Archives for January 2026

Daily Devotion 26 January 2026 Philippians 2:8 Why obey God? #1

January 26, 2026 By Tom Stearns Leave a Comment

Good morning,

Happy New Year!

Our theme for the year is “What Will You Risk in 2026? The next four weeks we will study 4 Whys.

Why read the Bible? Why pray? Why obey God? And why witness for Christ?

What things will you risk to make these happen? Time, fear, or lack of commitment?

What Will You Risk in 2026?

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Why Obey God?

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:8)

Why is obedience to God important?

By Richard Curi February 6, 2024 Bible Questions No Comments

1. God deserves our obedience

And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,13 To keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good? (Deuteronomy 10:12-13)

God deserves total obedience and complete allegiance from His people because He is the Creator and Sustainer of life (Deuteronomy 10:12-13). Since the Lord made us and gave us existence, He has the intrinsic right to command our loyalty and demand our obedience. God is also perfectly holy, righteous and just. Therefore, his commands are always right, wise and for our good. We owe reverence and obedience to God because of who He is as the supreme and benevolent King over all creation.

As our Maker, Provider and Lawgiver, the Lord is worthy to rule our lives. We obey Him out of respect for His sovereignty, appreciation for His provision, and acknowledgment of His wisdom. Our obedience also demonstrates that God is more important than anyone or anything else in our lives. When we obey the Lord, we show that we cherish His approval rather than chasing the superficial approval of others. Obedience to God should flow out of a heart of love, worship, and adoration toward our glorious and gracious Creator.

2. Obedience is the proper response to God’s love

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

As sinful and undeserving people, we owe everything to God’s love demonstrated through Jesus Christ. “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). The Father sacrificed His beloved Son to rescue us, forgive us, redeem us and adopt us into His family. Believers are called to obediently serve God out of heartfelt thanksgiving for His lavish grace and mercy.

Obedience is the appropriate reaction to the amazing love that God has poured out on the undeserving. According to John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Genuine love for Christ compels us to obey His Word and align our lives with the Lord’s desires. Obedience is a defining mark of true love and devotion to God. We obey because we love our Father and wish to express honor and respect for His name. The more we comprehend God’s love toward us in the gospel, the more we desire to obey Him.

3. Obedience leads to blessing and benefits.

And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them. (Deuteronomy 28:14)

One of the clearest themes in Scripture is that obedience to God leads to blessings, while disobedience leads to difficulty and discipline. Deuteronomy 28 provides an extensive list of the blessings for obedience and the consequences of disobedience. In summarizing this passage, “The one who obeys God’s laws will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. The one who obeys God will have many children and productive fields, and his animals will produce many offspring. The one who obeys God will have overflowing harvests and will be wealthy. The one who disobeys God will be cursed in the city and cursed in the country. The one who disobeys God will have few children and unproductive fields…The one who disobeys God will have poor harvests and will be poor” (Deuteronomy 28:1-68).

Clearly, the Lord blesses those who follow His principles and obeys His commands. Other portions of Scripture echo this truth. For example, Luke 11:28 declares, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” Obedience results in blessings like guidance, provision, stability, peace, joy and an abundant spiritual life. While the obedient cannot claim immunity from all suffering, they can trust that God will redeem their pain for good. In contrast, continued disobedience damages our fellowship with God and leads to divine discipline in various forms.

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

Daily Devotion 23 January 2026 Hebrews 12:2 The blessedness of contemplating Jesus

January 23, 2026 By Tom Stearns Leave a Comment

Good morning,

This week we will look at thought inspiring devotionals from the past.

These come from the Grace Gems website. (Grace Gems! <pilgrim@gracegems.org>)

The blessedness of contemplating Jesus

Various authors

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Hebrews 12:2, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus!“

There is no sweeter occupation for the soul than to set its gaze steadily upon the Lord Jesus Christ. He who was once despised and rejected by men, is now exalted in the heavens. The heart that contemplates His beauty, drinks deeply of Heaven’s own joy.

The world seeks gratification in a thousand fleeting things, but the believer finds his satisfaction in contemplating Jesus. This contemplation is not mere wandering thoughts–it is a sanctifying gaze that changes the heart. “I meditate on You through the watches of the night.” (Psalm 63:6). In the silence of the night, when all earthly distractions fade, the soul communes with its Savior–and finds in Him a peace which surpasses all understanding.

The Scriptures declare that the man is blessed whose “delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night!” (Psalm 1:2) Even more so, what joy is found when the soul meditates upon the living Word Himself, Jesus Christ! To fix our eyes upon Him, is to behold the fountain of mercy, and the King of glory.

This world with all its vanities beckons us to fix our minds below. But the Spirit calls us higher: “Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things!” (Colossians 3:1-2) True blessedness is not found by looking within or around–but by looking upward to the Savior who reigns.

To meditate upon Jesus, is to be transformed into His likeness! (2 Corinthians 3:18) As we contemplate His love, His sufferings, His righteousness, and His glory . . .
our faith is strengthened,
our repentance is deepened,
and our hearts are drawn heavenward!

The more we gaze upon Him in faith and love–the more the Spirit conforms us to His image.

Would you be made strong against sin?

Would you be filled with peace amid trials?

Would you be stirred to greater holiness?

Then set your eyes daily on the Lord Jesus!

In contemplating Him, we behold . . .
the beauty that surpasses all beauty,
the love that exceeds all loves,
the glory that shall fill all Heaven.

Blessed are those who fix their hearts on Christ–for their joy shall never wither, and their hope shall never fail.

When we meditate on His sin-atoning wounds, we are melted in repentance.

When we contemplate His righteousness, we are filled with assurance.

When we consider His sovereign reign, we are strengthened with hope.

When we behold His coming glory, we are stirred to holiness.

Would you be kept from sin?
Then gaze upon the crucified and risen Lamb.

Would you live above this vain world?
Then anchor your soul by frequent meditation upon your Savior.

“Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus!” Hebrews 3:1

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

Daily Devotions 22 January 2026 Psalm 1:4-6 The Ways and Ends of the Wicked

January 22, 2026 By Tom Stearns Leave a Comment

Good morning,

This week we will look at thought inspiring devotionals from the past.

These come from the Grace Gems website. (Grace Gems! <pilgrim@gracegems.org>)

The Ways and Ends of the Wicked

Charles Spurgeon, et al.

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Psalm 1:4-6,
“Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish!”

“Not so the wicked!” With these solemn words, the Psalmist draws a sharp contrast between the godly and the ungodly. The righteous are like fruitful trees–rooted, nourished and prosperous. But “the wicked are like chaff that the wind blows away.” Chaff is the worthless husk separated from grain–light, dry, and empty. It is easily scattered and quickly forgotten. Such is every life lived apart from God: rootless, fruitless, and ultimately futile. However impressive the wicked may appear for a season, their prosperity is short-lived and their end is destruction! (Psalm 73:18-19)

The wicked “will not stand in the judgment.” They will have no defense, no covering, no hope. When they stand before the Judge of all the earth, their works will be burned up as stubble. All their excuses will be silenced. The day of judgment will reveal what they are: rebels against the Most High God, having rejected His Son and despised His Word. They will not be counted “in the assembly of the righteous.” They may have mingled with the godly on earth–but in the last day, the Shepherd will infallibly separate the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:32). Their exclusion will be eternal.

“For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” Here is the final contrast.

The Lord lovingly and attentively watches over the path of His redeemed people. He guards their steps, directs their course, and brings them safely home.

But the way of the wicked, though it may seem smooth for a time–leads only to ruin! Their end is not annihilation, but everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46). The broad road may appear pleasant, but it descends into outer darkness, with weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth!

Reader, Psalm 1 presents only two ways:
The way of life, and the way of death.
One is watched over by God, ending in glory.
The other is forsaken by God, ending in judgment.

Which way are you walking? The only escape from the perishing path, is found in Jesus. He bore the wrath for sinners, that all who turn from their wicked ways and trust in Him, may be counted among the righteous. “The Lord knows those who are His!” (2 Timothy 2:19) Let every soul flee to Him and find life!

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

Daily Devotion 21 January 2026 Psalm 1:1-3 The Ways and Ends of the Righteous

January 21, 2026 By Tom Stearns Leave a Comment

Good morning,

This week we will look at thought inspiring devotionals from the past.

These come from the Grace Gems website. (Grace Gems! <pilgrim@gracegems.org>)

The Ways and Ends of the Righteous

Charles Spurgeon, et al.

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Psalm 1:1-3,

“Blessed is the man . . .
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on His law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.”

The Psalmist begins the Psalter by describing the man whom God calls “blessed.” Not one whom the world admires for riches, fame, or power–but one separated from evil and saturated with Scripture.

The righteous man “does not walk in the counsel of the wicked”–he does not adopt their philosophies.

He does not “stand in the way of sinners”–he does not linger with their practices.

He does not “sit in the seat of mockers”–he refuses the settled scorn of those who defy God.

The progression is deliberate: walking, then standing, then sitting. Sin gains strength by degrees. But the righteous man turns aside from that path entirely. He chooses the narrow road that leads to life (Matthew 7:14).

The foundation of his godliness is inward delight: “His delight is in the law of the Lord.” He does not merely read the Word out of duty–he treasures it as his joy. It is his rule and compass, his comfort and guide. He feeds upon it as his daily bread.

“On His law he meditates day and night.” Scripture is not a garnish on the side of his life–it is the main course. He turns it over in his heart continually. This is no superficial engagement. Like Mary, he “treasures up all these things and ponders them” (Luke 2:19).

And what is the result?

“He is like a tree planted by streams of water.” His stability is not his own doing–he is planted by the sovereign grace of God. The living water of God’s Word nourishes him, and he becomes fruitful. His life bears the character of Jesus–love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and all the Spirit’s fruit (Galatians 5:22-23).

“His leaf does not wither”–his spiritual life is not seasonal, but enduring. In drought and in flood, his roots are deep.

“Whatever he does prospers”–not in worldly gain, but in spiritual success. His soul flourishes under the blessing of God.

This is the way and the end of the righteous:
separation from evil,
saturation in Scripture,
and steadfast fruitfulness.

Such a life is only possible through union with Jesus–the Blessed Man par excellence–who perfectly obeyed God’s law, bore our curse, and now lives in His people by the Spirit. May our lives mirror His, as we walk not with the wicked, but with our Shepherd-King.

[Tomorrow we hope to publish Psalm 1:4-6, “The Ways and Ends of the Wicked”].

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

Daily Devotion 20 January 2026 Jeremiah 2:13 The source and spring of all true life, pleasure, holiness, and hope!

January 20, 2026 By Tom Stearns Leave a Comment

Good morning,

This week we will look at thought inspiring devotionals from the past.

These come from the Grace Gems website. (Grace Gems!<pilgrim@gracegems.org>)

The source and spring of all true life, pleasure, holiness, and hope!

(George Everard, “The Stray One Recalled!” 1874)

(Be sure to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Jeremiah 2:13, “My people have committed two evils:
they have forsaken Me, the Fountain of living waters,
and hewed out cisterns – broken cisterns, that can hold no water.”

God reminds us how foolish and unwise it is, thus to forsake the sole source of true happiness.
It is a very forcible image that is here employed – God is a Fountain, a Well of Life.

He is the source and spring of all true life, pleasure, holiness, and hope!

In Him is a continual freshness of all that can fill the soul with joy.
In Him are inexhaustible streams of mercy, grace, and consolation.
But men forsake this Fountain, for cisterns – yes, for broken cisterns, from which soon leak out the few drops of water they may contain.

A traveler in the Holy Land tells us that he found the land riddled with the remains of these broken cisterns. When water was needed, they would just dig one of these little clay cisterns in the ground. It would hold water for a time, but soon, when the sun was hot and weather dry, it would crack and leak – and so another and another would be needed.

Ah, what pains and trouble men take in hewing out broken cisterns like these . . .
wealth unsanctified by true riches,
the acquisition of knowledge with no end beyond its possession,
a position and name that shall dazzle those around,
schemes of self-indulgence and pleasure,
a comfortable home where God is forgotten,
some object of affection which engrosses every thought;
how often something of this kind steals the heart from God!
But before long there is sure to be a crack, a leak; and the joy and the comfort is dried up and gone!

So God in His tender compassion would have us see this, and remember that nothing can ever take the place of Himself as our well-spring of joy.

“Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again. In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up in him for eternal life!” John 4:13-14

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

Daily Devotion 16 January 2026 Why Pray? #4

January 16, 2026 By Tom Stearns Leave a Comment

Good morning,

Happy New Year!

Our theme for the year is “What Will You Risk in 2026? The next four weeks we will study 4 Whys.

Why read the Bible? Why pray? Why obey God? And why witness for Christ?

What things will you risk to make these happen? Time, fear, or lack of commitment?

What Will You Risk in 2026?

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Why pray?

Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Prayer is talking with God. God desires a personal relationship with His people. God wants us to come to Him with our praises, concerns, and requests. In response, God speaks to us through His word, other people, or even a still small voice.

Prayer is one of the most vital aspects of a Christian’s life. It’s our direct line of communication with God, allowing us to connect with Him, seek guidance, and grow in faith. Here are 20 reasons, supported by Scripture, why every believer needs to pray.

Prayer Allows Us to Cast Our Burdens on God
1 Peter 5:7 – “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

In prayer, we lay down our worries and burdens at God’s feet, trusting Him to handle them.

Prayer Draws Us into God’s Presence
Psalm 16:11 – “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

Prayer brings us into God’s presence, where we experience His joy, love, and peace.

Conclusion

Prayer is essential for every believer, as it connects us with God, strengthens us in faith, and enables us to fulfill His purposes. When we pray, we experience the power, presence, and love of God in every aspect of life. By making prayer a daily priority, we align our hearts with God’s will and grow in our relationship with Him. Let us always approach God with humble, sincere, and expectant hearts, knowing that He hears us and is ready to respond.(https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueChristian/comments/1gtf9ze/20_reasons_why_you_need_to_pray/)

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

Daily Devotion 15 January 2026 Why Pray? #3

January 15, 2026 By Tom Stearns Leave a Comment

Good morning,

Happy New Year!

Our theme for the year is “What Will You Risk in 2026? The next four weeks we will study 4 Whys.

Why read the Bible? Why pray? Why obey God? And why witness for Christ?

What things will you risk to make these happen? Time, fear, or lack of commitment?

What Will You Risk in 2026?

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Why pray?

Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Prayer Gives You Strength in Weakness
Isaiah 40:31 – “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

When we feel weak or overwhelmed, prayer renews our strength.

Prayer Brings Clarity in Confusion
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

By praying, we seek God’s direction and find clarity for life’s choices.

Prayer Helps You Make Better Decisions
Philippians 4:6 – “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

Prayer invites God’s insight into our decision-making, helping us choose wisely.

Prayer Is a Means to Intercede for Others
1 Timothy 2:1 – “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;”

Through prayer, we bring others before God, asking for His intervention in their lives.

Prayer Glorifies God
Psalm 50:15 – “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”

Prayer honors and glorifies God as we rely on Him and recognize His power.

Prayer Invites the Holy Spirit’s Power
Acts 4:31 – “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”

Prayer opens our lives to the work of the Holy Spirit, empowering us to live for God.

Prayer Opens Doors for the Gospel
Colossians 4:3 – “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:”

Prayer paves the way for evangelism, asking God to prepare hearts to receive His message.

(https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueChristian/comments/1gtf9ze/20_reasons_why_you_need_to_pray/)

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

Daily Devotion 14 January 2026 Proverbs 3:5-6 What Will You Risk in 2026? Why pray?

January 14, 2026 By Tom Stearns Leave a Comment

Good morning,

Happy New Year!

Our theme for the year is “What Will You Risk in 2026? The next four weeks we will study 4 Whys.

Why read the Bible? Why pray? Why obey God? And why witness for Christ?

What things will you risk to make these happen? Time, fear, or lack of commitment?

What Will You Risk in 2026?

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Why pray?

Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Prayer Deepens Your Relationship with God
Psalm 145:18 – “The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.”

When we pray, we draw closer to God and deepen our intimacy with Him.

Prayer Aligns Us with God’s Will
Matthew 6:10 – “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

Through prayer, we seek God’s will, aligning our desires with His purposes.

Prayer Builds Faith
Mark 11:24 – “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”

Prayer strengthens our faith by allowing us to depend on God’s promises and power.

Prayer Brings Peace
Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

When we pray, we can exchange anxiety for God’s peace.

Prayer Is a Command
1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.”

God calls us to make prayer a continual practice in our lives.

Prayer Invites God’s Protection
Psalm 91:15 – “He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.”

In prayer, we find refuge and protection under God’s watchful care.

Prayer Leads to Spiritual Growth
Colossians 4:2 – “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;”

Prayer shapes and transforms us spiritually, helping us grow in God’s wisdom and love.

Prayer Helps You Resist Temptation
Matthew 26:41 – “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Prayer strengthens our spirit, equipping us to stand against temptation.

Prayer Invites God’s Wisdom and Guidance
James 1:5 – “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

Through prayer, we seek God’s wisdom in difficult situations.

Prayer Brings Healing and Restoration
James 5:16 – “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

Prayer brings both physical and spiritual healing.

Prayer Helps You Forgive
Mark 11:25 – “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

Prayer cultivates a heart of forgiveness and mercy.