What are God’s attributes? When we talk about the attributes of God, we are trying to answer questions like, Who is God, What is God like, and What kind of God is he? An attribute of God is something true about him.  

When we pray, it is helpful to know to whom we are praying. This series of devotions will enhance our perspective of God.

1. God Is Infinite – He is Self-Existing, Without Origin 

” And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” (Colossians 1:17) 

“Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.” (Psalm 147:5) 

“In the beginning God…” (Genesis 1:1) 

2. God Is Immutable – He Never Changes 

“For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” (Malachi 3:6) 

God does not change. Who he is never changes. His attributes are the same from before the beginning of time into eternity. His character never changes – he never gets “better” or “worse.” His plans do not change. His promises do not change. This ought to be a source of incredible joy for believers. 

These two concepts should challenge our thinking and rejoice that we are praying to the eternal, self-existing, and never changing God. And, if you have trusted Jesus Christ to be your personal Lord and Savior, He is your God also.

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

SPIRITUAL PREPAREDNESS 2023 

Walking with God 

The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; (Proverbs 30:25) 

5. Love one another 

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (John 14:34) 

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. (1 John 4:11) 

For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. (1 John 3:11) 

6. Think on these things 

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8) 

CONCLUSION 

Look up  

Beware  

Walk in/with 

Love 

Think 

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

SPIRITUAL PREPAREDNESS 2023 

Walking with God 

The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; (Proverbs 30:25) 

3. Walk in: 

Ye shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess. (Deuteronomy 5:33) 

Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. (Psalm 86:11) 

The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him. (Proverbs 20:7) 

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. (Romans 13:13) 

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16) 

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25) 

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor. (Ephesians 5:2) 

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7) 

I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. (2 John 1:4) 

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. (3 John 1:4) 

4. Walk with: 

And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. (Genesis 5:24) 

These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. (Genesis 6:9) 

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

SPIRITUAL PREPAREDNESS 2023 

Walking with God 

The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; (Proverbs 30:25) 

1. Look up 

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. (Colossians 3:1-4) 

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2) 

In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:2-3) 

2. Beware the attacks of Satan 

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high Places. (Ephesians 6:10-12) 

Our battle is not against man, but against Satan and his demons. 

3. Walk in: 

Ye shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess. (Deuteronomy 5:33) 

Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. (Psalm 86:11) 

The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him. (Proverbs 20:7) 

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. (Romans 13:13) 

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16) 

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25) 

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor. (Ephesians 5:2) 

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7) 

I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. (2 John 1:4) 

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. (3 John 1:4) 

4. Walk with: 

And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. (Genesis 5:24) 

These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. (Genesis 6:9) 

5. Love one another 

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (John 14:34) 

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. (1 John 4:11) 

For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. (1 John 3:11) 

6. Think on these things 

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8) 

CONCLUSION 

Look up  

Beware  

Walk in/with 

Love 

Think 

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

SPIRITUAL PREPAREDNESS 2023 

Walking with God 

The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; (Proverbs 30:25) 

1. Look up 

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. (Colossians 3:1-4) 

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2) 

In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:2-3) 

2. Beware the attacks of Satan 

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high Places. (Ephesians 6:10-12) 

Our battle is not against man, but against Satan and his demons. 

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

The Christian’s hope!

(James Smith, “Christ Exalted, Saints Comforted, and Sinners Directed” 1855)

Play Audio!  Download Audio

“The hope which is laid up for you in Heaven” Colossians 1:5

Many Christians have but little in hand, but they have much in hope.
They have little on earth, but they have unsearchable wealth in Heaven!
The present is the worst state they will ever be in. All beyond death is bright, blissful and glorious!

The Christian’s hope consists in both freedom and possession.

The Christian’s hope consists in freedom from . . .
  all the pains which we now experience, both in mind and body;
  all the hindrances which are so thickly strewed in our way in this evil world;
  all the fears which now beset, agitate, and harass us day by day;
  all the forebodings which often make our lives bitter and gloomy;
  all the sins which are now our plague, disease, and torment;
  all our needs, and all possibility of needing–for God will fully supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Oh, what a mercy it will be to enjoy such freedom, and to possess the inward consciousness that it will be enjoyed forever!

The Christian will not only be free from all that is painful and distressing, but he will also possess . . .
  perfect, settled, and everlasting peace;
  sinless faculties and immortal powers with which to serve and enjoy God forever;
  permanent, perpetual, and uninterrupted joy;
  the presence and enjoyment of Jesus, we shall see Him, be with Him, and be like Him;
  ALL that we can consistently wish or desire!

Our hope is laid up for us in Heaven. This betokens . . .
  its excellency–being kept in so excellent a place;
  its certainty and security–no thieves can break through to steal;
  its nature–it is spiritual, holy, Heavenly.

O glorious hope! O blessed prospect! It leaves us nothing to long for, nothing to desire!

What a mercy it is . . .
  when comforts run short,
  when trials press sorely,
  when a dreary winter of affliction sets in,
to remember that we have a priceless inheritance–an inheritance that is kept in heaven for us, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay!

How this blessed hope should . . .
  quicken our zeal,
  animate our spirits, and
  raise us above fear and despondency.

It is not what we have now–but what we shall have in Heaven which should affect us.

Our glorious inheritance is vast beyond calculation, it is safe beyond the possibility of failure!

The wilderness will soon be passed, the storms of life will soon subside–and eternal calm and unclouded sunshine, will soon be our happy, endless portion!

All glory to free grace!
~  ~  ~  ~

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

Good morning, 

Spiritual Preparedness 2023 will be our theme for the next several weeks. The challenge will be to commit to reading the Bible in one year, praying daily, and walking with God through the power of His Spirit. 

This week we will look at how to pray.  

Spiritual Preparedness 2023 

HOW TO PRAY/CONDITIONS OF PRAYER/HINDERANCES TO PRAYER 

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26) 

INTRODUCTION Bible ways to pray and how we hinder our prayer life 

HINDERANCES TO PRAYER  

UNBELIEF (James 1:6-7) 

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.⁷For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 

UNFORGIVING SPIRIT (Mark 11:24-26) 

(See above) 

UNCONFESSED SIN (Psalm 66:18) 

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: 

ASK AMISS (James 4:3) 

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 

CONCLUSION 

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) 

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

Spiritual Preparedness 2023 

HOW TO PRAY/CONDITIONS OF PRAYER/HINDERANCES TO PRAYER 

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26) 

INTRODUCTION Bible ways to pray and how we hinder our prayer life 

HOW TO PRAY 

INTERCESSORY (Romans 8:26-27)  

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.²⁷And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 

IN FAITH, BELIEVING (Hebrews 11:6, Mark 11:24) 

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. 

PERSISTANCE (Luke 18:1-8) 

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;²Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:³And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.⁴And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;⁵Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.⁶And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.⁷And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?⁸I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? 

HUMILITY (2 Chronicles 7:14) 

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 

CONDITIONS OF PRAYER 

IN THE WILL OF GOD (Romans 8:27) 

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 

FORGIVE OTHERS (Mark 11:25-26) 

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.²⁶But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. 

KEEP GOD’S COMMANDMENTS (1 John 3:22) 

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 

ABIDE IN JESUS (John 15:7) 

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 

PRAY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT (Jude 20-21) 

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,²¹Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 

PRAY IN JESUS NAME (John 16:23-24) 

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.²⁴Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. 

HINDERANCES TO PRAYER  

UNBELIEF (James 1:6-7) 

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.⁷For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 

UNFORGIVING SPIRIT (Mark 11:24-26) 

(See above) 

UNCONFESSED SIN (Psalm 66:18) 

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: 

ASK AMISS (James 4:3) 

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 

CONCLUSION 

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) 

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

Good morning,

Spiritual Preparedness 2023 will be our theme for the next several weeks. The challenge will be to commit to reading the Bible in one year, praying daily, and walking with God through the power of His Spirit.

This week we will look at how to pray.

HOW TO PRAY/CONDITIONS OF PRAYER/HINDERANCES TO PRAYER 

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26) 

INTRODUCTION Bible ways to pray and how we hinder our prayer life 

CONDITIONS OF PRAYER 

IN THE WILL OF GOD (Romans 8:27) 

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 

FORGIVE OTHERS (Mark 11:25-26) 

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.²⁶But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. 

KEEP GOD’S COMMANDMENTS (1 John 3:22) 

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 

ABIDE IN JESUS (John 15:7) 

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 

PRAY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT (Jude 20-21) 

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,²¹Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 

PRAY IN JESUS NAME (John 16:23-24) 

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.²⁴Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. 

Under what conditions do we pray? First and foremost, it must be according to the will of God. How do we know God’s will? Lesson 1, read the Bible. God clearly gives His plan for all mankind. Then, we must prepare ourselves, by forgiving others as Christ has forgiven us, keeping God’s commandments, abiding in Christ, praying in the Holy Spirit, and Jesus name. Then we are ready to pray and ready to see how God answers our prayers.

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

Good morning,

Spiritual Preparedness 2023 will be our theme for the next several weeks. The challenge will be to commit to reading the Bible in one year, praying daily, and walking with God through the power of His Spirit.

This week we will look at how to pray.

HOW TO PRAY/CONDITIONS OF PRAYER/HINDERANCES TO PRAYER 

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26) 

INTRODUCTION Bible ways to pray and how we hinder our prayer life 

HOW TO PRAY 

INTERCESSORY (Romans 8:26-27)  

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.²⁷And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 

IN FAITH, BELIEVING (Hebrews 11:6, Mark 11:24) 

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. 

PERSISTANCE (Luke 18:1-8) 

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;²Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:³And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.⁴And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;⁵Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.⁶And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.⁷And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?⁸I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? 

HUMILITY (2 Chronicles 7:14) 

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 

One of the privileges believers in Christ have is the ability to pray for others. How do we pray most effectively? In faith, believing, with persistence, and humbly. Then we watch to see what God does. Is this the way we pray?

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