Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 7-12.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

Psalm 119

Psalm 119:49-96

7) Thy statutes have been my songs (49-56)

⁴⁹ Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.⁵⁰ This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.⁵¹ The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.⁵² I remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord; and have comforted myself.⁵³ Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.⁵⁴ Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.⁵⁵ I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept thy law.⁵⁶ This I had, because I kept thy precepts.

8) The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy (57-64)

⁵⁷ Thou art my portion, O Lord: I have said that I would keep thy words.⁵⁸ I intreated thy favor with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.⁵⁹ I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.⁶⁰ I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.⁶¹ The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.⁶² At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.⁶³ I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.⁶⁴ The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.

9) Teach me good judgment (65-72)

⁶⁵ Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O Lord, according unto thy word. ⁶⁶ Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.⁶⁷ Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.⁶⁸ Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes. ⁶⁹ The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.⁷⁰ Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law. ⁷¹ It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. ⁷² The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

10) Let the proud be ashamed (73-80)

⁷³ Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.⁷⁴ They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.⁷⁵ I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.⁷⁶ Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.⁷⁷ Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.⁷⁸ Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.⁷⁹ Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.⁸⁰ Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.

11) All thy commandments are faithful (81-88)

⁸¹ My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.⁸² Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me? ⁸³ For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.⁸⁴ How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? ⁸⁵ The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.⁸⁶ All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.⁸⁷They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.⁸⁸ Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.

12) Thy faithfulness is unto all generations (89-96)

⁸⁹ For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.⁹⁰ Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.⁹¹ They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants. ⁹² Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.⁹³ I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.⁹⁴ I am thine, save me: for I have sought thy precepts.⁹⁵ The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.⁹⁶ I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 7-12. We will see how the psalmist dealt with affliction and persecutions.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

8) The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy (57-64)

⁵⁷ Thou art my portion, O Lord: I have said that I would keep thy words.⁵⁸ I intreated thy favor with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.⁵⁹ I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.⁶⁰ I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.⁶¹ The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.⁶² At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.⁶³ I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.⁶⁴ The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.

The psalmist acknowledges God’s mercy on his life and the earth’s. He states that he keeps, turns to, makes haste, has not forgotten, gives thanks for, fears, and desires to be taught God’s word. What a tremendous desire!

However, the wicked robbed him. Did he quit on God or His word? No! He stated he had not forgotten thy law.

When bad things happen to us, do we seek revenge, devise our own ways of rectifying the situation, or remember what God says to do. Then do it. Love, mercy, grace come to mind.

9) Teach me good judgment (65-72)

⁶⁵ Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O Lord, according unto thy word. ⁶⁶ Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.⁶⁷ Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.⁶⁸ Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes. ⁶⁹ The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.⁷⁰ Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law. ⁷¹ It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. ⁷² The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

How many of us would say that it is good to be afflicted? The psalmist did. Why? So that he could learn thy statutes. The psalmist wanted God to teach him good judgment and statutes. Through the trials, he continued to believe, keep, learn, and delight in God’s word. Nothing could keep him away.

What keeps us away? Why don’t we have a desire to daily search, keep, delight in, and learn the Scriptures?

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

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 7-12. We will see how the psalmist dealt with affliction and persecutions.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

7) Thy statutes have been my songs (49-56)

⁴⁹ Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.⁵⁰ This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.⁵¹ The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.⁵² I remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord; and have comforted myself.⁵³ Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.⁵⁴ Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.⁵⁵ I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept thy law.⁵⁶ This I had, because I kept thy precepts.

God gives us hope, comfort, and songs, through His word. The psalmist was being afflicted, but God’s word brought him through. He never wavered from remembering and keeping God’s laws and precepts.

What happens when we are afflicted? Do we go to God and His word for comfort? Do we see God’s word as a source of hope? Are we encouraged by the songs found in God’s word?

Affliction is not desirable. How we deal with it determines whether we live in the world or above it.

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

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet.

There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. Just in the first eight verses, there are six. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine the first six sections.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God. Also, starting today, each of us would begin to read through the whole Bible, Genesis through Revelation, during this year. It is easy to do. It takes between fifteen and twenty minutes daily. A little longer when you get so engrossed with the passage that more study is required.

6) I trust in thy word (41-48)

⁴¹ Let thy mercies come also unto me, O Lord, even thy salvation, according to thy word.⁴² So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.⁴³ And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.⁴⁴ So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.⁴⁵ And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.⁴⁶ I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.⁴⁷ And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.⁴⁸ My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

It has always been interesting to me, that people say they trust the Bible, but fail to obey its precepts. The psalmist said he trusted the word, would obey it, would walk in it, seek it, would speak of its precepts before kings, would delight in its commandments, would love them, and meditate on them.

What a challenge for us. Is this how we approach the word of God?

***CHALLENGE***

Read the whole Bible, Genesis to Revelation, during 2021.

Conclusion

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

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

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet.

There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. Just in the first eight verses, there are six. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine the first six sections.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God. Also, starting today, each of us would begin to read through the whole Bible, Genesis through Revelation, during this year. It is easy to do. It takes between fifteen and twenty minutes daily. A little longer when you get so engrossed with the passage that more study is required.

4) Make me to understand thy way (25-32)

²⁵ My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.²⁶ I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.²⁷ Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.²⁸ My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.²⁹ Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.³⁰ I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.³¹ I have stuck unto thy testimonies: Lord, put me not to shame.³² I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.

Do we go to God and ask Him to teach us His statutes? Is our heartfelt desire to understand God’s word? The psalmists desire is to do right and understand God’s precepts. He says he has chosen truth as opposed to evil.

5) Give me understanding (33-40)

³³ Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.³⁴ Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.³⁵ Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.³⁶ Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.³⁷ Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.³⁸ Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.³⁹ Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.⁴⁰ Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.

Again, the psalmist wants God to teach him His statutes and give him understanding. Then he says that he will keep the law with his whole heart. Then he commits himself to follow, delight, incline his heart, turn his eyes away from evil, and long after the precepts of God.

Where does our commitment lie in our pursuit of Scripture? Are we willing to submit ourselves to God and delight in His holy word?

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

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet.

There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. Just in the first eight verses, there are six. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine the first six sections.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God. Also, starting today, each of us would begin to read through the whole Bible, Genesis through Revelation, during this year. It is easy to do. It takes between fifteen and twenty minutes daily. A little longer when you get so engrossed with the passage that more study is required.

Psalm 119

Psalm 119:1-48

“Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.” (Psalm 119:24)

1) The Lord’s judgments are righteous (1-8)

Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. ² Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.³ They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.⁴ Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.⁵ O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!⁶ Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.⁷ I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.⁸ I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.

2) Thy word have I hid mine heart (9-16)

⁹ Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.¹⁰ With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.¹¹ Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.¹² Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.¹³ With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.¹⁴ I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.¹⁵ I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.¹⁶ I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

3) Thy testimonies … are my delight (17-24)

¹⁷ Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.¹⁸ Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.¹⁹ I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.²⁰ My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.²¹ Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.²² Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.²³ Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.²⁴ Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.

4) Make me to understand thy way (25-32)

²⁵ My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.²⁶ I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.²⁷ Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.²⁸ My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.²⁹ Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.³⁰ I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.³¹ I have stuck unto thy testimonies: Lord, put me not to shame.³² I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.

5) Give me understanding (33-40)

³³ Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.³⁴ Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.³⁵ Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.³⁶ Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.³⁷ Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.³⁸ Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.³⁹ Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.⁴⁰ Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.

6) I trust in thy word (41-48)

⁴¹ Let thy mercies come also unto me, O Lord, even thy salvation, according to thy word.⁴² So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.⁴³ And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.⁴⁴ So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.⁴⁵ And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.⁴⁶ I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.⁴⁷ And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.⁴⁸ My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

***CHALLENGE***

Read the whole Bible, Genesis to Revelation, during 2021.

Conclusion

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

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

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet.

There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. Just in the first eight verses, there are six. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine the first six sections.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God. Also, starting today, each of us would begin to read through the whole Bible, Genesis through Revelation, during this year. It is easy to do. It takes between fifteen and twenty minutes daily. A little longer when you get so engrossed with the passage that more study is required.

2) Thy word have I hid mine heart (9-16)

⁹ Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.¹⁰ With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.¹¹ Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.¹² Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.¹³ With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.¹⁴ I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.¹⁵ I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.¹⁶ I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

God challenges us to hide His word in our hearts so we will not sin against Him. Knowing God’s word, helps us to resist the temptations of the devil. It encourages us that God is with us.

Then we are to declare God’s word to all who will listen. Then to meditate and delight ourselves in His word.

3) Thy testimonies … are my delight (17-24)

¹⁷ Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.¹⁸ Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.¹⁹ I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.²⁰ My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.²¹ Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.²² Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.²³ Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.²⁴ Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.

Do we keep Gods word? Do we desire for God to open our eyes to the things found in the Bible? Or is the Bible a book we bring to church and Bible study, but is seldom opened or studied? Do we meditate on the statutes of God? Is the Bible truly a delight and counselor to us?

The answers to these questions will determine our maturity in our walk with the Lord. The more “yeses”, the more maturity, and a closer walk with the Lord.

What is our choice? To honor and delight in God’s word, or deny its power in our lives?

Tomorrow, we will examine sections four and five.

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

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet.

There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. Just in the first eight verses, there are six. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine the first six sections.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God. Also, starting today, each of us would begin to read through the whole Bible, Genesis through Revelation, during this year. It is easy to do. It takes between fifteen and twenty minutes daily. A little longer when you get so engrossed with the passage that more study is required.

1) The Lord’s judgments are righteous (1-8)

Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. ² Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.³ They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.⁴ Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.⁵ O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!⁶ Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.⁷ I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.⁸ I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.

Why should we obey God’s word? Simply put, God commands it. There are benefits for obedience to God’s word. Blessings, a righteous life, God directs our path, we shall not be ashamed, and praise.

This sets the foundation for our study. Knowing, obeying and applying God’s word to our lives.

How many references to God’s word did we find?

Tomorrow we will look at sections two and three.

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

Good morning,

Have we been to the throne of grace lately? We should be there daily. Today’s devotion will tell us why.

The last paragraph should be our prayer for 2021.

“Quicken us, arouse us, stir us up, fill us with holy zeal, put strength into us–that we may strivewith You, and refuse to let You go.”

God has some great unseen adventures for us in 2021!

The chosen pleasure-ground of our souls

(Henry Law, “Family Prayers“. We will be publishing gems by Henry Law over the next month or so. Since many of these are prayers, you may want to pray along with them. You will find them quite uplifting.)

LISTEN to audio! Download audio

O God of patience and consolation, glory be to You for this throne of grace.
Make it ever to us–the chosen pleasure-ground of our souls.
May it be the fortress to which continually we flee.
Here may we obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Here may we see by faith, Your reconciled smile.
Here may we rejoice to plead the name of Jesus.
Here may we . . .
  sharpen the sword of the Spirit,
  anoint the shield of faith, and
  put on the helmet of salvation.

By prayer also, may we gather supplies of heavenly manna–even the precious nourishment of Your Word. Thus may we be . . .
  strengthened for each conflict,
  nerved for our upward race, and
  empowered for more than conquest over every foe.
We know that Christ is the open channel for all blessings to descend upon us. Help us to beg, until the sluices of mercy widely open, and our souls are so replenished that there shall be no room to receive more.

We marvel at our cruel folly, that when such enriching favors are within our reach–that we are so slow to extend the hand to take them! Have compassion on our deadness for Your great name’s sake. Quicken us, arouse us, stir us up, fill us with holy zeal, put strength into us–that we may strive with You, and refuse to let You go. It is Your glory to be vanquished by the power of prayer. May Your Spirit within us, wrest all spiritual blessings from Your yielding hands!

~  ~  ~  ~

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

Living by faith in 2021

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

Introduction: We live in the realm of the unknown

Experiences of the unknown

Elisha’s servant

Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.¹⁵ And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?¹⁶ And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.¹⁷ And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. (2 Kings 6:14-17)

Balaam’s Donkey

When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, it turned off the road into a field. Balaam beat it to get it back on the road.²⁴ Then the angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path through the vineyards, with walls on both sides. ²⁵ When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, it pressed close to the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot against it. So he beat the donkey again.²⁶ Then the angel of the Lord moved on ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn, either to the right or to the left. ²⁷ When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, it lay down under Balaam, and he was angry and beat it with his staff. ²⁸ Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and it said to Balaam, “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?”²⁹ Balaam answered the donkey, “You have made a fool of me! If only I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now.”³⁰ The donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?”

“No,” he said. (Numbers 22:23-30)

People of the Bible

Those who had faith in God

Abraham

Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:² And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:³ And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.⁴ So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. (Genesis 12:1-4)

Noah

And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.¹⁴ Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. (Genesis 6:13-14)

Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he. (Genesis 6:22)

Those who bargained with God

Gideon

And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.¹⁷ And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me. (Judges 6:16-17)

And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said,³⁷ Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said.³⁸ And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water.³⁹ And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew.⁴⁰ And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground. (Judges 6:36-40)

Jacob

And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,²¹ So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God:²² And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee. (Genesis 28:20-22)

Those who rejected God

Satan

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!¹³ For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:¹⁴ I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. (Isaiah 14:12-14)

Moses

Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.¹¹ And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?¹² And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.¹³ And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?¹⁴ And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you. (Exodus 3:10-14)

Believers place their faith in the God of:

Creation

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

Salvation

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10)

Protection

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?³⁶ As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.³⁷ Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.³⁸ For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,³⁹ Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:34-39)

Wisdom

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)

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