Good morning,

Here is a bit of encouragement and challenge to start your week. Have you ever considered the Holy Spirit’s work in your life? Hopefully this will whet your appetite for further study.

The work of the Holy Spirit

(James Smith, “Rills from the Rock of Ages”, 1860)

I love to meditate on the work of the Holy Spirit, from whom we receive such great and invaluable blessings, and to whom we are so much indebted. To Him, I feel that I am indebted for every good thought, and for every good work. How wonderful His patience–that He should bear with me so long; and how wonderful His loving-kindness–that He should confer on me so much! O that I was more deeply sensible of my obligations!

It was the Holy Spirit who quickened me when I was dead in trespasses and sins . . .
imparting a new life,
infusing new thoughts, and
producing new desires in my soul.

Having quickened me, He conquered me, subduing . . .
the enmity of my heart,
the obstinacy of my will,
the worldliness of my affections,
and bringing every thought into subjection to the obedience of Christ.

Having quickened and conquered me, He comforted me, assuring me of a saving interest in . . .
the love of God,
the perfect work of Jesus,
the precious promises of the Word, and
the eternal rest which remains for the people of God.

Having quickened, conquered, and comforted me, He sanctified me by . . .
separating me from the world, and
setting me apart for my Redeemer’s glory and praise.

As my Sanctifier, He became my Guide . . .
leading me into the truth,
conducting me out of the paths of danger,
and directing me into the everlasting way.

Not only my guide, but He became my Guard . . .
preserving me from danger,
protecting me from foes, and
becoming a wall of fire round about me.

Whenever I wander–He reproves me; when I willfully go astray—He corrects me, and makes me smart for my folly.

The work He began so long ago–He carries on; nor will He withdraw His hand from it, until it is perfected, and I am fully fitted for glory.

Reader, what do you experimentally know of the work of the Holy Spirit?
Has He quickened you?
Has He conquered you?
Does He comfort you?
Are you sanctified by His presence, power, and operation in your heart?
Does He . . .
  guide you by His counsel,
guard you by His power, and
correct you for your follies?

The work of the Spirit within us–is as necessary as the work of Jesus for us! For if the atonement of Christ entitles us to glory–it is the work of the Holy Spirit that prepares us to possess and enjoy it. We must be washed, justified, and sanctified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of God–or we cannot be saved!

Have a great day.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Last Sunday Pastor Ben Burtch, Immanuel Baptist Church, preached a message that encapsulates where we are as a nation. He titled his message “Homosexuality, Righteous in America, Abomination Before God.”

I would challenge you to go to ibcpalmer.org and listen to his sermon. Hopefully, it will move you to action.

Clearly our nation is in desperate need of prayer. We need to “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Our nation’s leaders need salvation. Leadership will either lead their nation to God, and prosper, or away from God to destruction. In my lifetime, I have seen prayer taken out of schools, the murder of babies legalized, and same sex marriages approved. This last one caused the world to be destroyed in the flood and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed. God only puts up with sin for so long before He takes action.

Christians need to obey God. “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” (Joshua 1:8) We need to know what we believe. We need to be vocal about what we believe. We need to live it. Our communities, acquaintances, friends need to be able to tell we are believers in Jesus Christ. Think outside the box in your witness for Christ.

Expect persecution. The decisions being made today affect believers in Christ. We will go from being respected for believing in Christ to being ridiculed.  “ Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:¹³ But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)

Again, please listen to Pastor Burtch’s message. It is powerful, revealing, and convicting.

Let’s get to work!!!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Joseph Bianchi is a Pastor and has a unique insight on the local church.

A spiritual playpen where the crying babies must be appeased!

(Joseph Bianchi)

In the twenty-first century, we are obsessed with self-satisfaction and getting our desires met. Hence, any teaching that invades our lifestyle and tells us we must alter or discard out old habits, is usually consigned to the junk pile. In so thinking and doing, the church has been transformed into a spiritual playpen where the crying babies must be appeased with what makes them feel good.

The Evangelical world is abuzz with terms like “purpose driven church” or “seeker friendly church”. What these terms really amount to is one thing: compromise.

The goal of churches should not be to see how much like the world they can be, so as to make worldly people feel comfortable. Rather, the churches should be so unlike the world, so alien to the world, that the disillusioned unbeliever will be drawn to them.

“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.
For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?
Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
What harmony is there between Christ and Belial?
What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?
What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?
For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”  “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”  “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Two choices for a church. Compromising and Bible believing. Which do you attend? If you would like to discuss in more detail or you are not a believer in Jesus Christ, let’s talk.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Arthur Walkington Pink (1 April 1886 – 15 July 1952) was an English Christian evangelist and biblical scholar. He wrote many articles and books on the Christian faith.

The Christian life

(Arthur Pink)

“If anyone would come after Me, he must:
deny himself and
take up his cross daily and
follow Me.” Luke 9:23

The Christian life is a life that consists of following Jesus.

The first step toward a daily following of Christ, is the denying of self.

Many suppose they are followers of Christ, and yet ignore the path which He traveled. They imagine that may decline the unpleasant tasks of denying self and cross bearing–and yet enter Heaven when they die. What a delusion!

The one who disregards God’s commandments is not walking as Christ walked; instead, he is walking as the world walks.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand!” John 10:27-28

Today’s devotional challenges us to deny ourselves and follow Jesus. This is accomplished by obeying and following the commands of Jesus.

Meditate on these verses.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Each new week brings new opportunities to trust God. Today’s devotional will help you do that.

Carry all your concerns to Him–in the arms of faith!

(James Smith, “The Pastor’s Morning Visit”)

“Casting all your care upon Him–for He careth for you!” 1 Peter 5:7

The Lord knows all His people–all their needs, and all their trials.

He thinks upon them–to bless, deliver and supply them.

He keeps His eye upon them–in all places, at all times, and under all circumstances.

He has them in His hand–and will not loosen His hold.

He looks upon them always as His own ‘treasured possession’ . . .
the objects of His eternal love,
the purchase of His Son’s blood,
the temples of His Holy Spirit.

They are precious in His sight! 

He knows they are weak and fearful–and that they have many enemies. He teaches them to cast themselves and all their cares into His hands! And He has given them His promise–that He will care for them.

It is a Father’s care which He exercises. It is a wise, holy, tender, and constant care. Therefore all will be well with you–only trust Him.

Believe that He cares for you this day. Carry all your concerns to Him–in the arms of faith! Leave all with Him, persuaded that He will manage all by His infinite wisdom, and bring all to a good outcome by His omnipotent power.

Do not worry about anything. Cast all your cares upon Him–as fast as they come in.

“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Psalm 33 gives us a look at who God is. We see that God is good, creative, counselor, watchful, deliverer, and our hope. Today we will look at God as our deliverer and hope.

God delivers our souls from death (V 16-19)

There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. 17 An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. 18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; 19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.

When we think of war we think of mighty men. We believe that their might, strength, and numbers will give deliverance. But we would be wrong. It is those who fear the Lord and hope in his mercy.  Those are the ones who God will deliver from death and keep alive in famine. Never forget who is in charge. God is.

God is our help, shield, trust, mercy, and hope (V 20-22)

Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield. 21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. 22 Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.

Have you trusted in Christ? If so, He has made a promise to help and shield you. I don’t know about you, but it seems wonderful that the God of all creation, who knows me, sees everything I do, promises to always be with me, would help and shield me. I need God’s protection from myself, Satan, his demons, the flesh, and the temptations of this world. He is a merciful God because He loves us.

The conclusion is arranged by what God has done and how we are to react.

CONCLUSION:

1) God created all things

2) God’s mercy gives us hope today and in the future

3) God is always watching over us

4) God is our counselor

5) God is our deliverer

6) THEREFORE, we should rejoice, sing, and praise the od of our salvation

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

Psalm 33 gives us a look at who God is. We see that God is good, creative, counselor, watchful, deliverer, and our hope. Today we will look at God’s counsel and watch care over his children.

God’s counsel stands forever (V 10-12)

 The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. ¹¹ The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. ¹² Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

Today we have exposure to an extensive amount of knowledge. This knowledge should give us great wisdom on which to counsel people. However, God says He brings that counsel to nought or nothing. God says his counsel stands forever. This counsel is found in God’s word, the Bible. It gives us the answers we need from cradle to grave.

Then God states that He will bless the nation that has God as their Lord. Think about that statement. What countries do you know who has God as their Lord?

God is looking at the inhabitants of earth (V 13-15, Proverbs 15:3)

The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. ¹⁴ From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. ¹⁵ He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

These verses are a two sided coin. On the one side we know that God sees everything we do. When we are in need, God knows. When Satan is attacking us, God knows. When we are ready to quit, God knows. Since He does, we can have the assurance that He sees and is willing to help, if we seek Him.

However, on the other side of the coin, God sees everything we do. That means all the things we do in secret, that no one else knows about, God does. When we choose to willfully disobey God, that breaks our fellowship with Him. God then allows the Holy Spirit, which resides within us, to convict us of our sin and bring us back into fellowship with God.

I am very thankful that God has not left us alone, in this life, to fin for ourselves. He stated in Hebrews 13:5, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” What a great promise.

We serve a great God. Meditate on these truths today.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Psalm 33 gives us a look at who God is. We see that God is good, creative, counselor, watchful, deliverer, and our hope. Today we will look at God’s creative acts.

God speaks the world into existence (V 6-9 Genesis 1)

By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. ⁷ He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. ⁸ Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. ⁹ For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.

The word of the Lord is powerful. He spoke and it was done. In Genesis 1 the phrase, “And God said…” is used 9 times. The phrase “And God called…” is used 3 times. Other action words such as moved, saw, made, set, created, blessed, are also used. It is recorded that it took only 6 days to complete the creation. God rested on the 7^th day.

Interestingly enough, God also made us, on day 6. That means we are also a part of God’s creation. We owe Him our very existence. Does that factor into your everyday thinking? It is important. If we understand who created us, then we will know to whom we must place our allegiance. You see God created us, then after sin entered into the world; He also provided for us the perfect sacrifice for our sin debt. Jesus Christ, the perfect Lamb of God, was our blood sacrifice.  All that is required of us is to repent of our sins and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Have you done that? If not, contact me and we can talk about it.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

Psalm 33 gives us a look at who God is. We see that God is good, creative, counselor, watchful, deliverer, and our hope. Today we will look at God’s goodness.

Praise God for His goodness (V 1-5)

Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. ² Praise the Lord with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. ³ Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise. ⁴ For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth. ⁵ He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

We are told to do three things. Rejoice, praise, and sing. These are forms of worship to the Lord. Rejoice has the connotation to be glad or joyful. There are various ways to praise the Lord. Here it says with a harp. Then we told to sing a new song to the Lord. Why are we to do this? Because “…the word of the Lord is right;”, “…all his works are done in truth.”, “He loveth righteousness and judgment:”, and “…the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.”

So how do you worship God? I certainly rejoice that brought to belief in Jesus Christ. I praise Him in songs from hymnals, choruses, and Scripture songs. I enjoy thinking about who God is and what He has done for me.

Think about how you worship the Lord.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

This devotion may be helpful setting your priorities for the week!

Happiness lies in the heart, rather than in the purse!

(Charles Spurgeon, “A Good Start!”)

Contentment with your lot, and confidence in God–will make life peaceful and happy! A dinner of herbs with contentment, will yield a flavor of satisfaction unknown to those who eat the fattened ox.

It is better to be happy than to be rich–happiness lies in the heart, rather than in the purse!

It is not what a man has, but what a man is–which will decide his bliss or woe in both this life and the next.

“ Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. ¹² I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need!” Philippians 4:11-12

Be content.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001