Archives for 2020

Good morning,

I will be having cataract surgery on the 10^th and 17^th of February. I asked some of my friends to do the Daily Devotions for the next two weeks.

I appreciate your willingness to help me. You were chosen because you have played an important part in my growth, knowledge of God’s word, encouragement, or faithfulness in service over the 38 years I have been in Alaska. Please continue to minister and help others.

Enjoy!

Set it Aside

Fear not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. – Isaiah 41:10

We all do better when we see more clearly.  Yesterday, I noted how God sent Jesus – the Great Light – to show the world the way of life.  His light makes our vision possible.  Without it, we stumble in darkness, often living in a deep self-deception that we can know what is true, reliable, and useful apart from God.  

Our human nature is at fault.  Born to sin and to separation from God, we need our Redeemer to transform us from people living the nature we are born to, into people living in a very unnatural way – God’s Way.

This usually doesn’t happen in an instant.  Paul, having lived one of the most impactful justifying experiences of anyone, still wrote of his continuing journey towards sanctification.  As followers of Christ, we strive continually to get better, and we should never believe we’ve finally reached that point when God is finished making us a better person – at least not in this life.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. – 2 Corinthians 3:18

This is important.  Christ calls us to live above our human nature.  His power makes it possible for us to do this, and His Spirit shows us how.  But our humanity gets in the way.  

David McClelland (1917-1998) was a psychologist on the faculty at Harvard University when he developed a model of human motivation.  McClelland contended that three dominant needs – for achievement, for power, and for affiliation – underpin human motivation.  While his model explains a lot of human behavior, it falls short of a universal theory of human behavior.  And any serious reader of the Book of Genesis could have easily told Professor McClelland about the motivations behind the things we do.  Look at Joseph.

Joseph had quite a high opinion of himself; so much so that he irritated his brothers beyond endurance.  They conspired to kill him, but relented and “merely” sold him to slavers.  I wonder how Joseph’s experiences felt to him.  Was he afraid?

We humans respond powerfully to any threat that one of those things Professor McClelland cites might be lost.  Fear is one of those things that can literally overcome us to the point we can no longer think or act with reason.  At the very least, fear is a challenge to living faithfully.

That’s why God reminds us SO MANY times in scripture, “Do not fear,” usually followed by the reason we should not fear, “for I am with you.”  

Joseph must have reminded himself over and over again that, “God is with me, I don’t need to be afraid.”  This simple statement of faith helped him become the man God intended.  A slave in Egypt, Joseph set aside his understandable bitterness, resentment and anger.  He lived above his nature and accepted whatever God put before him.  In this obedience, Joseph became the man who saved his people from terrible famine, becoming the patriarch God ordained.

Contrast this with one of the saddest stories of Jesus’ earthly ministry.  There was a rich young man who earnestly wanted to follow God.  He kept the law and prayed obediently.  He came to Jesus wanting to know how to find the way to eternal life.  With love, Jesus told him to sell all he had and to, “Come and follow me.”  But the rich man went away sorrowful because he had much to “lose.”  

My heart breaks for him, yet I can see so much of myself and my friends in him.  He was afraid to lose power over those things Professor McClelland says are such powerful motivators. Standing face-to-face with Jesus, he chose the same things so many of us choose every day on the path of sanctification.  He chose to retain control over the things that mattered to him.  He did not surrender them because he was afraid.

Joseph set aside his fear and abandoned the notion that he would attain achievement, power, and affiliation on his own.  Stripped of everything he had relied on, he relied instead on God.  In doing so he found his life.  

Let us, who have not been stripped of everything, also find our life in the Lord.  Let us set aside our fear, for God is with us.

Chuck Foster, CEO, Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc

Good morning,

I will be having cataract surgery on the 10^th and 17^th of February. I asked some of my friends to do the Daily Devotions for the next two weeks.

I appreciate your willingness to help me. You were chosen because you have played an important part in my growth, knowledge of God’s word, encouragement, or faithfulness in service over the 38 years I have been in Alaska. Please continue to minister and help others.

Enjoy!

Light

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. –  Isaiah 9:2

This time of year brings a flood of light to Alaska.  It’s still February, but I always look forward to March because there is so much sunlight gained after a dark winter.  Thinking of that, I spoke with a friend who asked rather matter-of-factly, “We never think much about light.  What is it?”

Christians know the prophet Isaiah spoke of Jesus, the great light that showed all mankind the way of life.  But my friend was thinking about the literal light that comes from the sun, or the moon, or a ceiling fixture.  What is it?

Scientists say it is a segment of the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation that can be perceived by organic beings.  That may work for scientists, but it isn’t what most of us think of when we hear the word.  Common folk probably think the definition from Webster’s Dictionary says it well: light is “something that makes vision possible.”

I like that.  It’s clear: no light means no vision.  In darkness we are blind to both the blessings and evils that surround us.  We can neither perceive nor understand the reality in which we live.

I should pause here to acknowledge that those who have no eyesight would differ that they cannot perceive reality around them.  That’s not what I’m saying; of course they can!  But they see only through efforts which those of us with “normal” eyesight regard as rather extraordinary.  Sometimes they see reality more clearly than the rest, but given the option, everyone seeks to see more clearly.

So back to my point: if we have no light, we have darkness, and in darkness we live in peril and fear. This is true in both the material and spiritual sense.  In the material world, when we dwell in darkness, we are at a terrible disadvantage and nothing we do is as easy or safe as when we do it in the light.  Living in darkness, we can perceive neither the blessings nor dangers around us.  When we live in material darkness, one of our first desires is to get some light to dispel the dark.  We want to live in light.  The light makes our lives better.  But often we settle for just enough light to get by.  After all, a single candle lights a room, and sometimes that’s enough.

Is it enough, though?  We allow “a little” Jesus much the same way we might settle for a single candle in a dark room.  That single candle makes a BIG difference.  That’s Jesus. But Jesus doesn’t call us to settle for a little light.  Isaiah prophesied that we would live in a “Great Light.”  When we follow Jesus closely, we see his Light more.  In that Great Light, we will see things about our lives that we might wish could stay hidden in the dark.  But the Great Light did not come to shame us, but to illuminate our lives so we see reality – material and spiritual – in all God’s glory. 

When we walk in God’s Light, we see ourselves and the world as it truly is: broken and fallen, yet redeemed and restored.  Only with God’s Light are we able to see the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  When we walk in Jesus’ light, we see fully.  Let’s pray to see the world in God’s Light, through Jesus’ eyes.

 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. – John 8:12

Chuck Foster, CEO Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc

Good morning,

I will be having cataract surgery on the 10^th and 17^th of February. I asked some of my friends to do the Daily Devotions for the next two weeks.

I appreciate your willingness to help me. You were chosen because you have played an important part in my growth, knowledge of God’s word, encouragement, or faithfulness in service over the 38 years I have been in Alaska. Please continue to minister and help others.

Enjoy!

Help me Father, to do Your will……

So important for all of us to do, share with others about Salvation and the truth of God’s love for each of us!

Psalm 40:9-10

9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation:  lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest.

10  I have not hid they righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation:  I have not concealed thy loving-kindness and thy truth from the great congregation.

You may be saying, ‘I am timid and shy.  I can’t talk to others about Jesus”.  It’s easy if you first pray and let Him give you the words to say opening a conversation of how He blessed you this day or a day in your past.  He will give you the power, the joy and ‘watch His hand move mightily as you do just that’!

Let us pray:

My Father, God, make me bold to tell all people about your justices.  Make me not afraid to speak out.  I don’t want to keep this good news hidden in my heart; help me to talk unashamedly about your faithfulness and saving power.  Oh how much You love us!  Give me the words to say to others so that they will know and Holy Spirit open up minds and hearts to see. 

Rev. Priscilla Fulford, Pathway to Heaven Mission

I conduct the Christian Services here at Wasilla Senior Center.  every Sunday in the Meeting Room, 1301 S. Century Cir., Wasilla, AK 99654 at 11:30 am.

I am giving you a ‘special invitation’ to come and see how you like our services.  I promise you, you will feel the love and joy of the folks who are already coming and will enjoy feeling the Holy Spirit’s presence as you worship in song, praying, and hearing the anointed messages preached by me.  It is a Non-Denominational Service. Please call me if you would like to talk with me at 357-7274.  God bless you!

Good morning,
I will be having cataract surgery on the 10th and 17th of February. I asked some of my friends to do the Daily Devotions for the next two weeks.
I appreciate your willingness to help me. You were chosen because you have played an important part in my growth, knowledge of God’s word, encouragement, or faithfulness in service over the 38 years I have been in Alaska. Please continue to minister and help others.
Enjoy!

Steps for Staying in the Light

Psalms 119:11-16

I. A Detergent for Cleansing V. 9
a. How Ephesians 5:26
b. Who Titus 3:5
c. Why I Corinthians 10:31

II. A Deterrent from Wondering V.10
a. Keeping Power I Peter 1:5
b. Knowledge Power Psalms 19:7-14
c. Knowable Power Romans 1:19,20

III. A Determining Factor from Worldliness V.11
a. Focus Hebrews 12:1&2
b. Fear Matthew 10:27&28
c. Fight II Corinthians 10:4&5

IV. Developing a Favorable Witness V.12-15
a. Work Philippians 2:12
b. Watch I Thessalonians 5:6, Titus 2:3
c. Worship Revelation 22:8&9 Psalms 138:2, Proverbs 24:4&5

V. A Delightful Formula for Your Walk V. 16
a. Meditation Joshua 1:7-9, I Timothy 6:6-8
b. Memorization Psalms 119:11, II Timothy 2:15
c. Manifestation Colossians 1:9-14, II Timothy 3:16&17

This produces CONTENTMENT Psalms 37:4 COFIDENCE Philippians 1:6 COMPLETENESS Proverbs 3:5&6

Pastor Dan Jeffery retired Missionary builder / Pastor Continental Baptist Missions

Good morning,

I will be having cataract surgery on the 10^th and 17^th of February. I asked some of my friends to do the Daily Devotions for the next two weeks.

I appreciate your willingness to help me. You were chosen because you have played an important part in my growth, knowledge of God’s word, encouragement, or faithfulness in service over the 38 years I have been in Alaska. Please continue to minister and help others.

Enjoy!

I am with you always

Matthew 28:18-20

18  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; 

20  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.  Amen.

I am with you always………..

Jesus spoke these words to his disciples after his resurrection. 

He continues to proclaim this promise to all who will listen.

People respond to His continual Presence in various ways. 

Most Christians accept this teaching as truth but ignore it in their daily living. 

Some wounded believers fear and may even resent his awareness of all they do say, and think. 

A few people center their lives around this glorious promise and find themselves blessed beyond all expectations. 

When His Presence is the most important point of our consciousness, all the pieces of our life fall into place.  As we gaze at Him through the eyes of our heart, we can see the world around us from His perspective. 

The fact that I am with you makes every moment of our life meaningful.

Psalm 139:1-4

O Lord, thou has searched me, and known me.

2  Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising; thou understandest my thought afar off.

3  Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

4  For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest if altogether.

Rev. Priscilla Fulford, Pastor Pathway to Heaven Mission

WASI Christian Services

Sundays 11:30 am

357-7274

Good morning,

I will be having cataract surgery on the 10^th and 17^th of February. I asked some of my friends to do the Daily Devotions for the next two weeks.

I appreciate your willingness to help me. You were chosen because you have played an important part in my growth, knowledge of God’s word, encouragement, or faithfulness in service over the 38 years I have been in Alaska. Please continue to minister and help others.

Enjoy!

  REVEALING THE LORD IN OUR WALK!

Revelation 22:1-17

I. To Walk Submissively V.6,7

    a. Believe It   Psalms 119:1,3,6,

    b. Apply It     Psalms 1:1-3

    c. Obey It      Psalms 119:9-16

1. To Worship Triumphantly V.8,9

    a. Correctly     Job 4:24, Psalms 29:2

    b. Corporately Hebrews 10:24-25

    c. Cognitively   Matthew 4:10, Ephesians 6:6

III. To Witness Urgently V.10,11

      a. Redemptively    Ephesians 5:15,16 

      b. Regularly          Luke 2:49

      c. Refreshingly with joy & excitement Philippians 2:18

IV. To Work Fervently V. 12

      a. w/ purpose Ecclesiastes 12:13,14 Ephesians 5:16

      b. w/ Passion I John 3:16,17

      c. w/ Patience James 1:12, 5:7,8,11 & I Peter 2:19,20

V.  To Watch Expectantly   V. 12, 17, 20

     a. Because of Reunion I Thessalonians 4:17, John 14:3

     b. Because of Rest Matthew 11: 28

     c. Because of Reward Revelation 22:12, Hebrews.11:6

Pastor Dan Jeffery retired Pastor / Missionary with Continental Baptist Missions Grand Rapids Michigan                                                                       

Good morning,

I will be having cataract surgery on the 10^th and 17^th of February. I asked some of my friends to do the Daily Devotions for the next two weeks.

I appreciate your willingness to help me. You were chosen because you have played an important part in my growth, knowledge of God’s word, encouragement, or faithfulness in service over the 38 years I have been in Alaska. Please continue to minister and help others.

Enjoy!

Peace and Happiness

People are searching to and fro today to find peace and to find happiness.  So many are looking and don’t know what it is they are looking for while their hearts are troubled, confused and worried.  They are scared and don’t know who to turn to for help.

Meditate on these verses, considering the generosity and extravagance of God’s hospitality.  Pray your heart’s response to him.

John 14:1-4

1 Let not your heart be troubled:  ye believe in God, believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house are many mansions:  if it were not so, I would have told you, I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

Jesus, you are my way, my truth, and my life.  Only in your arms can I be at peace with God and know eternal life, now and forever.  Hold me close, Lord, I pray.

John 14:6-7

5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:  no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also:  and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.   

If you have asked Jesus to come into your heart, you will have the peace, joy and happiness knowing these verses.  If you have not asked Him to come into your heart and want to, please give me a call and I will be happy to lead you in the Sinner’s prayer; and He will come into your heart and life forevermore.

Rev. Priscilla Fulford, Pastor Pathway to Heaven Mission

WASI Christian Services

Sundays 11:30 am

357-7274

Good morning,

I will be having cataract surgery on the 10^th and 17^th of February. I asked some of my friends to do the Daily Devotions for the next two weeks.

I appreciate your willingness to help me. You were chosen because you have played an important part in my growth, knowledge of God’s word, encouragement, or faithfulness in service over the 38 years I have been in Alaska. Please continue to minister and help others.

Enjoy!

Angels

Who was that, that just changed my tire for me?

Mary was on her way to her job running behind because of the hurtful breakup which just occurred.  Her husband had left her as he had threatened to do so many times before. She was thinking of the things said to her and how it all ended when her tire went flat.  It was cold and windy.  She went off to the side of the road.  She started crying and praying ‘God please help me.’  She pushed the button to open the trunk.  As he got out of the car a man walked up saying it was okay, he would change her tire.  She felt a peace come over her and not scared for some reason.  He told her she could get back into her car out of the wind and cold and keep warm.  She still had such a peace, no fear and not afraid.  Before long, she heard the trunk shut and she got out of the car to thank him, but he had disappeared.  She thought to herself, how did he do that and so quickly?  Where did he go?   

Who was this person?  Why did they disappear so quickly and why did they help me?

People think of angels being huge, winged and radiant creatures, but that is only part of the story.  Some appear this way (Matthew 28:3), others come with dusty feet, ready for a meal (Genesis 18:1-5) and are easily mistaken for everyday people (Judges 13:16).  The writer of Hebrews says that by showing hospitability to strangers, we can entertain angels without realizing it.

We don’t know for sure if Mary’s helper was an angel, but according to Scripture, he could had been.  Angels are at work right now, helping God’s people (Hebrews 1:14).  And they can appear as ordinary as a person on the street.

Hebrews 13:1-3

1 Let brotherly love continue.

2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers:  for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

Verse 1 begins with a call to maintain brotherly love and then verse 2 encourages readers to go further by extending love to strangers maybe helping them in some way (offering meals or lodging).  This command is reinforced by the observation that some people ‘have shown hospitality to angels’ without knowing it.  Verse 3 calls readers to remember (and extend empathy to) prisoners and the mistreated. 

Men, women, children, and even animals are mistreated.  You just never know, but God knows and puts them in your path, listen to Him as He…. whispers to your heart, ‘help’.

What do you know about angels?  Can you think of an instance when you may have encountered one without realizing it at the time?

Thank You, God, for the angels You send meeting us in our time of need.

Rev. Priscilla Fulford, Pastor Pathway to Heaven Mission

WASI Christian Services &

Sundays 11:30 am

357-7274

Good morning,

I will be having cataract surgery on the 10^th and 17^th of February. I asked some of my friends to do the Daily Devotions for the next two weeks.

I appreciate your willingness to help me. You were chosen because you have played an important part in my growth, knowledge of God’s word, encouragement, or faithfulness in service over the 38 years I have been in Alaska. Please continue to minister and help others.

Enjoy!

REPENTANCE

This word is given to us in Scripture to help draw us to an eternal relationship with God, through Jesus Christ.

Matthew 4:17 “From the time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Jesus begins His preaching ministry urging men to repent. 

Why? Luke 13:3 Jesus again preaching said, ” Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”  

Jesus is carrying out the will of God who said in II Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness: but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 

God also has provided the way, through His love.  John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  This everlasting life (with God in heaven) is gained through true repentance.  Repentance means to change our minds and confess our sins.  I John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Repentance is a change of mind toward God and a realization that my sin can only be forgiven through Christ.  Luke 15:10 “I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”

Pastor Ben Burtch, Immanuel Baptist Church, Palmer, Alaska

Good morning,

I will be having cataract surgery on the 10^th and 17^th of February. I asked some of my friends to do the Daily Devotions for the next two weeks.

I appreciate your willingness to help me. You were chosen because you have played an important part in my growth, knowledge of God’s word, encouragement, or faithfulness in service over the 38 years I have been in Alaska. Please continue to minister and help others.

Enjoy!

CHRIST IS OUR SPIRITUAL CENTER

He is the central figure of Truth:   John 14:6   “Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”   This central figure is the only way to the Father and Salvation!

He is the central message of the Scriptures:  I Corinthians 15:3 “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.”  The Scripture is Truth without error!

He is the center of miraculous power, shown by His resurrection:  Ephesians 1:19,20 “And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.  Which he wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places.”   No Resurrection, no Salvation!

He is the central business of the church:  I Corinthians 2:2 “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”  I Corinthians 1:23,24 “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.”  Please read I Corinthians 1:22-31.

He is the central and the sum of all things:  Ephesians 1:10 “That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.”   He is now and forever the sum of all things spiritual!

Let us make Christ the true center of our lives! 

Pastor Ben Burtch

Immanuel Baptist Church

Palmer