Luke 6:37 (Forgive to Give)

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

"Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven." ~ Luke 6:37 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: In the Gospel today, Jesus commands us not to judge or condemn others. This can be difficult, especially when we are so passionate about defending life from conception to natural death. However, if we are serious about building and sustaining a Culture of Life through all ages and stages (the Vision of the LIFE Group), then we must first show forgiveness so that we are then capable of giving God's healing love to others. Lord, help us to forgive the women who choose to take the lives of their unborn, who yield to the many social, economic, and personal pressures and thwart Your plan for human life. Help us to forgive the activists, the informed and the misinformed, who shout, march, and demonstrate for the right of a woman to have a "choice", the choice to kill her baby or to let it live. Help us to forgive the doctors and their assistants, who have prostituted their professions to kill for money. Help us to forgive the clergymen who will not speak out against abortion for fear of "upsetting" their people. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Forgive those who do not value the defense of all human life, born and unborn, so that you may begin to build and sustain a Culture of Life through sharing God's healing love.

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

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

Feast Day: St. John Joseph of the Cross

Faith Quote: "As gold is purified in the fire, our own crosses offered to Christ for the conversion of ourselves and the world will keep us from approaching the abortion bound mother or father with anger or bitterness." - Msgr. Philip Reilly, Founder of the Helpers of God's Precious Infants

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will and 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 (and family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (22% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 and 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 and re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Matt 28:19.

Mark 3:29 (Everlasting Sin)

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

"But whoever blasphemes against the holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin." ~ Mark 3:29 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: In today's Gospel, Jesus defines the unforgivable sin as blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. This sin is called an everlasting sin, because it gives credit to Satan (power of evil) what is actually the work of the Holy Spirit (victory over the demons). In today's Gospel, the scribes committed blasphemy by accusing Jesus of being possessed by an unclean spirit and that by the power of Satan He was able to drive out demons. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (as shown by the Scribes) may be intentional denial of the Truth either vocally or silently. This sin is unforgivable, because those sinning by denying the Truth would refuse to admit the sin and thereby never ask for forgiveness. Abortionists know the fetuses they abort are human beings, but pretend this is questionable. We too may be lying to ourselves about some area of our life (e.g., justifying pornography, avoiding confession, hiding the Truth). We may be walking into the territory of the unforgivable. We may be dangerously close to crossing the line after which we will never repent. Lord, may I never commit the sin of denying my sin. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Be honest with yourself and make an honest confession today.

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

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

Feast Day: Saint Ildephonsus

Faith Quote: "To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men." - Abraham Lincoln

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). Mt 28:19.

Luke 5:20 (Forgiveness is Healing)

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

"When He saw their faith, he said, 'As for you, your sins are forgiven.'" ~ Luke 5:20 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: Jesus always has forgiveness on His mind. In today's Gospel, a paralyzed man was lowered through the roof on a stretcher and Jesus said, "Your sins are forgiven." These words might not have been the first thing on the paralytic's mind who was hoping to walk again, but he probably didn't understand that forgiveness is healing. Jesus is preoccupied with the forgiveness of sin. If we ask Jesus about what we want for Christmas this year, He'll offer to forgive our sins. If we complain about the difficulties in our life, He'll call us to Confession. If we blame our spouse for something, Jesus will talk to us about the plank in our own eye (Mt 7:3). When Jesus thinks of Christmas, He thinks of the forgiveness of sins through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Go to Confession. Give Jesus the Christmas present of your repentance. Lord, baptize me in repentance. Send the Spirit to search my heart so that I may repent on the deepest level. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Prepare yourself for the Lord and His healing by going to Confession.

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

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

Feast Day: St. Gerald

Faith Quote: "A little girl was asked what forgiveness is...she gave a beautiful answer. 'It is the fragrance flowers give when they are crushed.'" ~ unknown author

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.

John 8:11 (Put Down the Stone)

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

"Then Jesus said, 'Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.'" John 8:11 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: I often find myself quick to condemn others when I feel that they have wronged me in some way. When my temper is short, I find that I want to immediately react and let them know how much they have hurt me. As Jesus pointed out in today's Gospel to the scribes and Pharisees, none of us are immune from sin. When our anger gets the better of us, we need to put down the stone and exercise our powers of empathy and compassion, for we are all sinners. Pray for patience and understanding, and remember that we all struggle with sin and need forgiveness. Lord, forgive us our trespassers as we forgive those who trespass against us. Amen.

Faith Challenge: The next time you become angered by another, put down the stone of condemnation and pick up Christ's example of compassion and forgiveness.

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

* Budget deal keeps PP funding, guts D.C. abortions

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. Stanislaus

Faith Quote: "Forgiveness is the remission of sins. For it is by this that what has been lost, and was found, is saved from being lost again." - St. Augustine

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.

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Luke 12:2 (Head in the Sand)

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

There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Luke 12:2 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections:

* I attended a Life Teen Leadership Conference (youth ministry) in Houston, TX this past week. One of the speakers talked about leading the youth to a personal encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist and why so many teens' hands, hearts, and bodies are chained in concrete. Why won't they come to Jesus? His response was edifying: "The same tongues that we invite to praise the God of the universe took his name in vain on the drive over...The same feet that we invite to dance before the Lord carried them into the party where they got high the night before...The same hands that we are inviting to join all creation in praising their savior Jesus Christ were all over their girlfriend the night before." Wow...our Father in heaven invites us all into relationship with his son Jesus no matter our sin, no matter our failings, for it is Jesus that "makes all things new." Salvation is free and available for each of us if we but ask.

* Psalm 139:23-24 beautifully illustrates the futility of hiding from God, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way." Nothing escapes the eye of God. All our ways and our paths are known to Him. Yet we sheepishly put our head in the sand and hold onto our frailty in the darkness of our stony hearts. Why?

* Today's verse from Luke captures the inescapable reality that our merciful Father is desperately seeking after us with reckless abandon. Our Father in heaven desires to lavish His blessings upon us, His children. True freedom in Christ is possible, but we must first acknowledge our desperate need for the savior, Jesus. To do that we must face our sin. No one can come face to face with God without first facing themselves. No one can experience God and not be changed. Watch this modern day parable of the prodigal son and prepare to be changed...The Prodigal Son.

Faith Challenge: The Father is waiting...what are you waiting for?

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: St. Maximillian Kolbe. One of my favorite saints!

Counter-Culture News: 40 Days for Life (ends 31 Oct), LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action.
* Agreeing to Disagree is Not an Option when Lives are at Stake

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer), Sara Ragan (healing from the miscarriage of her baby), Kay Castle (Jesi cancer), Leslee Unruh (grandbaby Pierce post-surgery infection)

Feast Day: St. Teresa of Avila. Teresa knew well the continued presence and value of suffering (physical illness, opposition to reform, difficulties in prayer), but she grew to embrace suffering, even desire it: "Lord, either to suffer or to die."

Faith Quote: "Oh, my Lord! How true it is that whoever works for you is paid in troubles! And what a precious price to those who love you if we understand its value." ~ St. Teresa of Avila

Through Christ Our Lord,

Steve

Romans 12:2

Psalm 27:13 (Rachel’s Vineyard) by Fr. J

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

I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13 (full readings)

Fr. Jonathan's Reflections: Today’s first reading and responsorial psalm call us to Hope even when all is not yet fully healed and made well. I recently was extremely blessed to have a life changing experience. I was a chaplain on a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat for Women who are post-abortive and seeking healing. The Lord’s timing is beautiful because we finished the retreat on the Sunday that the LIFE Runners raced the Sioux Falls Marathon for Life. I was so happy to tell the Women that the LIFE Runners were offering up miles for them, and they were so appreciative! At race time, we were having a memorial service for their children and entrusting them in Hope to the Lord. The weekend was beautifully graced as I witnessed hope growing in all of us…the hope of the Lord healing scars and promising even more good things in the land of the living.

* Fr. Jonathan St.Andre has been a Franciscan for 11 yrs and a Priest for 3 yrs, now ministering out of Pittsburgh, PA. He is the Director of Vocations for the Franciscan Friars, T.O.R., Sacred Heart of Jesus Province. Fr. Jonathan plans to join the LIFE Runners for the Kansas City Marathon (15 Oct 2011).

Faith Challenge: Let us never forget to pray for Women (and Men) who had an abortion. So many continue to hold a secret they dare not share out of fear and shame. Our prayers and unconditional love for them may be the doorway to the good things of the Lord for them. Perhaps you may be called to support the ministry that reaches out to these brothers and sisters (Rachel’s Vineyard).

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

* 40 Days for Life (until 31 Oct): Since 2007, more than 350,000 people and 11,500 church congregations have participated.

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer), Helene Couchon (Molly Barber's health), Leslee/Allen Unruh (grandbaby Pierce's brain surgery Friday)

* Kathy Schwab (daughter's friend Marty fighting Leukemia)

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Feast Day of St. Jerome: Jerome studied the classical authors in Rome, and was baptized there. He embraced a life of asceticism and went to the East where he was ordained a priest. Returning to Rome, he became a secretary to Pope Damasus. In Rome, he began to translate the Holy Scriptures into Latin and to promote the monastic life. Eventually he settled in Bethlehem where he served the needs of the Church. He wrote many works, especially commentaries on Holy Scripture. He died in Bethlehem in 420.

Faith Quote: "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ."- St. Jerome

Through Christ Our Lord,

Fr. Jonathan St.Andre, TOR

Matthew 18:33 (Forgiveness)

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

Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you? Matthew 18:33 (full readings)

Rich's thoughts: We can only obtain the forgiveness of sins which God offers us if we receive it with the right attitude. Jesus advocates the prayer, Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. (Mt 6:12) Today's selected scripture comes from the parable of the unforgiving servant. The wicked servant in the parable represents the nominal Christian who though he begs forgiveness from God doesn't have an "application oriented faith" and so ultimately is not saved. Though the servant may have seemed sincere, his behavior appears that he considered his debt and the master's forgiveness to be trivial. Lord, I owe my life to you. May my actions reflect my faith in You. Amen.

Faith Challenge: If you find it difficult to forgive others, first reflect on the depth of your own sinfulness against God and how He has forgiven you.

Sr. Francelle's devotion: Pray always. Pray without ceasing.

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

* Newly Identified Corporate Supporters of Planned Parenthood Named

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP, special intention), Rich Reich (Cousin Tom's battle vs. cancer).

Feast Day of St. Jane Frances de Chantal. Learn how St. Jane forgave the man who killed her husband.

Faith Quote: "The secret of happiness is in losing, that we should throw ourselves into God as a little drop of water into the sea, and lose ourselves indeed in the Ocean of the divine goodness." - St. Jane Frances de Chantal

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

James 1:22

Matthew 9:2 (paralyzing sin)

Welcome God today with this LIFE Group devotion (archive, Facebook). Prove yourselves doers of the Word, and not merely hearers. James 1:22

Courage, child, your sins are forgiven. Matthew 9:2 (full readings)

Rich's thoughts: In the Gospel reading today, Jesus healed a paralytic. Not only did he heal the man's physical afflictions, but more importantly, He healed the man's spiritual paralysis by forgiving his sins. Sin is paralyzing. It stifles us and hinders us from being all that God intended us to be, but the Lord Jesus frees us from our imprisoning paralysis and gives us the power to "rise and walk." We need only to have the courage to ask for God's forgiveness. Holy Spirit, please offer me the courage to ask God for forgiveness for my sins. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Pray for the courage to confess your sins today.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life.
* Rwandan Genocide Rape Victims Grateful for Children Conceived in Rape

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

Feast Day: Bl. Junipero Serra

Faith Quote: "He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love." - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

Matt 5:44-45 (Reach Out!)

Welcome God today with this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (archive). Prove yourselves doers of the Word, and not merely hearers. James 1:22

But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father... Matt 5:44-45 (full readings)

Pat nuggets:

* Rather than drafting off the Bible verse selected by the Living Faith devotional, Rich and I will now select our own verse/theme from the daily Mass readings on Tues/Thurs. Regarding today's verse, the commandment to love all, even our enemies, is at the foundation of our Christian faith. Love is recognized by our service/sacrifice...Reach Out (prayer, forgiveness, encouragement, help, etc)! See Faith Challenge below.

* On National Public Radio last week, I heard a commercial for a company that does fetal care..."saving babies before birth." Sounds like an advertisement for the LIFE Group!

* The LIFE Runners are doing the Sioux Falls Half/Full Marathon (12 Sep). Our Team Mission is: God first, Defend the Unborn, Encouragement, Health. We are raising $ for the Sioux Falls Alpha Center crisis pregnancy bus. Our 2010 team includes: Deanna/Jason Peters, Erica/Rich Reich, Doug Young, Angi/Pat Castle, John Shannon, Rob Rysavy, Becky Gregory, Brenda/Aaron Ferrie, Steve Castle, Pam McGushin, Jolene Stillings. For sponsoring a runner, go to http://www.alphacenter.org/ and click the "donate" link...write "LIFE Runners" in the box that says "Add special instructions to the seller." Also, please let your sponsored runner know for their fundraising accounting and training inspiration. Thank you for helping us defend the Unborn!

Faith Challenge: Generously encourage others by forwarding devotions or using the Facebook "invite people" link.
* NEW: In response to Christ's command to love all, reach out in love to an enemy today (prayer, forgiveness, encouragement, help, etc). Start with enemies closest to you...family, neighbors, coworkers.

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

* Reality of abortion (images), #1 cause of death (23% of pregnancies). Expose this unjust peace, setting unborn/parents free.
* NEW: Unborn Baby Jesus Poster Campaign Launched by Christian Consortium, "The ads feature a composite of ultrasound pictures of a baby with the addition of a halo. The caption reads, “He’s on His way. Christmas starts with Christ.”"

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together, and close to God (footnotes). Prayer to end abortion, Peters family (JP).
* NEW: Pat Castle (Rich Reich's PhD defense at 8 AM CST), Maryellen Seibert (boss Darlene recovering from surgery)

Feast Day: St. Germaine Cousin (patron for victims of child abuse)

Faith Quote: "What makes us holy is not work, but the action of grace within us...and within the specific limits of the daily toil by which we respond to grace." John Paul II

In Christ,
Pat

Phil 4:13

John 15:11 (sharing joy)

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

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. John 15:11 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "The joy of friendship grows when people share the values that make them who they are. The greater the sharing, the greater the joy. It was a joy for Jesus to share his word with the people of his time, just as it is a joy for him to do so with us. We hear his word through the Scriptures and through his Spirit that speaks in our hearts. Jesus' love prompts him to share his values with us, and if we make them a part of our lives, we begin to resemble the mind and heart of Jesus. What a cause for joy!" by Fr. Kenneth Grabner

Rich's comments: As I am nearing the end of my PhD program at the University of Florida, I have the incredible urge to share with others in my research group tips on how to survive grad school. I don't think that I gain anything for myself by sharing this information (except that I don't like to watch people struggle or suffer), but I have this inner desire to pass on these "pearls of wisdom" in hopes that my colleagues gain a greater sense of joy during their grueling ordeal of writing a 200-page dissertation. Jesus knows and understands our struggles and sufferings. Jesus has been through it all and He wants to share His Truth with us, because it brings Him great joy and He loves us. Lord, thank You for sharing Yourself with me, and thank You for my ability to bring You joy through my acceptance of Your word. Amen.
* NEW: Discover the joy that forgiveness brings by reading Sr. Francelle's devotion on Forgiveness.

Faith Sharing: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding devotions or using the Facebook "invite people" link.
* NEW: How might you bring the joy of Christ to others? Please consider sharing faith comments (or "like" button) on the Facebook page, to encourage many...thank you!

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, Vatican, American Family Association, Priests for Life
* Reality of abortion (images), #1 cause of death (23% of pregnancies). Expose this unjust peace, setting unborn/parents free.
* NEW: Oklahoma Ultrasound Law Temporarily Suspended: "The abortion industry would like to hide the truth from women about their unborn children." "We believe the ultrasound bill will provide much needed information to women in advance of an irrevocable, lethal decision, and that both she and her baby will benefit from her having that information."

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together, and close to God (footnotes). Peters family (JP), Prayer to end abortion.
* NEW: Rich (Erica's swollen inner ear & job search)

Faith Quote: "He loves each one of us as though there were only one of us." - St. Augustine

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

Acts 7:60 (countercultural forgiveness)

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

[Stephen] fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." Acts 7:60 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Stephen demonstrates an extraordinary largeness of heart as he's being stoned to death. So often we hear people who have been wronged remark that they can forgive but they can never forget. Yet Stephen begs God to not even remember what's been done against him. This amazing embrace of absolute forgiveness is so countercultural. Loving God, please give us the largeness of heart to forgive as you do." Sr. Chris Koellhoffer

Pat nuggets:
* Jean Noon shared, "During the Kairos prison retreat 5-11 April, we unraveled a prayer chain that circled the gym...there were many, many tears. The 36 women concluded their weekend with a first step: a sense of unconditional love, forgiveness, hope, and trust. At the beginning of the weekend the women were quite overcome with feelings of worthlessness, emptiness, brokenness, aloneness, and a deep sense of being unlovable. I was personally overwhelmed by the wisdom of so many of the women I met. One told me that she is grateful for her difficult cell-mate because she is teaching her patience. They know that they have choices in each moment: to be open to the lessons that they must/will ultimately learn...or to be closed/resistant, taking them that much longer to learn the lessons that they (and we all) will inevitably learn. Peace be with you! And forgiveness in each moment!"

* Stephanie Kemp shared, "There is so much wonderful 'spiritual stuff' available (including the LIFE Group Devotions)." The devotions are concisely written for busy people (snippets, nuggets, links). Thanks to all those who take a few minutes to consume each devotion and share it with others...a really high five!

* Need some Spiritual mojo? Check out this music video: Get Back Up by TobyMac.

Faith Challenges: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding devotions or using the Facebook "invite people" link.

* NEW: How can our seemingly little choices have big impacts on our relationship with God? Consider sharing any faith comments on the Facebook page ("like" button?), to encourage many.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, Vatican, Priests for Life
* Reality of abortion (images), #1 cause of death (23% of pregnancies). Expose this unjust peace, setting unborn/parents free.
* NEW: Young People: God Challenges Us All To Be Better.

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

* NEW: Vicki Kerkvliet (hip pain), Pam McGushin (parent's health), Jean Noon (God's will for her Mom)

Faith Quote: "May you be leaven for the world, changing it from within, especially by the example of your lives." John Paul II

Through Christ our Lord,
Pat
Phil 4:13

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. "If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn't, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead."
* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, 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).

Matthew 26:21-22 ('Yes, It Is.')

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

And while they were eating, [Jesus] said, "Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me." Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, "Surely it is not I, Lord?" Matthew 26:21-22 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "As it turned out, of course, almost all of Jesus' disciples betrayed him, at least in the sense that they ran away and left him to his cruel fate. Judas did the dirty work in the most direct sense, yes. But when those who felt threatened by Jesus came for him, the men who were Jesus' closest companions turned tail and ran like startled rabbits. So when each one asked, "Surely it is not I, Lord?" Jesus could have said, "Yes, it is." So it went with Jesus' disciples, and so it goes with us as well. We may not betray Jesus in big, noticeable ways. But we do betray him in smaller, personal ways whenever we fail to live up to what Christian discipleship requires of us in our own time and place." by Mitch Finley

Rich's comments: Peter and Judas both betrayed Jesus, but they chose different ways to reconcile themselves. Peter was sorry for his sins and continued to be a follower of Christ becoming the foundation of the Christian Church. Judas on the other hand was sorry for what he had done ("I have sinned in betraying innocent blood." Matthew 27:4), but instead of choosing Jesus (eternal life), he chose death (suicide). As with Jesus' disciples, we too have betrayed Him. It is not a question of whether we will betray Jesus (fail to live as a disciple of Christ), but what we do as a result of our sins. This Easter, choose Christ, for He has already chosen you.

Faith Challenges: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding devotions or using the Facebook "invite people" link.

* NEW: In what ways have you betrayed Jesus? How do you show Jesus that you are sorry? Please consider sharing your devotion thoughts on the Facebook page, to be appreciated by many.

* NEW: Read Sr. Francelle's devotion that outlines the richness of Holy Week (Easter Joy).

Counter-Culture News: 40 Days for Life, 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: March 31 Marks Fifth Annual National Memorial for 'Terri’s Day'

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together, and close to God (footnotes). Peters family (JP), Prayer to end abortion, Stephanie Kemp (special intention), Pat Castle (Uncle Jim Castle with blood clots).

Faith Quote: "Let us celebrate the feast not with the old yeast, that of corruption and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth" (1 Cor 5:8).

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 6:36 (mercy)

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

Be merciful, just as [also] your Father is merciful. Luke 6:36 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "When I was growing up, there was tremendous emphasis in spiritual training on "be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect," the parallel passage to this verse in Luke (Matthew 5:48). Then I heard a Scripture scholar say that he was convinced that a better capturing of what Jesus actually said was to be found in Luke's account of that same sermon. I saw that it was precisely because I had not been perfect myself, because I had needed and received mercy from others, that I had begun to learn to be merciful." by Patricia Livingston

Rich's comments: Most people would agree that we are far from perfect. We have all heard the saying, "to err is human, to forgive divine." By forgiving others, we are emanating our Father in heaven. We all need the healing ministry of Jesus in our own life, and we are called to extend that healing ministry to others. Forgiveness is a fundamental element of Christianity. Thank you Lord for being a God of forgiveness and mercy. May Your mercy teach me to be merciful. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Let's all invite one person each week (John 14:6) to join our LIFE Group (>220 ProLife Christians).

* NEW: Show mercy today. Be patient. Be understanding. Be forgiving. Be loving.

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!

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), Stephanie Spader (healthy pregnancy), Adrian Hermosillo (sister Angelica battling cancer).

Faith Quote: "If you judge people, you have no time to love them." - Mother Teresa

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 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).