Prayer & Praise; 08/29/21
COLLECT
O Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow after us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
DEUTERONOMY 4:1-9
“And now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the rules that I am teaching you, and do them, that you may live, and go in and take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, is giving you. You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you. Your eyes have seen what the Lord did at Baal-peor, for the Lord your God destroyed from among you all the men who followed the Baal of Peor. But you who held fast to the Lord your God are all alive today. See, I have taught you statutes and rules, as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him? And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today?
“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children.”
PSALM 15
Lord, who shall dwell in your tabernacle? Or who shall rest upon your holy hill?
Whoever leads an uncorrupt life, and does that which is right, and speaks the truth from his heart.
He has not spoken deceitfully with his tongue, nor done evil to his neighbor, and has not slandered his neighbor.
In his own eyes the wicked is rejected, and he makes much of those who fear the Lord.
He swears to his neighbor and disappoints him not, though it were to his own hindrance.
He has not given his money for usury, nor taken a bribe against the innocent.
Whoever does these things shall never be overthrown.
EPHESIANS 6:10-20
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
MARK 7:1-23
Now when the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the elders, and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches.) And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written,
“‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’
You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.”
And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition! For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban”’ (that is, given to God)— then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.”
And he called the people to him again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.”And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable.And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.)And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him.For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
please remember in prayer…..
BrianD – I lost my sister, and now a friend of the family (my mom)Sherrie has died of cancer. Please pray
Captain Kevin – Appreciate prayer. I’ve been in a Fibro/fatigue/depressed funk all week.
Also, I’m teaching piano and voice at a local studio, and need many more students to make things work.
Brian – My sister died unexpectedly early last Thursday morning. We’re having a memorial service tomorrow. I talked about her a little bit on the Open Blogging thread. I’m rethinking a lot of things now. Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers, especially my brother and my mom — no parent should ever outlive their kids.
Em – I pray for the neighbor (all their yard is gone), but as i pray i have to ask God’s forgiveness as there is a little “serves you right” in the back of my mind
Praying for them, better than i do, would be appreciated. They are church goers, but need a firmer grip on the Faith – IMV.
S. Barnard – healing for my sister as she recovers from open heart surgery
Everstudy – Please keep my son in your prayers as he prepares to head out of state to college (we move him in August). Also, keep my wife in your prayers as she prepares to let our son head out of state for college.
Michael – Prayers appreciated as I navigate this weeks happenings here…major stories take a lot of energy and stamina and I have little of either.
Pray for all concerned that we will act in truth and righteousness…
ERunner – I will also be seeing an endocronologist to have my parathyroid checked as my body is producing way too much calcium. Would you pray this works out and that I will trust God through the process? Thank you. Allan
j2theperson- My friend’s 6 month old grandson had surgery june 17, to unfuse the plates in his skull. If you could keep him in your prayers we’d all appreciate it.
Michael – I could use some prayer
Linnea – Would you pray for Greg? He and my husband play tennis. He was treated for an aggressive brain cancer and thought he was clear, but it has roared back. Please pray for healing and that he and his wife come to know the Lord. Thank you!
Xenia-+Pray for the churches of Sri Lanka
Paige – Asking for prayer for a family issue… God knows…. and the silencing of a lying gossip who is spreading slander about me to family members and others. It’s an on going issue that is quite perplexing, and apparently demonic. Twisted, delusional and strange.
I spoke to a trusted friend about the issue and was told “Satan has given XYZ power to turn people against you” and “XYZ has been used by Satan to destroy your former marriage and harm the church and now to divide your family”.
This XYZ happens to also be cyber stalking me here on the Phoenix preacher.
May God enlighten all souls to see and know Truth and walk in it by His Spirit.
Jerod- find a good internship.
j2theperson- my church has been dealing with crazy church stuff.
cash – depression , PTSD
David H – I could use a prayer. I was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy . Right side of my face is paralyzed. Prednisone and an antiviral.
Vicki McClellan – I’ve been struggling since my husband passed. But I have been angry at God for not answering my prayers and healing him. After all, the kids and grandkids and I still need him here. Help me understand.
Michael – heart aneurysm and a bad valve, bad back and neck issues.
Captain Kevin – Please pray for my oldest daughter. She is separated from her husband. This is probably the 3rd time in the 3 years they’ve been married. I’m not sure who is more at fault or if there is any abuse, so I just pray for God’s will. They are believers, I think.
JD – Marshal whose mother told him that she doesn’t love him
JoelG – filing for custody of my 2 younger teenagers. I found hundreds of explicit photos of my youngest daughter that I’m sure have been shared.
-My ex, daughter and I met to talk, discipline and love on our daughter. We’re all in the same page moving forward and she will be getting counseling.
Linnea – Jon and Sarah. Please pray that they would know God’s love and would follow Him out of horrible lifestyles to freedom.
the new Victor – pray for God’s protection and mercy upon my children, who’ve been through a lot, including witnessing domestic violence in the other home, and that I am strong and engaged enough to lead them so they don’t turn out like the sons of Eli.
Bob Sweat – we are asking God to open a door to a small church somewhere in the US who want a pastor to love them and faithfully teach the Word.
Michael, Rick, Joel, Dan, capt. Kevin, Owen – wand to hear from God in their prayer life
JTK- ongoing back issue.
David H – Aunt Ramona has Adenocarcinoma primary lung cancer.
Victor- chronic back pain
Lurkie Loo – dear friend with inoperable Stage 4 glioblastoma (brain cancer). She is 44.
Linnea- sister salvation
Paige- 4 boys to be pleasing to God
Thanks, Dusty!
I made amends with my dad several years ago, and have had a wonderful relationship with him. Buster and dad became great friends and dad and son-in-law. I shared many pictures of little misty, her husband and my now 2year old granddaughter. they have made several trips to Kentucky with us to visit him over the years.
I am sad and heartbroken that my daddy passed away on August 21st this year. we had to beg my step-mother to come see my dad on his death bed. We had a great relationship with her as well, we thought. After about 3 days of dad being in the hospital on a ventilator for pneumonia and tons of fluid build up in his chest and lungs, we told her we were coming. We were only allowed to see him for 2 hours, by her orders, on Thursday. He was fighting for his life in the hospital for 2 weeks. I was able to hug him, kiss him, and talk to him in his ear. I reminded him of God’s forgiveness and that Jesus was reaching His hand out to him. that he just had to take it. As my dad always ended our conversations, texts, and visits, I told him I love you, always have and always will. His eyes filled with tears and he squeezed my hand. I know he is in heaven at Jesus feet, healthy, happy , in no pain, and has no sickness. And that he is reunited with his parents and brother. I also know he will be there to hug me when I go home.
dusty,
My heart goes out to you…I’m sorry for your loss.
May the comfort of God and the knowledge of reunion be yours…
This Valley is For Me
As I look down this mountainside
I can see where this road goes
The Shepherd is leading me
To a place where I can grow
Though it seems to be a trying test
I have no doubt He knows what’s best
It just might be a place of perfect rest
This valley is for me
This valley is for me
The waters have been made so sweet
A pleasant rest for my weary feet
This valley is for me
A far cry from the mountain scene
The grass here has been made so green
My Shepherd chose this route
So I can say without a doubt
This valley is for me
Standing here beside still waters
I know why I am here today
This place of restoration
Will strengthen me along the way
Through the valley I can feel
His presence here is so, so real
And now I know it was His perfect will
This valley is for me
My Shepherd chose this route
So I can say without a doubt
This valley is for me.
Thank you so much big brother. I know you have too much loss in your life already. Your words are a comforting big hug.
Please know that my heart is always in thought and prayer for you my dear friend. Though your body, spirit and heart are always in constant pain and anguish, you always find the strength to comfort your flock, your family and your friends.
You are loved by more than you know. You are highly regarded by so so many people. You are a hero and such an honorable man. I look up to you as a wonderful example of who God wants us to be. Though you are persecuted your still honor your God. I want to be just like you when I grow up.
Jesus please pray for our brothers and sisters on this prayer list. We have no words. We beg You Father to answer our prayers, their prayers. Holy Spirit speak Your words though us, that we may pray in agreement to God’s will. We praise You Father, Healer, Savior, King of all kings.
Dusters,
You think more highly of me than I am…which makes me want to be better.
Thank you for blessing me and and so many more all these years…
I love the family here! most want what is good for each other, most want what is best for each other. We lift each other up. We teach each other. we learn from each other. We have all grown so much in our walk with God together….it is home here.
Michael, you are a humble servant of God. That what makes me see you so highly and love you so much.
Praying that our Lord will comfort dear dusty now…
praying for you Dusty…
Dusty, I’m so sorry. Praying for you and your family’s comfort.