Revelation 15:2-3 (Thanksgiving, Jesus' Christmas list)

Welcome God every morning before your work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which has snippets from Living Faith (livingfaith.com). All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

On the sea of glass were standing those who had won the victory over the beast...and they sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb. Revelation 15:2-3

Living Faith snippets: "One commentator says that these people are the Christian martyrs who "did not succumb to the oppressive influences of the Antichrist." What are some of the oppressive influences of the Antichrist in our own age? One could be a philosophy that says, "Me first!" or, "Happiness is a 'buy' product. The more things you buy, the happier you'll be." Another oppressive influence says, "You're only one person. What can you do?" or it could be an attitude of selfishness, hopelessness, fear, a lack of forgiveness, pettiness, relativism, shame or apathy. Today try to name one oppressive influence that tends to hinder you from singing your song to God." by Sr. Melannie Svoboda

Pat nuggets:

* Jesus' Christmas (birthday) List: As we plan how we will share our gifts at Christmas, let's reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. St. Nicholas (the real Santa) gave to children and the poor because Jesus calls us to give His birthday presents to those in need. Let's not give into the oppressive influences listed above...we are called to be Christ to the world! If we (the Body of Christ) share God's gifts, the needy will also be a part of His birthday party. Who are those in need? Crisis pregnancy centers, Joe Castle's homeless shelter, others? Kay Castle suggested that we write to our injured soldiers: Recovering American Soldier, c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington , D.C. 20307-5001.

* Thanksgiving: Chad Livingston shared this piece of our foundational American history. "Written in 1782, one of the first declarations concerning the day of Thanksgiving read: “The United States in Congress assembled, taking into their consideration the many instances of divine goodness to these States:[...] Do hereby recommend to the inhabitants of these States in general, the observation of Thursday the twenty-eight day of November next, as a day of solemn THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies: and they do further recommend to all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to God for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness.” from https://www.history.com/

Christian ID: How would unbelievers recognize a Christian in the world? By our love! Let's share things we can do to glorify God and love neighbor.

* When someone sneezes, say "God bless you." When asked for prayers, offer to pray with them on the spot. When asked about your weekend, tell about your faith activities. When someone takes the Lord's name in vain, ask them gently to please not say that (hopefully they will ask why...and we will share our faith!). When asked your favorite food, say "the Body and Blood of Christ." When asked what you're thankful for, say "Jesus." Shirts proclaiming a Christian/ProLife message. Bumper stickers/car magnets with a Christian/ProLife message.

ProLife news: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ and http://www.priestsforlife.org/
* Read the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) that president-elect Obama plans on signing. Please sign the petition now to fight FOCA. Millions of unborn babies depend on you.
* Let's pray for courage to build relationships and talk about ProLife. Let's pray that We The People of America will shine Christ's Light and build a culture of Life (Matt 5:16).

Our Prayers: Prayer to End Abortion, chastity, our enemies, our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, loss of loved ones, lack of faith, illnesses/injuries, Lynn Bishara (aunt Mary with cancer), Stephanie Spader (for babies with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome), Joe Hourigan (special intention & Silbi/Sabu), Gina Prevett (Renee with brain tumor), Kay Castle (funding for Welcome Home Warriors), Tom Albrecht (health/faith of parents), Joe Castle (medical concerns), Matt Kayser (family of Jesse Alne, Jesse was killed in a motorcycle accident)

Faith quote: Joe Castle shared this quote by Billy Graham. "Integrity is the glue that holds our way of life together. We must constantly strive to keep our integrity intact. When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost."

Through Christ for ProLife,

Pat

Phil 4:13

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml. Reflection on readings at http://www.daily-meditations.org/index2.html

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others. Wayne Watson lyrics, “When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven, and miracles you can't explain await!” 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead & see Him.'

* Fasting: Let's fast from things that takes our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, judgment, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and take on things that fix our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).
* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might lie as you wish' Blessed Mother Teresa.

* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service.

Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!