150913 AOC Sunday Report

 

Anglican Orthodox Church

Worldwide Communion

Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity

Sunday Report

 

 

 

Today we celebrated the Fifteenth 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 –

 

The Future

When we are planning for posterity, we ought to remember that virtue is not hereditary.

Thomas Paine

Common Sense, 1776

 

Government

I think we have more machinery of government than is necessary, too many parasites living on the labor of the industrious.

Thomas Jefferson

Third President of the United States of America, Founding Father and Patriot

1824 – Two years before his death

 

On how to rehearse for death and how to diminish fear.

17 June 1963

 

Pain is terrible, but surely you need not have fear as well? Can you not see death as the friend and deliverer? It means stripping off that body which is tormenting you: like taking off a hair- shirt or getting out of a dungeon. What is there to be afraid of? You have long attempted (and none of us does more) a Christian life. Your sins are confessed and absolved. Has this world been so kind to you that you should leave it with regret? There are better things ahead than any we leave behind.

 

Remember, though we struggle against things because we are afraid of them, it is often the other way round—we get afraid be- cause we struggle. Are you struggling, resisting? Don’t you think Our Lord says to you ‘Peace, child, peace. Relax. Let go. Underneath are the everlasting arms. Let go, I will catch you. Do you trust me so little?’

 

Of course, this may not be the end. Then make it a good rehearsal.

 

Yours (and like you a tired traveller near the journey’s end)    Jack

The Collected Letters of CS Lewis, Volume III

 

God judgeth in righteousness, and God is angry with the wicked every day.

Psalm 7:11

 

The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary…

Isaiah 50:4

 

Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you…

Amos 5:14

 

In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. And whosoever shall not receive you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them…[1]

St. Mark 6:10-11

 

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

St. John 8:36

 

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

I St. John 3:18

 

The first doctrine that our Lord proclaimed to the world was repentance. The necessity of repentance is one of the great foundations which lie at the very bottom of Christianity (Heb. 6:1). It needs to be pressed on all mankind without exception. High or low, rich or poor, all have sinned and are guilty before God; and all must repent and be converted if they are to be saved. And true repentance is no light matter. It is a thorough change of heart about sin, a change showing itself in godly sorrow and humiliation (2 Cor. 7:10), in heartfelt confession before the throne of grace, in a complete breaking off from sinful habits, and an abiding hatred of sin. Such repentance is the inseparable companion of saving faith in Christ. Let us prize the doctrine highly. It is of the highest importance. No Christian teaching can be sound which does not constantly bring forward repentance towards God and faith towards the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21).

JC Ryle

19th century Anglican bishop and author

 

A saint never yet had a virtue or a grace which was not the target for hellish bullets: whether it was hope… or love… or patience… the old enemy of everything that is good has tried to destroy it. The only reason why anything virtuous or lovely survives in us is this, “the Lord is there.”

Charles H. Spurgeon

19th century English pastor and author

Morning and Evening, p. 97

 

To the very end of the age, materialism will drive humanism in its rebellion against God.

David Jeremiah

20th and 21st century American pastor and author

 

What is the meaning of Catholicity? The original idea was that of universality, not particularity; a Church embracing all times, all places, all Christians, all truth. To speak of one locality as the Catholic Church is a contradiction in terms.

WH Griffith Thomas

19th and 20th century Anglican theologian and author

The Principles of Theology: An Introduction To The Thirty-Nine Articles, p. 277

 

In actual demon possession… demons of the baser and viler sort… cause their victims to delight in obscenity… while driving them to… excesses and moral perversion… They always abhor the triune God and the Christian faith. Prayer and the reading of Scripture or some other Christian book upset and excite the inhabiting demon who will then cause his victim to fall into a paroxysm of rage and opposition. Persistence in seeking the true God almost invariably restores the victim to his normal state, often resulting in a permanent cure through expulsion of the demon. These phenomena appear over and over in biblical accounts of demon possession and also in the history of Christian missions, demonstrating the inadequacy of naturalistic theories of psychiatry and parapsychology to explain them.

Merrill F. Unger

20th century American theologian and scholar

Demons in the World Today, p. 108

 

The humble are secure from many dangers to which the proud are subject.

Aesop

6th century BC Greek philosopher and author

The Fir Tree and the Bramble

 

Politics, n. A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage.

Ambrose Bierce

19th and 20th century American author and misanthrope

 

The best way to destroy the capitalist system is to debauch the currency.

Vladimir Lenin

19th and 20th century Bolshevik and mass murderer

 

A State cannot be constituted from any chance body of persons, or in any chance period of time. Most of the states which have admitted persons of another stock, either at the time of their foundation or later, have been troubled by sedition.

Aristotle

4th century BC Greek philosopher and author

Politics

 

Stand your ground. Don’t fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here.

Capt. John Parker

American militia commander at Lexington Common, April 19, 1775.

 

What is happening in Syria is a religious civil war… fought to determine which branch of Islam will be supreme. It is not a war that started last week or last year, but 1,400 years ago… This conflict is in the cultural DNA of Islam… The refugees aren’t fleeing a dictator, they’re fleeing each other… We aren’t taking in people fleeing the civil war. We’re taking in their civil war and giving it a good home… There are already Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans fighting each other in Greece… And this is only the beginning… then the kindly natives will notice that their daughters are coming home late and wonder what is happening to them… [just] as Pakistan and Afghanistan happened to the British girls victimized by the Muslim… gangs… We are told that the Syrian refugees “stir the conscience” of the world; certainly not the Muslim world. The Saudis don’t want them. Jordan and Turkey… set up refugee camps without actually offering permanent legal status to them the way that Europe, Canada and America are expected to. What do Muslim countries know about the Syrian Civil War that we don’t?… The Syrian refugee crisis is a voluntary crisis. It would go away in a snap with secure borders and rapid deportations… Even announcing such a policy would lead to a rapid wave of self-deportations by finicky refugees for whom Bulgarian jobs, Italian food and Swedish weather aren’t good enough. Plenty of Syrian refugees returned on their own from… Jordan when they saw that there weren’t enough treats for them… They go home because they [are] economic migrants, not refugees. The crisis here is caused by the magnet of Western welfare states. Get rid of the magnet and you get rid of the crisis. Stop letting migrants… stay and there will be no more photogenic rafts filled with “starving” and “desperate” people who pay thousands of dollars to get to Europe and then complain about the food and the weather.

Daniel Greenfield

21st century American commentator

The Syrian Refugee Crisis is not our problem, 9-8-15

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 210-211, with the Collect first:

 

The Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity.

 

The Collect.

 

K

EEP, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy Church with thy perpetual mercy; and, because the frailty of man without thee cannot but fall, keep us ever by thy help from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

The Epistle came from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Galatians, the Sixth Chapter, beginning at the Eleventh Verse. Paul continues to warn us of the conflict in our lives between the things valued here on earth and those valued by the forces of heaven (God).  Writing to the Gentiles in Galatia, using to the rite of circumcision as a symbol for all of The Law, he warns, “As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.”  Those who are every eager to have you follow “The Law” themselves fail to follow its intent.  Paul goes on to say that Jesus’ new covenant transcends The Law and The Law no longer has hold over man.  For in Jesus there is salvation, may “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.”

 

Y

E see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

 

Today’s Holy Gospel was written in the Sixth Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, beginning at the Twenty-Fourth Verse. Jesus tells us, “No man can serve two masters …Ye cannot serve God and mammon[2].”  There is only one first place, only one can be in that place.  We either place God in first place or we put something else there.  If we wish riches in this world as the most important thing in our life, we place the things of this world in first place.  If we follow our Lord Jesus and His instruction, we place God in that first place.  But, what of this world?  “Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment? Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value than they?”  Jesus tells us not to worry, for worry is of no positive value.  When faced with a problem, we must do our best, not merely claim to do our best, and trust in God.  For, “which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his life?” God knows we have need of the things of this world while we are in it, he knows we worry about, “What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?”  If we first seek “His kingdom, and His righteousness” He will take care of all our necessities.  But we must do as He asks, not merely say we are doing so.  If you follow God’s directions, you will be wealthy beyond description.  While you will never be “Bill Gates” rich, you will never lack what you need on this earth or in the world to come.

 

Jesus tells us, “Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”  We are not to worry, but to our best and let the morrow come as it will.  We are to do our best, not merely say we are doing our best.  For if we truly do our best, then that is all that can be done and there is no point in worrying.

 

Using an earlier phrase, Trust in God and Dread Naught.

 

N

O man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment? Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his life? And why are ye anxious concerning raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

 

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.

 

Sermon Notes

Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity

Saint Andrew’s

Anglican Orthodox Church

13 September 2015, Anno Domini

 

 

The Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity.

 

The Collect.

 

K

EEP, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy Church with thy perpetual mercy; and, because the frailty of man without thee cannot but fall, keep us ever by thy help from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

Gospel

Matthew 6:24-34

 

N

O man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment? Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his life? And why are ye anxious concerning raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

 

The fowls of the air like the people of god!

The most beautiful birds are not always the most fearsome. ” Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” Hopefully, the Christian Church can aspire to be like the great Eagle – both strong and beautiful. It soars to heights above the storm, and glides without struggle on the winds of God. It has great vision to see miles from that high altitude. It mates for life, and it will suffer death for its young. The eagle is the only bird that can fly directly toward the sun to evade the archer’s arrows. He has a thin membrane that comes down over his eyes which serves much like our sunglasses so that he can look directly at the sun. Only the Christian can behold God in the Person of Jesus Christ!

 

The eagle never consumes food that has not been killed by its own hand. In this way, it differs greatly from the oyster which is a bottom feeder that simply opens its mouth and consume whatever carrion comes into its shell. The eagle will never make a good socialist or communist – it is purely a free enterprise bird! God often uses the eagle as an example of Himself, or His people. We read in Deuteronomy 32:11 & 12 – “As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: 12 So the LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.” There are remarkable parallels in these two verses which reveal the nature of the eagle. When she builds her nest (upon a high crag or highest terrain available) she brings large branches with sharp protrusions. She ten fills the nest with leaves mixed with stones of briars. Then she overlays all with fur of rabbit or some other creature. It is very cozy and warm.

 

When the baby eagles have grown to the point of moving about, she “stirreth up her nest” so that the stones and briars now come to the surface. The nest is no longer very comfortable at all. The young are forced to get out more often and exercise. They may not like it, but it is for their own benefit. After a time, as the baby eagles are near maturity, the mother eagle will swoop down and knock them off the nest, sometimes allowing them to fall hundreds of feet down the mountain cliff. The young eagle is both terrified and dismayed that the mother, who has always been sacrificial and loving, would do such a thing. But the eye of the mother is never off the young eagle as it flails and flaps its wings to no avail. At the moment death seems imminent, the mother swoops under the young eagle and catches him on her back. ” . . . beareth them on her wings.” The eagle carries her young on her back since her talons are too strong for gentle grasp.

 

Please consider how the eagle is very much like God. He cares and comforts us as baby Christians; he makes our environment sweet and placid; but then, as we grow, He will make our condition very uncomfortable so that we must get out of the nest and learn to ACT! He causes us to be cast off from high places that we might learn to use the wings He has given us to soar. He is ever watchful over His own. When it seems that we are about to perish, God swoops down and carries us on HIS wings. Of course, His hands are too strong to carry us, so He carries us on His wings. There is another reason: If the archer shoots at us, like Christ, the mother eagle will take the arrow to save us. There are many other biblical texts that compare the eagle to God’s nature, and also to that of the Christian, but I must move on to the other points of today’s text.

 

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Every master is different, therefore we cannot serve two masters each of whom have different motives and objectives. A master requires perfect obedience, and we are compelled either by love or sin to obey one or the other. God being our master, our obedience derives from an echoed love that called us when we were yet sinners unto Himself. When we are drawn by the Holy Ghost to Christ (as a fish is drawn by a net) we must depart from that old master whom we obeyed so completely by following the wicked desires of our hearts. Only in Christ do we have a will that is truly free and at liberty. The old ‘free will’ of which men, and some theologians, boast is not free at all but in bondage to sin and its desires; and whose master is Satan. Mammon is the attractions and magnetism of the world – usually wealth and prestige that is built upon false pride. The rich young ruler who came to Christ asked what good thing he could do to inherit eternal life. He called Jesus ‘good teacher.’ First, he did not recognize Christ as his LORD. Secondly, there are not ‘good things’ that we can do to inherit eternal life. IT is the goodness and righteousness of Christ upon which we must rely for salvation.

 

Jesus asked, “Why callest thou me good; there is only one good and that is God?” Jesus was fathoming the depths of this man’s soul. Did he recognize that Jesus was God indeed? No, he did not. Jesus did not await a response but went on to say: “Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.” Mark 10:19 (KJV) This is very true. If we could be perfectly righteous, we would not have needed a Savior; but we are NOT. In fact, we are born with sinful blood in our veins. The point Jesus will expose in the man is this. Though he claims to have kept ALL of the Commandments, he has not even kept the first. His money (mammon) eclipses his love for God. (Read the full account in Mark 10:17-27)

 

Why worry so much about our fashion designers clothing when clothing is of least importance (though one might think that no clothing at all is the proper apparel in modern America)? “Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” The answer, of course, to Jesus’ question is a resounding YES! Please explain how the one who made and gave you a body, along with the breath of life, is unable to provide you with food and clothing appropriate for that body?

 

27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” The beautiful wild lilies of the Middle East are remarkable for their beauty and fragrance. Does their clothing reflect their own labors, or those of the creative LORD? When we live for Christ, our tastes and desire change too. No longer to we wear the immodest apparel of our old master, but rather the resplendently white apparel of the Lord.

 

We tinker in this work with the trifles and cast the essentials to the winds of careless oblivion. The ‘essentials’ are faith in God, serving Him only, and acquitting ourselves as men and women of a Holy calling. “30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Have you sought the Kingdom of God as your first priority in life? In fact, it is the ONLY Priority for us. If we only will be diligent seekers of God and His righteousness, all things needful for our being shall be added unto us. We do not set out to seek first the Kingdom of God and something else – only the Kingdom of God and His righteousness – THAT is enough!

 

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” There is enough wicked and evil things happening in our world this very minute that should occupy our concern rather than needlessly worrying about tomorrow. Many are avid fans of prophetic writings on the return of Christ. Christ will return when He is good and ready; however, He may return for any one of us TODAY!. Concern yourselves with the condition of your soul TODAY, and let the LORD worry about tomorrow. AMEN

 

Sermon – Reverend Jack Arnold – Time and Action

Church of the Faithful Centurion – Descanso, California

Today’s sermon tied the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together and talked, as is oft the case, of the need for action, not simply diction.

 

Consider the words of the Collect, “… Keep … thy Church with thy perpetual mercy; and … keep us ever by thy help from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation …”

 

When the Collect talks about the church, it is not talking about buildings; it is talking about us.  Each of us; all of us.  We need God’s Mercy and Grace to keep us from desiring those things that are bad for us and help us to see we really want those things that are good for us.

 

Speaking of things, just like the Jewish based Christians of Paul’s time, it often seems like everyone has secret rituals, handshakes or hoops they want you to jump through to be really IN.  Paul reminds us that all fall short, and special fancy diets, days or outfits do not change us.  It is only by the Grace of God through our Lord Jesus that we find real salvation.  Our salvation is not based on the ritual, the handshake or even the slice of the circumcision scalpel.  It is based on Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection that we might have eternal life, not some rituals. He does not require for us to have any fancy garb or rituals, only to remember His death and passion that we might be partakers of His Heavenly Kingdom. He does not ask for much, only this simple thing, and that we believe on Him, which is the key to getting into heaven. His Faith saves us, and we have to have faith in Him that he did those things, and act upon that faith.

 

Our salvation comes one way, by the Grace of God through our Lord Jesus.  It is not through us to decide the salvation, but by God through His Son, who died for our sins. This is what the whole Gospel is based upon. This is the solid foundation, as Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith. We are not Cramerians, nor are we Calvinists or Lutherans, but we are Christians primarily, who like the ideas of Cramner, et al. We should never be idenitified as followers of man but of Christ and God. When one becomes a follower of man, he ends up following the devil in a fashion, for if we serve ourselves, or follow ourselves, we tend up to end up in death, but if we follow Him, we have the gift of life as St. Paul explains “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 KJV)

 

The problem with the folks that identify themselves as something other than Christian, is that they start to believe on more of the ideas of the person they are following, than the ideas of Jesus Christ and God, whom they are supposed to be following. They get lost in the theological rabbit hole and wander so far back, they’ve gone past where they were supposed to be, and got lost off the narrow uphill trail towards heaven, and on the wide downhill trail towards hell instead.

 

We alone cannot enter into heaven without His help. We are imperfect creatures with free will, with a tendency to choose the wrong thing at the wrong time. We really need His help to get into heaven, and His help here on earth as well. We also need the help of the third God guy, the Holy Ghost. But in order to have their help, we have to be dedicated to serving God, and not Man.

 

That brings us to Saint Matthew’s point, one cannot serve two masters.  Like that bad pun, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”  You cannot travel both paths.  We must choose who we will serve: God or the world.  If we chose God, that does not mean that we turn our back on the world around us, but rather that we interface with the world using the Rules of Engagement given to us by our Lord.  We prioritize our actions with Him first.  Our family motto; God • Honor • Country • Family is an example of this prioritization.  First things first.  Build from the inside out and the bottom up.  Do not mistake this motto for perfection, we have erred and strayed from our ways like every lost sheep, probably farther than most.  But we know which way is The Way and keep correcting back on course. 

 

Prioritization can be as a simple as coming home early on Saturday night so that you get a good night’s sleep and are ready for the Sunday church service.  It can be as complex as leaving a job that interferes with your honoring God, Country or Family.  First things first. God can help you make that decision, but you have to make it, He can’t make it for you. The Holy Ghost will give you guidance on that front, but you will hve to listen.

 

Through out the Bible we are exhorted to respect God, be honorable, work hard and take care of our families.  If we do these things, following God’s Will, our fiscal standing here on earth will be sound.  Follow these precepts, you will never be lacking, but you will never be inordinately wealthy, “Bill Gates rich” so to speak.  For to do that requires reprioritization to wealth in the first place.  Replacing allegiance to God with allegiance to wealth is a one way ticket to a destination you don’t want. Allegiance to God is a more precious and valuable thing to have, for with it comes a priceless gift, eternal life. Eternal life is a gift that mankind has been seeking for the ages, but has not found.  But Jesus Christ offers that gift to us, as long as we follow Him to the best of our abilitiy.

 

The last part of this reading is the one we often have the most trouble with.   We are far too ready to borrow trouble from tomorrow.  Every day, I pray at least twice for help with this.  It is getting better; I am confident on one thoughtful level that no good comes of worry, yet I have such a hard time acting on that thought. It is a very difficult thing not to worry, but it is something that needs to be done nethertheless. I find as I trust God more and act upon His will more, I tend to worry less. There is a correlation there I believe. When we do what God asks, doing our best and not just saying it, there is not a lot to worry about. Even if there is, we can relax, knowing that God has everything under control and that He will always give us guidance on how to proceed.

 

God wants you to be happy; He knows what will make you happy.  God does not mind if you have fun along the way, but never pursue fun confusing it with happiness.  In the end, you won’t find either.

 

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

 

Bishop Dennis Campbell’s Sermon

Bishop Dennis is a brilliant speaker.  He is able to take biblical precepts and make them perfectly understandable, even to me.  Oft he provides the text of his sermons and I take the utmost pleasure in passing them on:

 

Blood Moon

Joel 2:31

Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity

September 13, 2015

 

This afternoon there will be a solar eclipse. It will not be visible from America, but, if you have some way to get to south Africa or Antarctica by 12:30 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, you will be able to see it. This eclipse is interesting because it follows the meteor shower we had in August, and because it precedes a total lunar eclipse that will occur on September 28 of this year. In a complete lunar eclipse, the moon takes on a reddish colour, and some people call this a “blood moon.”  Many people think the meteors, solar eclipse, and red moon are signs from God that something is about to happen.  This could be anything from  the “Rapture,” to natural or man made disasters, to a major event affecting Israel,  to the end of the world.

 

One reason these people Think this particular lunar eclipse is a sign, is that it is the fourth total lunar eclipse in a row. Full lunar eclipses are rare, so to have four in a row with no partial eclipses between, is even more rare. In addition these four full eclipses are thought to occur during Old Testament festivals or holy days. There are some problems with the way these people date the holy days and festivals, but I don’t have time to deal with that today.

 

Some people think that when these four consecutive full eclipses occurred on Jewish festivals in the past, they signaled world change events. The internet and TV are awash with shows and blogs about this.  There is a man, I believe he may be a Messianic Jew, who has written and spoken about this extensively.   This particular man seems to believe in a curious combination of Old Testament Jewish practices, contemporary dispensationalism, and contemporary charismaticism. All three of these things  have problems, and I want to address each one briefly today, then I will move more into this blood moon idea next Sunday.

 

There is a growing movement that I am going to call, “Christian Judaising” and it has two basic points.  First, the Jews are God’s chosen people, and God deals with all other persons and nations in accordance with the way they treat the Jews.  Some of these people even say God founded and blessed America just to give the Jews a safe place to live after Europe became anti-Semitic and the Muslims took over the ancient land of Israel.  These people say America’s purpose is to protect the Jews, and we will be blessed as long as we continue to protect them.  If we  stop protecting them, God will punish and destroy us.  In the meantime, our national prosperity and security rise and fall in direct proportion to the degree to which we protect the Jews.  As you can see, the obvious problem with this view is that the Jews suffer or prosper along with the rest of America.  Famine, pestilence, and war in this country will affect and hurt Jews as much as they hurt Gentiles.  Another problem with this view is its failure to understand that Christians, are the chosen people now.  The Church is the body of Christ.  The Church is the people of God, the elect, and the new Israel.  Today the true Israel consists of those who are children of God by faith in Jesus Christ, not those who children of Abraham by physical descent.

 

The second point of Christian Judaising is that Christianity needs to be more Jewish. The Christian Judaisers do not always agree on what it means to be more Jewish, or how to do it, but they all agree we should. For example, they all want us to have an increased appreciation for the Old Testament feasts and festivals. To some this means all Christians should keep all the Old Testament festivals, feasts, and customs exactly the way the Old Testament Jews did.  Others think Christians simply need to know about the festivals and feasts, especially as they relate to Jesus Christ.   Many of these people believe we should eat only kosher foods, while others think we can eat whatever we want. Many address God in Hebrew, or at least what they believe is Hebrew. You will hear of them pray to Abba Yahweh, and Yeshuah Meshiah.  Some call their churches synagogues, and meet on Saturdays, wearing yarmulkes and prayer shawls.

 

The Judaising of Christianity is not new. The Apostle Paul faced it frequently, usually in Gentile congregations, such as the one he addressed in the book of Colossians. That congregation consisted primarily of Gentiles, but some Jews were in it, and the Jews believed Gentiles had to become Jews before they could become Christians. They also believed Christians should continue all the Old Testament festivals, ceremonies, and customs. The important thing for Christians to understand  is that Paul refutes their ideas. He writes in Colossians 2:16, “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days, which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is of Christ.”

 

The meat and drink Paul refers to  are the dietary laws of the Old Testament.  He is saying they no longer apply.  The holydays are the Old Testament festivals, such as Passover, and special days, like the Day of Atonement. The new moon in this verse refers to the timing of the Jewish holidays and festivals, many of which were intentionally scheduled to coincide with the phases of the moon.  Passover, for example, usually began on the first full moon after the spring equinox.  The sabbath days are festivals and holy days, not The Sabbath of Exodus 20:8-11. These things are a shadow of the things to come, according to verse 17. This means they were given to picture the life and ministry of Christ. It also means they have passed away, because they have been fulfilled in Christ. Since they pictured who and what Christ would be and do, they are no longer needed because we have Christ.  We don’t need the shadow when we have the real Person.  The Jewish Christians Paul addressed may have wanted to celebrate the Old Testament ceremonies in ways that showed their fulfillment in Christ.  But Paul’s point is that they should no longer be celebrated at all by Christians.  He calls their continued celebration “will worship” in verse 23, meaning, self-made religion.

 

Jesus Himself referred to the passing away of the Old Testament system when He  said people do not put new wine into old bottles because the bottles will break and the wine will run out (Mt. 9:17).  Actually the Greek says old wineskins, not bottles.  Wine was fermented in leather bags, and the fermentation process stretched the bags, so they could only be used once.  Another stretching would burst the bag and lose the wine.  Our Lord’s point is that He is new wine and Israel is an old wineskin.  It has served its purpose well, but Israel’s festivals, ceremonies, holy days, and sacrifices cannot hold the new wine of the Lord and His ministry.  He, and His Church, will burst out of Israel and the Old Testament ceremonies that foreshadowed Him.  New ordinances and sacraments will be instituted by Him which tell of the accomplished work of the Messiah, rather than foreshadow the coming work of the Messiah.

 

Does this mean Christians should not study the Old Testament.  No.  Does it mean Christians should not study and understand the Old Testament ceremonies and festivals?  No.  We must study the Old Testament, and knowledge of the festivals and ceremonies will help us understand Christ, for they teach Christ.   That is why Christ opened the Scriptures to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded until them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Lk 24:27).  But studying and understanding the Old festivals and ceremonies is not the same as continuing them.

 

All of this has been said to show the background and theology on which the man who has spoken and written so much about the blood moons has based his ideas and opinions.  He is a Christian Judaist, or at least, he appears to be from what I know of him.  He is also a dispensationalist.  Dispensationalism is the idea that, because the Jews rejected Christ, God allowed the Gospel to go the the Gentiles.  But the Jews are still the chosen people, and one day God will take the Christians out of the earth through the Rapture.  He will visit the world with seven years of tribulation, the anti-christ will appear, and the Jews will become prominent for their acceptance of the Messiah, while the world moves toward total annihilation in the battle of Amageddon.  Just before Armageddon, the Lord will return, remove the unbelievers, and establish the Millennium. He will rule the world from a throne in Jerusalem, and His chosen people, the Jews, will return to Israel, where they will be closest to Him, and live in wealth and luxury for a thousand years.  When the Millennium ends, God will end the world and take all His people to Heaven.

 

Thee are many problems with this view.  First, Christ doesn’t seem to teach it.  Christ calls the Church His body.  He commissioned the Apostles to build His Church, not extend or repair Judaism.  Second, the Bible teaches that, in the Church, there is no more Jew or Gentile, but all are one in Christ.  Third, the Bible teaches that the Church is the New Israel and the real children of Abraham are the people who have come to God through faith in Christ.  Finally, dispensationalism was unknown until the early 1800s, when it became popular in the British Isles through people who believed it was revealed directly to them from God through dreams and visions and trances.  The lack of dispensational views prior to this time is a major problem for the view.

 

Just as the early dispensationalists believed in direct revelations from God, the man who started the controversy over the blood moon, believes God speaks directly to Him apart from the Bible.  He said, on a TV show I watched, that he came to understand the meaning of the blood moon  because, while he was praying, something like a voice came to him and told him to to match past blood moon tetrads with Old Testament holy days and seasons.  When the did that, he saw that, when the tetrads and Old Testament festivals coincided in the past, important events occurred, which changed the course of history.

 

When you start with the idea that something significant has happened on a certain date in history, you will find something significant that happened on that date.  But that is not what I want to talk about right now.  I want to talk about dreams and visions and religious experiences, and the Bible.  I want to ask, and begin to answer the question, do we believe our experiences, or do we believe the Bible?  Or, more accurately, how does God communicate with His people today?  Is is through dreams, visions and experiences, or is it through the Bible, or is it through both?

 

But this also is going to have to wait, because I first need to address Charismaticism, because the man who is responsible for all of this seems to be a charismatic.  Charismatics believe a person is saved by believing in Christ as Savior. He confesses that he is a sinner, that Jesus died for his sins, and trusts the death of Christ to make him right with God.  So far so good.  But they go on to say there is a second blessing in which the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in the person, and the presence of the Spirit is proved and shown by speaking in tongues, or unknown languages.  There may also be other gifts of the Spirit, such as the power to heal the sick, tell the future, or receive direct revelations from God.

 

There are many problems with this view.  I will only name two.  First, it misunderstands the meaning of salvation.  It makes salvation merely believing in Christ and being saved from hell.  To the Bible, salvation is a change in the heart, mind, soul, or inner being of the person, which enables him to believe in Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and takes him from living in rebellion and sin, to living in love and obedience to God.  It is being made into a new person, a new creature.  And this is all accomplished by the Spirit and the Bible.  There is no such thing as being saved without also having this transformation, or change in your inner being.

 

Second, it misunderstands the evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit.  He is the third Person of the Trinity, and He comes to dwell in the heart of every true believer.  All who are truly saved have the Holy Spirit in them.  They have been baptized in and by and with the Holy Spirit.  When you are saved, you don’t get two thirds of God, you get all of God.  My father used to say that when you are saved, you get all of God you are going to get,  From that point on it is all about giving more of you to God. The evidence of the Spirit dwelling in you is twofold.  First it is faith.  You cannot believe in Christ unless the Holy Spirit enables you to.  You cannot have faith unless the Holy Spirit builds faith into you.  Second, the evidence of the Holy Spirit dwelling in you is Godliness.  It is the fruit of the Spirit.  Read Galatians  5  and there you will see what the Holy Spirit does in a person’s life, and what is the evidence of His presence in a person.  That evidence is not religious experiences, tongues, or miracles, it is Godliness.

 

Christianity is not an experience based religion.  Many try to make it so today, by making experiences the evidence and goal of the presences of the Holy Spirit.  There have always been people like this in the Church, and much of the Bible is written to refute their ideas, practices, and experiences.  But Christian faith is not based on religious experiences or feelings.  It is based on revelation, and that revelation is not given through dreams, vision, feelings, experiences, or voices.  There was a time when God spoke to His people through these things, but even then they were rare, and given only to specific people, not everyone.  But that was before the Bible was completed.  Now that we have the Bible, God speaks to us through it.  The Holy Spirit enables us to understand the Bible and to apply its teaching to our lives and our world.

 

I have said all of this to make the point that the man who started all the excitement about the four blood moons, has serious theological problems that should cause us to question the validity of his message.  We must be careful to always evaluate such messages by the Bible, not by our own desires of what we want God to say.  Of course, I would say the same thing about myself and my own sermons.  Always search the Scriptures to see if these things are so.

 

+Dennis Campbell

 

Bishop, Anglican Orthodox Church Diocese of Virginia

Rector, Holy Trinity Anglican Orthodox Church

Powhatan, Virginia

www.HolyTrinityAnglicanOrthodoxChurch.org

www.lifeinthescriptures.blogspot.com

 

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.

 

Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity

 

The apostle Paul penned the thoughts of God regarding the quest for riches when he wrote to Timothy:

 

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

(1 Timothy 6:9-21)

 

It is one thing to earn a living in order to care and provide for oneself and one’s family; but it is an entirely different thing to pursue wealth — riches — for the sole purpose of gratifying the lusts of the flesh.

 

Years ago when I was teaching school, one of my students — who was a comedian — engaged in a humorous play on words regarding “money and power” which I will paraphrase: “Mr. Dabney, I have the two things which most people want: money and power.” In the process of enunciating those two points, he opened his hands to reveal a quarter in one and a AA battery in the other[3]. In reality, he was making light of an actual problem within our society and our world. The quest for wealth and power has driven more people into a state of existence that is the polar of opposite of what they had in mind when they set out to secure for themselves those things.

 

Look at what the power and wealth of King David did for him. Was it not in his idle moments that he spied his subordinate’s wife bathing and took her for himself even going so far as to have that man killed in battle (II Samuel 11:1-27; 12:1-23)? Look at what great wealth did to King Solomon. God gave him more than he could have ever desired but this led him into vanity and pridefulness (I Kings 10:24-29; 11:1-13).

 

Great wealth can produce a state of mind which elevates the possessor’s opinion of himself so that he or she then becomes the author of those good things rather than a recipient of them. Instead of giving credit to God, these will take the credit for themselves. They will mark it off to good fortune or luck, or maybe even to their own acumen, but they will not mention him who made it all possible: the God of all creation.

Consider the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, who said, Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt and, and where thieves break in and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven … for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (St. Matthew 6:19-21). And in another place our Lord spoke about the garnering of wealth without giving God any consideration when he said, Take heed and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth (St. Luke 12:15).

 

The Rev. Matthew Henry once noted concerning this passage that, “Covetousness is a sin which we have constant need to watch against, and therefore frequently to be warned against. Our happiness and comfort do not depend upon our having a great deal of wealth of this world. The things of this world will not suit the nature of a soul, nor supply its needs, nor satisfy its desires. Many who have abundance are discontented and fretful, and then what good does their abundance do them?” How true to the mark was Rev. Henry’s comment. The pursuit of wealth and power will lead a person inevitably into the pit of perdition as the apostle Paul so noted, But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

 

The parable of the rich fool is another example of how wealth-for-wealth’s- sake will result in separation from God and his kingdom. Our Lord told this parable because a certain fellow had come to him desiring his help in acquiring wealth from a family member (St. Luke 12:13-21). Via this simple story, our Lord informed us that those whose sole purpose in life is to selfishly gather unto themselves have become fools in God’s eyes. As Matthew Henry observed, “Carnal people are fools, and the day is coming when God will call them by their own name, and they will call themselves so … The great absurdity which the children of this world are guilty of is that they portion their souls in the wealth of the world and the pleasure of sense.” How much sorrow there will be in the Day of Judgment for those who had made their life’s work about nothing more than acquiring and holding great wealth and power to satisfy their lusts. Where will their riches be then? Are they able to pay God for the cost of their lives (Psalm 49:1-20)?

 

This life is tenuous and temporary. And as we do not know the hour of our deaths, the thoughtful Christian will prepare himself to meet the Lord at any time. In our prayer book on page 591, there is a portion of Evening Family Prayer which states in part, “. . . And grant us grace always to live in such a state that we may never be afraid to die; so that, living and dying, we may be thine, through the merits and satisfaction of thy Son Christ Jesus . . .” How many fellow Christians cannot in all honesty pray this prayer because they are so unprepared to meet the Lord if he came for them at this moment? And what about the untold millions of the unregenerated who care nothing for God and his Christ and who daily live as if there is no tomorrow? No doubt, when God comes for them, they will have no further opportunities to turn and repent. And all their pleas at the great white throne judgment will not be accepted.

 

In his sermon entitled Sinners in the hands of an angry God, New England pastor Jonathan Edwards noted that, “God has laid himself under no obligation, by any promise to keep any natural man out of hell one moment … So that, whatever some have imagined and pretended about promises made to natural men’s earnest seeking and knocking, it is plain and manifest, that whatever pains a natural man takes in religion, whatever prayers he makes, till he believes in Christ, God is under no manner of obligation to keep him a moment from eternal destruction.”

 

The Rev. Dr. D. James Kennedy once noted that, “If the Bible teaches anything at all, it is that there is an everlasting too late — that there will come a moment when it will be eternally too late, when the door of grace will have slammed shut forever. Then the sinner would give the universe itself for just one minute to repent and turn to Jesus Christ.” The selfish and the arrogant, as well as the idolater and the sensual will all have their place in the lake of fire because they refused to recognize the true nature of God and receive his gift of grace in Christ.

 

Nebuchadnezzar once praised himself for all that he had built and labored to perform as if he had done everything on his own and without any assistance and blessing from God. Daniel recorded the king’s own words regarding his works: Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it was spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. And they shall drive thee from men … (Daniel 4:30-32).

Later, after his senses returned, the king related, And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation. And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou (Daniel 4:34-35)?

 

Nebuchadnezzar did indeed receive his kingdom back from the LORD after which he added this final word, Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase (v.37). It is clear from Daniel 4 that Nebuchadnezzar was disciplined of God and he later recognized the error of his ways. He came to see that his life, as well as that of all mortals upon this earth, was in the hands of the LORD and that everything he had received came from God and God alone. He understood that all self-aggrandizement was worthless and led to misery and heartache. He was blessed in that God only disciplined him and did not totally cast him away. He was abased before God and in his recognition of his sin, he was lifted up. In the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, our Lord affirmed the same when he said, … for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted (St. Luke 18:14).

 

Power and wealth tend to corrupt even the best of mortals as we have seen. The idea that a person managed to obtain riches and authority can lead one into the erroneous belief that said person got them of their own accord. God gives to each person as he wills. If one has great wealth and power it is because God permitted that person to possess such. The selfish tendencies of unregenerate mankind will not give God the glory and praise for his gifts. That is why the apostle Paul was given to pen the words of our lesson today: But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (I St. Timothy 6:9-10).

 

So should we not pray for resources to help us in our daily lives? Is it wrong to desire to have a decent income and enjoy the pleasures that can be derived from such? Again, consider the words of the apostle Paul who explained, But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition (I St. Timothy 6:6-9). While he called upon every Christian to, Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God (Philippians 4:6); we must not permit our requests to be for the wrong things. We must not ask amiss (St. James 4:3).

 

We close our services of Morning and Evening Prayer with “A Prayer of St. Chrysostom” wherein we ask God to, “Fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.” When we ask God to grant to us what is “expedient” we are leaving it to him to decide what is good for us and to supply us the same. So, any thing we ask of God ought to be framed in that manner. And whatever we receive, we ought to give God the glory and praise in thanksgiving for what he has done.

 

We all liked to be thanked when we do things for others and the same is true for our Lord. Giving thanks and praise to God for his gifts should be on our minds at all times. We should have constant thoughts of God’s hand in our lives along with constant thoughts of thanks for his presence with us and in us via the Holy Ghost.

 

The quest for wealth and power is not sanctioned by the Godhead. Those who would set out to carve out a name for themselves at the expense of others in order to garner riches, fame and power will be likened unto those who make elegant castles of sand on the seashore. Until the tide comes in, they are intact and may even be impressive to look at. But when the tide comes in, they disappear as if they had never been there at all. Let us not place our faith in the uncertainty of riches but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy . . . (I St. Timothy 6:17).

 

Let us pray,

 

F

ather, keep us from the desire to serve mammon and not thee; and that in all our prayers and petitions we would ask for those things that are expedient and of good report; for this we ask in the name of him who gave us the gift of eternal life via his once offering of himself for us, even 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 your 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

No known travel.

 

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.

 

Birthday

Hope and her twin sister Faith celebrated their birthday on 30 August 2015.

 

Departed

Don Hendricks passed away on 8 September 2015.   Please help his family adjust to the temporary separation that they might let God carry their sadness, fear and worry.

 

Rod Cook passed away on 3 September 2015.   Please help his family, in particular his daughter Lori, adjust to the temporary separation that they might let God carry their sadness, fear and worry.

 

Kathy, Don Patton’s sister, passed away the morning of 19 August 2015, after a long hard battle with cancer.  Please help her family adjust to the temporary separation that they might let God carry their sadness, fear and worry.

 

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

Gemma Dillinger has been treating for breast cancer for over a year now, after surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy, she is reaching the limit of her tolerance with no end in sight.  Please pray for her to gain strength and ground on the cancer.  Help her to continue with her faith in our Lord, she is not afraid to go home, but wants to make sure it is time.  Pray she will be encouraged to not give up until it is her time to go and that her time here on earth with her family will be good.

 

Dick has a metastasized Merkle Cell carcinoma just under his sternum carcinoma for which all treatment has been exhausted.  His faith in the Lord is great and he is ready to be with Him.  Pray he will be encouraged to not give up until it is his time to go and that his time here on earth with his family will be good.

 

Janet has had a blood borne 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.

 

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.

 

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

Steve, brother in law of Paul Martin, appears to have early onset dementia and is likely coming to live with Paul.  Steve had teenage children and is very concerned for them.  Please pray for the disease to stall or abate and for peace of mind for Steve and his family.

 

Emma Lee is in a Nursing Home and while moving her she was dropped and her femur was broken. She was operated on and her femur was repaired and she is in rehab.  She is not responding well and your prayers will be appreciated.

 

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.

 

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

Timothy has brain cancer. He had surgery and is waiting for the pathology report to find out what kind of chemo he will need.  Please pray for continued guidance for the medical team treating Timothy and patience and trust in God for Timothy and his family.  Pray also for a full recovery for Timothy.

 

Mike Wysocki has a fluid buildup due to unknown reasons.  He is being given diuretics which seem to reduce the fluid buildup.  Please pray for continued guidance for the medical team treating Mike and patience and trust in God for Mike and his wife Wendy.  Pray also for a full recovery for Mike.

 

Pricilla has intestinal issue causing a great deal of pain; she is not responding to medications. Pricilla had a serious operation not long ago and perhaps things in the past are causing the present complications. Pray Jesus will be close to her and his healing will replenish her body.  Please pray for continued guidance for the medical team and patience and trust in God for Pricilla and her family.  Pray also for a full recovery for her.

 

Barbara had a cataract operation and which found Macular Degeneration. Her other eye is dimming and shadows have come up. Pray doctors will discover the problems and healing will come and her eyesight will improve.

 

Melanie Zimmers had an angiogram on 10 August 2015, which turned out clear, but there are problems.  Her heart’s 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.

 

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

Dave had surgery earlier this week for a perforated ulcer, which was successfully removed, he was recovering well all considered.   He has just been moved to ICU due to high heart rate, blood pressure and temperature.  Please pray for trust in the Lord and peace of mind for Dave and his family and guidance for the medical team treating him that they might find the problem and devise a treatment.

 

Vickie has been bothered with Migraines and all that go with the headaches.  Please pray for relief from the pain for Vickie.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

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 went very very well and is now gaining strength rapidly, having gained 15 needed pounds since the surgery.  Please give thanks for good outcome and pray for a full recovery.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

Geordie can use your prayers following the loss of his lovely wife Sarah.  Ask for help for him to turn outward from his inner feelings and act on the commission given him; help the pain of temporary separation to dim.

 

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

 Cam has gotten into some of the issues being with the wrong crowds, too much dinking and making the wrong decisions.  Pray he will ask God to send the Holy Ghost in to straighten things out and he will listen when He speaks to him.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

We are reminded that one of the founding principles of the Anglican Church is its national churches.  While not a theological principle, it is nonetheless one of the critical elements of our way;  we join Bishop Jacob in celebrating the independence of Pakistan:

 

Dear Bishop Ogles & AOC family,

 

Yesterday a suicide bomb exploded 50 meeters away from our Church, St.Paul Anglican Orthodox Church in Jamrud, Khyber Agency(tribal area) about 10 miles from main city Peshawar.The suicide bomber attacked one of the Agency’s officer’s car outside the Tehsil main gate when he was leaving, killing 6 people and injuring 56.Thanks to Almighty God that no one from our Church members hurt.Two members of our church work inside the Tehsil, they were already  inside, when this incident happened. This one is the 4th bomb explosion in Jamrud in recent years.Please do remember our dear church members who live in Jamrud.

In Christ’s alone,

+Ernest Jacob

Bishop of AOC 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) 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.

 

Education

Thomas Dabney is attending Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, to finish his Bachelor’s Degree.  Please pray for Thomas to focus on education and do his very best at school.

 

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

Aleyda had surgery on 7 August 2015 for difficult and painful kidney stones.  All went well and she is home.  Please join her in thanking God for the great result.

 

The near future, as well as Next Sunday

 

20 September 2015 – Sixteenth 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

 

27 September 2015 – Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity – Morning Prayer – The parish will be on travel from the 91st Tactical Fighter Squadron Reunion, so the service will likely be there.

 

4 October 2015 – Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity – Morning Prayer – Service start tme 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]As you can well see, this verse in and of itself precludes forced conversion.  Offer, we must; force we must not.  Note the difference with Islam.

[2]Mammon – a Chaldee or Syriac word meaning “wealth” or “riches” (Luke 16:9-11); also, by personification, the god of riches (Matt. 6:24; Luke 16:9-11).

1: wealth regarded as an evil influence

2: (New Testament) a personification of wealth and avarice as an evil spirit.

[3]In the END, money and power will be as pitiful a possession as the quarter and the battery.  Howard Hughes, a man of great money and power, the second he died had no more money or power than the penniless man of God who perished that same day.  Yet who was the victor in the END?

By |2015-09-18T18:30:19+00:00September 18th, 2015|AOC Sunday Report|Comments Off on 150913 AOC Sunday Report

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