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

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.

How wide, how long, how high, and how deep!

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.
Or you may want to  WATCH the Video on either SermonAudio or YouTube.)

1 John 3:1, “How great is the love which the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!“

The love of Christ is best seen in His immeasurable sufferings for rebellious sinners.

The inexpressible wrath of God fell upon His son Jesus, as a tremendous thunder-bolt! The extremity of the punishment and Jesus’ anguish, dissolved the bond between His innocent soul and body. He was brought into the blackest regions of death and darkness–and His love for us brought Him there–that we, His chosen people, could enter eternal bliss!

His love and His sufferings were beyond all parallel. From His most intense sufferings, we may somewhat estimate the depth of His most intense love for us.

O my soul, picture your Savior weeping in the garden, and agonizing and bleeding on the cross–and then weep tears of gratitude and joy! On that cross, what inestimable love for us was displayed! His every thorn was a pencil, and His every groan was a trumpet–to publish abroad His love for us, His dearly-loved children!

“May you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should–how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.” Ephesians 3:18-19

“Could we with ink the ocean fill,
Was the whole earth of parchment made,
Was every single stick a quill,
Was every man a scribe by trade.

“To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry!
Nor would the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky!”

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.

Rose_Bible_e-Charts_Free_1yr_Bible_Reading_Plan_2024.pdf

Attached is a day-by-day way to read through the Bible this year. Begin today.

Happy New Year.

Tom Stearns, Chaplain WASI, 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.

The unerring hand of infinite wisdom!

(Thomas Reade, “The Sovereignty of God”)

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.
Or you may want to WATCH the Video on either SermonAudio or YouTube.)

“My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” Isaiah 46:10

Nothing is so calming and comforting to the Christian pilgrim, as the assurance of Divine Guidance in every, even the most minute circumstances which befall him.

Without this perception of his heavenly Father’s care, a thousand intricacies must beset his path. He must be staggered at almost every step. But when he beholds, by faith, the unerring hand of infinite wisdom, wielding the stupendous machine of human events, causing everything to promote the spiritual good of His people–then he quiets himself as a little child, and can say with cheerful resignation, “Father, not my will, but Yours be done!”

In such a world of change and trial, how inestimable is a calm reliance on the wisdom, power, and love of God. It fully compensates for the lack of temporal ease and wealth. If, without our heavenly Father, not even a sparrow can fall to the ground; if the very hairs of our head are all numbered–how composed should we be.

The reins of universal nature are in the hands of Infinite Love! This vast complex machine is guided by Infinite Wisdom and Power! The Almighty Ruler of the sky cannot be taken by surprise. Nothing unforeseen can happen to cross His purposes or thwart His designs. All worlds are open to His view.

If this Great and Glorious Being is our Father and our Friend–then our privilege is to rejoice at all times, and in everything to give thanks. How consoling and encouraging is the assurance that the blessed Redeemer of my soul, is the Great Sovereign of the Universe! Without His permission, nothing can happen in the vast dominion over which He sways His scepter! To His will every creature must bow–either in willing obedience, or in just and endless punishment!

“Lord, be pleased to impart unto me, your unworthy servant, this spirit of confidence in You. May I see Your hand in all the events of life–ordering the the minor, as well as in the greater movements of Your Providence. This watching and waiting for the manifestations of Your guardian care–will fill me with thankfulness for all my mercies, and make me patient under all my trials.”

“My times are in Your hands!” Psalm 31:15

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.

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.

Reading the Scriptures

Charles Spurgeon

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.
Or you may want to  WATCH the Video on either SermonAudio or YouTube.)

Psalm 1:2, “His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night.“

You are retired for your private devotions; you have opened the Word of God, and you begin to read.

Now, do not be satisfied with merely reading through a chapter. Some people thoughtlessly read through two or three chapters every day–stupid people for doing such a thing!

It is always better to read a little and digest it, than it is to read much and then think you have done a good thing by merely reading the  letter of the Word. Merely to read words is nothing–the letter kills!

You might as well read the alphabet backwards and forwards, as read a chapter of Scripture–unless you meditate upon it, and seek to  comprehend its meaning.

The concern of the believer with his Bible open is to pray, “Lord, show me the experiential meaning of Your Word, while it lies open before me. Apply Your Word with power to my soul–threatening or promise, doctrine or precept, whatever it may be. Lead me into the soul and marrow of Your Word. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your Word!”

In your private devotions, strive after vital godliness, genuine soul-work, and the life-giving operation of the Spirit of God in your hearts.

“This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall  meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do  according to all that is written in it.” Joshua 1:8

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