Acts 4:12-33

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
      Holy Spirit, set us free from all cultural and religious relativism and syncretism, and help us faithfully acknowledge that it is only through Jesus that we can be saved.

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)
      Jesus, move among the laity of this diocese and give all who walk with you boldness to be faithful witnesses to the truth of the gospel.

And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. (Acts 4:14)
      Father, empower our witness to Jesus by the signs and wonders and healing that you work among us by your Holy Spirit.

But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.” So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. (Acts 4:15-18 )
      Lord Jesus, do not let us be intimidated by those in authority who would stop us from sharing the full gospel. Thank you.

But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-20)
      Holy Spirit, strengthen our resolve to know nothing except Jesus Christ and him crucified and risen from the dead, and strengthen our determination to share this good news.

So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed. (Acts 4:21-22)
      Father, it is not a theory that we proclaim, but it is our experience of Jesus Christ and his saving work in our lives that gives us the power to proclaim him.

And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, you are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, who by the mouth of your servant David have said: ‘Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things? The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the LORD and against his Christ.’ “For truly against your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. (Acts 4:23-28 )
      Lord Jesus, accomplish your full purpose among us.

“Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to your servants that with all boldness they may speak your word, by stretching out your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” (Acts 4:29-30)
      Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to us your servants that with all boldness we may speak your word, by stretching out your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31)
      Holy Spirit, shake us, sift us, and fill us anew so that we speak the word of God with boldness.

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. (Acts 4:32)
      Jesus, bring us to one heart and one mind in you.

And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. (Acts 4:33)
      Jesus, bless the witness of Bishops Bill Love, Dan Herzog, David Ball, Dave Bena, Harold Miller, and Mike Chapman to your resurrection so that your great grace may be upon all of us. Thank you.

We cry out to you, Lord Jesus Christ:
      You are the way, the truth, and the life.
Please teach us where we are currently in ignorance,
      That we may know your truth and abide in it.
Show us where we are stumbling in the darkness,
      And guide us back into your way.
Establish us in the life of your Spirit
      That we correctly discern the true from the false;
And guard us from all false teaching
      And knowledge that would be hurtful to us.
Father, defend us evermore
      Through your son Jesus Christ our Lord. Thank you.
(Bishop Westcott revised)

A word received: Cry out to me for my lost sheep who have wandered away.

Saturday: 87, 90 * 136; 1 Samuel 4:1b-11 Acts 4:32-5:11 Luke 21:20-28
Eve of Trinity Sunday; — * 104; Ecclus. 42:15-25; Ephesians 3:14-21
Sunday: 66, 67 * 19, 46; 1 Samuel 4:12-22 James 1:1-18 Matthew 19:23-30
Trinity Sunday; 146, 147 * 111, 112, 113; Ecclus. 43:1-12(27-33); Ephesians 4:1-16; John 1:1-18
HC: 150 or Canticle 2;      Genesis 1:1-2:3; 2 Corinthians 13:(5-10)11-14 or 13; Matthew 28:16-20

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Give Dad gift of forgiveness on Father’s Day By DIANE CAMERON
First published in print: Saturday, June 19, 2010
      In the book, “Alcoholics Anonymous,” Bill Wilson wrote, “Resentment is the number one offender.” You might expect the founder of AA to say that booze or too much drinking was the big problem. But no, Wilson, 20th-century self-made philosopher and self-made alcoholic, knew better.
      He continued in the same paragraph, “From resentment flows all forms of spiritual disease.”
      Most of us know that, but it’s hard to get unstuck when a good, juicy resentment takes hold of you, so I like this pithier saying: “Holding a resentment is like setting yourself on fire and hoping the other person dies of smoke inhalation.”
      Resentment as a topic as Father’s Day approaches? But of course.
      All of us had fathers. And with today’s social changes — divorce and remarriage — some of us have two or more, so there’s plenty of fuel for those fires. Our parents disappoint us and we, in our turn, disappoint our children. In some families the injuries are bad: Fathers may abuse, abandon, deprive or neglect. What do you do when you smell the smoke?
      The antidote to resentment is, of course, forgiveness. Perhaps that will be the theme for some sermons tomorrow and surely a forgiveness story will show up on the Hallmark Channel as well. But life is not a made-for-TV movie, so how do you save yourself from the heat of resentment?
      I had to extinguish a fiery resentment that I carried for years about my father. When I was young, my dad worked many hours, traveled a lot, left us with my mother, who was ill, and then died young.
      I had a big box of matches and I struck them all over myself. I had this idea that I just didn’t get what I needed from my father. More than one therapist agreed that my “issues” did indeed come from that deprivation. That intellectual understanding helped me to a certain degree but it also functioned as dry tinder for my favorite fire.
      Then a few years ago on a retreat, I was telling my story and the retreat leader gave me a surprising bit of redirection.
      I was telling her how my dad had maybe given me 30 to 40 percent of what I needed as a kid and, well, poor me and bad him.
      ”Well, yes,” the retreat leader said, “He may have only given you 40 percent percent of what you needed but what if 40 percent was all he had?” (He was a man whose parents died when he was young. He had grown up in poverty and he’d never been given a minute of emotional resource he could rely on).
      ”So, she continued, “when your dad gave you that 40 percent, he was really giving you 100 percent of what he had.”
      It was like a bucket of cold water poured on my head.
      A proverb says: “A father is a son’s first hero and a daughter’s first love.” And human nature says that a father is likely to be a son or daughter’s first disappointment.
      To forgive does not mean to pardon, it means to let go. Jesus, another great teacher, said, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” In his language, Aramaic, he used the word shaw for forgive; shaw means “to untie.”
      So if you have tied yourself to a resentment that is pulling you down — or if like me you set yourself on fire with victim-approved matches — untie yourself. Forgive your father and free yourself.
      Forgiveness makes a great Father’s Day gift. You give it to yourself.
Diane Cameron is a Capital Region writer. Her e-mail address is dcameron6@nycap.rr.com.

Albany Intercessor

Fr. Dale Matson on natural disasters

We have been in a season of natural disasters. Fr. Matson penned a prayer for his blog Soundings.

Lord watch over those who have survived. Comfort the grieving. Orient the lost and confused. Placate the angry and give peace to the frightened. Provide meaning and purpose for the suffering that it may be redemptive and not destructive. May they reach out to others that share a common bond and remember those things that allow them to continue and transcend their current station. Give new roots to the uprooted. Restore the workplace and the economy for the sake of their dignity and independence. Extend Your mercy and Send consolations to the broken and broken hearted.

Protect those who search and administer help, from injury, despair and exhaustion. Give wisdom and courage to those who administer relief. Let them not be overwhelmed. Let them receive mercy as they extend mercy.

Knit together those of us who watch or hear from a distance, with those who weep. Help us to lend our prayers and share our goods. Let us not be overcome, walk by or look away. Show us how to help. May we see You in them and shed tears for those no longer able to do so. Lord our sorrow for them runs so deep, we struggle to breathe.

Give eternal peace and rest to those who perished. May they remain with You forever and may they remain with us, hidden and protected in the innermost sanctuary of our hearts. May we be united in heavenly communion with them here and reunited with them when we depart to be with You in Your Heavenly Kingdom. Amen

Acts 2:37-47

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (Acts 2:36)
      Holy Spirit, help us confront the reality of our sin so that we may truly repent.

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37)
      Jesus, move the hearts of all those you are calling to yourself today to ask that question of your witnesses: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38 )
      Help each of us, Father, know what to say that will point people to Jesus.

“For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:39)
      Lord, we pray that all of our children and grandchildren will receive this promise of new life in you.

And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” (Acts 2:40)
      Lord Jesus, save your people from the hands of this perverse generation.

Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. (Acts 2:41)
      Holy Father, help all of us receive your word with joy and gladness.

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42)
      Jesus, please help us continue steadfastly in the apostolic teaching and doctrine, in the fellowship of your Holy Spirit, in the breaking of bread, and in prayer.

Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. (Acts 2:43)
      Jesus, work your signs and wonders among us, and give us eyes to see what you are doing and ears to hear what your are saying.

Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. (Acts 2:44-45)
      Holy Spirit, bless our common life together and help us support and help one another as there is any need.

So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, (Acts 2:46)
      Holy Spirit, bring us to a steady participation in the life of prayer and breaking of bread in your church. Bring us to gladness and simplicity of heart and of life.

praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:47)
      Father, fill our hearts and your church with the praise of you and your son and your Holy Spirit. Add to our numbers daily those who are being saved. Thank you.

A word received: Don’t be afraid.

Friday: 88 * 91, 92; 1 Samuel 3:1-21 Acts 2:37-47 Luke 21:5-19
Saturday: 87, 90 * 136; 1 Samuel 4:1b-11 Acts 4:32-5:11 Luke 21:20-28

Albany Intercessor

Israel

Dear Heavenly Father,
When Your servant Noah was in the ark, he released a dove. On departing from the ark, he built the first altar and honored You.
We call forth a release of the Holy Spirit over Israel. May it alight in the hearts of Your people and move in power to set them free from the power of Satan, to overcome sin and death, and to transform them to become fully devoted followers and witnesses of Jesus Christ. May they do the works of Jesus, and even greater works. Amen.
Romans 8:1-2, Luke 10:19, Acts 1:8, John 14:12

Boundaries from Israel to Sudan

Acts 17:26
and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation

Father,
There is much geopolitical and spiritual warfare over the land that the Ethiopian eunuch traversed so long ago. We stand on the truth of Your word. The boundaries of Israel, Gaza, Egypt, Sudan, Southern Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea are appointed by You. We claim the shed blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, over these boundaries. May the Blood stand like a wall, blocking all sorcery and wickedness.
Jesus, You are the shield of Israel and Southern Sudan! Amen.

Acts 8:26-40

Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is desert. (Acts 8:26)
      LORD, please help us hear and respond to your promptings as Philip did.

So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.” (Acts 8:27-29)
      Holy Spirit, guide us as you did Philip in knowing with whom we should speak.

So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” (Acts 8:30)
      Holy Spirit, help us run as Philip did to those divine appointments you set up. Help us hear the questions that are on the heart of those you want us to speak with.

And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. (Acts 8:31)
      Jesus, help us be good and faithful guides.

The place in the Scripture which he read was this: “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opened not his mouth. In his humiliation his justice was taken away, and who will declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth.” So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” (Acts 8:32-34)
      Father, help us understand and rightly interpret your word to others.

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. (Acts 8:35)
      Holy Spirit, guide us in our speaking as you did Philip so that we faithfully preach Jesus.

Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:36)
      Jesus, please help us bring many to salvation and the waters of baptism.

Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” (Acts 8:37)
      Holy Father, help those we speak to come to faith and the hope of salvation as this man did.

So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. (Acts 8:38 )
      Jesus, help us live out that great commission to bring many to you and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Holy Spirit, and of you.

Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. (Acts 8:39)
      Holy Spirit, help know when our work with someone is finished and let us leave them in your care, for you do care for them far more than we ever could.

But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea. (Acts 8:40)
      Holy Trinity, one God, raise up many witnesses in this diocese who will go from city to city preaching Jesus. Thank you.

A word received: I AM waiting for my people to return to me. Hear my word, my people. I AM speaking to you. Listen for my word and receive it in your hearts.

Thursday: [83] or 34 * 85, 86; 1 Samuel 2:27-36 Acts 2:22-36 Luke 20:41-21:4
Friday: 88 * 91, 92; 1 Samuel 3:1-21 Acts 2:37-47 Luke 21:5-19

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Date: Wed, 15 Jun 2011
From: Brad Jones
Subject: Current persecution in Sudan, Bishop Andudu, Diocese of Kadugli
Bishop Andudu was staying with my sister, Allyson, and her family when the news came of this latest round of persecution.
———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Allyson Tomkins
Date: Wed, Jun 15, 2011
Subject: Fw: Again Burning Down Cathedral
      PLease pass thius along to your Bishop and Diocese… Jim and Bishop and James are heading to DC. Bishop may be seeking asylum as he is a hunted man by the militia. He has lost everything. His wife and kids are in Uganda.
love Allyson
This is from Bishop Andudu. Please read and pass it along to anyone you know. Please keep Sudan in your prayers
—–Original Message—–
From: Andudu Adam Elnail
To: Rev Jim Tomkins
Sent: Fri, Jun 10, 2011
From: Andudu Adam Elnail
Date: Fri, Jun 10, 2011 at 1:04 AM
the Archbishop Daniel Deing Bull
Archbishop of the ECS
Bishops
Friends
International Community
      yesterday i reported Militia and SAF troops (of the ruling party in Sudan) burning the entire officese of the Diocese of Kadugli Episcopal Church of the Sudan plus Cyber Cafe building with all computer and equipment also mentioned of braking into the Church House looting all property , with grief today i want inform you that new Cathedral which was build two years ago is burned down by this we lost everything of the Church in Kadugli Town.
      The church was targeted , i was informed and warned that the Militia and NCP troops were looking for me as ahead of the church and Rev Luka to get rid of us after they destroyed all property of the church.
      Many civilians took refuge in UN Compound at Shair when the SAF troops came the UN handed the Civilians to SAF and were Killed, now SAF are using UN base to fight SPLA. troops
      We do request urgent intervention of international community to stop the killings and restore peace in the region, and to review the mandate of the UN in Kadugli.
Rt. Rev. Andudu Adam Elnail
Bishop of the Diocese of Kadugli

***** Date: Wed, 15 Jun 2011
From: Ginnie Grupinski
Subject: Bishop Mike and Linda [Chapman]
Dear Friends,
      I have had an email from Bishop Mike this morning. He and Linda were supposed to go for their monthly visit to the mountain communities, and Linda took some high altitude medication in preparation for the journey. It made her very ill and she has needed to stay in bed since yesterday. The Bishop stayed at home with her to take care of her, so they are both missing the trip. Padre Misael and Claudia have gone on ahead in order to minister to the needs of the people.
      There has been an increase in warfare over the mission in Ica/Ayacucho. As the grace for sharing the gospel rises, so does the oppostion. No surprise there, but I am asking if those of you who feel prompted by the Lord will join me in a week of prayer and fasting for His purposes in Peru. I know that many are not able to totally abstain from food, but I ask that you participate at whatever level you are comfortable. Perhaps you can fast one meal a day, or eat only one meal a day. Perhaps you have medical reasons for not fasting. In that case, you might give up a favorite comfort food for the week. Some may want to do a Daniel fast, and eat only vegetables, grains and nuts. You can begin today or tomorrow, preferably, but if you receive this email later, you can of course begin when you do. If you cannot participate, that is o.k. It is an invitation, that is all. I am also asking for concentrated prayer @ 9:00a.m. every day. Please go by your own time zone, not mine.(eastern standard time) Thank you all for your faithful prayers. In Jesus, Ginnie

Albany Intercessor

Eight corners

There are eight scriptures revealing Christ as the cornerstone. There are eight corners to a cube. This provides a fascinating insight into this verse of St. Patrick’s Breastplate:

Christ ever with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me
Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me
Christ to my right side, Christ to my left side
Christ in his breadth, Christ in his length, Christ in depth

Psalm 118:22 (NASB)
The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief corner stone.

Isaiah 28:16
Therefore thus says the Lord GOD,
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone,
A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed.
He who believes in it will not be disturbed.

Matthew 21:42
Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures,
‘THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED,
THIS BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone;
THIS CAME ABOUT FROM THE LORD,
AND IT IS MARVELOUS IN OUR EYES’?

Mark 12:10-11
Have you not even read this Scripture:
‘THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THIS BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone; THIS CAME ABOUT FROM THE LORD, AND IT IS MARVELOUS IN OUR EYES’?”

Luke 20:17
But Jesus looked at them and said, “What then is this that is written:
‘THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THIS BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone’?

Acts 4:11
He is the STONE WHICH WAS REJECTED by you, THE BUILDERS, but WHICH BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone.

Ephesians 2:19-20
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone,

1 Peter 2:6
For this is contained in Scripture:
“BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A CHOICE STONE, A PRECIOUS CORNER stone,
AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.”

Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen.

Acts 2:1-4

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all £with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4)
      Come, Holy Spirit; come as a mighty rushing wind upon us. Come with the fire of your love. Pour out your gifts upon us and help us grow your good fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control.

      Jesus, raise up devout men and women throughout this diocese who will be filled with your Holy Spirit and receive the full power of the gospel into their hearts and lives.

      Holy Father, we ask for this in Jesus’ name. Thank you.

A word received by a member of Christ Church: Do you trust me or do you want to do it yourself?

A word received: Pray for the renewal of my people. Pray they will be faithful in their hearts and steadfast in their speech.

Wednesday: 119:97-120 * 81, 82; 1 Samuel 2:12-26 Acts 2:1-21 Luke 20:27-40
Thursday: [83] or 34 * 85, 86; 1 Samuel 2:27-36 Acts 2:22-36 Luke 20:41-21:4

Albany Intercessor

Luke 20:20-26

      So they watched him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might seize on his words, in order to deliver him to the power and the authority of the governor.
      Then they asked him, saying, “Teacher, we know that you say and teach rightly, and you do not show personal favoritism, but teach the way of God in truth: Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
      But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test me? Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?”
      They answered and said, “Caesar’s.”
      And he said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
      But they could not catch him in his words in the presence of the people. And they marveled at his answer and kept silent. (Luke 20:20-26)
      Holy Father, we are stamped with your image: you have made us and we are yours, help us give ourselves to you daily.

      Jesus, help your people to hear your word to them: help us by your Holy Spirit to cheerfully give ourselves into your service and go out into the harvest fields.

      Holy Spirit, let your refining fire come into us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness.

      Holy Trinity, one God, silence all those who try to bring confusion into the church.

A word received 6/12/11: Look to me. I AM able to do what you cannot.

Tuesday: 78:1-39 * 78:40-72; 1 Samuel 1:21-2:11 Acts 1:15-26 Luke 20:19-26
Wednesday: 119:97-120 * 81, 82; 1 Samuel 2:12-26 Acts 2:1-21 Luke 20:27-40

Albany Intercessor

Psalm 50:1-15

The Mighty One, God the Lord, has spoken and called the earth from the rising of the sun to its going down. (Psalm 50:1)
      Holy Father, help us hear what you are saying.

Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God will shine forth. (Psalm 50:2)
      Father, let your beauty shine forth throughout this diocese.

Our God shall come, and shall not keep silent; a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous all around him. (Psalm 50:3)
      Jesus, thank you for the fire of your Holy Spirit. Thank you for warming our hearts at the Diocesan Convention.

He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people: (Psalm 50:4)
      Thank you, Jesus, for the may who answered the call and came to the Diocesan Convention and gave their lives to you.

“Gather my saints together to me, those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” (Psalm 50:5)
      Thank you, Holy Spirit, for the many who made a sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise at the Diocesan Convention.

Let the heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge. (Psalm 50:6)
      Amen. So be it.

“Hear, O my people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you; I am God, your God! (Psalm 50:7)
      Help us hear you, LORD; help us hearken to your word.

I will not rebuke you for your sacrifices or your burnt offerings, which are continually before me. I will not take a bull from your house, nor goats out of your folds. For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are mine. (Psalm 50:8-11)
      LORD, please sell off some of your cattle and provide for the poor and needy among us.

“If I were hungry, I would not tell you; for the world is mine, and all its fullness. Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats? Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. (Psalm 50:12-14)
      Jesus, help us continue steadfastly in the path you have marked out for us to walk in.

Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15)
      Lord Jesus, we are in your hand. Provide for us and guide us. Fill us all day by day with your Holy Spirit. Let your glory shine forth in us. Thank you.

A word received 6/10/11: Don’t be afraid.

A word received 6/11/11: I AM the God who saves. Turn to me in every circumstance.

A word received 6/12/11: Call my people to me. Call them to make a sacrifice of praise.

Monday: 80 * 77, [79]; 1 Samuel 1:1-20 Acts 1:1-14 Luke 20:9-19
Tuesday: 78:1-39 * 78:40-72; 1 Samuel 1:21-2:11 Acts 1:15-26 Luke 20:19-26

***** Give thanks to the Lord for what he has done among us by his Holy Spirit at the Diocesan Convention.

Albany Intercessor

Intercessors for Israel

Isaiah 28:5-6(NIV)
In that day the LORD Almighty
will be a glorious crown,
a beautiful wreath
for the remnant of his people. He will be a spirit of justice
to the one who sits in judgment,
a source of strength
to those who turn back the battle at the gate.

O Lord, we pray, raise up holy intercessors who will turn back the battle for the gates of Israel. Amen.

Diocesan Convention Prayer Table Report

Diocesan Convention Prayer Table Report, Saturday, June 11, 2011; Torre Bissell, Deacon Sue Plaske, Deacon Alan Hart

+–indicates received a wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina

+Nigel
+Debbie
+Stephan (young man)
+Chloe
+Denise
+Walter — for my wife Martha who has lyme disease
+Anne — for her workshop
+Bill — Aunt Gloria just broke hip and in surgery. Carrol, her husband, has Alzheimer’s
+Carol — for my daughter
+Rebecca — for faith
+Carol — for my son
+Katy — for Steve who fell backwards into a fire and is critical
+Art — for my son Scott who is ill and my daughter who is about to deliver
+Gloria — for Bill
+Hannah
+Adam
+Joe
+Peg — for my daughter
+Matthew — that we will be empowered
+Richard
+Paul
+John — for workshop
+Jack and +Shirley
+Peg
+Mike
+Michael and +Christine
+Jacob
+Derrick — for my son
+Tom
+Lorraine
+Sally — addiction
+Holly — pain
+Jim — prostate cancer
+Elizabeth — pain in back
+Jean — for husband Dave who is to have a cardiac evaluation
+Rae Lynn — someone is tormenting me
+Tim — for the Holy Spirit and for his diabetes
+Caryl
+Scott — for Christy who is in prison
+Frances — thanksgiving
+John — diabetes
+Roderick and Joan
+Fred — for my daughter
+Bob
+Frank and +Joanne — peace
+Amy and +Kathy — “our church is dying”

A quick note on the Diocesan Convention: it was wonderful and truly Holy Spirit filled.

Albany Intercessor

Spirit of Mercy, Truth, and Love

Anonymous–

Spirit of mercy, truth and love,
O shed Thine influence from above,
And still from age to age convey
The wonders of this sacred day.

In every clime, by every tongue,
Be God’s amazing glory sung;
Let all the listening earth be taught
The wonders by our Savior wrought.

Unfailing Comfort, heavenly Guide,
Still o’er Thy holy Church preside;
Still let mankind Thy blessings prove,
Spirit of mercy, truth and love.

Eight postures

From the study of Moses’ eight ascents and descents on Mt Sinai and the eight resurrections, in series:

God carries
Intercession at the feet of God
Stand up on feet
Out of love, choose servitude and give your master your ear
Reach out and rejoice at the intersection between heaven and earth
Unwrap the grave clothes and build a dwelling place for God
From prayer on knees to moving forward
God penetrates

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, and Part 8

Eight ascents and descents, part 8

Moses’ ascent—second forty days on the mount (Ex 34:1-28, Dt 10:10) and descent (Ex 34:29)
Paul revives Eutychus (Acts 20:7-12)

Exodus 34:4-10
So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the first ones and went up Mount Sinai early in the morning, as the LORD had commanded him; and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands. Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”

Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. “Lord,” he said, “if I have found favor in your eyes, then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance.”

Then the LORD said: “I am making a covenant with you. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the LORD, will do for you.

Theme: Proclamation of God’s name. Covenant.
Dominant posture: God penetrates

It was on Moses’ eighth descent that his face shone. The resurrection of Eutychus takes place in Troas during an all-night preaching and teaching. Troas means “penetrated.”
Lord, if we have found favor in Your sight, then go with us. We are a stiff-necked people. Forgive our wickedness and our sin and take us as Your inheritance. Amen.