Good morning,

Why are we here? What is our purpose?

(Frank Hall)

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

Before there was a Milky Way–there was God!
Before there were galaxies, solar systems, constellations, and nebulae–there was God!
Before Mercury, Venus, and Mars were plugged into their sockets–there was God!
Before Polaris was fastened above the North Pole–there was God!
Before Orion the hunter had a belt, and Saturn had its rings–there was God; all alone, perfect and content, glorious in His solitary existence as the eternal I AM!

Before there was a sun, a moon, or an earth;
before there was grass to clothe the field, and flowers to adorn it;
before the mountains were brought forth, and the sea filled the depths;
before the eagle soared through the sky, and the fish swam through the sea;
before angels, devils, and men had their being–there was God alone!

If we would understand things aright, we must not begin with man, but with God, for He is the beginning of all things. To begin with man is folly, for man is but a creature–a production of the Creator. We must back up and begin where the Bible begins, with God!

God’s people know, and have always known what continues to baffle the minds of the scholars and scientists of our day, that “in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Through faith, God’s people understand the mystery of creation.

I ask you, “Why are we here? What is our purpose? What is God’s purpose?” Can we even know the answer to these questions? Indeed we can. 

The twenty four elders seated around God’s throne in Heaven give us the answer in Revelation 4:10-11, “The twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and for Your pleasure they exist and were created!“

You, me, angels, animals, plants, rocks, and all other things, exist and were created for one reason–the pleasure of the Creator. We were created according to His will and purpose, for His pleasure and glory. 

God did not create the Heaven and the earth arbitrarily. He created them to be the stage upon which He would perform His eternal purpose of grace, and reveal all the wonders of His goodness and mercy toward His elect. It is upon the stage of time, that God displays His eternal purpose and shows forth His glory in the salvation of chosen sinners. He created this world for the salvation of His people, that they would be recovered from their sin by His almighty grace.

“I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying: My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure!“ Isaiah 46:9-10

   ~  ~  ~  ~

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

Good morning,

God’s word challenges our thinking.

When the Bible says God rules over everything, that we should “fear not”, the blessings God shows to Israel, the church, and to the United States, then we must ask ourselves, how does this impact me? What should be my response to God’s goodness?

This week we look at what our spiritual attitude should be. We have responsibilities to act in accordance with Scriptural principles. What are they?

6) SPIRITUAL TRUST (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.

7) SPIRITUAL CLEANSING (1 JOHN 1:9)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We now come full circle to where we began. God rules. God knows everything. He sees all.

The question is, will we trust Him with our whole heart?

Proverbs 3:5-6 challenges us to trust God with all thine heart, then to lean not unto thine own understanding, then to acknowledge Him in all thy ways, and allow Him to direct our paths.

We will only be able to do this if we believe God rules, knows, and sees all. Then we place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ for our salvation. Then we will be able claim the promise of Proverbs 3:5-6.

Another promise that God gives to us is His forgiveness. If we are willing to confess, repent, turn the opposite direction from our sin, He will forgive us, and will continue to give us opportunity to serve Him.

We are His children and He loves us. He wants to bless us. He wants us to forsake our sin and trust Him without reservations.

Will we?

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

Good morning,

God’s word challenges our thinking.

When the Bible says God rules over everything, that we should “fear not”, the blessings God shows to Israel, the church, and to the United States, then we must ask ourselves, how does this impact me? What should be my response to God’s goodness?

This week we look at what our spiritual attitude should be. We have responsibilities to act in accordance with Scriptural principles. What are they?

5) SPIRITUAL CONDUCT (COLOSSIANS 3:1-3, 5, 8-11, 9-14, 17)

Seek those things above V1

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affections on things above V2

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Mortify your members which are upon this earth V5

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Put off:                                                                                  

Anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication lie not one with another V8-9

But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.⁹ Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

Put on: 

The new man, which is renewed in knowledge, bowels of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering, forbearing one another, forgiving one another, charity V 10-14

And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:¹¹ Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.¹² Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;¹³ Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.¹⁴ And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Peace of God V15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

How do we conduct ourselves as believers in Christ?

Colossians 3 gives us three things to do. Seek those things which are above, set your affections on things above, and mortify (kill) your members which are on the earth.

Then we are instructed to put off a list of wicked, sinful, character qualities, and put on a list of Godly, spiritual, Biblical, character qualities.

Our testimony for Christ is directly related to the character qualities we present to others. If we fail to exhibit characteristics of love, patience, mercy, humbleness, meekness, forgiveness, we will not be a good witness for Jesus Christ.

God desires us to walk close to Him, proclaim the good news of the gospel message, and pray for the lost to come to Christ.

Each of us has a part to play. Will we be obedient to God’s call?

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

Good morning,

God’s word challenges our thinking.

When the Bible says God rules over everything, that we should “fear not”, the blessings God shows to Israel, the church, and to the United States, then we must ask ourselves, how does this impact me? What should be my response to God’s goodness?

This week we look at what our spiritual attitude should be. We have responsibilities to act in accordance with Scriptural principles. What are they?

SPIRITUAL ATTITUDE

JAMES 3:17

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

1) SPIRITUAL BATTLE (EPHESIANS 6:10-12)

 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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.

2) SPIRITUAL MIND (PHILIPPIANS 2:1-18) KEY VERSES 2, 3-16

• Like minded, same love, being of one accord, one mind V2
• Put others first V3-4
• Let the mind of Christ be in us V5-6
• Humble ourselves as Jesus did V7-8
• Bow to Jesus and confess that Jesus is Lord V 10-11
• Work out your salvation with fear and trembling V12
• God works in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure V13
• Do all things without murmurings and disputing v14
• Result that we might be blameless V15
• Holding forth the word of life, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain V16

3) SPIRITUAL ACTIONS (PHILIPPIANS 4:1-9) KEY VERSES 4, 6, 7, 8

• Rejoice V4 
• Pray and ask V6
• Peace of God V7
• Think on these things: whatsoever is:  True, honest, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtue, praise V8

4) SPIRITUAL FRUIT (GALATIANS 5:22-3)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

5) SPIRITUAL CONDUCT (COLOSSIANS 3:1-3, 5, 8-11, 9-14, 17)

• Seek those things above V1
• Set your affections on things above V2
• Mortify your members which are upon this earth V5
• Put off:                                                                                  
• Anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication lie not one with another V8-9
• Put on: 
• The new man, which is renewed in knowledge, bowels of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering, forbearing one another, forgiving one another, charity V 10-14
• Peace of God V15
• Let the word of God dwell in you richly/teach and admonish one another
• Do all in the name of the Lord  
• 6) SPIRITUAL TRUST (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.

7) SPIRITUAL CLEANSING (1 JOHN 1:9)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

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

Good morning,

God’s word challenges our thinking.

When the Bible says God rules over everything, that we should “fear not”, the blessings God shows to Israel, the church, and to the United States, then we must ask ourselves, how does this impact me? What should be my response to God’s goodness?

This week we look at what our spiritual attitude should be. We have responsibilities to act in accordance with Scriptural principles. What are they?

3) SPIRITUAL ACTIONS (PHILIPPIANS 4:1-9) KEY VERSES 4, 6, 7, 8

Rejoice V4

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice

Pray and ask V6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Peace of God V7

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Think on these things: whatsoever is:   True, honest, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtue, praise V8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

4) SPIRITUAL FRUIT (GALATIANS 5:22-3)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Philippians 4:1-9 gives practical things to do to enhance our spiritual attitude. Rejoice in the Lord. Why? Because of all the great things He has done for us.

Pray and ask. We have the privilege to go directly to God with our praise, prayers, and concerns.

When we do this we will enjoy the peace of God. It would be hard not to, when we are communing with God.

Philippians 4:8 gives us a way to defeat Satan, grow closer to God, and enhance our spiritual attitude. Eight items are mentioned. We are to think on these things. What things? “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

As we draw closer to God through prayer, the reading, studying, and obedience to the Bible, characteristics about us should change.

The changes should be in line with Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit should be more evident the longer we have been saved. Are they?

Spiritual attitude is made up of a combination of different principles which mature us in Christ. A mature believer brings much happiness to God, believers and unbelievers, and the church family.

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

Good morning,

God’s word challenges our thinking.

When the Bible says God rules over everything, that we should “fear not”, the blessings God shows to Israel, the church, and to the United States, then we must ask ourselves, how does this impact me? What should be my response to God’s goodness?

This week we look at what our spiritual attitude should be. We have responsibilities to act in accordance with Scriptural principles. What are they?

SPIRITUAL ATTITUDE

JAMES 3:17

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

1) SPIRITUAL BATTLE (EPHESIANS 6:10-12)

 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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.

2) SPIRITUAL MIND (PHILIPPIANS 2:1-18) KEY VERSES 2, 3-16

Like minded, same love, being of one accord, one mind V2

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Put others first V3-4

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Let the mind of Christ be in us V5-6

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:                 

Humble ourselves as Jesus did V7-8

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:⁸ And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Bow to Jesus and confess that Jesus is Lord V 10-11

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Work out your salvation with fear and trembling V12

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

God works in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure V13

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Do all things without murmurings and disputing V14

Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

Result that we might be blameless V15

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Holding forth the word of life, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain V16

Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

Spiritual attitude begins with the wisdom of God. James 3:17 tells us about God’s wisdom. It is pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be done, merciful, with good fruits, without partiality and hypocrisy. Do those terms define how we live our lives?

Elections pit people of opposing views vying for a specific political position. We see the battle as between individuals or political parties. Ephesians 6:11-12 tells us, “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.” Our battle is against Satan and his forces of evil. Satan will do all he can to distract us from following God and obeying His word.

Then God gives us the example of Jesus Christ. What He did. How He acted. That is the template for us.

Read each of the attributes and ask yourself, “How can I apply this to my life?” These character qualities will help shape our spiritual attitude. It will make us more like Christ.

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

Good morning,

Two weeks ago, we learned that God rules over everything, is all knowing, and sees everything. He cares about His creation and His people. Knowing this, we should not be fearful. Last week we studied why God tells us to “fear not”.

Knowing that God is in control and that we need not be fearful, we can begin to enjoy the blessings of God.

We will see how God blessed Israel, the church through the birth of Jesus, and the United States.

God blesses the United States

a) God allows Europeans to flee spiritual persecution

Many of the British North American colonies that eventually formed the United States of America were settled in the seventeenth century by men and women, who, in the face of European persecution, refused to compromise passionately held religious convictions and fled Europe.

b) Original settlements were governed by Scriptural principals

The New England colonies have often been called “Bible Commonwealths” because they sought the guidance of the scriptures in regulating all aspects of the lives of their citizens. Scripture was cited as authority for many criminal statutes.

The New England colonies, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland were conceived and established “as plantations of religion.” Some settlers who arrived in these areas came for secular motives–“to catch fish” as one New Englander put it–but the great majority left Europe to worship God in the way they believed to be correct. They enthusiastically supported the efforts of their leaders to create “a city on a hill” or a “holy experiment,” whose success would prove that God’s plan for his churches could be successfully realized in the American wilderness. Even colonies like Virginia, which were planned as commercial ventures, were led by entrepreneurs who considered themselves “militant Protestants” and who worked diligently to promote the prosperity of the church.

c) God protected the settlers

The Mayflower landed in New England in November, far too late for them to plant or harvest any crops. As a result their first winter was very difficult and over half of them had perished by springtime. Members of the Wampanoag tribe, with Tisquantum serving as translator, began assisting the Pilgrims in the spring of 1621 and introduced them to native crops like corn, beans, and squash as well as showing them the best places to hunt and fish. They also taught the pilgrims different methods and techniques to help crops grow better in the New England soil. In the summer the leader of the Wampanoag, Massasoit, signed a treaty with the Pilgrims offering them food in exchange for assistance in protecting themselves from other, hostile tribes. The Pilgrims experienced a bountiful harvest in the fall and celebrated with a multi-day harvest festival. Harvest Festivals were common around the world and would have been celebrated in North America long before the Pilgrims arrived.

d) God provided for the settlers

Conclusion

• God blesses Israel
• God blessed the Israel and the Church by allowing Jesus to be born and fulfill many Old Testament prophecies
• God blessed the original settlers to our land with spiritual freedom, protection, and food

God blessed the European Christians seeking religious freedom. He gave their descendants freedom from the tyranny of Britain. He allowed a new country to be born, called the United States of America.  

This new country had our foundational truths rooted in Scripture. While we followed God, we flourished. However, over time, God was put on the back burner, and the new country fell into sin. God has intervened with revival over the years. Today, we need revival again.

Revival must start in the hearts of believers. When the church gets right with God, God will be able to use us to win others to Christ. Unfortunately, many church’s see their responsibility end when someone gets saved. Actually, it is only beginning.

We need to disciple young believers. They need to be taught the Bible. They need to see why obedience to God’s word is crucial. They need to learn how to lead others to Christ. They need to know how to minister the word of God to others.

Our country can be great again. Adherence to God and His word are the only way it will be done.

Join the revival!

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

Good morning,

Two weeks ago, we learned that God rules over everything, is all knowing, and sees everything. He cares about His creation and His people. Knowing this, we should not be fearful. Last week we studied why God tells us to “fear not”.

Knowing that God is in control and that we need not be fearful, we can begin to enjoy the blessings of God.

We will see how God blessed Israel, the church through the birth of Jesus, and the United States.

God blesses Israel and the Church Luke 1:26-35, 2:1-7

         a) Christ’s birth announced 1:26-35

                 1) Gabriel appears to Mary v 26-30 Key verse 30

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,²⁷ To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.²⁸ And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.²⁹ And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.³⁰ And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God.

                 2) Gabriel announces Jesus birth v 31-33 Key verse 31

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.³² He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:³³ And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

                 3) Virgin birth foretold v 34-35 Key verse 35

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? ³⁵ And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

         b) Christ’s birth 2:1-7

                 1) Caesar Augustus decrees all the world to be taxed v 1-5

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.² (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)³ And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.⁴ And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)⁵ To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

                 2) Jesus is born v 6-7 Key verse 7

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

The birth of Jesus was a miracle. Only God could have orchestrated all the events that to happen to make Jesus birth reality.

This birth was to be a blessing to both Jews and gentiles.

He was the long awaited Messiah of Israel. Jesus met all the requirements to be the Messiah. The religious leaders should have known that Jesus was the Messiah. The Old Testament had many references to the coming Messiah. However, they either knew or rejected Him, or they were ignorant and not worthy of holding a position of leadership. Another option was that they were afraid of losing their positions of authority, if Jesus was the Messiah. So the religious leaders rejected Him!

However, there were many of the common people, Jews, who embraced Christ, His teachings, and that He was the long awaited Messiah. They were the first converts. They were blessed!

The gentiles on the other hand embraced Him. On the day of Pentecost, three thousand souls were saved. They heard of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and they said, “…Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37) “Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

That is what God requires for all who seek Christ. They must repent of their sins and trust Christ as Lord and Savior. The first act of obedience is to be baptized. The indwelling Holy Spirit comes to each believer in Christ.

The gentiles are blessed.

Would you like to be saved? Call me or send me an email or text.

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

Good morning,

Two weeks ago, we learned that God rules over everything, is all knowing, and sees everything. He cares about His creation and His people. Knowing this, we should not be fearful. Last week we studied why God tells us to “fear not”.

Knowing that God is in control and that we need not be fearful, we can begin to enjoy the blessings of God.

We will see how God blessed Israel, the church through the birth of Jesus, and the United States.

GOD’S BLESSINGS

Remember his marvelous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; (Psalms 105:5)

Introduction

1) God blesses Israel Psalm 105

         a) Praise and remembrance

                 1) Praise v 1-4 Key verse 1

                 2) Remembrance v5-8 Key verse 5

         b)  God blesses Israel

                 1) Abrahamic Covenant v 9-11 Key verse 11

                 2) God’s protection v 12-15 Key verse 15    

                 3) Famine and Joseph v16-22 Key verses 21-22        

                 4) Israel enters Egypt and increased His people v23-24 

                 5) God’s signs to Egypt through Moses v 25-38 Key verses 37-38 

                 6) God leads His people v 39

                 7) God provides food and water v 40-41

                 8) God keeps His promise to Abraham v 42-45 Key verse 42                                                                                                                                                                                                              

2) God blesses Israel and the Church Luke 1:26-35, 2:1-7

         a) Christ’s birth announced 1:26-35

                 1) Gabriel appears to Mary v 26-30 Key verse 30

                 2) Gabriel announces Jesus birth v 31-33 Key verse 31

                 3) Virgin birth foretold v 34-35 Key verse 35

         b) Christ’s birth 2:1-7

                 1) Caesar Augustus decrees all the world to be taxed v 1-5

                 2) Jesus is born v 6-7 Key verse 7

3) God blesses the United States

         a) God allows Europeans to flee spiritual persecution

         b) Original settlements were governed by Scriptural principals

         c) God protected the settlers

         d) God provided for the settlers

Conclusion

• God blesses Israel
• God blessed the Israel and the Church by allowing Jesus to be born and fulfill many Old Testament prophecies
• God blessed the original settlers to our land with spiritual freedom, protection, and food

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

Good morning,

Two weeks ago, we learned that God rules over everything, is all knowing, and sees everything. He cares about His creation and His people. Knowing this, we should not be fearful. Last week we studied why God tells us to “fear not”.

Knowing that God is in control and that we need not be fearful, we can begin to enjoy the blessings of God.

We will see how God blessed Israel, the church through the birth of Jesus, and the United States.

God blesses Israel Psalm 105

b)  God blesses Israel

                 1) Abrahamic Covenant v 9-11 Key verse 11

Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac;¹⁰ And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant:¹¹ Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance:

                 2) God’s protection v 12-15 Key verse 15

When they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it.¹³ When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people;¹⁴ He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes;¹⁵ Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

                 3) Famine and Joseph v16-22 Key verses 21-22

Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread.¹⁷ He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:¹⁸ Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron:¹⁹ Until the time that his word came: the word of the Lord tried him.²⁰ The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free. ²¹ He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance:²² To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.

                 4) Israel enters Egypt and increased His people v23-24

 ²³ Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.²⁴ And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies.

                 5) God’s signs to Egypt through Moses v 25-38 Key verses 37-38

He turned their heart to hate his people, to deal subtilely with his servants.²⁶ He sent Moses his servant; and Aaron whom he had chosen.²⁷ They shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.²⁸ He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word.²⁹ He turned their waters into blood, and slew their fish.³⁰ Their land brought forth frogs in abundance, in the chambers of their kings.³¹ He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and lice in all their coasts.³² He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land.³³ He smote their vines also and their fig trees; and brake the trees of their coasts.³⁴ He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillars, and that without number,³⁵ And did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground.³⁶ He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.³⁷ He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.³⁸ Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them.

                 6) God leads His people v 39

He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night.

                 7) God provides food and water v 40-41

The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.⁴¹ He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river.

                 8) God keeps His promise to Abraham v 42-45 Key verse 42 

For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant.⁴³ And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:⁴⁴ And gave them the lands of the heathen: and they inherited the labor of the people;⁴⁵ That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the Lord.

When God makes covenant with Israel, it is irrevocable. God never goes back on His word. Through the whole process God took care of Israel. Even when they were slaves in Egypt, God protected them. God put up with their rebellion, whining, and ungratefulness, and brought them into the promised land. Just as He promised.

God does the same for us. The Bible is filled with promises. Do we know what they are? Do we understand them in the context of the Scriptures? Do we claim them? It is so exciting to watch God work in our lives.

Several caveats though.

First, we must be walking with God. Salvation, then, reading and studying the Bible.

Second, determine who the promise was meant. Israel, the church, specific individuals.

Third, be careful what promises we claim. It might change our lives.

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