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

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 and next we will look at prayer.  

PRAYER 

Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17) 

Introduction ACTS (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication) 

To whom do we pray? (Acts 12:5, John 14:13, Ephesians 6:18) 

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. (Acts 12:5) 

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13) 

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:18) 

When do we pray? (Luke 18:1, Psalm 5:3, 55:17, 86:3, 88:1)  

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; (Luke 18:1) 

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. (Psalm 5:3) 

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. (Psalm 55:17) 

Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. (Psalm 86:3) 

O lord God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee: (Psalm 88:1) 

Where do we pray? (Matthew 6:6, Psalm 26:12) 

ANYWHERE, EVERYWHERE 

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 

My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the Lord. (Psalm 26:12) 

CONCLUSION 

Pray with: 

Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication 

To God, through Jesus 

Praying always 

Praying everywhere 

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 and next we will look at prayer.  

PRAYER 

Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17) 

Introduction ACTS (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication) 

Thanksgiving (Philippians 4:1-7) 

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.²I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.³And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow laborers, whose names are in the book of life.⁴Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. ⁵Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.⁶Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.⁷And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

Supplication (1 Timothy 2:1-3) 

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;²For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.³For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; 

We have spent time in adoration and confession. That leads us to be thankful for all God has done for us and others. This could take a while.

Then after we have thanked God, we may then come into God’s throne room with our requests. Our prayers will be more in line with God’s will because we have spent time with God in adoration, confession, and thanksgiving.

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 and next we will look at prayer.  

PRAYER 

Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17) 

Introduction ACTS (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication) 

Adoration (Psalm 95:1-6) 

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.²Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.³For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.⁴In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.⁵The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.⁶O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. 

Confession (Psalm 32:1-5) 

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.²Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.³When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.⁴For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.⁵I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. 

Thanksgiving (Philippians 4:1-7) 

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.²I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.³And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow laborers, whose names are in the book of life.⁴Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. ⁵Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.⁶Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.⁷And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

Supplication (1 Timothy 2:1-3) 

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;²For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.³For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; 

To whom do we pray? (Acts 12:5, John 14:13, Ephesians 6:18) 

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. (Acts 12:5) 

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13) 

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:18) 

When do we pray? (Luke 18:1, Psalm 5:3, 55:17, 86:3, 88:1)  

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; (Luke 18:1) 

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. (Psalm 5:3) 

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. (Psalm 55:17) 

Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. (Psalm 86:3) 

O lord God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee: (Psalm 88:1) 

Where do we pray? (Matthew 6:6, Psalm 26:12) 

ANYWHERE, EVERYWHERE 

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 

My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the Lord. (Psalm 26:12) 

CONCLUSION 

Pray with: 

Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication 

To God, through Jesus 

Praying always 

Praying everywhere 

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 and next we will look at prayer.  

PRAYER 

Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17) 

Introduction ACTS (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication) 

Adoration (Psalm 95:1-6) 

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.²Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.³For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.⁴In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.⁵The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.⁶O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. 

Confession (Psalm 32:1-5) 

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.²Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.³When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.⁴For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.⁵I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. 

Prayer is more than asking.

Before we ask, we need to acknowledge whom we are praying. It is the God of creation, love, mercy, and forgiveness. It is the one who sent His Son to die on the cross for our sin. It is the one who provided salvation for us.

Then we need to confess any known sin to God. Repent of it and move on.

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