Matthew 5:23-24 and Sunday School Lesson

“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24)
      Lord Jesus Christ, please help us bring reconciliation with our brothers and sisters as our gift to you. Help us live out our love for you by loving those around us. Thank you for your love for us. Thank you for laying down your life for us.

STUDY GUIDE: SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 19, February 13, 2011
            Lectionary A, Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
Theme Verse: “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Readings: Matthew 5:21-37; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Psalm 119:9-16
Optional: Galatians 5:13-26; Matthew 15:10-11, 18-19, Psalms 50:14, 51:17, 116:17
Memory Verse: I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11)
Next Week: Matthew 5:38-48; 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23; Leviticus 19:1-2,9-18, Psalm 71:19-24

      Gospel: Matthew 5:21-37

A word received: Pray for my people to know their hearts and bring them to me for cleansing by my Holy Spirit.

A word received: It is time for the children and the adults to learn to recognize the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. They should spend some time identifying these in TV programs they see regularly. I want them to recognize each and make the choice to reject the works of the flesh and walk in my Spirit and let his fruit grow in you.

Psalm 50:14 “offer thanksgiving”
Psalm 51:17 “a broken and contrite heart”
Psalm 116:17: “offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving“

      Epistle: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

(verse 9) A word received: You are my field and I want to plant in you seeds that will grow into good fruit.

      Psalm: Psalm 119:9-16

A word received: Here is the way forward; here is the way to grow in me: hide my word in your heart. Seek me, pursue me. I AM waiting.

Sunday: 66, 67 * 19, 46; Isaiah 62:6-12; 1 John 2:3-11; John 8:12-19
HC: 119:1-16 or 119:9-16; Ecclesiasticus 15:11-20; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-24,27-30,33-37
Monday: 89:1-18 * 89:19-52; Isaiah 63:1-6; 1 Timothy 1:1-17; Mark 11:1-11

      Notes from the Front Line

***** I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent, and give him no rest till he establishes and till he makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth. (Isaiah 62:6-7)
      Holy Spirit, please give us a heart for standing watch in prayer.

Albany Intercessor

A heart for all the nations

Father in heaven, when You created Adam and Eve, did You not instruct them to take dominion over the whole earth? Dear Jesus, when You commissioned Your disciples, did You not tell them to make disciples of all nations? Holy Spirit, when You descended in the upper room, did You not cause the disciples to speak in many languages?
You are a great God, who has a heart for all of the nations. Therefore, in confidence we pray for all of the nations in the the Middle East–Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Turkey. Were not the Garden of Eden and Golgotha and the upper room in this region? We pray for Your kingdom and Your will to be manifest throughout this region. We pray for Your blessings and mercies. We pray for Your love. Amen.

Prayer Table Report

Christ Church Schenectady Prayer Table Report, Saturday, February 12, 2011, 9:25 – 10:35 a.m. Cold but OK. Torre Bissell and Sue Plaske on State St., Mark Pasko, and Carol MacNaughton on Albany St.
+–indicates received a wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina

State St:
We had Words for three of the men. Two of them started to cry.

[We have begun to wonder if the house next door is being used as a crack house again. We prayed that God would shut down any activity like that.]

A man went into the house briefly.

Bill (regular) — “Health problems.” We prayed for good health and freedom from epilepsy, and for a wife and companion for Bill.

+William — “For my family.” We prayed for the Father’s love for this family.

+Pablo (Spanish speaking, has come before) — We prayed for blessing on him and his family.

Steve (regular) — We prayed for God to bring opportunity for him to start his own business.

A woman with a purple coat walked by. She said she had just received prayer at the prayer table on Albany Street.

+Alfredo — We prayed for a job for him and for enduring strength and for the Lord to bless his marriage with Nellie. He offered his burdens to God and we prayed with him.

Ebony and Dianna — we prayed for blessing on the Macedonia 7th Day Adventist Church on Swan St. We prayed for the Holy Spirit to come with power there and for the Holy Spirit to speak to the people through Ebony and Dianna.

Dravinda and Vishun –Two young Hindu men from Guyana.

+Anthony (regular) — his wife Alethea miscarried during the week. He now has a job through a temp agency. We prayed for them to receive other children and for him to get a permanent job.

+Michael and +Michelin — We prayed for them to know the Father’s love.

+Goben — We prayed for his family.

Albany St:

Two of the women who were prayed for started crying.

+Sikinn — did not know what to ask, all things — going through a hard time.

+Melissa, +Janessa, +Hennessy, +Shaduie, +Thanny

Mark — rest

David — Fears, ability to concentrate.

Taquna, Lowman, Nayanna, Taiyanna, Sharod

Barbara — the world, this country, people who do not believe in God, the children to know Christ.

In the balance

Barnabas Aid reports further persecution of Christians (killing of two families, but the link is no longer working). Dr Patrick Sookhdeo, International Director of Barnabas Aid, said: “It is clear that there is a direct relationship between the breakdown of security in Egypt and the increased vulnerability of Christians. They have limited human protection. We must pray that the Good Shepherd will watch over His people in Egypt.
On the other hand, Ann Alexander reports a solidarity of Muslims and Christians on Tehrir Square. On reading Alexander’s account, I came to the conclusion that our prayers, and the prayers of many, many people around the world, do make a difference.
The next government hangs in the balance. Will it be a secular democracy or a military dictatorship or an Islamic caliphate?

Ezekiel 22:30 (King James Version)
And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

O Father,
Raise the alarm! Raise up intercessors for the land of Egypt. We cry out for this land and proclaim Your kingdom come, Your will be done in Egypt as it is in heaven. Amen.

2 Timothy 4:1-8 and Matthew 5:38-48

I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom: (2 Timothy 4:1)
      Holy Spirit, help us receive this charge.

Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. (2 Timothy 4:2)
      Father, please help us all minister in this way.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
      Jesus, we have come to such a time; lead us through it step by step.

      A word received: Walk with me; let me lead you step by step.

But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:5)
      Bless Bishop Bill and all our clergy. Help them to be watchful in all things. Jesus, please raise up many evangelists throughout this diocese. Help the laity hear the call to share the good news.

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:6-7)
      Father, thank you for all your faithful ministers in this diocese who have fought the good fight.

Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:8 )
      Jesus, thank you for the hope of glory that you have given us.

Saturday: 87, 90 * 136; Isaiah 61:10-62:5; 2 Timothy 4:1-8; Mark 10:46-52
Sunday: 66, 67 * 19, 46; Isaiah 62:6-12; 1 John 2:3-11; John 8:12-19
HC: 119:1-16 or 119:9-16; Ecclesiasticus 15:11-20; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-24,27-30,33-37

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Please pray for the people of Egypt.

***** “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:38-48 )
      A word received: This is love: love which reaches out and embraces those who oppose you. Look to me: let me guide your love so that the fruit of my Spirit is produced.

Albany Intercessor

Wait upon the Lord

Isaiah 40:31 (New King James Version)
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.

of our readers. Printed with permission.

In a Victorian or pre-V British novel, I discovered the phrase ‘wait upon’ used to mean ‘doing a person the honor of coming to call at their home, ‘waiting upon’ them to appear or summon the caller into their presence, where they would delight to bestow the riches of their home, provisions and possessions in order to refresh, restore their guest from your journey: food, drink, music, poetry, art, conversation, lodging, even supplying refuge and sanctuary if circumstances required.’ The speaker was chiding the other person that they had not come to wait upon him and he was sad not to spend time with him and bestow the bounties of his hospitality upon his friend. That changed the meaning of Isaiah 40:31 for me forever.

Cairo

Cairo, literally “The Vanquisher” or “The Conqueror”, is the capital of Egypt, the largest city in Africa.

Christ Jesus,
You have died and risen. You are seated at the right hand of the Father, making intercessions for Egypt. Nothing, not tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword shall separate Egypt from Your love. You are the conqueror of all things.
May the Christians in Egypt and around the globe be more than conquerors through You. We join our intercessions to Yours and stand in agreement with You before the Father’s throne. We cry out for Tehrir Square and Cairo.
God’s love is in You and cannot be defeated by death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature. God’s love cannot be defeated in Tehrir Square, in Cairo, and in Egypt. We speak God’s love over Tehrir Square and Cairo. Love! Love! Love!

2 Timothy 3:10-17

But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra–what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:10-12)
      Holy Spirit, instruct us and enable us to get through whatever persecutions we encounter. Please give us strength to endure; that having stood all, we might yet stand.

But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:13)
      Jesus, set your people throughout this diocese free from deception.

But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, (2 Timothy 3:14)
      Father, please continue to raise up teachers among us that will lead us in your way.

and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15)
      Jesus, please grant us the wisdom that comes from knowing your Scriptures and hearing your call.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16)
      Father, please help us receive what you have given us in your Scriptures. Thank you.

that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:17)
      Holy Spirit, equip us daily for the work you have prepared for us to walk in.

Friday: 88 * 91, 92; Isaiah 61:1-9; 2 Timothy 3:1-17; Mark 10:32-45
Saturday: 87, 90 * 136; Isaiah 61:10-62:5; 2 Timothy 4:1-8; Mark 10:46-52

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Please pray for the people of Egypt.

Albany Intercessor

Tahrir Square

Tahrir means liberation.

Oh, for the liberation that can only come from love, dear Lord. Fill this square with Your love and mercy. Amen.

Egypt

Father in heaven,
We come before You in humility. We have not prayed for our Egyptian brothers and sisters in their suffering as heartily as we might have. Have mercy, Lord. Have mercy.
We ask You to bless the nation of Egypt. Like a shepherd that leads his flock to still waters and green grass, lead these people to a place of restoration and quiet. Be with this nation as it walks through the valley of the shadow of death and bring it to fullness of life.
We particularly ask Your blessings on the protestors and security forces at Tahrir Square in Cairo. You know their needs. Rain down upon them a spirit of gentleness, goodness, and patience. Pour out upon them a spirit of hopeful perseverance rather than impetuous anger. May the peace that passeth understanding wash over Tahrir Square and the city of Cairo. We speak peace over this land. Amen.

Mark 10:17-22

Now as he was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’” And he answered and said to him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” (Mark 10:17-20)
      Holy Spirit, please help us move on past keeping the commandments to trusting Jesus with our lives, our wallets and our time.

Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, (Mark 10:21a)
      Father, help us receive the love that Jesus is pouring out on us and share it with others.

“One thing you lack:” (Mark 10:21b)
      Holy Spirit, help us recognize what we lack and can find only in Jesus.

“Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven;” (Mark 10:21c)
      Father, please help us recognize and give up anything that stands in the way of following Jesus.

“and come, take up the cross, and follow me.” (Mark 10:21d)
      Jesus, please help us throughout this diocese take up the cross each day and follow you.

But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. (Mark 10:22)
      LORD, so many hearts are chocked by the cares and riches of the world. Even now, draw them to you. Help us surrender our time to you and spend time in prayer. Thank you.

A word received: Look to me for light on your path.

Thursday: [83] or 146, 147 * 85, 86; Isaiah 60:1-17; 2 Timothy 2:14-26; Mark 10:17-31
Friday: 88 * 91, 92; Isaiah 61:1-9; 2 Timothy 3:1-17; Mark 10:32-45

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Archdeacon Harvey Huth has asked me to coordinate a prayer vigil for the visitation of the Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts-Schori and her party as they visit this diocese from Thursday, March 10th 3 PM through Sunday, March 13th 3 PM. He has requested daily prayer coverage starting at 7 AM (except her day of arrival) and ending 10 PM.
      Please pray that her visit will be a blessing for her and for this diocese.

Albany Intercessor

Egypt prayer guide

Generals International is a prayer ministry for the nations. They have issued a detailed and sobering prayer guide for Egypt. The sections of the guide include protest marches, the breach of prisons, problems in the Sinai, US government response, Egypt’s arms build-up, Coptic Christians, oil prices, and other nations.

Our Father in heaven,
As a US citizen I confess that my nation has sold arms to Egypt; has allegedly worked for a change in regime; and is trying to influence the current crisis. Have mercy, Lord. Have mercy.
Would that we looked to Your sovereignty to influence the nations and used prayer, rather than political and monetary favors. Have mercy. The Middle East is in Your hands, Lord. Please use that which was meant for evil for good. Guard us from a World War. We pray for the peace of Egypt.
Israel gave us Your laws, Your prophets, and Your Son, the Messiah. Do not let Satan have his way with Israel. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Amen.

Prayer Vigil for the Visit of the Presiding Bishop to the Diocese of Albany

A word received: Look to me for light on your path.

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Archdeacon Harvey Huth has asked me to coordinate a prayer vigil for the visitation of the Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts-Schori and her party as they visit this diocese from Thursday, March 10th 3 PM through Sunday, March 13th 3 PM. He has requested daily prayer coverage starting at 7 AM (except her day of arrival) and ending 10 PM.
      Please sign up for 2 or 3 half-hour segments:
      Thursday, March 10th 3 PM – 10 PM
      Friday, March 11th 7 AM – 10 PM
      Saturday, March 11th 7 AM – 10 PM
      Sunday, March 11th 7 AM – 10 PM
      [If your only free time for prayer is outside these hours, feel free to sign up for those times in half-hour blocks.]
      Please pray that her visit will be a blessing for her and for this diocese.
      Send me an e-mail telling me the half-hour segments you can pray at torre.bissell@verizon.net or write to me at PO Box 9663, Schenectady, NY 12309-0663. Thank you.

Albany Intercessor

Eritrea

Informative article on religious persecution in Eritrea. Eritrea became independent of Ethiopia in 1993. Its constitution has never been implemented. The government is radical Marxist and is systematically eliminating all relgion, Christianity and Islam. Tens of thousands of young people risk being shot to flee Eritrea for refugee camps in Sudan or Ethiopia.
The Most Rev. Dr. Mouneer Hanna Anis is Bishop of the Episcopal / Anglican Diocese of Egypt with North Africa and the Horn of Africa. This diocese stretches from Algeria to Somalia and includes Eritrea.

Open Doors has an Eritrea prayer guide here (pdf). The guide lists imprisoned pastors. Below is an excerpt from the guide:

 Ask God to sustain the more than 2,200 Christians who remain in prison across Eritrea. Pray that God would encourage them and give them the strength to remain faithful to Christ
 Pray especially for the mental health of those imprisoned in shipping containers. Those who have experienced this have called it ‘maddening’.
 Pray for comfort and peace for the families of the prisoners, many of whom have not seen their loved ones for years
 Ask God to provide for the needs of those families who have lost their breadwinner

Lord Jesus,
The woman with the issue of blood touched the fringe of Your garment and was healed. Would that You could spread Your garment over Eritrea. Stem the flow of the martyrs’ blood!
Open a portal in heaven over the land where the martyrs’ blood cries out. Your kingdom come, Your will be done in the nation of Eritrea as it is in heaven. Your kingdom come, Your will be done in every sector of its society–religion, family, government, education, finance, media, industry, agriculture, and arts. Amen.

2 Timothy 2:1-5

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:1)
      Father, please help all your sons and daughters in this diocese find their strength in the grace that is you son, Jesus Christ.

And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2)
      Holy Spirit, come among us in the Episcopal Church and throughout this diocese and raise up many to teach and lead your people in the faith once given to the saints.

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 2:3)
      Jesus, please give us strength to endure; give us this day’s strength.

No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. (2 Timothy 2:4)
      Holy Spirit, thank you for enlisting us as soldiers for Christ Jesus; please keep our hearts from being entangled in the cares of the world.

And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. (2 Timothy 2:5)
      Father, you established the rules of the competition in your word; help us compete according to your rules and not the rules of the world. Thank you.

A word received: Look to me; I AM the rock from which you were hewn.

Wednesday: 119:97-120 * 81, 82; Isaiah 59:15b-21; 2 Timothy 1:15-2:13; Mark 10:1-16
Thursday: [83] or 146, 147 * 85, 86; Isaiah 60:1-17; 2 Timothy 2:14-26; Mark 10:17-31

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Pray for the Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts-Schori and her husband Richard.

***** Please pray for the people of Egypt and those who minister to them.

***** Please pray for the Welcome Home Initiative.

Albany Intercessor