Albany Intercessor

Thursday, July 26, 2012
+Isaiah -- He sat down and said, "Right now I am a Muslim." I asked him if he would like to give his life to Jesus. He said, "Yes." I led him in a profession of faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. He confessed his sins to Jesus and accepted God's forgiveness.

Saturday, July 28, 2012,
+Shaquin (young man) -- I asked him if he had ever given his life to Jesus and he said, "No." I asked if he had ever thought about doing that and he said, "Yes, but I don't know what that would be like." I suggested that he invite Jesus into his heart so that he could find out and he agreed to that. He prayed along with me inviting Jesus in to his heart.

      I would like to comment on two recent experiences of prayer, the first at the Schenectady City Mission prayer table and the Second at the Christ Church Schenectady prayer table. A couple of days ago we got this word: A word received: Keep heeding my promptings.
      In the first case I felt prompted to just go for it and ask Isaiah if he wanted to give his life to Jesus even though he said he was a Muslim. In the second case I had a clear prompting not to do that, but instead to offer Shaquin the opportunity to find out what Jesus could do in his heart.
      In neither case do I know what was going on inside each of these young men. When we pray with people, there comes a point where you have to stand back and let God do whatever he wants to do. We have no control over what he will choose to do. He is sovereign and he is Lord. He is the only one who can truly change Isaiah's and Shaquin's hearts.
      There is a mystery here where we have to "let go and let God." Pastor Litkie (sp?) of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Colonie used to challenge people to "Do and dare for Christ." Whenever we pray for someone, ultimately we are stepping off the edge and trusting Jesus to hold us up. We are all "Peter's" who become scared by the wind the waves and have to be pulled up by Jesus. I have really been brought face to face once again with our absolute dependence on Jesus to do whatever HE wants to do. Torre

Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he sent the multitude away. And when he had sent them away, he departed to the mountain to pray. Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and he was alone on the land. Then he saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. (Mark 6:45-48 )
      Holy Spirit, we pray for all those who are "straining at rowing", when they have grown weary in the assignment Jesus has given them. Encourage them and fill them up anew. Make them aware of Jesus' presence near them and in them.

And when they saw him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw him and were troubled. But immediately he talked with them and said to them, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." (Mark 6:49-50)
      Jesus, help us hear your words of encouragement as we strain at the oars.

Then he went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled. For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened. (Mark 6:51-52)
      Father, our hearts are often hardened and we don't understand what Jesus has done for us. Help us recognize his presence in our lives day by day as we go about the work he has given us to do. Thank you.

A word received: You are in my care. Keep looking to me for help.

Sunday: 24, 29 * 8, 84; Joshua 24:1-15: Acts 28:23-31: Mark 2:23-28
HC: 114; 2 Kings 2:1-15; Ephesians 4:1-7,11-16; Mark 6:45-52
Monday: 56, 57, [58] * 64, 65; Joshua 24:16-33: Rom. 16:1-16: Matt. 27:24-31

      Notes from the Front Line

Daily: For our Bishop and for the Healing Ministry in every parish. July 29 Grace Church, Mohawk -The Rev’d William Wheeler, The Rev’d Canon Robert Haskell, The Rev’d Nelson Lundberg

***** HEALING SERVICE:
      St Mary's, Lake Luzerne will observe the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord, Monday, Aug 6 with a Service of Healing. It will begin with Evening Prayer at 7pm and conclude with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Bishop Dan will officiate.
A reception hosted by the Divine Mercy Chapter of the Daughters of the King will follow in the Parish Hall. St Mary's is located on Route 9N in the Village (220 Lake Ave).

***** Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2012
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: Daily quote
      Am I really a victim?
      Do I really want to be a victim?
      Am I living a life of victim mentality?
      Can I, with Christ, move from victim to victor?
      Yes, yes, of course you can.
      Because, with Christ all things are possible.
      "Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ." 2 Thessalonians 1:12

Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2012
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: Good reads
      Hi, Checkout my reading list on Goodreads - where you can see what your friends are reading. http://www.goodreads.com/friend/i?i=LTM1OTYzMTMxNjY6NDIw

Albany Intercessor