Archives for December 2023

Good morning,

This year is almost over. For some this was a year of joy and contentment, but for others of loss and hardship. For some a combination of both. Whatever situation you are in, this would be a good time to reflect on what God has done during this past year. When we reflect on God’s all knowing, ever-present, all-powerful character, then the events of the year may have a clearer meaning. Then we need to ask ourselves, “How did we deal with these events?” How did we glorify God this year? What could we have done better? Then we set some goals for next year.

The Song of Moses will be our text for this week. Moses is getting ready to die. He writes this song to remind Israel of their past and what they will do in the future. Our goal is to take lessons from Moses’ teaching and apply it to our lives.

Song of Moses

Deuteronomy 32:1-43

God’s judgment on Israel’s enemies (v34-38) 

³⁴ Is not this laid up in store with me, and sealed up among my treasures?³⁵ To me belongeth vengeance and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.³⁶ For the Lord shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.³⁷ And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,³⁸ Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? let them rise up and help you, and be your protection. 

“The possibility of compassion is implied as the poet turns his attention to the “impending doom” which would come upon those enemies of Israel whom God would employ as His instruments of judgment (v34-35). God could use the foreign nations to execute judgment on His own people (Is. 10:5; 39:6; 44:28); yet they would remain responsible for their acts. Verse 35 is quoted in Romans 12:18 and Hebrews 10:30. (Liberty Annotated Study Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1975, pg. 351) 

Vindication and vengeance of God (v39-43) 

³⁹ See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.⁴⁰ For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.⁴¹ If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.⁴² I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.⁴³ Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people. 

“These verses contain the vindication and vengeance of God. There is no god with me (beside Me). The false gods are impotent; only Yahweh can kill, and . . . make alive . . . wound and . . . heal. I lift up my hand to heaven symbolizes the making of an oath, which is introduced by the formula that follows. God declares that He will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me. Even though Israel’s enemies had been instrumental in the execution of God’s judgment on Israel, they themselves would eventually experience the wrath of God for their evil acts. (Liberty Annotated Study Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1975, pg. 351) 

CHALLENGE 

Remember 2023 

Plan 2024 

Trust God always 

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

Good morning,

This year is almost over. For some this was a year of joy and contentment, but for others of loss and hardship. For some a combination of both. Whatever situation you are in, this would be a good time to reflect on what God has done during this past year. When we reflect on God’s all knowing, ever-present, all-powerful character, then the events of the year may have a clearer meaning. Then we need to ask ourselves, “How did we deal with these events?” How did we glorify God this year? What could we have done better? Then we set some goals for next year.

The Song of Moses will be our text for this week. Moses is getting ready to die. He writes this song to remind Israel of their past and what they will do in the future. Our goal is to take lessons from Moses’ teaching and apply it to our lives.

Song of Moses

Deuteronomy 32:1-43

Israel forsakes God (v15-18) 

¹⁵ But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.¹⁶ They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger.¹⁷ They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.¹⁸ Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee. 

God hides His face from Israel (v19-26) 

¹⁹ And when the Lord saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters. And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith. ²¹ They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.²² For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.²³ I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them.²⁴ They shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of serpents of the dust.²⁵ The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs.²⁶ I said, I would scatter them into corners, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men: 

Israel lacks counsel and understanding (v27-33) 

²⁷ Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, and lest they should say, Our hand is high, and the Lord hath not done all this.²⁸ For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them. ²⁹ O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!³⁰ How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had shut them up?³¹ For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.³² For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter:³³ Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps. 

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

Good morning,

This year is almost over. For some this was a year of joy and contentment, but for others of loss and hardship. For some a combination of both. Whatever situation you are in, this would be a good time to reflect on what God has done during this past year. When we reflect on God’s all knowing, ever-present, all-powerful character, then the events of the year may have a clearer meaning. Then we need to ask ourselves, “How did we deal with these events?” How did we glorify God this year? What could we have done better? Then we set some goals for next year.

The Song of Moses will be our text for this week. Moses is getting ready to die. He writes this song to remind Israel of their past and what they will do in the future. Our goal is to take lessons from Moses’ teaching and apply it to our lives.

Song of Moses

Deuteronomy 32:1-43

Introduction (v1-3)
Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.2 My
doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the
tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:3 Because I will publish the name of the
LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.

“The introduction to the song. Heavens, and… earth (See 4:26; 3:19; 31:28.): The song
functions as a part of the witness to the renewal of the covenant. My doctrine…my speech:
This refers to the content of the song, which follows. Doctrine is one of several words in the
song that is also used in wisdom literature (Prov. 1:5) Name of the Lord has various
implications in Deuteronomy (5:11; 12:5), and here it gathers together the various
attributes of God indicated by His name, which will be set forth in the in the verses that
follow.” (Liberty Annotated Study Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1975, pg. 349)

Faithful God, faithless people (v4-9)
4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and
without iniquity, just and right is he.5 They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not
the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation.6 Do ye thus requite
the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he
not made thee, and established thee?7 Remember the days of old, consider the years of
many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.8
When the Most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the
sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of
Israel.9 For the LORD’s portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.

“A faithful God and a faithless people are pictured. The Rock: The word is placed first in
the Hebrew for emphasis. It emphasizes the stability and permanence of the God of Israel.
His unchanging nature is contrasted with the fickleness of the covenant people. Most High
is a title that emphasizes God’s sovereignty and authority over all nations, whereas in
relation to His own people He is called the Lord (Yahweh) as in Exodus 3 and 6. In Genesis
10, He allotted to the nations their inheritance (portion) of the earth as their home, and
fixed the boundaries of peoples in relation to Israel’s numbers.” (Liberty Annotated Study
Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1975, pg. 349-350)

The goodness of God (v10-14)
10 He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he
instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest,
fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her
wings:12 So the LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.
13 He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields;
and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock; 14 Butter of
kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with
the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.

“The goodness of God is depicted. He is pictured as a Father-figure, caring for His people in
every dimension of their lives, bringing them out of the land, and guiding and providing for
them during their travels.” (Liberty Annotated Study Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers,
1975, pg. 350)

Israel forsakes God (v15-18) 

¹⁵ But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.¹⁶ They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger.¹⁷ They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.¹⁸ Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee. 

God hides His face from Israel (v19-26) 

¹⁹ And when the Lord saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters. And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith. ²¹ They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.²² For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.²³ I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them.²⁴ They shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of serpents of the dust.²⁵ The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs.²⁶ I said, I would scatter them into corners, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men: 

Israel lacks counsel and understanding (v27-33) 

²⁷ Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, and lest they should say, Our hand is high, and the Lord hath not done all this.²⁸ For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them. ²⁹ O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!³⁰ How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had shut them up?³¹ For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.³² For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter:³³ Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps. 

God’s judgment on Israel’s enemies (v34-38) 

³⁴ Is not this laid up in store with me, and sealed up among my treasures?³⁵ To me belongeth vengeance and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.³⁶ For the Lord shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.³⁷ And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,³⁸ Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? let them rise up and help you, and be your protection. 

“The possibility of compassion is implied as the poet turns his attention to the “impending doom” which would come upon those enemies of Israel whom God would employ as His instruments of judgment (v34-35). God could use the foreign nations to execute judgment on His own people (Is. 10:5; 39:6; 44:28); yet they would remain responsible for their acts. Verse 35 is quoted in Romans 12:18 and Hebrews 10:30. (Liberty Annotated Study Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1975, pg. 351) 

Vindication and vengeance of God (v39-43) 

³⁹ See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.⁴⁰ For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.⁴¹ If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.⁴² I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.⁴³ Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people. 

“These verses contain the vindication and vengeance of God. There is no god with me (beside Me). The false gods are impotent; only Yahweh can kill, and . . . make alive . . . wound and . . . heal. I lift up my hand to heaven symbolizes the making of an oath, which is introduced by the formula that follows. God declares that He will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me. Even though Israel’s enemies had been instrumental in the execution of God’s judgment on Israel, they themselves would eventually experience the wrath of God for their evil acts. (Liberty Annotated Study Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1975, pg. 351) 

CHALLENGE 

Remember 2023 

Plan 2024 

Trust God always 

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

Good morning,

This year is almost over. For some this was a year of joy and contentment, but for others of loss and hardship. For some a combination of both. Whatever situation you are in, this would be a good time to reflect on what God has done during this past year. When we reflect on God’s all knowing, ever-present, all-powerful character, then the events of the year may have a clearer meaning. Then we need to ask ourselves, “How did we deal with these events?” How did we glorify God this year? What could we have done better? Then we set some goals for next year.

The Song of Moses will be our text for this week. Moses is getting ready to die. He writes this song to remind Israel of their past and what they will do in the future. Our goal is to take lessons from Moses’ teaching and apply it to our lives.

Song of Moses

Deuteronomy 32:1-43

Introduction (v1-3)
Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.2 My
doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the
tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:3 Because I will publish the name of the
LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.

“The introduction to the song. Heavens, and… earth (See 4:26; 3:19; 31:28.): The song
functions as a part of the witness to the renewal of the covenant. My doctrine…my speech:
This refers to the content of the song, which follows. Doctrine is one of several words in the
song that is also used in wisdom literature (Prov. 1:5) Name of the Lord has various
implications in Deuteronomy (5:11; 12:5), and here it gathers together the various
attributes of God indicated by His name, which will be set forth in the in the verses that
follow.” (Liberty Annotated Study Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1975, pg. 349)

Faithful God, faithless people (v4-9)
4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and
without iniquity, just and right is he.5 They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not
the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation.6 Do ye thus requite
the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he
not made thee, and established thee?7 Remember the days of old, consider the years of
many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.8
When the Most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the
sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of
Israel.9 For the LORD’s portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.

“A faithful God and a faithless people are pictured. The Rock: The word is placed first in
the Hebrew for emphasis. It emphasizes the stability and permanence of the God of Israel.
His unchanging nature is contrasted with the fickleness of the covenant people. Most High
is a title that emphasizes God’s sovereignty and authority over all nations, whereas in
relation to His own people He is called the Lord (Yahweh) as in Exodus 3 and 6. In Genesis
10, He allotted to the nations their inheritance (portion) of the earth as their home, and
fixed the boundaries of peoples in relation to Israel’s numbers.” (Liberty Annotated Study
Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1975, pg. 349-350)

The goodness of God (v10-14)
10 He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he
instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest,
fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her
wings:12 So the LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.
13 He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields;
and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock; 14 Butter of
kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with
the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.

“The goodness of God is depicted. He is pictured as a Father-figure, caring for His people in
every dimension of their lives, bringing them out of the land, and guiding and providing for
them during their travels.” (Liberty Annotated Study Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers,
1975, pg. 350)

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

Good morning,

Christmas is Wednesday, December 25. It is time to focus on why we celebrate this event. The announcements that were made to Isaiah, Micah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. The story of Jesus birth. The praise of the angels, shepherds, Simeon, and Anna.

From the very beginning it is a supernatural story. Only God could have arranged all the details to make it happen. But happen it did.

Today we look at the praise of the angels, shepherds, Simeon, and Anna.

The Praise of the Heavenly Host, Shepherds, Simeon, and Anna

Luke 2:13-14 The Heavenly Host

 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.

Luke 2:15-20 The Shepherds

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.¹⁷ 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.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.

Luke 2:25-32 Simeon’s Praise

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.²⁶ And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.²⁷ And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,²⁸ Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,²⁹ Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:³⁰ For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,³¹ Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;³² A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Luke 2:36-38 Anna’s Thanksgiving  

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;³⁷ And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.³⁸ And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

God made His first revelation of Jesus to the lowliest class of people, the shepherds. The message of salvation was for all people. They went and told others of what they had seen and heard.

Simeon waited patiently for the coming of the Lord. He was promised he would not see death till he saw Jesus.  The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus to him and he rejoices and praises God.

Anna, a widow for 84 years, who served God faithfully in the temple, sees Jesus and gives thanks.

What does the birth of Christ mean to you? Is a time of rejoicing, praise, and worship, or an excuse to party, buy gifts, and take a day off of work? It is an important question. If Jesus birth, life, death, and resurrection mean nothing or very little to you, you might want to consider your salvation.

Salvation is not just naming Christ, but living as He would have lived. His character, empathy, love, grace, should be qualities we should see in fellow believers. We should be students of the Bible for knowledge and for practical everyday living. The Bible is our guidebook on how to live life. The answers to all life’s questions are answered in God’s Holy Word.

May this Christmas be a time of reflection, renewal, encouragement, and understanding of the real meaning of Christmas. Your eternity is wrapped up in the babe in the manger.

Have a blessed Christmas.

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

Good morning,

Christmas is Wednesday, December 25. It is time to focus on why we celebrate this event. The announcements that were made to Isaiah, Micah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. The story of Jesus birth. The praise of the angels, shepherds, Simeon, and Anna.

The Christmas Story

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

1) THE ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.   

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Micah 5:2

 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Luke 1:26-35

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.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.³⁴ 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.

Matthew 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.¹⁹ Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.²⁰ But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.²¹ 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.²⁴ Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:²⁵ And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.

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.

These passages tell God’s plan. A virgin will conceive, bear a son, who will rule forever, named Jesus, to save the people from their sins. The first people God presented our Savior was to lowly shepherds.

2) THE BIRTH

Luke 2:1-7

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.⁶ 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.

Matthew 1:18-25, 2:1

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.¹⁹ Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.²⁰ But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.²¹ 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.²⁴ Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:²⁵ And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea…

Jesus is born just as the announcements prophesied. Virgin born, born in Bethlehem, laid in a manger, alone. From the perspective of man, this was all logical. Mary and Joseph were poor, from a non-descript village, questionable parents, among thousands of other pilgrims coming in for the taxation. Why would anyone care about them? We will see tomorrow that many did care. They were not alone. And this baby was destined to change the world!

Jesus birth also pictured His life. The swaddling clothes picture His death. The manger pictures His ministry where He had no place to lay His head. The travel Jesus parents made was indicative of His ministry of preaching from city to city.

God had a plan. The babe in the manger is the Savior of the world and more importantly of you and I. Do you know Him? If not, today would be a perfect time to repent of your sins and by faith accept Jesus offer of salvation.

3) THE PRAISE OF THE HEAVENLY HOST, SHEPHERDS, SIMEON, AND ANNA

Luke 2:13-14 The Heavenly Host

 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.

Luke 2:15-20 The Shepherds

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.¹⁷ 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.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.

Luke 2:25-32 Simeon’s Praise

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.²⁶ And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.²⁷ And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,²⁸ Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,²⁹ Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:³⁰ For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,³¹ Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;³² A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Luke 2:36-38 Anna’s Thanksgiving  

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;³⁷ And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.³⁸ And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

God made His first revelation of Jesus to the lowliest class of people, the shepherds. The message of salvation was for all people. They went and told others of what they had seen and heard.

Simeon waited patiently for the coming of the Lord. He was promised he would not see death till he saw Jesus.  The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus to him and he rejoices and praises God.

Anna, a widow for 84 years, who served God faithfully in the temple, sees Jesus and gives thanks.

What does the birth of Christ mean to you? Is a time of rejoicing, praise, and worship, or an excuse to party, buy gifts, and take a day off of work? It is an important question. If Jesus birth, life, death, and resurrection mean nothing or very little to you, you might want to consider your salvation.

Salvation is not just naming Christ, but living as He would have lived. His character, empathy, love, grace, should be qualities we should see in fellow believers. We should be students of the Bible for knowledge and for practical everyday living. The Bible is our guidebook on how to live life. The answers to all life’s questions are answered in God’s Holy Word.

May this Christmas be a time of reflection, renewal, encouragement, and understanding of the real meaning of Christmas. Your eternity is wrapped up in the babe in the manger.

Have a blessed Christmas.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Christmas is Wednesday, December 25. It is time to focus on why we celebrate this event. The announcements that were made to Isaiah, Micah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. The story of Jesus birth. The praise of the angels, shepherds, Simeon, and Anna.

From the very beginning it is a supernatural story. Only God could have arranged all the details to make it happen. But happen it did.

Today the announcements come to fruition. The babe who was to be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace, Emmanuel, Jesus, would be born in a stable. Not quite what we would envision for the Messiah.

THE BIRTH

Luke 2:1-7

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.⁶ 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.

Matthew 1:18-25, 2:1

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.¹⁹ Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.²⁰ But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.²¹ 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.²⁴ Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:²⁵ And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea…

Jesus is born just as the announcements prophesied. Virgin born, born in Bethlehem, laid in a manger, alone. From the perspective of man, this was all logical. Mary and Joseph were poor, from a non-descript village, questionable parents, among thousands of other pilgrims coming in for the taxation. Why would anyone care about them? We will see tomorrow that many did care. They were not alone. And this baby was destined to change the world!

Jesus birth also pictured His life. The swaddling clothes picture His death. The manger pictures His ministry where He had no place to lay His head. The travel Jesus parents made was indicative of His ministry of preaching from city to city.

God had a plan. The babe in the manger is the Savior of the world and more importantly of you and I. Do you know Him? If not, today would be a perfect time to repent of your sins and by faith accept Jesus offer of salvation.

Tomorrow we will look at those who first saw Jesus and their reactions.

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

Good morning,

Christmas is Wednesday, December 25. It is time to focus on why we celebrate this event. The announcements that were made to Isaiah, Micah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. The story of Jesus birth. The praise of the angels, shepherds, Simeon, and Anna.

From the very beginning it is a supernatural story. Only God could have arranged all the details to make it happen. But happen it did.

Today let us look at the announcements the Lord made to Isaiah and Micah, the Angel to Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds.

Adam and Eve disobeyed God. That first sin is passed down to all men. Jesus Christ willingly gave up His heavenly home to come to earth to pay the debt for sin that mankind could not pay.

THE ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.    

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Micah 5:2

 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Luke 1:26-35

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.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.³⁴ 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.

Matthew 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.¹⁹ Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.²⁰ But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.²¹ 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.²⁴ Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:²⁵ And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.

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.

These passages tell God’s plan. A virgin will conceive, bear a son, who will rule forever, named Jesus, to save the people from their sins. The first people God presented our Savior was to lowly shepherds.

Tomorrow, we will explore the birth of Jesus.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Looking at the world through the cross

(Octavius Winslow)  LISTEN to Audio!  Download Audio

“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14

Jesus could accomplish man’s redemption in no other way than by crucifixion. He must die–and die the death of the cross. What light and glory beam around the cross!
Of what prodigies of grace is it the instrument,
of what glorious truths is it the symbol,
of what mighty, magic power is it the source!

Around it, gathers all the light of the Old Testament economy.
It explains every symbol,
it substantiates every shadow,
it solves every mystery,
it fulfills every type,
it confirms every prophecy, 
of that dispensation which had eternally remained unmeaning and inexplicable–except for the death of the Son of God upon the cross!

Not the past only, but all future splendor gathers around the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ! It assures us of the ultimate reign of the Savior, and tells of the reward which shall spring from His sufferings! And while its one arm points to the divine counsels of eternity past–with the other it points to the future triumph and glory of Christ’s kingdom in the eternity to come. Such is the lowly, yet sublime; the weak, yet mighty instrument–by which the sinner is saved, and God eternally glorified!

The cross of Christ is the grand consummation of all preceding dispensations of God to men.

The cross of Christ is the meritorious procuring cause of all spiritual blessings to our fallen race.

The cross of Christ is the scene of Christ’s splendid victories over all His enemies and ours.

The cross of Christ is the most powerful incentive to all evangelical holiness.

The cross of Christ is the instrument which is to subjugate the world to the supremacy of Jesus.

The cross of Christ is the source of all true peace, joy, and hope.

The cross of Christ is the tree beneath whose shadow, sin expires and grace lives!

The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ! What a holy thrill these words produce in the heart of those who love the Savior! How significant their meaning–how precious their influence! Marvelous and irresistible, is the power of the cross!

The cross of Christ has subdued many a rebellious will.
The cross of Christ has broken many a marble heart.
The cross of Christ has laid low many a vaunting foe.
The cross of Christ has overcome and triumphed–when all other instruments have failed.
The cross of Christ has transformed the lion-like heart of man–into the lamb-like heart of Christ.
And when lifted up in its own naked simplicity and inimitable grandeur–the cross of Christ has won and attracted millions to its faith, admiration, and love!

What a marvelous power does this cross of Jesus possess! It changes the Christian’s entire judgment of the world. Looking at the world through the cross–his opinion is totally revolutionized. He sees it as it really is–a sinful, empty, vain thing! He learns its iniquity–in that it crucified the Lord of life and glory. His expectations from the world, his love to the world–are changed. He has found another object of love–the Savior whom the world cast out and slew! His love to the world is destroyed, by that power which alone could destroy it–the crucifying power of the cross!

It is the cross which eclipses, in the view of the true believer–the glory and attraction of every other object!

What is the weapon by which faith combats with, and overcomes the world? What but the cross of Jesus! Just as the natural eye, gazing for a while upon the sun, is blinded for the moment by its overpowering effulgence, to all other objects; so to the believer, concentrating his mind upon the glory of the crucified Savior, studying closely the wonders of grace and love and truth meeting in the cross–the world with all its attraction fades into the full darkness of an eclipse! Christ and His cross are infinitely better, than the world and its vanities!

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

Good morning,

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

Messianic Hanukkah Candle Lighting

Each night we recite three blessings, acknowledging God’s Lordship, power in working miracles, and sustaining us another year.

(Traditional)

Blessed are You O Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments, and commanded us to light Hanukah lights.
Baruch Ata Adonai Elohaynu Melech ha-olam, ah-sher kid-shah-nu b’mitz-voh-tayv v’tzee-vah-nu l’had-leek ner shel Hanukah.

Blessed are You O Lord our God, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our fathers in those days at this season.
Baruch Ata Adonai Elohaynu Melech ha-olam, she-ah-sah ni-seem la-ah-vo-tay-nu ba-ya-meem ha-hem baz-man ha-zeh.

(Messianic version)

Blessed are You O Lord our God, King of the universe, who has given us holidays, customs, and times of happiness, to increase the knowledge of God and to build us up in our most holy faith.

Baruch Ata Adonai Elohaynu Melech ha-olam, ah-sher nah-tan lah-nu cha-gim, min-ha-gim, oo-mo-ah-dim l’sim-cha, l’hag-deel et da-at Adonai, v’liv-not oh-tah-nu b’emunah ki-do-shah v’na-ah-lah.

Blessed are You O Lord our God, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our fathers in those days at this season.

Baruch Ata Adonai Elohaynu Melech ha-olam, she-ah-sah ni-seem la-ah-vo-tay-nu ba-ya-meem ha-hem baz-man ha-zeh.

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 be 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 week’s devotionals.

Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.

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