Mark 7:24-30 (Begging for Scraps) by Jean

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

"The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, “Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She replied and said to Him, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.” Then He said to her, “For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter." Mark 7:24-30 (full readings)

Jean's Reflections: Without denying the precedence of Israel and the focus of Jesus’ ministry, this Greek Syrophoenician woman (of alien religion and nationality) rejects the idea of exclusivity for Jesus’ power. She will not accept the cultural norm’s dictates that those of a different religion or nationality do not have access to the power of a compassionate God. She expresses the deep knowing within her heart that even outsiders (the dogs) can receive God’s healing and compassion if they are desirous, open, and willing to receive -- and to give. Because of this faith Jesus provides the healing salve her heart so expressly desires. Jesus brings good news to all those in darkness and despair, those in need of healing and hope. We share in the mission of Jesus as we, also, bring good news and compassion to the poor, the blind, the captive, the prisoner, the oppressed, the oppressor, and the unborn alike.

Faith Challenge: Give evidence you’ve received much forgiveness by showing much love (Luke 7:47).

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

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Spiritual Adoption, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). Add Prayers on our website. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, running, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: St. Scholastica "St. Scholastica and St. Benedict gave themselves totally to God and gave top priority to deepening their friendship with Him through prayer. They sacrificed some of the opportunities they would have had to be together as brother and sister in order better to fulfill their vocation to the religious life. In coming closer to Christ, however, they found they were also closer to each other."

Faith Quote: “Where there is love, there is God.” ~ Mother Teresa

Through Christ our Lord,
Jean Noon
Luke 4:17-19

* 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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John 17:20-21 (one in the Spirit?)

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

I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that all
may be one. John 17:20-21 (full readings)

One Bread, One Body: "Jesus is praying at this moment that all peoples, nations, and denominations be one as He and the Father are One (Jn 17:21). Therefore, Jesus is praying for us to receive the Holy Spirit, for the Spirit is the Source of our unity (Eph 4:3). Jesus is praying now for a new Pentecost. Will we answer His prayers after He has answered ours for so many years? Surprisingly, most of us don't want unity and so don't want the Spirit of unity. We give "lip service" to unity, and few have "gone on record" proposing the perpetuation of divisions and denominations. However, whenever we seriously attempt unity, people "show their true colors." Too many of us prefer the pain of separation to the pain of unconditional love and unity. We prefer our divisions and denominations over God's plan of salvation. Therefore, we need a change of heart to want unity and the Holy Spirit of unity. We must repent, go to Confession, and only then expect a new Pentecost. Father, remove my love for disunity. Give me your heart for those who are hard for me to tolerate. Amen. (Taken from the daily devotional One Bread, One Body.)

Rich's comments: There are over 33,000 Christian denominations in the world according to the World Christian Encyclopedia. It is sad that we as the Body of Christ have defined so many divisions amongst us. We need to answer Christ's prayer and remain one in Him by standing firm to the Truth. Paul warned us in yesterday's reading, "I know that after my departure savage wolves will come among you, and they will not spare the flock. And from your own group, men will come forward perverting the truth to draw the disciples away after them (Acts 29-30). Pentecost is approaching. Prepare yourselves to receive the Spirit of unity.

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

* NEW: Do not focus on the things that separate us as different Christian denominations, but open your heart to the Spirit of unity and rejoice that we all know the Lord and are one in Him.

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, Rich (Jim Russell who is battling cancer), Rich (Jack Myers, tumor in esophagus), the sick, hungry and homeless.

* NEW: Pray for unity.

Faith Quote: "There is a tremendous strength that is growing in the world through sharing together, praying together, suffering together, and working together." by Mother Teresa

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)!

Luke 17:15-16 (some gave all, thankfulness)

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

One of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. Luke 17:15-16

Living Faith snippets: "Only recently have I realized how central gratitude is to the faith that saves us. When something good happens, it is so easy to be glad but then just rush ahead with life. It is crucial to stop, to turn around to the source of goodness, to give thanks at the feet of the Love that heals us. [This] deepens the immediate experience of goodness into trust that will hold when we "stand up and go."" by Patricia Livingston

Pat nuggets:

* Related to today's verse and devotion snippets, Steve Castle shared the following last Friday: "I was listening to Dr. Jeremiah last night on the way home from the Search meeting, and he talked about what it means to be truly spirit filled. His number one qualification was “thankfulness” – he went on to outline how Paul was so thankful for PEOPLE (just read one of his epistles – always thanking God for those Christians in his life). He made several strong statements, but the one that stuck with me is that if you are not thankful you are not filled with the Spirit (period!). If you are a complainer, whiner, angry, or resentful you are filled with something, but it’s not God."

* Aaron Ferrie shared this powerful Veteran's Day video, "All Gave Some, Some Gave All" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzUA6ijXP-Y&feature=related. Watching this video brought tears to my eyes...representing thankfulness and American pride that so many sacrificed everything (their lives) to preserve God's gift of freedom for us. Freedom isn't free! May America continue to sacrifice in following Christ and receive God's blessing on our imperfect but great nation!

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

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, Joe Castle (medical concern), Joe Hourigan (special intention), Pam McGushin (son's 7 yr old friend with leukemia)

* Let's pray for courage to build relationships and talk about ProLife. Let's pray that We The People of America (beacon on the hill) will shine Christ's Light and build a culture of Life.

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

Feast Day (St. Josaphat): He was martyred in 1623 for trying to reunify the Church. "You know I would be happy to give my life for you. I am ready to die for union of the Church under St. Peter and his successor the Pope." http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=71.

Faith Quote: "You have judged them [children of main character] worthy of love, even if it costs you everything. That is how Jesus loves." from fictional book The Shack by William P. Young

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 24:3 (ascend the mountain!)

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

Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? Psalm 24:3

Living Faith snippets: "You will not climb a mountain for which you are not passionately prepared. The ones who seek God's face may go up the mountain. Sometimes it seems as if we're only wandering randomly through life, not sure where we're going. Often, we encounter a vague feeling of restlessness, yearning or emptiness, only to ignore it or quickly fill it up, rather than pausing to listen and perhaps be guided by it. The search for the face of God animates us all. Listening to the inner restlessness can change everything. Will we accept that quest [for ProLife] and allow ourselves to be passionately prepared to climb the mountain of the Lord? Lord God, I long to see your face. Help me to accept the ways you prepare me." by Mary Marrocco

Pat nuggets:
* The msnbc article that I mentioned on Wed only included Catholic Christian poll #'s, even though ProLife is a responsibility of all Christians. Of the ~150 LIFE Devotions Group members, we have over 30 non-Catholic Christians who have also passionately prepared to ascend the mountain for ProLife. Let's happily seek God's face and ascend the mountain together as we work to bring all Christian denominations into a culture of life! The election polls on Wed showed America evenly divided on the Presidential candidates. Ultimately, the voter turnout will make the difference. May God give us the courage to inspire and challenge those around us to make sacrifices to ascend the mountain with us...and vote for ProLife...the most holy and fundamental of voting issues. Let us be steadfast in fasting and prayer leading up to the election. On Monday, I plan to include an election novena to bind us together in prayer for the nine days before the election.

* Stephanie Kemp shared: "[We] need occasional reminders of why we fight [to defend the unborn]. The video [http://www.obamamustsee.com/] is produced by the star of the wonderful movie, Bella. It contains very graphic abortion pictures [at any time you can advance the video to the great final message]. It is impossible to show how barbaric abortion really is without showing the hard truth of what happens to the innocent victims. You may want to pray while you view it. If you have family or friends that will vote for the Party of Abortion in America in the upcoming election, please forward this to them. Forward it in love. Words alone will never change a person when they are in denial over what is happening day in and day out across our land. God Bless You All for Standing Up for Life." [ProLife interview with Bella star, www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/oct/08102204.html.]

* Maureen Morgan shared the following link for the Dr. Dobson interview with Gov Sarah Palin: http://www.citizenlink.org/clspecialalert/A000008476.cfm. The discussion highlighted Gov Palin's genuine, bold, refreshing faith in Jesus Christ...as her "foundation."

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/

Sr. Francelle devotion: Read her devotion titled "The Bible" at http://sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com/. From the intro: "Recently, Hollywood movies have made fun of Sacred Scripture by portraying the Bible as nonsense, like a fairy tale. In order to counteract this Godless trend, Pope Benedict has called a special meeting of all the bishops in the world during the month of October. The meeting is called "The Word of God" Synod (synod means meeting). To begin the meeting, the Bible was read from beginning to end, from Genesis to Revelation - non-stop, right straight through, night and day. People of all faiths, religious, lay people from all walks of life, each took a turn reading a chapter from the Bible in the Basilica of the Holy Cross. I like to choose a Scripture passage each morning and then use it throughout the day to give me courage and strength."

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), Tina Castle (Jason Peter's son)

* NEW: Stephanie Spader (for Glen Gauer and his wife as they pray for a miracle for their unborn child, Glen is currently a FOCUS missionary at the SDSU campus)

* Lets pray for a change of heart for all Pro-Death candidates. Let's also pray for courage to let Christ lead our vote...and to publicly talk up and clap for ProLife.

Feast Day (St. Anthony Mary Claret): http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=1452

Faith Quote: "However often God must win, it is our most difficult but most triumphant loss." by Margaret Manning‏

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)!

Matt 17:24-25 (running with God)

* 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

When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?" "Yes," he said. Matt 17:24-25

Living Faith snippets: "St. Thomas Aquinas defends private ownership as an effective means to serve individuals and the community. A society organized solely around getting more wealth would leave nothing for the common good. Jesus confronts the political and religious authorities in striking ways. He reminds us how to live together amidst these differences. "But that we may not offend them" urges civility, not compromise or conformity. God, help us to rebuild our fractured communities." by Jeanne Schuler

Pat nuggets:
* New Christians (Baptism, Amen!): Luke Hansens

* My dear wife, Angi, brought it to my attention that the American hopeful for winning the Olympic Marathon, Ryan Hall, is a devout Christian. Watch his inspiring testimony video (8 min) at http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=e593f8eba239bada1a0c. His faith has provided him the freedom "to run with a heart full of passion and love for God." "If I can praise God with all my body, mind, and soul, then I will walk away from the finish line satisfied." Running is yet another platform to celebrate life, meet God, praise God, and spread the Good News!

* Kathy-jo Peterson shared this: "Maria died Sunday night..I made this [see link] for her family with a designer friend http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kaje62/MariaCollage_8x10low.jpg?t=1218172316

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

Feast Day (St. Claire): "Saint Clare of Assisi (July 16, 1194 – August 11, 1253) was one of the first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi. She founded the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition. Following her death, the order was renamed as the Order of Saint Clare, commonly referred to as the Poor Clares." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clare_of_Assisi

* If you ever travel to Italy, be sure to visit the town of Assisi!

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), Deb Kayser (rotator cuff and hand surgeries), Jomary Chenet (daughter Jolie recovering from surgery)

* New: Ross and Kacie Paulick (discerning God's direction for their lives)

* Kay Castle shared the Serenity Prayer: "God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Courage to change the things I can. And the Wisdom to know the difference."

Faith Quotes:
* Dani Pavelk shared this Mother Teresa quote: "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."

* Joel Cain shared this verse in our department Chemists For Christ (CFC) Bible study announcement email: "Taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:5b

Through Christ Our Lord,
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 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)!

Matt 13:31 (becoming a model of faith)

* 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

The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed... Matt 13:31

Living Faith snippets: "God smiled upon your smallness and you blossomed into a wondrous tree of life. You, too, are a sign of the kingdom of God. The leaven of your little life lived with faithfulness can assist others in rising to the greatness God desires for them." by Sr. Macrina Wiederkehr (author of Seven Sacred Pauses: Living Mindfully Through the Hours of the Day)

Pat nuggets:

* Looks like I will now purchase my gift certificates for the homeless from Burger King (not McDonalds): "The far-reaching nature of homosexual activism was recently highlighted when it was announced that fast-food giant McDonald’s — a chain that spends millions of dollars marketing itself to families — has become a “corporate partner” of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. The next time you find yourself in one of their restaurants, I wish you would let management know how disgusted you are with this new affiliation. As for me, I will patronize other food establishments. To sign a national petition of objection, please log on to http://www.frc.org/content/mcdonalds-is-funding-homosexual-activism--and-im-not-lovin-it-1." Dr. James Dobson, Focus on the Family (http://www2.focusonthefamily.com/docstudy/newsletters/A000001176.cfm)

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

* "One Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC) in Florida recently shared the story of a woman who entered the clinic determined to have an abortion. The staff convinced her to have an ultrasound, and, after seeing her 13 week's gestation baby kicking its feet and waving its arms on the screen, she said, "I had no idea...I had no idea!" God used those ultrasound images to change her heart. Stories like this are coming in from all over the country, thanks to your support for the Option Ultrasound program." by Jim Daly (President of Focus on the Family)

Our Prayers: Abortion, our enemies/our troops, natural disasters, depression/despair, prisoners, Vicki M. (her cancer treatment), Kay C. (friend Nancy Wheeler cancer treatment), Kathy-jo P. (friend Maria has terminal brain cancer), Gina Prevett (Ty's uncle who had triple bypass surgery, friends with dementia)

Faith quote: "I ask you, in the Lord Jesus, to set aside all division and to work with joy to prepare a way for Him, in fidelity to His word and in constant conversion to His will...striving to bring the light and truth of the Gospel to the task of building an even more just and free world." Pope Benedict (Apr visit to USA)

Through Christ Our Lord,

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 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)!

Ephesians 2:19 (unity in Christ)

* 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).

So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God... Ephesians 2:19

Living Faith snippets: "When we attend another church, are we really "visitors?" After all, we're not baptized into a particular parish. We're baptized into Christ through his Church. So aren't I actually a parishioner at every parish in the world, from St. Peter's to Mumbai to Sao Paulo? Lord, open my heart to all my sisters and brothers." by Amy Welborn

Rich's comments: Christ is the source of all true unity between human beings. Christ showed us the source of this unity through His love for us. Christ wants us to be free from pre-occupation with ourselves and with our own problems so that we may unselfishly love and serve the needs of others. In loving others we gain the sense of family and true unity in Christ. Lord, may we all be united in Your love. Amen.

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

Our Prayers: Abortion, our enemies/our troops, China earthquake, Myanmar cyclone, Midwest floods, depression/despair, prisoners, Vicki Miller (her cancer treatment), Joe Castle (11 yr old Devantae paralyzed), Liz Curry (brother Bob broke hip), Kay Castle (cancer treatment for Ms. Nancy Wheeler)

Faith quote: "Strength through unity. Unity through faith." from movie V for Vendetta

Feast Day: Today is the Feast Day of Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles. St. Thomas is remembered for doubting his fellow apostles when they anounced Christ's resurrection. St. Thomas did not make his act of faith until he was presented with physical evidence. To learn more about St. Thomas visit http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14658b.htm.

Through Christ Our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml.

* 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. Click for 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)!

2 Timothy 2:14 (human weakness, Church)

* 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).

Remind people of these things and charge them before God to stop disputing about words. This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen.

2 Timothy 2:14

Living Faith snippets: "With this history of disagreement, we should not be surprised to find factions, disputes and scandals in today's Catholic Church. My Protestant friends have assured me that the situation is the same in their churches. They remain committed, however, because they find so much good in their communities. Sometimes I ask my Catholic lay friends, "What keeps you in this messy church?" Their answers have been very instructive...
These people are not naive. They know very well that the Catholic Church is a body with many warts, wounds and scars. They know there is often a disconnect between what it teaches and how it acts. They are not afraid to be critical of the Church when they perceive inconsistencies and injustices. But through it all, they continue to look beyond the human face to see the deeper reality: It is still the church of Jesus Christ, his body extended in time and space "for us and for our salvation."" by Fr. Martin Pable

Rich's comments: Christians make up the body of Christ and Christ's Church. As Christians we live our lives by following the teachings of Jesus. However, as humans, we should not be surprised by the presence of human weakness. It is through the Holy Spirit that Christ's Church still exists today despite the mistakes of man. Lord, may Your Holy Spirit guide us to the Truth of Your Church and keep us from being disillusioned by the downfalls of man. Amen.

Feast Day: Today is the feast of Saint Boniface. He is known as the apostle of the Germans. He was an English Benedictine monk who devoted his life to the conversion of the Germanic tribes. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Boniface)

Our Prayers: Abortion, our enemies, our troops, China earthquake, Myanmar cyclone, depression/despair, prisoners, Vicki Miller (her cancer treatment)

Faith quote: "Put your confidence in God and not in man." -- author unknown

Through Christ Our Lord,
Rich
Romans 12:12

* Outreach: Let's invite those near us to join our LIFE Devotions group, providing routine spiritual connection and strength. You could simply forward a devotion to them with an invitation. Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml.

* 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: Websites at life-devotions.blogspot.com. '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. Click for 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...

Acts 14:15 (creation's witness)

* 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).

We proclaim to you good news that you should turn from these idols to the living God, "who made heaven and earth and sea and all that is in them." Acts 14:15

Living Faith snippets: "Today we see Paul's dramatic life: first he is almost stoned, then it is all he can do to prevent people from worshipping him as a god. Our lives have their own dramas, their own reversals and challenges that leave us grasping for the living God. I am helped by what Paul calls God's "witnesses" in this passage- heaven and earth and sea and all that is in them." by Patricia Livingston

Sr. Francelle snippets: "Dearest Ones, Most of us won't do spectacular things or get our names in the paper but that doesn't mean we're not important. God thinks you're important enough for Him to live right inside your soul. We need to remember God is not just someone in a picture, or a dead man on a cross - He's ALIVE!!" To see Sr. Francelle's inspiring devotion about Jesus' example of "washing feet" (serving the poor, humility, prayer, etc), go to sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com.

Chad snippets: "Franciscan Benediction: May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of God's creations, so that we may work for justice, freedom, and peace." cougarsdaily.blogspot.com

Pat nuggets: Pope Benedict completed his mission trip to America. Here are a few snippets from Pope Benedict's message at a Mass in NYC on Saturday, a message of unity and ProLife!: "In this country, the Church's mission has always involved drawing people 'from every nation under heaven' into spiritual unity, and enriching the Body of Christ by the variety of their gifts. As we give thanks for past blessings, and look to the challenges of the future, let us implore from God the grace of a new Pentecost for the Church in America. The Church is called to proclaim the gift of life, to serve life, and to promote a culture of life. The proclamation of life, life in abundance, must be the heart of the new evangelization. For true life - our salvation - can only be found in the reconciliation, freedom and love which are God's gracious gift. This is the message of hope we are called to proclaim and embody in a world where self-centredness, greed, violence, and cynicism so often seem to choke the fragile growth of grace in people's hearts. In a society where the Church seems legalistic and 'institutional' to many people, our most urgent challenge is to communicate the joy born of faith and the experience of God's love."

* Pope Benedict's message mentioned a "new evangelization", which was ushered in by Pope John Paul II with the new millenium www.ewtn.com/new_evangelization/Novo_millennio.htm. Pope Benedict (then Cardinal Ratzinger) hones in on it specifically (shorter read) in the following document: www.ewtn.com/new_evangelization/Ratzinger.htm.

Saint Feast Day: St. Anselm (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anselm_of_Canterbury).

Through Christ for ProLife,

Pat

Phil 4:13

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml.

* Prayer: If you have a prayer request, simply send it to our distribution list at life-group-distro@googlegroups.com. Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others (so let's pray daily!). 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: ProLife websites at life-devotions.blogspot.com. '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. Click for Prayer to End Abortion.

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

John 14:2 (many dwelling places)

* 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).

In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. John 14:2

Living Faith snippets: "This statement has always given me comfort because it makes me believe that there is no single way to be a follower of Jesus. There's room for us who come at things from an unconventional, perhaps nontraditional worldview. It's important to remember this, particularly when Christians bemoan every disagreement as a failure of "unity." For some, it's not unity, but uniformity, that is the ideal: we should all believe and behave in exactly the same way. But no two humans have exactly the same perception or experience of God. Though we agree on essentials, our beliefs are not exactly the same due to the differences in our experiences and our deep preferences. Keeping in mind that there "are many dwelling places" can perhaps reduce the anxiety and discord over these differences and allow us to appreciate our diversity as human beings." by Aileen O'Donoghue

Pat nuggets:
* Aaron Ferrie shared the following which was sent to him from a friend whose daughter only lived to be three weeks old: "The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."
* Ross Paulick shared this article about Congress removing ProLife language from the resolution for welcoming Pope Benedict XVI: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,351613,00.html.
* Chad Livingston shared this: "Franciscan Benediction - May God bless us with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that we may live from deep within our hearts." cougarsdaily.blogspot.com
* A few lines from the Telecast song titled The Beauty of Simplicity: "It's the beauty of simplicity that brings me down to my knees. I'll praise You for eternity. And lord I love You because You, You first loved me." Reminds me again of Kristi's signature block verse, "We love because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19).

Through Christ for ProLife,
Pat
Phil 4:13

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml.
* Prayer: If you have a prayer request, simply send it to our distribution list at life-group-distro@googlegroups.com. Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others (so let's pray daily!). 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: Pro-Life websites at life-devotions.blogspot.com. '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. Click for Prayer to End Abortion.
* Other devotions: Sr. Francelle (sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com) and COUGARS daily (cougarsdaily.blogspot.com). Would you like to be added?
* Share the Good News: Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

Acts 7:57-58 (Violence)

* Welcome God every morning before work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion, which has snippets from Living Faith (http://www.livingfaith.com/).

But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him. Acts 7:57-58

Living Faith snippets: "Some are sure that religion breeds hatred. The religious map is marked by bloody divisions. When someone is demonized, we lose sight of God and of ourselves. The crowd plugged up their ears in their rush to kill. Stephen, with his eyes on God, forgave them as he died. God, help us to keep our eyes on you when violence seems like the answer." by Jeanne Schuler

Rich's comments: The Sanhedrin stoned Stephen to death for what they felt was blasphemy. They probably believed that they were doing it "in the name of God." Violence cannot claim to be part of any religion. Our country has experienced this with September 11th -- a tragic instance of perverting religion to perpetrate hatred and violence against innocent people. May the excesses of the fanatically religious temper our own self-righteous impulses to abuse religion by using it as a wedge to drive people apart rather than a magnet drawing people together. Lord, may we not focus on our differences, but on You, who brings us together as one body of Christ. Amen.

Through Christ Our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml.
* Prayer: If you have a prayer request, simply send it to our distribution list at life-group-distro@googlegroups.com. Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others (so let's pray daily!). 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" (author unknown).
* Defend the unborn: Pro-Life websites at life-devotions.blogspot.com. '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. Click for Prayer to End Abortion.
* Other devotions: Sr. Francelle (sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com) and COUGARS daily (cougarsdaily.blogspot.com). Would you like to be added?
* Share the Good News: Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

Isaiah 53:6 (Good Friday)

* Welcome God every morning before work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion, which has snippets from Living Faith (http://www.livingfaith.com/). Please consider sharing a comment at life-devotions.blogspot.com.

We had all gone astray like sheep, each following his own way. Isaiah 53:6

Living Faith snippets: "When we lose touch with the Shepherd, what else do we have to rely on but our own wits or the way of a few like-minded sheep? Giving up my insistence on having things my way, maybe even parting company with other wanderers, can be very hard. So we today take a hard look at the Shepherd, easily seen nailed to a cross, drawing us, if we are so inclined, to his Way. Lord, into your wounded hands I commend my spirit." by Mark Neilsen

Stations of the Cross: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. Because, by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world. As we follow Christ to Easter morning...Jesus is condemned to death, Jesus accepts his cross, Jesus falls the first time, Jesus meets his mother, Simon helps Jesus carry His cross, Veronica wipes the face of Jesus, Jesus falls the second time, Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem, Jesus falls the third time, Jesus is stripped of his garments, Jesus is nailed to the cross, Jesus dies on the cross, The body of Jesus is taken down from the cross...
* Fourteenth station: Jesus is placed in the tomb.
* Reflections/prayers for the stations at http://www.catholic.org/clife/prayers/station.php?id=142.

Pat nuggets: Traditionally, the death of Jesus on Good Friday is recognized at 3 PM. Therefore, at 3 PM today, please take a moment to recognize the cross, which is God's mercy for us ("no greater love" John 15:13) and "the way" to redemption through the death of our Savior...consider pulling your car over if you are driving, kneeling down if you are in a private place, or bowing your head if you are in a public place. "So I took them in my arms, and we turned and faced the cross. Then I said dear children, watch the lamb." by Ray Boltz ("Watch the Lamb")
* Good Friday: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Friday.
* Crucifixion: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crucifixion.

Through Christ for ProLife,
Pat
Phil 4:13

* Daily Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml.
* LIFE Prayers at life-prayers.blogspot.com. Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others (so let's pray daily!). Click for Prayer to End Abortion.
* Defend the unborn: Pro-Life websites are listed on the blog. "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). "You knit me together in my mother's womb" (Ps 139:13). "It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish" Blessed Mother Teresa.
* Sr. Francelle devotions at sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com.
* COUGARS devotions at cougarsdaily.blogspot.com.
* Share the Good News: Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

Sun, 20 Jan (1 Cor 1:2)

...to the church of God that is in Corinth, to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy...
1 Corinthians 1:2

Devotion snippets: "The Church is called to be present but concealed within the broken, godless world. To the astonishment and ridicule of that very world, Christians lay claim to sanctity and describe themselves and their community as "holy.""

LIFE Prayers blog: We have a separate prayer request blog to "post" prayers and use "comments" to update the prayers. Here is the link to sign up: LIFE Prayers blog. The header of the LIFE Devotions blog has a link for the LIFE Prayers blog. Let us strive to integrate daily prayer into our lives..."prayer changes things"!

Sr. Francelle's Faith blog: If you want to see her wonderful weekly faith application messages, simply accept the blog invitation sent out earlier or click this link: Sr. Francelle’s Faith blog.

LIFE Devotions blog: These daily devotion e-mails are posted on the LIFE Devotion blog. To sign up, please click this link: LIFE Devotions blog.

Through Christ Our Lord,
Rich
Romans 12:12

* LIFE blogs: Please sign up for our blogs to add/update a prayer request, comment on a devotion/prayer, and to read postings/comments. If you want auto notification emails for postings/comments, accept the Google "groups" invitations sent out earlier. If you did not receive an invitation, please email Rich and he will send you one.

* Bible Readings: Today's readings are found at http://www.blogger.com/ (also linked in LIFE Devotions blog header).

* Living Faith Devotional: Welcome God into your day by reading Living Faith each morning (~1 min) before work. Order at http://www.livingfaith.com/.

* Faith Sharing: Consider sharing your faith inspirations with our group (e-mail and/or blog). Consider forwarding this devotion to your friends/family. If they desire, I will add them to the distro list. Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly spread it to those around us (Mark 16:15)!