180805 AOC Sunday Report

Anglican Orthodox Church

Worldwide Communion

Tenth Sunday after Trinity

Sunday Report

Today we celebrated the Tenth Sunday after Trinity Sunday.

On Point

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

Idleness

When Men are employ’d they are best contented. For on the Days they work’d they were good-natur’d and chearful; and with the consciousness of having done a good Days work they spent the Evenings jollily; but on the idle Days they were mutinous and quarrelsome, finding fault with their Pork, the Bread, and in continual ill-humour.

Benjamin Franklin

1771

It is easier to fight for one’s principles than to live up to them.

Alfred Adler

1870 – 1937

Ability without honor is useless.

Marcus Tullius Cicero

1^st century B.C. Roman statesman

 

The past is another country. They do things differently there.

Leslie P. Hartley

20^th century British novelist

The Go-Between

 

Perhaps one day this too will be pleasant to remember.

Virgil

1^st century AD Roman poet

 

One of the greatest delusions in the world is the hope that the evils of this world can be cured by legislation.

Thomas B. Reed

19^th century American politician

 

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Psalm 23:1

 

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Luke 14:11

 

I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me.

John 14:6

 

God will judge us according to not only the commission of evil works, but the omission of good works.

Matthew Henry

17^th and 18^th century English pastor and author

 

Men must be governed by God, or they will be ruled by tyrants.

William Penn

17^th century founder of the British colony of Pennsylvania

 

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

Captain John Parker

American militia commander at Lexington Common

April 19, 1775

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 203-204, with the Collect first:

 

The Tenth Sunday after Trinity.

 

The Collect.

 

L

ET thy merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of thy humble servants; and, that they may obtain their petitions, make them to ask such things as shall please thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

The Epistle came from Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, the Twelfth Chapter beginning at the First Verse. Paul starts off by telling us that no man who “speaketh by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.”  He goes on to say, “Now there are diversities of gifts, but by the same Spirit.” “…it is the same God which worketh all in all.”  Every one is gifted in one manner or another by God, the question really is not do you have a gift from God, but will you use it?  Our gifts are so different in their character that we sometimes fail to recognize them for what they are, gifts from God, meant to be used, not ignored.

 

C

oncerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.  Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

 

Today’s Holy Gospel started in the Nineteenth Chapter of the Gospel according to Saint Luke, beginning at the Forty-First Verse.

 

The Gospel tell of Jesus’ time in the temple wherein he sees the people selling their wares having made the temple a den of thieves rather than a house of prayer and cast them out.  He also predicts the fall of the temple saying it shall be laid “even with the ground, … they shall not leave one stone upon another,” because the people of the temple had rejected Jesus.  The message to those who accept Jesus and his teaching is clear, their temple shall not fall.  The message to those who will not hear his message will never be heard, let alone clear, their first indication of a problem will be when their temple falls.

 

Often people take this Gospel to preclude jumble sales at church.  It does not preclude that.  It does literally preclude cheating people at those jumble sales!  You must understand that the “perfect” sacrificial offerings to God the temple hawkers were selling were perfectly defective “sacrificial lambs” which would be recycled over and over.  Those buying were likely for the most part honest in their attempt to offer unto God that due Him, yet their effort was being diverted and redirected by those “in charge”, the priests and hawkers.  In their very successful effort to make money they were defrauding the people and insulting God in His own House.  It should also be pointed out that a church should be a place of worship.  It may be a Prophet Center, but not a Profit Center[1].  If the building needs constant commercial enterprise, then perhaps the emphasis is on the wrong center.  A church should be funded for its needs by its members and its wants should come much later, if not in fact unheeded.  A church is about Him, not about IT.

 

A

nd when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, and shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation. And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought; saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves. And he taught daily in the temple.

 

Bishop Ogles’ Sermon

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

 

Sermon Notes

Tenth Sunday after Trinity

Saint Andrew’s Anglican Orthodox Church

5 August 2018, Anno Domini

 

The Tenth Sunday after Trinity.

 

The Collect.

 

L

ET thy merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of thy humble servants; and, that they may obtain their petitions, make them to ask such things as shall please thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

I

 beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.  (Romans 12:1-9)

 

The entirety of the life of Christ was a continual sacrifice for the Elect.

 

Paul’s Epistle for today takes on that old besetting and very formidable enemy of the souls of men – PRIDE. I might add that it was PRIDE that also led to the fall of Lucifer from Heaven along with a third of the angels who rebelled with him. But for every admonishment, God also provides and edification.

 

You will note in the Prayer of Collect that the mercies of God are besought for those of a HUMBLE heart. Once more, as in the Lord’s Prayer, we pray that God will give us the mind and will of Christ in asking for those things that accord with His Will, and not our own. If our hearts and minds are fully reconciled to God, all that we desire will also be precisely that which God wills for us.

 

The verse I wish to expound upon most particularly from today’s Epistle is the third: “3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”

 

The devoted Christian is a tool or vessel in the hand of God. He can take no credit for the artwork God has used in making him and, since his very hands belong to His Maker, he can take no credit for whatever good works they perform. The Christian should be very much like a magnifying glass to enlarge the very Person of God with his mouth, with his works, with his thoughts, and with his desires. A magnifying glass is only a tool that helps enlarge detail so that we might know more of the object it magnifies. If we are close to God, His image will be magnified and enlarged. If we view him, even through a magnifying glass from a distance, His image will be small in our hearts. We must “draw near by faith” as in close and constant Communion with our God. In looking through a telescope, we see images brought nearer. But if we look through the same telescope from the opposite end, all images are made to look smaller and insignificant. Our lives should magnify that image of God and diminish our own image. That is the right relationship we should have with God. As the Psalmist has said: “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.” (Psalm 69:30)

 

If we are erudite in wisdom, we will know that it is faith that enables us to know God – and this faith comes from the attending grace of the Holy Ghost in opening our eyes to the Word which we have both heard and read. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)  And even in the hearing and believing, we may take no credit for it is the grace and power of God drawing us by the efficacious working of that Holy Ghost in our hearts. Did you choose Christ to follow and believe? “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.(John 15:16) Paul makes the point very clear that we may boast of none of our virtues for they are from God and granted by His Grace. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Eph 2:8-9)

 

Paul opens this chapter with great plea: “…..ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” A sacrifice takes no account of its own desire, but is made and given solely to the love and praise of God. A sacrifice to God is given with no intent for personal benefit but only to the glory of God to whom it is given. The Temple Lamb would have preferred to forego its sacrifice, but it had no means of enforcing its own will. When our wills are subdued and given over to that Mind that was in Christ, we, too, will have no carnal will to defy that Will of God. His Will becomes ours. This is not a great accomplishment of the Christian – it is simply the LEAST he can do: “….which is your reasonable service.”

 

Paul also issues a dire warning to the Church as well as to the individual Christian. The Church is just like a great ship. A ship is designed and created to be seaworthy – to navigate the Ocean Seas with its cargo and passengers. Its designers have made it to be secure from the waters in which it sails. It is provided with water-proof hull and sails that will enable it to take advantage of wind currents for movement. It also is equipped with a tiny instrument that will determine success or failure in navigation – the compass. The rudder, being less sizeable than the main sail, is nonetheless, extremely vital to the ships direction and handling.

 

The ship is made to be in the Sea, just as the church is made to be in the world. The Church also has a compass – the Word of God as its chart & compass. It has mighty sails to take advantage of the gentle winds of the Holy Ghost to give it movement. And the Church has Jesus Christ as its anchor and foundation to keep the world from seeping in. The Church is made for the world. As long as the Ship is in the sea, all is well and good, but when the sea gets into the ship, disaster follows. As long as the Church is in the world, and separate from it, all is well. But when the world seeps into the Church, all is lost in SHIPWRECK! Today, the world is not seeping into the Church – it is flooding into the Church. The philosophy of the world, the music of the world, the PRIDE of the world, and the false ministers of the world have entered into the Church and abide as the fowl of the air (demons) in her branches as in the Mustard Tree of Matthew 13:31-32.

 

What has allowed the world and her demons to take such possession of the modern church? I believe it may all be traced to the PRIDE of the flesh to which Paul has alluded in verse three. We think of ourselves more highly than we should. We desire, not only the acceptance of God, but the acceptance of man as well so that we will be respectable and accepted. We desire, as did Israel, a king like unto all the other nations round about – instead of having God as our King. The Church has willingly accepted every abominable sin including homosexuality and the murder of innocent babies as the norm. As we read in Revelations, Jesus is no longer inside the modern Church but rather stands at the door without and knocks. At the conclusion of His words to the Seven Churches, see what Jesus says to them: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.  To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”(Rev 3:20-22)

 

How is it possible for the body to hate its own heart, lungs, stomach, brain, etc.? The Church is the Body of Christ and should remain not only Holy, but One with Christ. If the Church is ONE with Christ, how can there be divisions? Christ is not divided against Himself, so how can the Church, being His Body, be so divided? It is because the larger Church has ceased to be the Body of Christ and grown many cancers that destroy its soul. “4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” Does the heart perform a most vital function? Yes, for without it the heart, there would be no blood supply to all other cells and organs of the body. Do the lungs have an indispensable function? Yes, in providing life-giving oxygen to every part.

 

Each Christian servant is gifted with unique gifts of service that will benefit the entire Body of Christ. There is no Christian that stands in some greater office than the least of these. Without kidneys, the body will perish. Without lungs, the body will perish. Without a heart, the body will perish. The eye of the Body is the Holy Ghost. The ears are for hearing the Word of God. The mind is for giving over to that Mind which was in Christ Jesus. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. (Phil 2:5) The prophesying referred to is the preaching of truth. Faith engenders greater desire and hunger for the Word of God. The greater the faith, the greater the zealous and diligent study of the Word – not in pride of knowledge, but in love of sharing that most valuable possession.

 

A much neglected gift in the church is that of exhortation. Our friend, Mr. Webster, defines exhortation as “…to incite by argument or advice: urge strongly.” Please do not be taken aback by the term incite, for to incite action is to urge by the facility of the spirit or emotion. Of course, we often think of mob violence when we think of incite, but when the full body of reason, truth, and spirit are combined in convincing, no power shall stand in the way. After all, what did Christ say to the Samaritan Woman at the Well concerning worship? “…..the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”  (John 4:23-24) Knowledge of the truth is not enough. That knowledge must be acted upon in humility and faith.

 

One last point of great importance: The Christian and the church should ABHOR evil! There should be a far greater righteous indignation over the evil that has befallen our Church, the nation, and our children than is obvious today. (Abhor that which is evil.) Instead of an uncompromising abhorrence of evil, we see, instead, the modern Church embracing evil. How can this be? Perhaps it is because the Church has ceased to“..cleave to that which is good.”  Can we not judge sin according to the clear Word of God? Have we become impotent of truth and naïve to sin? Where is the red blood of indignation at evil of the Christian today? Perhaps they have followed their blind guides, who seem so silent over the evils of our day, into the ditch of deception!

 

So both the members of the Body, as well as the Body as a whole, need to be humble in our worship, reverent in our communion with God, faithful in our living and witness, preferring the feelings of others to our own selfish desires, hospitable to all, intolerant of sin in the sanctuary of God (church discipline), and pursuing all things in the same Mind and will of Christ. Reading the Bible straight through 50 times will not avail – though that would be commendable if the Spirit of God attends the reading. Boasting of our studies is an undesirable side-effect of such an approach. Loving the God who has written His Love Letter to us will INCITE us on to a deeper knowledge and understanding of His Person. He will be magnified and glorified in all that we say, do, or think. That is our object of today’s message. “A word to the wise is sufficient!”

 

Sermon Reverend Jack Arnold – Time and Action

Church of the Faithful Centurion – Descanso, California

Today’s sermon tied the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together.

 

Consider the words from the Collect, wherein we ask God to make us … be open to the prayers of thy humble servants; and, that they may obtain their petitions, make them to ask such things as shall please thee …

 

Once again, this Collect is kind of a restatement of many of the Collects.  First, we ask God to hear our prayers, funny in that He always listens intently to us when we pray and we very seldom listen to Him when He answers.  It is an odd paradox, He listens; we never seem to listen.  This is why the theme is constant through ought all of the Collects. It seems as if at times we should pray that we should listen; not Him, as He always listens! Nonetheless, we ask His help to ask for those things we need, not those things we want and are bad for us.  We need to be humble when we ask.

 

What does that word mean?

 

According to the dictionary, to be HUMBLE means to be:

 

• Modest
• Respectful
• Lowly

 

Modest – unassuming in attitude and behavior

Respectful – feeling or showing respect and deference toward other people

Lowly – relatively low in rank and without pretensions

 

These are three characteristics we cannot possess in our imperfect state. We otherwise might be like the Pharisees who would make a show of praying in public to appear pious when they were anything but.  Through the help of the Holy Ghost we can obtain these characteristics by asking Him to bring these attitudes into our selves.  And not just asking, but we have to be willing to listen and adapt our lives what He says we should be doing. We cannot change our station in life, but we can change our attitude towards God.  He is God, we are not.  We are His creatures, imperfect with free will.  This is something that we will never be able to change of our own free will.

 

We must recognize that when we ask for His Help.  We badly need the guidance from the Holy Ghost so we can ask for what we need, instead of what we want.  NEED and WANT are two four letter words used too oft interchangeably which  do not mean the same thing. People often use these four letter words erroneously, thinking they mean the same thing. They do not and cannot. Needs are vital for our spiritual health as well as physical health. Wants are nice things to have, but they are not vital for us to survive. When we think we “NEED” something, we have to ask if it fits the above definition “Is this vital for our ministry/life here on earth, or is it something just nice to have, but not a critical item?” We have to see if what we need is something we truly need, or just a want. Too many people do not perform this need analysis and as a result suffer for it physically and spiritually.

 

While our needs must be fulfilled, there is nothing wrong with wanting, just so long as you want things that are good for you. And as long as your want does not turn into coveting or wanting people’s stuff without being willing to work for it. We have to carefully monitor our wants and make sure they are good for us and we are wanting to work for whatever it is we want.  We have to make sure we are willing to acquire the things we are wanting honestly and those things we are wanting should be good for us and not bad for our spiritual health. Once again, we are asking God to help us to want the right things that will be good for us and help us develop in our Christian lives. Paul reminds us though each believer is different, throughout all the believing peoples of the Church the same God, the same Spirit, the same Christ works all in all and through all His work is done and accomplished. When we are setting off to do work for the church, we have to keep in mind those believers we serve and help believe in the same God we do, and they are filled with the same spirit.

 

Paul reminds us we each have differing talents, but if we use them to the Glory of God, without concern for who gets the credit, all will be well. I can think of no finer example of this than the Marines serving on Peleliu with Eugene Sledge, in the 3^rd Batallion/5^th Marines.  I was reading his memoir, With the Old Breed, when I realized in my reading, none of the Marines he served with cared a bit who got a credit, all they cared about was helping their fellow Marines accomplish the objective. They didn’t do what they felt like, at least not the good ones. They did what was right without thought as to who would get the credit. Their main thoughts were to work as a team to defeat the Japanese. We must work in the same manner with our fellow Christians, using each of our talents to further His work and to defeat the forces of Satan. Paul is making the point that if we are united through the Holy Ghost, we can do far more good than if we work individually. For there is nothing that the Church cannot accomplish if we unite through the Holy Ghost and work on furthering God’s cause here on Earth. Our Heavenly Father has given us all each unique talents to be used to further His Mission. Together, our talents can help us as the Body of Christ serve and glorify Him on Earth.

 

Do what you can, not what you feel like. Ignore what you feel like doing and do what God wants you to do. This can be pretty hard sometimes, but it is something that must be done all the same. We will profit from doing what God wants more than if we did what we just felt like doing. Most of the time, what we feel like doing often does not align with what God wants for us, which can result in negative consequences for us. However, if we do what He wants for us, there will be positive results. It is a simple message, yet one that can be hard to swallow sometimes, but it is a message that must be swallowed all the same.

 

If you will but read the Bible, what God wants you to do will be clear.  If you do your best to do His Will all will be well with you.  Death is a pretty hollow threat if you do your duty. If you have done your best, that is at the end of the day, you have done your best to follow Him, then truly you have nothing to fear. Contrast this with the people of Jerusalem. They could or would not see what God wanted for them or now for us.  In 70AD, what had been so hard earlier seemed pretty easy compared to the fix they were in, but by then it was too late.  By then they were left with only “There are none so poor as cannot purchase a noble death.”  But, for most of them by that time they had no will.  It left when they failed to follow God’s Will.

 

The example of them is a good object lesson for us, to do what we can in the here and now and not worry about tomorrow.  We shouldn’t complain if it is too hard for us, because being on God’s side, nothing is too hard for us. There will be a lot of times where we just feel like giving up and that it is too hard. We should ignore these thoughts and turn our attention to what God wants for us. We must learn from the past mistakes of our spiritual forebears and resolve not to repeat those same mistakes. If we are ignorant of our spiritual past, we are doomed to make those very same mistakes. Ignoring or whitewashing history does not profit us as a people, but rather it leads us down the path that started those whole mistakes in the first place. History is history, it is in the past. And as we all know we cannot change the past. However  what can be changed is the future. And that can only be changed by learning from the past and doing our best to learn from the mistakes in the past, as well as the good examples from the past and pressing onward.

 

When Luke wrote of the sales in the temple, he had a point.  The point was not to preclude jumble sales at church.  He is not against the sales. However, what He is against is the cheating in the name of God. This can apply to many concepts in the corrupt later church, such as the Roman Catholic’s concept of “indulgence.”   You must understand the temple hawkers were selling perfect defective “sacrificial lambs” which would be recycled over and over[2].  In their very successful effort to make money they were defrauding the people and insulting God in His own House.  This is not unlike during the Reformation Era when the Roman Church was selling indulgences by the bucket load. The money that they said would help a soul out of purgatory and towards Heaven, would not profit the person’s soul. However, what it would do is profit the Roman’s earthly treasure. They focused their attentions on things of this earth, instead of things not of this earth. You can see where the heart of the Roman Church lies by where they put their treasure in.

 

To paraphrase Christ, where their treasure is, their will their heart be also.  It should also be pointed out that a church should be a place of worship.  It may be a Prophet Center, but not a Profit Center[3].  Similar sounding words, but a totally different meaning for the church.  If the building needs constant commercial enterprise, then perhaps the emphasis is on the wrong center. All of these churches that emphasize quantity over quality should be suspect. It does not matter the quantity, as long as you have a base of quality believers who serve the One Triune God. We need to be concerned more about the spreading of His Word, the constant truth, then focusing on how many people we can attract, and how the message can be changed to suit them. These are both problems with the modern churches today. A church should be funded for its needs by its members and its wants should come much later, if not in fact unheeded.  A church is about Him, not about IT. It should not be a self-licking ice cream cone, but a center to help the believers walk in Christ, not focusing on physical and material plant on earth, but on helping us on our own “Pilgrim’s Progress” towards heaven. If it focuses on anything but that, it is a stumbling block to believers.  We are not called to be a stumbling block, but to be guides, to be lanterns shining in the darkness, to be as a light cloud amidst the darkness of this world.

 

Do what you are supposed to do when you are supposed to do it.  That is duty.  It does not matter how you “feel” about black or white.  Black is black; White is white.  Do your duty. Work as hard as you can, do the best you can, trust in the Lord.  By the way, cheat no one.  If you follow that, you won’t need to be told, “Particularly in God’s House.”

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

It is by our actions we are known.

 

Be of God – Live of God – Act of God

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

Tenth Sunday after Trinity

Because He knows the future

5 August 2018

1 Corinthians 12: 1-11 • Luke 19: 41-47a

The Tenth Sunday after Trinity.

 

The Collect.

 

L

ET thy merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of thy humble servants; and, that they may obtain their petitions, make them to ask such things as shall please thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

When we read the account of the last verses of Luke 19, we can see that there must be at least two different times that Jesus is making reference to.

 

The first four verses are pointing to some future event that will overtake Jerusalem.  Jesus was compassionate towards the folk living there and those who would be affected by the events to come, as he comes upon the city he is overcome by compassion. He weeps over the city.

 

This compassion is two fold.  First, being that those in the city, have no knowledge of the peace that should be theirs, it is hidden from them. Jesus spent three and a half years preaching, teaching, doing miracles, healing the sick, and yet the people do not see.  This is the first reason Jesus is overcome with compassion for the lost.   Interestingly it will be because many of God’s chosen will reject the Messiah, Jesus Christ, that the Gentile will be adopted into the Family of God.

 

Secondly, he speaks of a time that is coming, where an enemy will completely surround Jerusalem, so no one can leave.  Then the bad stuff happens: many will be killed, along with their children, and the destruction of the city will also be accomplished.  This destruction of Jerusalem will occur in the lifetime of many of those who followed Jesus, in 70 AD.   Titus the Roman general will destroy Jerusalem, many Jews will be killed, those who survive will be sold into slavery.  The city will be leveled.

 

Then Jesus does what the post modern church never teaches.  He becomes angry, he throws the money changers and merchandisers out of the temple grounds.  This was not because Jesus was against capitalism.  He was against corruption and theft. The temple system allowed for the exchange of foreign coin (which was considered unclean) for “temple” coin, which was allowed on the temple grounds.  These temple coins were used by the faithful for their offerings to God.

 

The essential idea wasn’t bad, it was how it was corrupted.  The money changers would short change the faithful in the transaction.  They would keep a percent and share a percent with the temple staff.   Another part of the corruption and thievery was sale of unfit animals used in sacrifice.  Many of the faithful Jews would make a once in a lifetime trip to Jerusalem to worship at the great temple.  They would only bring what they could safely travel with, so no sacrificial animals were brought, especially during high holy days, such as Passover.  The foreign travelers would have to rely on the sale of local animals and temple money to complete their duties and sacrifices.

 

This is how the corrupt money changers got established.  What really made Jesus angry was the collusion between the money changers and the temple staff.  …it is written, My house is the house of prayer: but you have made it a den of thieves…

 

Notice what Jesus does then; He begins to teach, daily, to the crowds that have followed him into Jerusalem.

 

How do we tie up this message today?

 

1. Jesus has compassion on those who are lost.
2. He gives fair warning to what destruction and woe is to come, today we can find this warning in the Bible.
3. He continually teaches in the pages of the Bible, to seek Him and the peace He offers.

Let us pray:

 

O

 LORD Jesus Christ, who saidst unto thine Apostles, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; Regard not our sins, but the faith of thy Church; and grant to it that peace and unity which is according to thy will, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

 

A

SSIST us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and prayers, and dispose the way of thy servants towards the attainment of everlasting salvation; that, among all the changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be defended by thy most gracious and ready help; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

A

LMIGHTY God, who pourest out on all who desire it, the spirit of grace and of supplication; Deliver us, when we draw nigh to thee, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, that with steadfast thoughts and kindled affections, we may worship thee in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

T

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

✟

 

Bishop Dennis Campbell’s Sermon

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

 

A Portrait of Righteousness

Psalm 26

Tenth Sunday after Trinity

August 5, 2018

 

The Psalms for the Fifth Day, according to the Prayer Book Psalter, are wonders of Divine revelation and human devotion.  Psalm 24 is a song of praise for the glory and grace of God.  It is filled with majestic words, like, “The earth is the Lords, and all that therein is.”  It tells us who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord: “he that hath clean hands and a pure heart.”  It encourages us to lift up the gates of the Temple, and our hearts, that God, the King of Glory may come in.  Psalm 25 is a prayer for light: “Show me thy ways, O Lord, and teach me thy paths.  Lead me forth in thy truth, and learn me.”  It is also about God’s mercy and forgiveness.  “According to thy mercy think thou upon me, O Lord.”  “Gracious and righteous is the Lord.”

 

These are wonderful words, full of comfort, hope and peace.  And, then, we come to Psalm 26, which we read together this morning.

 

Psalm 26. Judica me, Domine.

 

B

E thou my Judge, O Lord, for I have walked innocently: * my trust hath been also in the Lord, therefore shall I not fall.

2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; * try out my reins and my heart.

3 For thy loving-kindness is ever before mine eyes; * and I will walk in thy truth.

4 I have not dwelt with vain persons; * neither will I have fellowship with the deceitful.

5 I have hated the congregation of the wicked; * and will not sit among the ungodly.

6 I will wash my hands in innocency, O Lord; * and so will I go to thine altar;

7 That I may show the voice of thanksgiving, * and tell of all thy wondrous works.

8 Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, * and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

9 O shut not up my soul with the sinners, * nor my life with the blood-thirsty;

10 In whose hands is wickedness, * and their right hand is full of gifts.

11 But as for me, I will walk innocently: * O deliver me, and be merciful unto me.

12 My foot standeth right: * I will praise the Lord in the congregations.

 

Reading it, I am reminded of Paul’s advice to Timothy (Second Timothy 3:15-17), when after telling us the Scriptures are able to make us wise unto salvation, says:

 

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

 

Why does Psalm 26 remind me of these verses?  Because one of the things we find in the Psalm is a picture of a righteous life, which is a wonderful way the Scriptures give us instruction in righteousness.  So lets’ look at the Psalm, and there let us see David as an example of righteousness.

 

We see first of all that David invites God to examine him.  “Be thou my judge, O Lord” he writes in verse 1.  He makes this invitation even stronger in verse 2: “Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try out my reins and my heart.”  David is asking God to examine every part of his being as only God’s unlimited knowledge and power can do.   It is an examination of the spirit of the man, of his thoughts, his attitudes, his values, his goals, and the things he loves above all else in life.  This all seeing examination is for one purpose, to find sin.  Psalm 139 verses 23 and 24 show this very kind of examination.

 

Try me, O God, and seek the ground of my heart; prove me, and examine my thoughts.  Look well if there be any way of wickedness in me.”

 

Like you, I love the liturgies of the Book of Common Prayer.  They express my heart to God, the way a song might express a person’s feelings about his country, or his  home, or his wife and family.  I notice, though, that I can sometimes say the words of the liturgies without engaging my mind.  Thus, I can say them without meaning them.  That, of course, is a weakness in me, not the liturgy or liturgical worship.  I notice people can be equally disengaged from worship in any kind of church, no matter how much effort has been expended to make the worship exciting and attractive to people.  I days of yore, when most Americans went to church on Sunday, many were disengaged from the worship, no matter what denomination they were in, and no matter what “style” of music and worship was followed.  I remember reading about one man, I think he was a banker, who said church was extremely beneficial to him because during the service he was away from the phone and could plan his entire schedule for the coming week.  I would suggest to that man that he pay attention to the worship.  I would urge him to let God examine him and show him the sin and hypocrisy that is within him, so he can fall on his face before God and repent.

 

The very first thing any person must do, if we are going to be saved from sin, is to recognise the sin in our own lives.  For this we need to let God examine us by means of the Holy Bible, which is”quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12).  David asks God to examine him.

 

Second, David lives by the Bible.  He writes in Verse 3, “I will walk in thy truth.”  How do I get living by the Bible out of walking in God’s truth?  I don’t: Jesus does.  Jesus, praying to the Father in John 17:17, says “thy word is truth.”  He is talking about the Bible.  So, to walk in the truth is to live according to the teaching of the Bible.  David is talking about what we would call repentance.  He has asked God to judge and examine him, which will show his sins and weaknesses.  Now David is turning away from his sins and to the truth of God revealed in the Bible.  He intends to put his sins behind him and start living more faithfully the way God tells us all to live in the Bible.

 

Here again, it is very easy to read the words,  “I will walk in thy truth,” and not be touched or convicted by them, or motivated by them in our souls.  It is easy to read them with no intention of doing them.  How many times do we read the Bible out of duty, never asking ourselves if we really intend to do what it says?  Do you know why most Christians are weak, and sinful, and get their values from the world, and don’t live anything like a Godly, righteous, and sober life?  We don’t have to wonder why that is, do we?  We know why it is.  Most Christians do not live Godly righteous and sober lives because we never intend to.  We want to have just enough faith to get God’s help in our worldly troubles and get us to Heaven, but not enough to turn from our sins and self-idolatry and live by the Bible.  May God have mercy upon us.

 

Third, David disassociates himself from the wicked.  Looking at verses 4 and 5 we see a pattern of avoiding the gatherings of ungodly people.  Vain persons are self centered and  conceited.  They are usually pleasure oriented, and willing to use and abuse others for their own advancement.  David does not dwell with them.  The deceitful are those who plot against others  for personal gain.  They may simply lie and belittle those outside of their social circles, or they may cheat and steal for money.  David has no fellowship with them.  They are not the people he admires or spends time in their company.  He hates the congregation of the wicked.

We have all seen cowboy movies with saloons run by crooks and cheats who fleece unwary cowboys of their money.  David has found a way to prevent being taken advantage of by such people, he stays away from their congregations.  He does not go where such people assemble.

 

Fourth, David associates himself with the people of God.  He says, “Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thy honour dwelleth” (vs. 8).  Instead of joining himself to the congregations of the wicked, David associates himself with the congregation of the people of God.  He goes to the Tabernacle.  He worships God in God’s house on the Sabbath.

 

We have all heard words like, if you want to know who you are, look at your friends.  If you want to know who you will be in five years, look at who and what is influencing you today.  What books do you read?  What movies do you watch?  What are the values held by your friends and people you admire?  If you admire someone, you try to be around them.  If you admire an actor or musician, you try to see his movies or hear his songs.  If you admire an author, you read his books.  If you admire a person you seek an acquaintance, or friendship with him.  If you admire Christ, you will want to be with His people.

 

There is much more that can and should be said about Psalm 26.  But we will return to it another day.  For now I close with my last point, which is also the most important.  Even David needed a Saviour.  David, king of Israel, leader of the people of God, who is called a man after God’s own heart, who attempted to live by the words of this Psalm and the truth of God, was a sinner.  He never lived up to his intentions, and sometimes he lived in complete opposition to them.  That’s why, in this Psalm, which speaks so boldly of his righteousness, David includes the words of verse 11; “O deliver me, and be merciful unto me.”  David needs God’s mercy.  David knows he is a sinner.  The knowledge of his own sin is one reason why so many of the Psalms of David speak so vividly about Christ.  David, by the grace of God, was enabled to look ahead to the advent of the One Person who could say the words of this Psalm in complete honesty, and who alone could atone for sin.  David’s faith, then, was not in his own righteousness, but in the mercy of God through Christ.

 

Just like David, we need to have the things of Psalm 26 as the intention and goal of our lives.  Do you?  And just like David, we never quite live up to our goals.  We need a Saviour, not just any Saviour, we need Jesus Christ.  May God grant us faith and trust in Christ.  Amen.

—

+Dennis Campbell

Bishop, Anglican Orthodox Church Diocese of Virginia

Rector, Holy Trinity Anglican Orthodox Church

Powhatan, Virginia

www.HolyTrinityAnglicanOrthodoxChurch.org

www.lifeinthescriptures.blogspot.com

 

Rev Bryan Dabney of Saint John’s Sunday Sermon

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

 

Tenth Sunday after Trinity

The prophet Jeremiah was given a powerful message of truth to set before  his brethren in Judah and Jerusalem concerning their captivity by the Babylonian Chaldeans. In the book of Lamentations (1:1-12) we are told, Jerusalem hath grievously sinned; therefore she is removed: all that honoured her despise her, because they have seen her nakedness: yet, she sigheth, and turneth backward. Her filthiness is in her skirts; she remembereth not her last end; therefore she came down wonderfully: she had no comforter (vv. 8-9).

 

Consider also following II Chronicles 36:15-16 which reads, And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending: because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: but they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy. The lesson here is that when men rebel against God they can expect no help from him in the day of trouble: a day which God has reserved for them, and when it arrives, there will be no means of escape just as there was no escape for the inhabitants of Jerusalem in 586 BC. (II Peter 2:9).

 

And our times are little different from those described in our lesson from Lamentations. As one political observer has noted, “There is no longer a single set of values that unites our nation, and America is becoming more deeply divided with each passing day… Today, the American people are not very religious and they certainly are not moral… It would be wonderful if we could unite behind the values that this nation was built upon, but we discarded those values long ago. So now we face a very uncertain future, and it is only a matter of time before someone lights a spark that sets off mass societal unrest all across the United States. The only thing that is really holding us back from mass rioting and chaos on a constant basis is our massively inflated debt-fueled standard of living. As long as people have plenty of food to eat and lots of entertainment to keep them sedated, a complete and total societal meltdown is unlikely. But if our food and entertainment were to be taken away, the American people are primed for the biggest temper tantrum in the history of our nation.”

 

We used to be a people who for the most part honored Scripture. We used to be a people who had some sense of the Almighty and encouraged the growth of the Christian faith through our churches and in our daily lives. True enough, there have always been folks among us who were not of the faith, or who only pretended to be Christian and our Articles of Religion as much as say so. In the 26^th Article we read in part that, “Although in the visible Church the evil be ever mingled with the good…” as well is in the 29^th Article wherein we learn that, “The Wicked, and such as be void of a lively faith, although they do carnally and visibly press with their teeth (as Saint Augustine saith) the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ; yet in no wise are they partakers of Christ: but rather, to their condemnation…”

 

Those excerpted passages from our Articles of Religion confirm the important scriptural truths found in the parables of the wheat and tares, and the net (Matthew 13:24-30; and 47-50). Nevertheless, instead of witnessing an increasing number of people coming to Christ as was true for the first 1500 years of the faith, we are currently experiencing a noticeable decline in the number of persons within orthodox Christian bodies. This desertion from the faith which we are presently witnessing came about for several reasons. One of the principal change-agents can be found in the churches themselves. The abandonment of sound biblical doctrines by an increasing number of clergy and seminarians has led to the overthrow of the faith of many via their apostate teachings. And further, such has profoundly aided in the rebirth of paganism along with the rise of various so-called “Christian” cults which are also change-agents of note. Collectively, these forces have transformed a fair number of church bodies from a God-centered belief system to any of the various man-centered ones. And the repercussions from this change in theology also extends to a civilizational level.

 

Regardless of their specific content, these man-centered ideologies have led to numerous divisions within our country and these are straining the fabric of our national life to the point where the ungodly and the unrighteous not only regard anyone on the Right as their ideological opponents, they are now calling for our elimination! As one political commentator has observed: “The Left’s goals and its model of its adversaries make impossible a lasting agreement of any sort with them… Indeed, the more candid ones have said that those of us who can’t be ‘re-educated’ must simply be eliminated… Their goal is absolute and unbounded power in perpetuity: a position that absolutely forbids the toleration of even a single dissident.”

 

And this should not come as a surprise to a regenerated soul in Christ Jesus for our Lord foretold of such when He said, Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household (Matthew 10:34-36).

 

The purpose of our Lord’s ministry— both earthly and of the Holy Ghost after his ascension— has been to call out the just from among the wicked and to separate them so that they will not suffer God’s wrath for which the unrighteous are destined to experience. Remember his words to Nicodemus: He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:18). Either you are regenerate or you are condemned.

 

Some in today’s world are so clueless about the true nature of the Godhead that they seem beyond hope of reaching. What with the prophet Isaiah’s message being on display— you know the one from Chapter 5 verse 20 wherein it is written, Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness: that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! As a result of such behavior it is not surprising to find that every commandment of God has been violated and stepped on. There is nothing sacred— not the unborn in the womb; not the elderly and infirm; and not the rights of individual citizens to their lives, their property and their enjoyment of the same. None of those things matter if our lives as Christians conflicts with what the unregenerated masses believe.

 

I have a prison ministry where once a month I hold a worship service with the inmates in a women’s facility. I usually have around 35 attendees and about half that number are communicants. Lately, attendance at my services has come close to the century mark with about half who participate in the communion service. Last month I had a sermon all prepared and when it came time for the message, I begin with the above scripture from Isaiah 5 and it was “off to the races” in a direction somewhat different from my base text. After I read that passage, I looked about the room and said something to the effect that, “Y’all know exactly what this scripture means… every one of you. You would not be here if you had not done what this passage says.” It was as if the Holy Ghost wanted them to hear and then to turn. He wanted them to listen and to digest what he gave me at that moment to say to them. I often remind my hearers that there are two types of witnesses in the Christian faith. One is the affirming witness who encourages the unregenerate to accept the Lord Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit who will seal them unto the day of redemption. Then, at the last when the Lord calls that person before his judgment seat, they will be accepted into his kingdom because they had accepted Christ. On the other hand, there is the accusing witness who will attest that the unregenerate after having heard the witness for our Lord rejected the same. And so, at the Great White Throne judgment, that same witness will stand against all who rejected Christ in life and will result in them being cast away from his presence forever.

 

God will not tolerate indefinitely the treading down of his word and commandment by unregenerate mankind. That said, God has also provided a way of escape from his wrath to come via the acceptance of the one way, truth and life found in his Son, Jesus Christ. Want to be saved? Then believe on him and accept   his free gift of salvation. Discard the evils of this life which the Devil has used to replace the good which God has ordained.

 

The children of Israel did not do as the prophets had warned. They did indeed put bitter for sweet, darkness for light, and evil for good. And because they did those things and enjoyed themselves in the process, a harsh and devastating judgment fell upon them. But there is another harsh and devastating judgment coming. It will come upon young and old, rich and poor, free and bond. It will come at a time when people least expect it. And it will bring true liberty to our world as the wicked will be severed from the righteous. It is my prayer that each of you will accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour. That you will reject all that the world, the flesh, and the Devil has to offer. Decide today, right now, that you will accept Christ and then live as one redeemed, following the commandments of God and walking in his holy ways for his glory and your eternal good.

 

Let us pray,

 

B

lessed and holy God, give us grace sufficient to see the truth of your word written and to proclaim the same to those of the unregenerate; that they too will come to accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord; and these things we ask in his most holy name. 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 75^th birthday on 3 June 2018.

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

 

Immediate Prayer Please

Ann Jamieson broke her leg two weeks ago while playing softball away from home in a tournament, her father’s engine gave up the ghost driving to pick her and her mom up.  Her mom is a photographer and she lost all the pictures she has recently taken due to an electronic issue. Ann’s brother and sister are wondering what is in store for them.  The Jamiesons would appreciate your prayers for healing for Ann and patience and insight for them all.

 

Shamu is in the beginning of an 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 has major lung issues that have been going on for some time.  He was in need  of a hard to  get medication.   This just in from Jay: Very good news. Genentech has approved 100% funding for the medication that I will need. I.E totally free, no insurance no copay. They are shipping immediately.  God is so good. Thank you all for your prayers.  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 is losing her eyesight to glaucoma.  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 God’s Plan

Doug Lambert has been battling Congestive Heart Failure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease for  some time now.  The conditions combine to make him very weak.  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.

 

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.

 

Larry H has general weakness as the result of extreme fatigue.  Larry is now up and about, walking without assistance.  The depression is still a part of his life.  Due to several chronic illnesses, he will never be able to live on his own.  On the other hand, he has been transferred to a facility near his former home so he will be nearer his friends.  Larry has difficulty with the lack of what he considers fairness in the Word.  Please pray for help for Larry to put his trust in the Lord, relax and build strength and give Pastor Roy guidance on helping him.

 

Laurel Bessessen (95) has begun to lose her mental abilities to recall people, places and things around her.  Her family is no longer able to care for her at home and she is in a skilled care facility.  She is the last of that family’s generation.  Please pray for the mental degradation to stop or for her to leave for home.  Pray for her family who do their best to care for her, visiting every day; for her children Cookie, John and Bill, as well as the other members of the family.

 

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

 

John has Alzheimer’s pray he will call on God to help him as he deals with this.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Surgery

Maria Carla is going to the hospital for corrective surgery. Pray our Lord Jesus Christ will be close to her as she has this operation. Pray for her father who will be taking her a long distance for the operation.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Testing and Treatment

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 recently had a basal cell carcinoma removed and she is doing well, we are waiting to here how she is doing with her bimonthly chemotherapy for multiple myeloma (15 years).

 

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).

 

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.

 

Financial Guidance and Employment

Kona is applying for a job in the hospital. Pray our Lord will find the right position for her and she will glorify Him in the work.

 

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

 

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

 

Lori is considering a potential change in her employment.  Please pray for God’s gidan ce in considering all aspects of her potential work.

 

 

Financial Guidance and Healing

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

 

God’s Strength and Peace of Soul

 Roger is the caretaker for his ailing father who has been in the hospital for a week and his wife who had been declining emotionally, cognitively and in bodily health.  He asks you pray for strength and peace for him and help for those he cares for.

 

Charlie McCormack asks your prayer the Holy Ghost might fill his heart with light and drive the darkness far away.

 

Guidance

Zachary is having huge problems growing up.  He has let the wrong people guide his life and thinks he is the smartest person in the world.  He cannot or will not see the destructive power of drugs and lies in his life.  Pray his parents Lee and Shamu will come to see what course of action that they can take to help Zachary and safeguard his brother and sister.  Please pray for God’s guidance for all of them and in particular for Zachary to open his heart to God and his parents help.

 

Linda is slowly converting her children through her great loving attitude and Love of the Lord.

 

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

 

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

 

[1] A fine set of very apropos terms I first heard from Bishop Dennis Campbell in 2011.

[2] The concept of being truthful in the efforts we make to spread The Word is not a separate subject by any means, but would take more time to talk about than we have time for here.  Suffice it to say that we must take every care to spread The Truth and not what our audience, whoever that may be, would like to hear.  When we bring our “sacrifice” to the “temple” we need make certain it is in fact as perfect as we can make it.  This is so hard that one of the recurring themes of the Collects is asking for guidance to ask for the right things.

[3] A term I first heard from Bishop Dennis Campbell in 2011.  It was a great thought then and a great thought now!