Archives for September 2025

Good morning, 

The Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur begins on Wednesday evening, 1 October 2025, at sunset. The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16) is the most holy day on the Jewish calendar. This week we will see why. 

YOM KIPPUR 

THE DAY OF ATONEMENT 

INTRODUCTION 

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

In modern observance, Yom Kippur involves a fast from both food and drink. Many spend the entire day praying in the synagogue. During the Ten Days of Awe preceding Yom Kippur, many Jewish people give tzedakah (charity) which some consider a replacement for the animal sacrifice. A small segment of the Orthodox Jewish community practices kapparot, a ceremony in which a person waves a chicken over his head, before killing the chicken as a symbolic transfer of sin. According to tradition, the Book of Life and the Book of the Dead are closed on Yom Kippur, and the fates of those within the books are sealed for the coming year. 

Next time we will see how this holy day is significant to the believer in Christ. 

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

Good morning, 

The Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur begins on Wednesday evening, 1 October 2025, at sunset. The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16) is the most holy day on the Jewish calendar. This week we will see why. 

YOM KIPPUR 

THE DAY OF ATONEMENT 

Scriptural basis for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement 

29 And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you: 30 For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the Lord. 31 It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever. 32 And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest’s office in his father’s stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen clothes, even the holy garments: 33 And he shall make an atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make an atonement for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar, and he shall make an atonement for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation. 34 And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. And he did as the Lord commanded Moses. (Leviticus 16:29-34, also reference Leviticus 23:27-32 and Numbers 29:7-11)  

“On the day of Atonement we are to solemnly afflict our souls; that is, to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, to submit ourselves to Him, and His ways, and His commandments. We have just gone through 40 days of teshuvah, or repentance, in preparation for this day. It is to examine ourselves, to see if there be any wicked way in us, so that we may repent of it and depart from it.” (Perspective, ”on afflicting the soul”, 20 September 2018)    

Tomorrow, we will introduce this holy day. 

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

Good morning,

This is our final lesson in the book of Mark. Chapter 8 will encourage and challenge us to walk closer to God.

The Book of Mark

Chapter 8

“ And he began to teach them,  that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.” (8:31)

Mark 8 challenges us to move beyond surface-level understanding of Jesus’ teachings to a deeper comprehension of His divine mission. It calls us to follow Jesus selflessly, even if it means suffering or sacrifice. The chapter illustrates the richness of spiritual understanding and the cost of true discipleship, inviting us to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, not just for His miracles, but for His message. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/mark/8.htm)

The Cost of Discipleship (8:34-38) 

 34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Jesus shares about the cost of discipleship, asking His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. He affirms that gaining the world is worthless if one loses their soul in the process.

The passage challenges believers to consider the true cost of discipleship and the eternal value of following Christ.

Mark 8 presents a series of profound teachings and miraculous acts of Jesus. From miraculously feeding four thousand with just seven loaves to predicting His suffering and death, the chapter offers valuable insights into Jesus’ ministry and teachings. It also uncovers the disciples’ struggles to understand Jesus’ mission.  

(https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/mark/8.htm)

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

Good morning,

This is our final lesson in the book of Mark. Chapter 8 will encourage and challenge us to walk closer to God.

The Book of Mark

Chapter 8

“ And he began to teach them,  that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.” (8:31)

Mark 8 challenges us to move beyond surface-level understanding of Jesus’ teachings to a deeper comprehension of His divine mission. It calls us to follow Jesus selflessly, even if it means suffering or sacrifice. The chapter illustrates the richness of spiritual understanding and the cost of true discipleship, inviting us to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, not just for His miracles, but for His message. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/mark/8.htm)

Peter’s Confession (8:27-33)

27 And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?28 And they answered, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.29 And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.30 And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.  31 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.32 And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.33 But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ at Caesarea Philippi, a key moment of recognition. However, when Jesus predicts His suffering and death, Peter rebukes Him. Jesus rebukes Peter in return, teaching the disciples about the necessity of His sacrifice. 

Despite this confession, the disciples still lack full comprehension of Jesus’ mission. 

Jesus openly speaks of His impending suffering, death, and resurrection.

Peter’s rebuke of Jesus reveals a misunderstanding of the nature of the Messiah.

(https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/mark/8.htm)

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

Good morning,

This is our final lesson in the book of Mark. Chapter 8 will encourage and challenge us to walk closer to God.

The Book of Mark

Chapter 8

“ And he began to teach them,  that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.” (8:31)

Mark 8 challenges us to move beyond surface-level understanding of Jesus’ teachings to a deeper comprehension of His divine mission. It calls us to follow Jesus selflessly, even if it means suffering or sacrifice. The chapter illustrates the richness of spiritual understanding and the cost of true discipleship, inviting us to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, not just for His miracles, but for His message. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/mark/8.htm)

Feeding of the 4,000 (8:1-10)

In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them,2 I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.4 And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?5 And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.6 And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people.7 And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them.8 So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets.9 And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.10 And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha.

With seven loaves and a few small fish, Jesus feeds a crowd of four thousand in Decapolis, demonstrating His compassionate and providential care for the people. 

This miracle underscores Jesus’ ability to meet both physical and spiritual needs.

(https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/mark/8.htm)

Warning Against the Leaven of the Pharisees (8:11-21)

11 And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.13 And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.14 Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf.15 And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.16 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.17 And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart                                                 18 Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?  19 When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve.20 And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.21 And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?

Pharisees demand a sign from Jesus, who warns His disciples about their leaven, implying their corrupt and misleading teachings. The disciples misunderstand His warning, thinking it refers to physical bread, reflecting their ongoing struggle to fully understand Jesus.

(https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/mark/8.htm)                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Healing of a Blind Man at Bethsaida (8:22-26)

22 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.

In a two-step healing process, Jesus restores a blind man’s sight in Bethsaida, demonstrating His healing power. 

Jesus heals a blind man in stages, illustrating the gradual process of spiritual enlightenment.

This miracle serves as a metaphor for the disciples’ journey to understanding Jesus’ identity. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/mark/8.htm)

Peter’s Confession (8:27-33)

27 And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?28 And they answered, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.29 And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.30 And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.  31 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.32 And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.33 But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ at Caesarea Philippi, a key moment of recognition. However, when Jesus predicts His suffering and death, Peter rebukes Him. Jesus rebukes Peter in return, teaching the disciples about the necessity of His sacrifice. 

Despite this confession, the disciples still lack full comprehension of Jesus’ mission. 

Jesus openly speaks of His impending suffering, death, and resurrection.

Peter’s rebuke of Jesus reveals a misunderstanding of the nature of the Messiah.

(https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/mark/8.htm)

The Cost of Discipleship (8:34-38) 

 34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Jesus shares about the cost of discipleship, asking His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. He affirms that gaining the world is worthless if one loses their soul in the process.

The passage challenges believers to consider the true cost of discipleship and the eternal value of following Christ.

Mark 8 presents a series of profound teachings and miraculous acts of Jesus. From miraculously feeding four thousand with just seven loaves to predicting His suffering and death, the chapter offers valuable insights into Jesus’ ministry and teachings. It also uncovers the disciples’ struggles to understand Jesus’ mission.  

(https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/mark/8.htm)

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

Good morning,

This is our final lesson in the book of Mark. Chapter 8 will encourage and challenge us to walk closer to God.

The Book of Mark

Chapter 8

“ And he began to teach them,  that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.” (8:31)

Mark 8 challenges us to move beyond surface-level understanding of Jesus’ teachings to a deeper comprehension of His divine mission. It calls us to follow Jesus selflessly, even if it means suffering or sacrifice. The chapter illustrates the richness of spiritual understanding and the cost of true discipleship, inviting us to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, not just for His miracles, but for His message. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/mark/8.htm)

Warning Against the Leaven of the Pharisees (8:11-21)

11 And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.13 And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.14 Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf.15 And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.16 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.17 And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart                                                 18 Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?  19 When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve.20 And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.21 And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?

Pharisees demand a sign from Jesus, who warns His disciples about their leaven, implying their corrupt and misleading teachings. The disciples misunderstand His warning, thinking it refers to physical bread, reflecting their ongoing struggle to fully understand Jesus. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/mark/8.htm)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Healing of a Blind Man at Bethsaida (8:22-26)

22 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.

In a two-step healing process, Jesus restores a blind man’s sight in Bethsaida, demonstrating His healing power. 

Jesus heals a blind man in stages, illustrating the gradual process of spiritual enlightenment.

This miracle serves as a metaphor for the disciples’ journey to understanding Jesus’ identity. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/mark/8.htm)

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

Good morning,

This is our final lesson in the book of Mark. Chapter 8 will encourage and challenge us to walk closer to God.

The Book of Mark

Chapter 8

“ And he began to teach them,  that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.” (8:31)

Mark 8 challenges us to move beyond surface-level understanding of Jesus’ teachings to a deeper comprehension of His divine mission. It calls us to follow Jesus selflessly, even if it means suffering or sacrifice. The chapter illustrates the richness of spiritual understanding and the cost of true discipleship, inviting us to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, not just for His miracles, but for His message. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/mark/8.htm)

Feeding of the 4,000 (8:1-10)

In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them,2 I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.4 And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?5 And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.6 And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people.7 And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them.8 So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets.9 And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.10 And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha.

With seven loaves and a few small fish, Jesus feeds a crowd of four thousand in Decapolis, demonstrating His compassionate and providential care for the people. 

This miracle underscores Jesus’ ability to meet both physical and spiritual needs.

(https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/mark/8.htm)

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

Good morning,

The eye of God!

(James Smith, “God’s Knowledge of Us” 1865)  Play Audio!  Download Audio

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account!” Hebrews 4:13

“The Lord searches every heart and understands the intention of every thought!” 1 Chronicles 28:9

“I am the one who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person!” Revelation 2:23

“O Lord, You know!” Jeremiah 15:15

God’s perfect knowledge is like the pillar-cloud which led Israel out of Egypt, and through the wilderness: it is dark and a cause of terror to His enemies, but it is light and a source of comfort to His children.

“O Lord, You know” my SINS and FOLLIES! No one else does. No one else ever will. How could I look anyone in the face–if I thought he knew what was passing in my heart, or what is transacted in the chambers of my imagination within!

The Lord alone can search the heart. He alone knows the worst of us, and He alone knows the best; for the best and the worst, are both concealed in the same heart. The eye of God sees . . .
  every motive,
  every thought,
  every lust,
  every action!

His eye is on that mysterious portion of our nature called the imagination, on which such strange pictures are often painted, in which such fearful scenes are sometimes transacted. “You know my folly, O God; my guilt is not hidden from You!” Psalm 69:5

What streams of moral filthiness sometimes flow from the heart into the imagination! How difficult sometimes to keep it back.

What a depth of pollution there is within us!

What billows of corruption sometimes roll and swell!

Little does the young Christian think what the pure and holy eye of God sees within him; and what his own eye will one day discover, filling him with alarm, if not with horror, with shame and self-loathing! Then he will enter into poor Job’s confession, “Behold, I am vile!” and into Isaiah’s exclamation, “Woe is me! I am undone!“

“What more can I say unto You? For You know Your servant, O Sovereign Lord!” 2 Samuel 7:20

But blessed be God, the righteousness of Jesus covers all, and conceals all; and the grace and Spirit of God will ultimately purge away the whole foul heap from us!

Now our iniquities are forgiven, and our sins are covered.
But then our natures will be perfectly purified, and be as white as the falling snow!

“Beloved, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is!” 1 John 3:2
    ~  ~  ~  ~

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

Good morning,

Rosh Hashanah’s religious services focus on the concept of G-d’s sovereignty. God does rule in the affairs of men. Today we will look at the sovereignty of God. 

GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY means that He is the Supreme Ruler who immanently and personally rules over all the affairs of the universe—and this includes our personal lives both as individuals and as a local body of believers. God’s sovereignty is a place of rest for the child of God.

                A.  GOD REIGNEST OVERALL (1 CHRON 29:11-12) V12

Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.

12 Both riches and honor come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

          B.  THE WORLD IS GOD’S (PSM 50:10-12)

For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.

11 I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.

          C.  GOD CREATED (GEN 1:1) V1

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 

          D.  GOD CHOOSES ISRAEL DOES WHAT HE PLEASES (PSM 135:4-6)

For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.⁵ For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.⁶ Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.

          E.  GOD IN CONTROL (1 SAM 2:6-9)

The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.⁷ The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.⁸ He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set the world upon them.⁹ He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

          F.  GOD CONTROLS RULERS (PSM 75:6-7) V7

For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.⁷ But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

          G.  GOD DOES HIS PLEASURE (IS 46:9-10)

Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,¹⁰ Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

          H.  CAN NOT FLEE FROM GOD (PSM 139:7-10) V10

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?⁸ If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.⁹ If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;¹⁰ Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

          I.  GOD’S WORD WILL NOT RETURN VOID (IS 55:11)

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

          J.  GOD REIGNS OVER DEATH (JOHN 5:21)

For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.

          K.  GOD ‘S COUNSEL (EPH 1:11)

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

These verses show why God has the right to rule in our lives. Please meditate on these verses and allow God to speak to you. You might be surprised what you learn.

God has given each one of us a free will to make choices. He has given us His precepts in the Bible to guide us through this life. We choose to follow God by faith or rebel against God and serve Satan. Satan is the enemy of God. There are consequences for following or rebelling against God. God rules over both Godly believers and wicked unbelievers.

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

Rosh Hashanah

Head of the Year

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord. (Leviticus 23:24-25)

On the evening of 22 September 2025, begins the observance of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, “head of the year” or “first of the year.” Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. The Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes[TS1]  of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year. The Bible refers to the holiday as Yom Ha-Zikkaron (the day of remembrance) or Yom Teruah (the day of the sounding of the shofar). The holiday is instituted in Leviticus 23:24-25.

“Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord.”

The shofar is a ram’s horn which is blown somewhat like a trumpet. One of the most important observances of this holiday is hearing the sounding of the shofar in the synagogue. No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. Religious services for the holiday focus on the concept of G-d’s sovereignty.

This would be a great time to wish all our Jewish friends a hearty Happy New Year. It would also be a good time to reflect on our own lives. Are we keeping short accounts with God? When He reveals sin in our lives, do we confess it (1 John 1:9) and move on serving God? What does the blowing of the trumpet mean to believers in Yeshua (Jesus)? (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18) What does it mean that God is sovereign?

What does the blowing of the trumpet mean to believers in Yeshua (Jesus)?

Yesterday, I referenced the Shofar and asked the question, “What does the blowing of the trumpet mean to believers in Yeshua (Jesus)?” The answer is it signals the Rapture of the Church. Verse 16 references the ”…trump of God…”

Paul explains the Rapture to the Church at Thessalonica.

Comfort in light of the Rapture (13-18) This is the most extended and most important description of the Rapture in all of Scripture.

The Hope of the Rapture (13)

¹³ But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

The Confidence of the Rapture (14)

¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

The Order of the Rapture (15)

¹⁵ For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

 The Person of the Rapture (16a)

¹⁶ For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout,

The Resurrection of the Rapture (16b)

with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

The Catching up of the Rapture (17a)

¹⁷ Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up

The Intimacy of the Rapture (17b)

 together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

The Encouragement of the Rapture (18)

¹⁸ Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Ultimately the Rapture is a comfort to a needy people. We are to serve God till He returns. We are to watch expectantly and persistently.

God’s Sovereignty

Rosh Hashanah’s religious services focus on the concept of G-d’s sovereignty. God does rule in the affairs of men. Today we will look at the sovereignty of God. 

GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY means that He is the Supreme Ruler who immanently and personally rules over all the affairs of the universe—and this includes our personal lives both as individuals and as a local body of believers. God’s sovereignty is a place of rest for the child of God.

                A.  GOD REIGNEST OVERALL (1 CHRON 29:11-12) V12

Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.

12 Both riches and honor come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

          B.  THE WORLD IS GOD’S (PSM 50:10-12)

For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.

11 I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.

          C.  GOD CREATED (GEN 1:1) V1

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 

          D.  GOD CHOOSES ISRAEL DOES WHAT HE PLEASES (PSM 135:4-6)

For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.⁵ For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.⁶ Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.

          E.  GOD IN CONTROL (1 SAM 2:6-9)

The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.⁷ The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.⁸ He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set the world upon them.⁹ He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

          F.  GOD CONTROLS RULERS (PSM 75:6-7) V7

For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.⁷ But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

          G.  GOD DOES HIS PLEASURE (IS 46:9-10)

Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,¹⁰ Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

          H.  CAN NOT FLEE FROM GOD (PSM 139:7-10) V10

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?⁸ If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.⁹ If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;¹⁰ Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

          I.  GOD’S WORD WILL NOT RETURN VOID (IS 55:11)

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

          J.  GOD REIGNS OVER DEATH (JOHN 5:21)

For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.

          K.  GOD ‘S COUNSEL (EPH 1:11)

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

These verses show why God has the right to rule in our lives. Please look up the verses and see what they say. You might be surprised what you find.

God has given each one of us a free will to make choices. He has given us His precepts in the Bible to guide us through this life. We choose to follow God by faith or rebel against God and serve Satan. Satan is the enemy of God. There are consequences for following or rebelling against God. God rules over both Godly believers and wicked unbelievers.

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