Archives for January 2025

Good morning,

To thrive in ‘25 can’t be just theological, but must be practical. We must be able to practically apply Scripture to our lives. 

Colossians 3 is a very practical chapter. It tells us how to have a heavenly focus, live a holy life, and be in unity with other believers. 

How to Thrive in ‘25

COLOSSIANS 3

PRACTICAL LIVING FOR BELIEVERS IN JESUS CHRIST

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (3:17)

How to live a holy life (5-17)

Put on (10-15)

¹⁰ And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: ¹¹ Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. ¹² Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; ¹³ Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. ¹⁴ And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.¹⁵ And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

The word of God (16)

¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus (17)

¹⁷ And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Now we “…put on the new man…renewed in knowledge…” Then apply the characteristics listed. In conjunction with these qualities we are immersing ourselves in the Word of God. 

Then out of the overflow of God’s goodness to us, we teach and admonish others to follow Jesus.

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

Good morning,

To thrive in ‘25 can’t be just theological, but must be practical. We must be able to practically apply Scripture to our lives. 

Colossians 3 is a very practical chapter. It tells us how to have a heavenly focus, live a holy life, and be in unity with other believers. 

How to Thrive in ‘25

COLOSSIANS 3

PRACTICAL LIVING FOR BELIEVERS IN JESUS CHRIST

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (3:17)

INTRODUCTION

In Chapter 2 Paul exhorts the Colossians’ to walk in Christ. Today we will learn how.

Heavenly Focus (1-4)

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. ² Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. ³ For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Our church recognizes believers birthday’s. After singing “Happy Birthday”, they asked if I had any words of wisdom. I said, “Look up.”

That is exactly what Paul is telling the church at Colossae. We are to seek and set our affections on things above. Why? That is “…where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” If we want to know how to live, look up.  

How to live a holy life (5-17)

Mortify (5-6)

⁵ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: ⁶ For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

Put off (7-9)

⁷ In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. ⁸ But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. ⁹ Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

To thrive in ‘25, we must deal first with sin. 

Mortify means kill or destroy. We must not allow sin to control our lives. We must put off the deeds of the flesh. Then we must repent of all unconfessed sin. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Put on (10-15)

¹⁰ And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: ¹¹ Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. ¹² Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; ¹³ Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. ¹⁴ And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.¹⁵ And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

The word of God (16)

¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus (17)

¹⁷ And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Now we “…put on the new man…renewed in knowledge…” Then apply the characteristics listed. In conjunction with these qualities we are immersing ourselves in the Word of God. 

Then out of the overflow of God’s goodness to us, we teach and admonish others to follow Jesus.

Living the Christian life in all relationships (18-25)

¹⁸ Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. ¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. ²⁰ Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. ²¹ Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. ²² Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; ²³ And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; ²⁴ Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. ²⁵ But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Finally, we must learn to be in unity with other believers. We should treat others as we would treat Christ. All of these devotions tie together. 

The bottom line is: “ And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” (3:23)

CONCLUSION

SEEK THOSE THINGS ABOVE

LIVE HOLY LIVES PLEASING TO GOD

DWELL IN UNITY WITH FELLOW BELIEVERS

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

Good morning,

To thrive in ‘25 can’t be just theological, but must be practical. We must be able to practically apply Scripture to our lives. 

Colossians 3 is a very practical chapter. It tells us how to have a heavenly focus, live a holy life, and be in unity with other believers. 

How to Thrive in ‘25

COLOSSIANS 3

PRACTICAL LIVING FOR BELIEVERS IN JESUS CHRIST

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (3:17)

How to live a holy life (5-17)

Mortify (5-6)

⁵ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: ⁶ For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

Put off (7-9)

⁷ In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. ⁸ But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. ⁹ Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

To thrive in ‘25, we must deal first with sin. 

Mortify means kill or destroy. We must not allow sin to control our lives. We must put off the deeds of the flesh. Then we must repent of all unconfessed sin. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Tomorrow, we will learn what to do next.

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

Good morning,

To thrive in ‘25 can’t be just theological, but must be practical. We must be able to practically apply Scripture to our lives. 

Colossians 3 is a very practical chapter. It tells us how to have a heavenly focus, live a holy life, and be in unity with other believers. 

How to Thrive in ‘25

COLOSSIANS 3

PRACTICAL LIVING FOR BELIEVERS IN JESUS CHRIST

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (3:17)

INTRODUCTION

In Chapter 2 Paul exhorts the Colossians’ to walk in Christ. Today we will learn how.

Heavenly Focus (1-4)

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. ² Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. ³ For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Our church recognizes believers birthday’s. After singing “Happy Birthday”, they asked if I had any words of wisdom. I said, “Look up.”

That is exactly what Paul is telling the church at Colossae. We are to seek and set our affections on things above. Why? That is “…where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” If we want to know how to live, look up.  

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

Good morning, 

Welcome to the year 2025. What kind of year will it be? How can I thrive in 2025? All these questions will be answered in this week’s devotional.

How to Thrive in ‘25

Obedience: God’s Word

MAN NEEDS TO STUDY SO HE CAN RIGHTLY DIVIDE THE WORDS OF GOD 2 Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

MAN HAS THE QUICK, POWERFUL WORDS OF GOD Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

 MAN HAS THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD 2 Timothy 3:16-17

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Although reading God’s Word is essential, studying it is also vitally important. We must understand the historical, cultural, and people, in context. We must understand the message the writer was trying to convey. Today’s Scripture verses are powerful and tell us why we need God’s word and what it can do for us.

CONCLUSION:

To “Thrive in ‘25” we must read and obey God’s Word

CHALLENGE: TO READ FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION IN ONE YEAR

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

Good morning, 

Welcome to the year 2025. What kind of year will it be? How can I thrive in 2025? All these questions will be answered in this week’s devotional.

How to Thrive in ‘25

Obedience: God’s Word

GOD’S WORD

MAN HIDES THE WORDS OF GOD IN HIS HEART Psalm 119:9-16 

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

MAN SHOULD NEVER FORGET THE WORDS OF GOD Psalm 119:89-96

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

MAN SHOULD ALWAYS BE READY TO PREACH THE WORDS OF GOD    2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

Obeying God’s Word takes action. Psalm 119:9-16 use action words to describe how the Psalmist interacted with God’s Word. Sought, hid, declared, rejoiced, meditated, respect and delight. After he had done all that, he was able to say, “I will not forget thy word.”

When we have understood the wonder of God’s Word, it should be our desire to share what we have learned with others. 

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

Good morning, 

Welcome to the year 2025. What kind of year will it be? How can I thrive in 2025? All these questions will be answered in this week’s devotional.

How to Thrive in ‘25

Obedience: God’s Word

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN 2025?

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.12 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God.14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-14)

Solomon, the wisest man, gives us his wisdom. Basically, things will run on God’s schedule as they always have. It is not for us to know the times and seasons, but to trust God. Solomon summed up the Book of Ecclesiastes by saying in chapter 12:13, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: “Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

Next, How to Thrive in ‘25, by obeying God’s word.

GOD’S WORD

MAN LIVES BY THE WORDS OF GOD Deuteronomy 8:3-6

And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years. Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee. Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him. 

MAN MEDITATES ON THE WORDS OF GOD Joshua 1:8 

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

MAN KEEPS THE WORDS OF GOD Psalm 119:2, 8

Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.

God gave us His Word, the Bible, as our instruction manual for life. It will only be useful if we open it, read it, study it, meditate on it, and obey what we read. 

My challenge to you is to read through the whole Bible in 2025. Genesis to Revelation in one year. 

MAN HIDES THE WORDS OF GOD IN HIS HEART Psalm 119:9-16 

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

MAN SHOULD NEVER FORGET THE WORDS OF GOD Psalm 119:89-96

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

MAN SHOULD ALWAYS BE READY TO PREACH THE WORDS OF GOD    2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

Obeying God’s Word takes action. Psalm 119:9-16 use action words to describe how the Psalmist interacted with God’s Word. Sought, hid, declared, rejoiced, meditated, respect and delight. After he had done all that, he was able to say, “I will not forget thy word.”

When we have understood the wonder of God’s Word, it should be our desire to share what we have learned with others. 

MAN NEEDS TO STUDY SO HE CAN RIGHTLY DIVIDE THE WORDS OF GOD 2 Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

MAN HAS THE QUICK, POWERFUL WORDS OF GOD Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

 MAN HAS THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD 2 Timothy 3:16-17

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Although reading God’s Word is essential, studying it is also vitally important. We must understand the historical, cultural, and people, in context. We must understand the message the writer was trying to convey. Today’s Scripture verses are powerful and tell us why we need God’s word and what it can do for us.

CONCLUSION:

To “Thrive in ‘25” we must read and obey God’s Word

CHALLENGE: TO READ FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION IN ONE YEAR

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

Good morning, 

Welcome to the year 2025. What kind of year will it be? How can I thrive in 2025? All these questions will be answered in this week’s devotional.

How to Thrive in ‘25

Obedience: God’s Word

God’s Word

MAN LIVES BY THE WORDS OF GOD Deuteronomy 8:3-6

And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years. Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee. Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him. 

MAN MEDITATES ON THE WORDS OF GOD Joshua 1:8 

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

MAN KEEPS THE WORDS OF GOD Psalm 119:2, 8

Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.

God gave us His Word, the Bible, as our instruction manual for life. It will only be useful if we open it, read it, study it, meditate on it, and obey what we read. 

My challenge to you is to read through the whole Bible in 2025. Genesis to Revelation in one year. 

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

Good morning, 

Welcome to the year 2025. What kind of year will it be? How can I thrive in 2025? All these questions will be answered in this week’s devotional.

How to Thrive in ‘25

Obedience: God’s Word

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN 2025?

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.12 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God.14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-14)

Solomon, the wisest man, gives us his wisdom. Basically, things will run on God’s schedule as they always have. It is not for us to know the times and seasons, but to trust God. Solomon summed up the Book of Ecclesiastes by saying in chapter 12:13, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: “Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

Next, How to Thrive in ‘25, by obeying God’s word.

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

Good morning,

God chose to reveal Himself to us through the Bible. My challenge to you for 2025 is to read through the whole Bible. Begin in Genesis and end at Revelation.

Pithy Puritan gems on God’s providential care for His redeemed people

(You will find it helpful to Listen to the Audio above, as you Read the text below.)

Romans 8:28, “We know that God causes all things to work together for good–to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!“

John Owen:
“In every trial and tribulation, let us find comfort in the knowledge that God, in His infinite wisdom, orchestrates all for the good of His chosen people. God’s hand is behind every event, crafting our lives for His glory.”

Thomas Watson:
“The providence of God is a tapestry of grace, where every thread, even the darkest, contributes to the glorious picture of our salvation. His providence is a rich treasure; He knows how to turn our trials into triumphs, our sorrows into songs.”

Richard Sibbes:
“The heart that loves God finds peace in knowing that even the most confusing paths are ordered by Him for our benefit.”

Jonathan Edwards:
“To love God is to rest in His sovereign will, trusting that even the most perplexing circumstances are shaped for our ultimate good. In every situation, whether in joy or sorrow, we are called to trust that God is orchestrating the events of our lives for His glory.”

Richard Baxter:
“Though the winds may howl and the storms rage, we are assured that God’s hand is upon us, guiding every event to our benefit and His glory.”

Matthew Henry:
“God’s providence is a divine compass, guiding our lives through every storm, always pointing us toward our true good and His eternal glory.”

“In the tapestry of life, every thread of sorrow is skillfully woven by God, contributing to the beauty of our salvation.”

John Bunyan:
“God’s providence is like a skilled artisan who, though unseen, is weaving our lives into a masterpiece, with every thread serving His holy purpose!”

William Perkins:
“All that befalls us, whether sweet or bitter, is ordained by God, who works all things in concert for the good of those who are called according to His purpose.”

Samuel Rutherford:
“Trust in the Lord, for He has a wise design in every affliction, transforming our pain into a pathway of grace. Trust the divine Designer; He weaves even our pain into His purpose.”

John Flavel:
“We may often walk through the valley of shadows, but remember, dear believer, that God is sovereignly guiding our steps toward a glorious end! We may rest assured that even the harshest providences are part of God’s plan, working towards a good that we may not yet see.”

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