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Today was the Second Sunday in Advent
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, but overall mostly from Bryan. He always has some great ones to share. On to the On Point quotes –
On the Incarnation
The Second Person in God, the Son, became human Himself: was born into the world as an actual man—a real man of a particular height, with hair of a particular colour, speaking a particular language, weighing so many stone. The Eternal Being, who knows everything and who created the whole universe, became not only a man but (before that) a baby, and before that a foetus inside a Woman’s body. If you want to get the hang of it, think how you would like to become a slug or a crab.
Jack Lewis
Mere Christianity
No Longer in the Shadowlands
Aslan turned to them and said: “You do not yet look so happy as I mean you to be.” Lucy said, “We’re so afraid of being sent away, Aslan. And you have sent us back into our own world so often.”
“No fear of that,” said Aslan. “Have you not guessed?” Their hearts leaped, and a wild hope rose within them. “There was a real railway accident,” said Aslan softly. “Your father and mother and all of you are—as you used to call it in the Shadowlands— dead. The term is over: the holidays have begun. The dream is ended: this is the morning.”
And as He spoke He no longer looked to them like a lion; but the things that began to happen after that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. And for us this is the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.
Jack Lewis
The Last Battle
Arms
Laws that forbid the carrying of arms … disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes.
Cesare Beccaria
Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
Luke 6:26
Then spake Jesus again unto them saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 8:12
If we are idle, the devil and a corrupt heart will soon find us something to do.
Matthew Henry
17th and 18th century English pastor and author
John the Baptist received a special call from God to begin preaching and baptizing. A message from heaven was sent to his heart and, under the impulse of that message, he undertook his marvellous work. This account throws great light on the office of all ministers of the gospel. It is an office which no man has the right to take up unless he has an inward call from God as well as an outward call from man. Visions and revelations, of course, we have no right to expect. Fanatical claims to special gifts of the Spirit must always be checked and discouraged. But an inward call a man must have before he puts his hand to the work of the ministry. Let it be a part of our daily prayers that our churches may have no ministers except those who are really called of God. An unconverted minister is an injury and burden to a church.
JC Ryle
19th century Anglican bishop and author
Wars are not made by common folk, scratching for livings in the heat of the day; they are made by demagogues infesting palaces.
HL Mencken
20th century American journalist and essayist
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 are found on Page 92-93, with the Collect first:
The Second Sunday in Advent
The Collect.
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LESSED Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Collect for the First Sunday in Advent can be found on Page 90:
The First Sunday in Advent
The Collect.
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LMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.
¶ This Collect is to be repeated every day, after the other Collects in Advent, until Christmas Day.
The Epistle for today came from Paul’s letter to the Romans, the Fifteenth Chapter, beginning at the Fourth Verse.
Paul tells us the scriptures up to that time were written that we might have hope. He now reminds us to treat each other the way Jesus treated those about him, to open our hearts to each other as Jesus opened His. The promise of Jesus was not to Jews only, but to all people (Gentiles). Paul tells us Jesus Christ was a minister of … the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.”
He reminds us of the writing of Esaias, “There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.” Paul leaves with the blessing, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
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hatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
The Gospel for today came from the Gospel according to Saint Luke, the Twenty-First Chapter, beginning at the Twenty-Fifth Verse. In preparation for our recollection of the First Coming, the Nativity, we read St. Luke’s description of the Second Coming, “and there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts fail-ing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; when they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.”
As clear as the Second Coming will be, so was the First Coming to those who would see and hear it. Once again, we are reminded that there are none so blind as those who will not see and none so deaf as those who will not hear.
Can you see Him? Will you hear Him?
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nd there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; when they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
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
Second Sunday in Advent
Saint Andrews Anglican Church – Enterprise, Alabama
10 December 2017, Anno Domini
The Second Sunday in Advent
The Collect.
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LESSED Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Collect for the First Sunday in Advent can be found on Page 90:
The First Sunday in Advent
The Collect.
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LMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.
¶ This Collect is to be repeated every day, after the other Collects in Advent, until Christmas Day.
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can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.31 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. 32 There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.33 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. 34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. 35 He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. 36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. 37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. 38 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. 39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. (John 5:30-40)
John’s Gospel text directs our attention to more than a single truth.
First
Ae learn that the only just judgment is that judgment that issues form the will of God. And how do we know that will? By reading the Word of God and making that Word the judge of all things in our purview. Christ Himself is that Word Incarnate. (John 1). He is the ensign and plumb line in our midst for it was Christ who came down and dwelt among us suffering every temptation as we, yet being pure and sinless throughout. If we judge with righteous judgment, our judgment will be based on the Word of God and proceeding from love. I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
The Godhead, comprised of Three Persons in One, has no nature to operate independent of one another. By its very nature, these Three Persons are completely of One Mind and One Purpose. Every thought of God is mutually held and mutually advocated. Christ came not to establish His Church on His own behalf and apart from the oversight of His Father, but He came in the whole will of the Father and executes all that the Father wills. Christ was with the Father in the beginning – He was the Word, and He was God. (John 1:1)
Second
We learn Christ bears not His witness and testimony in isolation. In fact, that would be impossible for there can be no division between the testimony of the Father, Son, or Holy Ghost. It would, as well, be impossible for either to hold a will that in any way is contrary to that of the whole. How is God, realized in Three Persons, One God? It is only possible because the Godhead is a union of One in purpose and will. If we are IN Christ, we, too, are one with Him the Father, and the Holy Ghost. The only means by which our Nation can be One Nation, under God, is that our national will is in subordination to the perfect Will of God. Then, though we be many citizens, we may also be One Nation, under God. But is this true of modern America? I think not. The moral decadence and spiritual depravity of our country does not issue from the influences of an alien enemy, but from within the hearts of our people, and ultimately the laxity of America’s churches in nurturing the love of God and His Holy Word. If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. America today is by no means one in purpose. We do not have a perfect union. Our population is comprised of those few who fervently love the Lord and try by all means to obey Him. A larger group are those nominal Christians whose patchwork garments are mixed with the fabric of the law and also of grace. Grace cannot exist with the curse of the law. Others simply reject God outright and attempt to remove every vestige of His presence from their own, and our, daily conversation.
No single citizen, acting on his own behalf, can bear the full power and authority of the National government. We cannot be a one-man army of the United States. It is the collective will of the people that will reflect the legitimate boundaries of authority and purpose so that we are a Union of citizens, of counties, of states, and finally realized at the head as a federal government in one united nation. But governments can never fully reflect the Oneness of God for His Triune nature is a perfect One and bound without seam to one Will and Purpose. Human government may emulate, but can never achieve, such perfect union. Even as individuals, our Oneness with Christ, the Father, and the Holy Ghost is not a perfect one from the standpoint of deeds and works of the law, but made spiritually possible by that loving characteristic of God called unmerited Grace.
The witness of Christ is not His alone, for whatsoever the Son does or says is equivalent to the same action and Word of the father and Holy Ghost. Christ never speaks independently of the father, nor can He do so. There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. The Word of God stands immutable and without need of support. It stands alone, but is witnessed in every rose, every green leaf, every creature’s heart, and in the miracle of birth of a child. If you doubt miracles are ongoing for our day, look into the pure eyes of a little child whose spirit has so recently been imparted by God while yet in the mother’s womb! The tides are given limits of progress, and the seasons still hear and obey His beckon. How can you doubt?
We need ministers and pastors who will teach us from a better knowledge of God’s Word, but God needs no teacher. If a priest, bishop, or deacon has been given responsibility in the Kingdom of Heaven, he must exercise that responsibility under the authority of the great Bishop of our Souls, the Lord Jesus Christ else his authority is of no force. Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. Well did John know that it was only the truth that has force and not the imaginations and devices of any man! When we hear a biblical exposition, delivered with earnestness and faith, we recognize a strong authority in its delivery. From whence cometh this authority? Since it is God’s Word, it comes from God and not the source of delivery.
It is true that John inquired, in his moment of doubt, to know from Christ; but Christ never inquired of John. Christ, possessing all truth, needs no man’s testimony to support His claim. The Sun needs no lesser light to testify of its life-giving energy. As Confucius has said, “Does God exist? Does one light a candle to see the Sun?” Is the Sun itself blind to its own light. I doubt it! Does Christ need a man’s witness of His divine will and purpose? But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. We may live in such oppressive darkness that we need some man to come to us bearing the precious Word of God, but that man is only messenger. The Message belongs to God. Christ owns the Message. What a privilege if He allows us the opportunity to be a messenger for Him!
He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. The Light John bore was not truly his own light, but it was the Light of Christ. John was a mirror only to reflect the Light and was not the generator of it. The moon is merely the reflector of that great light of the Sun and is not the generator thereof for it cannot be. You and I, too, may be those lower lights referred to in that old hymn, Brightly Beams our Father’s Mercy. God Himself is the great Searchlight sent out from the Lighthouse across the stormy waves and shoals. Men, at their wits end in fighting the sails and helm, look with salty eyes into the gloom and, “Look! A Lighthouse” beams its hope from secure harbor to their frightful and foundering vessel. They bear toward it for it is their only hope. Coming near to harbor, there remains to be navigated among the salient bars and hidden rocks of the harbor. But God has provided Lower Lights (His people) to guide the vessel to safe port and anchorage beneath that great Light that saved them. Have you lately been a Lower Light for Christ? If so, your light is not your own, but the reflected Light of the Light of the World. Like the Moon in eclipse, if the world gets between you and that great Light, your light will be darkness.
We know God because we have seen Christ! All that Christ did reflected a perfect likeness of the Father. And all that we do as Christians, though imperfect as we are reflects the will of our father in heaven. But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. The Father is witness of His son and His Son is witness of the Father. The very works of Christ in restoring life to the dead and healing every diverse disease is witness of that nature only of God. God is Life! And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. Christ, dwelling always from eternity past with the Father, beheld His face every day in Paradise. He has heard every Word ever uttered by the Father, and He is like Him in every respect just as the child is the image and likeness of the parent though Christ is perfectly like His Father. And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. Christ is castigating the false professors and ministers of the Jews. They may know the Law of Moses but they do not have the Living Word of God abiding in their breasts else they would be able of salvation in Christ.
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. These words would seem to be directed toward the Pharisees who believed in the resurrection, but not the One by whom resurrection was made possible. They had a head-knowledge of the scriptures, but there was no evidence of it in their hearts. They were bent on murder of the very instrument by which they might have that hoped for resurrection. Christ, being the Word Incarnate, is the completeness of the whole Counsel of God. How can men accept apostate and ‘doctored bible versions that cast doubts on the divinity of Christ and omit whole passages of scripture? If they love Christ, how could they allow, or even be participants, in the wounding of His Holiness, and do so with assumed impunity?
And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life” It is noteworthy Christ already knew the hearts of these brigands. In His omniscient foreknowledge, He knew they would not now, nor ever, come to Him. He saw their snarled faces before the cross at Golgotha, there insults and treason against God Almighty, and He knew no amount of persuasion would move them. These so-called ministers of the Jews were more reprobate than the people whom they deceived. Let no man preach to you out of his own opinion or imagination, but Scripture truth only!
Sermon – Rev Jack Arnold
Church of the Faithful Centurion – Descanso, California
Today’s sermon brought the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together and is partly contained in the forewords above.
The Second Sunday in Advent
The Collect.
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LESSED Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
The First Sunday in Advent
The Collect.
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LMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.
¶ This Collect is to be repeated every day, after the other Collects in Advent, until Christmas Day.
The Collect and the Epistle and the Gospel all tell us we are to learn from Scripture and to place our hope and trust in God, not man. They tell us God provided Scripture so that we might learn from the history of old believers in the Old and New testament. As the saying goes, if we do not learn from history we are doomed to repeat it. It is the same with Scripture; for much of Scripture is history.
Scriptures have been given to us as a tool for learning so we might become wiser through the Holy Spirit, whose guidance as we read and study Scripture will allow us to come to a fuller understanding of the meaning it should have in our daily lives. The key concept is learning, learning by growing closer to the concepts found in Scriptures and finding out how to learn from the mistakes we have made. The Scriptures are here for our personal and spiritual development. We need the Scriptures to grow and learn as men and women of God. The guidance of the Holy Spirit is necessary for us implement the concepts found in Scripture in our day to day lives.
If we try to live our lives, or for that matter write our sermons, without the guidance of the Holy Ghost, we will be for naught. We have to understand what we are preaching; to live what we are preaching, in order for our faith to have any meaning. Then we also have to live what we preach, other wise we become hypocrites. There are too many preachers out there who preach a nice message; but ultimately they do not live the message they preach.
If we do not have understanding or act upon our preaching, how can we ask others to follow God, when we ourselves are not? We must strive to avoid hypocrisy, to live a geniune live following His commandments He has set for us and to be a beacon to guide others to Him. We are not an icon or image of Him, but merely pathfinders, and once we have found the path, we guide others to Him. We do not posess any special powers as ministers of the Lord, except as we have the Holy Ghost within us, directing us. And that special power is not of our own to claim, but He who sent Him. We are merely being allowed to have Him within us and we should not boast of any deeds done with His Inspiration, but must simply point back to the source who sent Him. We cannot claim any credit on our own for the power He has bestowed upon us to perform great good works for Him. He works not only in ministers, but in each and every member of the church. For, each of us is an emissary of Christ to the world.
He gives each of us in His Church special talents, so members of the Church may use these talents in conjunction with one another to bring people to Christ. As in a professional workplace, each member of the Church has a special talent, that used in conjunction with other people with each of their own talents, can be used together to bring people to Christ. If we all work together, with the help of the Holy Spirit, there is not much beyond our capability. We cannot do this mission alone, we need to depend on each other and work together to strenghen the Church and carry out the Great Comission. We become an unstoppable spiritual force, with the Holy Ghost within each and every one of us, working for the glory of the Father here on Earth. For the Church is a team, each and everyone in it, the clergy and the lay people all having the common goals of spreading the Gospel to those who are in need of it and tending to those who need help. This is all done with reading and applying the precepts of Scripture with the help of the Holy Ghost.
We must act upon the words of Scripture and the sermons we hear, so our faith will be manifest to all of those watching us. We will make mistakes and sin, as we are imperfect beings; if we admit our wrongdoings to God, and come back to Him, all shall be forgiven and we shall have another fresh slate, on which to start anew.
In the Epistle, Paul tells us Scripture was written so we might have hope, even in times of darkness. Times like these with unbelievers in high places doing their best to defile and ridicule our faith can try our souls. We must treat others as Christ taught us, with respect and humility, no matter our personal feelings/opinion on them and how they conduct their lives. If we are kind to them, we may plant a seed in their lives for the better, causing perhaps a change for the better in them. We do not know what impact our actions may have in the future; we can only hope they may influence an individual for the better. It may not be until way later that we find out what a measurable impact we may have had on these peoples lives. It takes a while for seeds to germinate and grow into large and wondrous trees, it is the same with the seeds we plant spiritually. We have no idea what our actions will inspire others to do. That is also why we need to be extremely careful in how our actions influence others. We want to be a positive influence, rather than a negative one.
This is where applying the love thy neighbor as thyself concept plays a big part. For if we follow Christ’s Summary of the Law, then our actions are more likely to cause a positive impact on others around us, rather than if we follow ourselves instead of the Holy Ghost, wherein we are more likely to cause a negative impact to others around us.
Turning to the Gospel, Saint Luke describes the signs of the Second Coming and how we are to prepare for it. We are not to be caught unaware of the signs; if we read the signs, then we shall be prepared to meet our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. At the same time remember Christ’s words in Matthew 24:36 – But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. This means every day we have to be active in our faith, and not brain and faith dead like so many around us today. We have to be spritually aware of our spiritual surroundings, much as a good and safe driver/motorcyclist must be aware of the cars around him and possible hazards in the road at all times.
We have to use the tools given to us by God; Scripture, our faith and our friends in the faith to combat the evils of this world. They are given to us for learning the faith and for defending the faith from the multiple assaults of the wicked one. We must do our best to make this world the best place we can. If we study, digest and use Scripture in faith, we will have hope in these times of darkness; we will go forth and spread Good News, which will give us satisfaction and hope for people; therefore renewing our spirit and vigor and the knowledge that in the end we will triumph, will fill our hungry spirits. It will renew our sense of purpose and redirect our focus outward instead of inward.
Our hungry spirits can only be satisified by God’s Goodness and His Word and His Love, of which He has infinite capacity; nobody is stealing anybody else’s share, as God has more than plenty to go around for all of us! In fact, the more of God’s Love you take, the more there is for others! So we must concentrate then on sharing the Gospel and God’s love, so others might finally find true happiness, as we find ours, in serving the Lord for the rest of our days. We also have to concentrate on living a genuine Christian life and not a shallow Christian life; showing the way to Christ for others to see and follow.
The common theme through the Collect, Epistle and Gospel is that if we have hope and trust in God, we must dread naught, and carry on, empowered through them in our daily lives here on Earth until we are called to our heavenly home. These are actions we must take; not mere thoughts or words, actual actions!
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
Roy Morales-Kuhn, Bishop and Pastor – Paul’s Anglican Church – Anglican Orthodox Church
Bishop Roy is pastor of the biggest AOC parish West of the Mississippi and is in charge of the Diocese of the Epiphany, as well as South America.
Second Sunday in Advent
Birth of Jesus Foretold
Psalm 25 • Isaiah 55 • Luke 1:26-56
10 December 2017, Anno Domini
The Second Sunday in Advent
The Collect.
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LESSED Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
This is the time of the year that we look forward to the celebration of the birth of Christ. It was in the period of the early church that began the idea of setting aside four Sundays just before Christmas, or as it was called the Nativity, to help us prepare for this momentous event.
This four Sunday study period, with Old and New Testament readings, hymns, carols, and sermons focusing on this period would take on the name of Advent. Advent is a term from the Latin which means “that which is to come”. Now what is interesting about this period, the first two Sundays focus on the prophetic nature and period that would herald the coming Savior. Many Old Testament passages would be read and studied to show how the birth of Jesus Christ was foretold many centuries before his birth. We can find references to the birth of Christ in Isaiah, Joel, Malachi, and several other minor prophets in the O.T. So when Dr. Luke, a Greek medical doctor, writes the account of the birth of Christ, he is being inspired by the Holy Spirit to record what had already been foretold so many centuries earlier. The third and fourth Sundays in Advent focus on both our personal preparation for His coming and on his return to earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. So during this period of reflection, interestingly at the end of our calendar year, we reflect on the past, present, and the future.
Remember the disciples asked Christ, “when will you establish your kingdom?”
Jesus replied, “my kingdom was, is now, and is to come.” If you look at that passage, he is telling us that his kingdom has always been. The physical kingdom, established on the new earth, newly created in perfection, is to come. Not to get into any controversy, but we must understand that even Jesus, before his death, burial, and resurrection, stated as to the fact of the second coming: “no man knows but the Father”
We should not spend endless hours trying to figure out the mind and time schedule of God, by setting hours, dates, eras, dispensations for the coming of Christ. It should suffice us to say, He is coming again. Only the Father knows the time and era.
Now focusing on the first Advent, we know that in time and history, Jesus Christ was born. That is a fact. Contrary to what secular historians try to warp, or explain away there was a man named Jesus, who was reported by secular sources, to have lived and stirred up the people in the area we now know as Israel. Some miracles were reported, and other events of his life, so definitely was his existence noted. This should not be an issue, the Bible has proven many a secular historian, anthropologist, and archaeologist wrong, as more and more evidence is found by modern archaeologist.
Now let us go to the Biblical record and read about Jesus first coming.
A |
nd in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Notice how Mary responds to all this information Gabriel gives to her. She did not completely understand the process, but she took the heavenly messenger’s announcement to heart. She understood that as a child of God she needed to be obedient to his Word.
38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Now that Mary has the Word and she is now with child, she goes to visit her older cousin Elizabeth. This visit not only certifies what is happening to Mary, but it also confirms the prophetic happenings concerning the miraculous birth of John. His mother, Elizabeth had never had any children, she was much older when the angel told her husband that they would have a son, to be named John. He would be the herald who was foretold in the book of Isaiah. “A voice in the wilderness, calling for repentance, making the way for the coming One who will take away the sins of the world”.
39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; 40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. 41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: 42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. 43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
Here is the confirmation, by Elizabeth, that all that has been taking place is of the Lord. It was foretold many hundreds of years earlier, is now coming true. This is within a six month period of time, notice that all of this begins to happen very rapidly, once the message is revealed. Now Jesus will grow up as a human would until the time was right for his ministry {according to Jewish tradition a man became an elder around the age of 30, this was the approximate age of Jesus when he was baptized and began his ministry. This ministry will only cover about 3 ½ years and encompass only some 80 miles around his home town. But that ministry will have eternal consequences for all mankind. Finally the salvation promised at the Garden is revealed. Finally we can put off our sins and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our souls, we can be forever alive in Him, all because the little baby born to a virgin that chilly night so many years ago. Elizabeth gives Mary that final thought to ponder in the form of a blessing.
45 And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. 46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
Now let us go out this day remembering what Jesus did for us, when he first came to earth, as a tiny little child, to grow up and live amongst his own, to one day suffer, die, be buried and finally rise again in newness of life three days later, in the glorious resurrection, that guarantees our resurrection to eternal life. Let us focus on the real reason for this season, Jesus Christ the King, the Son of God, the Savior of mankind.
Let us pray.
B |
lessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, 69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; 70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: 71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; 72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; 73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, 74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. 76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; 77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, 78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, 79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
O |
LORD Jesus Christ, who saidst unto thine Apostles, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; Regard not our sins, but the faith of thy Church; and grant to it that peace and unity which is according to thy will, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
D |
IRECT us, O Lord, in all our doings, with thy most gracious favour, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
✟
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:
Thy God Reigneth
Isaiah 52:1-10
Second Sunday in Advent
December 10, 2017
The Church is in shambles. The word and commandments of God have been abandoned. The people follow false gods, and idols have even been placed and worshiped them in the Church. Greed and vice abound: integrity and honesty have all but disappeared. The services and rituals are still performed, but not with any serious attempt to worship God or turn to Him as God. They have just become customs and symbols of cultural identity, like eating Kosher foods or listening to bagpipe music. In reality, there is not much Church culture left. When they brought in pagan idols they also brought in pagan culture, so now God’s people dress, think, and act like their pagan neighbours.
Of course I am talking about the Old Testament Church, and the conditions in the city of Jerusalem in the time of the prophet Isaiah, but we could find some similarities between it and the New Testament Church in the year 2017. Two weeks ago I quoted Dorothy Sayers description of the English people of her time. She said most of them are, “frank and open heathen, whose notions of Christianity are a dreadful jumble of rags and tags of Bible anecdotes and clotted mythological nonsense.” Some are “ignorant Christians who combine a mild, gentle-Jesus sentimentality with vaguely humanistic ethics.” Others are “instructed churchgoers, who know all the arguments about divorce and auricular confession and communion in two kinds, but are about as well equipped to do battle on fundamentals against a Marxian atheist or a Wellsian agnostic as a boy with a peashooter against a fan-fire of machine guns.”
She also made this telling statement. “Theologically, this country is in a state of utter chaos, established in the name of religious toleration, and rapidly degenerating into the flight from reason and the death of hope.”
Dorothy Sayers was writing about England. Were things much different in America? She was writing during World War Two. Have things improved since that time? I think they have degenerated.
One of the major points God makes through the prophet Isaiah, is that He will not tolerate such conditions forever. He reminds the people of Jerusalem of their current oppression by Assyria, and looks ahead to the Conquest by the Babylonians, and then to the Babylonians’ fall to Cyrus the Persian. The dust of verse 1 refers in part to the custom of sprinkling dust on the head as a sign of mourning and grief, like Job in Job 2:12. More than that, it refers to the rubble to which Jerusalem will be reduced by the Babylonian invasion. Isaiah prophesied before the Babylonian conquest happened, but we know from the works of post conquest prophets that Jerusalem was left in ruins. Her walls were destroyed, homes and businesses were leveled, and the people were killed in the streets or marched in chains to Babylon. Even the Temple was destroyed and looted. The whole city was a pile of rubble and dust. This did not happen because God was powerless to stop it. It happened because God directed it. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel foretold it often, and pleaded with the Jews to repent and avert this catastrophe. God would forgive, they promised. God would protect them from their enemies. God’s attitude toward the Jews is well expressed when, 700 years later, Christ Himself, standing in the Temple, openly opposed by those who should have loved Him most, sadly utters the words:
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wing, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.”
But Isaiah’s words in chapter 52 are not about judgement or death, or the anger of God. God calls the people to put on beautiful garments, the garments of celebration and joy, the garments they would wear to the Temple and the synagogue, their “Sunday Best.” They are to shake off the dust of mourning and rise out of the dust of ruin. He tells them to “loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Jerusalem.” The bands are metal collars by which slaves are chained and led. God is telling the Jews they will be able to remove those collars and be free again.
Like Nicodemus, the Jews of Isaiah’s time might have asked, “How can these things be?” The answer, of course is, by the grace of God. As He rescued the slaves of Egypt, He will rescue the slaves of Babylon. As He delivered the Jews from Assyria, He will deliver them from Babylon, and bring them home to Jerusalem again.
Isaiah brings these good tidings as a messenger coming through the surrounding hills of Jerusalem shouting good news to the people in the city. He pictures how welcome the messenger would be, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings.” The watchmen will sing as will the waste places, those destroyed by Babylon.
Like so many other words of the evangelical prophet of Advent, this passage encompasses far more than the rescue and return of the Jews in Babylon. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 10:15 uses the words of Isaiah to describe those who preach the Gospel of Christ. And the peace Isaiah proclaimed is more than the absence of war between the Jew and the Gentiles. It is peace between God and man because God has accomplished the forgiveness of sins and has made peace with man on the basis of His own work and grace.
The ultimate Messenger of God is Christ Jesus, the Word who was God and became flesh. He is “the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father,” and, “he hath declared [or revealed] him.” Thus Isaiah’s words point us to Christ and urge us to hear Him calling, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” This Messenger’s feet are pierced and broken by spikes, and covered with wounds from the scourge. Yet to us they are the most beautiful of all feet, for they were wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. With His stripes we are healed.
He comes with tidings of peace and salvation. In Him the enmity between Jew and Gentile is removed, and we are made one people. We are part of the same body, drink the same Cup and eat the same Bread. We share the same promise, are citizens of the same Heavenly city, and share the same grace and salvation, and Saviour.
In Him the enmity between sinner and God is gone. He, who suffered for our sins has removed them as far from us as the east is from the west, thereby removing the reason for the enmity of God He is able to save to the utmost. The wrath of God abides on those who have not the Son, but “he who hath the Son hath life,” and he that believeth on Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. And we have peace with God through the blood of His cross, a peace the world and our circumstances cannot take away from us, because it is from God, and it is as sure as He is Almighty. “Thy God reigneth.”
Let us, therefore, trust in Him. Let us look to the promises He has made. For if truly, “thy God reigneth,” His promise is as infallible as His throne.
Let us pray.
The Second Sunday in Advent
The Collect.
B |
LESSED Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
—
+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, espouse the truth and live the truth. This is really a good piece and I commend it to your careful reading.
Second Sunday in Advent
The apostle Paul warned the early churches of a coming time of apostasy when he wrote to Timothy (II St. Timothy 3:1-17). In verse one he prefaced all that would follow with these words: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. As Dr. Henry Halley explained in his Bible Handbook, that such a time of trouble would come about on account of, “the determined effort of mankind to corrupt the Gospel and thwart the work of Christ…” He further noted that “the terrible picture” of humanity as found in verses 2-5, with the exception of temporary periods of reform, is a fairly correct picture of the Visible Church as a whole to this present time.”
In his second epistle to the Thessalonians, Paul said, Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition (2:1-3). The apostle was moved by the Holy Ghost to remind the Thessalonian church in the latter days there would come a falling away, or, apostasia: from which we derive our “apostasy.” Whether you know this or not, this subject has received very little, if any, attention because the apostate denominations of today have been more about being inclusive regardless of their attendees’ beliefs and behaviors. So it should come as no surprise to the faithful Christian that the falling away which the apostle warned of in II Thessalonians 2 would eventually result in the perilous times which he described in II St. Timothy 3:1-5. God’s blessing are reserved for the faithful not the infidel.
Examine the particulars: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come, for men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (II St. Timothy 3:1-5) The expression perilous times in verse one brings to mind words such as hazardous, dangerous, and evil as they clearly describe what’s taking place before our eyes.
Continuing, the apostle observed, men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy (v.2). When people are concerned only with themselves, there is a tendency to satisfy their desires with little or no regard for those around them. An attendant mindset is covetousness wherein a person will satisfy his desires in most any manner he chooses without regard for the will and wishes of God. Boastful people are lovers of themselves. They are braggarts and narcissists. They will regard only their actions and achievements as being the most worthy, and that the deeds of others are of no consequence, or are of little value in comparison to theirs. Those who blaspheme God and persecute his people are also revealing their true spiritual states. To take the name of God in vain is put oneself in his place. That description also fits with being disobedient to parents (another commandment), as well as to be unthankful for God’s gifts. God has commanded us to be thankful and holy. Bishop Ryle defined holiness as, “the habit of being of one mind with God… to shun every known sin, and to keep every known commandment… to strive to be like our Lord Jesus Christ… [living a] life of faith in him… [drawing] from him all his daily peace and strength… [ and laboring]… to be conformed to his image.” When men cease from being holy, they are telling God his word and commandments do not matter as much as their own licentious natures and errant lifestyles. Being, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good (v.3) are behaviors which reveal the untrustworthiness of evil men. If men have no love or respect for their fellows, they will have no qualms about harming them to get what they want. If they are trucebreakers, they will not seek peaceful relations with those around them. If they are false accusers, they will knowingly bring accusations against a fellow without just cause. If they are incontinent, they will have no self-control. They are without restraints or inhibitions. If they are fierce, they are filled with excessive anger and rage. Such persons are difficult to deal with because they are prone to vent their feelings against anyone who might be a convenient target. If they are despisers of those that are good, they will hate all who are in Christ Jesus. Since they are outside of the camp of Christ, they are thus by default in the camp of the evil one. As Satan hates Christ and all who follow him, so it follows that anyone who is in the camp of the Devil— by default or by intention— will hate all who have been regenerated by the Holy Ghost and will work against them at every turn in this life.
Those who are, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God (v.4 ) will betray our Lord and his people. A traitor works for the enemy all the while pretending to be a friend and comrade-in-arms. Those who are considered to be heady and highminded are so consumed with their own self- importance that they do not see the need to exercise due care in their duties to others and to God. Those who love the things of this life that please them more than they love God have no real faith and will only pretend to possess such as long as it sates their desires. But comes the time when they are no longer satisfied with what God supplies, then they will seek to slake their lusts elsewhere with those who have a better offer, and need I say that the Devil is ever ready to deceive them on that score.
If ever one needed a sign that we are living in perilous times, the last portion of II St. Timothy 3 hits the proverbial “nail on the head” with, having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away (v.5). Look about us at what Christianity has become. At every turn you will witness churches whose congregations are led by individuals who, if pressed, will deny the divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ should they believe that he existed at all. They will, however, preach a social gospel of man and his earthly needs which the Devil’s cult of Political Correctness demands be accepted and tolerated without criticism.
And further, they will either consciously avoid any doctrine of the Christian faith which speaks against their errant beliefs, or they will re-interpret the scriptures to mean something that God did not intend.
So what then should the faithful do? The apostle’s command is clear: from such turn away. Regenerated people in Christ have been called to reject any and all forms of apostasy. We are not to follow any doctrine, tenet or teaching that denies the truth of God’s word written neither are we to be in agreement with any pastor, teacher or church leader who approves of such things (see II St. John 7-11). You cannot reason with apostates as they have tasted of Christ and have rejected him without becoming regenerated beings. To speak plainly, they were never, ever saved though they were once acquainted with the truth, but in the end, turned from it. As St. Peter has written concerning apostates in his second epistle in chapter 2, These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever (v.17). And, For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them (vv.20-21).
Jude observed that apostates were, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness [shameful wantonness and excess], and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ (v.4). He further noted that they are vain in their speaking (v.10), greedy (v.11), without fear of the Lord (v.12), walking after their own lusts, as well as seeking advantage from men via their flatteries (v.16), and mocking God’s messages in favor of their sensual natures (vv.18-19).
Apostates, as we have seen, pose a serious threat to all who are born again in Christ Jesus because they are within the church— much as tares are among the wheat— and this will make them problematic, particularly for those who are novices in the faith. Apostates will often mask their true natures as they attempt to spread their compromised and corrupted teachings about Christ amongst the unsuspecting. We ought to heed the warning which the apostle Paul gave in his second letter to the Corinthians when he described apostates as being, false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ, and no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works (11:13-15).
Paul also noted in II St. Timothy 3, evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived (v.13). All the more reason for us to avoid them so that we are not deceived as well. The apostle’s prescription calls for us to study, the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (v.15). He also affirmed the truth of the Bible when he wrote, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (vv.16-17).
Perilous times will indeed come my friends, if they are not already here. We cannot turn them away. We are expected to do our best as we labor in our Lord’s harvest till he calls us home. Our job then is to avoid any person, group or thing that will inhibit our efforts to serve God as he has commanded. We must keep to the strait gate and the narrow way. We must keep to our Lord via daily prayer and bible reading, and away from those alien voices which would ruin our witness and make us shipwrecked castaways. Do not be deceived by those who have only an appearance of faith and not a true and abiding faith in Jesus Christ. John in his first epistle warned us to, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world (4:1). Be like the Bereans of old who searched the scriptures daily to verify what the apostle Paul had told them (Acts 17:10-11).
If you are a member of a church body with apostates in positions of leadership, you would be wise to leave that fellowship (see II Corinthians 6:14- 18). Such bodies are like the church of Laodicea as they believe everything is fine and they have need of nothing (see Revelation 3:14-22). How do you then convince a self-satisfied person that he is in need of any remediation? Unless such a one sees the need, he or she will not change. It would be best to reason with such folk from without rather than to be taken down to Hell because you chose to remain in fellowship with them. Even Noah and Lot served as witnesses to the wicked in their localities, but God removed and spared them from his wrath (II St. Peter 2:1-9).
Our Lord expects us to daily live that victory which he won for us on Calvary’s cross. Do not shun his word and commandment. Avoid errant beliefs and behaviors. Seek to be filled daily with the Holy Ghost. Do not be slack in your prayer life. And finally, in these last days, remember that as things begin to unwind and fall apart, there is a place which God has prepared for all who love him that is beyond our comprehension in beauty, joy and peace. Perilous times means that our Lord’s appearing is nearer than ever. Perhaps tomorrow we shall see the Lord, or perhaps today. Watch for him for we know not the day nor the hour of his coming.
Let us pray,
F |
ather, strengthen us for the work before us in these last days; and keep us from being sore distressed as we witness the evils of these perilous times; for these things we ask in the name of him who will come again for us, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Have a blessed week, Bryan+
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 our happy duty 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!
Immediate Prayer Please
LTC Jim Thornell (Jet), USAF CA ANG Retired, is nearing the end of his time here on earth after a hard fought battle with heart problems, ulcers, abdominal cancer. He has contributed much to our country and his family and friends. Pray for a safe passing home for Jet and comfort and strength for family and friends who of necessity will remain behind, in particular for his wife Mary, as well as daughter Janice and son Jimmy, through these difficult times.
Jieun has been through a very difficult time at the hands of people who have hurt her and are out to hurt her further as well as discredit her, she is being kept against her will at the present time. Pray that God will heal her wounds, keep her calm and safe and find a way to release her back to her family, please pray for strength calm and peace for all.
Chief Mike Wysocki finally had heart valve surgery June 2017. He was back in the hospital with a bleeding ulcer, but made it home. Please give thanks for that and pray for the medical team treating Mike that they might pay attention, do their very best and be open to God’s guidance. Pray a complete recovery and peace of mind and trust in God for Mike, his lovely wife Wendy and his family.
Jim was in the hospital 18 July 2017, for four days due to fluid around the lungs from Congestive Heart Failure. Please pray the medical team treating Jim might pay attention, do their very best and be open to God’s guidance. He is feeling better but this past year has been hard on him physically with four surgeries, starting with back surgery in June 2016, an eye operation in December and then two operations involving his pacemaker in March 2017 and again in May 2017. All these have weakened him but he is getting stronger and now is back in PT to help rebuild his strength. Thanks be to God. Jim and his family thank you for the prayers and request them to continue as the doctors are still working on medication balance to help his heart not to go back into Congestive Heart Failure. Pray for peace of mind and trust in God for Jim and his family.
Ron Cole Klages is a patriotic former Marine who has debilitating blood clots pursuant to cancerous growths on his liver and unknown other places. His doctors will inform of clinical findings on Monday for further treatment. Please pray for the medical team treating Ron that they might pay attention, do their very best and be open to God’s guidance.
Jill was on life support; her family members traveled a great distance to see her and returned home safely. Jill’s condition improved to critical, but needs your prayers to continue her recovery.
Kurt Thomas is now home after undergoing open heart surgery in Richmond, Virginia as the result of a life threatening bacterial blood infection which settled in his heart and other places. The infection resulted in a hole in his heart. Kurt. They successfully replaced about half his heart with donor parts. Kurt had a permanent pacemaker installed on 26 March 2017 and he returned to work the first of June! But, now he is having problems with fluid retention. It is a God given miracle Kurt made it through all this. Please join Kurt and Mary, his family and friends in giving thanks. There is still a long and rocky road ahead; please pray for spiritual and physical strength for Kurt, his wife Mary and their family. Please pray for the medical team treating Kurt that they might pay attention, do their very best and be open to God’s guidance. Pray also for Kurt to accept what he cannot do at present and concentrate on what he can do. This is a very foreign situation for this Christian warrior. He needs God’s help to adapt and prosper.
Cindy, Bishop Jerry’s cousin, may need to undergo brain surgery if medication is not effective. Please pray the Lord will extend a hand of mercy and healing to Cindy.
Samson Hendrik has prostate cancer and his kidneys are not working. Pray our Lord Jesus Christ will be close to him and his family of friends during this illness.
Travel
Landon is in the British Virgin Islands for work. Pray he has a safe and productive time there. Pray also for air conditioning to continue so he can sleep.
Departed
Roderic McChesney passed away the evening of 4 December 2017, at age 96, the last of his generation. A World War II Torpedo pilot with two long tours in the Pacific and career as a dentist for years after, a fine father and grandfather and great grandfather, he will be missed. He got his final wish to leave this veil from his bed of natural causes. Please give thanks for his time here on earth and return home.
Erica passed away on 27 November 2017, after a hard fought battle against a non-malignant Brain Tumor which could not be surgically removed due to the size and location. Please give thanks for her time here on earth and pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord her mother and father Gina and Paul, as well as for her family as they deal with the temporary separation.
Jared Otieno returned home on 16 November 2017. Please pray for the Olweny family as they adjust to the loss of their beloved brother.
Move
The Thomas Family are now in Virginia on what was to be a headquarters tour. Pray for peace of mind for Kurt and for Mary and the kids.
In need of a miracle or understanding of God’s Plan
Doug Lambert is in the hospital with sepsis of unknown origin. For five weeks they have not been able to find the source of the problem. He is very weak and concerned that no one can find the reason for the infection. He asks that you pray for the medical team treating him to do their best, to be open to God’s guidance and for him to keep his trust in the Lord and not worry.
Neal has heart problems and is very weak, he also has COPD, kidney problems, his potassium is too high, he came back from the point of death. He is now home and permanently on oxygen. He is doing well, for that he and his family are grateful and ask your thanksgiving prayers. More importantly, please pray Neal will accept salvation through our Lord and Savior.
Paul is in hospice and ready to meet His Lord. Please pray for Paul as he prepares to go home to be with his family who have gone before him. Pray for the faith of his family to build and the transition to be good.
Dot is an elderly woman with liver cancer. Please pray for Dot 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.
Mrs. Tiffany (90) has chosen to refuse extraordinary care as it will not gain much earthly time. The Tiffanys have been together for a long, long, long time. Pray for Mrs. Tiffany and her husband as together they begin this Journey to be with their Lord.
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.
Ron had a Heart Attack, at the hospital he found out he also has Kidney Cancer. He is a man of faith and is in need of prayer for his health and that the Lord will provide strength for his family.
Kathy Cox Merritt has been receiving Chemo and 12 November 2016, had bowel resection surgery and was given a very bad prognosis. Kathy just retired as an RN in Orthopedics at a local hospital; sometimes a little medical knowledge can be dangerous to the patient but she remains positive. Please pray for Kathy’s healing and peace and comfort for her and her family, both spiritually and physical
Krysti is off life support and able to talk, please give thanks for the good news. She is still unable to feel her legs. When that comes back she will go to a rehabilitation facility. Krysti has used drugs, has high blood pressure, is diabetic and has organ failure. Her families are with her and will appreciate your prayers.
Pat has metastatic osteosarcoma; there is little that can be done. Please pray for a miraculous remission; that Pat’s remaining time here on earth might be good. Help Pat and family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their sadness, fear, worry and terror.
Amy has been diagnosed with metastatic melanoma and has cancer all over her body, and in one of her kidneys which are no longer functioning. Amy and her family have asked for prayer to stop the growth and to aid the family financially with the medical bills. At present she has to have surgery every two months to place stents. Pray Jesus will be close to all.
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.
Janet has had a blood borne cancer for several years. Her faith in the Lord is great and she 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 hon 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.
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 some time. 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.
Homebound or Infirm
Sarah had to move to an Assisted Living Home and has found the adjustment very difficult. Please pray she will come to terms with the situation and that her Lord Jesus will be close to her. She recently lost 30 pounds and her eyesight is deteriorating. Pray her appetite will improve and her eyesight will return to normal. Most of all, please pray our Lord Jesus Christ will be close to her at this difficult time.
Larry H has general weakness as the result of extreme fatigue. Larry is now up and about, walking without assistance. The depression is still a part of his life. Due to several chronic illnesses, he will never be able to live on his own. On the other hand, he has been transferred to a facility near his former home so he will be nearer his friends. Larry has difficulty with the lack of what he considers fairness in the Word. Please pray for help for Larry to put his trust in the Lord, relax and build strength and give Pastor Roy guidance on helping him.
Laurel Bessessen (95) has begun to lose her mental abilities to recall people, places and things around her. Her family is no longer able to care for her at home and she is in a skilled care facility. She is the last of that family’s generation. Please pray for the mental degradation to stop or for her to leave for home. Pray for her family who do their best to care for her, visiting every day; for her children Cookie, John and Bill, as well as the other members of the family.
Judith Clingwall is afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). She is currently in Laurel Place, an extended care facility in Surrey, British Columbia. Please pray for 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.
John has Alzheimer’s pray he will call on God to help him as he deals with this.
Steve, brother in law of Paul Martin, appears to have early onset dementia. 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.
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
Maria Carla is going to the hospital for corrective surgery. Pray our Lord Jesus Christ will be close to her as she has this operation. Pray for her father who will be taking her a long distance for the operation.
Marcia has had a biopsy 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 be 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.
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
Dru Arnold has a ruptured tendon in her left ankle. She asks that she be guided to the right treatment and the medical team treating her will be open to God’s guidance, pay attention and do their very best.
April and her husband ask you prayers for the Lord to guide them and lead them both to the correct medical care; and that the family may receive comfort in the process.
Michael Moriarty has been diagnosed with upper duodenal cancer which is the upper section of the small intestine. It is fairly rare and they have not decided how to treat him. Pray with Michael, his family and friends that the medical insurance people will fulfill their obligations and the physicians treating him will be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for continued trust in the Lord for Michael, his family and friends in this worrisome time.
Chloe Mayo, granddaughter of Justice Roy and Kayla Moore, good friends of Bishop Jerry, suffered a serious kidney attack possibly resulting from strep. Pray her family and friends the physicians treating her will be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for continued trust in the Lord for Chloe, her family and friends in this worrisome time.
Josh has two little children and just discovered he has a rare form of Cancer. Please keep him and his family in your prayers in the days ahead.
Ross an elderly gentleman has been diagnosed with Leukemia. Ross has had good health until now, your prayers at this time will be appreciated by his family and friends.
Carman was just diagnosed with breast cancer. Pray for her family as they continue to help her get the proper care. Pray with Carman, her family and friends that the physicians treating her will be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for continued trust in the Lord for Carman, her family and friends in this worrisome time.
Kathie Lynn Holter sister of Rev Phil Ternahan, was just diagnosed with Stage Four lung cancer (never smoked) which spread to the brain. She was operated on 26 June 2016. Please pray with Kathie, her family and friends that the physicians treating her will be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for continued trust in the Lord for Kathie, her family and friends in this worrisome time.
Tina just found out she has cancer on her left kidney. Please pray for guidance for the people treating her and for trust in our Lord for Tina and her family.
Martha is now home after testing and she does not have cancer, but she does have bad kidneys and is adjusting and getting ideas to work with that. Please pray for guidance for the people treating her and for trust in our Lord for her.
Spencer has been diagnosed with Autism. Please pray for guidance for the people treating him and for trust in our Lord for him and his mother Lorna.
Jane has Multiple Myeloma and is set for back surgery on Monday 9 May2016. Please pray with Jane, her family and friends the physicians treating her will be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for continued trust in the Lord for Jane, her family and friends in this worrisome time.
Michael has cancer of the blood and is starting chemotherapy. Please pray for the physicians treating him to be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for trust in the Lord for Michael.
Clay has a large gallstone; he is in poor health and not currently a surgical candidate. Please pray for the physicians treating him to be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for trust in the Lord for Clay.
Jim Sevier has been in the hospital for heart related troubles. Please pray with Jim and his family the physicians treating him will be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for trust in the Lord for Jim and his family in this worrisome time.
Claude has been falling and he does not know why. Pray doctors will discover what the problem is and he can continue without any more difficulties.
Gretchen has been diagnosed with severe osteoporosis and is now being treated with exercise, nutrition and vitamins. Please pray with Gretchen and her family the physicians treating her will be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for trust in the Lord for Gretchen and her family in this worrisome time.
Pete has not been well and is back in the hospital with another stroke. Please pray for the physicians treating him to be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for trust in the Lord for Pete and his family in this worrisome time.
Kamil has heart problems and they are trying to stabilize his medication, now he been admitted to the hospital because of breathing problems. Please pray for the physicians treating him to be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for trust in the Lord for Kamil and his family in this worrisome time.
Mary Lee has bleeding into her stomach and they cannot find the sources. Mary Lee is in CCU and her husband Maurice is not eating until she returns home for is so upset. Please pray for the physicians treating her to be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for trust in the Lord for her, Maurice, as well as the rest of the family in this worrisome time.
Glenn Porter, MAJ USMC Retired, has Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis, which causes him to be unable to get enough oxygen into his system without supplemental oxygen all the time. The only real treatment is a lung transplant, without a transplant he has between two to five years here on earth. Please pray for him to continue in his faith and for a set of lungs to become available.
Pat has an aneurism of the brain, pray she will make the right decision on how to treat this problem and it will be healed.
Dan is very sick with cancer and is starting an experimental treatment. This treatment will take Dan away from their family business and put even more stress on him and his family. Please pray for Dan’s wife who is meeting with Steve who plans to keep the family business going while Dan is ill. Pray for Steve as he has many new responsibilities.
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.
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.
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.
Barbara Apple is bedridden after a fall which left her with two paralyzed limbs. She continues to experience pain in the effected limbs and will be totally bed bound for the remainder of her life. Your continuing prayers for her are appreciated and are great comfort to her. 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 miraculous full and rapid recovery. Also, please continue to pray for her husband Bob who is her sole caregiver that he will be comforted and strengthened in his time of need.
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, age 7, 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.
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.
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.
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 is having surgery on 30 September 2016 to repair a hole in his aorta bleeding into the abdomen which caused stroke like symptoms.
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.
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.
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.
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
Vladia had a right knee replacement which went well, but since the operation she is experiencing very painful side effects from medicine, very low hemoglobin and also back problems. She has been transferred back to the hospital to help correct these problems. Please pray the doctors will seek God’s Wisdom and come up with a plan to help her get back on her feet and have some normalcy in her life.
Madisun Hanks (14) has Tourette’s Syndrome and suffers from horrible migraine headaches. There are various very high risk treatments which provide some relief. None of them are close and none are easy. Madisun is truly one of the most inspiring young ladies we have ever come across, her attitude and actions are almost unbelievable. No one should have to go through what she does, but she makes it through and performs incredibly when others just get by. Please pray for Madisun, her mom Hilda who guides her through all this and those treating her.
Linda has a melanoma just forming and she needs to have it removed. She has had severe medical problems the last 15 years and needs help coping. Pray for all of her family at this time as new problems have come to light.
Chris Hill (close friend of Jon Weston) suffered a brain aneurysm and needs your prayers. He came out of a coma he had been in since the week before Christmas 2016. He is now in a stepdown facility. Every day is a new day to him; his memory seems to have been damaged to a point where it is not recovering so far. Pray for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating him to pay attention, to be open to God’s guidance and do their very best. Pray for trust in our Lord and peace of mind for Chris and his family.
Rev Bill had a stroke. Pray he will stay comfortable and Jesus will be close by, please pray for a full and rapid recovery.
Dennis will begin chemotherapy for an active cancer spot on his spine on 17 September 2015. Please pray for a good result and tolerance of the treatment for him.
Vickie has been bothered with Migraines and all that go with the headaches. Please pray for relief from the pain for Vickie.
Jon has Stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma. There is good news in that he is in remission; however the chemotherapy is producing neuropathy in his legs so 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.
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.
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.
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 choose 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.
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.
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.
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, she is 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.
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.
Kay Denton (Mrs. Kay) was able to get a hip replacement in spite of her heart and kidney problems and is recovering remarkably! Please give thanks for this great event and result! 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.
Healing and Patience
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
Chief Mike Wysocki had heart valve surgery in June 2017. Pray a complete recovery and peace of mind and trust in God for Mike, his lovely wife Wendy and his family.
John Young had three way heart bypass surgery on Thursday, 23 March 2017, in Alabama, which was apparently successful, then had a stroke in October while undergoing testing for his FAA medical. He has lost his right side peripheral vision. Please for a recovery of John’s vision.
Bill had surgery November 2016 for a kidney tumor; he is one kidney short, but recovering very well for the present. It appears the cancer has spread to another spot. Please pray for Bill as he undergoes chemotherapy and perhaps other treatment. Pray Bill and his family will stay strong in their faith and draw the strength they need from our Lord.
Anita had surgery on 4 November 2016 to remove what they thought were five tumors in her right lung, but turned out to be eight. They removed all eight. In addition, her lung was folded from her previous coil embolization. They removed the coils, unfolding her lower right lobe and oversewed the area. In reality she may come away with increased lung capacity. Anita, her husband Michael and family express for the power of your continued prayers and expressions of love. Please join them in giving thanks for God’s Grace and pray for her continued healing.
Bob Reisor had surgery on 19 September 2016 for a kidney tumor; he is one kidney short, but recovering very well for the present. The cancer has spread to his lung and another spot. Five years ago there was no treatment, but now it appears there is an oral medication that has shown great effectiveness on this particular cancer. As of 12 January 2017, the main spot shrank from 3.3 cm (1 1/3 inch) to 2.2 cm (7/8 inch) and the spots on his lungs have receded even more. And as of 22 June 2017, they have shrunk further. Please give thanks to the Lord for such wonderful progress. Please pray for Bob as he undergoes chemotherapy and perhaps other treatment. Pray he and his family will be drawn closer to our Lord.
Shamu had surgery on 12 May 2017, her seventeenth, to reconstruct the damage done her by Walter Reed Medical Center. She now has a bacterial infection which is laying her low. Please pray for strength; physical, mental and spiritual for her. Pray for guidance for the new medical team treating her and for her to know how to proceed with regard to the damage done her by Walter Reed Medical Center. Pray also for her to continue her trust in our Lord as she goes through this difficult time.
Atina has skin cancer, which is now in remission. Please give thanks for the remission, pray for continued remission of the cancer; pray also for continued faith for Atina and her family.
Clay has melanoma which is now in remission. Please give thanks for the remission, pray for continued remission of the cancer; pray also for continued faith for Clay and his family.
Cindy (81) had an operation to remove a cancerous growth in her stomach which was successful. She is now home, but in a bit of pain. Please give thanks for the good result, pray for full and complete healing and remission of the cancer, as well as cessation of the pain; pray also for continued faith for Cindy and her husband Les (91).
Linda had successful dental surgery on 15 December 2015, she is also on a course of chemotherapy and this type of surgery was not recommended for people while they are taking chemotherapy. But, it was an emergency and had to be done. Please give thanks all went well and pray for continued healing and for peace of mind and trust in God for Linda and her family.
Ruby broke her hip on 10 December 2015, surgery was successful. Please give thanks for the successful surgery and pray for her full and rapid recovery.
Terry was undergoing radiation treatment for cancer, which he had to stop to amputate his leg below the knee due to diabetes. The surgery was successful, he has been fitted with a prosthetic leg and foot. He is in good spirits and positive about the remainder of his treatment. Please join Terry and his family in giving thanks for the successful surgery and continue to pray for his return to radiation treatment and then to chemotherapy, ask God to give Terry, his wife and seven year old son trust in him for peace of mind and heart, as well.
Janet Jessup had a stroke and heart problems were causing huge issues for her. They seem to have gotten her stabilized and she is home. 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 45 years, Rev Roger Jessup, retired minister of Saint Joseph of Arimathea Anglican Orthodox Church.
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.
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.
Elma is suffering from cancer. She was taken home from the hospital on the advice of her Doctor. We were asked to pray Elma’s remaining time here on earth might be good and 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.
Business
James and Sarah who have recently moved to a new area and have new positions in employment. They are finding much stress in the new surroundings and will appreciate your prayers as they adjust.
Financial Guidance and Employment
Kona is applying for a job in the hospital. Pray our Lord will find the right position for her and she will glorify Him in the work.
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 gidan ce in considering all aspects of her potential work.
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.
God’s Strength and Peace of Soul
Roger is the caretaker for his ailing father who has been in the hospital for a week and his wife who had been declining emotionally, cognitively and in bodily health. He asks you pray for strength and peace for him and help for those he cares for.
Charlie McCormack asks your prayer the Holy Ghost might fill his heart with light and drive the darkness far away.
Guidance
Zachary is having huge problems growing up. He has let the wrong people guide his life and thinks he is the smartest person in the world. He cannot or will not see the destructive power of drugs and lies in his life. Pray his parents Lee and Shamu will come to see what course of action that they can take to help Zachary and safeguard his brother and sister. Please pray for God’s guidance for all of them and in particular for Zachary to open his heart to God and his parents help.
Judy seemingly does not want to allow the Holy Ghost into her heart so she might come to know our Lord and Savior, despite the efforts of her family. Please pray for her to open her heat and for her family to be at peace with their efforts.
Barbara has been recovering from cancer for the last three years. Pray for her husband Bill who has come down with a mental illness that may have been caused by much stress the last few years. Barbara and Bill will appreciate your prayers.
Larry is very weak and has periods of confusion and depression. Larry has been in the hospital and recently moved to a rehab. Please keep him in prayer as he begins to gain strength in the days ahead.
Thomas recently learned as the result of a parole violation he will not be allowed to return to society for the remainder of his life. He is despairing and fearful of his inability to cope with this new news and God’s plan for his life. Please pray he will be able to work with God to live with the choices he has made and go forward.
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 has yet to come to grips with the demons chasing him. Pray he will return to the Lord and his family. 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.
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 she will be able to let God carry her worry and sorrow so she can do the things she must do.
Elizabeth needs your prayers for her general well being. Pray she might see the Light of the Lord and let Him guide her life.
Gunner need your prayers for his general well being. Pray he might see the Light of the Lord and let Him guide his life.
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.
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.
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.
Sam and her two children 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.
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.
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.
School Challenges
Destiny, Blake and Janet
Anglican Orthodox Church
Madagascar
Please pray for the people in Madagascar, in particular for the members of the Anglican Orthodox Church there, who are being subjected to terrible flooding and unceasing rain.
Indonesia
Please pray for the Lord’s will regarding the establishment of an AOC church in Indonesia.
Pakistan
General and Ongoing – The forces of evil are strong in Pakistan. The force of God stronger. Pray for our Christian family there.
Ernest Jacob
Presiding Bishop Pakistan
Congo
Jimmy is a missionary in the Congo. There has been violent unrest in this country and also a water shortage. Please pray people will find water to drink and Jimmy will be a means of helping others to find the Lord.
Serbia
Bishop Igor Djurcik asks us to pray for peace between Serbia and the country of Kosovo which broke away from them in 2008. Kosovo is a muslim country and seems to be willing to provoke conflict; Serbia is a primarily Christian country which seems to be ready to return the conflict. Pray Serbia will look for the long term best interests of its people.
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.
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 (USAF – Stateside), Kristyna and Luis Aviles (Army – Fort Lewis, Washington), Airman Donny Patton (USAF – Hulbert Field, Florida), Jordan Brown (USMC – Recruiter – Iowa City, Iowa), Trevor Jennings (USAF – KC-10 Boom Operator – McGuire AFB, NJ), Trevor Di Marco (USN – Whidbey Island, EF-18 Pilot), Kurt Thomas (USN – Virginia), 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
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
Aaron is in need of God’s guidance to see what he needs to do to fulfill his potential and live his life in a manner which will bring true happiness to him.
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.
Jim and Mary Lou’s grandson Pearce, who is entering college this 22 August 2107.
A good, happy and productive year for our Jim and Mary Lou’s grandson Colin who is entering his Junior Year in High School.
Jim and Mary Lou’s granddaughter Lucy, who will be entering second grade for gifted children. Pray it will be the challenge she needs and she will also mature socially.
The near future, as well as Next Sunday
17 December 2017 – Third Sunday in Advent – Holy Communion – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA
24 December 2017 – Christmas Eve and Fourth Sunday in Advent – 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
25 December 2017 – Christmas Day – 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