Luke 1:38 (Christ within)

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

"Mary said, 'Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.'" ~ Luke 1:38 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: In today's Gospel, the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive in her womb, the Lord Jesus Christ. Mary responded with unshakable faith that she is "the handmaid of the Lord." Mary must have been scared, but she did not lose hope. Instead, she recognized that Christ within her was hope, and she accepted her responsibility to bring Him to the world. As Christians we are also called to have the faith of Mary. We need to recognize Christ living within us despite issues in our life that bring us fear, and we need to share His message of hope with the world. Prepare the way of the Lord this Advent and have a "Mary" Christ-mas. Lord, I am Your servant, may Your will be done according to Your word. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Recognize Christ within you this Advent and share His message of hope with others.

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

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

Feast Day: Our Lady of Guadalupe (today's image by Nellie Edwards)

Faith Quote: "The conception and birth of Jesus Christ are in fact the greatest work accomplished by the Holy Spirit in the history of creation and salvation." ~ Pope John Paul II

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 19:47-48 (The Power of Words)

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

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

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

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

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Thanksgiving

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

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

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

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

Through Christ Our Lord,
Rosemary

2 Tim 4:7
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* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. Fast from things that take your eyes off Jesus. Those who pray together stay together, and close to God!
* Save Unborn (& family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (22% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 & Jer 1:5. “A great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish.” Mother Teresa.
* Evangelize: Make room for unbelievers & re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Matt 28:19.

1 John 5:13 (Confidence in God)

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

"I write these things to you so that you may know that you have eternal life, you who believe in the name of the Son of God." 1 John 5:13 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: Do you believe that you will have eternal life? Do you really believe in the hope of the Resurrection and the promise of the Father? Confidence in God allows us assurance that we will be with God the Father one day and that He really does have a room prepared for us. Confidence in God's promises empowers us to live a life full of grace. Confidence in God provides authentic freedom and chases away sin. Confidence in God is the key to a life in the Spirit; a life God is inviting and calling each of us to. John reminds us in today's scripture that through faith in the name of Jesus we have eternal life. I found great confidence and assurance in these words, "so that you may know that you have eternal life..." Dear Jesus, we have faith that by your name we are saved and have eternal life - chase away the darkness of our sin and open our hearts to an authentic life of grace steeped in the assurance and confidence of the Resurrection. Amen.
* In the battle to save babies we often become discouraged that our prayers are crashing like waves upon the rocks. With great confidence in a merciful God I implore you to check out the story of Abby Johnson, the former planned parenthood director who experienced a radical change of heart after assisting with an ultrasound assisted abortion of a 13 week old baby. Her clinic was the site of the first "40 days for Life" campaign and no doubt a fruit of their many prayers. She has written a book called "Unplanned" and will be holding a webcast this coming Monday, January 10th at 8pm CST. You can sign up for this webcast at Unplanned Webcast.

Faith Challenge: Jesus first chose us on the cross so that we could choose him with confidence - take faith today and rest in the confidence of the promises of the Father. What will your room look like?

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Happy New Year 2011 "Dear God: I will find Your love in everyone I meet and may my eyes always try to find You hidden in others. I ask for the patience to be a person of peace and show respect for all your children, especially the down and out, those who are hurting, afraid or worried. Keep me close and never let me stray from You. I will forgive all who have hurt me and I ask Your forgiveness for all whom I may have hurt. Amen."

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

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

Feast Day: St. Raymond of Penafort

Faith Quote:“Think love and kindness can’t make a difference in the abortion debate? Read Abby Johnson’s story and find out how a pro-life ministry’s peaceful and respectful witness forever changed the heart of this former Planned Parenthood clinic director.” ~ Jim Daly, Focus on the Family
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Through Christ Our Lord,
Steve
Romans 12:2

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


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

John 1:3-5 (Get Out There)

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

"What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:3-5 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: The reading for today really got me pumped up. John does a sweeping account of Jesus' salvific role from the beginning of creation (...in the beginning was the Word), to the incarnation of Jesus as a baby. Light is hope for those in darkness. What remains is Jesus, the light of the world, and even today the darkness has not overcome it! The very fact that you are reading this devotion stands as a testimony, a witness, to that light and your faith in Jesus. This past December 26th was the feast of the first martyr, Stephen. As I read the account of Stephen's death in the Acts of the Apostles it struck me as witnesses declared that he had the "face of an angel". He carried the light of Christ! We, too, can carry the light of Christ with us wherever we go.

Faith Challenge: What sort of witness are you for Jesus in the marketplace? Can your co-workers, the cashier at the grocery store, or the bank teller see your light? Do they see the "face of an angel"?

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: The Stoning of Stephen "There are two kinds of martyrs: red martyrs...those who shed their blood and die for Christ. The second is a white martyr...that's you and me...those who suffer in this life and unite their every day sufferings with that of Christ."

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

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

Feast Day: St. Sylvester (d. 335) "Reading between the lines of history, we are assured that only a very strong and wise man could have preserved the essential independence of the Church in the face of the overpowering figure of the Emperor Constantine."

Faith Quote: “Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness.” ~ Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta
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Through Christ Our Lord,
Steve
Romans 12:2

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


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

Phil 2:15-16 (always Hope!)

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

...in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine like lights in the world, as you hold on to the word of life, so that my boast for the day of Christ may be that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Phil 2:15-16 (full readings)

Pat's Reflections: If you voted for ProLife candidates yesterday, you "did not run in vain or labor in vain." This particularly applies to my neighbor Petra who literally ran to the polling station! This election was a very real culture battle, which is silently fueled by pornography and abortion. In a recent article, LifeSiteNews editor-in-chief, John-Henry Westen, referred to pornography as "The Most Dangerous Threat in the Culture War." He emphasized that we need to "look away"...so we are not perverted by the pornographic lies. On the other battle front, Rob Rysavy told me about encouraging his teenage son to not "look away" from an abortion movie in theology class...so he will know the truth. Rob's son said he eventually had to look away from the horrible truth of abortion. Rob said, "The young people are going to make this right. We have to educate and support them. The people under 37 years old are survivors, and they know it. There is ALWAYS hope." After all the victories for ProLife candidates, I am especially hopeful today!

Faith Challenge: Pornography and abortion are fueling the Culture of Death...look away from pornography...don't look away from the reality of abortion (images)...share the Truth...always Hope!

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life,Live Action.
* Five Things We Know About the Catholic Vote. "The past two years have removed the mask — the media band has stopped playing quite so loudly – and Catholic voters are ready to repent." What political issue is more important than the freedom to have Life (Jer 1:5)?

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer), Carolyn McKissack (daughter Karen's health), Kathy Schwab (5 yr old Dalton cancer).

Feast Day: St. Martin de Porres. "Racism is a sin almost nobody confesses."

Faith Quotes: “I believe abortion is taking the life of an innocent human being. I believe life begins at conception, and it is the duty of our government to protect this life.” Rand Paul (newly elected Senator)

In God We Trust,

Pat
Phil 4:13

1 Samuel 1:5 (enjoy your "hot choco"!)

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

...but a double portion to Hannah because He loved her, though the Lord had made her barren. 1 Samuel 1:5 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Barrenness can be defined in many ways, not just the inability to have a child. Barrenness can mean brokenness, unfulfilled dreams, empty parts of your heart, dashed hopes, anything that hasn't turned out the way you'd planned. Like Hannah, we all grieve the areas of our life that aren't showing signs of growth. The important thing about grief is to know where to take it: to God. Barrenness is not always a permanent state for those who trust in the Lord; Hannah later had a son named Samuel. Pour your heart out to the Lord, and dedicate your future fulfillment to Him. Have faith as each chapter of your story is written. Our God specializes in the impossible. [Phil 4:13]" by Kristin Armstrong

Pat's nuggets:
* During this cold snap, Mandy Tentiger shared: "Life is the hot choco...your job, salary and position is the cup. By concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the hot choco God has provided us! Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly...and leave the rest to God. The richest person is not the one who has the most [stuff], but the one who needs the least [stuff]"...is the one needing and trusting in God (faith)!

* Pastor Don's devotion (Successfully Significant): "...we are called to significance, not success. When we pursue significance, we will always find success. A significant person invests himself/herself into the lives of others. A significant church invests itself in walking with all people in the joys and pains of life. Because our Lord has done the same for us. Strive toward becoming successfully significant instead of significantly successful."

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: Let's warm others with the Light of Christ, so they too have an Epiphany that Christ is truly the Way to peace, joy and eternal Life!

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), Shantelle Castle (special intention), Health care reform bill (protect the unborn)

* NEW: Pope Benedict XVI: "That every believer in Christ may be conscious that unity among all Christians is a condition for more effective proclamation of the Gospel. That young people may learn to use modern means of social communication for their personal growth and to better prepare themselves to serve society."

Faith quotes:

* "Lust is the best this world has to offer, but love offers you the best life in the world." The Love Dare

* "Live your life so that when you wake up in the morning and your feet hit the floor, the devil says, Oh crud, you're up!"

In God We Trust,

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 4:16 (JOY: Jesus, Others, You)

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

On those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death, light has risen. Matthew 4:16 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "The Magi witnessed Christ's birth into a world where death might often seem to be the victor. Jesus' family soon fled to Egypt to escape the forces of death that followed them. His eventual death was early and cruel. But for us, the crucifixion carries the secret of the resurrection, and therefore death is overshadowed by Life. Christ our Light, arise in our hearts." by Mary Marrocco

Pat's nuggets: Merry 11th day of Christ-mas!

* Within all the college football bowl games hoopla, high five to those players who pause to give God praise for their abilities, like FL quarterback Tim Tebow (today's image, Eph 2:8-10). The image caption could read, "Yes, God...I will gladly use your playbook!"

* Pastor Don's devotion (Happy New Day!): "...those every day promises that I am going to choose life over death. That I will choose love over hatred, grace over resentment, wisdom over folly, courage over fear, joy over sorrow, compassion over anger, patience over impatience."

* Sr. Francelle's devotion (Gratitude - the key to happiness): "As we begin a new year, let's resolve to accept with joy the twists and turns life brings us. Let us open our hearts to the wonder of each new day. "For all that has been, THANKS. For all that will be, YES.""

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

* NEW: Let's commit ourselves to a year filled with JOY...Jesus, Others, You...in that priority order!

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 (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), Shantelle Castle (special intention), Health care reform bill

* NEW: Shannon Ketchum (Grandma passed away), Michael Moon (thanksgiving for Metanoia)

Feast Day of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: "...first native born American to be canonized by the Catholic Church."

Faith quotes: "Walk with Him who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life!" John Paul II

Blessed New Year!
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).

Psalm 13:6 (The Nativity of Mary)

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

Let my heart rejoice in your salvation; let me sing of the Lord. "He has been good to me." Psalm 13:6 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "The Father made and redeemed us through the Son and the Spirit, but he did it for our sake--starting with Mary, in whom it was accomplished not only first but best. Do we detract from Christ's finished work by affirming its perfect realization in Mary? On the contrary, we celebrate his work, precisely by focusing our attention on the human person who manifests it most perfectly." by Scott Hahn, author of Hail, Holy Queen

OBOB snippets: "Because we are Christians, we are into birth. We are born again, "begotten from above" (Jn 3:3). We received a new birth through the waters of baptism (Ti 3:5). We are "born of the Spirit" (see Jn 3:8). We've been reborn through the word of God (Jas 1:18; 1 Pt 1:23). This love for birth and for what Jesus treasures leads us to joyfully celebrate the birth of Mary, Jesus' mother and our mother (Jn 19:26). Mary was born so Jesus could be born of her. Mary is therefore declared to be "a sign of sure hope" (Lumen Gentium, 68). Her birth is "a birth unto hope" for all of us (1 Pt 1:3). "And this hope will not leave us disappointed, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us" (Rm 5:5).

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

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).

Feast Day: The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Faith Quote: "Through [Mary], through [her] 'yes', the Hope of the ages became
reality." (Spe Salvi, Pope Benedict XVI, 50)

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).

Thessalonians 4:13 ("you snooze, you lose!"

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

We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you many not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "All of us, believers or not, dwell in the same reality of life and death. But in this same landscape, we who have hope, as Paul says, think differently about the apparent sadness of death. It is the same place, but knowing that this place and all within belong to God, we are reoriented and live, not in cold grief and fear, but at home in hope." by Amy Welborn

Pat nugget: My high school english teacher would often say during class, "you snooze, you lose!" Regarding our faith lives, this is eternally True! Today's image shows a fisherman snoozing...Jesus has called us to be fishers of men (Matt 4:19)...

Faith Challenge:

* NEW: Let's all invite just one person each week to join our LIFE Group (>215 ProLife Christians)...let's get fishing!

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

* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images)...#1 cause of death in America. Let's courageously share ProLife Truth (John 14:6) to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16) and setting the unborn free!
* NEW: At 13 wks after conception, a fetus' vocal cords and auditory sense are present.

* NEW: Dr. Alveda King Remembers Sen. Edward Kennedy - "he stopped supporting the civil rights of those in the womb."

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, Rich Reich (friend Carolyn battling cancer), Peters family (JP in hospital), Stephanie Spader (healthy pregnancy), Steve/Tina Castle (sell their home), Kay Castle (Sr. Joan Luke, breast cancer)

* NEW: Pray for Chinese and India believers as they continue to serve the Lord despite harassment and arrest. The Voice of the Martyrs

Faith Quote: "Just say grace."

Through Christ our Lord,

Pat
Phil 4:13

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead.'
* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and take on things that fix our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).
* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' (Blessed Mother Teresa).
* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service.

Psalm 34:7 (eternal perspective)

Welcome God every morning before your work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which has snippets from Living Faith (livingfaith.com). All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

When the afflicted man called out, the Lord heard, and from all his distress saved him. Psalm 34:7

Living Faith snippets: "I am grateful for God's consolation in times of sorrow and for his supportive grace in times of weakness. As I grow older, it becomes clearer that I could not have gotten through these difficulties without God's generous, compassionate help." by Fr. Kenneth Grabner, C.S.C.

Rich's comments: My grandmother died late Sunday night in Oregon on December 14th. Although I was not with her during her final moments, I am happy that my family was there to surround her with God's love and compassion. The natural response for humans this side of eternity is to be sorrowful and scared with the passing of a loved one. We don't understand death, and we fear what we don't understand. To overcome this fear of death we need to change our point of view to an eternal perspective. Many more people have died and now live than those who are presently on earth. Due to the victory of our Lord over death, we can say, “Where there’s death, there’s hope." Although it may seem difficult and contradictory to our emotions, as Christians we should rejoice when our loved ones die, because they are reunited and living with Jesus for eternity.

God our Father,

Your power brings us to birth,

Your providence guides our lives,

and by Your command we return to dust.

Lord, those who die still live in Your presence,

their lives change but do not end.

I pray in hope for my family,

relatives and friends,

and for all the dead known to You alone.

In company with Christ,

Who died and now lives,

may they rejoice in Your kingdom,

where all our tears are wiped away.

Unite us together again in one family,

to sing Your praise forever and ever.

Amen.

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

ProLife news: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ & http://www.priestsforlife.org/
* Let's pray for courage to communicate the ProLife message through Christ to those around us (John 14:6)...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16).

Our Prayers: Prayer to End Abortion, chastity, our enemies, our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, loss of loved ones, lack of faith, illnesses/injuries, John Peak (parent's health & his deployment), Pat Castle (Kathy Ayers recovering from brain surgery, Mike Castle eye infection), Liz Curry (friend Bill recovering from heart surgery), Jason Peters (health of son JP, http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jppeters), Carolyn McKissack (granddaughter Bailee with Crohn's), Rob Ouellette (Sally, Jim, Kevin, Joe, Carla & two Mary's)

Faith Quote: "We are told that Christ was killed for us, that His death has washed out our sins, and that by dying He has disabled death itself. That is the formula. That is Christianity. That is what has to be believed." by C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Through Christ Our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml. Reflection on readings at http://www.daily-meditations.org/index2.html
* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others. Wayne Watson lyrics, “When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven, and miracles you can't explain await!” 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead & see Him.'
* Fasting: Let's fast from things that takes our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, judgment, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and take on things that fix our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).

* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might lie as you wish' Blessed Mother Teresa.
* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service.
Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

Matthew 9:28-29 (do you believe?)

Welcome God every morning before your work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which has snippets from Living Faith (livingfaith.com). All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I can do this?" "Yes, Lord," they said to Him. Then He touched their eyes and said, "Let it be done for you according to your faith." Matthew 9:28-29

Living Faith snippets: "Jesus' words are reminiscent of Mary's fiat: "May it be done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). Whatever knowledge His divinity might have given Him, Jesus surely learned to recognize the power of faith in God at home. So Jesus asked the poor and injured, "Do you believe...?" He simply invited them to share in His hope, a hope He had seen and lived out from His earliest days. Jesus, your family had faith in you. May my hope be in you and your will be in me." by Julia Schloss

Pat nuggets:

* Christ is the hope we believe in!

* Kay Castle shared this short video filled with God nuggets: http://www.theinterviewwithgod.com/.

Sister Francelle's devotion: Read her devotion titled "The Sheep and the Goats‏" at http://sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com/. A few snippets: "Dearest Ones...Of all the parables, that of the "sheep and the goats" is probably the most startling (Matthew 25:31-46). At the end of the world, Jesus says people will be either like sheep or goats, those who took care of their neighbor and those who did not. Jesus said, "What you did to the least of these, you did to me." Our Lord compares the sheep to loving and giving people, who follow Jesus and do whatever He tells them to do. Love is the answer. It is as simple as that. No love for others, no reward in heaven. May you find joy in reaching out to others."

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

Our Prayers: Prayer to End Abortion, chastity, our enemies, our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, loss of loved ones, lack of faith, illnesses/injuries, Joe Castle (medical concerns), Matt Kayser (family of Jesse Alne), Rob Ouellette (Jeff, Arleen, Ramona, Pat), Mike Castle (eye infection), John Peak (parent's health & his deployment)
* Let's pray for courage to communicate the ProLife message (through Christ) to those around us (John 14:6)...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16).

Faith Quote: "One time I read that people need "islands of stability" - things that do not change in their lives. God is our island of stability even in uncertain times." Pastor Don Bird

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)!