Cities of refuge

Joshua 20:1-3 (NIV)
Then the LORD said to Joshua: “Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, so that anyone who kills a person accidentally and unintentionally may flee there and find protection from the avenger of blood.

Kedesh–to be consecrated, hallowed, sanctified
Hebron–be joined, coupled, allied
Shechem–rise early + shoulder, back; a rising early most often has to do with the diligence/ persistence of the riser (to get a good start of the day), and so does the carrying of an actual load or a task or position upon the shoulders
Ramoth—eminences, high places
Golan—something surrounded, hence a district
Bezer–ore of gold or silver

Map

Lord God Almighty,

You are a holy God, and You have called us to be holy.  For us, You have given Your Son who exchanged His righteousness for our sins.  The government of heaven and earth is upon His shoulders.  He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

We lift our eyes to You. You are our refuge and our fortress, our God, in whom we trust. Amen.

 Leviticus 11:44a, Isaiah 9:6, Psalm 121:1, Psalm 91:1-2

A Prayer for Relational Messes and God’s Mercies

Pastor Scotty Smith posted a great prayer last week related to the ways we as believers often devour one another and how we need God’s mercy and grace to humble ourselves:

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Gal. 5:13-16

Forbearing Father, thank you for Scriptures like this one—those which chronicle our relational failures, foibles, and foolishness, as your beloved children. We’re not just prone to wander from you; we’re prone to hurt one another.

[…]

Come, Holy Spirit, come. Grant us godly sorrow and deep repentance for the ways we hide the beauty of Jesus in our churches through our pettiness and selfishness, our divisiveness and cowardice; our wagging tongues and our walking feet. Because of our love for the gospel and your glory, let us grieve as those who understand what is at stake. In a day when the culture is looking for reasons not to believe the gospel, forgive us for adding to their ammo and salvo.

Forgive us, Jesus. You’ve made it clear that the world will know we are your disciples by the way we love one another. You’ve also made it clear that the quality of our relationships is one of the ways the world will believe that our Father sent you to be the Savior of the world (John 17:20-23). How sobering…

Bring the power of the gospel to bear upon our shared and broken life in the body of Christ. Grace doesn’t free us to love poorly, but to love generously, extravagantly, in keeping with how Jesus loves us. Grace isn’t a green card for self-indulgence; it’s a green light for humbling ourselves, repenting and reconciling. Grace is our only hope for serving one another in love. So very Amen we pray, in your holy and loving name.

I add my Amen to this prayer which has proven very timely and a great help to me personally in the past few days.

The full prayer is here.

Matt. 3:13-17

      Praying the Apostles’ Creed
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
      Jesus, thank you for what you were willing to suffer for our salvation; please help us to endure what we must suffer to see the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion restored to Apostolic faith.

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” (Matthew 3:7)
      Holy Spirit, please raise up men and women who will warn the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church of the wrath to come.

“Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,” (Matthew 3:8 )
      Jesus, please help us all bear fruit worthy of repentance.

“and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.” (Matthew 3:9)
      Lord, there is o other basis for salvation except your cross and resurrection. There are no deeds we can do that are good enough to cover our sins. Thank you for the cleansing power of your blood that covers us.

“And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Matthew 3:10)
      Father, so much that seemed sturdy in the Episcopal Church is being cut down and throw in the fire.

“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Matthew 3:11)
      Jesus, baptize us afresh with your Holy Spirit. Come with your power on the Diocesan Convention — in the the workshops, in the worship and healing service, in the sermons, the presentations and the fellowship. Let every aspect of the Diocesan Convention be infused with the power of your Holy Spirit.

“His winnowing fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly clean out his threshing floor, and gather his wheat into the barn; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” (Matthew 3:12)
      A word received11/18/2006: Pray for the day of my threshing.
      Pray that none of the wheat will be lost with the chaff.
      Pray for my little ones who are being led astray by lies.
      Pray for my will to be done.

Tuesday: 38 * 119:25-48; Exod. 19:16-25: Col. 1:15-23: Matt. 3:13-17
Wednesday: 38 * 119:25-48; Exod. 19:16-25: Col. 1:15-23: Matt. 3:13-17

      Notes from the Front Line

What a friend we have in Jesus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLb96KDkJys&feature=channel
Tennessee Ernie Ford and Odetta – What A Friend We Have http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaTTm2F57pc

***** Start now reading and reflecting on the lessons for next Sunday so that you can receive all that God has for you (Psalm 23 or 100; Acts 4:(23-31)32-37 or Ezekiel 34:1-10; 1 John 3:1-8 or Acts 4:(23-31)32-37; John 10:11-16).

***** Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2012
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: Daily Quote…
      Practice Christian virtues so that others can see them. Here is the bible key verse in this matter; “Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ” 2 Peter 1:5-8

Albany Intercessor

Easter: Echoes from the Tomb

A few weeks ago, I came across a beautiful and powerful Easter Meditation by George Guthrie called “Echoes from the Tomb.”  I don’t recall how I found the link, but I highly recommend reading this!

Leaning forward, you strain to hear. The fresh, cool breeze of the garden morning brushes your cheek. Bending, you look into that open, black-dark mouth of the tomb, its only light the sun’s thin finger reaching past your shoulder to touch the corner of a bone box. But the bones for which it waits have changed, gotten up and walked away. No smell of death; only the sweet scent of burial spices hanging in the air.

Bouncing off the walls of this vacated tomb, you may hear echoes from another garden where the lie, “Has God really said?” prevailed, and death was ushered in. But now, in this garden the lie has been silenced with a resounding, “Yes!! His Word lives!” and death has been driven out, the curse of Eden swallowed up in this empty space.

And do you hear the echo of righteous Noah, who built a deliverance to carry God’s creations through the judgment, or Father Abraham, through whom all the peoples of the earth would be blessed? Do you hear the echoes of Egypt’s oppressive slavery turned inside-out in powerful salvation, and at its peak an innocent lamb slain so that death would pass over? Do you hear the echo of new life found through parting waters, or of bread, water, and the Shekinah tent given in a wilderness? Do you hear the death-dealing law, unable to give life, at once fulfilled and filled full by the Life? Do you hear these echoes?

Read the rest here.  And be encouraged how all history is HIS Story and points to the victory of the resurrection and the empty tomb!

Hallelujah! He is Risen!

 

Praying the Pascha Nostrum through the 50 Days of Easter

A great post at the Rector’s Corner blog this morning on praying the Pascha Nostrum throughout the 50 Days of Easter.

Christ our PassoverPascha nostrum

1 Corinthians 5:7‑8; Romans 6:9‑11; 1 Corinthians 15:20‑22
Alleluia.
Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; *
therefore let us keep the feast,
Not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, *
but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Alleluia.

Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; *
death no longer has dominion over him.
The death that he died, he died to sin, once for all; *
but the life he lives, he lives to God.
So also consider yourselves dead to sin, *
and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Alleluia.

Christ has been raised from the dead, *
the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
For since by a man came death, *
by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, *
so also in Christ shall all be made alive. Alleluia.

The rector who writes the blog, Brandon Filbert, writes:

The point to be remembered is that the Pascha nostrum underscores the power of Christ’s rising as a complete break with the old life…something that each Christian must not only celebrate at Eastertide, but learn to live in the daily life of discipleship.

 Praying these words will, at times, cast the light of the Resurrection on those corners of our life we are still trying to live the old way, with “the leaven of malice and evil.” For that knowledge we need to give thanks: it is the active work of the Spirit in our life as Christians this Eastertide and always.

A great exhortation and reminder.  Amen!

Matthew 3:1-6

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:1-2)

Jesus, let your word be spoken into all the wilderness areas of my life — all those places in my life where you are not yet Lord.

For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.'” (Matthew 3:3)

Holy Spirit, thank you for the many witnesses you have raised up in my life. Help me hear and respond to the word you are speaking through them to me.

Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. (Matthew 3:4)

Thank you for all that John endured for me. Don’t let me be put off by the outward appearance of the witnesses you send to me — help me to hear and receive your word to me.

Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. (Matthew 3:5-6)

Let all of Schenectady and Albany and every community in this diocese come flocking to you and be baptized afresh by your Holy Spirit. Thank you.

LORD, let the river of your Spirit flow through this diocese and through the Diocesan Convention. Help us all come into the joy of sharing Jesus with others. Thank you.

Monday: 25 * 9, 15; Exod. 18:13-27: 1 Pet. 5:1-14: Matt. (1:1-17),3:1-6

Tuesday: 26, 28 * 36, 39; Exod. 19:1-16: Col. 1:1-14: Matt. 3:7-12

Notes from the Front Line

Sine Nomine-For All The Saints (With Lyrics) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3LMWCIa08Q

Hyfrydol-Alleluia! Sing To Jesus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIYpVJNIW-o&feature=relmfu

To God Be The Glory http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORH6TuZjM-Y&feature=endscreen&NR=1

***** Start now reading and reflecting on the lessons for next Sunday so that you can receive all that God has for you (Psalm 23 or 100; Acts 4:(23-31)32-37 or Ezekiel 34:1-10; 1 John 3:1-8 or Acts 4:(23-31)32-37; John 10:11-16).

***** Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2012

From: Nigel Mumford

Subject: Daily Quote…

Someone once said that if you worry you die and if you don’t worry die so why worry! Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Luke 12:22

Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2012

From: Nigel Mumford

Subject: The you tube testimony of Fr. Nigel Mumford “Royal Marine to Priest” is now on line. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k4JIn_QrGAAlbany Intercessor

NT Wright’s Easter Hymn (6): Triumphant in His Glory Now His Sceptre Ruleth All

Browsing through the Rev. Patrick Comerford’s recent Easter blog entries, I discovered that NT Wright has written Six Easter Hymns as part of the Libretto for Paul Spicer’s Easter Oratorio.  (see also: here and here for more about Paul Spicer and the Oratorio.)

***

Easter Hymn 6, by NT Wright

Ye choirs of new Jerusalem
Your sweetest notes employ,
The Paschal victory to hymn
In strains of holy joy.

How Judah’s Lion burst his chains,
And crushed the serpent’s head;
And brought with him, from death’s domains,
The long-imprisoned dead.

From hell’s devouring jaws the prey
Alone our Leader bore;
His ransomed hosts pursue their way
Where he hath gone before.

Triumphant in his glory now
His sceptre ruleth all,
Earth, heaven, and hell before him bow,
And at his footstool fall.

While joyful thus his praise we sing,
His mercy we implore,
Into his palace bright to bring
And keep us evermore.

All glory to the Father be,
All glory to the Son,
All glory, Holy Ghost, to thee,
While endless ages run. Alleluia! Amen.

***

There is more background information and links and pictures at the Rev. Patrick Comerford’s blog.

NT Wright’s full libretto for the Oratorio is here (pdf file), and there is more information on the NTWright blog.

UPDATE: the hymn posted above is a slightly revised version of a 1000-year-old hymn by Fulbert of Chartres.  You can see that version at the Cyber Hymnal.

Our heavenly Father

Luke 15:20 (NIV)
So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

Joshua 15:18b (MSG)
As she [Caleb’s daughter] dismounted from her donkey Caleb asked her, “What would you like?”

Father, I thank You for Your attentiveness, Your solicitousness, Your provision, and Your love. Amen.

STUDY GUIDE: SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 27, April 22, 2012

STUDY GUIDE: SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 27, April 22, 2012

Theme Verse: Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22)

Readings: Ps. 98:1-5; Acts 4:1-13; 1 John 2:1-29; Luke 24:36-48

Memory Verse: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

Next Week: Ps. 23; Acts 4:23-37; 1 John 3:1-10; John 10:11-16

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.

First Lesson: Acts 4:1-13 [Note especially verses 9-13]

A word received: I want you to be judged on the same basis that Peter and John were. They proclaimed the truth of my death and resurrection and that there is salvation in no other name than mine.

(verse 13) A word received: I want the people in the class to know that they can do what Peter and John did. The same power is available for them as for Peter and John. Note what it says, they were “unschooled*, ordinary men”, but they had spent time with me. I want you to spend time with me as well.

*“uneducated”

Gospel: Luke 24:36-48

(verse 45) A word received: Pray that I will open the minds of my people to understand the Scriptures.

Epistle: 1 John 2:1-29

Christ Church Schenectady Prayer Table Report, Saturday, April 21, 2012

+Vanette — After we started to pray for her she started to cry. She gave her sins to Jesus and accepted his forgiveness.

A word received: Tell how my Holy Spirit moved Vanette to tears and confession of sin and receiving forgiveness because of what I did for her.

Psalm: Ps. 98

A word received: I want you to tell what I have done for you. (Tell of something specific.)

Acts 4:1-12

Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, (Acts 4:1)

      Lord, even today the message that Peter and John spoke is disturbing to many church leaders and government officials.

being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. (Acts 4:2)

      Peter and john taught the people and preached your resurrection from the dead, Jesus. Please raise up many throughout the Episcopal Church and this diocese who will preach that same message. Let this teaching be proclaimed with power at the Diocesan Convention.

And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. (Acts 4:3)

      Father, thank you for the high honor you gave Peter and John — they were arrested and put in custody for preaching Jesus’ resurrection.

However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand. (Acts 4:4)

      Thank you, Holy Spirit, for all those who believed Peter and John’s message. In our day bring many to a saving knowledge of what Jesus has done for them.

And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. (Acts 4:5-6)

      Holy Spirit, transform the meetings of the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church.

And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?” (Acts 4:7)

      Holy Spirit, move the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church to ask the same question of your faithful witnesses.

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:” (Acts 4:8 )

      Peter was filled with your Holy Spirit, Jesus, when he gave his witness. Fill us up as well so that we can give our witness to what you have done for us.

“If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him this man stands here before you whole.” (Acts 4:9-10)

      Father, please help us comprehend the power of the name of Jesus.

“This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ 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 4:11-12)

      Jesus, don’t let anyone in this diocese fudge this one: there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we can be saved. Thank you.

Sunday: 148, 149, 150 * 114, 115; Exod. 18:1-12: 1 John 2:7-17: Mark 16:9-20

HC: 98 or 98:1-5; Acts 4:5-12 or Micah 4:1-5; 1 John 1:1-2:2 or Acts 4:5-12; Luke 24:36b-48

Monday: 25 * 9, 15; Exod. 18:13-27: 1 Pet. 5:1-14: Matt. (1:1-17),3:1-6

      Notes from the Front Line

Lift High the Cross http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nGaT8QnYRE

Hillsong – Worthy is the Lamb http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXNRbpZpe3o&feature=related

***** Start now reading and reflecting on the lessons for next Sunday so that you can receive all that God has for you (Psalm 23 or 100; Acts 4:(23-31)32-37 or Ezekiel 34:1-10; 1 John 3:1-8 or Acts 4:(23-31)32-37; John 10:11-16).

Albany Intercessor

Christ Church Schenectady Prayer Table Report

Christ Church Schenectady Prayer Table Report, Saturday, April 21, 2012, 9:25 – 10:35 a.m. Moriah Jones and Torre Bissell on State St. and Carol Baum and Mark Pasko on Albany St.

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

State St.

Kayla (young woman) — “I don’t know how to pray. I’m on my way towork.”

Bill (regular) — We prayed for protection from seizures and for companionship.

+Tristan (young boy) — At first his mother said that they were all right and didn’t need prayer. Then Tristan asked for a cross and his mother said that it would cost money and I said, “No, it is free.” We gave Tristan a cross and prayed that he would grow up into the man God wanted him to be.

+Henry (young man) and his mom — We prayed that he would grow up into the man God wanted him to be.

+Paula and Debra (regulars) — We prayed for them and their children and grandchildren. They were helping over at Friendship House across the street where Friendship Baptist Church was handing out free clothing.

+Mike — He gave his burdens to Jesus and accepted His help in carrying them.

+Ed

+James (regular) — He buried his mom in March (“She was a full Christian.”). He asked prayer for his ex-wife Karen who has medical problems.

++Tim — He asked prayer for his whole family and specifically that his son +Andrew would have help in playing baseball. He took 2 crosses to pas on to others.

+Vanette — After we started to pray for her she started to cry. She gave er sins to Jesus and accepted his forgiveness.

+Jerome — He asked prayer for peace in his family, his job, and his team.

+Crystal — “For my mom Brenda who is coming out of surgery.”

+Phillip — We prayed that he would share Jesus with others.

William — We gave thanks that Iri and Jallah returned safely from Georgia.

+Jeannette

+Dawn — “Good health.”

Albany St.

Jeremiah — walking to work.

Mahir — “To go to heaven.”

Nathan — Blessing to keep straight and safe.

Nahquin — Do better in school.

Tasha — Quit smoking and strength to guide her family.

Carmichael — Family safety

Nasjeriah — General prayer.

Billy (man) — Going to work.

Rose — Health (lung and leg problems)

Neiro — For family.

Omari — To be Godly.

Dayshone — Baby coming.

Melodie — Baby

Sierra — Godly life.

Glen (man walking by)

Exodus 17:8-16

Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim.9And Moses said to Joshua, “Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.” So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. (Exodus 17:8-11)
      Lord, there are many who contend with us and who strive against your church and your people. The battle goes this way and that.

But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. (Exodus 17:12-13)
      Holy Spirit, raise up Aarons and Hurs to support by prayer and encouragement our bishops, priests, deacons and lay leaders. Hold up the hands of
            Bill Love
            Dan Herzog
            David Ball
            David Bena
            Harold Miller
            Mike Chapman
            Mark Lawrence
            And others.
      So that your people will win the victory.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.” (Exodus 17:14)
      Father, help us remember all those times you have defended us and given us the victory. It was not because of our goodness, but because of your great love for us.

And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner; (Exodus 17:15)
      Jesus, you are our banner, help us to hold high your cross of victory over sin and death.

for he said, “Because the Lord has sworn: the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” (Exodus 17:16)
      LORD, your judgments are righteous and true: give us hearts to accept your word and your will for us. Thank you.

Saturday: 20, 21:1-7(8-14) * 110:1-5(6-7), 116, 117; Exod. 17:1-16: 1 Pet. 4:7-19: John 16:16-33
Sunday: 148, 149, 150 * 114, 115; Exod. 18:1-12: 1 John 2:7-17: Mark 16:9-20
HC: 98 or 98:1-5; Acts 4:5-12 or Micah 4:1-5; 1 John 1:1-2:2 or Acts 4:5-12; Luke 24:36b-48

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Start now reading and reflecting on the lessons for next Sunday so that you can receive all that God has for you (Psalm 98 or 98:1-5; Acts 4:5-12 or Micah 4:1-5; 1 John 1:1-2:2 or Acts 4:5-12; Luke 24:36b-48 ).

***** Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2012
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: Daily Quote
      It was the theologian Karl Barth who said, “Laughter is the closest thing to the grace of God.”

***** Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2012
From: Susan Plaske
Subject: Prayer table report Cathedral of All Saints Wed. April 18, 2012 Windy, Sunny and cool. Beth Collum, Dcn. Susan and Tricia McCrossan
++ man going in to noon Eucharist asked for crosses to give away.
Dave – that he and Janette will have a safe travel for their upcoming vacation
+Jonathan – Stressed Out!! Prayer for him to know that God is with him and for family to draw together through tough times.
+++Lola -prayed for her day at work
Kathy& Jeana – prayers for Jeana to enjoy her life and healing for her Dad, Kathy for thankfulness.
Prayer Table Report for the Cathedral Wed. April 11, 2012 Sunny and Cool, Beth Collum and Dcn Susan, Hilda Harday and Patricia McCrossan
Dave -continued healing for Bonnie
Grace – Louise doing better from cancer, keep praying for her healing and that she will gain weight.
Hilda Mananger Helen’s father in hospital with congestive heart failure bing discharged this day. Prayer’s for God’s healing grace.
Many people walked by and declined prayer , many said they do their own praying.
We are here as God’s witnesses of his Love in the community. Prayer is a gift God has given for all to partake in.
The Prayer of Faith John 5
      13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
      14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
      15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
      16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Albany Intercessor

Easter Quotes: The real-world ramifications of the Easter message

… the Easter message is so much more than sunny weather, pretty new clothes, colored eggs, and chocolate bunnies. On the contrary, it’s a message of hope with real-world ramifications. And it has the power to change lives and inspire courage and heroism in the face of suffering and tyranny.

from a recent blog entry “The Easter Message and Christian Hope” at Creedal Christian – read the whole entry.

Upper and lower springs

This story is repeated in Judges 1.

Joshua 15:16-19 (NIV)
And Caleb said, “I will give my daughter Aksah in marriage to the man who attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher.” Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s brother, took it; so Caleb gave his daughter Aksah to him in marriage.
One day when she came to Othniel, she urged him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What can I do for you?”

She replied, “Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water.” So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.

The Negev is a rocky desert. Othniel means the might of God, and Aksah means ankle bracelet. Ankle bracelets were worn for their tinkling noise.

Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You for adopting me into the household of faith through the death of Your Son Jesus Christ. He is the might of God.
I thank You for the gift of the desert experiences in my life. As I walk through the desert, give me springs of living water, both upper springs and lower springs. I thank You for all of Your gifts. Amen.

Living in Resurrection Hope

Glen’s April 16th entry at the King’s English gives a little picture of what it means to live in the hope of the Resurrection, trusting in our Redeemer:

Whatever we tack onto the end of our stories of suffering gives a little window onto our theology of suffering.  […]

Recently, I heard a wonderful line.  It came from a woman suffering from terminal cancer.  How would you finish a sentence that begins “I have 6 months to live”?  She said, “…Still, nothing a resurrection won’t fix.”  Now that’s Christian consolation.

And it’s the very heart of the book of Job.  In amongst all the suffering there is resurrection hope:

“I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.  Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another.” (Job 19:25-27)

Who does Job look forward to seeing?  Not just his Saviour – someone who would rescue him out of suffering.  Job looks forward to seeing His Redeemer.  That’s different.  A Redeemer won’t just pull me out of the pit.  A Redeemer will join me in it and transform the pit to paradise.  That’s very different.

Jesus is not a Replacer, snatching away the old and giving us something entirely different.  He’s a Redeemer who comes into our suffering and transforms it.

Think of Doubting Thomas.  When Thomas finally confesses Jesus to be “My Lord and My God” (John 20:28), what was he looking at?  He was looking at scars!  Jesus had bared His wounds to Thomas and told him to “behold” his hands and side.  And beholding the wounds of Jesus, Thomas sees the glory of his Lord and God.

Here’s the point: Jesus did not cast off his wounds in the resurrection. His wounds were redeemed in the resurrection.  They were transformed into badges of divine glory.  And what Jesus did with His wounds, He will do with all our wounds.  Through His resurrection He will not sweep aside our frailties and failures – He will transform them.

Often when we suffer we simply want rid of the situation.  But Jesus wants to do something better.  He doesn’t waste our suffering.  He never considers it a dead loss.  Somehow he will redeem the situation.  Somehow He will redeem every situation.  The scars we bear will become scar stories and testimonies to His grace.  If Jesus can redeem the suffering of the cross then He can and He will redeem any suffering – yours included.

Read the full post here.