Good morning,

Salvation begins the great adventure of the Christian life. Octavius Winslow tells us about what Jesus is doing for us.

It is utterly impossible!

(Octavius Winslow, 1852)

It has been the distinctive aim, and the sincere desire of my ministry–to make known and to endear the Savior to your hearts.

Oh, how worthy is He . . .
of your most exalted conceptions,
of your most implicit confidence,
of your most self-denying service,
of your most fervent love!

When He could give you no more–and the fathomless depths of His love, and the boundless resources of His grace, would not be satisfied by giving you less–He gave you Himself!

Robed in your nature,
oppressed with your sorrows,
laden with your curse,
wounded for your transgressions,
and slain for your sins–
He gave His entire self for you!

His redeeming work now finished–He is perpetually engaged in meting out blessings to His people, from the exhaustless treasures of His love! He constantly woos your affection–invites your grief–and bids you to come with your daily trials to His sympathy, and with your hourly guilt to His blood. You cannot in your drafts upon Christ’s fullness, be too covetous; nor in your expectations of supply, be too extravagant! You may fail, as, alas! the most of us do, in making too little of Christ–but you cannot fail, in making too much of Him!

It is utterly impossible to know Christ, and not become inspired with a desire . . .
to love Him supremely,
to serve Him devotedly,
to resemble Him closely,
to glorify Him faithfully here,
and to enjoy Him fully hereafter!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The great mistake made by most of the Lord’s people!

(Arthur Pink, “The Doctrine of Sanctification” 1937)

“You are complete in Him!” Colossians 2:10

The poor Christian, conscious of his weakness, his ignorance, his poverty, his vileness–is sorely tempted to be envious of others, for they seem to have “more than heart could wish”–while the longings of his heart are denied him, and that which he pursues so eagerly continues to elude his grasp.

God’s children are oppressed, sorely oppressed . . .
by their indwelling corruptions,
by their innumerable failures,
by the hidings of the Lord’s face,
by the accusations of Satan,
over the workings of unbelief,
over the coldness of their hearts,
over the insincerity of their prayers,
over their vain imaginations.

The great mistake made by most of the Lord’s people is in hoping to discover in themselves, that which is to be found in Christ alone.

“By His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption.” 1 Corinthians 1:30

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

It is so important that we continually reflect on our relationship with the Lord. As you read today, allow the Holy Spirit to convict you of any known sin and deal with it.

I have this against you!

(Jared Waterbury, “Meditations and Prayers” 1840)

“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” Revelation 2:4

Have we lost or left our first love? If so, then has God something against us.

O, has not some secret evil been in operation to cool our love–to abate our zeal–to separate us from our heavenly Father’s smile?

Is it the love of the world?

Is it the love of the creature?

Is it ambitious designs, or sensual indulgence?

Search us, O God–and enable us to search ourselves.

PRAYER
O we have to mourn over the sad decay in our spiritual affections. A thousand temptations have pressed in upon us; and by yielding we have driven ourselves from You and become cold in Your service. Well might You cast us off for our almost perpetual backslidings. But You, O God, are unchangeable. “Those whom You love–You love to the very end!” This is our hope.

We come to You, immutable Jehovah, and beg You to receive Your guilty but returning children. Embrace us once more in the arms of Your eternal love. O, let us once more rejoice in Your Fatherly smiles. We have been wretched in our wanderings–our souls can find happiness in nothing but Yourself. We do therefore renew our vows to be Yours–yes, Yours forever. Bind us to You “by the cords of love.” Fasten our affections to the cross of Jesus! Never, O never more let us wander. Amen.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

I try to get to the gym five times a week. My body is getting older and needs to be exercised to stay healthy. It is important to be active so that I can continue to write, teach God’s word, and preach. The goal is to be able to minister for Christ till the Rapture or death.

Paul had the same perspective.  First Corinthians 9:24-27 states, “²⁴ Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. ²⁵ And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. ²⁶ I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: ²⁷ But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

Paul wanted to finish strong. He desired to always be fit to preach the gospel. He never wanted to lose the right to preach God’s word.

Each one of us has a unique ministry that God has given us. We need to make ourselves ready for the opportunities to share God’s word with others. Spiritually does that mean more time in prayer, Bible study, stepping out and sharing Christ with others? Whatever it is, GET BUSY!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Please read and reflect on this devotional. It will be an encouragement to all.

A special privilege and comfort of old-age

(Richard Steele, “A Discourse Concerning Old-age, Tending to the Instruction, Caution and Comfort of Aged People” 1688)

“The silver-haired head is a crown of glory–IF it is found in the way of righteousness.” Proverbs 16:31

Now the older a man grows–the wiser should he grow. And the wiser he grows–the less likely he is to chose evil. The more divine strokes and judgments he has seen upon evil-doers–the more he should be afraid of tampering with it.

A special privilege and comfort of old-age is that it is richer in experience than any other age. The aged believer can tell experimentally . . .
of the wisdom and justice of God’s providence,
of the truth of His promises and threatenings,
of the devices of Satan,
of the deceitfulness of riches,
of the wisdom of integrity,
of the vanity of all carnal delights,
of the wickedness of his own heart.
Old-age is rich in the experience of these things, whereby they are able to govern themselves, and to advise others. Their . . .
judgments are more refined,
passions are more sedate,
graces are more strong,
actions are more consistent,
and their spiritual stature is taller.

Trace some godly aged men from morning to night, you shall still find them . . .
so discreet in their charity,
so grave in their counsels,
so savory in their discourse,
so constant in their piety,
so considerate in their resolutions,
so faithful in their reproofs,
so poised in their temper,
so charitable in their censures, and
so uniform and useful in their lives–
that their practice may be a perpetual sermon–and an example to teach others their duty to God and man.

By long experience, aged believers are taught to avoid many dangers, which others fall into. Their manifold experience of the deceitfulness of the flesh, of the world, and of the devil–has enabled them to counter and somewhat conquer them. And their experience renders them able to give the most prudent counsels, and to forewarn others of those consequences which they easily foresee–IF they have treasured up wisdom according to their years.

“The silver-haired head is a crown of glory–IF it is found in the way of righteousness.” Proverbs 16:31

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

We may have audience with the King of the universe!

(Jared Waterbury)

Prayer is a difficult, and often an arduous work–but it is the life and soul of a Christian.
It is not only his incumbent duty–but his most precious privilege.

My Christian friend, the Throne of Grace is yours!
Your Father is seated on it.
Your Savior has sprinkled it with His blood.
The Holy Spirit draws you sweetly to kneel before it.
The promise, when there, is, “Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it!”

What an honor thus to approach the King of kings! Were we to have audience with an earthly monarch–we would deem it the superlative event in our history, and boast of it through life. But we may have audience with the King of the universe! Nay, we have liberty to approach Him at any time, and under all circumstances!
Have we needs? He can supply them.
Are we in trouble? He can extricate us.
Do afflictions press our souls? He can mitigate and remove them.
Does sin pollute our joys? With Him is the fountain of cleansing.
Does Satan vex our souls? He invites us to His arms as our refuge.

God knows your infirmities, your temptations, and your trials–and is ever ready to afford you relief.

There is nothing which so elevates the morals and character, as deep and intimate communion with God.

The godly man converses with God. At the Throne of Grace we acquire a benevolence, a dignity, a humility, which . . .
throws around us an attractive luster,
puts sweetness into every action and expression,
makes us . . .
contented in every condition of life,
patient under every affliction, and
faithful in the discharge of every duty!

“Let us therefore come boldly to the Throne of Grace–that we may obtainmercy and find grace to help in time of need!” Hebrews 4:16

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement is over. The yearly process of seeking God, identifying and repenting of sin completed, the sacrifice made by the High Priest has been accomplished, so now comes the process of renewal.

The Bible speaks of several areas of renewal.

Mind

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. (Romans 12:2)

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; (Ephesians 4:23)

Spirit

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (Titus 3:5)

Knowledge

And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: (Colossians 3:10)

Strength

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near together to judgment. (Isaiah 41:1)

Youth

Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103:5)

Allow God to renew you today.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Last evening began Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar. The Bible prescribes Yom Kippur as a day of affliction (Lev 16; 23:26-32). In the ancient world, the High Priest woke up early, donned his priestly garments, and sacrificed a bull for both himself and his family. He then cast lots over two goats, choosing one for the Lord and designating the other as the goat to remove sin. Only on this day did the High Priest enter into the Holy of Holies in the Temple to offer incense and sprinkle blood on the Ark of the Covenant. Before concluding the sacrifices by burning both the bull and the goat, the High Priest placed blood from the Lord’s goat onto the second goat. He then cast the second goat into the wilderness, thus symbolically removing Israel’s sin.

Followers of Jesus the Messiah confidently look forward to eternal life, because our names are written in the Book of Life. When Jesus died, the veil of the Holy of Holies ripped in two, symbolically breaking a barrier between humans and the presence of God. Previously, only the High Priest had access to this room, and he only entered it once a year on Yom Kippur (Matt. 27:51). However, Jesus’ death gives believers access to God, because He entered into the Heavenly Holy of Holies to offer His blood for our redemption (Heb 9:11-12). Unlike the Israelites’ annual sacrifices on Yom Kippur, Jesus’ one sacrifice continues to provide atonement to this day. Yom Kippur, for followers of Jesus, reminds us of the certainty of our redemption through the blood of our Messiah and High Priest, Jesus.

Today our Jewish friends will spend the day fasting, praying, repenting of sin, and beginning the process of renewal for the coming year. It is a time for reconciliation between man and God. However, with no Temple and no blood sacrifice, they are unable to complete this reconciliation. When the Messiah came, paid the debt of sin we owed, by being the blood sacrifice on the cross, the eternal reconciliation was made.

Want to know more? Call me.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

This is short but packed with truth.

Christ must be all!

(Octavius Winslow)

“Christ is all!” Colossians 3:11

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith!” Hebrews 12:2

We cannot keep our eye too exclusively or too intently fixed on Jesus.
All salvation is in Him.
All salvation proceeds from Him.
All salvation leads to Him.
And for the assurance and comfort of our salvation, we are to repose believingly and entirely on Him. 

Christ the beginning–Christ the center–and Christ the end.

Oh sweet truth–to you who are sensible of your spiritual poverty, vileness, and insufficiency, and of the ten thousand flaws and failures of which, perhaps, no one is cognizant but God and your own soul! Oh, to turn and rest in Christ–a full Christ–a loving Christ–a tender Christ, whose heart’s love never chills, from whose eye darts no reproof, from whose lips breathes no sentence of condemnation! Christ must be all!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This is an encouraging devotion for the beginning of your week.

The saints’ everlasting rest!

(Jared Waterbury)

“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” Hebrews 4:9

All earthly Sabbaths are not worthy to be compared with that eternal rest, where the unfettered, unpolluted soul shall worship the Lamb without interruption and without end!

The body will there not impede, but augment our happiness; for it will be a spiritual body, which can no longer be the medium of temptation, and which shall experience no fatigue.

Nor will sin, O blissful thought, be there, to dim our eye or to pollute our worship.
We shall not only see God–but see Him with unobstructed vision.
We shall not only love Him–but love Him with unwavering affections.
We shall not only praise Him–but praise Him in pure, exalted strains forever.

Glorious rest! Let us rise and hasten towards it with renewed vigor, for “Here we have no continuing city.”

PRAYER
Blessed be your name, O God, that You have prepared and reserved an everlasting rest for Your people. This poor world, You have taught us, is the scene of our toilsome pilgrimage–that we are not to expect our Heaven here. Yet O, how often are we building tabernacles on earth! We act as if this world were to be our permanent abode. Enable us, O God, to cast the eye of faith forward to the rest that remains for the people of God. Give us such views of its alluring glories, as shall make the brightest scenes of earth look dim. Let us see the enthroned Lamb! Let us see the pure company of the glorified saints and angels. Let us have a sweet foretaste of the celestial joys. Then, O God, shall we cease to desire the honors or the pleasures of this vain world. Then shall we forsake its attractions–allured by visions of so much superior luster. Amen.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001