Friday, January 21, 2011

Mark 3:13 (Life Coach)


Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (website, Facebook).

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. Mark 3:13 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: Have you ever asked God, "What am I supposed to do with my life?" This is a bit of a rhetorical question as that question of purpose seems to be written into our DNA by our creator. There are even "Life Coaches" to help folks who seem to be wandering through life. Who is your "Life Coach"? The apostles had the great pleasure and privilege to have Jesus physically leading the way for them. He was their "Life Coach". He eventually gave his own life for them and for all of us - the ultimate "Life Coach". As modern day follower's of Christ we have His word in the Bible and the Church He gave us to physically lead us. We also have the inspiring lives of both living saints and past Saints to inspire and encourage us in our journey. Today Jesus is summoning us "up the mountain". For anyone who has climbed to the top of a mountain you know it is not an easy journey. Sounds like the journey of life to me. Something significant happens - Jesus intentionally names them his Apostles and their lives are forever changed. The next time we see Jesus return to another mountain is at the Transfiguration where Jesus reveals to a select few a hint of his divinity. With this calling, the Apostles entire purpose in life changes. Their encounter with God has left them changed forever. Is Jesus calling you to some change today?

Faith Challenge: Who is your "Life Coach"? Who's voice to you hear above all other? As you journey "up the mountain" turn your ear to the Good Shepperd who has a plan and a purpose for your journey. No one can stand before God on the mountain and walk away the same - how is God changing you today?

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Holy Communion "The heart and soul of my Catholic faith is the Holy Eucharist, which is the Body and Blood of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Receiving Christ's body is the highlight of my day. In John 6, Jesus referred to himself as the Bread of Life, and said that whoever comes to him will never hunger, and whoever believes in him will never thirst..."

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). View, add, update Prayers on our website. Let’s pray now.
* Remember that tomorrow is the anniversary of Roe v Wade. Take some time to pray that there is an end to Abortion and justice for the 53 million souls and counting that have paid the ultimate price.

Feast Day: St. Agnes, virgin and martyr (d. 258) "Like that of modern Maria Goretti, the martyrdom of a virginal young girl made a deep impression on a society enslaved to a materialistic outlook. Like Agatha, who died in similar circumstances, Agnes is a symbol that holiness does not depend on length of years, experience or human effort. It is a gift God offers to all."

Faith Quote: "Even in this life the Spirit transforms us...When Moses turned towards the Lord, his face shone in the reflection of God: when the believer turns towards the Lord Jesus and contemplates his glorious face, he is transformed into an ever brighter image of that same glory. And this irradiating power which transforms us into beings of light only comes from Christ because he himself is wholly penetrated by that Spirit" ~ F. X. Durrwell, The Resurrection: A Biblical Study

Through Christ Our Lord,
Steve
Romans 12:2

* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. Fast from things that take your eyes off Jesus. Those who pray together stay together, and close to God!
* Save Unborn (& family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (23% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 & Jer 1:5. “A great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish.” Mother Teresa
* Evangelize:Make room for unbelievers & re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Matt 28:19.


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