Heavenly Jerusalem

Galatians 4:26 MSG
In contrast to that, there is an invisible Jerusalem, a free Jerusalem, and she is our mother—this is the way of Sarah.

Father,
I confess that I have looked to the institutional church as my “mother” rather than the heavenly Jerusalem. I believed a lie and have brought much anguish upon myself.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
You are the Father of glory, and I thank You for the spirit of wisdom and revelation as I come to know You. I thank You for enlightening the eyes of my heart. I thank You for the hope to which You have called me and the riches of Your glorious ineritance. I thank you for the immeasurable greatness of Your power.
You raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at Your right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named. All things are under the feet of Jesus.
Father, You are rich in mercy. Out of Your great love, You have taken me, dead in my sin, and made me alive together with Christ. By grace, I have been saved and raised up with Him and seated with Him in the heavenly places with Christ Jesus. By grace, I have been delivered from this lie, and I thank You. Amen.
Ephesians 1:17-2:7

Psalm 44:1-8 and Psalm 126:5 and front line news

We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, the deeds you did in their days, in days of old: (Psalm 44:1)
      Father, please help us hear and remember your deeds of the past so that we will have hope for the present and the future.

You drove out the nations with your hand, but them you planted; you afflicted the peoples, and cast them out. (Psalm 44:2)
      Father, may a way for your people now. Protect us from those who would harm us.

For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, nor did their own arm save them; but it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your countenance, because you favored them. (Psalm 44:3)

      Jesus, it is with your mighty hand that you have saved us. What we could not do by ourselves, youhave done with your cross and resurrection.

You are my King, O God; command victories for Jacob. (Psalm 44:4)
      Jesus, command victories for your faithful people.

Through you we will push down our enemies; through your name we will trample those who rise up against us. (Psalm 44:5)
      Holy Spirit, guide us to victory and protect us by the power of the name of Jesus.
(Blessing adapted from the Anglican Christian community in Ceylon, Pakistan, and India:)
      May the Name of Jesus, the Son of God, who is mightier than all the hosts of Satan, and more glorious than all the angels of heaven, abide with us in our going out and our coming in; by day and by night; at morning and at evening; at all times and in all places.
      May the Name of Jesus, the Son of God, protect and deliver us from the wrath of evil persons; from the assaults of evil spirits; from foes invisible; from the snares of the Evil One; and from all low passions that beguile the soul and body.
      May the Name of Jesus protect and deliver us.
      And the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be with us this day and always. Amen.

For I will not trust in my bow, nor shall my sword save me. (Psalm 44:6)
      Father, please put on all of us the shoes of the preparation to share the gospel of peace; gird our loins with your truth; put on us the breastplate of righteousness, and the helmet of salvation. Place on our arm the shield of faith with which to quench every fiery dart of the evil one; and place in our hand the sword of your Spirit which is your word; that having stood all, we might yet stand. Finally, help us to be strong in Jesus and in the power of his might, and cast off from us the chains of apathy that keep us from speaking boldly as we ought to speak. Thank you. (See Ephesians 6:10-20)

But you have saved us from our enemies, and have put to shame those who hated us. (Psalm 44:7)
      Jesus, thank you for saving us from the hatred of Satan.

In God we boast all day long, and praise your name forever. (Psalm 44:8 )
      Jesus, help us in all things to point to you rather than to ourselves.

Monday: 41, 52 * 44; Zech. 1:7-17: Rev. 3:7-13: Matt. 24:15-31
Tuesday: 45 * 47, 48; Zech. 2:1-13: Rev. 3:14-22: Matt. 24:32-44

      Notes from the Front Line

Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. (Psalm 126:5)
      Please pray for Terry and Michelle and their unborn baby and for a restoration of health for Michelle (she may need a heart and lung transplant), that though they now sow in tears, they may reap in joy.

*****. Date: Sun, 11 Dec 2011
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: Daily quote…
      Yesterday I braved the masses at the mall. Why I asked myself? To observe the commercial chaos? I was actually pleasantly surprised. People were kind, considerate and many smiled at me. I really felt the presence of Christmas…Has something in me changed or was it because I saw Christmas at a different level? In an electric mobility cart! Ummmm. I am pondering, actually smiling. Hope prevails…

***** Colonie Center Mall Prayer Table Report 5-7:30 pm, 12/11/11, Barb Ayers, Father Steve Hart, and Carol MacNaughton
+–indicates received a wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina

Reed – for his relationship with the girl he loves

Kristin, Mike and daughter Emma – blessing of the child and her family

+Zoraya – for her father James – stage 3 prostrate cancer and seizures, for her son Adon, and her daughter Yolando

+++ Ragonese family (father, mother and 3 children) – joyous Christmas and blessed 2012 walking closer to Christ

+++ Nikki – prayers that her teenage children (with her) be happy at home and with her.

+++ Jalen, Simonen and their mom Jamie – prayers for their dad Jerome, he is in jail for not paying bills: not out until January

Faith (mall security guard) – prayers for her friend Jackie – pray to free her from her addiction to cocaine

+Jen - prayers to be able to conceive a child (trying 10 years) also prayers for her uncle Jimmy who is having on going strokes.

+ Robin – safety and health (she had a small baby bump).

We ran out of crosses!

***** Date: Sun, 11 Dec 2011
From: Ginnie Grupinski
Subject: travel and health prayers needed for Bishop Mike and Linda Chapman
      Good Morning! Padre Misael, Deacon Dimas (newly ordained) and I will be heading out to Ayacucho in the truck tomorrow morning. Weather permitting, Father Misael and myself will then be heading to Huancayo and Jauja, returning through the Central Highway to Lima. If not we will be returning from Ayacucho. I hear there is a lot of rain up there now so please pray for travel safety especially against natural problems like rain and avalanche, ‘derumbes’. Linda and Claudia and Father Pastor will be staying in Ica. Linda will be working on finances (I don’t know what I would do without her expertise in finances and help in the mission and particularly intercession), Father Pastor will probably hold down the fort in San Juan Baustista, but both he and Claudia have been very sick. Please pray for their full recovery. Although Father Misael has had the same bronchial respiratory type illness as Claudia, he is greatly improved and feeling up to the mission. Father Pastor has been plagued with lead poisoning for many years and also has asthma. These two things combined with allergies quite often leave him very congested and in need of medical treatment. They are all quite perservering in their calls, and I am blessed by their commitments. Please pray for us and the missions ministry.
Blessings to you! Bishop Mike and Linda Chapman

***** Christ the King Spiritual Life Center News
Order of St. Luke Healing Conference February 4, 2012
      ”Love – The Heart of the Matter” A day-long healing conference with guest speaker Fr. Nigel Mumford

Albany Intercessor

John 1:6-9, 18-28

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. (John 1:6)
      Father, send your witnesses among us.

This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. (John 1:7)
      Jesus, you are the light of the world. Show your light among us so that we will all believe in you.

He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. (John 1:8-9)
      Holy Spirit, help us recognize the difference between the messengers that point to Jesus and Jesus himself. Help us give honor where honor is due and worship where worship is due.

No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him. (John 1:18 )
      Jesus, thank you for making your father’s love know to us.

Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” (John 1:19)
      Father, thank you for John’s testimony about Jesus.

He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ. “ (John 1:20)
      Jesus, in our life times we have seen so many false saviors and false Christs; help us by your Holy Spirit to discern the true from the false.

And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?” He said: “I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the Lord,”‘ as the prophet Isaiah said. ” (John 1:21-23)
      Holy Spirit, you gave John the freedom to accept his role in proclaiming the kingdom. Please help each of us to live out the work and role you have assigned to us.

Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees. And they asked him, saying, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” (John 1:24-25)
      LORD, the Pharisees had gotten so hung up on who could do what. Some in our day have the same hang-ups. Help all of us do the work and ministry to which you have called us. We don’t need to be priests or deacons to share the gospel and bring people to Jesus.

John answered them, saying, “I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. It is he who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.” These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. (John 1:26-28 )
      Jesus, help each of us receive your baptism of fire by your Holy Spirit so that we can know you personally. Thank you. (See John 1:32-33))

A word received: Ask the question, “What touches you about John’s life and witness?”

Sunday: 63:1-8(9-11), 98 * 103; Amos 9:11-15: 2 Thess. 2:1-3,13-17: John 5:30-47
HC: 126; Isaiah 65:17-25; 1 Thessalonians 5:(12-15)16-28; John 1:6-8,19-28 or John 3:23-30
Monday: 41, 52 * 44; Zech. 1:7-17: Rev. 3:7-13: Matt. 24:15-31

      Notes from the Front Line

*****. Date: Sat, 10 Dec 2011
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: Daily quote
Noblel Peace Prize winner General George C. Marshall (1880-1959) had a three-step formula that is simple to remember and effective in use on handling people:
      1. Listen to the other person’s story.
      2. Listen to the other person’s full story.
      3. Listen to the other person’s full story first
I would add: listen, listen, listen, love and pray with people…

Albany Intercessor

Prayer Table Report

Christ Church Schenectady Prayer Table Report, Saturday, December 10, 2011, 9:25 – 10:35 a.m. Jonathan and Torre Bissell on State St. and Carol MacNaughton and Mark Pasko on Albany St. It was cold today.

+–indicates received a wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina
H–indicates received a hat
M–indicates received mittens
G–indicates received gloves
S–indicates received a scarf

State St.

+G Gary — “That my family will have a blessed and safe holiday.”

+G Blake — “For my health” Jonathan asked him if he needed to forgive anyone. Jonathan said he felt God wanted forgive him. He said there was someone from 20 years ago that he needed to forgive. He made the choice to forgive that person.

+Chris and +Richard (two men) — “That we will have a future life.”

+José and +Ron — Ron asked prayer that he will see his kids.

+GS Margarita (woman) — “My health. — that I will see the New Year.”

+Marie and +3S grandsons — She moved here from Baltimore to take care of her grandchildren. The father and mother are both in jail (the father for 15 years) She asked if we knew of any place where she could get some presents for the children so that she could say they were from their parents. We suggested she try the City Mission.

+G Debra (regular) — Berry (her father) is still in the hospital in NYC. Elizabeth (her mother) is now out of the hospital.

+Duane and +Crystal (young couple) — He initially didn’t want prayer. She then grabbed his arm and said, “This is the prayer table!” (said with reverence) and she asked prayer for them. They have no place to live. Hisr prayer request was “that we will get out of the cold.”

+Chris (man) — “That we will get through the holiday season.”

[Jonathan commented: "The harvest is plentiful and the workers are cold."]

+Roberto (man) — “That I will stay away from trouble.”

+Jeffrey — He has 4 kids. He asked prayer for getting through the holidays.

+Mohammad (Christian man) — “For a job”

Eric (elder of the Macedonia 7th Day Adventist Church on Swan St.) — We prayed for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on his congregation and on Christ Church.

+Orlid (man) — “Relationship”

John and Paula (regulars — We prayed that their kids would receive the love of Jesus.

Bobby (man) — He asked prayer for his friend Graham who is ill.

+Agnes — “For my granddaughter and my family.”

Desdemona — We prayed for enduring strength for her.

Albany St.

++++Jacques – He asked prayers for him and his family: Kristin, Jah-seir, Jacques Jr.

Danny (Mail man) — Blessed him

Tom — Came over but did not want prayer. We blessed him from a distance (he was carrying a bag of “tall boys”.)

Ethan — Blessing

G Christine — Blessing

Kay — healing from gall stones

Psalm 42:1-8

As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for you, O God. (Psalm 42:1)
      LORD, I long for your living water.

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? (Psalm 42:2)
      Jesus, please help me come into your presence. Quench my thirst with your living water.

My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, “Where is your God?” (Psalm 42:3)
      Father, you know my grief over my sins; help me answer those who doubt your goodness.

When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast. (Psalm 42:4)
      Holy Spirit, help us enter into worship tomorrow with your joy. Help us celebrate what Jesus has done for as as a community of faith.

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. (Psalm 42:5)
      Thank you, Father, for those who pray for me. Thank you for those Aarons and Hurs who hold up my hands in prayer and encourage me. (See Exodus 17:8-13)

O my God, my soul is cast down within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, and from the heights of Hermon, from the Hill Mizar. (Psalm 42:6)
      Holy Spirit, help me daily remember all that Jesus has done for me.

Deep calls unto deep at the noise of your waterfalls; all your waves and billows have gone over me. (Psalm 42:7)
      Lord, so often I am in deep waters, but you continue to pluck me out as you did Peter. Thank you. (See Matthew 14:28-30)

The LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me–a prayer to the God of my life. (Psalm 42:8 )
      LORD, thank you for the hope that you give me: that morning by morning I will come into your presence. Thank you. Thank you for being the rock of my salvation and the high tower that I can flee into day by day.

A word received: Let me be your hope.

Saturday: 30, 32 * 42, 43; Haggai 2:1-9: Rev. 3:1-6: Matt. 24:1-14
Sunday: 63:1-8(9-11), 98 * 103; Amos 9:11-15: 2 Thess. 2:1-3,13-17: John 5:30-47
HC: 126; Isaiah 65:17-25; 1 Thessalonians 5:(12-15)16-28; John 1:6-8,19-28 or John 3:23-30

      Notes from the Front Line

*****. Date: Fri, 09 Dec 2011
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: Daily quote…
      Find something to be passionate about. Grandma Moses, the artist, was born in this village of Greenwich, NY. Her life began at eighty seven! It is never too late to find your passion. Hey, get on with your life and enjoy it with the Lord.

***** Please pray for the prayer table ministry today.

Albany Intercessor

Haggai 1:1-15

In the second year of King Darius, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying, (Haggai 1:1)
      Holy Spirit, speak to those who rule over us in church and state.

“Thus speaks the LORD of hosts, saying: ‘This people says, “The time has not come, the time that the LORD’S house should be built.”‘” (Haggai 1:2)
      Jesus, give our leaders and people a heart to rebuild your church. Bless the ministry of the Franciscans of the Holy Cross.

Then the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet, saying, (Haggai 1:3)
      Father, please let your word come to our leaders and people. Raise up true prophets among us.

“Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” (Haggai 1:4)
      Jesus, please help us look at how we are spending our money and help us get our priorities straight.

Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: “Consider your ways!” (Haggai 1:5)
      Father, help us consider our ways.

“You have sown much, and bring in little; you eat, but do not have enough; you drink, but you are not filled with drink; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag with holes.” (Haggai 1:6)
      Jesus, help us recognize the actual fruit of our labor. Help us recognize where we have deluded ourselves.

Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Consider your ways! ” (Haggai 1:7)
      Holy Spirit, help us consider our ways.

“Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,” says the LORD. (Haggai 1:8 )
      Help each of us throughout this diocese do what we can to rebuild your church, Jesus.

“You looked for much, but indeed it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?” says the LORD of hosts. “Because of My house that is in ruins, while every one of you runs to his own house.” (Haggai 1:9)
      Jesus, give us a heart to be about your business.

“Therefore the heavens above you withhold the dew, and the earth withholds its fruit. For I called for a drought on the land and the mountains, on the grain and the new wine and the oil, on whatever the ground brings forth, on men and livestock, and on all the labor of your hands.” (Haggai 1:10-11)
      LORD, there is a drought in this land and a famine of your word. Have mercy on us and lead us back to you.

Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him; and the people feared the presence of the LORD. (Haggai 1:12)
      Holy Spirit, give us obedient hearts and minds as you did these people.

Then Haggai, the LORD’S messenger, spoke the LORD’S message to the people, saying, “I am with you, says the LORD.” (Haggai 1:13)
      Holy Spirit, help us take to heart the LORD’s word spoken to us by your prophet Haggai: “I am with you, says the LORD.”

So the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the LORD of hosts, their God, on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, in the second year of King Darius. (Haggai 1:14-15)
      Father, stir up our spirits to do the work of rebuilding your church.

      Jesus, prepare our hearts for the Diocesan Convention so that it will be a time of rebuilding your church.

      Holy Spirit, come with the fire of your love throughout this diocese.

Friday: 31 * 35; Haggai 1:1-15: Rev. 2:18-29: Matt. 23:27-39
Saturday: 30, 32 * 42, 43; Haggai 2:1-9: Rev. 3:1-6: Matt. 24:1-14

      Notes from the Front Line

*****.Date: Thu, 08 Dec 2011
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: Daily quote…
      Go out on a limb today, that’s where the fruit is.

Albany Intercessor

Glory Be to Jesus

Glory be to Jesus,
Who, in bitter pains,
Poured for me the lifeblood
From His sacred veins!

Grace and life eternal
In that blood I find;
Blest be His compassion,
Infinitely kind.

Blest through endless ages
Be the precious stream
Which from endless torments
Doth the world redeem.

There the fainting spirit
Drinks of life her fill;
There as in a fountain
Laves herself at will.

O, the blood of Christ! it
Soothes the Father’s ire ;
Opes the gate of Heaven;
Quells eternal fire.

Abel’s blood for vengeance
Pleaded to the skies;
But the blood of Jesus
For our pardon cries.

Oft as it is sprinkled
On our guilty hearts,
Satan in confusion
Terror struck departs.

Oft as earth exulting
Wafts its praise on high,
Angel hosts, rejoicing,
Make their glad reply.

Lift we then our voices,
Swell the mighty flood;
Louder still and louder
Praise the precious blood!

Words: At­trib­ut­ed to Al­fon­so M. de’ Liguori (1696-1787) (Viva! viva! Ge­su, Che per mio be­ne); ap­peared in Rac­col­ta di Ora­zi­o­ni e Pie Op­ere col­le In­dul­gen­ze, by Tel­e­se­pho­ems Gal­li; trans­lat­ed from Ital­i­an to Eng­lish by Ed­ward Cas­wall in Hymns for the Use of the Birm­ing­ham Or­a­tory, 1857.

Psalm 37:23-29 and Sunday School Lesson

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and he delights in his way. (Psalm 37:23)
      Jesus, help us delight in your way; you are the way, the truth and the life.

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand. (Psalm 37:24)
      Father, thank you for holding me up through all these years.

I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread. (Psalm 37:25)
      Holy Spirit, thank you for giving me joy in growing older and for blessing our children and grandchildren.

He is ever merciful, and lends; and his descendants are blessed. (Psalm 37:26)
      Father, please help me daily show forth your mercy and kindness.

Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell forevermore. (Psalm 37:27)
      Holy Spirit, help us throughout this diocese depart from evil and dwell forevermore in your power and guidance. Prepare the way for the Diocesan Convention in June.

For the LORD loves justice, and does not forsake his saints; they are preserved forever, but the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off. (Psalm 37:28 )
      Father, help us have the same passion for justice and mercy, for the lost and the least that you have. Help us daily reach out to the fallen and help them stand upright in your presence.

The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell in it forever. (Psalm 37:29)
      Jesus, help me abide in your righteousness. Thank you.

STUDY GUIDE: SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 12, December 11, 2011
Theme Verse: 19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22)
Readings: John 1:6-8, 18-28; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28; Isaiah 65:17-25; Psalm 126
Memory Verse: “It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24)
Next Week: Luke 1:26-38; Romans 16:25-27; 2 Samuel 7:4, 8-16; Psalm 132:8-15

A word received: I want to build you into the church I want. I AM the foundation and cornerstone. Look to me — let me build you up by my Holy Spirit and my word.

      Gospel: John 1:6-8

A word received: I AM calling forth witnesses who will be willing to speak in the wilderness places. Will you answer my call?

      Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

A word received: I want you to encourage one another in the ministries I have given you. There are no small gifts and no small ministries. Esteem one another for my name’s sake.

      Old Testament: Isaiah 65:17-25

(verse 18 ) A word received: I want you to rejoice in what I will do.

      Psalm: Psalm 126

A word received: I want you to see in this psalm the fruitfulness and joy that only I can give. I can give joy in the midst of tears.

Thursday: 37:1-18 * 37:19-42; Amos 9:1-10: Rev. 2:8-17: Matt. 23:13-26
Friday: 31 * 35; Haggai 1:1-15: Rev. 2:18-29: Matt. 23:27-39

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Date: Wed, 07 Dec 2011
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: Daily quote…
      Stress is not generally healthy in life. Ask God to de-stress you. If you find yourself struggling today remember that when you are at the end of your rope, there is less of you and more of God. Matt 5:3 (The Message).

Albany Intercessor

Psalm 37

In the Hebraic calendar, we are in the month of Kislev. The appointed psalm is number 37.

Psalm 37:12-15 (NKJV)
12 The wicked plots against the just,
And gnashes at him with his teeth.
13 The Lord laughs at him,
For He sees that his day is coming.
14 The wicked have drawn the sword
And have bent their bow,
To cast down the poor and needy,
To slay those who are of upright conduct.
15 Their sword shall enter their own heart,
And their bows shall be broken.

Lord God Almighty,
Surely You will never do wickedly or pervert justice. We trust in You. We feed on Your faithfulness. We do not discredit Your justice. Amen.
Job 34:12

Revelation 2:1-7

“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says he who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: (Revelation 2:1)
      Jesus, please help us hear what you are saying to the church in the Diocese of Albany.

“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars;” (Revelation 2:2)
      Holy Spirit, you know us inside and out; you know our hearts and minds and spirits; help us daily discern the true from the false. Thank you.

“and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for my name’s sake and have not become weary.” (Revelation 2:3)
      Father, thank you for your enduring strength.

“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” (Revelation 2:4)
      Jesus, help us by your Holy Spirit to recover our first love for you. Help us daily love you first, and then our neighbor as ourselves.

“Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place–unless you repent.” (Revelation 2:5)
            Praying The Nicene Creed
God of God, Light of Light,
      Jesus, you are God and you are the light to take us through this time of darkness in the church and in the nation. You are the word of God and are a lamp to our feet.
      Lord Jesus, help us daily walk by your light, repent and do those works of faith you have called us to.

“But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. (Revelation 2:6)
      Father, I don’t know who the Nicolaitans were or what their deeds were, but help us hate every false way and walk in your truth.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”‘” (Revelation 2:7)
      Holy Spirit, help us daily listen for and hear your word. Help us overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, and enter into the joys of Paradise. Thank you for what you are doing among us.

A word received: Look to me. I AM waiting for you to call out to me.

Wednesday: 38 * 119:25-48; Amos 8:1-14: Rev. 1:17-2:7: Matt. 23:1-12
Thursday: 37:1-18 * 37:19-42; Amos 9:1-10: Rev. 2:8-17: Matt. 23:13-26

      Notes from the Front Line

***** “Older and Wiser Day” I am 73 today. Torre

Thank you for the 47 years you have given us together. What a great gift, Jesus!

***** Date: Tue, 06 Dec 2011
From: Rev Susan Baker Borjeson
Subject: Report from Ralph in Mozambique
      Ralph left a message Sunday morning, which I have just accessed on return from MA: he sounds great! He had returned from three days of outreaches which went really well, and he had receivedpowerful prayer for himself on Sunday. He sounds very strong, and blessed! Your prayers mean so much! Thank you. He and the team begin the journey back on Saturday- late Friday our time. He arrives in Albany,God willing, on time, Sunday noon, Dec 11.
      If I may ask for prayers for my friend, Fran Boyle of The Falls Church in VA: she is heading a team into Aweil province, South Sudan, Dec 31. The warfare is great against them more than usually including difficulties getting permission to bring in the medicines in the usualy way. Because they will be ministering to Christians AND Muslim Darfurians, there is more than just the usual resistance. Thank you so much! It is a large team. Her ministry can be found online. Connecting Lives International http://www.connectinglivesintl.org/. For Christ, in Christ, Susan

***** Date: Tue, 06 Dec 2011
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: Daily Quote…
      Are you tired? Emotionally tired, physically tired, brain tired, dog tired, bone tired, or just done in? Tired of your work, tired of arguing, tired of being sick and tired? Have you had a bad day or night? Well, stop now and come into His presence. Allow The Lord to bathe your feet and calm your mind. Stop and rest your entire being in the very presence of God. Let the love of the Holy Spirit wash over you and calm your entire being. Let the peace of God wash over you.

Albany Intercessor

Amos 7:10-17

Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, “Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel. The land is not able to bear all his words. For thus Amos has said: ‘Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be led away captive from their own land.’” (Amos 7:10-11)
      Holy Father, raise up prophets who will speak to the church and the nation as Amos did.

Then Amaziah said to Amos: “Go, you seer! Flee to the land of Judah. There eat bread, and there prophesy. But never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king’s sanctuary, and it is the royal residence.” (Amos 7:12-13)
      Lord Jesus, the sanctuaries do not belong to the government, or even to the church; they belong to you. Help us have a holy reverence whenever we enter your sanctuary.

Then Amos answered, and said to Amaziah: “I was no prophet, nor was I a son of a prophet, but I was a sheepbreeder and a tender of sycamore fruit. Then the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’” (Amos 7:14-15)
      Holy Spirit, help us daily follow your directions as Amos did. Help us speak your word to the church and the nation.

“Now therefore, hear the word of the Lord: you say, ‘Do not prophesy against Israel, and do not spout against the house of Isaac.’ “Therefore thus says the Lord: ‘Your wife shall be a harlot in the city; your sons and daughters shall fall by the sword; your land shall be divided by survey line; you shall die in a defiled land; and Israel shall surely be led away captive from his own land.’” (Amos 7:16-17)
      Jesus, please help us hear the cost of refusing to hear your word to repent. Bring our nation and your church to our knees in repentance rather than to our knees in defeat and destruction. Thank you.

Heal Our Land – Jamie Rivera http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zjTSLLLYlk

A word received: I have blessed you.

Tuesday: 26,: 28 * 36, 39; Amos 7:10-17: Rev. 1:9-16: Matt. 22:34-46
Wednesday: 38 * 119:25-48; Amos 8:1-14: Rev. 1:17-2:7: Matt. 23:1-12

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Date: Mon, 05 Dec 2011
From: Fr. Nigel Mumford+
Subject: Daily quote…
      The joy of the Lord is your strength. How is the joy quotient in your life? Need some more? Ask for the gift of joy. Ask, “Hey God, I am feeling a little out of whack. Would you put me back in whack with a booster of your joy. Thank you God.”

Albany Intercessor

Matt. 22:23-33

The same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him and asked him, saying: “Teacher, Moses said that if a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. Now there were with us seven brothers. The first died after he had married, and having no offspring, left his wife to his brother. Likewise the second also, and the third, even to the seventh. Last of all the woman died also. Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had her.” Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.” (Matthew 22:23-29)
      Father, please help us by your Holy Spirit to know the Scriptures and your power.

“For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven.” (Matthew 22:30)
      Jesus, we wait in expectation for that day of resurrection when we will be surprised by heaven and filled with joy.

“But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” (Matthew 22:31-32)
      Father, I know that I shall be raised up at the last day and be alive to you. Thank you.

      “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes–I, and not as a stranger. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27)

And when the multitudes heard this, they were astonished at his teaching. (Matthew 22:33)
      Jesus, the crowds were astonished by your teaching and yet so much of it was always there in the Old Testament. So many in our day are astonished by your teaching. Help us by your Holy Spirit for the gospel to be truly proclaimed and fully received throughout this diocese.

A word received: Call my people to share the gospel. They have received freely; let them give freely.

Monday: 25 * 9, 15; Amos 7:1-9: Rev. 1:1-8: Matt. 22:23-33
Tuesday: 26,: 28 * 36, 39; Amos 7:10-17:: Rev. 1:9-16: Matt. 22:34-46

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Date: Sun, 04 Dec 2011 05:55:44 -0500
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: Daily quote…
      Everything about God is “Brilliant.”

***** Date: Mon, 05 Dec 2011
From: Carol MacNaughton
Subject: Colonie Center prayer table
December 4th 5-7 pm, Colonie Center, Mark Pasko and Carol MacNaughton,
+–indicates received a wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina

++ Whitney – freedom from addiction; her son – now in fostercare

++++ Cathy – salvation for her family

Janet – for her health
Debbie (her daughter) I her health

Woman passing. – “do I ever need prayer” but did not stop. We prayed for patience for her.

+++ Nayasha – for her patients (she is an emergency room nurse)

++ Jasmine – good family, health, financial

Albany Intercessor

Hubble space telescope Advent calendar

From The Atlantic

Jamestown

The initial conditions of the Jamestown settlement were horrendous, only complicated by the greed of some of its citizens. Captain John Smith disgustedly said, there was “no talk, no hope, no work, but dig gold, wash gold, refine gold, load gold.” It turned out to be fool’s gold.
On December 4, 1619, Captain John Woodlief led newly-arrived English colonists to a grassy slope along the James River and instructed them to drop to their knees and pray in thanks for a safe arrival to the New World. Thirty-eight men from Berkeley Parish in England vowed:

“Wee ordaine that the day of our ships arrivall at the place assigned for plantacon in the land of Virginia shall be yearly and perpetually keept holy as a day of Thanksgiving to Almighty God.”

From the 1662 BCP
ALMIGHTY God, who art a strong tower of defence unto thy servants against the face of their enemies; We yield thee praise and thanksgiving for our deliverance from those great and apparent dangers wherewith we were compassed. We acknowledge it thy goodness that we were not delivered over as a prey unto them; beseeching thee still to continue such thy mercies towards us, that all the world may know that thou art our Saviour and mighty Deliverer; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

WE humbly beseech thee, O Father, mercifully to look upon our infirmities; and, for the glory of thy Name, turn from us all those evils that we most righteously have deserved; and grant, that in all our troubles we may put our whole trust and confidence in thy mercy, and evermore serve thee in holiness and pureness of living, to thy honour and glory; through our only Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Israel

One expert’s opinion on Arutz Sheva:

. . . “The rise of the Islamists in Egypt means the end of the peace treaty with Egypt and the rise of a government committed to the ideological Islamist goal of the destruction of the State of Israel,” Buk’i said.
With results in from the first round of voting in Egypt, it’s clear that the Islamist coalition has emerged as the largest faction in the future Egyptian government, by far. The Muslim Brotherhood captured more than 40% of the vote, but the hardline Islamist Salafist Nour Party garnered some 20% of the vote – placing the Islamist coalition firmly in control of Egypt’s parliament, at least until the second round of voting in several weeks. . . .

Psalm 130:7: “O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is loving kindness, and with Him is abundant redemption. And He will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.”

I recently heard an Israeli speaker. He said that in ten years, 10,500 missiles have been fired into Israel. Of the missiles that hit schools, all were on a Saturday.

Father,
We thank You for Your redemption, provision, and protection in Israel. We thank You for Your calling of the Jewish people to be a prophetic nation.
We sing to You a new song and take joy in Your glory. You are sovereign over all the earth and over Israel. You work righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. When Your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.
Your prophet Elijah pronounced Your judgment against Jezebel, the prophet-slayer. Only her skull, her feet and her hands could be found to be buried.
The land of Israel mourns her lost prophets. We stand in agreement with Your judgment against the prophet-slaying spirit. Lion of the tribe of Judah, devour any prophet-slaying spirits against Israel and leave them for refuse. Amen.
2 Kings 9:36-37, Psalm 105:15, 103:6, 149:9, Proverbs 29:2, Isaiah 26:9