Psalm 17:15 (Content in Your Presence)

Let's welcome God today by reflecting on this short Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which is based on Living Faith. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

But I in justice shall behold your face; on waking I shall be content in your presence. Psalm 17:15 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "When asked if Death is the final step, Sir Walter Scott replied, "No, it is not the final awakening." Every day when I awaken, I find it a precious moment. The face of God seems close at each awakening. At the waking time of day, it is good to spend a few grateful moments in God's presence before rising to face our daily activities." by Fr. James McKarns

Steve's comments: I had the privilege of spending this past weekend on retreat. There is something amazing when you are able to see the power of God's Grace transform other people's lives. I think back to my first encounter with Christ as a 15 year old boy on a retreat not unlike the weekend I just experienced. I wanted nothing to do with Jesus and the Church. I sat reading letters of love from my family and friends and saw Jesus lovingly staring back at me in their words. As I read those words I experienced for the first time in my life the love of God. I was transformed - I knew at that moment that God had a plan for my life and it wasn't all about Steve. I felt apart of something bigger than myself and that every moment of my life had prepared me for that moment. I chose Christ on that day and dedicated my life to his service. Oh, I also met my future wife on that weekend (thanks, Jesus!). I don't know why God looked down with mercy on me that day, but I'm sure glad he did. I now try to take one weekend a year to serve on a retreat where I can share my story and be reminded of how I came to first encounter Christ in my life.

Faith Challenges: Let's all invite one person each week (John 14:6) to join our LIFE Group (~250 of God's children).
* NEW: Find a retreat in your area and make some time for yourself and Jesus - the encounter may fuel the rest of your life and bring someone else to Christ.

Counter-Culture News: , American Family Association, Priests for Life
* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images)...#1 cause of death in America. Let's courageously share Truth to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16) and setting the unborn (and parents) free!

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas in footnote below.
* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/despair, prisoners, politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, refugees, addictions, persecuted believers, Peters family (JP, Rebekah), Joe (brother Mike), Doug Young (special intention), Pat Castle (health care reform bill), Joe (daughter's pregnancy), Aaron Ferrie (special intention). Carol Nesbitt (Ron Hayes in ICU with H1N1 and pneumonia; Dody Gustaf with untreatable cancer)

Feast Day: St. Rose Philippine Duchesne "Women-who-prays-always"

Faith Quote: "“We cultivate a very small field for Christ, but we love it, knowing that God does not require great achievements but a heart that holds back nothing for self.... The truest crosses are those we do not choose ourselves.... He who has Jesus has everything.” ~ St. Rose Philippine Duchesne." -

Through Christ our Lord,

Steve

Romans 12:2

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn't, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead.'
* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, pornography, bitterness, criticalness, impatience, 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 live as you wish' (Blessed Mother Teresa).
* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead a 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 (Matt 28:19).