Luke 19:47-48 (The Power of Words)

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Guest Authors schedule. LIFE Minute radio.

"And every day He was teaching in the temple area. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people, meanwhile, were seeking to put Him to death, but they could find no way to accomplish their purpose because all the people were hanging on His words." ~ Luke 19:47-48 (full readings)

Rosemary's Reflections: As a writer and former journalist, I understand the power words have on people. Words have the ability to cause riots and chaos, yet can also bring hope and peace. Today's media seems to focus more on what is wrong in our world, leaving people with a sense of despair or bitterness. As Christians, we are called to be bearers of the Good News and help spread its message of hope. As pro-lifers, we need to offer this message to those considering abortions or those working for abortion clinics. We can change a few hearts and save some lives by speaking His words, the words people continue to cling to so dearly.

Faith Challenge: What kind of message are you sending others, either by what you say or how you act? Become a bearer of Good News! Pray for Gabriel, the messenger archangel and patron of communication workers, to guide those working in the media to do so as well.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Thanksgiving

Counter-Culture News: LSN, LifeNews, Priests for Life, Vatican, Project Rachel.

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. LIFE Runners Creed and Patron Saint. Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now. >

Feast Day: St. Rose Philippine Duchesne. During the French Revolution and performing missionary work in America, she risked her life to help others.

Faith Quote: “I'm hangin' on another day, just to see what you throw my way. And I'm hanging on to the words you say. You said that I will be okay.” ~ Lifehouse "Broken"

Through Christ Our Lord,
Rosemary

2 Tim 4:7
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* 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 (22% 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.

Luke 12:48 ("Out of the Depths")

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

Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more. Luke 12:48 (full readings)

Pat's Reflections: Life is God's gift from conception to natural death! As highlighted in today's Scripture, having been entrusted with this Truth, more will be demanded of us...like voting for ProLife politicians who will build on a Culture of Life that shines Light on the destructive hopelessness of abortion (see Faith Challenge below). Our hope is renewed with life-saving efforts, like today's devotion image of baby Jessica's rescue from Out of the Depths (14 Oct 1987). Last week, cultures from around the world united to save the 33 Chilean miners from Out of the Depths (article filled with God Sightings). With the power of prayer through the Rosary, the miners escaped death after being trapped nearly 70 days. They were rescued on 13 Oct, the anniversary of the Our Lady of Fatima miracle. From our Mother of Life devotion, "the three Fatima children...saw Mother Mary on the 13th Day for six straight months. On 13 Oct 1917 'an estimated 70,000 witnesses reported that the sun appeared to change colors and rotate...the sun danced.' On 13 May 1917 the children received a secret related to the Pope John Paul II assassination attempt, which happened 13 May 1981. The last visionary, Sister Lúcia, died on 13 Feb 2005, just a few weeks before Pope John Paul II."

Faith Challenge: In preparation for the upcoming elections, review the National Right to Life Voter Guide and read our 2008 pre-election devotion: fear God, choose Life. Turn your compassion to action...pray/work to save the Unborn (and families) from the destructive hopelessness of abortion, by advocating for ProLife candidates. Convince others what is really at stake in the elections. Lives depend on your vote!

Counter-Culture News: 40 Days for Life (ends 31 Oct), LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action.

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Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer), Todd Church (fruitfulness for a friend's tubal ligation reversal)

* Dear Lord, help us work the upcoming elections as an opportunity to change hearts/minds for rescuing our culture Out of the Depths of abortion.

Feast Day: St. Maria Bertilla Boscardin "If anyone knew rejection, ridicule and disappointment, it was today’s saint. But such trials only brought Maria Bertilla Boscardin closer to God and more determined to serve Him."

Faith Quote: "Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD." Psalm 130:1

Through Christ our Lord,

Pat

Phil 4:13

1 Cor 4:2 (Trustwothy?)

Welcome God today with this LIFE Group Devotion (archive, Facebook).

"Now it is of course required of stewards that they be found trustworthy" 1 Cor 4:2 (full readings)

Steve's Thoughts: Over this past year I have been contemplating an interesting thought, "Does God put His trust in us?" We often hear how we must put our trust in God which is a very important element of any relationship to grow toward deeper intimacy. I believe that God wants to lavish his many blessings on each of us. The Gospels tell us a basic truth that the reward is the same for all no matter when they come to the harvest. Am I trustworthy? Can God trust me with his many blessings? Simply put - no I have not always been trustworthy. I have not always been a good steward of the "mysteries of God".

We learned a few weeks back in the Gospel that all must have the appropriate attire for the wedding feast or we will be cast out - humility and a contrite heart. This is what God desires from each of us. To truly encounter God in my life has been a sometimes painful journey of humility and contrition as I have come to understand how frail I really am without God. This encounter with God has changed me. I am different today than I was when I first encountered Jesus as a fifteen year old kid. I was surely not trustworthy having no belief in the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist; a belief that abortion was a necessary evil; and no desire to serve the Lord in any capacity. He took me anyway. That brief moment of grace where I saw just a glimpse of how much God loves me in spite of my frailty has fueled me to this day. Over the past 19 years God has convicted and changed my heart. He has walked along side me every step of the way gently prodding and moving my heart towards his most sacred heart. The invitation I received then is the same today. Today I have a deep love for our Lord in the Eucharist, I am actively advocating for the Unborn, and I am working for the Church. Only God can do that!

Faith Challenge: Lord, in what ways am I untrustworthy? How would you bless me if you could trust me? Where are you gently inviting me to change?

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Hope.

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

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer), Pam McGushin (Terry Reszel cancer), Hourigan Family (Dick's funeral today), Rich Reich Sr (Pat Coy heart attack), Karen Ryan Philpott (for newborn William Mucher with heart block)

Faith Quote: "God cleans His fish after He catches them." ~ unknown

Graciously & Humbly Through Christ our Lord,
Steve
Romans 12:2

Jeremiah 18:6 (Mold Me Lord)

Welcome God today with this LIFE Group Devotion (archive, Facebook).

Can I not do to you, house of Israel, as this potter has done? says the Lord. Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, house of Israel. Jeremiah 18:6 (full readings)

Rich's comments: I find it very relaxing to build sandcastles on the beach. I like working the sand with my hands, keeping myself busy sculpting walls and digging trenches. However, no matter how much time I spend on building my fortress, the water will be there to wash it away. The water (Holy Spirit) breaks down my walls (pride) and fills in my trenches (struggles) making everything new again. Lord, You make everything new again. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Allow yourself to be molded by God's hands. Listen to God's words and be open to change.

Sr. Francelle's devotion: Walking on Water

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

* ABC Family's New Program 'Pretty Little Liars'

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP, special intention).
* Rich Reich (Cousin Tom starting chemotherapy), Pat Castle (Kimberly Martinez recovering from car accident), Liz Curry (Darleen Deans stroke recovery), Joe Levisky (thanksgiving for birth of granddaughter), Lynn Bishara (Aunt Marilyn with rare leukemia & kidney failure)

Faith Quote: "Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Feast Day: Read how St. Martha was open to change.

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

James 1:22

Jeremiah 14:20 ("Saved to Life")

Welcome God today with this LIFE Group Devotion (archive, Facebook).

We recognize, O LORD, our wickedness,the guilt of our fathers; that we have sinned against you. Jeremiah 14:20 (full readings)

Pat nuggets:

* Regarding today's verse, how about the wickedness of allowing legal access to murdering children (abortion) right in the middle of our neighborhoods (Planned Parenthood)? Lord have mercy.

* I found today's "Saved to Life" image in a Pictures of the Year International slide show with this caption. "Six-week Michele Olofsson weighed 2 pounds at birth...and she survived."

* In addition to birthdays, Chad Livingston suggested celebrating "conception day" to remember that life begins at conception!

* Kimberly Martinez (Alpha Center director) shared: "We are SOOOOO very thankful for all of you [LIFE Runners]! Just the other day we had a girl in who is 33 weeks pregnant with twins. She had an abortion scheduled, came to the Alpha Center through recommendation of a friend, received an ultrasound, and chose life! These babies are the ones you run for! When it gets hard to run or Sue, when it gets hard to raise funds, think of these little babies and their precious moms. Be encouraged knowing that your hard work makes a difference that leaves legacies far beyond that which you can imagine. Be blessed and know we are praying for you!" See Faith Challenge below.

* We saw the silly cartoon movie "Despicable Me." Angi pointed out that this is a story about a metanoia (change of heart)! Paige said it was better than Toy Story 3.

* Here is a great feel good song...enjoy! Hold Us Together.

Faith Challenge: Thirteen of our LIFE Runners will race the Sioux Falls Half/Full Marathon (12 Sep)...for ProLife ministry and to support the Sioux Falls Alpha Center crisis pregnancy bus. The bus reaches those who need free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and the Good News...saves lives! Last year, we raised $2100 for an ultrasound at a FL center. So far, we have only 6 sponsors ($387 total), which includes the donation from Angi/me. If we all donate a little, we will have a big impact. Please let me know if you donate because I would like to add your name (not $) to our sponsors list for thanksgiving prayers. To sponsor the LIFE Runners, go to Alpha Center, and click on "donate." When you get to PayPal "review your donation" screen, click on "comments" and write "LIFE Runners." Marathons for ProLife FB page and Blogsite. Thank you for considering!

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Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life.
* Poll: More than Half of Americans Favor Abortion Restrictions.

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP, special intention).

* Pat Castle (Kimberly Martinez recovering from car accident), Liz Curry (Darleen Deans stroke recovery), Joe Levisky (thanksgiving for birth of granddaughter), Lynn Bishara (Aunt Marilyn with rare leukemia & kidney failure)

Faith Quote: "When it's all said and done, no one remembers how far we have run. The only thing that matters is how we have loved." Blink by Revive

Peace & JOY be with you!,
Pat
Phil 4:13

Matt 10:14 (dust off your shoes?)

Welcome God today with this LIFE Group Devotion (archive, Facebook).

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Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Matt 10:14 (full readings)

Pat's nuggets: Today's verse caught my attention because the Gospel reading from this past Sunday Mass had the same message (Luke 10:10-11). Yikes! This message seems so harsh. As I prayerfully reflected on this verse, I changed my perspective. The Apostles have generously left everything behind and traveled to distant lands to give their neighbors the greatest gift of all...the eternal life saving Good News. Their neighbors have the God given gift of free will to accept this unconditional gift or to turn away the Apostles (Body of Christ) who have no food or bed. Apparently, some of the strangers turned the Apostles away. Based on the Prodigal Son story, we know that God will welcome the strangers home with open arms if they change their heart (metanoia). I have had a front row seat when friends have a metanoia experience...and God indeed butchers the fatted calf (blessings)! As we follow Christ in the footsteps of the Apostles, there is peace in knowing that God expects us to simply invite (not convert) those we encounter to taste and see His goodness. The stranger's conversion is not for our credit or blame, as it is up to them to accept Christ's redemptive victory on the Cross and in turn God's gift of eternal life, making them our brothers/sisters in Christ. If our loving/patient invitation is apparently not being received, God wants us to dust off our shoes and press on to the next needy soul, as we continue to pray that the strangers eventually ask God to make the planted seed of faith grow (1 Cor 3:6-9)...allowing us to continue our mission trip in peace (Matt 28:19).

Faith Challenge: Pray for the wisdom to know when to dust off your shoes and move on to the next needy soul.

Sr. Francelle's devotion: Thorns and Roses‏.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life.
* 30+ Major Pro-Life Leaders Joining Forces for Landmark 'Ending Abortion' Web Event July 10

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP).

* Julie Weiss (friend Marie has cancer), Those struggling with addictions (AA) and their families (Al-Anon), Neighbor whose mother passed away suddenly, Those sacrificing in defense of the innocent Unborn (and their parents).

Feast Day: St. Grimbald.

Faith Quote: "If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn't, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead."

Through Christ Our Lord,

Pat
Phil 4:13

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).

Genesis 12:1 (moving...)

Let's welcome God every morning 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

The Lord said to Abram: "Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father's house to a land that I will show you." Genesis 12:1 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "The Spirit continues to call us to move out of our comfort zone and into unfamiliar territory. Sometimes that involves a change in physical locations and at other times a change of heart." by Terri Mifek

Pat nuggets: Wow, today's devotion truly resonated with me. Just last night, we finished unboxing our household goods...last week we moved to Belleville, IL (Scott Air Force Base). Coincidence?, I think not! I've been to Abram's hometown in Turkey...although not as nice a town as Colorado Springs, it is never easy to leave dear friends and family. In faith, hope, and love we are all bound together for eternity...thanks be to God!

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News.
* NEW: Let's follow when called by the Holy Spirit to "move out of our comfort zone and into unfamiliar territory." We will go, Lord!

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, 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 ProLife Truth (John 14:6) to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16) and setting the unborn 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, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, addictions, Rich Reich (pray for the soul and family of Troy Doyle who passed away recently)

* NEW: Carla Neal (Jonathan Barlow, Margaret Solms, Dan, Joe and Becky)

Feast Day: St. Thomas More and St. Paulinus

Faith Quote: "Recognize life as a gift to be welcomed with gratitude, to be lived according to the law of God's love, and to be offered responsibly in service to one's brothers and sisters." by John Paul II

Through Christ our Lord,
Pat
Phil 4:13

* 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, bitterness, being so critical, 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 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 invite others to join our LIFE Group...Rich or Pat will gladly add them to the devotions distribution list (Mark 16:15)!

Psalm 87:7 (my home is within you)

Let's welcome God every morning before 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. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

And all shall sing, in their festive dance: "My home is within you." Psalm 87:7

Living Faith snippets: "It is one thing for me to say I feel at home in the Father. It is quite another to realize that the Father finds a home in me! Living the implications of that statement will get me through anything today. And should something loom its ugly head at me, making me feel out of sorts or less of a person than I am, may I remember that I am home for God." by Sr. Charleen Hug, S.N.D.

Rich's comments: Today's Living Faith devotion reminded me of the feeling that I had after attending confession for the first time after 20 years. After confessing my sins to Christ alive in the priest, Jesus absolved my sins, and spoke through the priest, "welcome home!" The floodgates of grace were opened in my heart, my soul was filled with a deep peace, and I experienced an inexplicable lightness and sense of liberation. I was at home. I felt that I could finally be myself to Jesus and let Him reside in my heart without feeling guilty that I needed to hide a part of myself from Him. Even if you do not believe in confessing your sins to a priest or anyone else, but God directly, I understand. I felt the same way for 20 years, and only confessed my sins directly to God in prayer. I believe that we do not experience God's forgiving grace in our hearts until we truly feel sorry for our sins, and this feeling is easily expressed when sharing our sins with others. "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed." James 5:16

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News.

* If Christ was visiting our house today, would He feel at home? Or would you have to tell Him to please wait a moment at the door as you hid the things in your life that were not of God. Let's do some housecleaning and make Jesus feel at home in our hearts.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, 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 ProLife Truth (John 14:6) to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16) and setting the unborn free!

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas below.

* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, addictions, Kay Castle (struggling with flu)

Faith Quote: "A great freedom is born by bringing our darkness into the light. Our faults and failings have a tendency of eating away at us inside. But when we bring them into the light they lose their power over us." by Matthew Kelly

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

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, bitterness, being so critical, 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 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 invite others to join our LIFE Group...Rich or Pat will gladly add them to the devotions distribution list (Mark 16:15)!

Hebrews 3:7-8 (soften your heart)

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

Oh that today you would hear his voice, harden not your hearts... Hebrews 3:7-8

Living Faith snippets: "We hear God's voice every day: in Scripture, in the voice of a beggar, in the tears of a child, in the clanging of the doors on death row, in the sighs of a spouse. What would happen, do you suppose, if we relaxed, if we melted into that voice, into all that God asks of us and offers us?" by Heather Wilson

Rich's comments: When I hear the term "hardened hearts", I imagine a person who wants to enter a seemingly cold swimming pool, but their body resists contact with the water and they tense up, and maybe they even avoid the pool altogether. If only they would allow their body to relax and immerse themselves in the body of water, or even allow themselves to have total trust and dive in head first, they would realize that the water is not so cold. In fact the water is life-giving and healing, and surrounds them with warmth like God's love. Lord, may Your Spirit soften our hearts so that we may hear You calling us to Your life-giving water. Amen.

ProLife news: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ & http://www.priestsforlife.org/

* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (click here for images).

* Let's pray for courage to communicate the ProLife message through Christ to those around us (John 14:6)...rebuilding 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, Mike Castle (eye infection), Joe Levisky (medical issues), Dan Castle (for alcoholics), Peace in the Middle East (Iraq, Gaza), Lynn Bishara (Aunt Mary battling cancer), Papa Joe Castle (bleeding in brain), Joe Castle (medical issues), Lutz Ettrich (girlfriend's Dad had stroke), Joe Hourigan (end contraception, Pres-elect Obama), Rob Ouellette (Mike and Bill)

* Update: Jason Peters (continued prayers for health of son JP)

* New: Kelley Boddicker (on Fri her Mom will have stents put in 3 arteries)

Faith Quote: "There is nothing that wastes the body like worry, and one who has faith in God should be ashamed to worry about anything whatsoever." by Mahatma Gandhi

Through Christ Our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* 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)!

Luke 2:34 (strip away worldly shell)

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

This child is destined for the fall and rise of many... Luke 2:34

Living Faith snippets: “The liturgical readings today try to nudge us away from the nostalgic memories to the start reality that Christ's birth creates division between those who accept and those who reject him, those who love and those who hate. Allow some extra time in the Christmas spirit, letting it strip away the shell we grow to protect our hearts and souls in an insecure, troubled world. Christmas is about a child, and children invite us to honesty, vulnerability and love. Spend a few quiet moments in prayer [each day]. In your daily interactions, choose love, choose vulnerability, choose discipleship. Christmas is meant to last all year." by Sr. Kathryn J. Hermes (author of Journal for Surviving Depression and Making Peace with Yourself)

ProLife news: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ & http://www.priestsforlife.org/.
* Let's pray for courage to communicate the ProLife message through Christ to those around us (John 14:6)...rebuilding 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, Kathy Ayers brain surgery, Mike Castle (eye infection), Jason Peters (son JP), Carolyn McKissack (granddaughter Bailee with Crohn's), Joe Levisky (health issue), Rob Ouellette (St. Pat's prayer list), Rich Reich (Granny's health issues), Liz Curry (Bill, Julie), Dan Castle (for alcoholics Josh/Rachael)

Faith Quote: Sharon Carlson shared this one. "You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever." Psalm 16:11

Feast Day (St. Thomas Becket): http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=12.

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)!

Psalm 145:9 (step back and pray)

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

The Lord is good to all; and compassionate toward all his works. Psalm 145:9

Living Faith snippets: "Sometimes it's difficult to arrive at that point when we need to understand that we've done as much as we can do for another person. It's hard and painful, but at times necessary, to step back and pray that God's compassion, which is faithful and real, will touch another's heart, even if we have to step aside in the process." by Amy Welborn

Rich's comments: My wife Erica prayed for me for 9 years. I didn't even know that she was praying for me. That is true love. She prayed that I would grow stronger in my faith and have a relationship with Christ so that we could grow closer to God together. God heard her prayers and assigned us to move to Colorado Springs so that I would meet my running partner and dearest brother Pat. Jesus used Pat to touch my heart and bring me closer to Him. Erica understood that she could not force me to have a relationship with Christ, but through her perseverance in prayer (Romans 12:12) that God would take over. I am happy to say that now Erica and I pray together.

Jesus' Christmas List: This is how we give Jesus a Christmas (birthday) gift..."whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matt 25:40). The true meaning of Christmas is to share our gifts (time, talent, treasure, faith, hope, love) with those lacking in "daily bread" and love. Who is in dire need of our Christmas gifts?

ProLife news: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ & http://www.priestsforlife.org/
* Let's pray for courage to communicate the ProLife message through Christ to those around us (John 14:6)...rebuilding 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, John Peak (parent's health & his deployment), Kathy-jo Peterson (friend Dave with brain cancer), Rich Reich (Grandma with health problems), Pat Castle (Kathy Ayers recovering from brain surgery, Mike Castle eye infection, Joe Castle medical appt today)

Faith Quote: "Love means to commit oneself without guarantee, to give oneself completely in the hope that our love will produce love in the loved person. Love is an act of faith, and whoever is of little faith is also of little love." by Erich Fromm

Feast Day (St. Damasus I): http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=41

Through Christ Our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* 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)!

Ephesians 3:19 (Incomprehensible Love)

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

... and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19

Living Faith snippets: "A man dying on a cross as an act of love makes no logical sense. There is no scientific, sociological or even theological analysis that can completely describe what Christ did for us. Any attempts to intellectualize this incredible love fall woefully short and rightfully so. To "know" the love of Christ is not an intellectual exercise, but rather, a spiritual one." by David Nantais

Rich's comments: "To know the love of Christ is not an intellectual exercise, but a spiritual one", because we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit in order to experience and comprehend the love of Christ. "... the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us." (Romans 5:5) Without the Holy Spirit we can not even begin to recognize or value the love of Christ. It is through faith that we allow the Holy Spirit to enter into our hearts and change them so that we can feel the love of Christ. I believe that this is why metanoia (change of heart) is such a powerful experience. Lord, let us welcome the Holy Spirit into our hearts so that we may understand the greatness of Your love. Amen.

40 Days for Life campaign (24 Sep to 2 Nov): Campaigns in 179 cities in 47 states (24/7 for 40 days). Please sign up to pray an hour in front your local abortion mill.

* Updates from the national director, David Bereit, at http://www.40daysforlife.com/.

* ProLife news: http://www.lifenews.com/

Our Prayers: Abortion's end, chastity, our enemies, our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, dementia, cancer cure, prisoners, leaders integrity, loss of loved ones, lack of faith, Rob (St. Patrick's parish prayer list), Robert Cox (his wife Meghan), Tina Castle (Jason Peter's son), Cleta Jasper (Carla Neal possible cancer)
* Lets pray for a change of heart for all Pro-Death candidates like Barack Obama [based on shocking voting record]. That is "the change we can believe in." Let's also pray for courage to let Christ lead our vote...and to publicly talk up and clap for ProLife.

* Wed night is pray with your family night...the family that prays together, stays together!

Faith Quote: "Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. " by Mother Teresa

Feast Day: Read about St. John of Capistrano.

Through Christ Our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* 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.'

* 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. Prayer to End Abortion.

* Evangelization: Let's make room for non-believers (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)!

Luke 9:54 (God's love is patient)

* 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

When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?" Luke 9:54

Living Faith snippets: "I take comfort in the thought that even after closely following Jesus, James and John didn't really understand the heart and mind of their teacher and friend. We are slow to change even in the face of powerful experiences of God's love and mercy. Jesus gave the Samaritans time and space to change their hearts. He does the same for us." by Terri Mifek

Rich's comments: A change of heart takes time (God's time), and it can't be rushed or forced. A changed heart takes patience, prayer, and perseverence. Saint Augustine's mother, Monica, knows this all to well. St. Augustine lived a very sinful life that caused Monica so much suffering that she once refused to allow him to live in her house. But she soon relented; realizing that the time for his conversion had not yet come. She gave up arguing with him (or asking others to do so) and turned instead to prayer, fasts, and vigils, hoping that they would succeed where argument had failed. In her patient treatment of him over many years of anxiety, finally ended by his conversion. Lord, allow us to plant the seeds of faith and to be patient for your grace to enter hearts and make them grow. Amen.

40 Days for Life campaign (24 Sep to 2 Nov):

http://www.40daysforlife.com/
* Campaigns in 179 cities in 47 states (24/7 for 40 days). Please consider signing up to pray an hour in front your local abortion mill.

* ProLife news: http://www.lifenews.com/

Our Prayers: Abortion's end, chastity, our enemies, our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, dementia, cancer cure, prisoners, leaders integrity, loss of loved ones, lack of faith, Rob Ouellette (St. Patrick parish special intentions), Scott Casmer (special intention)

Feast Day (St. Jerome):

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=10

Faith Quote: "Patience is the companion of wisdom." by St. Augustine

Through Christ Our Lord,

Rich
Romans 12:12

* 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."
* 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. Prayer to End Abortion.
* Evangelization: Let's make room for non-believers (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)!

John 1:47 (fog and fear)

* 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

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him and said of him, "Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him." John 1:47

Living Faith snippets: "More important than seeing through the exterior behavior of others [fog] is the willingness to examine my own motivations. When I look in the mirror I see someone who is slowly learning to be more generous, more compassionate, but I also see someone who makes choices based more on fear than faith [ProChoice vs ProLife], hangs on to resentments and wants more control. The good news is that I can bring it all to the One who sees my divided heart, yet does not condemn me. Jesus celebrates our smallest steps toward peace, reconciliation, generosity and surrender." Terri Mifek

Pat nuggets:

* The LIFE Runners are striving to increase ProLife awareness as we prepare for the Chicago Marathon (12 Oct). While running, I often pray for the end of abortion and reflect on God's will in my life. Chad Livingston captured another spiritual element..."One thing I learned from running: As humans, we move naturally in the direction of our own comfort. As runners, we learn to move through pain toward areas of discomfort. Which, is often where God grows us.”

* "Abortion is the overridingly most important moral issue of our times, all others being important, but rendered irrelevant if the preeminent right to life is destroyed." Fr. Corapi

* YouTube pulls video on Barack Obama's extreme pro-abortion (child murder) views. http://www.onenewsnow.com/Election2008/Default.aspx?id=261784

40 Days for Life campaign (24 Sep to 2 Nov): http://www.40daysforlife.com/

* Campaigns in 179 cities in 47 states (24/7 for 40 days). Please consider signing up to pray an hour in front your local abortion mill.

* 40 Days for Life coordinators across the nation have reported 48 babies saved from abortion! Jerry Klazura shared: "A baby's life has been saved in Colorado Springs (Fri, 26 Sep)! Yesterday, a number of people were praying outside the clinic when 2 young women drove up and got out of their car. The friend of the woman scheduled to get an abortion yelled out, "I'm with you! Pray for her!" The prayer warriors who were there continued to pray fervently. Then came a period of time when the women would go into the clinic for a while and then come out and talk to each other. This continued for some time until the women came out once more. The friend talked to a vigil participant who was reading Scripture out loud. He gave the friend the Bible and a verse to read and she read it with her friend-- Isaiah 49:15 . "Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you." After reading this together, the girls went home." by Michele Mason (C. Springs 40 Days for Life director)

* ProLife news: http://www.lifenews.com/

Our Prayers: Abortion's end, chastity, our enemies, our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, dementia, cancer cure, prisoners, leaders integrity, loss of loved ones, lack of faith.

* NEW: Rob Ouellette (St. Patrick parish special intentions), Scott Casmer (special intention)

Feast Day (St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St Raphael): http://www.universalis.com/20080929/today.htm

Faith Quote: "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren [the unborn!], you did it to me." Mt 25:40

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."

* 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. Prayer to End Abortion.

* Evangelization: Let's make room for non-believers (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)!

1 Corinthians 15:1-2 (living faith)

* 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

I am reminding you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you indeed received and in which you also stand. Through it you are also being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you... 1 Corinthians 15:1-2

Living Faith snippets: "The idea that salvation is taking place right now, but is not complete fits well with my own experience. It explains the growth as well as the persistent presence of sin in my life. I think the heart of Jesus continually draws us in, sets us free, heals our wounds and deals with our occasional failures to "hold fast." I pray that this process will go on and on and on." by Mark Neilsen

Rich's comments: Man cannot save himself. Salvation comes from God's grace through faith in Christ. God’s grace grows within us as we trust in God more and follow His commandments. One cannot expect to profess their faith once and then be eternally secure, while living a life of disobedience towards God. One must live out this faith their entire life. Hence, the name of our Christian daily devotion "Living Faith."

ProLife news: http://www.lifenews.com/.
* 40 Days for Life campaign (24 Sep to 2 Nov): http://www.40daysforlife.com/.

Please consider signing up to pray an hour in front your local abortion mill.

Faith Quote: "The fruit of silence is prayer. The fruit of prayer is faith. The fruit of faith is love. The fruit of love is service. The fruit of service is peace." by Mother Teresa (The Simple Path)

Through Christ Our Lord,
Rich
Romans 12:12

* 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."
* 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. Prayer to End Abortion. Ask Blessed Margaret of Castello for her prayers to end abortion.
* Evangelization: Let's make room for non-believers (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)!

Matt 24:42 (stay awake, stay hungry)

* Welcome God every morning before 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

Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Matt 24:42

Living Faith snippets: "I think I need to be challenged to be awake not only for serious danger but also for joy, to be alert for beauty, for kindness, for God's humor in unexpected turn of events. "Wake up for the inbreaking of grace," I need to be warned. "At an hour you do not expect the son of Man is coming in an amazing moment of love!" Lord, don't let me miss you coming! by Patricia Livingston

Rich's comments: I believe that if we are not careful, we can become complacent in our relationship with God. We can become comfortable with where we are in our spiritual journey and stop growing. We need to awaken with hunger for the Lord. We need to remember the excitement of our heart's first conversion; the new found love that drove us to learn as much as we could about our God. Lord, I am sorry for my spiritual complacency. May Your Holy Spirit renew the hunger for You in my heart. Amen.

ProLife news: http://www.lifenews.com/. 40 Days for Life campaign (24 Sep to 2 Nov): Sign up for updates at http://www.40daysforlife.com/about.cfm.

Feast Day (St. Augustine): The life of Saint Augustine is a fascinating story of conversion. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustine_of_Hippo

Our Prayers: Abortion, chastity, our enemies/our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, dementia, cancer, prisoners, integrity of our leaders

Faith Quote: "I have learnt to love you late, Beauty at once so ancient and so new!" by Saint Augustine

Through Christ Our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* 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."
* 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. Prayer to End Abortion. Ask Blessed Margaret of Castello for her prayers to end abortion.
* Evangelization: Let's make room for non-believers (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)!

Psalm 51:12 (clean heart)

* Welcome God every morning before 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

A clean heart create for me, O God ... Psalm 51:12

Living Faith snippets: "Notice that the above verse does not say "help me create a clean heart." Rather, the psalmist implies that God is the one who effectively cleans up the mess inside. The Holy One helps clean our soiled heart through pricks of conscience, those unsettling nudges to change our ways, and the sharp reminders, often by the very people we dislike, of who we are and how we are to live." by Sr. Joyce Rupp

Rich's comments: God is the one who cleans our hearts. The question is whether or not we want to have a clean heart. Are we allowing God to work in us, or are we ignoring the "pricks of conscience, unsettling nudges, and sharp reminders." Those who have created an intimate relationship with Christ through prayer and reading scripture might find it easier to recognize His voice in our hearts. We need only to listen.

ProLife news: http://www.lifenews.com/.

Feast Day (St. Pius X):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Pius_X

Our Prayers: Abortion, chastity, our enemies/our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, dementia, cancer, prisoners, Liz Curry (Drew, 2 yr old, kidney tumor surgery recovery)

Faith Quote: "A clean heart is a free heart. A free heart can love Christ with an undivided love in chastity, convinced that nothing and nobody will separate it from his love." by Mother Theresa

Through Christ Our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* 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."

* 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. Prayer to End Abortion. Ask Blessed Margaret of Castello for her prayers to end abortion.

* Evangelization: Let's make room for non-believers (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)!