150726 AOC Sunday Report

Anglican Orthodox Church

Worldwide Communion

Eighth Sunday after Trinity

Sunday Report

 

 

 

Today we celebrated the Eighth Sunday after Trinity Sunday. 

 

On Point

Someone asked, where do the quotes come from?  The answer is from the people who uttered them.  But, how did you find them?  Oh, that.  Some from Bishop Jerry, many from Rev Bryan Dabney, a few from other places, some from Rev Geordie Menzies-Grierson, but overall mostly from Bryan.  He always has some great ones to share.  On to the On Point quotes –

 

On the Lord’s Prayer

If you are interested enough to have read thus far you are probably interested enough to make a shot at saying your prayers: and, whatever else you say, you will probably say the Lord’s Prayer.

 

Its very first words are Our Father. Do you now see what those words mean? They mean quite frankly, that you are putting yourself in the place of a son of God. To put it bluntly, you are dressing up as Christ. If you like, you are pretending. Because, of course, the moment you realise what the words mean, you realise that you are not a son of God. You are not being like The Son of God, whose will and interests are at one with those of the Father: you are a bundle of self-centred fears, hopes, greeds, jealousies, and self-conceit, all doomed to death. So that, in a way, this dressing up as Christ is a piece of outrageous cheek. But the odd thing is that He has ordered us to do it.

Jack Lewis

Mere Christianity

 

On the Lord’s Prayer

We believe that God forgives us our sins; but also that He will not do so unless we forgive other people their sins against us. There is no doubt about the second part of this statement. It is in the Lord’s Prayer; it was emphatically stated by our Lord. If you don’t forgive, you will not be forgiven. No part of His teaching is clearer, and there are no exceptions to it. He doesn’t say that we are to forgive other people’s sins provided they are not too frightful, or provided there are extenuating circumstances, or anything of that sort. We are to forgive them all, however spiteful, however mean, however often they are repeated. If we don’t, we shall be forgiven none of our own.

Jack Lewis

The Weight of Glory

 

Your love of liberty — your respect for the laws — your habits of industry — and your practice of the moral and religious obligations, are the strongest claims to national and individual happiness.

George Washington

letter to the residents of Boston, 1789

 

There are people running governments, who should not be allowed to play with matches”

Will Rogers

 

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Romans 12:9

 

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Romans 12:18

 

The mobs of the great cities add just so much to the support of pure government as sores do to the strength of the human body. It is the manners and spirit of a people, which preserve a republic in vigor. A degeneracy in these is a canker which soon eats to the heart of its laws and constitution.

Thomas Jefferson

1787

 

Screwtape[1] offers more advice on using daily annoyances to entrap a Patient

It is, no doubt, impossible to prevent his praying for his mother, but we have means of rendering the prayers innocuous. Make sure that they are always very ‘spiritual’, that he is always concerned with the state of her soul and never with her rheumatism. Two advantages will follow. In the first place, his attention will be kept on what he regards as her sins, by which, with a little guidance from you, he can be induced to mean any of her actions which are inconvenient or irritating to himself. Thus you can keep rubbing the wounds of the day a little sorer even while he is on his knees; the operation is not at all difficult and you will find it very entertaining. In the second place, since his ideas about her soul will be very crude and often erroneous, he will, in some degree, be praying for an imaginary person, and it will be your task to make that imaginary person daily less and less like the real mother—the sharp-tongued old lady at the breakfast table. In time, you may get the cleavage so wide that no thought or feeling from his prayers for the imagined mother will ever flow over into his treatment of the real one. I have had patients of my own so well in hand that they could be turned at a moment’s notice from impassioned prayer for a wife’s or son’s ‘soul’ to beating or insulting the real wife or son without a qualm.

Jack Lewis

The Screwtape Letters

 

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 54:17

 

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempted he any man.

St. James 1:13

 

Perhaps the most deadly sin of the unbeliever is that of procrastination. Satisfied with his current life, he neglects his spiritual need. Even if he understands the gospel and realizes his need of salvation, he still puts off a decision. But it is always dangerous to count too strongly on tomorrow…(James 4:14). The sin of procrastination may easily become the sin of negligence, then of indifference, and finally the unforgivable sin of irrevocable rejection and unbelief.

Henry M. Morris

20th and 21st century American engineer, theologian

co-founder of the Institute for Creation Research

 

The way of Cain is to offer the works of our hands as payment for our sins rather than accept the sacrifice of an innocent substitute (Genesis 4:3-4). The Bible says Cain knew what was right, but refused to do what was right (Genesis 4:6). Similarly some preachers today put their flocks in greater bondage than they were before they were saved by teaching that although Jesus died so we could be saved it’s up to us to earn the right to stay that way. Balaam’s error was to offer false prophecies for a fee. He loved the wages of wickedness. (2 Peter 2:15) Today we would say, ‘He’s in it for the money.’ Some of our most prominent televangelists teach things they know in their heart to be untrue just to get money from their gullible followers.

Jack Kelley

20th and 21st century American author and missionary

 

The moment the idea is admitted into society that property is not as sacred as the law of God, and that there is not a force of law and public justice to protect it, anarchy and tyranny commence.

John Adams

Founding Father and Second president of the United States

 

Not long ago I heard a Navy chaplain refer to the sage advice of the Apostle to put first things first…If we are to heed the admonition to put first things first…one of the main essentials which lies at the very beginning of civilization is that of security. It is only when people can feel that their lives and the property which their industry has produced today will continue to be safe on the morrow that there can be that stability of value and that economic progress on which human development has always rested… Unless we lay our course in accordance with this principle, the great power for good in the world with which we have been entrusted by a Divine Providence will be turned to a power for evil.

Calvin Coolidge

20th century American president

address to the graduating class of the US Naval Academy, 3 June  1925

 

One man with a gun can control one hundred without one.

Vladimir Lenin

19th and 20th century Bolshevik and mass murderer

 

When Lady Liberty says to bring the ‘huddled masses’—she means contributors—those persons who will respect our laws, share their talents and enrich our diverse way of life. By and large, the teeming throng at our borders are castoffs and takers: moths to liberty’s flame; a human army that acts like a plague of locusts to our societal fabric. Truth, law and freedom are the trifecta of our American democracy. Without faithful adherence to the first two principles the last one cannot truly exist. The choice is simple: equality and order under law or the chaos of the mob. Therefore, all persons here should respect the tenets embodied by the US Constitution. This holds equally true for those newly arrived—and those seeking to lead us into a highly uncertain future.

David Hunter

21st century American political reporter

For Liberty, American Democracy Needs Truth, 7-11-15

 

Propers

Each Sunday there are Propers: special prayers and readings from the Bible.  There is a Collect for the Day; that is a single thought prayer, most written either before the re-founding of the Church of England in the 1540s or written by Bishop Thomas Cranmer, the first Archbishop of Canterbury after the re-founding. 

 

The Collect for the Day is to be read on Sunday and during Morning and Evening Prayer until the next Sunday. The Epistle is normally a reading from one of the various Epistles, or letters, in the New Testament.  The Gospel is a reading from one of the Holy Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  The Collect is said by the minister as a prayer, the Epistle can be read by either a designated reader (as we do in our church) or by one of the ministers and the Holy Gospel, which during the service in our church is read by an ordained minister.

 

The propers are the same each year, except if a Red Letter Feast, that is one with propers in the prayerbook, falls on a Sunday, then those propers are to be read instead, except in a White Season, where it is put off.  Red Letter Feasts, so called because in the Altar Prayerbooks the titles are in red, are special days.  Most of the Red Letter Feasts are dedicated to early saints instrumental in the development of the church, others to special events.  Some days are particularly special and the Collect for that day is to be used for an octave (eight days) or an entire season, like Advent or Lent.

 

The Propers for today are found on Page 199-200, with the Collect first:

 

The Eighth Sunday after Trinity.

 

The Collect.

 

O

 GOD, whose never-failing providence ordereth all things both in heaven and earth; We humbly beseech thee to put away from us all hurtful things, and to give us those things which are profitable for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

The Epistle came from Paul’s letter to the Romans, the Eighth Chapter, beginning at the Twelfth Verse. Paul tells us to live out our lives as Jesus instructed us to.  If we live as we want, we die and are gone.  If we live as Jesus commanded, we will live through to eternity.  Life is not about here, it is about doing well enough here so we can get there.  If we want the fruits of the heirship we have been given, we must live the part:

 

B

RETHREN, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

 

Today’s Holy Gospel started in the Seventh Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, beginning at the Fifteenth Verse.  Matthew records the warning that so few heed. Many leaders talk a good line, but how do they actually act, particularly in private?  For it is private when none are looking that we are revealed.  If you want to get to heaven, you have to act the part, not just talk about it.


 

 

B

EWARE of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

 

Bishop Ogles’ Sermon

We are oft fortunate to get copies of Bishop Jerry’s sermon notes.  Today is one of those Sundays.  Today’s sermon starts off with the collect, and like always, it will give you a lot to consider in your heart.

 

Eighth Sunday after Trinity

Saint Andrew’s

Anglican Orthodox Church

26 July 2015, Anno Domini

 

 

The Eighth Sunday after Trinity.

 

The Collect.

 

O

 GOD, whose never-failing providence ordereth all things both in heaven and earth; We humbly beseech thee to put away from us all hurtful things, and to give us those things which are profitable for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

The Epistle

Romans viii. 12.

 

B

RETHREN, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

 

The Gospel

St. Matthew vii. 15.

 

B

EWARE of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

The Master whom we follow determines the destination to which we are going. If we follow Satan, we shall end up in the same fires and anguish as that Old Dragon. But if we follow Christ, we shall enjoy the blissful company of God and His Angels forever after.

 

            The ancient Lectionary takes us to the question of inheritance as the children of God, and also the KIND of children we should be in the production of fruit. The epistle teaches us, in no uncertain terms, that there are no people more chosen of God than those who have been adopted, through the blood of Christ, into His family as sons and daughters. Of course, in following Christ, we must not follow Him all the way to Bethany and stop short of Calvary. We must take up our crosses daily and follow Him all of the way down the Via Dolorosa – the Way of Suffering.

 

            Our sermon text is taken from the Gospel lesson in Matthew 7, beginning at the 15 verse. In this passage we discover the strong similes and metaphors of false prophets being like wolves in sheep’s clothing; and of trees that bring forth the fruits of their natures, and some that must be cut down for failure to produce fruit. And our text concludes with a dire warning to those who proliferate in the Christian community today – hypocrites!  We will address the text in three parts:

 

  1. False Prophets – who are they and how shall we recognize them; 

  2. The trees of good and bad fruit – how shall we distinguish them;

  3. Hypocrites – who are they and how to know them.

 

  1. FALSE PROPHETS: In our text we read: BEWARE of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. First of all, what is a prophet, and how shall we know them?, “And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.” (Deuteronomy 18:21-22) So, do you believe that prophets of the Lord are similar to fortune-tellers in forecasting future events? Not at all, but a prophet of the Lord will say those things that the Lord has spoken in the Spirit. The prophet of today will not speak a word contrary to those uttered by the prophets of old, for God does not change. Any who know and believe the Word of God are prophets of sorts. How can that be? Because the Holy Word of God tells us what God’s judgment is against all kinds of sin. If we judge by God’s perfect standard of righteousness, we can conclude, as a prophet, the answer God will deliver for such sin. A prophet speaks, preaches, and teaches the will of God as recorded in Holy Scripture.
            We are to confirm every word spoken from the pulpit by Holy Scripture to see if these things be true. I can assure you with every bone of my body that I will never intentionally teach something contrary to the Word of God INTENTIONALLY; however, I am a mortal man, and mortal men are subject to errors of judgment and understanding. Therefore, a well versed and informed Christian must test all things spoken by me, or any other clergyman, by that Plumb line of God’s Word. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.(1 John 4:1) Prove all things; hold fast that which is good(1 Thess 5:21) A true Christian will study the Scriptures diligently, in fact, so well that he will be able to recognize errors and inconsistencies in doctrine being preached. He will therefore no suffer deceit. The false prophet speaks smoothly and convincingly. He ACTS like a loving Christian, and he may even use the Word of God wrongly to achieve some deceit. He will emphasize the offering plate far more than the cross of Jesus. He may have a wonderful smile to hide insidious and sharp teeth beneath. The false prophet is a minister of the devil and, like his mentor, is a ravening wolf. He doesn’t kill just to eat, but out of sport. America has a disproportionately large number of such scoundrels let loose in our pulpits today. BEWARE, friends.


 

  1. The trees of good and bad fruit – how shall we distinguish them: We are told to use sight and taste. If it looks like an orange, it tastes like an orange, then it MUST be an orange. Oranges do not grow on apple trees. The kind of tree determines the fruit. The kind of heart determines the soul of a Christian, or an imposter. The fruit described relates to our works as sons and daughters of God. Are our works worthy of the title, Christian? We have misapplied grace and faith to the exclusion of good works in our day. Surely, we know that works are not the means of our salvation; but just as surely we should also know that our salvation should be evidenced by works worthy of the Name of Christ. “Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance.” (Luke 3:8a)  “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. (James 2:17-18) There has been a growing error being taught over the last several decades that all a sinner needs to do is “call upon the name of the Lord” and that ends the struggle. While it is true that all who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved, it is not true that a mere utterance of that phrase will suffice. The utterance must be a genuine and sincere confession of faith from the heart and not the head. It must be followed with evidence of salvation. A new man must be in evidence following the confession.


 

God gave us ‘hands’ for a reason. The head is our legislative branch, the hands our executive branch, and the heart our judicial branch to determine right and wrong. It is the hands that produce fruit. They cultivate, plant the trees, and care for the trees. At due season, they harvest the fruit. In the Holy Land, trees are taxed – not the fruit of the trees; therefore, the lord of the vineyard will cut down a tree that does not produce in order to save revenue. The economy of Heaven is not unlike the same. If we produce no fruit, of what earthly good are we? The mind conceives a good project to perform. If it is in conformance to that Mind which was in Christ, the Judicial Branch – the Heart – will uphold that decision of the Legislative Branch. It is then that the Executive Branch completes the good work willed by the head.  If our hands are idle, we had best find productive labor for them in short order; else we starve or shall be cut off.  Faith is the electrical impulses that connect the three branches across the synapses of Wisdom, Love, and Action.
In the Museum of Amsterdam hangs a painting of several old Dutch Burgomasters who had distinguished themselves by some notable service to the people and community. In each of the paintings, there may be as many as a dozen faces and, though the canvas is a bit crowded for space, the hands are also depicted in every case. All one sees are heads and hands. In spite of a lack of space, the artist was very careful to include the hands with different gestures of each and detail as complete as eyes and noses of the heads. I believe the point of the artist is to depict the full character of the men honored. The heads alone did not reveal complete character – what they thought, what they saw, what they felt; but the addition of hands depicted that the good works of these men followed the good thoughts that they conceived. The same is true of the Christian who has taken on the Mind that was in Christ.
           

 

There is a wonderful discussion of the head-only Christian in the classical work, The Choir Invisible, by  James Allen Lane:
 

 

Some time, wandering in a thinned wood, you may have happened upon an old vine, the seed of which had long ago been dropped and had sprouted in an open spot where there was no timber. Every May, in response to Nature’s joyful bidding that it yet shall rise, the vine has loosed the thousand tendrils of its hope, those long, green, delicate fingers searching the empty air. Every December you may see these turned stiff and brown, and wound about themselves like spirals or knotted like the claw of a frozen bird. Year after year the vine has grown only at the head, remaining empty-handed ; and the head itself, not being lifted always higher by anything the hands have seized, has but moved hither and thither, back and forth, like the head of a wounded snake in a path. Thus every summer you may see the vine, fallen back and coiled upon itself, and piled up before you like a low green mound, its own tomb; in winter a black heap, its own ruins. So, it often is with the poorest, who live on at the head, remaining empty-handed ; fallen in and coiled back upon themselves, their own inescapable tombs, their own unavertible ruins.

 

            Our hands must follow the good will of the mind in finding good works upon which to light and to grasp in order to bear fruit pleasing to the Lord of the Vineyard.

 

  1. Hypocrites – who are they and how to know them: First of all, like us get our vocabulary understood. What is the meaning of hypocrite? The word is derived from the Greek text – (hupokrinomai); an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e. (figurative) a dissembler (“hypocrite”):- hypocrite. (Strong’s) Those who are constantly performing great things and seem to be very godly often harbor a vacuum for faith. All of the good works, good acting, and posing of the hypocrite will gain no favor at all in Heaven. Good works do not exist apart from faith. The hypocrite that says all of the right things and lives like the world is only an actor. By the same token, every man that shoulders a weapon and wears an impeccable uniform is not necessarily a soldier. We see churches in America that are supposedly ‘filled with the Holy Ghost.” They make a great show of supposed spiritual gifts and demonstrations.  The worship is not peaceful, but exhausting. Many of the same people who were so moved by the Holy Spirit on Sunday morning are seen to be moved by the spirit of the bar on Monday.  What is wrong with this picture? First, their worship is not reverent and worthy of the Church. Secondly, their hearts were only ‘acting’ as hypocrites in being shallow on faith and big on appearances. How is your heart, friend?

 

May we be a people wary of false prophets and so thoroughly knowledgeable of the Word of God that it will be quite difficult to deceive us.

 

            Let us be careful of wondering too far from our protecting Shepherd and into the mountain crevices where wolves lurk. Be careful that the church you attend is one that places Christ at its heart and center – a Church that is reverent in worship and true to Scripture in its teaching and doctrine.

 

            Let us be sure that the works of our hands represent the thoughts of our hearts and not become stale salt that has been in the shaker so long that we are clumps that cannot be applied properly. Are we thus?

 

Sermon – Reverend Jack Arnold – Time and Action

Church of the Faithful Centurion – Descanso, California

Today’s sermon brought the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together and is partly  contained in the forewords above.

 

Consider the words from the Collect, wherein we ask God who … ordereth all things both in heaven and earth; … to put away from us all hurtful things, and to give us those things which are profitable for us …

 

We must understand in our hearts that God does indeed “ordereth all things” here as well as in heaven.  Once we understand that, then we can ask Him to keep us away from those things hurtful to us and incline our hearts towards those things that are good for us.  This is one of the many things for which we need the inspiration of the Holy Ghost in our hearts.  Without His Help, we cannot recognize the help we need.  We tend to think of ourselves as perfectable by our own work, without the need to depend on others (Him).  The problem is, it does not work.  And yet, we cannot seem to figure this out on our own. To try what clearly does not work over and over again, is the very definition of insanity. On the other hand, if we look to God for help, for guidance, for direction, for course correction, for strength, for structure, for the ability to persevere, there is nothing that must be done that cannot be done.  In other words, on our own we cannot do anything that works, but with God’s help, we can do things that work!  But it is not because of us, that we can do things that work, but because God is acting within us with the help of the Holy Ghost. He can help us put aside our fears, worries, concerns and do what we need to do. It may not necessarily be what we want to do, but in the end, it is better than anything we could want to do. God asks only that we do our very best.  By the way, do not confuse saying you are doing your best with actually doing it. There is a difference between words and actions!

 

The difference lies in what our actions convey. Do our actions convey faith or disbelief? If we are true followers of Christ, then our actions will convey faith. If we are not of Christ, our actions will convey unbelief. I know what I want my actions to convey, do you? Our faith means nothing, if it is not evident in our actions. We would then not have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ within us, who saves us. It is not our faith that saves us, but Him who rose and died for our sins. He cannot be truly within us unless we ask for Him to come in and help guide our actions. His faith is what saves, not ours. We cannot buy our way into heaven, nor any other way we can think of will get us into heaven, but the way that God provided for us, will get us into heaven, that of His Son Jesus Christ, who was sent to die for our sins that we would have eternal life, to all that believe upon His name. BELIEVE, is the key word. To truly BELIEVE, you must act in a Christly manner, believe that He died for our sins, and to live out the faith as preached by Him. If you do not believe any one of the tenants of the Nicene Creed, then you cannot be considered a Christian, for all of the elements necessary to be a Christian are consolidated into the Creed. It summarizes the story of the Gospel into a Creed that we acknowledge and believe.

 

There are 66 books in the Bible, of those 27 are in the New Testament, of those Saint Paul wrote 13, almost half!  More than anyone.  Paul gives much of the guidance and direction we call The Word of God.  Yet, his message is very simple.  People claim to find it hard to grasp, which mostly means they don’t want to hear it.  If they truly did want to hear it, they would not offer up those excuses! Today, Paul tells us, much like last week, that if we are of this world, we die of this world. Pretty simple message, right? Yet if we will accept our adoption by God, we will be entitled to call Him Abba, or Daddy.  We have been emancipated from the bondage of sin and are now freemen under the promise of eternal life. We are no more beholden to sin, no more under the eternal debt of sin, but we have been freed from that terrible master of death, to the absolutely perfect master in God. He truly is the most perfect master for us, better than we could be of ourselves. For that was why we were in the bondage of the sin prior to the coming of Christ. We humans (Gentiles and Jews) could not overcome that most terrible and natural malady of sin. But God came up with the perfect way, the One Way, His Son Jesus Christ to die for us that we might gain a bridge between this earth and life eternal.

 

For, if we are His children, then we gain His Birthright and all that results from that status. Again, this is simple, but following as His Children can be a fairly difficult task, if we try to do things without His guidance. Actually, without His Guidance, we cannot do anything that is great or worthy. But with His Guidance, we can do all things! While we may have some cause for suffering here on earth, the resultant glory will all be well worth it.  The problem with this is that while we are all willing to suffer (just not today) we are so often not willing to put off what we want to do now for what God wants us to do.  We justify doing what we want, while ignoring what God clearly told us He Wants.  We look for people who claim authority who will tell us what we want to hear.  Once again, it is what we want, not what He Wants. What He wants will ultimately result in our salvation, what we want will ultimately result in our eternal damnation. I know which way I want to go, do you?

 

That leads right in to the point Jesus said in the Gospel according to Saint Matthew when He Tells us to take great care in who we choose to follow. There are many today who seem to say the right things, but do the other. This duplicitous nature is not becoming of those who would be ministers of God. Therefore those men cannot be true ministers of God, but must be false prophets. Scripture has been given to provide an unchanging standard against which we should judge the words and actions of those who would lead us towards God.  Jesus tells us to listen to those who preach of the Gospel and discard the words of those whose teachings are not congruent with The Word.  For, it is by their actions can you judge their teaching. By their fruits you shall know them. Examine the “fruits” of a persons actions, and you can see where their heart truly lies, is it with mammon, or is it with God?  To quote President Reagan, “Trust, but verify.”  Does what the person say match with The Word.  We all have Bibles, most the Authorized Version.  Does what the person preach match what God has said?  Does their life live that talk? We do not want to follow people that produce evil, corrupted fruit, but good and plentiful and delicious fruit!

 

Actually, that brings us to another point, does the Bible you use match the real Word of God.  It is not the grammar or style that count, but the facts, the points, the real message of Scripture.  The Authorized Version comes from the Received Text and is reliable.  Make certain the version you use loses nothing in the translation.

 

So once you let the Holy Ghost into your heart, then take the direction He Offers, read and understand Scripture, you will know what you are supposed to do.  Then, you need to actually act on that knowledge.

 

Action counts.  For by their actions ye shall know them. 

 

Heaven is at the end of an uphill trail.  The easy downhill trail does not lead to the summit.

 

The time is now, not tomorrow.  The time has come, indeed.  How will you ACT?

 

It is by our actions we are known.

 

Be of God – Live of God – Act of God

 

Cellar Rats – Reverend Hap Arnold

Church of the Faithful Centurion – Descanso, California

While I know what I should do at one level, I oft find my actions incongruent with what I am supposed to do.  This incongruence is most evident amongst those with whom I am most comfortable; my family and closest friends.  Is it because they “bring out the worst” in me?  To quote Paul, “God forbid!”  Perhaps it is because they are closest to my soul and I have no wall between us.  Those actions, unacceptable amongst strangers, are even more unacceptable amongst family and closest friends.  Yet they persist.  Why?  Perhaps because as an imperfect creature with free will my only hope is God.  I need His help to grow closer to Him and to those around me.  I need the Light of the Holy Ghost to shine into the deepest corners of my heart, to eradicate the darkness there and plate those crevices with His Light. 

 

Apparently I am not the only imperfect creature with free will who has this issue[2], what a surprise!  Consider this short piece by Jack Lewis:

 

Rats in the Cellar on our Journey towards Christ  

We begin to notice, besides our particular sinful acts, our sinfulness; begin to be alarmed not only about what we do, but about what we are. This may sound rather difficult, so I will try to make it clear from my own case. When I come to my evening prayers and try to reckon up the sins of the day, nine times out of ten the most obvious one is some sin against charity; I have sulked or snapped or sneered or snubbed or stormed. And the excuse that immediately springs to my mind is that the provocation was so sudden and unexpected; I was caught off my guard, I had not time to collect myself. Now that may be an extenuating circumstance as regards those particular acts: they would obviously be worse if they had been deliberate and premeditated. On the other hand, surely what a man does when he is taken off his guard is the best evidence for what sort of a man he is? Surely what pops out before the man has time to put on a disguise is the truth? If there are rats in a cellar you are most likely to see them if you go in very suddenly. But the suddenness does not create the rats: it only prevents them from hiding. In the same way the suddenness of the provocation does not make me an ill-tempered man; it only shows me what an ill-tempered man I am. The rats are always there in the cellar, but if you go in shouting and noisily they will have taken cover before you switch on the light.

Jack Lewis

Mere Christianity

 

Looking at the little graphic, it seems that the little rats are enjoying their time in the cellar and thus will be hard to drive out.  But, driven out they must be.  Those cellar rats must go, they cannot be tolerated no matter how comfortable we are with them, no matter how much we think they cannot go.  They must go.

 

Belfry rats, on the other hand, with their relationship to those same bats, would appear to be necessary to survival in this world.

 

Think about it.

 

Roy Morales-Kuhn, Bishop and Pastor – St. Paul’s Anglican Church – Anglican Orthodox Church

Bishop Roy is pastor of the biggest AOC parish West of the Mississippi and is in charge of the Diocese of the Epiphany. 

 

Eighth Sunday after Trinity

The Family of God

19 July 2015

Psalm 126-127  •  Zechariah 4:1-10  •   Galatians 3:24-4:7

 

The Eighth Sunday after Trinity.

 

The Collect.

 

O

 GOD, whose never-failing providence ordereth all things both in heaven and earth; We humbly beseech thee to put away from us all hurtful things, and to give us those things which are profitable for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

The Family of God

 

24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;

2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:

4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

(Galatians 3:24-4:7)

 

Law and Gospel

We sometimes hear that phrase in Bible study groups; just what does that mean? 

 

First

If we don’t have the law, especially the decalogue, then we don’t know what we have done to offend God. Jesus said that if you broke one of the Ten Commandments, you have broken them all.  Now understand that maybe we don’t have anyone here who has committed murder, but we all have taken something that isn’t ours. We have looked with envy on our friends, neighbors or those nearby and coveted what they have, whether it be a new car, house, boat or what ever. We have all at one time or another dishonored our mother, father or both.  So in affect, we have broken all of the commandments. 

 

I like the way St. Paul phrases it; ‘…wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring unto Christ…’   The law points us in the right direction.  Over the centuries too many folk have tried to keep the Ten Commandments as if that would bring them salvation.  And yet it is as plain as can be, they are there to bring us to the Lord.  Verses 25 to 29 finish the thought.   Our justification is in Christ, by faith we become children of God. We are adopted into the family of God.  Having been separated from God by Adam’s sin, we now are grafted back in to the family by the very work of Christ on the Cross.  The law shows us incapable of keeping all of it, and thus points us to Christ, who covers all of our sins by his death and resurrection from the dead, the very point of being baptized into Christ. 

 

Second

Now after this finished work of Christ, we being very members incorporated into the body of Christ (wording from the Holy Communion), we are also heirs to the promise made to Abraham’s seed.

 

What does that mean?   We become part of the promise, when we are adopted into the family of God, by the means of faith through Jesus Christ, we become equal with the people chosen out of all races. We are now adopted into the family of God, that He set aside by calling Abram, who he renames Abraham, the covenant and promise given to him is now ours too.

 

Third

This adoption into the Family of God is different from what many cultures practiced as to rights and claims of the adoptee.  In most ancient cultures, one could be adopted by family or individual, but that didn’t always carry with it full family rights. Sometimes it was to protect an individual from harm, sometimes to provide food or shelter, but for the most part not a full and complete family idea. Yes there were exceptions, we read of several Roman emperors, having no children of their own, would adopt a relative as their own direct descendent.  Augustus Caesar was adopted by his grandfather, Julius Caesar, to be his heir apparent, full rights and privileges included.  Yes he did have to fight to establish that right, but for the most part he was adopted free and clear.

 

In our passage today from the letter to the Galatians, St. Paul very clearly explains our relationship to God the Father and God the Son:

 

First

We are all children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.  All baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

 

Second

There is no difference in status, once this adoption has been finalized. All are one in Christ Jesus.  No national, cultural, level of societal status; even male or female, all are one in Christ.

 

Now this does not pertain to church leadership, as it has been used to draw such conclusions.

 

This is our oneness in our salvation. This has nothing to do with whether women should be pastors, preachers, bishops or otherwise lead ecclesiastical groups.  The big mistake here is taking the passage out of context. Paul is writing about our eternal salvation, not our service to the church.

 

Third

Now the rest of the passage, Verse 29, gives the most important detail. We being Christ’s own makes us also Abraham’s descendants as well as heirs to the promises made to him. These promises are about Abraham and his family being blessed and saved from perdition by the very act of God, especially in the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, to save that which was lost.

 

Fourth

Notice the first four verses of Galatians Chapter 4.  The context of the passage is about the fullness of time. In God’s time things will be fulfilled. When the time was right he sent his Son to redeem us who at the time were under the law.  But also notice that Paul writes about maturity. He indicates that when we are not mature, that is spiritual maturity, we are under those who are spiritually mature.  This is the greatest loss in this post modern period. So many who have or had the maturity of season and experience, have not passed it on to their charges. The pastors of the ‘faith once delivered’ have fallen down on the job of passing such knowledge on to the next generation.  Why?  Maybe complacency, maybe not seeing that the evil of the world is slowly replacing the righteous, small steps, and yet still replacing that which is right with that which is evil.

We still need to be tutored, we still need those who have the spiritual experience to guide us through the rapids of the world’s wild rivers. We do not have to stay bound to this world and its cares and worries.  Because in the fullness of time, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law; to redeem us that were under the law.  Why?  That we might receive the adoption of sons. 

 


 

Two things will happen:

 

One We will cry out to the Father, because the Holy Spirit makes us, and we will no longer be servants.

Two We will be a fully adopted child (son) and therefore an heir to all that God promised because of Christ.  

 

Isn’t that great news?  We need to tell all we meet, all we see, all we know, that Jesus Christ came into the World to save that which was lost.

 

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear…

 1 Peter 3:15

Let us pray:

 

O

 SAVIOR of the world, who by thy Cross and precious blood hast redeemed us; Save us, and help us, we humbly beseech thee, O Lord.

 

T

HE Almighty Lord, who is a most strong tower to all those who put their trust in him, to whom all things in heaven, in earth, and under the earth, do bow and obey, Be now and evermore thy defence; and make thee know and feel, that there is none other Name under heaven given to man, in whom, and through whom, thou mayest receive health and salvation, but only the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

T

HE Lord bless us, and keep us. The LORD make his face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us. The LORD lift up his countenance upon us, and give us peace, both now and evermore. Amen.

Rev Bryan Dabney of Saint John’s Sunday Sermon

We are fortunate to have Bryan’s Sunday Sermon.  If you want people to come to The Truth, you have to speak the truth, expouse the truth and live the truth.    This is really a good piece and I commend it to your careful reading.

 

Eighth Sunday after Trinity

 

In today’s gospel (St. Matthew 7:15-21), our Lord spoke against the wickedness of false prophets who come disguised as members of the fold of Christ, but are inwardly nothing more than ravening wolves. Think on those words in the context of a first century AD Judean. Those folk would have known about sheep and other livestock even if they did not have to tend them. They would have known about predatory animals such as wolves, bears and lions. They would have understood our Lord’s analogy of a false prophet as a wolf clothed as a sheep so that he might enter the sheep’s fold and prey on those who thought themselves safe within. Given all that, many still refused to come to him and be healed spiritually and saved eternally. And why?

 

As you know, we receive information from a variety of sources. Since no one has the time or the inclination to learn about every field of endeavor, we tend to listen to those who have acquired an expertise in areas where we have little or no real knowledge. Specialization is a hallmark of civilization. We do not all engage in the same business, trade or profession. Therefore, we rely on others to handle those tasks such as lawyers: to take care of our legal problems, or doctors: to assist us back to health when we are ill, etc.

 

Likewise, many Jews of the first century AD possessed a fair understanding of tenets of Judaism. But from the top of their social pyramid to the bottom, few possessed a spiritual understanding of their faith. The majority were content to embrace the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees[3] who set aside the words of our Lord because much of what he taught conflicted with their man-made traditions (St. Matthew 15:1-3).

 

Imagine if you will, that you were living back at the time of our Lord’s earthly ministry. Imagine also that you had heard him preach the Sermon on the Mount. And let us say that you came away from that event with questions about the points he had made. Where would you go to verify what he had said? You would likely have gone to the local synagogue where you would have sought the advice of a rabbi, or a scribe or a Pharisee. But the answers you would receive from them would not be in line with our Lord’s teachings. After all, those teachers of the law twisted what our Lord had said, or re-interpreted them to fit their skewed view of Judaism.

 

So you would have left the synagogue with, at best, only a partial understanding of our Lord’s words, or, at worst, you would have missed their meaning entirely. The wolves in sheep’s clothing do their best work while operating under that favorite of deceptive phrases: Trust me.

 

The wolves in sheep’s clothing also dared to challenge our Lord on several subjects. They tried to trip him up on the tribute money (St. Matthew 22:15-21). They criticized his healing on the Sabbath day (St. Matthew 12:10-13). They sought to label him an agent of the devil because he cast out devils (St. Matthew 12:22-30). They even expelled from the synagogue a man who had been born blind and was given his sight by our Lord as they refused to accept the man’s testimony: that only one who had come from God could have healed him (St. John 9:1-41). Consider also that when the religious authorities sought to condemn our Lord, they looked for credible witnesses to testify against him, and failing at that, they then sought false witnesses in order to make their case (St. Mark 14:55-59). The wolves in sheep’s clothing love to pretend that they are of God all the while working for their father the devil (St. John 8:44).

 

We have seen within the scriptures several examples of just what our Lord was talking about when he warned his listeners about the wolves in sheep’s clothing. While many of his listeners believed his words and became members of the first Christian church there in Jerusalem and Judea; many more did not, no doubt under the influence of wolves in sheep’s clothing. And the same holds true today. Discerning Christians— per the influence of the Holy Spirit— will seek to know the Scriptures for in them they will find comfort for their souls and spiritual guidance to assist them. And so by being thus equipped, they will possess the ability to see the snares of the evil one and avoid them.

 

Sadly, the unregenerate will not be able to seen those devices, and the wolves in sheep’s clothing are there to make sure they never do. One cannot avoid a snare unless it is recognized to be such. The unregenerate cannot see the snares which have been set by the wolves in sheep’s clothing because they have disguised their traps as choices, or liberties, rather than the entrance to hell itself. And look at where these minions of evil are found. In spite of the numerous warnings found in the Holy Bible, much of modern Christendom has permitted these agents of evil to enter their sanctuaries.

 

They are tares among the wheat; rotten fruit amongst the good; bad fish among good fish; unprofitable servants along side those who are true and faithful; and false witnesses for Christ whose appearance mimics that of the true. They may take the form of clergy, teachers, and congregants. They sow doubt and confusion regarding the very tenets of the Christian faith. Via their denial of the Bible as God’s true and inspired word, they have overthrown the faith of many mimicking the woe that our Lord pronounced upon the hypocritical scribes and Pharisees of his day who shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for [they] neither go in [themselves], neither suffer… them that are entering to go in (St. Matthew 23:13). They have, through their so-called “corrections”, sought to bring the scriptures into conformity with their errant lifestyles and behaviors. They mock and deride all who are not in accord with their views, and they will pressure and intimidate the unlearned and the unsuspecting into following their false teachings if they sense that they might be successful in that cause. As the Rev. Matthew Henry once wrote concerning them: “…for they wrest and torture the Scriptures to make them speak what the Holy Ghost did not intend…When men wrest the word of God, they fall into the error of the wicked.” As St. Peter warned in his second epistle: Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness (3:17).

 

Today you have a choice either to heed the voice of our Lord, or shun his warning and be taken in by Satan’s deceivers. The wolves in sheep’s clothing are ever about us and such will be the case until our Lord returns. In the meantime, our Lord expects us to do several things. We ought to put on the whole armour of God; meditate upon the scriptures; seek God’s counsel daily through prayer via the workings of the Holy Ghost; and to be discerning. The wolves in sheep’s clothing may have a pleasant appearance and demeanor. They may even come to us wearing a veil of compassion. They will offer us Satan’s lies covered with a modicum of truth. They will come to shipwreck our faith in the one true Saviour. They will have the powers of darkness behind them. They will seek to ruin and destroy the true church and the true faith in the Lord Jesus Christ in favor of an alternative— Antichrist.

 

So beware and be not deceived. Avoid all whose teachings and doctrines are contrary to God’s word written. And remember, the newer bible versions only faintly bear the truth. While they may possess some information that might steer a true believer away from those beliefs and practices being peddled by the wolves in sheep’s clothing; they nevertheless contain numerous errors and redactions which are intended to divert a would-be believer from the truth of God. They will also seek to keep those who have been deceived within those churches under their direction, reducing their chances of ever hearing what God really had inspired men to write on his behalf.

 

The wolves in sheep’s clothing will also seek to keep those who have been deceived within the churches under their direction. Their master knows all too well that every moment those benighted souls remain within those church bodies such then reduces their chances of ever hearing what God really had inspired men to write on his behalf. The Past is an anchor for us in this present time. It provides us with stability and comfort. Memories, such as our first recollections of worshiping God with our parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents as well as those of our first communion, our marriage, and funerals for our departed relatives and friends are but the arms of that anchor which hold us within a particular church body. God intended for his church to be just that: an anchor in our lives to bolster and enrich us. He did not intend for his church to be corrupted by Satan’s minions. But when a church turns away from the Godhead, that anchor of stability then becomes a device of restraint: keeping those within an errant church from moving to the place where Christ is and from where he is no longer.

 

The whole point of going to church is to be in communion with God in corporate worship. God will be where his word is respected and he will leave from where it has been rejected. Our Lord requires us to depart from any place that has become the temple of false worship and a purveyor of false doctrine. To realize the love of God, one must be obedient to his word written. And God is calling his own out of the camp of the wicked and into the wilderness that they might avoid his coming wrath upon those places where he has been cast out, as well as on those people who have made a mockery of his word via their pretended worship and their false teaching. May the Holy Ghost influence you to seek God’s path and plan of salvation, and reject the empty words of the wolves in sheep’s clothing.

 

Let us pray,

 

F

ather we beseech thee to give us, by means of thy good Spirit, eyes to see thy truth, and ears to hear the same; that we, being so empowered, might see through the disguise of those ravening wolves whom Satan would send among us, and avoid the snares of their false teachings; for this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 

Have a blessed week, Bryan+

After Church Hospitality

We would like some pictures of your after service gatherings.  Come on! Help out!

 

People in our Prayers – http://faithfulcenturionprayerteam.blogspot.com/

Why? Prayer is an extremely important activity.

It is not that God knows not our needs, for He surely does. Yet, Jesus commanded us to ask God for those same needs. In addition to the obvious of asking God for help, offering thanksgiving and the like, prayer helps us focus our thoughts on how we might do God’s work.

 

The Prayer Team of the Anglican Orthodox Church was established to help our members and fellow Christians pray for those in need and to give thanks as well for the blessings we have been granted.

 

Who can be on the list? Do I have to be a member of the Anglican Orthodox Church to be prayed for?

No! The only qualification to be on the list is that you want our prayer team to pray for you. We are Christians and are happy to pray for you, no matter who you are. If you want help from God, you are our kind of people.

 

What is the commitment from the prayer team?

Each member of the team will pray for the desired outcome at last once per day.

 

How do I get myself or someone else on the prayer list?

You can email one of the prayer team leaders: Jack – jack@faithfulcenturion.org or Dru – dru@ faithfulcenturion.org, or call the office at (619) 659-3608 or fill out a prayer card at church.

 

What should I ask for?

Depends on what you want. Some people merely want God to be asked to heal their ills and be mentioned by their first name, others want a specific outcome and / or have more of their personal information known to the team. Ask for what you want. It is your desire and need for prayer the team is attempting to meet. For typical examples, see the list below.

 

Updating the Team

If you are on our prayer list, or if you have submitted a person that you have asked us to pray for, please update one of the team members or Hap in person, by telephone or email. It helps to be able to pray specifically for these individuals including their specific needs; plus if they get better, it is nice to give thanks!

 

Please note that on the yellow (maybe green or orange if you get an old one) cards at church, you can ask that those to be prayed for have their names disseminated to the prayer team. Those names will be said in church and appear here. Or, you can ask that their names and purpose be kept confidential, then only Hap will know to pray for them.

 

Prayer List Notice – If you have someone on the prayer list and their needs have changed, please let us know.  We’d like to update our prayers to reflect the need and most important to give thanks!

 

Travel

Bishop Jerry is on travel this week to and from Atlanta for church services there.

 

Birthday

Siri celebrated her very FIRST birthday on 20 May 2015.  She is a member of our church in India and her Grandfather and family will appreciate your prayers.

 

Anniversary

Dru and Hap Arnold celebrated their 28th anniversary on 21 February 2015, a testimony to the work of God.

 

Move

The Thomas Family is now in Okinawa for a second short tour.  Please pray for this new assignment to go well for Kurt and for Mary and the kids to make new friends.

 

Departed

Harold McCormack (Charlie’s father) passed away the morning of 7 July 2015 of pancreatic cancer. Please give thanks for his time here on earth, for a safe passing and for comfort and strength for his family, in particular his son Charlie,  as they adjust to the temporary separation that they might let God carry their sadness, fear and worry.

 

Bill Williams passed away the weekend of 21 June 2015, after a hard fight with cancer; please keep his wife, Pam, and their children in your prayers as they adjust to the loss of their husband and father.

 

Barbara Para (69) passed away during surgery as the result of an aircraft mishap in Siler City, North Carolina.  Her husband Freddy was also onboard and was seriously injured.  Please give thanks for her time here on earth and pray for Freddy to place his trust in our Lord as he recovers from his injuries and deals with the loss of his wife.  Pray for comfort and strength for Freddy and also for Ken Harris, Barbara’s brother.

 

Nearing the end of their time here on earth

Charles has tonsil cancer; his treatment was stopped in June 2015.  The tumor was too large and prevented surgery. Charles is unable to ingest nutrition and he is in a great deal of pain Please pray for him as he prepares to go home to be with his family who have gone before him. Please pray for comfort, understanding, strength and guidance for Phil and his family who will of necessity remain behind.

 

Phil was taken off life support on 2 April 2015. Please pray for him as he prepares to go home to be with his family who have gone before him. Please pray for comfort, understanding, strength and guidance for Phil and his family who will of necessity remain behind.

 

Maggie is nearing the end of her time here on earth. Please pray for Maggie and her husband Dub as she prepares to go home to be with her family who have gone before her.  Pray for the faith of her family to build and the transition to be good.

 

Alan is a victim of metastasized colon cancer already destroying his liver. His youngest sister has put aside her hard-earned career to care for her brother in these days on earth. Please pray for him as he prepares to go home to be with his family who have gone before him. Please pray for comfort, understanding, strength and guidance for Alan and his family who will of necessity remain behind.

 

Saundra is in ICU with congestive heart failure after a heart operation.  She is aged and frail.  Saundra is near the end of her time here on earth.  Please pray for comfort, understanding, strength and guidance for Saundra and her family who will of necessity remain behind.  Pray for the love of God to stay foremost in their hearts.

 

Polly is in hospice care with dementia and spinal stenosis.  Please pray for her as she prepares to go home to be with her family who have gone before her.  Pray for the faith of her family to build and the transition to be good. 

 

In need of a miracle or understanding of God’s Plan

Janet has had a blood born cancer for several years.  Her faith in the Lord is great and he is ready to be with Him.  Pray she will be encouraged to not give up until it is her time to go.

 

Susan awoke on 20 July 2015, after three weeks in a coma due to an aneurism.   Please give thanks for her return and pray she will continue to recover.  This is so amazing, we are going to keep her under the miracle needed for a bit.  Please continue to pray for guidance for the medical personnel treating Susan.  Help Susan and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their fear, worry and terror.  Pray for strength and courage for Susan. Your continued prayers will be appreciated.

 

Holly has had Colon Cancer, Breast Cancer and now it is in her spine. Please pray for guidance for the medical personnel treating Holly, for a miraculous remission; that Holly’s remaining time here on earth might be good.  Help Holly and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their sadness, fear, worry and terror.  Pray for strength and courage for Holly.

 

Tim was on a kidney transplant list and started dialysis and was taken off the transplant list for a heart problem that required stents, while putting in stents a leaking valve was found. A port was put in and something happened and it has to be redone. In several days he will have a valve replaced, after heart surgery and recover he will go back on the transplant list. Please remember him in prayer in the days and weeks ahead.  Pray he will put his worry on God’s shoulders so he might be at peace and rest.  Pray for those treating him that they might pay attention and do their best.

 

Marilyn has been diagnosed with non-operable pancreatic cancer. Please pray for a miraculous remission; that Marilyn’s remaining time here on earth might be good.  Help Marilyn and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their sadness, fear, worry and terror.

 

Kathy, Don Patton’s sister, has reoccurring abdominal cancer which has not responded to treatment so far, they are nearing the end of the know treatments, with one course left to try. Please pray for guidance for the medical personnel treating Cathy, for a miraculous remission; that Cathy might put all her sadness, fear, worry and terror on God’s back so that her remaining time here on earth might be good.  Help Cathy, Don and their family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.  Give thanks for the great courage and trust in God made manifest in Cathy.

 

June found she has a recurrence of colon cancer, which is now Stage Four, that is it has spread.  Please pray for a miraculous remission; that June’s remaining time here on earth might be good.  Help June and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their sadness, fear, worry and terror.

 

Cindy has been diagnosed with an aggressive malignant brain tumor. Please pray for a miraculous remission; that Cindy’s remaining time here on earth might be good.  Help Cindy and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their sadness, fear, worry and terror.

 

Leon McKay suffered a stroke a few weeks back that has left him unable to speak and while undergoing evaluation the doctors also found he has a very aggressive cancer. Please pray for a miraculous remission; that Leon’s remaining time here on earth might be good.  Help Leon and his family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.

 

Rev. Thomas Brooks is not improving and being kept alive by artificial machines. Please pray for a miraculous recovery and if that not be God’s Will, a rapid passing to home. Help Thomas’ family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry

 

Ronnie has kidney cancer that has spread and the surgeons are very concerned. Please pray the medical team to formulate a successful treatment plan and for a miraculous remission; that Ronnie’s remaining time here on earth might be good.  Help Ronnie and family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.

 

Levi was cancer free for 4 years and just discovered he has kidney cancer. Levi has a great deal of faith and said whether he is healed or God takes him home he will be fine. Please pray for the medical team to pay attention and to their best and for a good outcome.  Pray also that Levi and family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders.  In particular, please pray for pain relief; Levi is 22 years old.

 

Ray Daley is a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and served his country during the Korean War era. Ray is taking chemotherapy treatments for cancer. Meanwhile his son Trevor is in the hospital in a coma and seems to have lost the will to live.

 

Pat has been under treatment for colon cancer for sometime.  He has had major complications the last few days and your prayers will be appreciated by family and friends.

 

Dorothy had pneumonia, on checking her lungs they found tumors which permeated the lung area.  Further investigation found a primary site in the colon, with the lung being secondary.  It would appear there is no viable treatment at this time.  Please pray for a miraculous remission; that her remaining time here on earth might be good.  Help Dorothy and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.

 

Becky has fourth stage metastasized lung cancer and is not doing well with chemotherapy treatments.  Please pray for Becky and her husband as they are together during this difficult time in their lives.

 

Jane has fourth stage cancer and is not doing well.  Please pray for Jane and her family as they are together during this difficult time in their lives.

 

Colleen has been battling pancreatic cancer over the last year and it has now spread to one of her lungs.  Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

 

Christine has cancer of the colon, which spread to her liver; she is receiving chemotherapy and is having difficulty eating.  Please pray for the medical team treating her to pay attention and do their very best; pray also for confidence in our Lord for Christine and her family.

 

Todd and Kenny have both been fighting osteocarcinoma for over five years and have been told their time here on earth is nearing its end, absent a miracle from God.  Both are ready to go home and leave the pain, but would like to stay.  Please pray for them and their families.

 

Homebound or Infirm

Sarah is an elderly women in declining health who not able to do all that she would like to do. Sarah is content with what she can do and will appreciate your prayers.

 

James is on oxygen all the time, this is bothersome to him and terrifying as well.  Please pray for James to put his worry, his bother and his terror on the Lord.  Pray for strength and guidance for James and his family.  They suggest this verse, “I am thine, save me, for I have sought thy precepts.”

 

Joan has had serious medical problems that have kept her confined. Please pray her health will remain stable.

 

Norma, Sara’s mother is in a state of deteriorating health, both physically and mentally, with both dementia and Alzheimer’s.  She is slowly drifting away, though she still recognizes Sara and prayer gives her a sense of peace.  Please pray for both Sara and her mother to put their cares and worries on God’s shoulders so they can deal with the many problems involved.

 

Surgery

Shamu had successful surgery on 7 July 2015, for a disruptive colon.  The colon has been removed, she gives thank for the surgical team being open to guidance, paying close attention and doing their very best.  She is back in the hospital for an additional surgery to to a site infection.  She is in great need of God’s Help for healing. Pray the surgical team will be open to guidance, pay close attention and do their very best.  Please pray now for Shamu to trust in God, let Him carry her worry.  Pray she will recover to the point her internals may be rebuilt.

 

Aleyda had surgery on 24 June 2015 for difficult and painful kidney stones, more have appeared; she was to have surgery on 17 July 2015, however her blood pressure was too high.  Please pray for decreased blood pressure to come into the range which will allow surgery and pray for continued healing.

 

Marcia has had a biospy of a mass in her breast which indicated a tumor that must be removed. Pray the surgical team will be open to guidance, pay close attention and do their very best.  Pray for peace of mind and trust in God for Marcia and her family.

 

Edware is having his fourth back surgery (in the last four years) Please pray for the medical team to pay attention and to their best and for a good outcome.  Pray also that Edware and his family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders.

 

Jeff has been undergoing surgery, chemo and radiation since October for pancreatitis and Pancreatic cancer. Please pray for the medical team to pay attention and to their best and for a good outcome.  Pray also that Jeff, his wife and family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders.

 

Albert had a pacemaker installed recently. He will require surgery soon for a leaking heart valve and has just been told he has esophageal cancer. Pray he will turn to God and come to know Him on a more personal basis as the days go by.

 

Jane underwent heart valve repair surgery on 3 July 2014. Please pray for full recovery.  Pray also Jane and her family to put their worry on God’s shoulders.

 

Mario has early-diagnosed prostate cancer and had surgery. Pray for complete remission and that Mario and his family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders.

 

Eddie has upcoming bladder surgery.  Please pray for the surgical team to pay attention and to their best and for a good outcome.  Pray also that Eddie and family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders.

 

Testing and Treatment

Melanie Zimmers is having an angiogram on 10 August 2015. At the beginning of July 2015, she found out her heart’s left branch is blocked and she has only a 20% ejection fraction, with no symptoms.  They hope medications can get the fraction to above 45 percent or mechanical changes will have to be made.  Please pray for continued guidance for the medical team and patience and trust in God for Melanie and her family, particularly her husband Mike.  Pray also for a full recovery for her.

 

Helen was admitted from her doctor’s office 15 July 2015, as the result of a blood test, to the University of Pennsylvania Hospital with an extremely high white blood count. She and her husband are very active in the ministry of their church and are asking for believers to pray for them and their family, as they are facing  very serious problems in the days to come.  Please pray for guidance for the medical team and patience and trust in God for Helen and her family.  Pray also for a full recovery for her.

 

Cynthia Olufson (Melanie Zimmer’s sister) had an infection in the Harrington rods put in her back 25 years ago.   It appears antibiotics are doing the job, she is still concerned about the rods needing to come out.  Please pray for continued guidance for the medical team and patience and trust in God for Cynthia and her family, particularly Melanie.  Pray also for a full recovery for her.

 

Gulnura is having continual swelling in her feet. Pray the medical team treating her will find out the problem and bring it to an end.

 

Vickie has been falling and passing out and hurt herself. Pray the medical team treating her will find out the problem and bring it to an end.

 

John Thornell, Colonel, USMC Retired Pilot is recovering from a heart related event which began on Tuesday 19 May 2015, when he noted some chest pain while playing golf.  He skipped lunch and went home for a nap.  About 0100 the next day, fully recognizable chest pain developed, four aspirin, one EMT battle (in which the losers apparently got the rights to bring John to the wrong place), one full on back from zero paddle battle,  two surgeries and three stents later, John is in ICU wanting out, but because his blood pressure is so low (he is a runner, turns out it is just like it was a month ago) they don’t want to let him out.  Please give thanks for all this coming together so John is still with his family here on earth.  Pray for continued guidance for the medical team and patience and trust in God for John, his wife Linda and kids Skyler and Remi.  Pray also for a full recovery for him.

 

Steve Thornell is undergoing cancer treatment at University of California Irvine, please pray for continued guidance for the medical team and patience and trust in God for Steve and his family.  Pray also for a full recovery for him.

 

Red Thornell has mass in his neck, which appears likely to be cancerous.  He has had a biopsy on 22 May 2015 and expects the results after a PET scan on Tuesday 26 May 2015.  While there is an infection, his temperature is now normal; he is not for he sleeps 19-20 hours a day.  Please pray for trust in our Lord for Red and his wonderful wife Vickie as they try to get through this nightmare.

 

Elma has been suffering with headaches for a long time.  Doctors have not been able to discover the reason for them. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Elma and her family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people caring for her that they might find the best treatment method to banish the headaches completely.

 

Corissa has been diagnosed with a blockage.  As soon as the Physicians determine the exact problems they expect Major Surgery will proceed.

 

Barbara Apple was more or less bedridden after a fall.  She was hospitalized in great pain and had been transferred to a skilled nursing facility where they hope to be able to control the pain level.  Pray for inspiration for those caring for her that they might find the appropriate treatment.  Please pray for Barbara to put her trust in the Lord, look to Him for strength and for her to gain energy so she does not lose the mobility she has; pray for a full and rapid recovery.  Please pray also for her husband Bob who is taking care of her that he might be comforted and strengthened in this time of stress.

 

Bob Apple was at the hospital picking up his wife Barbara to bring her to the skilled nursing facility when he experienced chest pain.  Barbara’s release from the hospital was delayed until Bob underwent an angiogram and had his medication adjusted.   Please pray for comfort and strength for Bob and his continued healing.

 

Deborah has had a stroke, she is doing much better and out of the hospital. She has a problem with anemia and is taking supplements for that. Pray our Lord will be close to her and her family. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Deborah and her family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people caring for her that they might find the best treatment method to allow her to heal completely.

 

Rev. Steve Boardman has been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. Pray that Jesus will be close and comfort his family and members of his congregation.

 

Hang So Ryu has cancer. Please pray for medical team contemplating and evaluating the treatment that they might be guided to the correct choice and do their very best. Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for him and his family, as well as physical strength.

 

Olivia, age7, has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Lymphoma. The prognosis is good at this time, please pray for medical team contemplating and evaluating the treatment that they might be guided to the correct choice and do their very best. Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for Olivia and her family, as well as physical strength.

 

Paul has been hospitalized recently several times because of persistent high fevers. He is being tested and checked by physicians and seems to have a slight scoliosis, a node and Schuermann’s disease.  Please pray it will be discovered how to treat these problems and healing will begin so he will be inspired to continue his education.

 

Carol Anne needs God’s comfort and healthy test results as she is anxiously undergoing tests related to previous hysterectomy and experiencing symptoms in the surrounding area.

 

Jennifer has some lumps on the right side of her neck; they have grown and multiplied. In the last few months she has been having problems swallowing. Jennifer has an appointment with specialist in several weeks to try and discover what it is. She is having a great deal of anxiety as she waits for her Doctors appointment and will appreciate your prayer for anxiety and health.

 

Rick has heart problems.  Please pray for guidance for the medical people treating him that they might pay attention, do their very best and make the right recommendations regarding treatment.  Pray for help for Rick and his wife Wanda to keep their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.

 

Clay has melanoma.  Please pray for guidance for the medical people treating him that they might pay attention, do their very best and make the right recommendations regarding treatment.  Pray for help for Rick and his wife Pam to keep their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.

 

Atina has been diagnosed with skin cancer, which turned out to be a melanoma. A routine CT scan found a 9mm (3/8 inch) lesion in her left lung.  The melanoma appears to be spreading; they need to remove the offending tissue and test the sample.  Pray for guidance for the medical people treating her that they might pay attention, do their very best and make the right recommendations regarding treatment.   Atina’s faith is being tested, she has difficulty in praying and accepting the outcome, she wants what she wants and is perplexed about her faith in Jesus.  Pray for help for Atina to keep her trust in the Lord and let Him carry her worry.

 

Evelyn has been diagnosed with bone cancer.  Pray for guidance for the medical people treating her that they might pay attention, do their very best and make the right recommendations regarding treatment.  Pray for help for Evelyn to keep her trust in the Lord and let Him carry her worry.

 

Stacy has Multiple Sclerosis and was hospitalized for what turned out to be food poisoning.  Pray for trust in God for Stacy and Chris as they deal with Stacy’s illness.

 

Liz Strauch had a pineal cyst, which in the end responded well to a surgical draining last year.  Since November 2013, similar symptoms have returned.  A CT Scan turned up what is thought to be either a new cyst or an enlarged pineal gland.  More testing, including an EEG is in the works.  She can no longer work. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Liz and her family, in particular her husband Ken and sons Caleb and Nathan; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find the best course of treatment and allow Liz to heal completely.

 

Faye is in the hospital because she is weak has been receiving blood transfusions. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Faye and her family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find the best course of treatment and allow Faye to heal completely.

 

Tom has heart and kidney problems. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Tom and his family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment and allow Tom to heal completely.

 

Harold has had a severe stroke.   He is now home, but his family is looking for a rehabilitation facility to help him recuperate.  Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Harold and his family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people caring for him that they might find the best treatment method to allow Harold to heal completely.

 

Joe has had a preliminary ALS diagnosis. Pray the final diagnosis will something that will allow him to continue taking care of his devoted young family.  Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Joe and his family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment.

 

Mark Wilson’s breathing seems to be under control at present, he is getting oxygen, which is a huge blessing for which he is grateful.  Pray for God’s guidance for the doctors and medical people treating him that they might figure out a way to treat him that will work and not adversely affect other parts of his body, particularly his oxygenation levels, kidney and liver function.  Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Mark, as well as for his family.

 

Preston is reacting poorly to recent neck surgery and now has problems with his liver count; Physicians feel that dialysis will help. There may be a blockage in the bowel and an operation might be necessary.  Please pray for the medical team to pay attention and to their best to determine how to help Preston and for a good outcome.  Pray also that Preston and family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders while Preston does his best to facilitate a return to good health.

 

Erica has a non-malignant Brain Tumor which cannot be surgically removed due to the size and location.  They are going to attempt chemotherapy. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Erica, as well as for her family, and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find the best course of treatment.

 

Brenda is in the hospital because of bleeding on her brain. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Brenda, as well as for her family, and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find the best course of treatment.

 

Mackenzie is a young girl with leukemia. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Mackenzie, as well as for her family, and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find the best course of treatment.

 

Mack has had diabetes most of his adult life. Circulation in his legs is very bad and doctors are considering amputation. Please pray his medication will help and he will not face amputation. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Mack and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment.

 

Michael has been diagnosed with lung cancer recently after making it through gastro intestinal cancer last year. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Michael and his wife Gayle; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment.

 

Ken Strauch has been tired and is anemic, he had a colonoscopy which found a pair of polyps which were removed and are being tested.  Just for good measure they found he has a hiatal hernia with ulcers, basically part of his stomach is pushed up into his esophagus and is bleeding from there.  Sounds like there may be surgery involved. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Ken and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment.

 

Adriano is in the hospital due to high sugar and high blood pressure. He is very weak and will appreciate your prayers.

 

Heather recently found out she has cancer.  Please pray for peace of mind for her and for the medical team treating her will be guided to the right solution.

 

Jim has had an aneurism and blood clots. Pray that healing will come.

 

Georgia has liver and pancreatic cancer. The doctors are evaluating whether to do surgery and how to tackle the disease. Georgia is a faithful Christian and appreciates your prayers. Pray for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find out the source of the problem and best course of treatment.  Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for Georgia and her family.

 

Lana’s doctor found something on her lymph nodes and ovaries. Pray for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find out the source of the problem and best course of treatment.  Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for Lana and her family.

 

 

Healing

Amelia Perez had a small stroke on 11 July 2015 and drove herself to the emergency room, she was admitted for three days, had her carotid artery opened up and is recovering.  Amelia’s faith and spirit are strong.  Please give thanks for the progress so far, for her continued and full recovery and her faith to continue to support her.  Pray also for her family who are still quite worried for her.

 

Eleasa has broken toe of her left foot. She was taken to hospital where the doctor examined and after x-ray report they found out that she fractured her left toe. Now she has plaster on her left foot and with two weeks bed rest.  Please keep her in your prayers.

 

Jon has Stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma  There is good news in that he is in remission; however the chemotherapyis producing neuropathy in  his legs so that it is a challenge for him to get around. Please pray that he will be as comfortable as possible; he has been a Marathoner runner so this is especially difficult.

 

Margaret, from California, fell and broke her on 7 July 2015, while visiting her daughter in Arizona. She will stay in Arizona for the rehabilitation and return to her home when able. Furthermore, Margaret is in good spirits; however she will be away from her church family which is important to her for an extended period of time.

 

Ashley broke her wrist. Pray for full and complete healing of her wrist and patience and trust in God while it heals.

 

Cindyis very ill, she is young and has children, she and her family need your prayers that they might stay close to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as she heals.

 

Diana, age 15, broke her leg while in school and now has a cast on. Pray she will adjust and be healed soon

 

Bernie Coogan had a stroke near Christmas time.  He is undergoing physical and speech therapy at a rehab facility where his wife works.  Bernie is doing pretty well, his speech is a bit slurred, but his mind is clear.  He is still Bernie.  Bernie, his wife JoAnn and their family would appreciate your prayers for a full and rapid recovery as they maintain full trust in the Lord.

 

Amy has melanoma in her lungs, liver and kidneys; they have found a treatment for her that has a high success rate however the side effects are debilitating. Please pray she will be able to tolerate the side effects and the treatment is successful.  Amy has full trust in the Lord, but would still appreciate your prayers.

 

Debbie is just beginning chemotherapy for cancer of the lymph nodes.  Prayer she will be able to tolerate the therapy acceptably and remain strong as she remembers the Lord is with her at all times.

 

 

Liz had a massive stroke at age thirty-seven. The prognosis is good but she has a long road ahead. .  Please pray for guidance for those treating her, for trust in our Lord for Liz and her family, for healing.

 

Ebick is suffering from a severe ulcer but the Doctors cannot give her the proper dosage of the medicine due to her six month pregnancy.  Please pray doctors will find an alternative avenue for treatment or that God will provide.

 

Stan is going through chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer. He is elderly and the treatments are tiring him.  Please pray for his wife Marvelene as they do this together.

 

Meg recently found out she had heart problems causing low blood oxygen levels, loss of focus resulting in an emergency room crisis. As a result of the symptoms she made errors on the job that caused her to lose her job. She is grateful for the excellent medical care she has received and optimistic, feeling with God’s intervention in her life her health may be reversed and a new job will become available.

 

Donald is in the hospital and had his leg amputated on 14 April 2014. Pray he will adjust and healing will begin.

 

Lucius Dabney (father of Rev Bryan Dabney) is now at home recovering from an infection.  Please pray for a complete healing of the infection and return to health.

 

David has many concussions and unable to go to school, read books, watch TV and has headaches and migraines. He has trouble sleeping and his family will appreciate your prayers for this 10 year old young man.

 

Gladys has breast cancer and has had a lumpectomy. She needs to take a year off of her work to have chemo treatments.

 

Alwin Jack has had a stroke and recently has had a relapse.  Please pray for those who treat Alwin that they might chose the best possible treatment and pray for peace of mind for Alwin during the recovery phase.

 

Carolyn has Multiple Sclerosis with complications. Pray Carolyn and her children will be close to our Lord Jesus Christ as they and family members help to ease the problems.

 

Jeong was in an auto accident and sustained a serious back injury.  Please pray for a full and rapid recovery.

 

Gil Garcia is back in the Long Beach VA Hospital.  It is quite a trip for Mary, so please pray that he will recover fully and quickly.  Pray for strength for Gil and his wife Mary as they deal with the stresses of Gil’s paraplegia and the general aging process.

 

Mary Garcia had surgery, she is home, but not healing as well as she hoped.  Please pray for her continued healing.

 

Bill had malignant growth removed from a lip last month and seems to be experiencing a re-growth of the cancer.  He asks your prayer for the medical team treating him and for peace of mind for himself.

 

Hank has osteoporosis, which has caused him a great deal of pain and inconvenience in the past few years. Pray for his healing and that his medical bills will be met.

 

Evelyn is an elderly woman who has had problems with her eyes and is now blind. It appears some sight will return shortly, pray for that to happen!

 

Joanne has begun kidney dialysis as a result of kidney failure due to extensive chemotherapy. Additionally she cares for an adopted drug addicted baby who is now nine years old.  Please pray for her to keep her faith, to let the Lord carry her worry and concern and to give her strength.  Pray also for those treating her that they might pay attention and do their best.

 

Mr. N. Anand is in the hospital and is seriously ill. He is being encouraged to pray for repentance of his sins and to depend upon our dependable God for a cure and recovery of his health. Pray that he will be a strong witness for Christ.

 

Jacob has been going through some dental procedures and has some pain and aggravation with the numbness. Please pray for comfort and strength for him, as well as for guidance for the medical team treating him that they might pay attention and do their best.

 

Bud and his wife for their continued welfare and enthusiasm.  Bud has been advised of an aneurism in his heart of a size not mandating immediate surgery.  This comes at a time when he has sole care of his wife who recently broke two vertebrae and thereafter sustained pneumonia.

 

Virginia has Sinus and Allergy problems giving her severe problems.  Pray that the Doctor will discover why it continues and find a cure.

 

Steve Thornell had a brain aneurysm, which was found before it burst.  He is home from the hospital and working hard on recovery. He lacks energy from seven days in the hospital.  His doctor told him he has to make serious life changes. One of the two main arteries in the back of the head is now completely closed.  He must take blood thinners, he has thick blood and recent chemotherapy made it worse.  Steve has always operated at 110 percent, he needs help to slow down.   Please pray for trust in the Lord and a full and rapid recovery.  Pray for peace of mind for Steve and his family.

 

Arlen is receiving treatment for lung cancer and recently experienced a ruptured colon during treatment. She is alone in Oregon but does have a friend who has traveled a great distance to be at her side. Please pray for guidance for the medical team treating her and for strength and trust for Arlen.

 

Oscar discovered some time ago he had blood clots in his leg and lung.  He has been treated for them and has not been cured. He now will be facing surgery.  Please keep him in your prayers.

 

Angela had an ischemic stroke (clot).Please pray for guidance for the medical team treating her and for strength and trust for Angela. Please pray also that she and her family might put their worries on our Lord’s back so she can work hard towards recovery.

 

Nora had a stroke mid February 2013. Please pray for guidance for the medical team treating her and for strength and trust for Nora. Please pray also that she and her family might put their worries on our Lord’s back so she can work hard towards recovery.

 

Linda has been hospitalized for several days with a gastrointestinal problem.  Please pray for guidance for the medical team treating her and for strength and trust for Linda.

 

Dester is suffering from unknown skin and diseases.  Please guide the medical team treating him to find out what the problem is and cure it.  Pray also for Dester to trust in the Lord.

 

Lee has Arterial Fibrillation, sheis doing much better and she and her family thank you for your prayers. Her pain level is high and some medications have bad side effects. Please continue her in Prayer in the weeks ahead as she heals.

 

Nell recently adopted two children and has just been diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

 

Mary Lou has been suffering with seizures. She was in the hospital with a 24 hour monitor and is being sent home from the hospital with two medications and orders to return in 2 months for another MRI to review whatever is going on in her brain.  Please pray for guidance for the medical people treating her, as well as peace of mind and trust in God for her and her family.

 

Kathleen has spent the last two weeks in the hospital.  She has been diagnosed with colitis, shingles and possibly colon cancer. Pray she will be comfortable and begin to heal.

 

Rachel has Mitochondrial Myopathy.  This is a hereditary disease of the muscles and they do not have a cure for it. Part of her pain is her family does not believe she is indeed ill, as she appears to be just fine. Please pray her family will learn the truth and be supportive of her; pray also the medical people treating her will find the right measures to minimize the disease.  Most particularly pray for Rachel’s trust in God.

 

Nicolas is in the hospital with serious symptoms of a heart disorder. Please pray for peace of mind for him and guidance for the medical team looking for the cause and cure.

 

Juanita is a young girl who was in a coma because of a blood disease.  She has not come out and is gaining strength. They are awaiting results from blood samples.  Her family thanks you for your prayers and asks that you continue.

 

George had foot surgery.  Please give thanks for the surgery and pray for a full and rapid recovery.

 

Nellie is in the emergency room of a hospital in a great deal of pain.  Please pray for peace of mind for her and guidance for the medical team looking for the cause and cure.

 

Lauralee Meade underwent a lumpectomy on Friday after Thanksgiving.  A further anomaly has been discovered and she had additional preventative radiation treatment.  Please pray for a complete remission of the cancer.  Pray also Lauralee will maintain her great attitude and trust in God.

 

Bill, Sara’s husband, had a third abdominal surgery on 22 November 2011, to remove a tumor.  Bill is doing better keeping the doctor’s instructions, for which we are all grateful, including taking chemotherapy once a day for one more year.  He has decreased the consumption of alcohol and eating at least mostly properly.  Please pray for help for him to continue do all this.  Please pray also that Bill might turn his heart outward to help those around him, as well as live a long and healthy life to the honor and glory of God.  Pray also for peace of mind for Bill and his wife Sara.

 

Kay Denton (Mrs. Kay) has had another chest infection, perhaps viral, this one is pretty bad.  Please pray for her full and rapid recovery and for her ability to breathe to return quickly.  Please pray for continued peace of mind for Mrs. Kay and her family.  Give thanks for her trust in the Lord and her positive attitude.

 

Matt Alcantara, age 16, came back with ZERO SCANS again in August 2014!  Matt has Osteosarcoma (bone cancer), a very rare and often lethal form of cancer with limited treatment options.  This is a disease that is about 90 percent fatal in a couple of years.  He has no hip joint on one side, but he walks and swims!  Courage?  Guts? You bet! Please also give thanks for the great faith of Matt and his entire family.  Their faith and trust is a wonderful example for each and every one of us.  But, now is not the time to stop praying.  Actually, it never is the time to stop praying!

 

Judith Clingwall is afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).  She is currently in Laurel Place, an extended care facility in Surrey, British Columbia.  Judith’s condition has worsened recently. Please pray for her to take an active part in her own life, for her strength, peace of mind, trust in God and remission of the disease so she might return home to her family.  Pray also for strength for her husband Martin as he deals with all the problems and stress of Judith’s situation.

 

Vince (age 15), reoccurrence of Osteosarcoma, recent testing found a nickel sized tumor in his lungs.  The doctors are consulting with a specialist in Houston.  Please pray for guidance for the medical team and for peace of mind for Vince and his family.

 

Healing and Patience

Diane spent a month in the hospital because of an inability to breath., due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) apparently from chronic bronchitis. She is home, still very weak and learning to live with this progressive disease. Pray she will let the Lord help her be calm in her new circumstances and that healing will come.

 

Kym (43) has various hip problems which seems to be related to osteoarthritis.  And, her mother Ruth is in the early stages of dementia.  Pray for guidance for those treating both of them, as well as patience and trust in the Lord for both of them.

 

Christopher has had problems with his leg for some time.  Now he has to have it casted and it will stay that way for what to him seems an interminable time.  Pray for patience and peace of mind for this young man who has much he wants to do.

 

James for the Lord’s healing of health issues and give a remedy for many personal challenges at the moment

 

Thanksgiving and Continued Healing

Ducky is a little boy born April 2015. He has been diagnosed with Degenerative Glaucoma, he had his first operation on 6 July 2015 and the second on 15 July 2015 when it was discovered both eyes are affected. The surgeries were apparently successful and it is hoped he may be able to see soon. Please give thanks for the progress so far and pray for Ducky and for his Family as they care for him.

 

Mary had a cataract operation early the morning of Tuesday 16 June 2015, which went well.  Please give thanks for the surgical team being open to guidance, paying close attention and doing their very best; give thanks for the great result and pray for continued healing.

 

Sandy Patton had an ovarian cyst removed on 9 June 2015.  Surgery went well, on pathological testing there was no sign of cancer.  After a day, she went home and is resting and recovering! Please give thanks for the great result and for the surgical team being open to guidance, paying close attention and doing their very best.  Pray for continued recovery and peace of mind and trust in God for Sandy and her family.

 

Herb McCormick (1st Sergeant, USA Retired and dear friend of Bishop Jerry) had throat cancer surgery on 12 May 2015 at Emory Hospital, Atlanta.  At 86, it was major surgery with little hope of survival.  Herb survived the surgery, which apparently went very very well.  Please give thanks for the medical team paying attention and doing their best and for the good outcome.  Pray also that Herb and her family will be able to let God help them as he recovers. Peggy and her family thank you for your prayers.  Herb, his wife and two daughters give thanks for your prayer and ask you pray for continued healing.

 

Peggy had very successful surgery for a torn Rotator Cuff on 30 April 2015.  Please give thanks for the medical team paying attention and doing their best and for a good outcome.  Pray also that Peggy and her family will be able to let God help them as she recovers. Peggy and her family thank you for your prayers.

 

 

Bob Balslev gives thanks for successful knee replacement operation and asks for your prayers for a full and rapid recovery.

 

Bill Hall gives thanks for a successful bilateral knee replacement operation and asks for your prayers for a full and rapid recovery and for help with pain at night.

 

Carolyn, (Charlie McCormack’s mom) was hospitalized with a blood clot in her arm, she is back home and doing well.  Please pray the clot will continue to abate without damage to her system.  Give her trust in the Lord and peace of mind for her and Charlie, too.

 

Daisy Lee is recovering from necrotizing fasciitis, which manifested on 30 January 2015, causing the loss of her right arm and her left hand, as well as parts of both feet. This is very very hard, but Daisy has kept her faith.  As she becomes more well, less in people’s thoughts and prayers it will be a lot tougher for her.  Please pray for strength for her and her family and friends as time moves on.  Her family is thankful for all the support they have received during these past couple weeks and hopes all will continue to pray for Daisy’s speedy recovery.

 

Pray for peace of mind and trust in God for Daisy’s family, her husband and children Tiffany and Chris. 

 

Michael Lenahan known to all as Bullet was hospitalized on 18 March 2015, and had a stent placed in a cardio artery.   All went well and he is recovering nicely.  Please give thanks for the great result and pray for a complete and rapid recovery for Bullet.

 

Janet Jessup had a stroke on 3 July 2014 and heart problems that were causing huge issues for her.  They seem to have gotten her stabilized and she is going home from the hospital.  Please join the entire family in giving thanks for this wonderful development. Please pray for those treating her to find the appropriate treatment and for trust in God and peace of mind for Janet and her family, in particular her husband of 43 years, Rev Roger Jessup, retired minister of Saint Joseph of Arimathea Anglican Orthodox Church.

 

Arch Crittenden has Multiple Myeloma (cancer cells in bone marrow); without this treatment life expectancy is one to two years.  The treatment has apparently been effective.  Arch and his lovely wife Kathy ask that you pray for their trust in God to remain strong and for a good outcome.

 

Dick Gray has a Merkle Cell carcinoma just under his sternum carcinoma which is considered a stage four carcinoma since it has ‘metastasized’.  After much treatment and hospitalization the main site is less than half the size and there are no new tumors.  He continues the fight. Please give thanks for the good results so far!  Pray for those contemplating the treatment that they might be guided to the correct choice and do their very best.  Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for Dick and his wife Jennifer.   Dick is the Treasurer and a Vestryman at Saint Paul’s AOC in Missouri.

 

Sam had surgery on his entire large intestine that had become infected. At the time of the operation he was just hours away from a complete organ shutdown. He had had turmoil in his life over the years. Sam is now in the ICU and his Minister visited him and explained to him God had given him another chance for him to make things right with his Lord. Pray for his good health and his spiritual life with Jesus.

 

Marv Rogge had successful heart valve replacement surgery on or about 20 December 2014.  Other than a desire to chew his food way too much, Marv is doing great, up and about.   Please join Marv, his lovely wife Marian and the rest of the family in giving thanks to God for the great result.  Pray for a full and complete recovery.

 

Ian had surgery to remove excess skin rendered a nuisance by controlled lost of 200 pounds.  Please give thanks for the successful result and for those treating him to have paid attention and done their very best on the lengthy surgery, taking the best possible care of him.  Please pray for his continued recovery and strength for his Mother who will be in charge of his after care.

 

Jenniffer had surgery for breast cancer on 15 October 2014, which seemingly went well; please give thanks for that.  She has had other complications which preclude her from making a full recovery in particular, the reconstructive surgery seems to have gravely affected her back muscles and nerves, resulting in both very limited mobility and extreme pain,  the drugs are making her terribly sick; please pray those will be overcome.  Pray for help for Jenniffer to keep her trust in the Lord and let Him carry her worry and concern as she recovers.  Please pray also for strength and courage for her family as they try their best to help her.

 

Mary Thornell has been battling colon cancer for three years now, she is currently treating at the City of Hope.  Things seem to be going well, the numbers seem headed in the right direction. Please pray for guidance for those treating her, as well as strength, guidance and peace of mind for Mary and her husband Jim, as well as daughter Janice and son Jimmy, as she undergoes treatment. 

 

Jim Thornell (Jet) seems to have recovered from the five stomach ulcers and now is dealing with blocked coronary arteries and taking care of Mary. Please give thanks for the great result and also for the strength, guidance and peace of mind our Lord gave Jet and his wife Mary, as well as daughter Janice and son Jimmy, as he underwent treatment.

 

Elma is suffering from cancer.  She was taken home from the hospital on the advice of her Doctor.  We were asked to pray that Elma’s remaining time here on earth might be good and that Elma and family might put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.   Since then, Elma’s Bishop told us a great Miracle of the Lord is working over Elma.  Doctors sent her home to die, but now she seems to be doing all right.  On behalf of her, thank you for all of your prayers. Please continue praying for her complete healing.

 

Dennis has heart problems; now the medical people treating him discovered a large mass on his liver which turned out to be a cyst!  Please give thanks for this great development and pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Dennis and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that the contemplated surgery might go well.

 

Dwight had major oral surgery, for which he gives thanks.  He is recovering slowly and asks your prayers to speed the process.

 

Mike is a veteran who has served his country when she called. Please pray he will open his heart to God so He can make Mike’s crooked road straight and pull him towards the summit rather than to the pit.

 

Dick’s left arm was amputated after treating for Merkel Cell carcinoma over a year ago. He has met with the oncologist’s and reviewed the CAT scan. Good News! The tumor has been reduced in size—it was down to one half the size that it was in September and there was no indication of a new tumor in the chest area. Dick wanted the Prayer Partners to know and join him in thankfulness to our Lord. Please join Dick and his family in giving thanks to Our Lord Jesus Christ for his recovery as well as for their trust in God.

 

Carol Stone, the sweet wife of Mike Stone, recovered far better than expected from a severe brain bleed, but fell recently and broke her hip.  She still requires 24 hour care, which Mike provides with little help.

 

Business

Mark’s business is in difficulty.  He works in a shrinking field, of which he is one of the country’s true masters, but there is little work available.  He asks that you pray that he can find a way to survive in his industry, which he loves and needs his talents.  Pray he can find new sources of business and new ways of doing things, perhaps someone to partner with to better use his talents.  Pray also for those who work for and with him that they might do their best to help.

 

Financial Guidance and Employment

Anne is unemployed and just interviewed for a position.  Please pray she will be employed, if not at this position then that this interview will lead to better prospects.  Pray for her ot be encouraged and strengthened by the Holy Ghost.

 

Doug recently became unemployed from his job of 18 years. He has been applying for jobs, but unable to get one at this time.  His wife is working; this is not enough for the family. Please pray he will find employment with a firm that will be able to use his considerable skill and hard work to benefit both the firm and the family.

 

Catherine and Lewis are at a low ebb due to a struggle for employment. Your fervent prayers will be appreciated.

 

Lori is considering a potential change in her employment.  Please pray for God’s guidance in considering all aspect of her potential work.

 

Sara is concerned about the future with her company.  She would appreciate prayers for her continued employment and that her firm might find more and better ways to use her considerable skills.

 

Financial Guidance and Healing

Clark is in need of salvation; for God’s Will to be done in his life. Pray his family will be blessed with the financial miracles that come from doing His Will.

 

Timothy and Sharon had their home foreclosed the morning of 15 April 2014.  They are experiencing spiritual, emotional and financial crisis at the current time. Please pray for God’s guidance as to how they might handle the financial difficulties in which they have found themselves and more importantly have them draw closer to God and each other.

 

Linda, Rick, Christian and Sawyer are a family experiencing spiritual, emotional and financial crisis at the current time. Please pray for God’s guidance as to how they might handle the financial difficulties in which they have found themselves and more importantly have them draw closer to God and each other.

 

David and Lorna are having financial problems.  They are trying to find a smaller home which may be more affordable.  Lorna has had an ongoing battle with brain cancer, her trips back and forth to the hospital have drained their finances to the point they sometimes struggle to have enough food in the house.  Pleaser pray for Lorna’s healing and guidance on how they might handle the financial difficulties in which they have found themselves.

 

God’s Strength and Peace of Soul

Tommy Dunning is facing his first Christmas following the death of his only son to cancer.  Please pray he can concentrate his heart on what he had and will have in his son through God.

 

Guidance

Paul recently had his large toe amputated due to diabetes and is having a difficult recovery filled with fear about dying. He recently accepted Jesus as his savior and his family Rosie and Brenda are very grateful. Pray for strength for both Rosie and Brenda who are staying by his side through it all encouraging him on. 

 

Steve is addicted to alcohol, pain pills and gambling. Pray for wisdom, courage and strength to stick with treatment and follow God’s plan for his life

 

Eli has some mental issues and has lost his way.  He was admitted to the hospital for psychological evaluation to get a proper diagnosis and medications and has been discharged.  He has yet to come to grips with the demons chasing him.  Pray he will return to the Lord and his family.  Eli’s brother Carl has gotten little to no support from the family, he being the one to get Eli into treatment.  Daughter Katie seems to be the least helpful.  Pray they will ask God to send the Holy Ghost in to straighten things out and they will listen when He speaks to them.  The family has been open to the Prince of Darkness and needs help.

 

Debbie has family problems that must be dealt with and she asks God’s guidance in making the correct decisions and how to stand.

 

Edward (45) had the opportunity to meet with a Christian during the conversation she discovered Edward had some background about God but thought He was not relevant to this day.  Edward asked many questions about the Bible and was surprised at the answers and continued to ask questions. They both went their separate ways and the Christian told Edward that she would pray for him. Will you join in prayer for Edward, please?

 

Michael and his Family ask your prayers for wisdom as they are under trial and affliction to follow the law of the land and yet honor God in so doing.

 

Flora is in remission with cancer, but has high blood pressure and fatigue. Flora’s Mother recently died and this has caused added stress.  Please pray that she will be able to let God carry her worry and sorrow so she can do the things she needs to do.

 

Elizabeth and Gunner need your prayers for their general well being.   Pray that they might see the Light of the Lord and let Him guide their lives.  Pray they might open their hearts not only to the Lord, but to each other to become one in Him and happiness.

 

Eric and Betty need your prayers for their general well being.   Pray that they might see the Light of the Lord and let Him guide their lives.  Pray they might open their hearts not only to the Lord, but to each other to become one in Him and happiness.

 

Eli has lost his way both spiritually and mentally, please pray for him and his parents Ed and Barb, who are having great struggles seeing their son, go through these afflictions having brought up in a Christian home.  Please pray his parents can find a way to help Eli.

 

Mitten has a Christian talking to him about Christ. Mitten does not believe and does not seem to care.  Please pray Mitten will see the light.

 

Kristen, Rickey and their two children ask you to pray for grace, wisdom and understanding as they attempt to cope with infidelity, separation and possibly divorce as a result of backsliding from the Lord into the World.

 

Aaron has a problem seeing is where his life should be leading him.  Please pray that he can listen to his father Paul and those around him who want him to work hard and obtain a real education now rather than just coast towards oblivion.

 

Helene and her family ask your prayers for them as they deal with the loss of Alan, husband and father.

 

Stephanie seems to be very deeply into post partum depression after her baby was born prematurely.  Please pray for her Mother in Law who is going a great distance to help Stephanie and her new Grandson.  Pray that Stephanie will be able to direct her attention outward, rather than inward.

 

William is an elderly man living with his Son and Daughter in-law. William is causing trouble in the family because of his demanding ways and continually using bad language. The family is at wit’s end to know how to handle him and will appreciate your guidance and prayers.

 

Caitlin is in the grip of the Prince of Darkness; she thinks there is escape from reality in drugs.  The saddest part is that reality is not as she sees it.  Her family is despairing as they can do nothing to help her and ask that you pray for the Holy Ghost to enter into heart and show her the need for change before it is too late.

 

Nathaniel is in spiritual turmoil.  His family and friends will appreciate it if you will keep him in your prayers for him to find the root of his trouble and accept God’s help to heal his heart.

 

Sam and her two children that have been living in a shelter and are to lose their place there.  Please pray a place will be found they can stay in and recover.

 

Please pray Darlene will surrender her life to Christ.

 

Norrie is facing daily exams in the weeks ahead.  Pray for calmness and concentration and to do the best possible.

 

Jonathan is addicted to drugs.  He is now in jail awaiting trial. His parents and friends will appreciate it if you will keep him in your prayers for him to find the root of his trouble and accept God’s help to heal addiction.

 

Beth is suffering from ungodly treatment in her marriage.  Please pray God will guide her in her behavior, actions and thoughts that she might be able to lead her husband to God so her marriage might prosper to the benefit of them.

 

Brandon a young man from a Christian family who married a year ago and almost immediately became estranged from him family. As a result he has had a serious problem with keeping the civil law. Please pray for Brandon that he will return to the Lord and the many problems will be eventually settled. Pray the hurt he has caused so many will be helped with our Lord’s care and love.

 

Jeanette has had many members of her family die from diabetes and several are near death now. Jeanette does not know the Lord and is despondent and perplexed about her family and herself.  Please pray she can open her heart to allow the Holy Ghost in to bring her knowledge and understanding.

 

Dr. Elizabeth Raj is teaching a biblical approach to the psychological problems facing many in our society today. She is battling against the growing influence of worldly psychology adopted by the churches themselves. Elizabeth constantly stresses answers are found between the covers of that precious Book, the Holy Bible.  Please pray for encouragement, strength, fortitude and courage for her.

 

Abigail is a teenager who has behavior problems.  She feels she is in an area of mental darkness.  Please pray that she might look to God for help and not within herself.

 

Sara asks that you pray for guidance for her as she deals with the stresses of her family and life.  Pray that she can separate those things which she can affect from those things which she cannot and give her grace to accept that she cannot do everything and can only change those things within her control.  She asks for God’s help for her business so that she might remain gainfully employed while keeping up with the needs of her mother and husband and healing her own problems.

 

Jacquie to open her heart to God and accept His Love and Grace.

 

Hap asks you to pray he might be able to trust God will help him make the right decisions at the right time and not to worry uselessly, to change those things he can change, accept those things he cannot change, sleep well to be able to do the correct things with a clear head and that he will open his heart to the Holy Ghost so that His Light can penetrate into the far corners of his heart and eradicate the darkness lingering there.

 

School Challenges

Destiny, Blake and Janet

 

Anglican Orthodox Church

Kenya

The Anglican Orthodox Church is making plans for establishment of a presence in Kissi, Kenya.  There are six parishes, a total of 161 members, 68 adults, 93 children with two ministers:

 

  • ·         Raphael Ondara
  • ·         Johnson  Otara
  • ·            

Please pray for the church there and guidance for the people involved.

 

India

Nepal has experienced a 8.3 earth quake and it has reached India where we have members of The Anglican Orthodox Church. Please pray now and continue your prayers as they experience the many problems

 

Indonesia

Please pray for the Lord’s will regarding the establishment of an AOC church in Indonesia.

 

Pakistan

The forces of evil are strong in Pakistan.  The force of God stronger.  Pray for our Christian family there.

 

Serbia

Rev. Igor Djurcik leader of Anglican Orthodox Church in Serbia asks us to pray for his students. He has excellent young people in Belgrade who are having services and classes on the Bible.

 

Philippines

Please pray a Minister will be found who would like to serve in Tabuk, in the Philippine Islands.  The Anglican Orthodox Church has an established Church there and in the surrounding areas and need a Shepherd to lead the flock.

 

Diocese of the Epiphany

Saint Paul’s, Moberly, Missouri would like your prayers that the Holy Ghost might enter more fully into their hearts so that they might be more effective in spreading the Word of God.

 

Atlanta

Bishop Jerry was in Atlanta, preaching at a church who has in attendance many members of another church founded in 1887 that has closed.  Many of those are older, in their late 70s and early 80s.  Please pray they will see this is a parish where they can be one with other believers.  Please pray the Holy Ghost might enter more fully into their hearts so that they might see their way to come together.

 

Diocese of Virginia

Saint Joseph of Arimathea Anglican Orthodox Church is under a lot of stress.  We all are, but they need even more prayer.  Rev Roger Jessup, their wonderful minister, had to retire as he was so pressed by the duties of a primary care giver, in addition to all the worries of this world.  Pray for trust in God for each member of the parish and for them to find economic relief.

 

Armed Forces & Contractors


Dustin (Middle East)., Kristyna Thomas (Army – Camp Walker – Taegu / Daegu, ROK), Airman Donny Patton (USAF – Hulbert Field, Florida), Jordan Brown (USMC – Fleet Marine Force – Pacific), Trevor Jennings (USAF – KC-10 Boom Operator – New Jersey), Trevor Di Marco (USN – Whidbey Island, EF-18 Pilot), Kurt Thomas (USN – Camp Foster, Okinawa), Ethan (US Army Airborne – Southwest Asia)

 

For Our Country

Our country has lost its way.  Over half the people that vote, voted for a government that promises them things it cannot deliver in return for their souls which it can, will and does take.  Our foreign policy backs the rise of Islam, we turn our backs on those who would follow God and arm those who murder them.  Pray God will raise up a leader from among the people who can turn the country’s course 180° and attempt to come back to God.  Pray the people will recognize that they are headed down a smooth wide road into the pit, a road that will get smoother and smoother, steeper and steeper until the only possible way is down.  Down, into the depths of the pit.  Pray people will recognize there is:

 

  • ·         One True and Triune God who is goodness in and of Himself
  • ·         All religions are not equal
  • ·         All ways of life are not equal;
  • ·         The Bible holds the Key to Life;
  • ·         All rights come from God, not the State;
  • ·         Good;
  • ·         Bad;
  • ·         Evil;
  • ·         Right;
  • ·         Wrong;
  • ·         Allah is the Devil;
  • ·         Abortion is no more than sacrifice of children to Baal.

 

Pray this recognition will not come too late.  Pray we will, each of us, do our duty to God, Country and Family, putting His Honor above all.

 

Persecuted

The Islamist group (ISIS) just took over Quaragosh, the biggest Christian city in Iraq; 164 men, women and children were beheaded.  People ask where is God?  The real question is where are the people to enforce God’s will.  Pray the people of the world will see Allah for who he is, the Devil.  Pray for those who remain behind that they might find a way to safety.

 

Around the world, Christians are under attack, not only in the Muslim world, but from Hindus and others in India.  Also, they are under continual attack in the name of “Separation of Church and State” in the western world, as it becomes actively atheist or pro-devil buddy.  Please pray for God’s guidance and protection for all persecuted Christians and those around them.

 

Various Special Requests

Nicholas will enter the Georgia Police Academy on Monday 29 June 2015, to begin his training and certification process as a Police Officer.  Pray for strength, courage and persistence for him.

 

This is a horrible time for the people of India, Christians in particular; they are having problems with Hunger, Bank Closings, Transportation and Schools not functioning.  Pray for the Leaders and Members of our Church in Eluru Andhra Pradesh. Pray their basic needs will be met and God will be close to them in this time of need.

 

We ask that you pray, please ask God that the Holy Ghost might give you insight into how you might make the lives of your friends and family better.  Remember helping others is not just those who you don’t know!

 

Thanksgiving

Randy Ball gives thanks for his retirement Friday 24 July 2015, after 43 of service in the California Air National Guard and United States Air Force.  Randy started his career as an Airman Basic and retired a Brigadier General, having spent most of his time with the 163 Group / Wing at Ontario IAP, then March Field.  Randy was a Forward Air Controller, Fighter Pilot, Tanker Pilot and whatever you call a drone operator.  A fine young American, he retires unscathed with many friends.

 

 

 

The near future, as well as Next Sunday

 

2 August 2015 – Ninth Sunday after Trinity – Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

 

9 August 2015 – Tenth Sunday after Trinity – Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

 

16 August 2015 – Eleventh Sunday after Trinity – Holy Communion – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

 

23 August 2015 – Twelfth Sunday after Trinity – Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

 

30 August 2015 – Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity – Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

 

6 September 2015 – Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity – Holy Communion – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

 

13 September 2015 – Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity – Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

 

 

 

 



[1]Remember, Screwtape is one of the Devil’s minions, a supervisor at that, so when he advises his student what to do, it is the polar opposite of what God wants.  In his case, God is The Enemy!, the patient? That is YOU!

[2]9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

[3]Remember, Pharisees were Jewish lawyers whose practice consisted of finding ways to comply with The Law’s letter while not inconveniencing anyone and bringing themselves wealth and prestige.  Is this not much like many current day “pastors”?

By |2015-07-30T16:10:00+00:00July 30th, 2015|AOC Sunday Report|Comments Off on 150726 AOC Sunday Report

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