180708 AOC Sunday Report

Anglican Orthodox Church

Worldwide Communion

Sixth Sunday after Trinity

Sunday Report

 

 

Today was the Sixth Sunday after Trinity Sunday as the Endless Green Season marches on!

 

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 –

 

Death

What sort of a lover am I to think so much about my affliction and so much less about hers? Even the insane call, ‘Come back,’ is all for my own sake. I never even raised the question whether such a return, if it were possible, would be good for her. I want her back as an ingredient in the restoration of my past. Could I have wished her anything worse? Having got once through death, to come back and then, at some later date, have all her dying to do over again? They call Stephen the first martyr. Hadn’t Lazarus the rawer deal?

Jack Lewis

A Grief Observed

 

 

The Scriptures give us the only authentic portrait of Jesus Christ. If you want to know what Christ was like, study the Scriptures; that is where you find the real Jesus, and we are not at liberty to tamper with what we find there or to change it.

Rev David Samuel

20th and 21st century Anglican theologian and author

The Church in Crisis, pp. 4-5

 

London is experiencing a splash of the acid test of diversity. That burning feeling on your face is the thrilling sensation of corrosive multiculturalism eating away at British communities. Banning guns, knives, drain cleaner, plungers and ostrich feathers won’t address the problem. The fallacy of gun control, knife control and acid control is that inanimate objects don’t kill people. Guns don’t shoot themselves. Knives don’t unsheathe in broad daylight and stab pedestrians. Bottles of acid don’t knock on cars and then splash the occupants when they roll down the window. Immigration imported acid attacks to the UK the way that it imported gangs of Muslim men stabbing waitresses in eateries while shouting, “This is for Allah”. Allah and acid [attacks] are both imports from the Muslim world.

Daniel Greenfield

21st century American commentator

London’s Acid Test of Diversity, 7-19-2017).

 

The best we can do is the best we can do.

John P. Buentello

 

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Matthew 19:24

 

In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don’t.

Blaise Pascal

17th century French mathematician, philosopher and author

 

In a nation like America, one that allegedly is built on consensual government, citizenship has great value. In fact, the most valuable thing to a citizen of a representative democracy is his citizenship. The reason for this, is that citizenship is an ownership stake in the nation itself… If you had the option of selling your citizenship… there would be no shortage of bidders. For example, there is no shortage of buyers for the EB-5 visa, which costs $500,000.00.  That’s right, you can buy citizenship… Your citizenship is something of value and therefore, the state has a duty to protect it, just as they have a duty to protect your property rights. This is a primary duty of government. When the American government willy-nilly hands out citizenship papers to millions of foreigners every year, it is, in effect, stealing the value of your citizenship and giving it to someone else. This is no different than a company diluting the value of its shares, by selling additional shares. It’s why open borders fanatics swear that immigration makes us all richer, despite the mountain of evidence to the contrary… Immigration steals from some citizens for the benefit of foreigners and the benefit of a small number of connected citizens… it is a direct violation of the social compact. It makes a mockery of the very idea of consensual government and sows distrust among the people… [All] mass immigration quickly leads to a breakdown of order, because it erodes the legitimacy of the ruling authority

The Immorality of Immigration

www.thezman.com  21 June 2018

 

Propers

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

 

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

 

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

 

The Propers for today are found on Page 197-198, with the Collect first:

 

The Sixth Sunday after Trinity.

 

The Collect.

 

O

 GOD, who hast prepared for those who love thee such good things as pass man’s understanding; Pour into our hearts such love toward thee, that we, loving thee above all things, may obtain thy promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

As is oft the case, the Collect asks for help from the Holy Ghost to enter into our hearts that we might love God and, thus obtain His most excellent Gifts.  As imperfect creatures with free will, if we ask God for something, it tends to be what we want, not what we need.  He knows.  Thus, we need His Help in the form of the Holy Ghost.

 

The Epistle came from Paul’s letter to the Romans, beginning at the First Verse of the Sixth Chapter. Paul tells us that as we were baptized unto Jesus in life, so we are baptized unto his death.  We share His death on the Cross for our sins and by His death, our sin is dead; then as He was raised up, so are we.  It is intended the death we die unto sin is to be permanent and that we go forth and sin no more.  Yet, as long as we live here on earth, we sin.  Yet, as long as we live in Christ, we live.  Thus, we reckon ourselves “to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

 

K

NOW ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Today’s Holy Gospel started in the Fifth Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, beginning at the Twentieth Verse. Jesus tells his disciples, “Except your righteousness exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”  Very worrisome indeed!  Scribes and Pharisees spent their entire lives acting the epitome of righteousness.  There is no way mere mortals could exceed their righteousness, or so it would seem.  Jesus goes on to tell us that not only would we not go to heaven if we commit murder, but we are in danger of the same judgment of we are angry without just cause.  If that were not worrisome enough, we are in danger of hell-fire if we call one another a fool!  Let not the night fall on discord with your family and friends, your neighbors in the Christian sense of The Word.  The text following asks us to do our best to follow Jesus and in return, his sacrifice will serve to set aside the just judgment and we shall be accounted as righteous before God.

 

J

ESUS said unto his disciples, Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt do no murder; and whosoever murdereth shall be in danger of the judgment: but I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell-fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

 

Bishop OglesSermon

We are oft fortunate to get copies of Bishop Jerry’s sermon notes.  Today is one of those Sundays.

 

Sermon Notes

Sixth Sunday after Trinity

Saint Andrew’s Anglican Orthodox Church

8 July 2018, Anno Domini (In the Year of our Lord)

 

The Sixth Sunday after Trinity.

 

The Collect.

 

O

 GOD, who hast prepared for those who love thee such good things as pass man’s understanding; Pour into our hearts such love toward thee, that we, loving thee above all things, may obtain thy promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 

A

nd Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. 2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.  3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. 4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: 5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.  6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.  8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.  And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?  And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.  And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand;  When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear.  Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.  And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.  And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden. (Genesis 4:1-16)

 

Today’s text present fundamental lessons on the Mind of God as opposed to the mind of man. Eve pronounced Cain to be a possession, but Abel was of so little worth that she made no mention at his birth. Like Adam as the first man (or son) who was carnal and the head of all born of woman in the flesh, so Christ was the second Adam (or Son in type) that was the federal head of all those born of the Spirit. The second exceeded the glory of the first by immeasurable dimension. In the Mind of God, Abel was called a prophet; but Cain was a murderer. Men often value a son by right of first-born, but God looks upon the heart. Even considered Cain a possession from God, but he became a grievous disappointment in time. The one she valued most was the one who destroyed both himself and the one she valued least. That is the carnal mind in action.

 

Our Bible text today exposes the age-old battle between good and evil, right and wrong, Hell and Heaven. Cain and Abel represent the starkly opposing sides of that battle.

 

And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.  And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. (Genesis 4:1-2)  Who was Cain, and who was Abel?  Cain was the first born of woman (Eve). Just as his father, the first man,  Adam represents the human race, fallen and rebellious, so does this son (Cain), being the first born upon earth, represent fallen man in the depravity of will and conscience. In every culture and custom, the first born usually occupies the seat of preeminence among the offspring of a family, but with God, it has always been just the opposite: Examples:  (Adam –Christ, Cain-Abel, Ishmael-Isaac, and Esau-Jacob). He is a man, not cursed of God, but cursed by his own sins, unrepented. All who go into the fires of Hell go by their own merits. No one enters Heaven by their own merits – only by the Salvation made available through the grace and elective calling of God in Christ Jesus. Cain brought an offering to God which was the product of his own labors, and from a source that was cursed the earth.  . . . . cursed is the ground for thy sake . . . .  (Genesis 3:17)  Cain preferred to do things HIS way without regard to the animal who shed their blood to cover the nakedness of his mother and father. . . . Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. (Hebrews 9:22)

 

Abel was the first prophet born of woman.  He honored God in his worship and obedience. He did not worship God according to his own desires, but in reverence and conformity to the will of God. Abel brought a blood sacrifice which was pleasing to God, and not a product of the labors of his own hand. Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. (Matthew 23:34-35)

 

Why was Cain’s offering refused? Because it was not honoring to God. It was a product of the sweat and labor of Cain in tilling the earth. The earth was cursed.  And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;  (Genesis 3:17)  Cain was arrogant and presumptuous to bring an offering that he knew was not pleasing to God. He worshipped his OWN way and not the way laid down by God. And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. (Genesis 4:3)  God demands reverence in worship, not free-for-all orgy.

 

Abel brought forth a lamb for his offering. The lamb foreshadows that Lamb of God whose coming was necessary to redeem us from our sins. Abel, himself, foreshadows Christ. He was a prophet, and he laid down his life (at the hand of his brother) in making a sacrifice pleasing to God. The sacrifice of Christ was pleasing to God because it conformed to His plan to redeem fallen man. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: (Genesis 4:4)  God does not need our good (or truly bad) works. He needs an acceptable offering. That offering is the Blood of Christ. He needs not money and sacrifice now that the sacrifice has been made – He needs a broken and contrite heart. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.  (Psalm 51:17)

 

But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.(Genesis 4:5)  When we fail to bring that suitable offering to God mentioned above, why are we upset with God instead of ourselves? We are too much laboring to get God on Our side instead of getting our hearts and souls on His side. So we do wrong and are chastised. We sulk away angry and resentful as a child who has been refused the third popsicle. Being angry with God, contrary to many popular novels of deceit, is not a healthy proposition. Anger against God is a sin! When we embark on the road of harboring one sin, that one sin gives birth prolifically to many sins just as described in Psalm 1. Sin is a road that leads down and down to destruction.

 

And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. (Genesis 4:6-7)  The privilege of the first born was high honor in ancient times.  God tells Cain, “If you do well, your sacrifice would be received and you would not have lost your birthright.” When Isaac blessed Jacob (the second born) he thought he was blessing Esau. Jacob deceived his father in getting that blessing of the first born. Isaac said: Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother’s sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee.  (Genesis 27:29) But Cain did not well receive the chastisement of God. He made his prospects of greater damnation in that rejection.

 

And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.  (Genesis 4:8)  The implication here is that the ‘talk’ Cain had with Abel was not friendly. Perhaps Abel, being a prophet, reminded Cain of his obligation to bring a suitable offering of blood to God. Cain was rich in products grown from the soil – not sheep. So, he wanted to offer that which was convenient to him. Doing things Our way always leads to ruin. It not only hurts us, but those to whom we owe love. Cain began in disobedience to proper worship, and ended with the murder of his only brother. The reverence and proper order in which we worship is important to God. We do not worship using those products of the world, but in an impeccable manner honoring to that One who bled and died for us.

 

And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? (Genesis 4:9) Not only had Cain failed to be his brother’s keeper, but his murderer instead. How often we attempt to mitigate our sins by committing a greater one. One does not lie to God. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Galatians 6:7) and . . . ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.  (Numbers 32:23)

 

And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground. (Genesis 4:10) Though the bodies of the righteous martyrs lie in the earth, their spirits cry unto God from the dust for their murders.  Edgar Allen Poe’s ‘Tale-Tale Heart’ illustrates this even if fiction.

 

And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand; 12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. (Genesis 4:11-12)  I ask you, friends, what caused the curse to fall upon Cain – God, or Cain’s sins? I believe the answer will be perfectly honest to all who hear this sermon. It was the transgressions and rebellion of Cain that brought upon him the curse! It is the same for us in our day.  God will take from us every privilege because we have renounced right to that privilege.

 

And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear.  Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me. (Genesis 4:13-14)  Whether or not the punishment for our sins is greater than we can bear is irrelevant! We shall, indeed, bear them. Sin Always separates us from God. And who sins, God or us? We separate ourselves from God through our disobedience and disregard for the reverence owed Him in worship – if we worship at all.  Even the world hates the reprobate of God.

 

And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. (Genesis 4:15)  Even though despised and hated for his perverted ways, murdering such a one is a sin against God because it would deprive God of the prospect of redemption for even a Peter (who denied Jesus thrice) and you and me for our sins of commission and omission. We shall leave it to God to condemn though we judge sin by His Holy Word. We do not know precisely the manner of ‘mark’ set upon Cain, but I believe it was not a visible mark, but one in the mind where judgments and decisions were made – much like the Mark of the Beast or the Seal of God mentioned in Revelations which was IN the forehead (where deliberative decisions are made and judgments enacted) and not ON it.

 

And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden. (Genesis 4:16) All who abide in their sins go out from the presence of the LORD. Remember that horribly fateful night when Judas departed from the presence of Christ and went out into an eternal dark night? He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night. (John 13:30) Are you yet in the dark night, or have you come into the glowing Presence of Christ?

 

Perhaps it is high time we put away our wedges of gold worship, and our musical idols of drums and sensual singing, and return to the reverence of our fathers in worshipping the Lord in the sole Beauty of Holiness.

Sermon – Reverend Jack Arnold – Time and Action

Church of the Faithful Centurion – Descanso, California

Today’s sermon brought the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together

and is partly  contained in the forewords above.

 

Consider these words from the Collect, … who hast prepared for those who love thee such good things as pass man’s understanding; Pour into our hearts such love toward thee, that we, loving thee above all things, may obtain thy promises, which exceed all that we can desire …

 

We acknowledge God will give those who love Him more good than they can imagine, let alone ask for.  But, first you have to love Him. So, what should we ask for?  The Holy Ghost to enter in to our hearts so we might truly love Him.  If we do, more good will come to us than we can even imagine or hope for. The Holy Ghost is a key element of love, without Him we cannot even love Him. If we cannot love others we have seen, how can we love Him who we have not seen? He gives us far more love than we can possibly deserve.

 

That is the great and wonderful news about following our Lord. He has love for the entire world, if they would turn from their sinful ways and follow Him. This is the message we are bringing to the world. God loves us so much that He was willing to sacrifice His Son on the Cross to die for us, so we and all who believe on Him might have everlasting life.  This is truly the Good News, for we were once condemned to hellfire; now through our Lord’s sacrifice are going to be allowed to enter into heaven, though we are imperfect creatures.

 

To get into Heaven’s Gate, we need be accounted as perfect before the Judge.  That requires a bit of an accounting irregularity, to account imperfection as perfection, because we are imperfect beings. Jesus’ death on the Cross served to account us as perfect before the great Judge, Our Father in heaven.

 

So, what does the Collect counsel? We are to ask for the Holy Ghost to enter into our hearts so we might get more than we can desire!  Jesus!  Jesus is that accounting irregularity. He can give us his guidance and grace via the Holy Ghost, to make us better men and women of the Lord. By His Sacrifice, made one time, for all mankind, for all time, we are accounted as perfect by His Faith and Action. However, we are not perfect by any means and will always have to work on our imperfection. This will be a constant struggle through ought our Christian lives until we reach heaven. However we do need to recognize what Christ’s death has brought us and that is immortality, starting right now. Eternal life doesn’t just start when you die. In fact, it is best to think of your actions having an eternal impact, and have a really long term view of those actions.

 

God would prefer you to start acting like you will live forever right now.  Thus, decisions you make, actions you take will be with the long term view of eternity!  Versus our rather usual shortsighted short term view, we must think in the terms of the big picture, not the tiny speck in the picture. Think of the clear vision of the big picture and not just the small, close in picture.  We must keep focused on the big picture, touching down at Heaven’s Gate. To get to that touchdown point, we have to align our actions in the pattern of life with God’s Word, make our actions consistent with our stated belief in God’s Word.

 

Like flying, this requires constant adjustments. And lots of little tiny fluid adjustments are required in our lives here on Earth. Some will be easier than others of course. And we will fail from time to time as that is just our human nature. We have to get back up and be ready to start again and not the same mistake again that caused us to fail. When acting, think of how your actions will impact you, your family and others down the road, before acting and make the necessary fixes, if any are needed. The Holy Ghost can provide the inspiration and guidance we need to think through our actions. We just need to listen to Him at the moment when we need to act and remind ourselves that our future will be better if we listen to the Holy Ghost rather than ourselves.

 

We have to think of ourselves as a part of God’s much bigger plan, and act to the best of our abilities and with the guidance of the Holy Ghost as a positive aspect of that larger picture.  Each of us has a role to play in His Plan. We do not know the whole details of that plan, but God will give us our part of His Plan if we but listen to what He has to say. And the key word here is to listen. We have to listen to what He actually says and not what we want Him to say. There is a distinct difference between the two.

 

In today’s Epistle, Paul says as Jesus Christ died and rose again, so too should we die to our sins and rise again in a better state. He uses this metaphor to describe both our life here on earth, renewed through the death of the old man to the new, and to describe our life in Heaven from here on Earth. When we die here on Earth, we will be resurrected in heaven with our Lord, free from our mortal and corruptible body, to our new and immortal state.

 

And as he says, as death has no dominion over Jesus Christ, so too shall it have no more dominion over us. For by His death and resurrection, He has paid the wages for our sin, which as Paul says in Romans is death. His death paid for our sins, so we might be accounted as perfect to get into heaven. Paul is telling us about that same accounting irregularity we mentioned earlier and Christ is that accounting irregularity. As we of our own volition cannot resolve the accounting issue, and thus cannot be worthy on our own to get into heaven.  However, because of the Grace of God in sending his Son Jesus to die for our sins, we will be able to get into heaven. This is the greatest miracle of our Lord Jesus Christ. He accounts us imperfect creatures as perfect, so we can get into heaven.

 

The resurrection truly is the greatest miracle Jesus performed. Because before He came and died for our sins, we could not get into heaven on our own and in fact still cannot. It is by God’s Grace, that He sent His only begotten son, that we should not perish, but have everlasting life. This is truly an amazing miracle, and I find myself still amazed every time I think of it. How we poor sinful creatures who could not make it to heaven on our own, have had our wages of sin paid by our Lord’s death upon the Cross.

 

As imperfect creatures, immortal or not, we make mistakes.  One to avoid is being “mad” at one’s fellow creatures, particularly family and friends.  We pick the most illogical reasons to be mad, the word chosen rather than angry.  Looked at logically, as God does, we need to solve the issue, “kiss and make up”, and do it before the sun sets on our anger.  Never part in anger.  One of you may not come back.  Jesus made that very point in one of His many sage parables.

 

We must put aside our often foolish and angry thoughts and not act upon them, but rather have Christly thoughts and act upon those. This is another concept easier said than done. However, we have to remember that being angry at someone for very long is not worth the emotional and physical pains holding a grudge can cause. Remember that before you are “angry” at a friend, relative, acquaintance, or stranger. We must not let anger and other irrational emotions such as fear get the best of us; but rather think calmly and figure out the best way to handle whatever situation we are in without losing control of our emotions. How do we do this? The clear solution is to pray to God and ask for His Help in bridling our tongue and have it be a tool of  reason  rather than a tool of anger and deceit! And to also remember this every time we are in a moment of heated emotion.

 

When Jesus gave His Life for us, He did it knowing we would fail to follow in perfection, but fully aware some would follow to the best of their ability. We must get back up after we make our mistakes and continue on trying the best we can to follow Him. That is all He asks, do your best.  Even Saint Paul had trouble following our Lord, but he kept trying and doing his real best not to make the same mistake again.  Doing your best is not the same as saying you are doing your best.

 

There are none so deaf as those who will not hear.

 

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 – St. Paul’s Anglican Church – Anglican Orthodox Church

Bishop Roy is pastor of the biggest AOC parish West of the Mississippi and is in charge of the Diocese of the Epiphany as well as the Missionary Diocese of South America.

 

Sixth Sunday after Trinity

The fear of the Lord is the beginning

8 July 2018

Psalm 111 • Isaiah 57:13b-19 • 2 Timothy 2:7-13

 

The Sixth Sunday after Trinity.

 

The Collect.

 

O

 GOD, who hast prepared for those who love thee such good things as pass man’s understanding; Pour into our hearts such love toward thee, that we, loving thee above all things, may obtain thy promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Psalm 111

 

P

raise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.

2 The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

3 His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.

5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.

6 He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.

7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.

8 They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.

9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

 

Here are some questions that arise from this reading. As we read and meditate on the Word we can begin to understand the many aspects of the benefits of worshiping the Lord, praising Him, fearing Him, (having a great respect and reverence for Him), all these things begin to come into focus as we study His Word.

 

  1. How do we get to know and understand God?
  2. The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
  3. His work is honorable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
  4. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.

 

We see in the works of the Lord, his glory, his righteousness, he also displays compassion.

 

The works of the Lord are great.  What is there to not understand? If you read Psalm 19 you will find the very vivid description of the firmament, that being the visible heavens; the stars and planets.  David describes the seasons, the movement of the sun, the regularity of daily works of the Lord, all visible to those who take the time to stop and see it around them.

 

Paul also wrote about this natural law in the first three chapters of Romans.  “…his wonderful works are to be remembered…”.

 

We just need to open our eyes and look around and the world that God created and that will begin the process of knowing and understanding God.

 

5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.

6 He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.

7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.

8 They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.

 

We worship the Lord because we respect him (the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding of all they that do his commandments..)

 

We praise the Lord because everything he has done for us is true and his judgment is clear, his commandments are sure and correct.  So much so that they stand forever. And in doing them, keeping them one understands truth and uprightness.  Everything points to God.  I think one of the constants, the daily chaos that we see or read about going on all around us, is a clear sign that there is something broken about this world.  David offers an alternative to all that brokenness.  He shows us that God, being the only alternative to all the chaos, is the one to cling to, to turn to during all levels of fear and uncertainness.  God has sent redemption to his people, His Son Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. God reveals this in his Word, the Bible. We have the beginning of wisdom, we need to turn to him and live.

 

He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.

 

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

 

In the last two verses of this psalm we read of the Lord’s redemption of his people, he keeps his covenant forever and holy and reverend is his name. And as we have read and heard earlier, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. See how that last phrase ties into the first verse?

 

‘…his praise endureth for ever…’  ‘…I will praise the Lord with my whole heart…’  It all ties together.  We are also to worship the Lord together; ‘…in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation…’    All of this is to be done together, just as we are doing today in prayer, song and reading of Word of the Lord.

 

Let us reflect on the last verse of Psalm 111 this week.   “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

 

God is always with us, we should never be dismayed. He will protect us, he will guide us, he will be there in good times as well as bad.  Let us continue our praise and worship as we bring our gifts to the throne of Heavenly grace, to Him who is able to keep you unto that day.

 

Let us pray:

 

O

 GOD, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior, the Prince of Peace; Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions. Take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatsoever else may hinder us from godly union and concord: that as there is but one Body and one Spirit, and one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

O

 LORD God, who hast justly humbled us by thy late visitation of us with immoderate rain and waters, and in thy mercy hast relieved and comforted our souls by this seasonable and blessed change of weather; We praise and glorify thy holy Name for this thy mercy, and will always declare thy loving-kindness from generation to generation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

O

 GOD, whose days are without end, and whose mercies cannot be numbered; Make us, we beseech thee, deeply sensible of the shortness and uncertainty of human life; and let thy Holy Spirit lead us through this vale of misery, in holiness and righteousness, all the days of our lives: That, when we shall have served thee in our generation, we may be gathered unto our fathers, having the testimony of a good conscience; in the communion of the catholic Church; in the confidence of a certain faith; in the comfort of a reasonable, religious, and holy hope; in favour with thee our God, and in perfect charity with the world. All which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Rev Bryan Dabney of Saint John’s Sunday Sermon

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

 

Sixth Sunday after Trinity

In his second epistle to Timothy, Paul advised his young friend to Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things (II St. Timothy 2:7). Good advice to say the least, because all of our understanding, and all of what we might know of the Godhead comes to us by divine permission.

 

That said, it has been made plain by the apostle that the Bible is not an open book to the unregenerate. Witness his first epistle to the church at Corinth wherein he wrote, But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (2:14). Those whom the apostle described as natural or earthly-minded will not be able to comprehend those godly principles found within the pages of Scripture because they have not the Spirit of God to guide them. This is not to say that they are barred from grasping them in some limited sense. Nevertheless, what they might glean from a cursory reading of the Bible will only serve as a further indictment of their errant lifestyle choices, as well as confirm what they know already: that they have sinned against a righteous and holy God, and are thus without excuse (Romans 1:18-20). Some will turn away, but most will not even have their consciences pricked because the devil will come to snatch away any good they may have acquired, and afterwards, harden their hearts.

 

In Matthew 5, our Lord clarified several points with regard to the law of Moses. He called on his listeners to pursue a godly versus a man-centered righteousness when he said: Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven (v.20). And he closed chapter 5 with these words: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect (v.48). Ergo, we who are born again of the Spirit of God are called to true righteousness and true perfection.

 

Take for instance the occasion mentioned in Luke’s gospel (7:36-50) where our Lord was asked to attend a supper by Simon the Pharisee. According to Rev Matthew Henry, “Either the Pharisee invited Jesus because he thought it to be a reputation to him to have such a guest at his table, or because his company would be an entertainment to him and his family and friends. It appears that the Pharisee did not believe in Christ, for he did not acknowledge him to be a prophet.” Imagine asking a man of God to come to your house for sport, or frivolity, or for entertainment. If such was the case, it would be abhorrent. We are not told by the “Beloved Physician” if the Pharisee did indeed seek our Lord company for such a purpose. Nevertheless, we do know that he did not treat him as a man of God, much less a welcome guest. But someone did.

 

Enter now a woman of ill repute. She was well-known to those who sat at supper with Simon, him included. She came and wept at the Master’s feet after no doubt hearing his message to the people of that locale. Her actions indicated that she was moved to repentance. While the Pharisee questioned in his heart the supposed ignorance of his guest, our Lord presented a parable and then asked Simon to answer the central question regarding forgiveness. It was the Holy Ghost who had prompted this woman to come before our Lord and seek— without words but through her actions and her tears— his forgiveness for her sins. To put it another way, the mystery of the God’s regenerating Spirit enlightened this woman. He had communicated to her in a spiritual manner such an understanding of the person of Jesus Christ which Simon the Pharisee and company did not possess. Our Lord pointed out to Simon (as well as to his other guests) his deficiencies in terms of mere common courtesy per the Jewish customs of the day. He also noted that the woman whom they knew as “a sinner” was more gracious to him than Simon had been. All that the unregenerate of the Jews could do was sneer at her with hearts devoid of any compassion. They saw themselves as better— more righteous— than this woman who was known for her sinful ways. They did not once consider that they themselves were also sinners who should have been at the Master’s feet: kissing them and weeping over their ills. They too should have appealed to the Lord of Glory to forgive them of their assorted misdeeds. Without a doubt, they were the ignorant ones and not our Lord, and certainly not that poor woman.

 

The whole point of the Christian message is that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Paul reminds us in Romans 3:10-11, As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. It is only through the atoning work of our Lord that we who are born again have obtained his free gift of grace. Other religions offer self-help schemes which merely gloss over sin, but cannot cleanse a person of it. As Paul noted in Hebrews 9:22, And almost all things are by law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. There had to be a sacrifice made to cover our sins, and thus Christ’s work at the cross accomplished that purpose once and for all time. His blood could effectually cover the sins of the whole world though it actually covers only those who have accepted him as the Christ, the Son of the living God and the author and finisher of our faith. And so, through his shed blood, we who have been regenerated will seek God’s perfection as we are made whole through the power of the Holy Ghost. Perfection does not mean we can no longer sin. While we are in the flesh, we remain subject to temptations and sinful behaviors either through error or omission. That is why we have a general confession in our worship precisely because we will sin “by thought, by word, and by deed.” One day, God will call an end to these things and we shall be perfected as members of his everlasting kingdom. But until that time, we must remember that our Christian service requires us to humble ourselves in confession to the Father in the name of his only begotten Son.

 

As regenerate souls in Christ, we ought to seek knowledge from the Godhead in all our works and ways. God has a plan and purpose for each of us who are called of him, and he desires that we petition his throne of grace so that we might come to know what he would have us do in his service (see Ephesians 4:7-16). The ungodly will seek only to elevate themselves, and, in a round-about fashion, develop their potential for their master the Devil. We, on the other hand, should seek to develop a knowledge base which will empower us to live in obedience to God’s word and commandment. As Paul reminded young Timothy in his second epistle (2:15), Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. The Holy Ghost is the guide and helper of all who are in Christ Jesus and who are seeking God’s will for them. May your efforts in this cause be fruitful in our Lord’s service.

 

Let us pray,

 

F

ather, instill in each of us a desire to seek your will for us; and assist us, we pray, in acquiring that level of understanding which will empower our service to thee; all of which we ask in the name of thy dear Son, our Saviour, 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!

 

Travel

No known travel this week.

 

Birthdays

Bishop Jerry celebrated his 75th birthday on 3 June 2018.

Bob Reisor celebrated his 72nd birthday on 3 June 2018.

 

 

Immediate Prayer Please

Shamu is set to begin experimental drug treatment to allow her absorb nutrients after her twentieth or so abdominal surgery most of which were done by Walter Reed Medical Center until she found John Hopkins who have saved her.  Pray also for her to continue her trust in our Lord as she goes through this difficult time.

 

LTC Jay Houston a very confident Christian, particular friend and one of Hap’s favorite WSOs had a biopsy the morning of 9 May 2018 for an apparently major lung issue that has been going on for some time.  The biopsy was successful and Jay is awaiting the results.  Please give thanks for the surgical team paying attention.  Pray also for peace of mind for Jay and his family, as well as a favorable result.

 

Ken Harris lost his wife Carol in December after many many years of happy marriage and is really lost and unable to regain his place here on earth.  Please pray that he will be able to adjust to her passing and concentrate on those things which he needs to do in order to be an effective and useful member of society here and now.  He has much left to do here and right now, he just cannot see his way clear to doing those things.  Please pray he will look to God for solace and help at this time of need.

 

Evelyn, an 88 year young woman recently experienced a TIA affecting her sight, speech and walking.  Please pray for God to guide those treating her and for her to let God carry her worry.

 

Tricia broke her left arm and it seems to be recovering slowly.  Please pray God will enter in to her, help her to regain range of motion in her arm so that she will not require surgery.  She would appreciate your prayers for healing and patience.

 

Chelsea Brown has need of God’s strength and guidance for her, her daughter Lauren and those around her.  Her life has been in turmoil for the past two years.  Chelsea was in an accident which left her without the use of her right arm for almost two years, though after two surgeries it is back, her daughter has had three sets of lung blood clots, dropped out of college and lost her job and car due to another accident.  Things are very bad for them, they need housing as they are about to be evicted from their current apartment.  Please pray that God will give them the direction and strength they need and that the government officials in Raleigh will see clear to provide housing.

 

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.

 

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.

 

In need of a miracle or understanding of Gods Plan

Doug Lambert has been battling sepsis of unknown origin.  For twelve 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

Loretta Walker is aging and losing some of her mental acuity, and thus independence, she is also plagued by diabetes and loves sweets.  She is understandably vexed with this.  She and her family ask you to pray God will help keep her mind and body together and that she not be mean or bait those who care most for her.

 

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, Saras 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

Bryan Alford (~40) has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma and seeking treatment.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

Jim Simmons’ Hodgkin’s disease has returned after 24 years. He hopes to get through this as he did before.  Jim would appreciate your prayers for the medical team treating him; please 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 Jim and his family.

 

Kurt Thomas asks for your continued prayer that his body not reject his transplanted heart parts  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.

 

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

Bruce Arnold was hospitalized with Atrial Fibrillation and an enlarged heart.  He has had his heart stopped and re-started twice, as well as a temporary boost pump installed and removed.  He made it through all that and is now home and doing amazingly well.  Please give thanksgiving for that.  There is still more to go.  Please pray for guidance for the medical team treating him that they might find a complete solution to his heart problems.  Pray for peace of mind for Bruce, his wife Milly and his children Megan, Kikki and Bruce, Jr.

 

Shamu starts an experimental drug treatment to help her absorb nutrients after somewhere around twenty abdominal surgeries culminating in surgery at John Hopkins hospital 19 March 2018, where they found  a stricture in her lower intestine and relieved it.  Please pray this will be effectual in relieving her suffering.  She is also having trouble retaining nourishment and hydration, pray a solution will be developed for this problem also.  Please pray particularly she will retain her trust in God and her family will follow suit.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Gods 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.

 

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 – Schofield Barracks, HI), 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.

 

The near future, as well as Next Sunday

 

15 July 2018 – Seventh Sunday after Trinity – Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

 

By |2018-07-10T16:11:52+00:00July 10th, 2018|AOC Sunday Report|Comments Off on 180708 AOC Sunday Report

About the Author: