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.)

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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

Good morning,

Today we reflect on who we are and who God is. The contrast is stunning. This devotion should bring us to our knees in prayer, thanking God for all He has done for us. It should squash any pride, self-centeredness, and any idea that we are better than others.

Apart from God’s saving work in our lives we are nothing.

We meekly knock at mercy’s gate

(Henry Law, “Family Prayers“)

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“All of us have become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; all of us wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind!” Isaiah 64:6

Holy Father, Almighty God,
We feel our weakness, our ignorance, our deep corruptions. We meekly knock at mercy’s gate. Regard us in tender love–for Jesus’ sake. Bend down Your ear–and grant Your smile.

We are blind–be our light.

We are ignorant–be our wisdom.

We are steeped in selfishness–pluck all SELF out of us.

In the deep sense of our guilt, we fly for refuge into the wounded side of Jesus!
Be merciful, be merciful unto us–whose only hope is in Your unfailing mercy.

Our sins rise higher than the heavens–but Your merits in our behalf surpass the very heaven of heavens!

Our unrighteousness would weigh us down to hell–but Your glorious righteousness exalts us to Your heavenly throne!

All things in us call for our damnation–but all things in You demand our forgiveness.

We appeal, then, from Your throne of perfect justice–to Your throne of boundless grace!

Blessed Jesus, we hide ourselves in the sure covert of Your wrath-appeasing wounds!
Grant us to hear Your voice assuring us: that by Your stripes we are healed; that You have been bruised for our iniquities; that You have been made sin for us–that we might have Your divine righteousness; and that all our vile and grievous iniquities, are forgiven and buried in the ocean of Your sin-concealing blood!

We are guilty–yet pardoned!

We are lost in ourselves–yet fully saved in You!

Enable us to cling firmly to Your cross–even as we now seek safety and repose beneath its sin-atoning shelter!

Let floods of sustaining grace from Your inexhaustible treasury, enrich our poor and weary souls.

If the enemy approaches, quicken our steps to flee into the wounds of Jesus as our sure refuge! Sheltered in the ark of safety, may we cease to tremble at all alarms. May You our good Shepherd lead us this day into the green pastures of His refreshing Word, and cause us to lie down beside the rivers of Your divine comforts.

These prayers we humbly offer in the name of Jesus Christ, and trusting only in His saving merits. Amen.
~  ~  ~  ~

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

Good morning,

This last year we had our share of maladies. Covid-19, lost jobs, failure to pay rent, feed our families, and pay our bills. This devotional tells us that the remedy to our maladies is faith.

Please read and be encouraged and challenged.

While we mourn over our many maladies

(Henry Law, “Family Prayers“)

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“This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4

While we mourn over our many maladies–we see that increase of faith would be the grand remedy! Our hearts are often . . .
  the cage of every unclean bird,
  the fount of every loathsome desire,
  the deadly fruit of every poisonous tree,
  the open wayside of every earthly lust and passion.
This is because our faith sleeps. Awaken it, good Lord–give it more strength, until all impurity is cast out!

We now go forth to intermingle with the world. This foe is artful to entrap us. It will approach in an enchanting guise. It will extend many a gilded bait, and will present many a poisoned cup. Lord, increase our faith–and we shall scorn every painted bauble, and trample down every bewitching snare! We shall then be more than conquerors, for this is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith!

May our hearts be entirely weaned from the world, dead to its outward enticements, and wholly consecrated unto You. Help us by Your grace–that we may live with You, and to You, during the little speck of our earthly sojourn.

Oh! hear the cry of our anxious hearts, and increase our faith, through the merits and for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.
~  ~  ~  ~

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

Good morning,

Christmas is Friday, December 25. It is time to focus on why we celebrate this event. The announcements that were made to Isaiah, Micah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. The story of Jesus birth. The praise of the angels, shepherds, Simeon, and Anna.

From the very beginning it is a supernatural story. Only God could have arranged all the details to make it happen. But happen it did.

Today we look at the praise of the angels, shepherds, Simeon, and Anna.

Luke 2:13-14 The Heavenly Host

 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ¹⁴ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:15-20 The Shepherds

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.¹⁶ And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.¹⁷ And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.¹⁸ And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.²⁰ And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Luke 2:25-32 Simeon’s Praise

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.²⁶ And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.²⁷ And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,²⁸ Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,²⁹ Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:³⁰ For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,³¹ Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;³² A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Luke 2:36-38 Anna’s Thanksgiving  

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;³⁷ And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.³⁸ And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

God made His first revelation of Jesus to the lowliest class of people, the shepherds. The message of salvation was for all people. They went and told others of what they had seen and heard.

Simeon waited patiently for the coming of the Lord. He was promised he would not see death till he saw Jesus.  The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus to him and he rejoices and praises God.

Anna, a widow for 84 years, who served God faithfully in the temple, sees Jesus and gives thanks.

What does the birth of Christ mean to you? Is a time of rejoicing, praise, and worship, or an excuse to party, buy gifts, and take a day off of work? It is an important question. If Jesus birth, life, death, and resurrection mean nothing or very little to you, you might want to consider your salvation.

Salvation is not just naming Christ, but living as He would have lived. His character, empathy, love, grace, should be qualities we should see in fellow believers. We should be students of the Bible for knowledge and for practical everyday living. The Bible is our guidebook on how to live life. The answers to all life’s questions are answered in God’s Holy Word.

May this Christmas be a time of reflection, renewal, encouragement, and understanding of the real meaning of Christmas. Your eternity is wrapped up in the babe in the manger.

Have a blessed Christmas.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Christmas is Friday, December 25. It is time to focus on why we celebrate this event. The announcements that were made to Isaiah, Micah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. The story of Jesus birth. The praise of the angels, shepherds, Simeon, and Anna.

From the very beginning it is a supernatural story. Only God could have arranged all the details to make it happen. But happen it did.

Today the announcements come to fruition. The babe who was to be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace, Emmanuel, Jesus, would be born in a stable. Not quite what we would envision for the Messiah.

Luke 2:1-7

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.⁶ 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.

Matthew 1:18-25, 2:1

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.¹⁹ Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.²⁰ But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.²¹ And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.²² Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,²³ Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.²⁴ Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:²⁵ And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea…

Jesus is born just as the announcements prophesied. Virgin born, born in Bethlehem, laid in a manger, alone. From the perspective of man, this was all logical. Mary and Joseph were poor, from a non-descript village, questionable parents, among thousands of other pilgrims coming in for the taxation. Why would anyone care about them? We will see tomorrow that many did care. They were not alone. And this baby was destined to change the world!

Jesus birth also pictured His life. The swaddling clothes picture His death. The manger pictures His ministry where He had no place to lay His head. The travel Jesus parents made was indicative of His ministry of preaching from city to city.

God had a plan. The babe in the manger is the Savior of the world and more importantly of you and I. Do you know Him? If not, today would be a perfect time to repent of your sins and by faith accept Jesus offer of salvation.

Tomorrow we will look at those who first saw Jesus and their reactions.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001