exodus and the Priests sacrificing animals daily for the sins of the people.

God had a better plan.  “But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” (Galatians 4:4-5) How was this to be done? Jesus tells us in Mark 1:14-15, “Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” What is the gospel? “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 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.” (1 Corinthians 15:1-6)

So to summarize.

1) We are lost and need a Savior. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10) “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23)

2) God sent Jesus to redeem us. (See Galatians 4:4-5 above)

3) We must repent of our sins. Repent means turning in the opposite direction. Renounce all your wickedness before Jesus. (See Mark 1:14-15)

4) We must believe the gospel. That Christ died for our sins, that he was buried, and that he rose again on the third day. (See 1 Corinthians 15:1-6)

5) Last we must a make a decision to accept or reject God’s free gift of salvation. Romans 10:8-11, makes this very clear. “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; 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. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”

Jesus came to earth as a baby, grew to manhood, preach God’s message of salvation, and then went to the cross for US! Jesus would love for you to trust Him as Lord and Savior this Christmas. If you know Jesus as Lord and Savior, tell someone about this good news.

Tonight is the last evening of Hanukkah. I hope you enjoyed the devotions on Hanukkah.

Eighth Candle

Revelation 21:22-27 gives us a description of our glorious eternal dwelling place in the New Jerusalem:

And I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God, the Almighty, and the Lamb, are its temple. And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. And the nations shall walk by its light, and the kings of the earth shall bring their glory into it. And in the daytime (for there shall be no night there) its gates shall never be closed; and they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it; and nothing unclean and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

So the question begs itself, are our names written in the Lamb’s book of life? If you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, see yesterday’s devotion, your name is written in the Lamb’s book of life. If not you will separated from God for all eternity. You choose.

I hope all of you will be able to spend your Christmas with family, friends, and loved ones. Please remember to spend a portion of the next few days reading the story of Jesus birth from Matthew 1 and 2, and Luke 2. Jesus is the reason for the season. If you have forgotten some of these principles, please read, again, this weeks devotionals.

Have a very Merry Christmas.

Tom Stearns
WASI Chaplain
907 715-4001