Archives for 2025

Good morning,

This week we continue our series, Who is God? My goal is to pick a chapter of the Bible that speaks to the character of God. This week we look at 1 John 4.

Who is God?

1 John 4

God is Spirit of Truth and Love

Try the Spirits (1-6)

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

First John 4 begins with the command to test spiritual claims, since not all teachers are true to the faith. Christians are never instructed to believe “just because.” In fact, we are often warned to carefully consider before we trust any particular message (Acts 17:11; Colossians 2:8–10). John was concerned that false prophets and false teachings would deceive his readers. First John 4:2 gives the test for spirits which actually come from God. These are those that acknowledge Jesus Christ’s real incarnation.

John adds that believers overcome the powers in this world because of God’s Spirit within them (1 John 4:4). “The world” refers to godless humanity. A worldly attitude listens to unbelievers and ungodly spirits, and ignores God. (https://www.bibleref.com/1-John/4/1-John-chapter-4.html)

God is Love (7-11)

7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

God lives in us through the Holy Spirit (12-13)                                                                                       12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

The second major section returns to the idea that “God is love.” John teaches that biblical love is a sign of being born of God, and knowing God. He states emphatically that believers are to show their love for God by loving one another (1 John 4:7–12). Love not only demonstrates God’s presence in our lives, it serves as evidence to the rest of the world. Love is how the world is meant to “see” God, even though they cannot do so physically. (https://www.bibleref.com/1-John/4/1-John-chapter-4.html)

Testify of Christ (14-16)

14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

Perfect Love (17-21)

17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19 We love him, because he first loved us.20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

Verses 13 through 21 can be summarized by the final verse. Anyone who claims to love God must prove it by loving his brother. John’s teaching repeatedly emphasizes the fact that a person cannot claim to love God yet hate others. As chapter 3 made clear, hate is always from a demonic source. Those who hate are not “abiding” in Christ. Believers are children of God and brothers and sisters of one another. As family, they are to love one another according to the commandment of God.

Verse 18 offers an important perspective on the relationship between love and fear. Namely, that godly love and worldly dread are incompatible. God’s perfect love drives out fear about being accepted or rejected by Him. Other places in Scripture speak of “fearing” God in the sense of awe, respect, or trembling before Him. Here, however, John’s focus is on anxiety over whether or not God will truly love and forgive us. Believers who follow God’s example of love have no reason to fear that God will not accept them. His perfect love removes the need of this fear. God is love, shows perfect love, and places love in the hearts of those who believe. (https://www.bibleref.com/1-John/4/1-John-chapter-4.html)

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

Good morning,

This week we continue our series, Who is God? My goal is to pick a chapter of the Bible that speaks to the character of God. This week we look at 1 John 4.

Who is God?

1 John 4

God is Spirit of Truth and Love

God is Love (7-11)

7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

God lives in us through the Holy Spirit (12-13)                                                                                       12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

The second major section returns to the idea that “God is love.” John teaches that biblical love is a sign of being born of God, and knowing God. He states emphatically that believers are to show their love for God by loving one another (1 John 4:7–12). Love not only demonstrates God’s presence in our lives, it serves as evidence to the rest of the world. Love is how the world is meant to “see” God, even though they cannot do so physically. (https://www.bibleref.com/1-John/4/1-John-chapter-4.html)

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

Good morning,

This week we continue our series, Who is God? My goal is to pick a chapter of the Bible that speaks to the character of God. This week we look at 1 John 4.

Who is God?

1 John 4

God is Spirit of Truth and Love

Try the Spirits (1-6)

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

First John 4 begins with the command to test spiritual claims, since not all teachers are true to the faith. Christians are never instructed to believe “just because.” In fact, we are often warned to carefully consider before we trust any particular message (Acts 17:11; Colossians 2:8–10). John was concerned that false prophets and false teachings would deceive his readers. First John 4:2 gives the test for spirits which actually come from God. These are those that acknowledge Jesus Christ’s real incarnation.

John adds that believers overcome the powers in this world because of God’s Spirit within them (1 John 4:4). “The world” refers to godless humanity. A worldly attitude listens to unbelievers and ungodly spirits, and ignores God. (https://www.bibleref.com/1-John/4/1-John-chapter-4.html)

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

Good morning,

This week we continue our series, Who is God? My goal is to pick a chapter of the Bible that speaks to the character of God. This week we look at Genesis 1.

Genesis 1

God of Creation

Sixth Day (v24-31)

24 And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.25 And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Day six God creates living creatures, cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth.The  He made man in His own image. Male and Female. He blessed them and said to them to be fruitful and multiply. He had already prepared the land, water, and food for His new creations. 

Creation is completed. Was God pleased with His creation? “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.”

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

Good morning,

This week we continue our series, Who is God? My goal is to pick a chapter of the Bible that speaks to the character of God. This week we look at Genesis 1.

Genesis 1

God of Creation

Fourth Day (v14-19)

14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:     15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.17 And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.19 And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

Fifth Day (v20-23)

20 And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.21 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.22 And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.23 And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

Days four and five, God creates signs, seasons, days, years, two great lights, fish, fowl, great whales, and living creatures. He tells them to be fruitful and multiply. He blesses them. God saw that it was good.

God begins with the infrastructure. Heaven, earth, light, day, night. Then He proceeds to make the dry land, earth. The earth will have grass, herb yielding seed, and fruit trees. This will provide food for the creatures He creates.

And He saves the best for last.

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

Good morning,

This week we continue our series, Who is God? My goal is to pick a chapter of the Bible that speaks to the character of God. This week we look at Genesis 1.

Genesis 1

God of Creation

First Day (v1-5)

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

Second Day (v6-8)

6 And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.

“…God created…” is the key to this week’s lessons. We will observe that God  created all things, in an orderly fashion, in 6 days. As we read this week’s devotions, look at the action words. God was not passive. God created, said, saw, divided, called, and made. That was just the first 2 days.

The first 2 days God created the heaven, earth, light, day, night, firmament, and heaven.

Third Day (9-13)

9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.10 And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called the Seas: and God saw that it was good.11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.13 And the evening and the morning were the third day.

Day 3 sees God creating earth, seas, grass, herbs, and trees yielding fruit. 

“…God saw that it was good.”

Fourth Day (v14-19)

14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:     15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.17 And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.19 And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

Fifth Day (v20-23)

20 And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.21 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.22 And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.23 And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

Days four and five, God creates signs, seasons, days, years, two great lights, fish, fowl, great whales, and living creatures. He tells them to be fruitful and multiply. He blesses them. God saw that it was good.

God begins with the infrastructure. Heaven, earth, light, day, night. Then He proceeds to make the dry land, earth. The earth will have grass, herb yielding seed, and fruit trees. This will provide food for the creatures He creates.

And He saves the best for last.

Sixth Day (v24-31)

24 And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.25 And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Day six God creates living creatures, cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth.The  He made man in His own image. Male and Female. He blessed them and said to them to be fruitful and multiply. He had already prepared the land, water, and food for His new creations. 

Creation is completed. Was God pleased with His creation? “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.”

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

Good morning,

This week we continue our series, Who is God? My goal is to pick a chapter of the Bible that speaks to the character of God. This week we look at Genesis 1.

Genesis 1

God of Creation

Third Day (9-13)

9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.10 And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called the Seas: and God saw that it was good.11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.13 And the evening and the morning were the third day.

Day 3 sees God creating earth, seas, grass, herbs, and trees yielding fruit. 

“…God saw that it was good.”

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

Good morning,

This week we continue our series, Who is God? My goal is to pick a chapter of the Bible that speaks to the character of God. This week we look at Genesis 1.

Genesis 1

God of Creation

First Day (v1-5)

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

Second Day (v6-8)

6 And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.

“…God created…” is the key to this week’s lessons. We will observe that God  created all things, in an orderly fashion, in 6 days. As we read this week’s devotions, look at the action words. God was not passive. God created, said, saw, divided, called, and made. That was just the first 2 days.

The first 2 days God created the heaven, earth, light, day, night, firmament, and heaven.

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

Good morning,

This week we begin a new series, Who is God? My goal is to pick a chapter of the Bible that speaks to the character of God. This week we look at Psalm 139.

Psalm 139

God is all knowing, ever present, all powerful, and just

God’s Justice (v17-24)

17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.21 Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Finally, David explores God’s justice. While David trusts God and celebrates His blessings, he is also affected by the sins of those who hate God. David sees God’s enemies as his enemies. As such, David prays for God to destroy those who are evil. David neither takes this responsibility on himself, nor asks for it. Rather, he pleads with God to deal with the wicked. At the same time, David recognizes that he is vulnerable to sin, and asks God to search his heart and mind, leading him in the right way (Psalm 39:17–24).

Psalm 139:17–24 emphasizes God’s justice. Prior sections of this psalm bore witness to God’s omniscience (Psalm 139:1–6), His omnipresence (Psalm 139:7–12), and His omnipotence (Psalm 139:13–16). David rejoices in God’s thoughts and nearness, but despises the wicked around him. He longs for God to slay them. He sees God’s enemies as his own enemies, but is acutely aware of the possibility that sin dwells in him. Therefore, he asks God to search him and lead him in the way everlasting.

Chapter Summary:

In this psalm David marvels at God’s amazing characteristics. God knows everything about him: where he goes, all David’s thoughts and everything about his conduct. The Lord knows what David will say even before David says it. There is no place David can go that God isn’t already present. David marvels at God’s creative work in the womb. He is thankful for God’s innumerable thoughts for him and for God’s presence day and night. Finally, David’s thoughts turn to the wicked. He considers them God’s enemies and his, and longs for God to slay them. David is disgusted by evil people because they rail against God and take His name in vain. He asks God to search his heart to see if any sin is there, and he asks God to lead him in the way everlasting.

(Accessed 5/19/2025 2:15:22 PM © Copyright 2002-2025 Got Questions Ministries. All rights reserved.Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission. www.BibleRef.com)

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

Good morning,

This week we begin a new series, Who is God? My goal is to pick a chapter of the Bible that speaks to the character of God. This week we look at Psalm 139.

Psalm 139

God is all knowing, ever present, all powerful, and just

God’s Omnipotence (All powerful) (v13-16)

13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

Psalm 139:13–16 describes God’s omnipotence: His attribute of being all-powerful.

Next, the psalm celebrates God’s incredible power and creativity: His omnipotence. David specifically focuses on the intricate design of the human body. Even before the moment of conception, God is at work in forming a person. In the womb, each person is already an image-bearer of God, and an example of His masterful creative work (Psalm 139:13–16).

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