Good morning,

This week we will conclude our three week study on prayer. The topics include, prayer, how to pray, and subjects of prayer.  

Prayer is talking with God. God desires a personal relationship with His people. God wants us to come to Him with our praises, concerns, and requests. In response, God speaks to us through His word, other people, or even a still small voice. 

This week we will look at the subjects of prayer.

SUBJECTS OF PRAYER

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. (Matthew 6:6)

Introduction Subjects of prayer

The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.¹⁰ Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.¹¹ Give us this day our daily bread.¹² And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.¹³ And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Our Father which art in heaven (Matthew 6:9)

“Our Father who art in heaven” is teaching us who to address our prayers to, the Father. 

Hallowed be thy name (Matthew 6:9)

“Hallowed be thy name” is telling us to worship God, and to praise Him for who He is. 

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10)

The phrase “thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven” is a reminder to us that we are to pray for God’s plan in our lives and the world, not our own plan. We are to pray for God’s will to be done, not for our desires. 

Give us this day our daily bread (Matthew 6:11)

We are encouraged to ask God for the things we need in “give us this day our daily bread.”

Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors (Matthew 6:12)

“Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” reminds us to confess our sins to God and to turn from them – and then also to forgive others as God has forgiven us.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil (Matthew 6:13)

The conclusion of the Lord’s prayer, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil” is a plea for help in achieving victory over sin and a request for protection from the attacks of the devil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.

It is God’s kingdom, who has the power and the glory forever.

Afflicted, merry, sick, church leadership, sinners, one another (James 5:13-16)

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. ¹⁴ Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:¹⁵ And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.¹⁶ Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

All men, kings, those in authority (I Timothy 2:1-4)

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;² For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;⁴ Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Hezekiah’s prayer for healing (Isaiah 38:1-5)

In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.² Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the Lord,³ And said, Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.⁴ Then came the word of the Lord to Isaiah, saying,⁵ Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.

CONCLUSION

Pray for everything

To God the Father

In the name of Jesus (We pray in Jesus name because we are his possessions. It was through the blood of Christ that we are saved. He bought us with His blood. Thus, it is Jesus Christ who owns us. We are praying in our Masters name.)

For all things

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

Good morning,

This week we will conclude our three week study on prayer. The topics include, prayer, how to pray, and subjects of prayer.  

Prayer is talking with God. God desires a personal relationship with His people. God wants us to come to Him with our praises, concerns, and requests. In response, God speaks to us through His word, other people, or even a still small voice. 

This week we will look at the subjects of prayer.

SUBJECTS OF PRAYER

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. (Matthew 6:6)

Introduction Subjects of prayer

The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.¹⁰ Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.¹¹ Give us this day our daily bread.¹² And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.¹³ And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Give us this day our daily bread

We are encouraged to ask God for the things we need in “give us this day our daily bread.”

Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors

“Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” reminds us to confess our sins to God and to turn from them – and then also to forgive others as God has forgiven us.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

The conclusion of the Lord’s prayer, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil” is a plea for help in achieving victory over sin and a request for protection from the attacks of the devil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.

It is God’s kingdom, who has the power and the glory forever.

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

Good morning,

This week we will conclude our three week study on prayer. The topics include, prayer, how to pray, and subjects of prayer.  

Prayer is talking with God. God desires a personal relationship with His people. God wants us to come to Him with our praises, concerns, and requests. In response, God speaks to us through His word, other people, or even a still small voice. 

This week we will look at the subjects of prayer.

SUBJECTS OF PRAYER

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. (Matthew 6:6)

Introduction Subjects of prayer

The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.¹⁰ Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.¹¹ Give us this day our daily bread.¹² And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.¹³ And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Our Father which art in heaven (Matthew 6:9)

“Our Father who art in heaven” is teaching us who to address our prayers to, the Father. 

Hallowed be thy name (Matthew 6:9)

“Hallowed be thy name” is telling us to worship God, and to praise Him for who He is. 

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10)

The phrase “thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven” is a reminder to us that we are to pray for God’s plan in our lives and the world, not our own plan. We are to pray for God’s will to be done, not for our desires. 

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

Good morning,

This week we will continue our three week study on prayer. The topics include, prayer, how to pray, and subjects of prayer.  

Prayer is talking with God. God desires a personal relationship with His people. God wants us to come to Him with our praises, concerns, and requests. In response, God speaks to us through His word, other people, or even a still small voice. 

This week we will look at how to pray, conditions of prayer, and hindrances to prayer.

HOW TO PRAY/CONDITIONS OF PRAYER/HINDRANCES 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)

HINDRANCES 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.⁷ For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

UNFORGIVING SPIRIT (Mark 11:24-26)

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.25 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. 26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

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.

There are four sure fire ways of hindering our answers to prayer.

Unbelief causes us not to believe God can or will answer our prayer.

Unforgiving spirit. God wants us to forgive others.

Unconfessed sin severs our communication line with God.

Ask amiss. Requesting things clearly out of God’s will.

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,

This week we will continue our three week study on prayer. The topics include, prayer, how to pray, and subjects of prayer.  

Prayer is talking with God. God desires a personal relationship with His people. God wants us to come to Him with our praises, concerns, and requests. In response, God speaks to us through His word, other people, or even a still small voice. 

This week we will look at how to pray, conditions of prayer, and hindrances to prayer.

HOW TO PRAY/CONDITIONS OF PRAYER/HINDRANCES 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)

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.²⁶ But 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,²¹ Keep 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.²⁴ Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

The conditions for prayer help us to be successful prayer warriors. Each of these conditions help us to focus on the one to whom we are praying. 

Praying in God’s will takes the focus off us and puts it on what God desires.

If our relationship with others is not right, how can we pray to God who has forgiven us all our sin?

Obedience shows that we recognize what God deems important. We will then desire to abide in Christ.

Then we will pray in the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus.

Then we will be successful.

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

Good morning,

This week we will continue our three week study on prayer. The topics include, prayer, how to pray, and subjects of prayer.  

Prayer is talking with God. God desires a personal relationship with His people. God wants us to come to Him with our praises, concerns, and requests. In response, God speaks to us through His word, other people, or even a still small voice. 

This week we will look at how to pray, conditions of prayer, and hindrances to prayer.

HOW TO PRAY/CONDITIONS OF PRAYER/HINDRANCES 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)

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.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.

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.

PERSISTENCE (Luke 18:1-8)

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

God spells out for us how we are to pray. Sometimes though, we do not know how or what to  pray. God intercedes for us. We are never alone in prayer. 

Then we must pray in faith, believing that God hears and will answer our prayers. 

Next we must persevere. Don’t quit. Although it may seem that any answer is coming, God answers in His own time. We all have family members that we have been praying for many years. Today may be the day they get saved.

God wants us to humble ourselves before Him. Remember who we are praying too. We pray to the God of creation. The God that loved us so much, He sent His Son Jesus to pay the sin debt for all mankind.

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.²⁶ But 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,²¹ Keep 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.²⁴ Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

The conditions for prayer help us to be successful prayer warriors. Each of these conditions help us to focus on the one to whom we are praying. 

Praying in God’s will takes the focus off us and puts it on what God desires.

If our relationship with others is not right, how can we pray to God who has forgiven us all our sin?

Obedience shows that we recognize what God deems important. We will then desire to abide in Christ.

Then we will pray in the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus.

Then we will be successful.

HINDRANCES 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.⁷ For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

UNFORGIVING SPIRIT (Mark 11:24-26)

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.25 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. 26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

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.

There are four sure fire ways of hindering our answers to prayer.

Unbelief causes us not to believe God can or will answer our prayer.

Unforgiving spirit. God wants us to forgive others.

Unconfessed sin severs our communication line with God.

Ask amiss. Requesting things clearly out of God’s will.

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,

This week we will continue our three week study on prayer. The topics include, prayer, how to pray, and subjects of prayer.  

Prayer is talking with God. God desires a personal relationship with His people. God wants us to come to Him with our praises, concerns, and requests. In response, God speaks to us through His word, other people, or even a still small voice. 

This week we will look at how to pray, conditions of prayer, and hindrances to prayer.

HOW TO PRAY/CONDITIONS OF PRAYER/HINDRANCES 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)

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.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.

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.

PERSISTENCE (Luke 18:1-8)

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

God spells out for us how we are to pray. Sometimes though, we do not know how or what to  pray. God intercedes for us. We are never alone in prayer. 

Then we must pray in faith, believing that God hears and will answer our prayers. 

Next we must persevere. Don’t quit. Although it may seem that any answer is coming, God answers in His own time. We all have family members that we have been praying for many years. Today may be the day they get saved.

God wants us to humble ourselves before Him. Remember who we are praying too. We pray to the God of creation. The God that loved us so much, He sent His Son Jesus to pay the sin debt for all mankind.

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

Good morning,

Valentine’s day is this Friday. It is the day, each year, when we think about love for others. We buy heart shaped candies and flowers for our loved ones.

But what is love? Who is love? How should we express our love for others? 

Love should be an everyday event in our lives.

GOD IS LOVE

Definition of God’s Love

LOVE IS NOT EASILY PROVOKED. God’s love is not easily annoyed or incited to anger or resentment.

LOVE THINKETH NO EVIL. God’s love does not reason about or reflect upon that which causes or constitutes misfortune, suffering, difficulty, or the like. God’s love does not ponder upon wickedness.

LOVE REJOICETH NOT IN INIQUITY. God’s love feels joyful when right, sincerity, integrity, honesty, and truth prevail.

LOVE BEARETH ALL THINGS. God’s love makes it possible to withstand all stress and difficulty. Because God is love, He supports and carries on His own Person whatever is placed upon Him. God’s love protects, covers, and keeps off anything which threatens the benefit and welfare of another. God’s love holds back, refrains, and is tolerant and patient in all circumstances.

LOVE BELIEVETH ALL THINGS. God’s love puts faith in others, believing the best of everyone (without criticizing or looking for fault).

LOVE HOPETH ALL THINGS. God’s love persists in hoping, against all odds, in confidence and expectation of fulfillment of that which is promised.

LOVE ENDURETH ALL THINGS. God’s love causes one to carry on through, despite hardships.

LOVE NEVER FAILETH. God’s love never proves insufficient in duration or is unsuccessful in effectiveness. Love will never disappoint or prove undependable. God’s love goes on forever and will never come to an end.

Credit due to: http://www.krowtracts.com/agape.html

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

Good morning,

Valentine’s day is this Friday. It is the day, each year, when we think about love for others. We buy heart shaped candies and flowers for our loved ones.

But what is love? Who is love? How should we express our love for others? 

Love should be an everyday event in our lives.

GOD IS LOVE

Definition of God’s Love

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth:

The following is a description of agape love, also called “charity” in the New Testament (1 Cor. 13). This paraphrase is based upon research of the Greek and English words and their meanings in 1 Cor. 13:4-8.

LOVE SUFFERETH LONG. God’s love has a tolerance for and endures trying situations and persons beyond an average standard. God’s love is patient.

LOVE IS KIND. God’s love is of a friendly nature, generous, hospitable, warm-hearted, and good. God’s love is charitable and helpful, showing sympathy and understanding for others. It is considerate, forbearing, tolerant, courteous, and thoughtful, desiring only to promote another’s welfare. It is generous, liberal, and beneficial, demonstrating itself in kindly acts.

LOVE ENVIETH NOT. God’s love does not resent another’s good fortune or desire to have what is his. God’s love is not jealous and does not deprive another of what he has.

LOVE VAUNTETH NOT ITSELF. God’s love does not boast and brag or abound with self-praise. It is not vain nor proud.

LOVE IS NOT PUFFED UP. God’s love is not high-minded or puffed up with pride.

LOVE DOTH NOT BEHAVE ITSELF UNSEEMLY. God’s love does not act, react, function, or perform in a manner which is in bad taste, improper, or in violation of what is right.

LOVE SEEKETH NOT HER OWN. God’s love does not demand its own way.

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

Good morning,

Valentine’s day is this Friday. It is the day, each year, when we think about love for others. We buy heart shaped candies and flowers for our loved ones.

But what is love? Who is love? How should we express our love for others? 

Love should be an everyday event in our lives.

GOD IS LOVE

God is Love

 I John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth (demonstrated) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

This is our foundation. God is love. He demonstrated His love by sending His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross, to pay the sin debt that each man and woman owed. Then gave us eternal life.

Meditate on the fact that God is love!

Examples of God’s love

Genesis 1:1   In the beginning God

Genesis 2:22 And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

Joseph In all Joseph’s adversity, God loved him and cared for him

Exodus God loved his children Israel and provided a way of escape from the Egyptians

Rahab was a harlot but God loved her and saved her and her family

Ruth was a Moabite

David had a man killed

Solomon disobeyed God

Saul, persecutor of the church on the road to Emmaus

How do we respond to God’s love?

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

I John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.

I John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

God’s love is unconditional. He loves the worst of sinners. He draws the worst of sinners to Himself. He makes them into His instruments of righteousness. 

Reflect and meditate on the list of names. Then reflect on your own life. If God could use this list of vile, wicked, and immoral people, he can also use you!

The question is, will we let Him?

Definition of God’s Love

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth:

The following is a description of agape love, also called “charity” in the New Testament (1 Cor. 13). This paraphrase is based upon research of the Greek and English words and their meanings in 1 Cor. 13:4-8.

LOVE SUFFERETH LONG. God’s love has a tolerance for and endures trying situations and persons beyond an average standard. God’s love is patient.

LOVE IS KIND. God’s love is of a friendly nature, generous, hospitable, warm-hearted, and good. God’s love is charitable and helpful, showing sympathy and understanding for others. It is considerate, forbearing, tolerant, courteous, and thoughtful, desiring only to promote another’s welfare. It is generous, liberal, and beneficial, demonstrating itself in kindly acts.

LOVE ENVIETH NOT. God’s love does not resent another’s good fortune or desire to have what is his. God’s love is not jealous and does not deprive another of what he has.

LOVE VAUNTETH NOT ITSELF. God’s love does not boast and brag or abound with self-praise. It is not vain nor proud.

LOVE IS NOT PUFFED UP. God’s love is not high-minded or puffed up with pride.

LOVE DOTH NOT BEHAVE ITSELF UNSEEMLY. God’s love does not act, react, function, or perform in a manner which is in bad taste, improper, or in violation of what is right.

LOVE SEEKETH NOT HER OWN. God’s love does not demand its own way.

LOVE IS NOT EASILY PROVOKED. God’s love is not easily annoyed or incited to anger or resentment.

LOVE THINKETH NO EVIL. God’s love does not reason about or reflect upon that which causes or constitutes misfortune, suffering, difficulty, or the like. God’s love does not ponder upon wickedness.

LOVE REJOICETH NOT IN INIQUITY. God’s love feels joyful when right, sincerity, integrity, honesty, and truth prevail.

LOVE BEARETH ALL THINGS. God’s love makes it possible to withstand all stress and difficulty. Because God is love, He supports and carries on His own Person whatever is placed upon Him. God’s love protects, covers, and keeps off anything which threatens the benefit and welfare of another. God’s love holds back, refrains, and is tolerant and patient in all circumstances.

LOVE BELIEVETH ALL THINGS. God’s love puts faith in others, believing the best of everyone (without criticizing or looking for fault).

LOVE HOPETH ALL THINGS. God’s love persists in hoping, against all odds, in confidence and expectation of fulfillment of that which is promised.

LOVE ENDURETH ALL THINGS. God’s love causes one to carry on through, despite hardships.

LOVE NEVER FAILETH. God’s love never proves insufficient in duration or is unsuccessful in effectiveness. Love will never disappoint or prove undependable. God’s love goes on forever and will never come to an end.

Credit due to: http://www.krowtracts.com/agape.html

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