Good morning,

This month we will be studying the Book of Lamentations. Israel’s continual sins had consequences. Remember our study of Psalm 106? Our sins have consequences.

Lamentations

Historical Setting: The Fall of Jerusalem, 586 BC

The poem rises from the smoking ruins left by Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 25; Jeremiah 52). Babylon breached the walls after eighteen months of siege, burned the Temple, deported thousands, and appointed Gedaliah as governor—who was soon assassinated. Lamentations captures the raw aftermath: famine pits, toppled stonework, and a shattered society. The disaster fulfilled warnings God had issued centuries earlier (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28).

Authorship and Structure

Early Jewish and Christian tradition points to Jeremiah as the writer, fitting the prophet who witnessed the siege (Jeremiah 1 – 52). Chapter 1 is an alphabet poem: 22 verses matching the 22 Hebrew letters, each verse opening with the next letter. The ordered form contrasts with the chaos described—grief forced into a disciplined frame, showing that sorrow can be voiced, not silenced.

Poetic Devices and Imagery

• Personification: Jerusalem is “daughter,” “widow,” “princess,” and “slave.”

• Reversal: once-thriving roads now “mourn” (v 4); former friends now foes (v 2).

• Agricultural metaphors: leaders are deer without pasture (v 6), Judah is grapes crushed in a winepress (v 15).

• Legal language: guilt admitted (v 18) and sentence accepted.

Every device presses home a single truth—sin has consequences, and those consequences hurt.

Key Themes: Sin, Sorrow, and the Righteous LORD

1. Sin Exposed: “Jerusalem has sinned greatly” (v 8). The poet never blames Babylon alone; the root problem is covenant unfaithfulness.

2. Divine Righteousness: The city affirms, “The LORD is righteous” (v 18). Judgment is not random; it is just.

3. Honest Lament: Tears, groans, and complaints appear in almost every verse. God welcomes the cries of the broken.

4. Hope Seeded: Even in ruin the people keep praying (v 11, 20–22), hinting that relationship with God is bruised but not severed (cf. Hosea 6:1). (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/lamentations/1.htm)

Lamentations 1

Lamentations 1, as the title suggests, is a song of lament, echoing with the painful cries of a devastated Jerusalem. This chapter paints a vivid portrait of the city that was once full of people, now sitting solitary. The first in a collection of five sorrowful poems, it reflects on the suffering and desolation experienced by the city due to the sins of its inhabitants. 

The Lonely City (1–2)

How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people! How is she become as a widow! she that was great among the nations, and princess among the provinces, how is she become tributary!² She weepeth sore in the night, and her tears are on her cheeks: among all her lovers she hath none to comfort her: all her friends have dealt treacherously with her, they are become her enemies.

Jerusalem, once crowded and honored, now sits like a deserted widow. The allies she courted are gone; “among all her lovers there is no one to comfort her” (v 2). Tears run through the night as former friends now stand as enemies. The opening note sets the book’s aching tone: utter loss and aching isolation. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/lamentations/1.htm)

Crushing Defeat and Leadership Collapse  (3–6)

³ Judah is gone into captivity because of affliction, and because of great servitude: she dwelleth among the heathen, she findeth no rest: all her persecutors overtook her between the straits.⁴ The ways of Zion do mourn, because none come to the solemn feasts: all her gates are desolate: her priests sigh, her virgins are afflicted, and she is in bitterness.⁵ Her adversaries are the chief, her enemies prosper; for the Lord hath afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions: her children are gone into captivity before the enemy.⁶ And from the daughter of Zion all her beauty is departed: her princes are become like harts that find no pasture, and they are gone without strength before the pursuer.

Judah’s people stagger into exile (v 3). The pilgrimage roads to Zion are silent, priests groan, and young women mourn (v 4). Babylon rules at ease because “the LORD has brought her grief because of her many transgressions” (v 5). All glory has fled; leaders scatter like starving deer (v 6). (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/lamentations/1.htm)

Memories, Mockery, and Hunger (7–11)

⁷ Jerusalem remembered in the days of her affliction and of her miseries all her pleasant things that she had in the days of old, when her people fell into the hand of the enemy, and none did help her: the adversaries saw her, and did mock at her sabbaths.    ⁸ Jerusalem hath grievously sinned; therefore she is removed: all that honoured her despise her, because they have seen her nakedness: yea, she sigheth, and turneth backward.⁹ Her filthiness is in her skirts; she remembereth not her last end; therefore she came down wonderfully: she had no comforter. O Lord, behold my affliction: for the enemy hath magnified himself.¹⁰ The adversary hath spread out his hand upon all her pleasant things: for she hath seen that the heathen entered into her sanctuary, whom thou didst command that they should not enter into thy congregation.¹¹ All her people sigh, they seek bread; they have given their pleasant things for meat to relieve the soul: see, O Lord, and consider; for I am become vile.

The city remembers former treasures while enemies laugh (v 7). “Jerusalem has sinned greatly; therefore she has become an object of scorn” (v 8). The invader desecrates the sanctuary (v 10). Starving citizens trade valuables for bread and cry, “Look, O LORD… I have become despised” (v 11). (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/lamentations/1.htm)

Suffering Under the LORD’s Hand (12–17)

¹² Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the Lord hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger.¹³ From above hath he sent fire into my bones, and it prevaileth against them: he hath spread a net for my feet, he hath turned me back: he hath made me desolate and faint all the day.¹⁴ The yoke of my transgressions is bound by his hand: they are wreathed, and come up upon my neck: he hath made my strength to fall, the Lord hath delivered me into their hands, from whom I am not able to rise up.¹⁵ The Lord hath trodden under foot all my mighty men in the midst of me: he hath called an assembly against me to crush my young men: the Lord hath trodden the virgin, the daughter of Judah, as in a winepress.¹⁶ For these things I weep; mine eye, mine eye runneth down with water, because the comforter that should relieve my soul is far from me: my children are desolate, because the enemy prevailed.¹⁷ Zion spreadeth forth her hands, and there is none to comfort her: the Lord hath commanded concerning Jacob, that his adversaries should be round about him: Jerusalem is as a menstruous woman among them.

Jerusalem’s pain is unmatched because it is God-sent (v 12). Fire, nets, and a crushing winepress image divine judgment (vv 13–15). No comforter appears; Zion stretches empty hands while neighbors recoil (v 17). (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/lamentations/1.htm)

 Confession and Call for Justice (18–22)

¹⁸ The Lord is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment: hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow: my virgins and my young men are gone into captivity. ¹⁹ I called for my lovers, but they deceived me: my priests and mine elders gave up the ghost in the city, while they sought their meat to relieve their souls.²⁰ Behold, O Lord; for I am in distress: my bowels are troubled; mine heart is turned within me; for I have grievously rebelled: abroad the sword bereaveth, at home there is as death.²¹ They have heard that I sigh: there is none to comfort me: all mine enemies have heard of my trouble; they are glad that thou hast done it: thou wilt bring the day that thou hast called, and they shall be like unto me.²² Let all their wickedness come before thee; and do unto them, as thou hast done unto me for all my transgressions: for my sighs are many, and my heart is faint.                                                                                                                        “The LORD is righteous, for I have rebelled” (v 18). Survivors search for food; elders collapse (v 19). Inside the walls is death, outside the sword (v 20). The chapter closes with a plea: let God repay the enemy’s evil as He has disciplined Jerusalem (v 22). (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/lamentations/1.htm)               

 Practical Takeaways

• Individual and communal sin carries real fallout; repentance is urgent, not optional.

• Grief voiced to God is a form of worship; silence is not the only reverent response.

• God’s justice is never arbitrary; His discipline is purposeful, aiming to restore (Hebrews 12:5-11).

• When earthly supports vanish, the believer can still cling to God, trusting that His mercies are “new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23)—a hope foreshadowed even here in chapter 1.

Forward Glimpse: From Ruins to Renewal

The cries of chapter 1 prepare the way for the pivot in chapter 3: “Great is Your faithfulness!” The road runs through confession and tears, but it ends in restoration (Jeremiah 31:17; Zechariah 8:3-5). The fall of Jerusalem is tragic history, yet it points past itself to a cross where judgment and mercy meet—and to an empty tomb where grief gives way to praise. (https://biblehub.com/chaptersummaries/lamentations/1.htm)

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

Good morning,

A rare creature!

Charles Spurgeon

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

1 Timothy 1:12, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that He considered me faithful, appointing me to His service.“
A faithful preacher is a rare creature; and like a diamond, as precious as he is rare!
If you always enjoy his sermons, then that minister is not a faithful steward. He who gives out nothing but sweets is not acting wisely.
It is the duty of the Christian pastor, if he would make full proof of his ministry:
  to warn men of the punishments of sin;
  to tell them that there is a judgment;
  that for every idle word they speak they will have to give an account on that dread day.
Some preachers do not preach of eternal wrath and its terrors. This is cruel, for they ruin souls by hiding from them their damnation!
The object of all true preaching is the heart. Godly ministers aim at divorcing the heart from sin, and wedding it to Jesus.
“If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.” 1 Timothy 4:6
“Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.” Colossians 4:7

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

Good morning,

This incomparable book!

(Thomas Brooks, “Apples of Gold” 1660)

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

“Oh, how I love Your law! I meditate on it all day long!” Psalm 119:97

The whole of Scripture is but one entire love letter, dispatched from the Lord Christ, to His beloved spouse!

Oh! the mysteries, the excellencies, the glories which are in this incomparable book! There are none so useful, none so needful, none so delightful, none so necessary to make you happy and to keep you happy–as this!

Ah! the Word of the Lord is . . .
  a light to guide you,
  a counselor to counsel you,
  a comforter to comfort you,
  a staff to support you,
  a sword to defend you,
  a physician to cure you!

The Word is . . .
  a mine to enrich you,
  a robe to clothe you,
  a crown to crown you.
  bread to strengthen you,
  wine to cheer you,
  a honeycomb to feast you,
  music to delight you,
  a paradise to entertain you!

Oh! therefore, before all and above all:
  search the Scripture,
  study the Scripture,
  meditate on the Scripture,
  delight in the Scripture,
  treasure up the Scripture!

There is . . .
  no wisdom like Scripture wisdom,
  no knowledge like Scripture knowledge,
  no experience like Scripture experience,
  no comforts like Scripture comforts,
  no delights like Scripture delights,
  no convictions like Scripture convictions,
  no conversion like Scripture conversion!

I exhort you to a speedy, serious, diligent, and constant study of the Scripture.
Ah! you do not know how soon . . .
  your blind minds may be enlightened,
  your hard hearts may be softened,
  your proud spirits may be humbled,
  your sinful natures may be changed,
  your defiled consciences may be purged,
  your distempered affections may be regulated,
  and your poor souls may be saved . . .
by searching into the Scriptures,
by reading the Scripture, and
by pondering upon the Scripture.

Ah! if you do not in good earnest, give yourself up . . .
  to the reading,
  to the studying,
  to the pondering,
  to the believing,
  to the practicing,
  to the applying,
  and to the living up to the Scripture:
Satan will be too hard for you,
the world will be too hard for you,
your lusts will be too hard for you,
temptations will be too hard for you,
deceivers will be too hard for you,
and in the end you will be miserable! 

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

Good morning,

The Golden Key! The Golden Thread!

Octavius Winslow

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

Jesus is the one great theme both of the Old Testament and the New. The whole Bible is designed to testify of Christ, “The Scriptures point to Me!” John 5:39

In Christ the Messiah,
in Jesus the Savior,
in the Son of God the Redeemer
—all the truths of the Bible center.

To Him all the types and shadows point!

Of Him all the prophecies give witness!

All the glory of the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation–culminates at the cross of Christ!

The Bible would be an inexplicable mystery apart from Christ, who unfolds and explains it all.

He is the golden Key which unlocks the divine treasury of Scriptural revelation!

Until He is seen, the Bible is, in a sense–a great mystery. But when He is found, it is a glorious revelation.
Every mystery is opened,
every enigma is explained,
every discrepancy is harmonized,
and every truth and page, sentence and word–is quickened with a life and glowing with a light flowing down from the throne of the Eternal God.

Christ is the substance of the Gospel.
  All its divine doctrines,
  all its holy precepts,
  all its gracious instructions,
  all its precious promises,
  all its glorious hopes–
meet, center, and fill up their entire compass in Jesus!

He is the Alpha and the Omega of the Bible–from the first verse in Genesis to the last verse in Revelation.

Oh, study the Scriptures of truth with a view of learning Christ.

Do not study the Bible as a mere history.
Do not read it as a mere poem.
Do not search it as a book of science.
It is all that, but infinitely more.
The Bible is the Book of Jesus!
It is a Revelation of Christ!

Christ is the golden thread which runs through the whole!

Blessed Lord Jesus! I will read and study and dig into the Scriptures, to find and learn more of You!
You, Immanuel, are the fragrance of this divine box of precious ointment.
You are the beauteous gem sparkling in this divine cabinet.
You are the Tree of life planted in the center of this divine garden.
You are the Ocean whose stream quickens and nourishes all who draw water out of this divine well of salvation.
The Bible is all about You!

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

Good morning,

My portion!

(James Smith, “Gleams of Grace” 1860)

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

Psalm 119:57, “You are my portion, O Lord!”

Many people are proud of their possessions, and boast of their wealth; yet their possessions are very limited, and their wealth has wings and may flee away at any time!

A Christian may not be proud; but he has great reason to be thankful.

He can look over the whole earth, and say, “My wealth exceeds all this!”

He can look up and gaze on the starry heavens and say, “My property exceeds this vast expanse!”

He may try to conceive of the greatness and glory of the created universe, and then say, “I claim more than all this!”

Looking up to the Author, Owner, and Disposer of all worlds–he can say, “You are my portion, O Lord!”

What a privilege! A portion–and such a portion.
God Himself in all His greatness, and in all His goodness.
God with all He is, and all He has–is my portion!

What kind of a portion is this? It is immense, for it comprehends all.
All the attributes of the Divine nature, are for us.
All the perfections of God’s character, are on our side.
All the productions of the divine power, are for our good.
Therefore the apostle says, “All things are yours!”
Nothing good is withheld from us!

What the father of the prodigal said to his eldest son–our heavenly Father says to every one of His children, “Son, you are ever with Me, and all that I have is yours!”

We may adopt similar language in speaking to our heavenly Father, to that used by the angel to Abraham, “By this I know that You love me, because You have not withheld Your Son, Your only Son from me!” And from this fact, we may draw the same conclusion as Paul did, “He who spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall he not with Him also, freely give us all things!”

O beloved, God in all the glory of His nature and perfections, God with all His unsearchable riches–is our portion!

What kind of a portion is this? It is immutable. It remains forever. Others may lose their property, or it may become deteriorated and comparatively valueless–but our portion is forever the same!

Our portion can never be forfeited, or alienated, or reduced in value–because it is the unchangeable God Himself!

Blessed is the man that can say with Jeremiah, “The Lord is my portion, therefore will I hope in Him!”
Or with David, “The Lord is the portion of my inheritance!”

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!” Psalm 73:26 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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

Good morning,

Psalm 107 is a poignant reminder of God’s unwavering mercy and enduring love for those who cry out to Him in their distress. The Psalmist beautifully narrates the divine intervention experienced by the lost, the imprisoned, the sick, and the sea-travelers. It is an earnest call for thanksgiving, recognizing God’s redeeming work in life’s most desolate moments. The Psalm wonderfully encapsulates the human journey from suffering to redemption. 

Psalm 107

Call to Thank the Redeemer (1-3)

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.² Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;³ And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.

The psalmist opens with an invitation: “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” This sets the tone for the entire psalm, reminding us that gratitude is a powerful tool in our spiritual arsenal. When we focus on God’s goodness and steadfast love, our perspective shifts from our problems to His promises. 

All who have been “redeemed from the hand of the enemy” are summoned to praise—the scattered exiles, now gathered from “east and west, north and south,” testify that God has kept His covenant promise. 

Wanderers Gathered and Fed (4-9)

⁴ They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.⁵ Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.⁶ Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.⁷ And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.⁸ Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!⁹ For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

Travelers lost in trackless wastes hunger and thirst until their strength fails. When they “cry out to the LORD in their distress,” He leads them to a city where they can settle. Their empty stomachs are filled; their thirsty souls are satisfied. 

Prisoners Freed (10-16)

¹⁰ Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;¹¹ Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:¹² Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.¹³ Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.¹⁴ He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.¹⁵ Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!¹⁶ For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.

Others sit in “gloom and darkness, prisoners in chains,” because they rebelled against God’s word. Their bondage is shattered when they cry to Him. “He breaks down bronze gates and cuts through iron bars,” proving no human confinement is stronger than His mercy. 

The Sick Restored (17-22)    

 ¹⁷ Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.¹⁸ Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.¹⁹ Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.²⁰ He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.²¹ Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!²² And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

Fools who despise God’s ways suffer affliction that brings them to death’s door. But one prayer turns the tide: “He sent forth His word and healed them.” Their deliverance inspires thank-offerings and public witness. 

Sailors Delivered from the Storm (23-32)

 ²³ They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;²⁴ These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.²⁵ For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.²⁶ They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.²⁷ They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit’s end.²⁸ Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.²⁹ He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.³⁰ Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.³¹ Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!³² Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders. 

Mariners see God’s “wonders in the deep” when towering waves lift them to the sky and plunge them to the depths. Helpless, they cry out, and the LORD hushes the sea to a whisper. Safe in port, they lead the congregation in praise.

Reversals of Fortune (33-38)

³³ He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;³⁴ A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.³⁵ He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.³⁶ And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation; ³⁷ And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase. ³⁸ He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.

God turns rivers into desert and desert into pools, humbling the proud and blessing the needy. He plants the hungry in fertile fields so they “multiply greatly,” showing He can flip the fortunes of peoples and lands. 

Finale: Wisdom in the Works of God (39-43)

³⁹ Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.⁴⁰ He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way.⁴¹ Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock.⁴² The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.⁴³ Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.

Oppression may return, but God still lifts the poor. The righteous celebrate; the wicked are silenced. “Let him who is wise give heed to these things and consider the loving devotion of the LORD.”

Teaching Points

God’s Redeeming Love  

Psalm 107:2-3 emphasizes the call for the redeemed to proclaim their deliverance: Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy and gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.

Four Illustrations of Deliverance    

The psalm presents four scenarios of distress and God’s deliverance: wandering in the desert (v. 4-9), sitting in darkness and chains (v. 10-16), suffering from foolishness (v. 17-22), and facing peril at sea (v. 23-32).

The Repeated Call to Give Thanks 

 Each section concludes with a call to thank the Lord for His steadfast love and wondrous works (v. 8, 15, 21, 31).                                       

God’s Sovereignty and Power

Verses 33-42 highlight God’s control over nature and nations, demonstrating His ability to transform situations and bless the righteous.

The Wise Response

The psalm concludes with a call for wisdom: Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the loving devotion of the LORD (v. 43).

Lessons from Psalm 107

1. The Power of Gratitude
Psalm 107 opens with a call to give thanks to the Lord, for He is good and His love endures forever. This sets the tone for the entire psalm, reminding us that gratitude is a powerful tool in our spiritual arsenal. When we focus on God’s goodness and steadfast love, our perspective shifts from our problems to His promises. As it says in Psalm 107:1, “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” Cultivating a heart of gratitude can transform our daily lives, helping us to see God’s hand in every situation.

2. Redemption is for Everyone
The psalm highlights that God redeems people from all corners of the earth, emphasizing His universal love and salvation. “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy” (Psalm 107:2). This is a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Whether you feel lost, broken, or unworthy, God’s redemption is available to you. Embrace this truth and share it with others, knowing that His love knows no bounds.

3. God Hears Our Cries
Throughout Psalm 107, we see a pattern: people in distress cry out to the Lord, and He delivers them. “Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress” (Psalm 107:6). This reassures us that God is attentive to our prayers. No matter how dire our circumstances, we can trust that He hears us and is ready to act on our behalf. Let this encourage you to bring your concerns to Him, confident in His willingness to help.

4. The Wilderness is Temporary
The psalm describes people wandering in the desert, hungry and thirsty, until they find a city to dwell in. This illustrates that our wilderness experiences are temporary. “He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle” (Psalm 107:7). When you find yourself in a season of wandering or uncertainty, remember that God is guiding you to a place of rest and fulfillment. Trust in His timing and direction, knowing that He has a plan for your journey.

5. God’s Word Brings Healing
Psalm 107:20 states, “He sent forth His word and healed them; He rescued them from the pit.” This highlights the transformative power of God’s Word. When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we open ourselves to healing and restoration. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or spiritual healing you seek, turn to the Bible as a source of comfort and strength. Allow God’s Word to penetrate your heart and bring about the change you need.

6. Praise is a Response to Deliverance
The psalm repeatedly calls for praise in response to God’s deliverance. “Let them give thanks to the LORD for His loving devotion and His wonders to the sons of men” (Psalm 107:8). When God intervenes in our lives, our natural response should be one of praise and thanksgiving. This not only honors God but also strengthens our faith and encourages those around us. Make it a habit to celebrate God’s goodness and share your testimonies of His faithfulness.

7. God Breaks Chains
In Psalm 107:14, we read, “He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke away their chains.” This powerful imagery reminds us that God is in the business of breaking chains and setting captives free. Whether you’re struggling with addiction, fear, or any form of bondage, know that God has the power to liberate you. Trust in His ability to break every chain and lead you into a life of freedom and purpose.

8. The Importance of Community
The psalm emphasizes the collective experience of God’s people, highlighting the importance of community. “Let them exalt Him in the assembly of the people and praise Him in the council of the elders” (Psalm 107:32). We are not meant to walk this journey alone. Surround yourself with fellow believers who can support, encourage, and hold you accountable. Together, we can lift each other up and celebrate God’s work in our lives.

9. God’s Sovereignty Over Creation
Psalm 107:29 declares, “He calmed the storm to a whisper, and the waves of the sea were hushed.” This reminds us of God’s sovereignty over all creation. No matter how chaotic our circumstances may seem, God is in control. He has the power to calm the storms in our lives and bring peace to our hearts. Trust in His authority and rest in the assurance that He is working all things for your good.

10. The Call to Share Our Stories
The psalm concludes with a call to share the stories of God’s faithfulness. “Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the LORD” (Psalm 107:43). Our testimonies are powerful tools for evangelism and encouragement. By sharing how God has worked in our lives, we can inspire others to seek Him and experience His love for themselves. Be bold in telling your story, knowing that it can make an eternal impact.

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

Good morning,

Free Indeed!

Various authors

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

The world prizes freedom. Every generation longs for it. People fight for political freedom, financial freedom, personal freedom, and the freedom to live according to their own desires. Yet Jesus confronts us with a startling truth: a person may live in the freest nation on earth, and still be a slave.

The greatest tyranny is not imposed by governments, but by sin. The strongest chains are not forged from iron, but from guilt, corruption, fear, and death. Every son and daughter of Adam is born in bondage. We are slaves to sin, unable to free ourselves, condemned before a holy God, and unable to break our own chains of sin.

Yet into this hopeless condition comes the glorious promise of Jesus: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!” John 8:36

This is not partial freedom. It is not temporary relief.
It is perfect, lasting, spiritual liberty purchased by Jesus Himself.

Jesus frees us from slavery to SIN

Every person is born in sin, and is a slave to sin. In Jesus, however, we are liberated in every dimension of salvation. He removes . . .
  the guilt of sin by forgiving us completely,
  the penalty of sin by bearing God’s judgment in our place,
  the power of sin by breaking its dominion through the Holy Spirit,
  and one day the very presence of sin when He glorifies His people.

Jesus does not merely improve sinners–He sets captives free, and transforms them into sons and daughters of God.

Jesus frees us from the curse and condemnation of the LAW

God’s Law is holy and good, but because of our sin, it pronounces a righteous curse upon every transgressor. Jesus fulfilled the Law perfectly, and willingly became a curse for His people on the cross, satisfying its every demand. Therefore, those who are united to Jesus by faith are no longer condemned, but stand clothed in His righteousness before God. “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” Galatians 3:13

Jesus frees us from bondage to human opinions and customs

The fear of man enslaves countless hearts, causing people to seek acceptance from others. Jesus delivers believers from this tyranny, by giving them a greater fear–the fear of the Lord; and a greater approval–the smile of their heavenly Father. Freed from the need to please people, Christians are empowered to obey God regardless of the world’s praise or ridicule.

Jesus frees us from the accusations of a guilty conscience

An awakened conscience rightly reminds us of our sin, but Satan delights in using those memories to accuse and discourage God’s people. Jesus answers every accusation with His finished work. Because His blood has fully atoned for sin, the believer’s conscience may rest in the certainty that every charge has been answered at Calvary.

Jesus frees us from slavery to the DEVIL

Before conversion, sinners live under Satan’s dominion, blinded to the glory of Jesus and captive to His will. But through His death and resurrection, Jesus defeated the devil, broke his authority over believers, and transferred them into His own kingdom. Satan still tempts, but he no longer owns those whom Jesus has redeemed.

Jesus frees us from slavery to the WORLD

The world entices with pleasure, wealth, popularity, comfort, and prestige. It promises satisfaction while leading souls farther from God. Jesus opens our eyes to the emptiness of these fleeting attractions, and gives us a greater treasure–Himself! Once captivated by the world’s glitter, believers now see its pleasures as temporary and its promises as hollow, choosing instead the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus.

Jesus frees us from the fear of DEATH

Death is humanity’s greatest enemy, yet Jesus has transformed it for His people. By His resurrection He conquered the grave, removing its sting and securing eternal life for His redeemed people. For the Christian, death is no longer the doorway into Hell, but an entrance into the eternal and glorious presence of Jesus.

Jesus frees us from God’s righteous WRATH, and eternal HELL

The greatest freedom Jesus gives, is deliverance from the righteous wrath of God. Every sinner deserves eternal judgment, but Jesus willingly bore that wrath in the place of His people.

“God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him!” Romans 5:8-9

“For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath, but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9

“He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13–14

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

Good morning,

The Savior’s dying love

Charles Spurgeon, et al.

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

Romans 5:8, “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us!”

There is no love on earth to compare with the love of Jesus. His love is not a mere sentiment–it is a mighty, active, sacrificial love. From eternity past, He set His heart upon a people given to Him by the Father. Knowing full well their rebellion, guilt, and depravity–He loved them still. And because He loved them, He came down from the heights of glory to the depths of shame–to be the sin-atoning sacrifice for their sins.

The love of Jesus is a SOVEREIGN love–free, undeserved, and initiated by Himself alone. “We love Him, because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) There was nothing in us to attract Him–only vileness to repulse Him. Yet He set His love upon us with everlasting determination.

The love of Jesus is a SUFFERING love. He bore the wrath we deserved. He was pierced for our transgressions, and crushed for our iniquities. (Isaiah 53:5) Every blow He received, every thorn pressed into His brow, every nail driven through His flesh–proclaimed the depth and cost of His love for His people. The wounds of Jesus are the sure pledges of His love. He wrote His love in crimson letters upon the cross.

The love of Jesus is a PERSONAL love. “The Son of God…loved ME and gave Himself for ME.” (Galatians 2:20)
He knows and loves each of His redeemed people individually.
He sought us when we were wandering.
He drew us with cords of kindness.
He washed us in His blood.
He clothed us in His righteousness.
He calls us His brothers, His bride, His beloved.

The love of Jesus is an UNCHANGING love. Human love fades and falters–but not His. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. (John 13:1) Nothing in Heaven or on earth, in life or death, can separate us from His love! (Romans 8:39) His love does not fluctuate with our failures. It is rooted in His eternal purpose, and secured by His substitutionary atonement on the cross. O wondrous love of Jesus–matchless, infinite, and everlasting!

May His love for us melt our hearts, stir our affections, and move us to live wholly for Him. How can we not love the One who so loved us? Let us sit at His feet, gaze upon His wounds, cling to His cross, and joyfully say, “I am my Beloved’s, and my Beloved is mine!” (Song of Songs 6:3)

“May you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should: how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully!” (Ephesians 3:18-19                                     xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx     Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The anvil upon which the opinions of men are smashed

Charles Spurgeon, “Renewing Strength”

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

2 Timothy 3:16-17. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

The Scriptures contain:
  the mind of God,
  the state of man,
  the way of salvation,
  the doom of lost sinners,
  and the happiness of believers.

Christians must depend upon God’s Word as their only creed. They do not add to it anything whatever–no, not a sentence or a thought. Those have greatly erred, who look upon anything as the authoritative standard of belief, but God’s own Word. The Christian is not bound to any beliefs, but that which God Himself has revealed in His Word.

I have nothing to do with human creeds as the standard of my beliefs.
The only point I have to do with is this:
  What does God say?
  What does His Word say?

Within the covers of the Bible you find all theology. Nothing outside of this Book is binding on a Christian man as doctrine, in the least degree whatever. The Bible and the Bible alone is the creed of Christians. The Word of God is the anvil upon which the opinions of men are smashed.

We yield implicit faith to all that He has revealed, and to nothing else. A true church of God will say, “The Word of the Lord is to us, our infallible source of doctrine, and that alone.”

The Bible alone is the Christian’s chart, compass, map, and guide. He who would make progress in the heavenly voyage, must sail by this divine chart. The more you read the Bible, and the more you meditate upon it; the more you will be astonished with it.

“The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul
the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple.

The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart;
the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever;
the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous.

They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.

By them indeed Your servant is warned;
in keeping them is great reward.” Psalm 19:7-11

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

Good morning,

A special privilege and comfort of old age

Richard Steele, “A Discourse Concerning Old-age, Tending to the Instruction, Caution and Comfort of Aged People” 1688

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

Proverbs 16:31, “The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness.”

The older a man grows, the wiser he should grow. And the wiser he grows, the less likely he is to choose evil. The more divine strokes and judgments he has seen upon evil-doers, the more he should be afraid of tampering with it.

A special privilege and comfort of old age is that it is richer in experience than any other age. The aged believer can tell experimentally . . .
  of the wisdom and justice of God’s providence,
  of the truth of His promises and threatenings,
  of the devices of Satan,
  of the deceitfulness of riches,
  of the wisdom of integrity,
  of the vanity of all carnal delights,
  of the wickedness of his own heart.

Old age is rich in the experience of these things, whereby they are able to govern themselves, and to advise others. Their . . .
Their judgments are more refined,
Their passions are more sedate,
Their graces are more strong,
Their actions are more consistent,
  and their spiritual stature is taller.

Trace some godly aged men from morning to night, you shall find them . . .
  so discreet in their charity,
  so grave in their counsels,
  so savory in their discourse,
  so constant in their piety,
  so considerate in their resolutions,
  so faithful in their reproofs,
  so poised in their temper,
  so charitable in their censures,
  and so uniform and useful in their lives,
that their practice may be a perpetual sermon, and an example to teach others their duty to God and man.

By long experience, aged believers are taught to avoid many dangers which others fall into. Their manifold experience of the deceitfulness of the flesh, of the world and of the devil–has enabled them to counter and somewhat conquer them. And their experience renders them able to give the most prudent counsels, and to forewarn others of those consequences which they easily foresee–if they have treasured up wisdom according to their years.

“The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness.” Proverbs 16:31

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