Archives for 2026

Good morning,

Satan is diametrically opposed to the things of God. Everything he does impedes the work of Christ. 

So what is spiritual warfare? In the final analysis who wins, God or Satan? Why?

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Luke 10:17-19, Colossians 2:13-15, Revelation 12:11

And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:17-19)

Introduction:

First Adam had dominion over the Garden of Eden. Gen 1-2

First Adam gave up dominion when he sinned. Gen 3

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Romans 5:12)

Second Adam bought back sinful man through His blood.

2.  THIS KINGDOM AUTHORITY THAT HAS BEEN SOVEREIGNLY ESTABLISHED MUST BE STRONGLY ENFORCED

Satan does not give up without a fight.  He uses deception to win.

SATAN ONLY HAS POWER ON THOSE WHO ALLOW HIM TO HAVE THAT POWER.

HE DOES NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO HIM.

We must appropriate what God has given us.  Claim His promises.

OUR DOMINION OVER SATAN

Has Satan’s back been broken?  YES

Has his kingdom been ruined?     YES

Do you have authority?     YES

You must appropriate and enforce your authority.

Satan is holding people captive.

17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, (Luke 4:17-18)

Jesus said: As my Father has sent me, so send I you.  We are being sent to the rescue/ to set the captives free.

We have the authority to tell Satan to be gone.  Our debt of sin has been forgiven, Jesus defeated Satan at Calvary and stripped him of all power he has over man.

BUT WE MUST EXERCISE THAT AUTHORITY!! WE HAVE AUTHORITY OVER SATAN!!!

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

Good morning,

Satan is diametrically opposed to the things of God. Everything he does impedes the work of Christ. 

So what is spiritual warfare? In the final analysis who wins, God or Satan? Why?

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Luke 10:17-19, Colossians 2:13-15, Revelation 12:11

And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:17-19)

Introduction:

First Adam had dominion over the Garden of Eden. Gen 1-2

First Adam gave up dominion when he sinned. Gen 3

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Romans 5:12)

Second Adam bought back sinful man through His blood.

1.  HOW KINGDOM AUTHORITY SOVEREIGNLY ESTABLISHED

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 [And] having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:13-15)

V13 Jesus set us free from spiritual death.

Situation dire: DEATH  We deserve DEATH. Quickened=made alive  Forgiving ALL our trespasses

V14 Jesus set us free from our staggering debt for our sin. 

Heaven has sued us for damages.  We are GUILTY before God.

In olden times criminals accused of a crime were given a handwriting of ordinances which stated the charges against him.  This was taken to the judge, a trial held and if the person was found guilty, the crime and sentence would be written on the handwriting of ordinances.  This would be then posted to the door of his jail cell for all to see.  When the sentence was completed and all time served and all debt paid, the handwriting of ordinances would be taken back to the judge.  The judge would ask, Has all the sentence been carried out?  The jailer would say YES.  The judge then writes one word on the handwriting of ordinances:

TETILESTI=It is paid or paid in full.  This was same word Jesus used on the cross.  

Imagine God writing out handwriting of ordinances on each of us detailing all our sins.  The trial is held and the verdict is read GUILTY.  Then HE nailed each handwriting of ordinances to the cross.  Jesus paid the debt for our sin on the cross.  When Satan comes to God to accuse the believer, our attorney the Lord Jesus Christ will show the judge, God, the handwriting of ordinances which has written upon it PAID IN FULL!

V15 Jesus set us free from Satanic dominion.

Principalities and powers are Satan’s dark kingdom.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. (Ephesians 6:12)

Spoiled=stripped When Jesus Christ died on the cross, shedding His blood for our sins, He stripped Satan of his dominion of this world and shamed Satan openly and made Satan a laughing stock.  A king with no clothes, no kingdom. 

Triumphing=subdued  Satan was subdued by mighty Calvary.  The blood of the Lamb Jesus Christ.

SATAN IS A DEFEATED FOE!!!!  He does not want you to know this!!!

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

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 Witness for Christ?

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)

10 Reasons to Witness

People always ask, “why should Christians witness to others?” Every minute there are many people who will die without Christ. These people will spend eternity in Hell. Even though you might be afraid of evangelizing to that unbeliever, Catholic, Muslim, or Jehovah Witness you always talk to, imagine how much worse it will be if they die without putting their faith in Christ alone.

You had a chance to tell them. Would a good doctor ever not tell someone they’re dying of cancer because they’re afraid of giving them bad news? Most unbelievers think they’re going to Heaven. Don’t be like most Christians and close your mouth. Preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

(Scripture verses changed from NIV to KJV. Emphasis added.)

1. Jesus commanded us.

Matthew 28:18-19 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

2. A love for God and others.

2 Corinthians 5:14 “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:”

Philippians 2:3-4 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

3. Jesus Christ is the only way and most people don’t know that.

John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

John 3:36 “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

John 3:18 “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

4. How will people know if they don’t hear?

Romans 10:11-15 “For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”

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

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 Witness for Christ?

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)

10 Reasons to Witness

People always ask, “why should Christians witness to others?” Every minute there are many people who will die without Christ. These people will spend eternity in Hell. Even though you might be afraid of evangelizing to that unbeliever, Catholic, Muslim, or Jehovah Witness you always talk to, imagine how much worse it will be if they die without putting their faith in Christ alone.

You had a chance to tell them. Would a good doctor ever not tell someone they’re dying of cancer because they’re afraid of giving them bad news? Most unbelievers think they’re going to Heaven. Don’t be like most Christians and close your mouth. Preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

(Scripture verses changed from NIV to KJV. Emphasis added.)

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

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 Witness for Christ?

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)

10 Reasons to Witness

People always ask, “why should Christians witness to others?” Every minute there are many people who will die without Christ. These people will spend eternity in Hell. Even though you might be afraid of evangelizing to that unbeliever, Catholic, Muslim, or Jehovah Witness you always talk to, imagine how much worse it will be if they die without putting their faith in Christ alone.

You had a chance to tell them. Would a good doctor ever not tell someone they’re dying of cancer because they’re afraid of giving them bad news? Most unbelievers think they’re going to Heaven. Don’t be like most Christians and close your mouth. Preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

(Scripture verses changed from NIV to KJV. Emphasis added.)

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 Witness for Christ?

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)

10 Reasons to Witness

People always ask, “why should Christians witness to others?” Every minute there are many people who will die without Christ. These people will spend eternity in Hell. Even though you might be afraid of evangelizing to that unbeliever, Catholic, Muslim, or Jehovah Witness you always talk to, imagine how much worse it will be if they die without putting their faith in Christ alone.

You had a chance to tell them. Would a good doctor ever not tell someone they’re dying of cancer because they’re afraid of giving them bad news? Most unbelievers think they’re going to Heaven. Don’t be like most Christians and close your mouth. Preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

(Scripture verses changed from NIV to KJV. Emphasis added.)

5. You will glorify God.

1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

6. God does not want anyone to go to Hell.

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

2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

1 Timothy 2:3-4 “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;⁴Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”

Luke 14:23 “And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”

 John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

7. Jesus is going to come when the gospel is preached around the whole world.

Matthew 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”

8. People are blinded by Satan.

2 Corinthians 4:4 “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

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

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 Witness for Christ?

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)

10 Reasons to Witness

People always ask, “why should Christians witness to others?” Every minute there are many people who will die without Christ. These people will spend eternity in Hell. Even though you might be afraid of evangelizing to that unbeliever, Catholic, Muslim, or Jehovah Witness you always talk to, imagine how much worse it will be if they die without putting their faith in Christ alone.

You had a chance to tell them. Would a good doctor ever not tell someone they’re dying of cancer because they’re afraid of giving them bad news? Most unbelievers think they’re going to Heaven. Don’t be like most Christians and close your mouth. Preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

(Scripture verses changed from NIV to KJV. Emphasis added.)

1. Jesus commanded us.

Matthew 28:18-19 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

2. A love for God and others.

2 Corinthians 5:14 “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:”

Philippians 2:3-4 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

3. Jesus Christ is the only way and most people don’t know that.

John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

John 3:36 “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

John 3:18 “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

4. How will people know if they don’t hear?

Romans 10:11-15 “For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”

5. You will glorify God.

1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

6. God does not want anyone to go to Hell.

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

2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

1 Timothy 2:3-4 “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;⁴Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”

Luke 14:23 “And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”

 John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

7. Jesus is going to come when the gospel is preached around the whole world.

Matthew 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”

8. People are blinded by Satan.

2 Corinthians 4:4 “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

9. Witnessing helps us grow as believers.

Philemon 1:6 “That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.”

Colossians 1:10 “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;”

10. Witnessing helps you to learn more about God’s Word.

2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”

Fritz Chery

I am a Christian, saved by grace through faith in Christ alone. In 2013, I founded BibleReasons.com, driven by a deep passion to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. My heart’s desire is not only that we come to know Him but that we cultivate an intimate relationship with Him through prayer. 

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

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

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

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