Luke 14:12 (Preaching to the Choir)

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

"Then he said to the host who invited him, 'When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment.'" ~ Luke 14:12 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: Even after two-thousand years, there are more than 4 billion people alive today who still do not know Jesus. This is because few Christians ever try to share their faith. For those Christians who do share their faith, they may be at the wrong place at the wrong time talking to the wrong people. Christians love sharing their faith with other Christians, but we may just be "preaching to the choir." Jesus tells us to focus our evangelistic efforts on the "beggars and the crippled, the lame and the blind" (Luke 14:13). We should intentionally put ourselves in situations where we can share our faith in Christ with the spiritually blind and morally crippled. This is where the Word of God will be most effective. An example of this is the LIFE Runners who go out into the streets with "REMEMBER The Unborn, Jer 1:5" on the back of their jerseys, sharing the Gospel of Life with thousands of other runners and spectators. Lord, help me to be in the right place at the right time so that I may be effective at sharing Your Good News to those in most need of Thy mercy. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Break out of your comfort zone and share your faith with those who do not believe.

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

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

Feast Day: Saint Quentin

Faith Quote: "One of the greatest diseases is to be nobody to anybody." ~ Mother Teresa

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

* 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 10:16 (Rejection)

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

"Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me." ~ Luke 10:16 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: Jesus has some tough words for us today. In today's Gospel Jesus is preparing the 72 with an old fashion pep talk. He is coaching them on what they will encounter in the world. Rejection. As a Christian, if we are sharing our faith freely we learn quickly to deal with the sting of rejection. There is comfort in knowing that the burden we carry when our words of life fall on deaf ears or worse are met with harsh replies are also carried by Christ in us. Psalm 118 tells us that, "The stone rejected by the builder will become the chief cornerstone." Jesus knows rejection. Ultimately it is God's place to change hearts in His time. I think back to my days in high school before I knew Jesus. A joy filled nun, Sr. Margaret Mary, shared the love of Jesus with me patiently with iron-clad persistence. She would often invite me to a weekend retreat called Search and I would always offer an excuse or lie as to why it wasn't for me. She didn't skip a beat. I now recognize Christ in her, and it brings me great pain to think I was really rejecting Christ. In His mercy, God prepared a divine appointment for me later in high school. I encountered Jesus in a very real way and my life has never been the same...in God's timing. Thank you Sr. M&M...I'm In Christ today because of your simple invitation.

Faith Challenge: Rejection is part of the Christian life - face it with courage, dignity and perseverance. Tell someone about Jesus today!

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Guard Your Heart

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

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

Saint of the Day: St. Jerome (d. 420).

Faith Quote: "Ignorance of scripture is ignorance of Christ." ~ St. Jerome

Through Christ Our Lord,
Steve
Romans 12:2 .

* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. Fast from things that take your eyes off Jesus. Those who pray together stay together, and close to God!
* Save Unborn (& family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (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.

Matthew 5:41 (Going the Extra Mile)

Welcome God today with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB).

"Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles." Matthew 5:41 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: As a runner, the selected verse in today's Gospel rings home with me. I remember the strong nudgings of my heart after finishing a long race, to go back and jog with someone to the finish line. For a few moments you struggle with yourself, because you feel tired and don't want to run anymore. You have a sense of accomplishment that you have finished the race and now deserve your hard-earned rest. This sense of achievement however pales in comparison to the feeling you receive by going back and helping a fellow runner finish the race. Maybe God doesn't just want us to finish the race, but He wants us to bring others to the finish line as well. Lord, give me the strength to go the extra mile and help others finish the race. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Are you just focused on getting to the finish line, or are you willing to go back and help others finish with you?

Counter-Culture News: LifeNews, 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, LIFE Runners, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: St. Anthony of Padua

Faith Quote: "A sacrifice to be real must cost, must hurt, must empty ourselves." ~ Mother Teresa

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich

James 1:22

* 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.

Comments? To subscribe/unsubscribe to the emails, go to LIFE Group Devotions or LIFE Runners Updates.

Matthew 28:10 (Do not be afraid)

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

"Then Jesus said to them, 'Do not be afraid.'" Matthew 28:10 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: In Matthew's Gospel today, the first command Jesus gives to the people who saw Him after His resurrection is: "Do not be afraid." Jesus issues this command, because He understands how fear can silence a witness. I have often watched in movies how criminals get a lot of mileage out of silencing their witnesses through fear of death. Since His resurrection, Jesus has spoken through us, His disciples and witnesses. As the members of His body, He depends on us to testify and carry on His Good News; the news that He has conquered death. Fear and death have "no more power over Him" and His witnesses (Romans 6:9). Lord, give me the courage to overcome my fear, so that I may be a witness to Your Good News. Amen.
* "We fix our eyes upon the cross, and run to Him who showed great love...Christ is risen!" Christ is Risen by Matt Maher

Faith Challenge: Do not be afraid. Go and spread the Good News that Jesus is risen from the dead and all who believe in Him have eternal life (John 3:16).

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action
* Pro-aborts won’t challenge fetal pain laws for fear of losing: Politico

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

Feast Day: St. Mark fulfilled in his life what every Christian witness is called to do: to not be afraid and proclaim to all people the Good News.

Faith Quote: "Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body, but cannot kill the soul; fear rather him who has the power to make both the soul and the body perish in Gehenna." Matthew 10:28

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich

James 1:22

* 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.

Comments? To subscribe/unsubscribe to the emails, go to LIFE Group Devotions or LIFE Runners Updates.

Mark 1:20 (Follow Him)

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

"Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him." Mark 1:20 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: Today's Gospel is a story of faith and evangelization. In the Gospel, James and John heard Christ's calling, left their father Zebedee behind, and followed Jesus. They were among the first disciples of Jesus and were called by Him to be "fishers of men." James and John showed tremendous faith to leave everything behind for Jesus, including their sole source of livelihood and their family. Their father Zebedee had faith as well for he was willing to allow his sons to go follow Jesus during a time when sons were the only chance for retirement for a father. As disciples of Christ, we must be prepared to listen for Christ's calling in our daily life. Jesus did not call James and John in the Temple, but at their place of work (fishing in the Sea of Galilee). Jesus expects us to leave everything behind (materialism) and to go follow Him as "fishers of men" (evangelization). Loving God, You call us each by name as you did James and John, to leave all secular distractions behind, and to complete Your mission of evanglization. Open our hearts Lord and inspire us to work hard at fishing for the souls of men and women so that they may also know of Your everlasting love. Amen.

* REMINDER: Abby Johnson will be holding a webcast today to talk about the release of her new book, "Unplanned", January 10th at 8pm CST. Abby is the Planned Parenthood leader who walked out of the clinic and into the arms of peaceful pro-life prayer warriors after witnessing an abortion close up. You can sign up for this webcast at Unplanned Webcast.

Faith Challenge: Have you gone fishing yet this year? Jesus wants you to fish for men and women every day.

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

* House lawmaker introduces bill to strip Planned Parenthood of federal funds

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). View, add, update Prayers on our website. Let’s pray now.

Faith Quote: "[In regards to evangelization], we don't need to be smart or articulate. We just need to work daily, frequently, and repeatedly to lead others to Christ. If you keep throwing the net, Jesus will provide the fish. Those who fish a lot catch a lot of fish." - One Bread, One Body

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

James 1:22

* 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.

Comments? To subscribe/unsubscribe to the emails, go to LIFE Group Devotions or LIFE Runners Updates.

Jeremiah 31:33 (Written Upon Our Hearts)

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

I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (full readings)

Rich's thoughts: If you know of anyone who is doubting the existence of God, I highly recommend that they read C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity. Please have the courage to approach them and place this book in their hands. C.S. Lewis takes the reader through a very logical thought process starting with the idea that everyone (even atheists) have an awareness within them of Right and Wrong. God has left His mark on our hearts, and despite whether or not we believe in God; God believes in us. Lord, give me the courage to reveal God's message to others. Amen.

Sr. Francelle's devotion: Why Worry?

Faith Challenge: Have the courage to approach a friend today who may not believe in God and share with them what God has written on their hearts.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life.
* Pro-Life Television Show Wins Emmy Award

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP, special intention), Rich Reich (Cousin Tom's chemotherapy), Liz Curry (Darleen Deans stroke recovery), Lynn Bishara (Aunt Marilyn with leukemia)
* Pray for the faithless that they may listen to God.

Feast Day: The Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major

Faith Quote: "The Law of Human Nature, or of Right and Wrong, must be something above and beyond the actual facts of human behavior, and yet quite definitely real - a real law, which none of us made, but which we find pressing on us." - C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Through Christ Our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

Matt 11:20 (mighty deeds!)

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

Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented. Matt 11:20 (full readings)

Pat's nuggets:

* Regarding today's verse, reproach means to "address someone in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment." What would Christ have to say about our towns with abortion mills? Chad Livingston shared: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is now." I see this as, "Repent, turn around, stop sinning, start doing good, put yourself under the reign of the King because He is here now."

* Aaron Ferrie shared The Knots Prayer, "Dear God: Please untie the knots that are in my mind, my heart, my life. Remove the have nots, the can nots, and the do nots that I have in my mind. Erase all the will nots, might nots that may find a home in my heart. Release me from the could nots, would nots that obstruct my life. And most of all Dear God; I ask that you remove from my mind, my heart and my life all the “am nots” that I have allowed to hold me back, especially the thought, that I am not good enough."

* Today's devotion picture was taken in a rural cemetery in southeastern MN. On the headstone: "Prayer for the Unborn. Lord, you are father to all whom you have made. With fatherly love, protect your unborn children who are threatened by abortion. Pour your grace into their mother's hearts so that these, your children, may be born and grow to mature in your love. Amen." Knights of Columbus Council #4514

* Feel like praising God with song and dance?! Check out this Newsboys music video: I Am Free.

Faith Challenge: Acknowledge Christ's mighty deeds and align yourself with the reality of the Gospel!

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

* U. of Illinois Fires Catholic Prof for Explaining Church Teaching on Homosexuality

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP).
* Pat Castle (Dr. Don Bird recovering from heart attack), Sue Peters (special intention), Carolyn McKissack (special intention)

Feast Day of St. Henry: "He is the patron saint of the childless, of the handicapped and those rejected by Religious Order."

Faith Quotes: shared by Bobby Aborn (Steubenville Franciscan University Youth Outreach)

* "I'd become a Christian if I'd ever met a real one." Gandhi

* "It's easy to do what Jesus would do when your not where Jesus would be." Jerry Globel

Through Christ Our Lord,
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

Matthew 9:37 (evangelism)

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

The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few. Matthew 9:37 (full readings)

Rich's thoughts: A major problem with evangelism today is a lack of motivation. What motivated Jesus to save others? What motivated Mother Teresa to help the poorest of poor? The answer I believe is compassion. In today's Gospel we read how Jesus was moved with pity at the sight of the crowds, because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. So how do we develop this Christ-like compassion? To love people, we need to get to know them. Avoid complacency by not avoiding people. Like Jesus, we need to not be afraid to be around those who are in need. Lord, may the example of Your son, Jesus Christ, the true Word of God, whose compassion moved Him to save us, burn in our hearts until we too are moved by compassion. Amen.

Faith challenge: Get to know those who are in need in your community and show them the love of Christ.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life.
* Planned Parenthood: 4th of July Speeches OK, Abortions on Military Bases Better

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together, and close to God. Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP).

Feast Day: St. Maria Goretti

Faith Quote: "The Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little Christs. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time. God became Man for no other purpose." --C. S. Lewis

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

James 1:22

Isaiah 49:13 (Open the Eyes of Our Hearts)

Let's welcome God today with this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (archive, Facebook), based on Living Faith. Prove yourselves doers of the Word, and not merely hearers. James 1:22

For the Lord comforts his people and shows mercy to his afflicted. Isaiah 49:13 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Look around you. With eyes of faith, see the little things that serve you every day. Could it be possible that this is God comforting you in your affliction? Of course, if we choose to remain prisoners in our own bodies, in our own worlds, then we may never be able to experience this love. Open your eyes to the small comforts you take for granted each day." by Sr. Macrina Viederkehr, O.S.B.

Rich's comments: At 14 years old, St. Patrick was captured during a raiding party and taken to Ireland to herd and tend sheep. During his 6 years of captivity, he prayed constantly to God, and as a result, his love and faith for God increased. St. Patrick did not let his afflictions weaken his faith in God. He was able to open the eyes of his heart to see the presence of God's love around him. His faith in God led him to return and evangelize his captors, spreading the news of God's love. St. Patrick preached the Gospel throughout Ireland and converted thousands. Lord, open the eyes of my heart, for I want to see You. Amen.

Faith Challenges: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by fwding a devotion or using the Facebook "invite people to join" link.
* NEW: What things in your life remind you of God's loving presence? Please consider providing comments on the Facebook page.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, Vatican, American Family Association, Priests for Life
* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images), #1 cause of death in America (23% of pregnancies). Let's courageously share ProLife Truth to expose abortion's unjust peace, rebuilding a Culture of Life for setting the unborn (and parents) free!
* NEW: Georgia Targets Abortion Motivated by Race and Gender: Alarming abortion/birth ratio exposes Black demographic death-spiral.

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together, and close to God (footnotes). Peters family (JP). Prayer to end abortion. Kay Castle (special intentions)

Feast Day: St. Patrick preached and converted all of Ireland for 40 years. He used the shamrock to explain the Trinity.

Faith Quote: "The Lord opened the understanding of my unbelieving heart, so that I should recall my sins." - St. Patrick

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

* 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).

Mark 5:19 (your response?)

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

Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in His pity has done for you. Mark 5:19 (full readings)

Living Faith Snippets: "Jesus' actions called forth two entirely different responses. The townspeople knew they had witnessed something otherworldly, something no man could ever do. Stunned, they could not or would not deal with it, so they had to get rid of the source. Jesus, you have to leave us. On the other hand, the man who had been possessed and a participant in such a strange scene was so deeply grateful that he asked to leave all and accompany Jesus. Stay and sing my praises among your people. The Father and I will be glorified through you. Jesus says the same to us today: So they no longer want me in their midst. Well, now it is up to you. What a challenge!" by Sr. Charleen Hug

Pat's Nuggets: God morning, LIFE Group! If you are inspired by something in a devotion, please consider going to our Facebook page and adding a comment (or simply click the "like" button). This feedback encourages others to read the devotions and respond...further building the Kingdom of God here and now. Thank you for considering...peace of Christ be with you always!

* Joe Hourigan shared: "I heard Gianna Jessen speak. Gianna was born approximately 32 years ago, after being burned for 18 hours in her mothers womb, by a saline abortion attempt. Her birth mother was 17 years old and over 7 months pregnant. Gianna's birth certificate says "born during saline abortion". She was born with cerebral palsy, and considers it a gift from God. She is a strong woman, and has run 2 marathons. She got points across about the sanctity of life in a profound way. And her sense of humor was just awesome too. She had the chance to meet former President George W. Bush, when the BAIPA (Born Alive Infant Protection Act) was signed in 2002. He gave her a kiss on the cheek and a warm hug and told her "I'm not going to let you down." Gianna allows the love of Jesus Christ to shine forth for all the world to see. She has a powerful message to share, because she is alive, like God intended. You and I have a message to share as well. Be not afraid. Go forth, and spread the gospel of love [Life]."

* NOTE: Most every Friday after work, Joe Hourigan prays/counsels in front of the Planned Parenthood abortuary in Old Colorado Springs...bringing sanctity for the deceased babies, healing for the wounded mothers, and pain prevention by directing people to the life saving resources at the Crisis Pregnancy Center across the street. For more details on joining his "LIFE Sidewalkers" ministry, email him at joe.hourigan@hp.com.

Faith Challenges: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding a devotion to others or by using the Facebook Group "invite people to join" link. Steve, Rich, or Pat will gladly add others to the email list. Melissa Bennett, Kim McElroy, Doug Hansens, Sister M. Consolata, Terry Bangasser...welcome!

* NEW: As set up in today's snippets, let's accept the challenge to glorify Christ in the spaces/places of the world that have rejected Him. As Sr Francelle shared (Underground Churches), Christians are imprisoned/killed in many places of the world, for accepting this challenge.

* NEW: Let's glorify Christ by helping others stay warm/healthy (physically, mentally, spiritually) through the winter.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, Vatican, American Family Association, Priests for Life
* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images), #1 cause of death in America (23% of pregnancies). Let's courageously share ProLife Truth to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace, rebuilding a Culture of Life for setting the unborn (and parents) free!

* NEW: "Oakland A’s prospect Grant Desme is ending his baseball career to enter the priesthood. Desme is leaving the game at a time when his fortunes seemed to be rising fast." FOX article

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas in footnote below.
* Prayer to end abortion, those considering/had an abortion, chastity, politicians, abused children, homeless, peace for our enemies & deployed troops/families, depression/despair, prisoners, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, refugees, addictions, the persecuted, Peters family (JP, Rebekah), Health care reform (protect the unborn), Haitian earthquake victims, Rich Reich (Carolyn's cancer battle), Bobby Aborn (health issues)

* NEW: For Joe/Anne Hourigan (& 6 children) who sadly lost their 14 wk old unborn child. Joe said they will use this pain/perspective to help those suffering from abortion's wounds.

Faith Quotes:

* "These are the times that try [people's] souls." Thomas Paine

* Kelly Benson shared: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Phil 4:8

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, 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).

Mark 4:26-27 (Trust the Seed)

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

This is how it is with the kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Mark 4:26-27 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "This gospel message assures me that God really does have the rest covered. However, instead of fussing about how fast things are growing and whose plants are bigger, I'd best examine what kinds of seeds I choose to scatter, when and where I choose to plant these seeds and in what kind of soil. I don't need time-lapse photography to show me just how slowly and imperceptibly spiritual growth happens. I just have to leave it to my Master Gardener." by Claire J. King

Rich's comments: Do you trust the seed? Because the seed can seem like nothing. The farmer in Jesus' parable scatters his seed and then seems to go about his business oblivious of how anything works. This farmer trusts the seed, and while he couldn't begin to tell you how it happens, he harvests a life sustaining crop. The reign of God, Jesus says, is like that. If the seed is good, a crop will emerge. What we need to do is trust the seed and plant it. The seed is not nothing, but nothing happens until it is planted. Lord, may we understand that the growth of Your kingdom here on earth is in Your hand's, not ours. May we trust in the seed of Your Kingdom and plant it. Amen.

Faith Challenges: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding a devotion to others or by using the Facebook Group "invite people to join" link to invite your friends. Steve, Rich, or Pat will gladly add others to the email list.

* NEW: Please read Sr. Francelle's devotion (Underground Churches) and read how Christians around the world continue to grow in their faith in Christ despite opposition from government.

* NEW: Plant some seeds of faith today; spread the Word of God.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, Vatican, American Family Association, Priests for Life

* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images), #1 cause of death in America (23% of pregnancies). Let's courageously share ProLife Truth to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace, rebuilding a Culture of Life for setting the unborn (and parents) free!

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

* Prayer to end abortion, 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), Health care reform (protect the unborn), Haitian earthquake victims, Chris Wyckoff (for family during his deployment)

* NEW: Rich Reich (Carolyn who is fighting cancer and undergoing extensive radiation treatment).

Faith Quote: "Start small and let God do it all." - unknown author

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

James 1:22

* 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).

2 Maccabees 6:31 (be like Christ)

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

This is how he died, leaving in his death a model of courage and an unforgettable example of virtue not only for the young but for the whole nation. 2 Maccabees 6:31 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Volunteers work with children, hoping to assist them in finding a better life than those who came before them. Others visit the elderly, repair homes, stock food pantries and comfort the abused. These people of conviction share their faith through a powerful example of selfless service, evangelizing their entire community in the process. Dear Lord, please give us the courage to provide example in our daily actions." by Beth Dotson Brown

Rich's comments: In the Air Force we are told that if you are not a good follower, you will not be a good leader. We need to be good followers of Christ before we can begin to lead others to Christ. By practicing our faith (doers of the Word, James 1:22), we will be witnesses of Christ. When sharing our faith with others, people are not as interested in what we say, but in how our faith works in our life. We can demonstrate our faith to others by staying positive and having a good attitude even in the middle of a crisis in our own life; by treating others with respect and dignity; by helping others; by not compromising our beliefs; and by forgiving others. Most importantly, we should know Christ by reading His Word and praying, because it is impossible to emulate someone who you do not know. Lord, help me to know You so that others may also know You through me. Amen.

Faith Challenges: Let's all invite one person each week (John 14:6) to join our LIFE Group (~250 of God's children).
* NEW: Lead others to Christ by first being a good follower of Christ.

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 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, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, refugees, addictions, persecuted believers, Peters family (JP, Rebekah), Joe Hourigan (brother Mike), Doug Young (special intention), Pat Castle (health care reform bill), Joe Levisky (daughter's pregnancy), Aaron Ferrie (special intention).

* NEW: Carol Nesbitt (Ron Hayes in ICU with H1N1 and pneumonia; Dody Gustaf with untreatable cancer)

Feast Day: St. Elizabeth of Hungary

Faith Quote: "Each person, in some way, is called to work for the common good, constantly looking out for the good of others as if it were his own." - Pope John Paul II

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

James 1:22

* 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).

Luke 12:49 (keep the fires burning)

Let's welcome God this 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

I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! Luke 12:49 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "As Christians, we are called to do more than love Christ. We are called to find and love the Christ in others, even when they don't see it themselves. We are called to set them--and ourselves--on fire through evangelization, overt and otherwise, each and every day. " by Melanie Rigney

Rich's comments: My friend John shared an amazing conversion story with me about his first Cursillo (retreat). John had been struggling for many years with his belief in God, wanting to hear God speak directly to him. At the beginning of the Cursillo weekend, he approached a priest and told him that he didn't feel that he belonged and should go home. The priest simply held John's hands, looked him directly in his eyes, and said "I am Jesus Christ, I forgive you." The priest then repeated these words again, "I am Jesus Christ, I forgive you." John said that he immediately felt a physical weight removed from his shoulders. John truly believes that God spoke to him directly that day through this priest. From that moment on, John's faith was set on fire. Lord, may we be conduits of Your undying love and help us to see Your presence in others. Amen.

Faith Challenges: Let's all invite one person each week (John 14:6) to join our LIFE Group (>240 of God's children).

* NEW: Treat each person who you encounter today as if they were Jesus Christ, for He resides in all of us.

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 to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16) and setting the unborn free!

* NEW: Please sign the UN Petition for the Unborn Child and the Family here. This petition asks nations and the UN itself to recognize that a proper reading of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights must begin by protecting all life, most especially the most defenseless, the unborn child!

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, refugees, addictions, persecuted believers, Peters family (JP in hospital), Lynn Bishara (for son Alex), Stephanie Spader (for pregnancy), Joyce Trunk (friend w/brain cancer), Carol Nesbit (Friedman family).

Faith Quote: "Each one of them is Jesus in disguise." - Mother Teresa speaking about the people she served.

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

James 1:22

* 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 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).

Luke 10:2 (call to service)

Let's welcome God this 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 harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Luke 10:2 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "By identifying with all the consequences of our sins and taking the suffering of the whole humanity into himself, Christ descended into that state of consciousness that corresponds to hell... To participate in that kind of absence or alienation from God is the most powerful and mature identity with Jesus that one can come to in the Christian life." by Fr. Thomas Keating

Rich's comments: When I taught chemistry at the Air Force Academy, I would often find cadets going to class ill-prepared for the day's lesson expecting to be entertained by the instructor. What the cadets didn't realize was that they were responsible for their own learning. They were called to be laborers of their own education. Similarly, you can often find Christians attending church expecting the pastor to entertain them and provide for their needs. We need to realize though, that every baptized Christian has been called by Christ to work the harvest (to shepherd His people), and not just the pastors. There are many in our society dying of hunger for the Lord without anyone to feed them. Every Christian has a responsibility to bring Jesus Christ to these people.

Faith Challenges: Let's all invite one person each week (John 14:6) to join our LIFE Group (>235 ProLife Christians).

* NEW: Don't be greedy with Christ, share Him with others.

Pro-Life News: The LIFE Runners (Dave, Jason, Doug, Rich, John, Jim, Steve, Pat, Tammy, Brenda/Aaron/Trevor) will be running the Twin-Cities Marathon (26.2 miles) on Respect Life Sunday (October 4th) to raise money for an ultrasound for A Woman's Answer Medical Center in Gainesville, FL. Please consider sponsoring our team by donating $/mile. Please make checks payable to "Knights of Columbus" and mail them to PO Box 14044, Gainesville, FL 32604.

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, refugees, addictions, persecuted believers, Peters family (JP in hospital), Lynn Bishara (for son Alex), Pat Castle (for cousin Michael), Stephanie Spader (for peace/healthy pregnancy), Kay Castle (Nancy Wheeler, Sheri Daniels, Sr. Joan Luke), Maureen Rogers (her pain).

Feast Day: St. Therese of Lisieux

Faith Quote: "Jesus, help me to simplify my life by learning what you want me to be - and becoming that person." by St. Therese of Lisieux

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

James 1:22

* 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 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).