Archives for 2020

Good morning,

Two weeks ago, we learned that God rules over everything, is all knowing, and sees everything. He cares about His creation and His people. Knowing this, we should not be fearful. Last week we studied why God tells us to “fear not”.

Knowing that God is in control and that we need not be fearful, we can begin to enjoy the blessings of God.

We will see how God blessed Israel, the church through the birth of Jesus, and the United States.

God blesses Israel and the Church Luke 1:26-35, 2:1-7

         a) Christ’s birth announced 1:26-35

                 1) Gabriel appears to Mary v 26-30 Key verse 30

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,²⁷ To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.²⁸ And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.²⁹ And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.³⁰ And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God.

                 2) Gabriel announces Jesus birth v 31-33 Key verse 31

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.³² He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:³³ And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

                 3) Virgin birth foretold v 34-35 Key verse 35

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? ³⁵ And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

         b) Christ’s birth 2:1-7

                 1) Caesar Augustus decrees all the world to be taxed v 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.

                 2) Jesus is born v 6-7 Key verse 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.

The birth of Jesus was a miracle. Only God could have orchestrated all the events that to happen to make Jesus birth reality.

This birth was to be a blessing to both Jews and gentiles.

He was the long awaited Messiah of Israel. Jesus met all the requirements to be the Messiah. The religious leaders should have known that Jesus was the Messiah. The Old Testament had many references to the coming Messiah. However, they either knew or rejected Him, or they were ignorant and not worthy of holding a position of leadership. Another option was that they were afraid of losing their positions of authority, if Jesus was the Messiah. So the religious leaders rejected Him!

However, there were many of the common people, Jews, who embraced Christ, His teachings, and that He was the long awaited Messiah. They were the first converts. They were blessed!

The gentiles on the other hand embraced Him. On the day of Pentecost, three thousand souls were saved. They heard of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and they said, “…Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37) “Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

That is what God requires for all who seek Christ. They must repent of their sins and trust Christ as Lord and Savior. The first act of obedience is to be baptized. The indwelling Holy Spirit comes to each believer in Christ.

The gentiles are blessed.

Would you like to be saved? Call me or send me an email or text.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Two weeks ago, we learned that God rules over everything, is all knowing, and sees everything. He cares about His creation and His people. Knowing this, we should not be fearful. Last week we studied why God tells us to “fear not”.

Knowing that God is in control and that we need not be fearful, we can begin to enjoy the blessings of God.

We will see how God blessed Israel, the church through the birth of Jesus, and the United States.

GOD’S BLESSINGS

Remember his marvelous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; (Psalms 105:5)

Introduction

1) God blesses Israel Psalm 105

         a) Praise and remembrance

                 1) Praise v 1-4 Key verse 1

                 2) Remembrance v5-8 Key verse 5

         b)  God blesses Israel

                 1) Abrahamic Covenant v 9-11 Key verse 11

                 2) God’s protection v 12-15 Key verse 15    

                 3) Famine and Joseph v16-22 Key verses 21-22        

                 4) Israel enters Egypt and increased His people v23-24 

                 5) God’s signs to Egypt through Moses v 25-38 Key verses 37-38 

                 6) God leads His people v 39

                 7) God provides food and water v 40-41

                 8) God keeps His promise to Abraham v 42-45 Key verse 42                                                                                                                                                                                                              

2) God blesses Israel and the Church Luke 1:26-35, 2:1-7

         a) Christ’s birth announced 1:26-35

                 1) Gabriel appears to Mary v 26-30 Key verse 30

                 2) Gabriel announces Jesus birth v 31-33 Key verse 31

                 3) Virgin birth foretold v 34-35 Key verse 35

         b) Christ’s birth 2:1-7

                 1) Caesar Augustus decrees all the world to be taxed v 1-5

                 2) Jesus is born v 6-7 Key verse 7

3) God blesses the United States

         a) God allows Europeans to flee spiritual persecution

         b) Original settlements were governed by Scriptural principals

         c) God protected the settlers

         d) God provided for the settlers

Conclusion

• God blesses Israel
• God blessed the Israel and the Church by allowing Jesus to be born and fulfill many Old Testament prophecies
• God blessed the original settlers to our land with spiritual freedom, protection, and food

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Two weeks ago, we learned that God rules over everything, is all knowing, and sees everything. He cares about His creation and His people. Knowing this, we should not be fearful. Last week we studied why God tells us to “fear not”.

Knowing that God is in control and that we need not be fearful, we can begin to enjoy the blessings of God.

We will see how God blessed Israel, the church through the birth of Jesus, and the United States.

God blesses Israel Psalm 105

b)  God blesses Israel

                 1) Abrahamic Covenant v 9-11 Key verse 11

Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac;¹⁰ And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant:¹¹ Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance:

                 2) God’s protection v 12-15 Key verse 15

When they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it.¹³ When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people;¹⁴ He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes;¹⁵ Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

                 3) Famine and Joseph v16-22 Key verses 21-22

Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread.¹⁷ He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:¹⁸ Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron:¹⁹ Until the time that his word came: the word of the Lord tried him.²⁰ The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free. ²¹ He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance:²² To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.

                 4) Israel enters Egypt and increased His people v23-24

 ²³ Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.²⁴ And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies.

                 5) God’s signs to Egypt through Moses v 25-38 Key verses 37-38

He turned their heart to hate his people, to deal subtilely with his servants.²⁶ He sent Moses his servant; and Aaron whom he had chosen.²⁷ They shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.²⁸ He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word.²⁹ He turned their waters into blood, and slew their fish.³⁰ Their land brought forth frogs in abundance, in the chambers of their kings.³¹ He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and lice in all their coasts.³² He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land.³³ He smote their vines also and their fig trees; and brake the trees of their coasts.³⁴ He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillars, and that without number,³⁵ And did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground.³⁶ He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.³⁷ He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.³⁸ Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them.

                 6) God leads His people v 39

He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night.

                 7) God provides food and water v 40-41

The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.⁴¹ He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river.

                 8) God keeps His promise to Abraham v 42-45 Key verse 42 

For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant.⁴³ And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:⁴⁴ And gave them the lands of the heathen: and they inherited the labor of the people;⁴⁵ That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the Lord.

When God makes covenant with Israel, it is irrevocable. God never goes back on His word. Through the whole process God took care of Israel. Even when they were slaves in Egypt, God protected them. God put up with their rebellion, whining, and ungratefulness, and brought them into the promised land. Just as He promised.

God does the same for us. The Bible is filled with promises. Do we know what they are? Do we understand them in the context of the Scriptures? Do we claim them? It is so exciting to watch God work in our lives.

Several caveats though.

First, we must be walking with God. Salvation, then, reading and studying the Bible.

Second, determine who the promise was meant. Israel, the church, specific individuals.

Third, be careful what promises we claim. It might change our lives.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Two weeks ago, we learned that God rules over everything, is all knowing, and sees everything. He cares about His creation and His people. Knowing this, we should not be fearful. Last week we studied why God tells us to “fear not”.

Knowing that God is in control and that we need not be fearful, we can begin to enjoy the blessings of God.

We will see how God blessed Israel, the church through the birth of Jesus, and the United States.

God blesses Israel Psalm 105

         a) Praise and remembrance

                 1) Praise v 1-4 Key verse 1

O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.² Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.³ Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.⁴ Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore.

                 2) Remembrance v5-8 Key verse 5

Remember his marvelous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;⁶ O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen.⁷ He is the Lord our God: his judgments are in all the earth. ⁸ He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.

Psalm 105 is a Psalm of remembrance. It tells us of the Abrahamic covenant and takes us to the time when Israel is in the land of promise.

However, prior to this God wants Israel to praise Him. Praise has many forms. We are to give thanks, call upon His name, make known His deeds, sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him, talk of His wondrous works, glory in His name, rejoice in the Lord, seek the Lord, and seek His face.

Do we take the time to praise God in this way?

Then, God wants Israel to remember what He has done for them in the past. He calls them, marvelous works, wonders, and judgments.

How long has it been since we have gotten alone with God and remembered all the marvelous works God has done for us? This would honor God and strengthen our trust in God.

What God has done the past, He is able to do now and in the future.

Take some time alone with God. Praise Him and rehearse all the great things God has done. It will remind us how great a God we serve.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Believer, what are you doing, going groaning through the world beneath a load of fears and cares?

(Thomas Guthrie, 1803-1873)

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31

There is no such thing as chance. All the reins that guide and govern the world are gathered into the hands of Jesus.

His care of His people extends to the most common, minute, and apparently trivial matters–all are links in the golden chain of providence.

Divine Providence is a comforting doctrine, too precious to be parted with! Let the thought that Jesus . . .
  watches over all your affairs,
  and guards your welfare,
  and guides all your ways–
banish your every anxious care.

I do not say that you will never be disappointed, but certainly you ought never to be discontented. Many things in your circumstances may occasion anxious thought, but nothing should occasion or can excuse sinful repining.

Child of God! He has numbered the hairs of your head, as well as the stars of Heaven!

Believer, what are you doing, going groaning through the world beneath a load of fears and cares? What should discourage you? What should disturb your peace? What can ruffle the calm spirit of a man who knows that the hands which were once nailed to the tree for him, now hold the helm of his destiny? The blessed Savior, who by love’s golden scepter reigns within his heart, holds sovereign sway over earth and Heaven; and. .
  by both bitter and sweet providences,
  by both coffins and cradles,
  by both disappointments and joys,
  by both losses and gains,
shall cause all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose.
   ~  ~  ~  ~
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Fear debilitates. Fear destroys. God saves, comforts, and protects His people Israel and those that place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for their salvation.

Last week we saw that God rules over His creation and knows all things. Knowing this should help us not to fear. But we do.

The term “fear not” is used many times in Scripture. This week we will look at, Fear not for God is with thee, with the fearful, and He is our redeemer.

Fear not for God is:

THE REDEEMER

But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. (Isaiah 43:1)

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. (Revelation 1:17-18)

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32)

But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. (Luke 8:50)

And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong. (Zechariah 8:13)

CONCLUSION:

WE ARE SECURE IN THE HANDS OF GOD!

God redeemed Israel and redeems us also. God has a special place for His covenant people Israel. The Bible states that the nation of Israel will be gathered unto her land. The divided kingdom shall be united. Many Jews will accept Yeshua, Jesus, as Savior and Lord. The Messiah, King Jesus, will sit on His throne for a thousand years. The nation of Israel is being redeemed.

The gentile believers are also being redeemed. Since the time of Jesus, many people have accepted Jesus Christ by faith. They have gone out and told others and the process of reaching the world for Christ is on-going.

Are you redeemed? Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ? Having accepted His offer of salvation (redemption) through the perfect blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. Who willingly went to the cross for mankind to pay our sin debt with His blood.

“ Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;¹⁹ But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1Peter 1:19-20)

“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.¹⁷ For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Will you be redeemed today?

Already redeemed, would you tell someone else about how to be a believer in Christ? We have the cure for a deadly disease, sin. Are we willing to deprive others of the cure?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Fear debilitates. Fear destroys. God saves, comforts, and protects His people Israel and those that place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for their salvation.

Last week we saw that God rules over His creation and knows all things. Knowing this should help us not to fear. But we do.

The term “fear not” is used many times in Scripture. This week we will look at, Fear not for God is with thee, with the fearful, and He is our redeemer.

FEAR NOT

Isaiah 43:1

…Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

Introduction:

Fear not for God is:

1) WITH THEE

After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. (Genesis 15:1)

And the Lord appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham’s sake. (Genesis 26:24)

And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord. (1 Chronicles 28:20)

For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 41:13-14)

Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; (Isaiah 43:5)

2) WITH THE FEARFUL

Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you. (Isaiah 35:4)

Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged. (Deuteronomy 1:21)

And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; (Deuteronomy 20:3)

And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.  (Deuteronomy 31:8)

And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. (2 Kings 6:16)

3) THE REDEEMER

But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. (Isaiah 43:1)

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. (Revelation 1:17-18)

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32)

But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. (Luke 8:50)

And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong. (Zechariah 8:13)

CONCLUSION:

WE ARE SECURE IN THE HANDS OF GOD!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001, chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Fear debilitates. Fear destroys. God saves, comforts, and protects His people Israel and those that place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for their salvation.

Last week we saw that God rules over His creation and knows all things. Knowing this should help us not to fear. But we do.

The term “fear not” is used many times in Scripture. This week we will look at, Fear not for God is with thee, with the fearful, and He is our redeemer.

Fear not for God is:

WITH THE FEARFUL

Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you. (Isaiah 35:4)

Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged. (Deuteronomy 1:21)

And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; (Deuteronomy 20:3)

And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.  (Deuteronomy 31:8)

And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. (2 Kings 6:16)

Fear thou 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)

Even though God says not to be fearful, we are.

The uncertainty of our lives causes us to be fearful. The circumstances around us cause us to be fearful. The state of our nation and foreign nations cause us to be fearful. The leadership of our nation causes us to be fearful. COVID-19 causes us to be fearful.

So many concerns, coupled with so many questions, make us fearful. We are unable to make sense of it all.

God says, “…fear not…” He tells us to be strong, not to be discouraged, not to be dismayed, not to let our hearts faint, not to tremble, not to be dismayed, because He will save us, go before us, be with us, not fail us, not forsake us, He will be with us, strengthen us, help us, and uphold us with His right hand of righteousness.

These promises were made to the nation of Israel. However, the same God who protects Israel, is the same God who called each of us to salvation in Christ, will protect us.

We have nothing to fear if we trust in Christ.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com    

Good morning,

Fear debilitates. Fear destroys. God saves, comforts, and protects His people Israel and those that place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for their salvation.

Last week we saw that God rules over His creation and knows all things. Knowing this should help us not to fear. But we do.

The term “fear not” is used many times in Scripture. This week we will look at, Fear not for God is with thee, with the fearful, and He is our redeemer.

Fear not for God is:

WITH THEE

After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. (Genesis 15:1)

And the Lord appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham’s sake. (Genesis 26:24)

And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord. (1 Chronicles 28:20)

For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 41:13-14)

Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; (Isaiah 43:5)

When Abram, Isaac, Solomon, and the nation of Israel, feared, God said, “…fear not…” Why? Because God was in control of the situation. He was personally assuring these individuals of His constant presence. 

How did God express His presence? He said, I am thy shield, I am with thee, and I will help thee.

Believers in Christ have the Holy Spirit of God living inside them. The Holy Spirit helps the believer in Christ to make wise decisions, warns when they are prone to stray from God, and comforts in times of crisis.

That should cause us to FEAR NOT.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

God rules over His creation. Is that theology or practicality in our lives? Another election cycle will be over this week. The results will not be known for days, weeks, or months.

God is not a politician.

This week we see, from the Scriptures, that God reigns over His creation. It is His. He made it. Whether we agree with the outcome of the election, God is still in control. Never forget that.

GOD’S OMNISCIENCE is defined as “the state of having total knowledge, the quality of knowing everything.” For God to be sovereign over His creation of all things, whether visible or invisible, He has to be all-knowing. His omniscience is not restricted to any one person in the Godhead—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all by nature omniscient.

E.  GOD IS WATCHING US (PSM 33:13-15) V13

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.

         F.  GOD CHOSE US BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD (EPH 1:3-4)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:⁴ According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

         G.  GOD KNOWS WHAT WE DO (PSM 139:1-4)

 O lord, thou hast 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 it altogether.

         H.  GOD MADE KNOWN TO US THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL (EPH 1:9-10)

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 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:

CONCLUSION:

1) GOD RULES IN THE LIVES OF MEN

2) GOD KNOWS ALL THINGS

3) TRUST GOD IN THE CRISIS

4) GOD WILL WORK OUT ALL THINGS FOR HIS HONOR AND GLORY

5) HE WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU

Knowing that God is all knowing, how should we conduct ourselves? Obeying God would be a good start. When the challenges of life, Covid-19, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, a family member dies, or an election does not turn out how we desire, where do we turn? How do we act? Each situation has its own response.

However, our first response should be going to God. Whether crying, in pain, in disgust, or jubilant, happy, and joyful, God knows exactly what we are going through. We might not understand, but God does. He is the one who will see us through all the trials in our lives. Hebrews 13:5 states:

“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.”

God cares about us. He is but a prayer away. He will bring comfort to all our needs.

Trust Him fully.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com