SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 33

STUDY GUIDE: SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 33 May 17, 2009
“Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is” Romans 12:2
“Find out what pleases the Lord.” Ephesians 5:10
Theme Verse: “Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–which is your spiritual worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2
Readings: Hebrews 11:1-12:2
Memory Verse: “We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are fixed on you.” 2 Chronicles 20:12b
      Word received: I want you to look at the Faith chapter. Word received: Look at my word to you. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) I want you to live in hope of what you have not yet seen. I want you to remember the heroes of faith. Their way was often difficult and lonely, but they kept their eyes on me. That is what I want you to do.
      Let’s look at some of the actual responses of faith that were pleasing to God in the Bible, especially in Hebrews 11. Each person in the class should take one person, pray and listen to what the Lord is showing you, and then share it.
      Abraham set off to go to a place where he was to receive his inheritance, not knowing where he was to go. (Genesis 12:1-4) He surrendered his son, Isaac, the child of God’s promise, and was ready to sacrifice him till God intervened. (Genesis 22) He and Sarah by faith believed and she conceived and bore a son, Isaac, when she was past child-bearing age.( Genesis 21)
      Joseph lived a life of obedience and faith, and not only prophesied about the Exodus but planned to be eventually buried in the land of Canaan. (Genesis 50:24-25). He also refused to bear a grudge against his brothers but told them “As for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good…so do not fear.” (Genesis 50:20-21)
      Moses was willing to be identified with his own people instead of living the life of a prince, and had to escape into exile after killing an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave. When God called him many years later to return to Egypt and lead the people out, he went, very reluctantly, and by faith kept the Passover and lead the Israelites across the Red Sea and through many difficult years in the wilderness, interceding with God for them.
      Joshua lead the Israelites out of the wilderness into the promised land, leading them across the flooded River Jordan and seven times around Jericho till the walls fell down and they conquered it. He was faithful in leading his people all his life and at the end challenged them: “Now therefore fear the Lord …put away the gods your fathers served…and serve the Lord….Choose this day whom you will serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:14–15)
      Gideon by faith obeyed the Lord and led his people against the enemy even though when God called him he was hiding inside a wine press. He continued obeying even when God drastically reduced the size of his army.
      Samuel as a child responded to God’s voice, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening,” and faithfully led the nation. Although he grieved over King Saul and was afraid, he obeyed and anointed David, the future king.
      David, who though escaping from King Saul’s jealous hatred, never lifted his hand against the King but waited for God to give him the kingdom. By faith and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit he wrote some of the Psalms which talked about events in Jesus’ life. He committed terrible sin and when God’s prophet, Nathan, confronted him, he deeply repented (Psalm 51) and was forgiven (even though many consequences remained.)
      Daniel “stayed the mouths of lions”. He was faithful to God as a captive in a foreign land. He and his three friends trusted and obeyed God even in the face of death in the fiery furnace (“quenched the fury of the flames”) and God rescued them.
      Isaiah: I read years ago that it was a Jewish tradition that Isaiah was martyred by being “sawed in two”. When God called him and showed him a vision of himself and his holiness, he recognized his own sin. After God cleansed his lips, he heard God ask, “Who shall I send?” Isaiah replied, “Here am I, send me.” (Isaiah 6:8 )
      Others were Rahab, the Canaanite prostitute who hid the Jewish spies because she said, “I know the Lord has given you the land…for the Lord your God is he who is God in Heaven above and on earth beneath.” They rescued her and her family when Jericho was destroyed and she became an ancestor of David and Jesus. (Matthew 1:5)
       Queen Esther was another who risked likely death to go to the Persian king, her husband, to plead for the lives of her people. She went saying, “If I perish, I perish.”
* * * * * * * * *
      Notice at the end of Hebrews 11 are the references to many whose names are not known who were persecuted for their faith in God, and by faith remained faithful to God. We live in a time when this is true in many parts of the world. The Lord is calling us to trust him, believe in him, and keep our eyes on him–no matter what!
      Now read Hebrews 12:1-2. God is calling us to lay aside everything that draws us away from him and to “run with perseverance the race (of life) that is in front of us, looking to Jesus.”
      The heroes of faith expressed their faith in many ways. They were not perfect. They lived in hope of what God will do. They desired to please him. When Jesus called his disciples, he didn’t give them any details. He said, “Follow me.” After the Resurrection when Peter asked about another disciple, Jesus said, “What is that to you? Follow me.”
      How is God calling us both personally and corporately to live by faith and obedience to him? Let us keep our eyes and attention on Jesus.

Thanksgiving for Gallup poll results

Deuteronomy 8:10 (New International Version)
When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you.

A recent Gallup poll reveals an increase in Americans who identify themselves as pro-life.

O Father, how gracious You are. We have embraced death as a nation. The blood of over 40,000,000 unborn children flows across our land. We are unworthy of Your presence.
Yet You are steadfast in lovingkindness, and You have stirred the hearts of many people. We thank You. How gracious You are. How mighty You are. Holy is Your name. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord.
We learned that the woman with the issue of blood was healed by merely touching the edge of Jesus’s robe. Oh, that the issue of blood that flows across this land would be healed.
We cry out, Lord. We cry out for the presence of Jesus in our nation. We cry out for the sound of praise and worship over our land. We cry out for a spirit of evangelism in our churches. Oh, may Your Son come by here that we may touch the edge of His garment. Oh, that Your holy name would be glorified throughout the United States, that the blood of Your Son would cover the blood of our sin, and that we would dwell in Your righteousness. Amen.

Luke 9:23-27

Then he said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
      Holy Spirit, help me begin this day denying myself and taking up my cross to follow you.

“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” (Luke 9:24)
      Jesus, help us throughout this diocese make the choice to give our lives over into your care.

“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?” (Luke 9:25)
      Father, please help us re-order our priorities so that we seek those true riches which can only be found in your kingdom.

“For whoever is ashamed of me and my words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when he comes in his own glory, and in his father’s, and of the holy angels.” (Luke 9:26)
      Jesus, have mercy on us in the Episcopal Church and raise up bishops and leaders who are not ashamed to confess you and your cross.

“But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:27)
      Holy Father, we pray for your kingdom to come and for your kingdom to be revealed throughout this diocese and for your will to be done here. Thank you.

Monday: 80; Deuteronomy 8:1-10; James 1:1-15; Luke 9:18-27
Tuesday: 78:1-39; Deuteronomy 8:11-20; James 1:16-27; Luke 11:1-13

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Pray for the various ministries to children and youth at the Diocesan Convention.

Albany Intercessor

Prayer Table Reports

PRAYER TABLE REPORT
Saturday, May 16, 2009; at Christ Church in Schenectady. Don and Candace Foust 9:20-10:30 a.m.
+–indicates received wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina.

At first it was a bit slow, with people declining prayer (“No, I’m late for work” or “No, I pray myself everyday and I read the Bible” or “No, I’m good, thank you.” Later people stopped by and wanted to talk, not leaving until another passerby stopped for prayer.
While we were at the table, paramedics and a Fire Department SUV came down the block, we prayed for whoever needed help, although they didn’t pick anyone up. When the FD vehicle left, the man on the passenger side waved to us.

+John– who crossed the street just for prayer for his back and upper leg. He had had surgery and is in daily pain. We prayed for him to be more comfortable and for Jesus to reveal himself to John. John thanked us and said, “Keep the faith.”

Robert–a repeat visitor who had crossed the street, and who had had a new TV stolen. We prayed for an easier life, protection and for his health.

+Chris– a teenager who shyly came to the table after we called to him. We prayed for protection for his family and for a bright future.

Pedro– a repeat visitor, we prayed for protection and provision for him and his wife Norma.

+Rob, +George–asked that we pray for Schenectady’s renewal and for the teenagers here. Rob said he had benefited from meetings at Christ Church for addiction, and he was becoming increasingly aware of how God wanted him to be a better person.

+Marie–came willingly for prayer and said, “I’m a real person, no one cares about me. Why do bad people prosper and good people suffer?” We prayed for provision and for hope.

+Chester–55, crossed the street on his bicycle for prayer. He said he got very drunk last night. He recalled a sermon he heard in Jamaica years ago about two roads in life, one right and one wrong. We prayed for health for him and his family and that he would stay on the right road. He reminded us that we all need to praise God for what He has done; twice Chester told us to look up Psalm 68:4: Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Lift up a song for Him who rides through the deserts, Whose name is the LORD, and exult before Him.

Jim–a repeat visitor, he is doing better after a hospital stay, he is getting stronger and not pale anymore. We prayed for his health.

Desdemona–a repeat visitor, we prayed for her granddaughter Bianca who is in middle school and stressed, and we prayed for her grandson Peter.

PRAYER TABLE REPORT Christ Church Schenectady
(Sat., May 16, 2009; 10:30 – 11:30 — Dianne Gambill and David Carlson)
[+ --indicates received one of the wooden crosses from Dennis Adams of North Carolina.]

Note: We had much less foot traffic by the prayer table than usual, and several did not want prayer. We had prayed at the beginning for divine appointments — that the Lord would send the ones He wanted to come, and we trust that He did that:

+ Jennifer — we prayed for her “struggle with addictions” that the Lord would set her free; she thanked us and said our prayers were “right on time”

++ Calvin — asked prayer for a job — we prayed for God’s provision for Calvin, for a good job with benefits; he asked for a cross for himself and his daughter

+ Danny — didn’t have a specific request — asked us just to pray for “life” in general; we thanked God for Danny’s life and prayed for protection and provision, and that Danny would know the Lord and walk with Him

+ Malcolm – asked prayer that the Lord would keep him “strong and healthy”

Dan — said he had stopped for prayer before for healing of sickness and that it had helped a lot — he asked us to pray for healing for him again

++ Bill — man stopped for prayer as we were breaking down the table and chairs and asked for prayer for his family and “an end to this recession”

David Carlson

Albany Intercessor

Prayer for priests

By Mother Louise Margaret de la Touche, shared by one of our readers–

O Jesus, Eternal High Priest, divine Offerer of Sacrifice, Who, in an incomparable transport of love, for men, Thy brethren, didst allow the Christian priesthood to issue from Thy Sacred Heart, deign to continue to pour out on Thy priests the life-giving streams of Infinite Love.
Live Thou in them; transform them into Thyself; render them by Thy grace the instrument of Thy mercies; act in them and through them, and grant that, having been completely clothed with Thee by the faithful imitation of Thy adorable virtues, they may perform in Thy name and by the strength of Thy Spirit, the works which Thou Thyself hast accomplished for the salvation of the world.
Divine Redeemer of souls, see how great is the multitude of those who still sleep in the darkness of error; count the number of those unfaithful sheep that are walking on the edge of the eternal abyss; consider the crowds of the poor, the hungry, the ignorant, and the weak, who are groaning in their state of abandonment. Return to us by Thy priests, live again in very truth in them; act through them and pass again through the world teaching, pardoning, consoling, offering sacrifice, renewing the sacred bonds of love between the Heart of God and the hearts of men. Amen.

Romans 15:4-6 and Psalm 93

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15:4)
      Holy Spirit, please help us enter into the patience and comfort that are there in the Scriptures. Fill us with hope from reading the Scriptures.

Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, (Romans 15:5)
      Amen. So be it.

that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:6)
      Jesus, please bring us to a quiet, common mind and a common life of prayer in this diocese so that we bring glory to your father. Thank you.

      Now may the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing, that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (From Romans 15:13)

       A word received: You are in my care.

The LORD reigns, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed, he has girded himself with strength. (Psalm 93:1a)
      Jesus, please come and rule and reign in our hearts.

      Father, please clothe us with the strength and power of your Holy Spirit.

Surely the world is established, so that it cannot be moved. (Psalm 93:1b)
      Jesus, so much that seemed solid and enduring in the church and in our culture has given way; please help us find a steady foothold in you.

Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting. (Psalm 93:2)
      Jesus, you are from everlasting to everlasting; you have defeated death and the grave. Come visit us with your power at the Diocesan Convention.

The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. (Psalm 93:3)
      Father, the floods of ungodliness have risen up in the Episcopal Church and they threaten to overwhelm us. com and visit us in our hour of need.

The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea. (Psalm 93:4)
      Jesus, please speak your word, “Peace, be still,” to the gathering storm in the Episcopal Church.

Your testimonies are very sure; holiness adorns your house, O LORD, forever. (Psalm 93:5)
      Jesus, please let the homes of this diocese be your dwelling place and bring us to holiness.

       A word received: Let me be your guide through these days. Keep your eyes on me where true joy and hope may be found. Turn to me for what only I can do.

Sunday: 93, 96; Ecclesiasticus 43:1-12 or Leviticus 25:1-17; 1 Timothy 3:14-4:5; Matthew 13:24-34a
Monday: 80; Deuteronomy 8:1-10; James 1:1-15; Luke 9:18-27

Albany Intercessor

Luke 8:49-56

While he was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.” (Luke 8:49)
      Jesus, we keep hearing reports that the Episcopal Church is dead.

But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” (Luke 8:50)
      Holy Spirit, please help us believe in Jesus and trust that you can revive the Episcopal Church.

When he came into the house, he permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. (Luke 8:51)
      Father, please help us follow Jesus’ directions in all circumstances.

Now all wept and mourned for her; but he said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.” (Luke 8:52)
      Jesus, we pray this is true of the Episcopal Church as well.

And they ridiculed him, knowing that she was dead. (Luke 8:53)
      Holy Spirit, we are so often blinded by circumstances, help us see with the eyes of faith.

But he put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.” (Luke 8:54)
      Jesus, take all of us in the Episcopal Church and speak your word of healing and restoration to us.

Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And he commanded that she be given something to eat. (Luke 8:55)
      Father, we pray that your Holy Spirit will return with power to the body of your son, the church.

And her parents were astonished, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened. (Luke 8:56)
      Jesus, help us know when it is time to speak and time to be silent. Thank you.

      A word received: Turn to me, I will protect you. Turn to me in the day of trouble and I will be with you. Keep your eyes on me.

Friday: 106:1-18; Wisdom 16:15-17:1 or Leviticus 23:1-22; Romans 14:13-23; Luke 8:40-56
Saturday: 75, 76; Wisdom 19:1-8, 18-22 or Leviticus 23:23-44; Romans 15:1-13; Luke 9:1-17

       Notes from the Front Line

***** Pray for the diocese and the Diocesan Convention, that Jesus will restore us to new life in him.

Albany Intercessor

Psalm 71:1-3

In you, O LORD, I put my trust; let me never be put to shame. (Psalm 71:1)
      Father, we look to you and put our trust in you. Have mercy on us. Guide us by your Holy Spirit.

Deliver me in your righteousness, and cause me to escape; incline your ear to me, and save me. (Psalm 71:2)
      Jesus, we cry out to you for this diocese and its leaders: guide us into your ways and righteousness.

Be my strong refuge, to which I may resort continually; you have given the commandment to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. (Psalm 71:3)
      Jesus, you are our strong tower, our refuge, and our hope; we flee to you in the gathering storm in the Episcopal Church. Help us as a diocese to hold steady in you. Thank you for the faithful witnesses you have raised up to guide and direct us.

A word received: Pray for my righteousness to be at work in my church. Pray for my peace to be at work in my church. Pray for new hope and life for my people in my church.

Thursday: [70], 71; Wisdom 14:27-15:3 or Leviticus 19:26-37; Romans 14:1-12; Luke 8:26-39
Friday: 106:1-18; Wisdom 16:15-17:1 or Leviticus 23:1-22; Romans 14:13-23; Luke 8:40-56

       Notes from the Front Line

***** Pray for the Diocesan Convention to be a meeting place between brothers and sisters who love one another.

***** Date: Wed, 13 May 2009
From: Marilyn S. Kitler
Subject: Healing Conference in Maine
Dear Torre,
       Nigel Mumford will be coming to a parish in Lisbon Maine beginning 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, followed by coming to Acadia Christian School for the Healing Conference that Church of Our Father is sponsoring on Friday, June 12 through Saturday, June 13, and leaving after the 9:00 service (about 11:00) on Sunday, June 14. We would deeply appreciate your help with a prayer vigil for this time. We are looking forward to the Holy Spirit stirring up this diocese for His purposes!
Marilyn

Albany Intercessor

Deaf

No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.” Luke 8:16-25

O Lord,
We in the Epsicopal Church are so deaf. Teach Your children to consider carefully how we listen so that we can hear Your voice! Lead us to the passages of scripture that You wish us to reflect upon. Stir a spirit of repentance. Place in our hands the media You wish us to digest. Only in You can we gain understanding and lift high the light of Christ. Amen.

Luke 8:16-18

“No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light.” (Luke 8:16)
      Holy Spirit, please guide every priest, deacon, and lay person in this diocese so that the light of the gospel clearly shines forth in every parish. We pray for all visitors to the parishes of the diocese that they will be drawn to that light.

“For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.” (Luke 8:17)
      Jesus, please let your light clearly show forth the inner workings of the leadership of the Episcopal Church.

“Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.” (Luke 8:18 )
      Father, please give us ears to hear what your Spirit is saying to the Episcopal Church. So many live in spiritual poverty; have mercy and help them make those choices which will lead them into your provision. Thank you.

       A word received 4/9/2008: Elijah was a man of my choosing. Pray that I will raise up such among you — men and women who will call my people back to me.

       A word received: Pray for my people; pray they will come to me at the “Tent of Meeting.” (Leviticus 16:17) I long to meet with my people. I long to show them my love. I long to meet with them. David came and sat down before me and met with me; (2 Samuel 7:18 ) how I long for my people to do that.

Wednesday: 72; Wisdom 13:1-9 or Leviticus 19:1-18; Romans 13:1-14; Luke 8:16-25
Thursday: [70], 71; Wisdom 14:27-15:3 or Leviticus 19:26-37; Romans 14:1-12; Luke 8:26-39

       Notes from the Front Line

***** Pray for all those attending the Diocesan Convention that they will meet the Lord there in a new and refreshing way.

***** Back in January of 1989 I was asked to give the sermon at a parish in the diocese. These are the words I received as I prayed about the lessons for that day.
            LESSONS FOR Sunday January 15, 1989
      Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 96; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11
A word received: Torre, I want you to share the joy I take, the delight I take in my people. I have invited you all into my wedding feast. I want you to know that even now I have better to give you than you have received before. Just as I provided better wine than was served before, so I have better, richer gifts for you. Look at the gifts I have for you in Corinthians. I want you to see that these gifts are my joy to give you, because I am giving of myself, my Spirit. Look at the passage in Isaiah and see the joy that I take in my people as they offer themselves to me as a bride offers herself to the bridegroom. Look at the psalm. I want you to sing a new song to me in response to my love for you. I want your joy to be complete and full. Sing to me, rejoice with me.

“For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent.” (Isaiah 62:1-5)
A word received: I want my people to be like that, unable to keep silent because of their burning desire to see the vindication and restoration of my city Jerusalem and of my people. I want you to see the glorious promises I have for my people. They shall be a people restored. They shall be a people whose salvation is a light to the nations. I want you to urge my people to prayer for the restoration of my people. Think of the many Christians and Jews who are called by my name and do not know me. Join me in intercession for my people. Pray that my promises will be fulfilled for my people.

Psalm 96
A word received: My people are called to sing for joy before me. They are called to join in with all of my creation. All at the trees of the fields will clap their hands for joy. Don’t do less. Sing and exult at my coming as a bride rejoices to see her bridegroom. I want you to see the joy that is set before you. I love you. I desire your love and your joy in me.

1 Corinthians 12:1-11
A word received: I want you to love one another. I want you to desire the gifts of my Spirit that your brothers and sisters will be built up. I want you to see these gifts as gifts of love that you can receive for the blessing and building up of my body. Desire them because I offer them to you. Desire them out of my love for you and your brothers and sisters. Desire them for the love you bear for one another and for me.

John 2:1-11
A word received: Torre, I want you to see that I have more for my people than they expect. I want you to see the expectations of the steward of the wedding feast. He is like so many in the church expecting the poorer sort of wine now. He is like so many. They have tasted of me, but no longer expect better from the feast. Think of the joy that is at this wedding feast. You have come to the banquet of the living God. Rejoice for I have much better than you ever expected from me.

How to preach:
A word received: Ask me to work in your heart and in your mind this week. Ask me to reshape the way you present my word.

Albany Intercessor

Newly elected members of ACC Standing Committee

In follow up to my post yesterday about the pending election of ACC Standing Committee members, here are the results, courtesy of Anglican Mainstream:

New members of the Standing Committee of the AAC

Dato Stanley Isaacs (South East Asia),
Bishop Azad Marshall (Iran),
Rec Dr Ian Douglas (TEC) and
Dr Anthony Fitchett (New Zealand)

were elected for the four vacancies on the ACC Standing Committee

Isaacs and Marshall are both solidly orthodox to my understanding and Isaacs took some strong stands at this latest ACC meeting as various reports indicate. Douglas is an extreme revisionist. Fitchett, I don’t know much about, but I think the whole NZ delegation was quite liberal.

If this is indeed a 2-2 split, it matches the division we saw in other votes where the split was basically 32-31. The Communion is deeply divided.

May the Lord give Isaacs and Marshall both wisdom in how they should serve Him in this new role.

Easter Quotes: Maximus of Turin – The Light of Christ is an Endless Day

A great Easter Season Quote found yesterday at Victor Hoagland’s blog.

“Yes, we have the light of Christ, but it is a light that shines in darkness. The light of Christ is an endless day that knows no night. Christ is this day, says the Apostle; such is the meaning of his words: Night is almost over; day is at hand. He tells us that night is almost over, not that it is about to fall… This is why John the evangelist says: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never been able to overpower it.

And so, my brothers and sisters, each of us ought surely to rejoice on this holy day. Let no one, conscious of his sinfulness, withdraw from our common celebration, nor let anyone be kept away from our public prayer by the burden of his guilt. Sinner he may indeed be, but he must not despair of pardon on this day which is so highly privileged; for if a thief could receive the grace of paradise, how could a Christian be refused forgiveness?”

– Maximus of Turin’s reflections on Jesus Christ, “Light from Light.”

Read the full entry here.

Luke 8:1-8

Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, (Luke 8:1)
      Jesus, please pass through every city and village of this diocese and cause the preaching of the glad tidings of the kingdom of God to take place. Please bring revival and a deep and lasting move of your Holy Spirit among us. Prepare our hearts for the Diocesan Convention and what you will do there.

and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities–Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for him from their substance. (Luke 8:2-3)
      Lord, we pray for all those women who minister to you through the altar guilds, the Daughters of the King, the Sisters of St. Mary, and in other ways: bless and anoint their ministry and move the hearts of many other women to join them.

And when a great multitude had gathered, and they had come to him from every city, he spoke by a parable: (Luke 8:4)
      Jesus, draw multitudes to yourself and speak to their hearts. Speak to my heart, Lord Jesus. Thank you.

“A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.” When He had said these things He cried, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Luke 8:5-8 )
      Father, please give us ears to hear what is being said in this parable. The good seed which has sown among us has often fallen on stony ground where there is no moisture from your Holy Spirit. Other seed is being chocked by the cares and agenda of the world. Yet some seed falls on good soil and yields a huge crop. Help us to be good soil where the seed of your word will produce a fruitful harvest for the kingdom of God. Father, please give us ears to hear what Jesus is saying to us. Thank you.

       A word received: Wait for me; do not rush ahead of my word to you. Don’t plow ahead; wait for me. I will guide you step by step if you ask me to do that.

Tuesday: 61, 62; Wisdom 10:1-4(5-12)13-21 or Leviticus 16:20-34; Romans 12:1-21; Luke 8:1-15
Wednesday: 72; Wisdom 13:1-9 or Leviticus 19:1-18; Romans 13:1-14; Luke 8:16-25

       Notes from the Front Line

***** Pray for all those attending the Diocesan Convention that they will be good soil and receive God’s word in their hearts.

Albany Intercessor

Chaos and Pause

Three weeks ago, the Lord dropped a word into my spirit as I awoke: Chaos.

Election of ACC Standing Committee

Over at Anglican Mainstream there is this post today:

I’m not quite sure when the actual balloting will take place, nor how much the election matters given all that’s transpired, but I do feel it’s important to post this for the record.

Nominees for ACC Standing Committee Announced

The following have already been elected during this meeting:
Chair: Bishop James Tengatenga, Central Africa
Vice Chair: Canon Elizabeth Paver, England

The Following will remain on the Standing Committee:
Mrs Philippa Amable, West Africa
Bishop Kumara Illangasinghe, Ceylon
Ms Nomfundo Walaza, Southern Africa

The Following are standing for election to the Standing Committee: (There are four open spots on the ACC standing committee.)

* The Rev Canon Mwita Akiri, PhD, Anglican Church of Tanzania
* Mrs Helen Biggin, Church in Wales
* Professor Juanildo Albuquerque Burity, Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil
* The Revd Ian T Douglas, PhD, The Episcopal Church
* The Revd Dr Maurice Elliott, Church of Ireland
* Dr Anthony Fitchett, Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand & Polynesia
* Dato’ Stanley Isaacs, Province of South East Asia
* The Ven Dr Sarah Macneil, Anglican Church of Australia
* The Rt. Revd Azad Marshall, Episcopal Church in Jerusalem & the Middle East
* The Rt Revd Susan Moxley, Anglican Church of Canada
* Ms Sarah Tomlinson, Scottish Episcopal Church