Let's welcome God today by reflecting on this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (website, Facebook), 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
"Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him...Is he not the carpenter...?" And they took offense at him. Mark 6:2-4 (full readings)
Living Faith Snippets: "I have often thought these words are among the saddest in the Gospel. For thousands of years the world awaits a savior, and when he comes, he doesn't look like they expected; he doesn't act like they expected; he's too vulnerable for their liking; his family origins aren't lofty enough. And they take offense at him." by Sr. Charleen Hug, S.N.D.
Steve's Thoughts: I've often heard it said that a person is most misunderstood in their own home town. Even Jesus experienced this pain and slight from those who knew him his entire life. Even Jesus knew Homelessness...When I was in college I had the opportunity to serve for a week at a homeless shelter on the south side of Chicago called the Port and Mantle. It was started by a Franciscan priest who simply heard Jesus say to him while he was waiting on a corner in that neighborhood to "feed my poor." He had nothing and no resources to begin this inspired mission, but he obeyed. Soon he was serving soup out of alley. His ministry became a ministry of listening - he recognized those who have been completely alienated by our culture ~ the homeless and destitute. How often have we walked by someone, neglected an urge to share a kind word, or walked the other way when we felt compelled to speak for fear of what others would think of us? I can only imagine how Jesus felt when he knew he had to first face his own and what their reaction would be...Lord, please give me your eyes that I may see as you see today.
Faith Challenges: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding a devotion to others or by using the Facebook Group "invite people to join" link. Steve, Rich, or Pat will gladly add others to the email list.
* NEW (AGAIN): Let's glorify Christ by helping others stay warm/healthy (physically, mentally, spiritually) through the winter.
"Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him...Is he not the carpenter...?" And they took offense at him. Mark 6:2-4 (full readings)
Living Faith Snippets: "I have often thought these words are among the saddest in the Gospel. For thousands of years the world awaits a savior, and when he comes, he doesn't look like they expected; he doesn't act like they expected; he's too vulnerable for their liking; his family origins aren't lofty enough. And they take offense at him." by Sr. Charleen Hug, S.N.D.
Steve's Thoughts: I've often heard it said that a person is most misunderstood in their own home town. Even Jesus experienced this pain and slight from those who knew him his entire life. Even Jesus knew Homelessness...When I was in college I had the opportunity to serve for a week at a homeless shelter on the south side of Chicago called the Port and Mantle. It was started by a Franciscan priest who simply heard Jesus say to him while he was waiting on a corner in that neighborhood to "feed my poor." He had nothing and no resources to begin this inspired mission, but he obeyed. Soon he was serving soup out of alley. His ministry became a ministry of listening - he recognized those who have been completely alienated by our culture ~ the homeless and destitute. How often have we walked by someone, neglected an urge to share a kind word, or walked the other way when we felt compelled to speak for fear of what others would think of us? I can only imagine how Jesus felt when he knew he had to first face his own and what their reaction would be...Lord, please give me your eyes that I may see as you see today.
Faith Challenges: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding a devotion to others or by using the Facebook Group "invite people to join" link. Steve, Rich, or Pat will gladly add others to the email list.
* NEW (AGAIN): Let's glorify Christ by helping others stay warm/healthy (physically, mentally, spiritually) through the winter.
Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, Vatican, American Family Association, Priests for Life
* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images), #1 cause of death in America (23% of pregnancies). Let's courageously share ProLife Truth to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace, rebuilding a Culture of Life for setting the unborn (and parents) free!
Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas in footnote below.
* Prayer to end abortion, Peters family (JP), Haitian earthquake victims, Rich Reich (Carolyn's cancer battle), Bobby Aborn (health issues), Joe/Anne Hourigan (lost their 14 wk old unborn child)
* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images), #1 cause of death in America (23% of pregnancies). Let's courageously share ProLife Truth to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace, rebuilding a Culture of Life for setting the unborn (and parents) free!
Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas in footnote below.
* Prayer to end abortion, Peters family (JP), Haitian earthquake victims, Rich Reich (Carolyn's cancer battle), Bobby Aborn (health issues), Joe/Anne Hourigan (lost their 14 wk old unborn child)
* NEW: Carol Nesbitt (for Sydney Jones who passed away Thurs from a pulmonary embolism), (for Nancy Wheeler who passed away...former speech/drama teacher...her patience and encouraging words changed many lives for the better!)
Feast Day: St. Blaise
Faith Quote: "What if Jesus comes back like that? Where will he find out hearts are at? Will he let us in or turn his back?...Will he cry when he sees where our hearts are at? Will he let us in or turn his back?" by Collin Raye
Through Christ our Lord,
Steve
Romans 12:12
* 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).
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