James 3:13 (A Lesson for the Wise)

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

"Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom." ~ James 3:13 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: In today's reading, James invites people who are supposedly wise to step forward and identify themselves. His question is a challenge for those self-proclaiming wisdom (i.e., teachers) to conduct a self-examination. Am I teaching from humility or from selfish ambition? If it is the latter, then I am even failing in the matter about which I am most proud: my grasp of truth. I taught chemistry at the Air Force Academy for 3 years and I truly enjoyed the experience. It was very fulfilling to help others in need and to get others excited about something that interested me. Unfortunately though, my motivation for teaching became focused on a departmental teaching award that consumed me and later shifted to jealousy when I did not win the award. My envy and selfish ambition were the opposite of humility. James explains that true wisdom comes from outside ourselves and from God Himself. Wisdom is humbly admitting one's needs and relying on God for the wisdom one lacks. Lord, help me to be humble so that I may understand that true wisdom only comes from You. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Show wisdom in humbly accepting the word of God in your life.

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: St. Wulfric

Faith Quote: "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." - Proverbs 11:2

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 9:48 (God's Children)

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

"Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest." ~ Luke 9:48 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: In today's Gospel, the disciples were arguing amongst themselves of who was the greatest. The rivalry the disciples displayed actually opposes Christian discipleship. In our competitive World, we can see each other as a threat; a threat on resources, attention, and power. To God this must all seem ridiculous, because we are all His children. He does not love one of us anymore than the other, and so likewise, we should also love each other. We are all members of the same body. "If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members share its joy" (1 Cor 12:26). As brothers and sisters, we owe each other encouragement (Phil 2:1) and love (Rm 13:8). When we welcome each other, we welcome Christ and the Father (Lk 9:48). When we welcome one part of Christ's body, we must welcome all. Lord, help me to remember that we are all Your children. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Today make others feel welcome as if they were your family, because we are all God's children.

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: Saints Cosmas and Damian.

Faith Quote: "When faith replaces doubt, when selfless service eliminates selfish striving, the power of God brings to pass His purposes." ~ Thomas Monson

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 7:6-7 (Faith and Humility)

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

"And Jesus went with them, but when He was only a short distance from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell Him, 'Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof. Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word and let my servant be healed.'" ~ Luke 7:6-7 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: Before receiving Jesus in Holy Communion, the Church leads us to pray: "Lord, I am not worthy to receive You, but only say the word and I shall be healed." This prayer is adapted from today's Gospel about the centurion who asked Jesus to cure his servant at home. When Jesus said he would come to the centurion’s home, the man responded that he was not worthy to have Jesus enter his house. Jesus needed to “only say the word,” then the servant would be healed. Jesus praised the great faith of this gentile centurion and healed the servant. In realizing that we are not worthy to receive the body and blood of Christ, we get in touch with the reality of our humanness (humility) and acknowledge that all healing and grace ultimately come from God (faith). Lord, through my faith and humility may I recognize Your grace. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Do you have the faith and humility to recognize God's graces in your life?

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: Most Holy Name of Mary.

Faith Quote: “What makes humility so desirable is the marvelous thing it does to us; it creates in us a capacity for the closest possible intimacy with God." ~ Monica Baldwin

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.

Matthew 20:26-27 (Service Before Self)

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

"Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave." ~ Matthew 20:26-27 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: In today's Gospel, James and John sought to be elevated above the other apostles by being seated at the right and left hand of Jesus when He came into His glory. Jesus replied that they did not know what they were asking. They did not see the cross in His future, but only saw an earthly throne. Jesus explained to the apostles that the way to aspire to greatness is to humbly descend into service. This can be a difficult lesson to swallow in our self-serve society. Following Jesus means service before self. Jesus led by example even to the point of giving His life for the deliverance of the human race. Lord, help me to be humble in service by placing the needs of others before my own. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Build a foundation of humility in service.

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 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 James.

Faith Quote: "Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being. Do you desire to construct a vast and lofty fabric? Think first about the foundations of humility. The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation." ~ 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.

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

2 Cor. 11:30 (In Christ)

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

"If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness." 2 Cor. 11:30 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: Are you hidden in Christ (Col. 3:3)? I have been reflecting on this image of being hidden in Christ for some time as I am convinced that the harder we try to do God's work the more we get in the way. As Paul points out today, to boast is to be a fool. If we are to boast it should be of our weakness. During my early years as a baby Christian I especially felt the effects of "trying too hard". I would often come up with a wonderful idea (or so I thought) only to see it fall flat. A relationship that held so much promise would cool off. This discouraged me but ultimately helped me realize that I was following my own designs and not truly listening to God. I was stumbling over myself and God let me learn those tough lessons for a reason...so I may not boast of my own accord but boast In Christ of the good work he has accomplished in me. I am in Christ and for that I am a new man. This is God's victory in me! In the end, my faith has been a journey of casting off the ballast of self so that God may fill my sails and direct my paths.
* Have fun with this parody about the self, "So Long Self" by Mercy Me

Faith Challenge: Who is filling your sails? Forget yourself today and do something sacrificial for another.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Life Story "I long for the gift of life everlasting, but I hope to spend whatever time is left in telling others about the love of Jesus."

Counter-Culture News: LifeNews, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action &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. >

Feast Day: St. Albert Chmielowski (d. 1916)

Faith Quote: "If I have helped just one person to save their soul, my vocation is worth it." ~ Sr. Francelle Clarke (see her devotion)

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Luke 1:59-60 (Prepare the Way of the Lord)

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

"When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, 'No. He will be called John.'" Luke 1:59-60 (full readings)

Bobby’s Reflections: In today’s reading, just two days away from the celebration of Christmas, we hear the Word or God proclaiming the birth of John the Baptist. The prophet Malachi tells us of John’s purpose to be a messenger to prepare the way of the Lord. This good news should fill our hearts with joy in anticipation of the arrival of the infant child. What struck me most though was the subtlety of Luke’s reference to the eighth day. While the importance of presenting John for circumcision would have been of normal practice to the Jewish people according to the law, this reference to the eighth day has an even greater significance to us as Christians. The Catechism of the Catholic Church in paragraph 349 refers to the “eighth day” as the day of the new creation. With the birth of Christ the “eighth day” dawns the new creation which culminates in the greater work of redemption (cf. CCC 349). It is on this day that Christ’s reign begins in the lowliest of places, a manger.

Faith Challenge: Let’s us look model to the humility of God who comes to us in the form of a child. While deserving of all glory and praise, He chose to become like us in all things but sin. What areas in our lives is the Lord challenging us to grow in greater humility?

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. John of Kanty

Faith Quote: “The heavenly babe suffers and cries in the crib so that for us suffering would be sweet, meritorious and accepted. He deprives himself of everything, in order that we may learn from him the renunciation of worldly goods and comforts” - St. Padre Pio

Through Christ Our Lord,
Bobby Aborn
John 16:33

* 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.

Luke 9:49-50 (No room for Pride in God's work)

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

Then John said in reply, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company." Jesus said to him, "Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you." Luke 9:49-50 (full readings)

Rich's Thoughts: The apostles of Jesus struggled with pride. In their pride, the apostles imagined that they had the exclusive commission to cast out demons (Luke 9:1). The bickering amongst themselves about who was the greatest (Luke 9:46) was just a symptom of their insecurity that required them to degrade or hinder anyone who seemed to be their equal. Pride can make us resent others, especially in their success. This resentment stems from a problem of perception. We need to see that our successes are not our own, but are for the glory of God; and as God's children, we are all unified in His work of love.

Faith Challenge: Pray about your feelings of jealousy and have peace in knowing that all blessings are for the glory of God.

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

* New Initiative Offers Help to Girls Facing Pressure to Abort

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer), Helene Couchon (Molly Barber's health).

* Leslee/Allen Unruh (son Cash's home burned down, grandbaby Pierce's brain surgery Friday)

Feast Day: Saint Vincent de Paul was a Roman Catholic priest who helped found many charitable organizations, including the Daughters of Charity and the Lazarists.

Faith Quote: "The most powerful weapon to conquer the devil is humility. For, as he does not know at all how to employ it, neither does he know how to defend himself from it. " - St. Vincent de Paul

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

James 1:22

John 13:16-17 (Discipleship)

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

Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it. John 13:16-17 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "If anyone understood this Scripture passage, it was Catherine of Siena, a complex, bold figure among our noble ancestry, the communion of saints. Although she unflinchingly spoke truth to the heads of Church and State alike, she was deeply aware that the messages she bore did not originate with her, but were relayed through her. As a profoundly prayerful woman, she embraced the role of messenger and dignified the role of servant as a powerful witness to the Church by her fidelity to the Word of God in the sanctuary of her conscience." by Claire J. King

Rich's comments: What hinders any Christian disciple to become an effective learner and student would be his/her pride, which is opposite to submission and humility. Last week, my little sister Heather (20 years old) graduated from Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT) at Lackland AFB. I had a great time listening to my sister's stories about her BMT experience. The majority of BMT was about breaking the trainees pride down so that they could become effective learners (disciples) of Air Force doctrine and practices. Lord, grant me the humility to set my pride aside and become an effective disciple in imitating You. Amen.
* Sr. Francelle's devotion: In Everything Give Thanks

Faith Sharing: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding devotions or using the Facebook "invite people" link.
* NEW: What issues do you have that hinder your Christian discipleship? Please consider sharing faith comments (or "like" button) on the Facebook page, appreciated by 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: Bishop Slattery Decries Pain of Women Who 'Lost Part of their Soul' to Abortion

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

Faith Quote: "He who cannot obey, cannot command." - Benjamin Franklin

Feast Day: St. Catherine of Siena

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

Psalm 50:14 (Praise God as Sacrifice)

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

Offer to God praise as your sacrifice... Psalm 50:14 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "How could praise be the equivalent of a concrete sacrifice? Compared to the first of your flock or harvest, your money or your time, it doesn't seem as if saying words of praise to God could require anything of me. Ah, but maybe it does. Perhaps putting aside my own desires, plans and conception of what life should be like does, indeed, require a sacrifice. A far greater sacrifice than anything concrete or material, in fact." by Amy Welborn

Rich's comments: Today's Living Faith author brought up an interesting question about how praising God could be a sacrifice, but I had a different answer. Upon reflection, I thought about my own struggles with pride and humility, and how I find it challenging and frequently forget to give God credit for what I often view as my own accomplishments. It is humbling to work really hard at something (blood, sweat, and tears) and then not feel the urge to toot your own horn and tell people "Hey, look what I did!" With this perspective in hand, I can really see how giving God praise is a sacrifice as well as a gift to God. Lord, teach me to be humble and to give You praise always, for You showed us the ultimate sign of humility by being born as a helpless child among us. 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: Reflect on everything that God has given you and give Him praise.

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, politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, refugees, addictions, persecuted believers, Peters family (JP, Rebekah), Joe (brother Mike), Doug Young (special intention), Pat Castle (health care reform bill), Joe (daughter's pregnancy), Aaron Ferrie (special intention). Carol Nesbitt (Ron Hayes in ICU with H1N1 and pneumonia).

* NEW: Carol Nesbitt (Dody Gustaf has gone to be with our God).

Faith Quote: "God has landed on this enemy-occupied world in human form...The perfect surrender and humiliation was undergone by Christ: perfect because He was God, surrender and humiliation because He was man." - C.S. Lewis

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).

Psalm 84:4 (faith and acceptance)

Let's welcome God every morning by reflecting on this short Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which is based on Living Faith. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest in which she put her young... Psalm 84:4 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "I often pray for guidance, asking God to put me in the right place to do his will. I ask God to give me opportunities and situations to be of use to him. Sometimes, when his response doesn't match my own sense of timing and purpose, I feel like he's not hearing me. I want God's response, but on my own terms. Only that's not the way it works. Our act of faith is to accept God on his terms and learn to do his work wherever we find ourselves. God, use me where and when you need me most." Steve Givens

Rich's comments: It takes a lot of faith and humility to let go of our own plans and to trust in God's plans for us. Life has many twists and turns that we do not always understand at the present, but if you take some time to reflect on your past you might see where God has touched your life and given you purpose. We only need to have faith and accept that God is with us.

Faith Challenge: Let's invite others to join us (Mark 16:15)...Rich/Pat will gladly add them to the LIFE Group distro (202 email addresses).

* NEW: Do God's work wherever you find yourselves even if its not on your own terms.

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

* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images)...#1 cause of death in America. Let's courageously share ProLife Truth (John 14:6) to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16) and setting the unborn free!

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

* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, addictions, LIFE Runners TC Marathon (4 Oct), Carla Neal (Sara’s Son and all military in Iraq)

* NEW: Carol's cousin Rob (gravely ill with brain cancer)

Feast Day: St. Peter Chrysologus

Faith Quote: "I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world. " - Mother Teresa

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

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

Matthew 11:29 (listening...)

Let's welcome God every morning by reflecting on this short Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which is based on Living Faith. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

I am meek and humble of heart. Matthew 11:29 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Jesus asks that we learn from Him, that we be meek and humble of heart. We first learn by listening. In prayer, as we listen to the loved stillness of our lives, the peace that kind of prayer brings becomes a part of us. We should rest a bit every day and take that time to hear what is good and gentle around us. The more we listen, the more humble we become...and the more we become like what we are longing to hear." by Fr. James Stephen Behrens

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

* NEW: Let's strive to really listen to God (prayer) and those around us (attention)...and prepare to be blessed!

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, American Family Association, Priests for Life
* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images)...#1 cause of death in America. Let's courageously share ProLife Truth (John 14:6) to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16) and setting the unborn free!

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas in footnote below.
* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, addictions, Stephanie Spader (for a family with unexpected pregnancy), Carla Neal (Mandy & Craig have a family emergency), Rob Rysavy (for a coworker's wife who is battling an illness), Iran airliner crash

Feast Day: Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Faith Quote: "With Mary you will be given the seed of Christ, the center and goal of every life, that you may plant it in the heart of every person you meet." John Paul II

Through Christ our Lord,

Pat
Phil 4:13

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead.'
* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and take on things that fix our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).
* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' (Blessed Mother Teresa).
* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service.
Let's joyfully invite others to join our LIFE Group...Rich or Pat will gladly add them to the devotions distribution list (Mark 16:15)!

2 Corinthians 4:7 (earthen vessels)

Let's welcome God every morning before work by giving a few minutes to read this 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 hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "St. Paul tells us we are all earthen vessels. What an appropriate image! Though vulnerable, we are still valuable; though imperfect, we are precious; though flawed, we are cherished. Our survival ultimately comes not from our own power, but from the surpassing power of God." by Sr. Melannie Svoboda

Rich's comments: Pride is the number one deadly sin, because in pride we believe that we do not need God and we reject Him. We need to remember that we are as fragile as earthen vessels, and our survival ultimately comes from God's power. When you struggle to be holy, do not be frustrated when you fail. Remember that it is humanly impossible for us to be holy without the grace of God. We need God, and God wants us to need Him. Pray for meekness and humility of mind and heart. "God resists the proud but He gives grace to the humble". (James 4:6)

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

* NEW: The next time you feel the urge to boast about your accomplishments, remember to give all credit to our Lord Jesus 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 (John 14:6) to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16) and setting the unborn free!

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

* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, addictions, Jason Peters (his son JP in hospital), Rich Reich (his Dad's has blocked brain artery), Carla Neal (Jean, Brenda, Donna, Joe & family, Roy, Joan, Mary Ann, Christina, Kenneth, Angela, Sue, Tammy, Tim & Family), Sue Peters (Wendi Kotlinsky cancer treatment was successful!), Rich Reich (Anne Vieira's sister-in-law died suddenly.)

Faith Quote: "A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can't see something that's above you." - C.S. Lewis

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead.'

* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and take on things that fix our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).

* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' (Blessed Mother Teresa).

* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service.

Let's joyfully invite others to join our LIFE Group...Rich or Pat will gladly add them to the devotions distribution list (Mark 16:15)!

Psalm 81:8 (God's gentle thunder)

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. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

In distress you called, and I rescued you; Unseen, I spoke to you in thunder. Psalm 81:8

Living Faith snippets: "As I look back over the years, things I counted on disappeared; children grew up and moved out, through death and unforeseen circumstances relationships and work opportunities I cherished ended. I protested, sometimes very loudly but eventually I become aware that the very things I resisted thrust me into new depths of prayer, new images of God and hopefully new levels of compassion and understanding - all things I have ardently prayed for through the years." by Terri Mifek

Sr. Francelle devotion: St. Joseph

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News. Suggestions?
* NEW: Let's encourage someone today.

Culture of Life (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 share ProLife Truth (John 14:6)...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16)!
* NOW (25 Feb-5 Apr): Support the 40 Days for Life campaign by praying by an abortion mill for one hour (Matt 26:40)...let's defend the voiceless unborn!

* NEW: Stephanie Kemp shared, "There is a 7 day Jericho March with adoration at Planned Parenthood (1330 West Colorado Ave, C. Springs). The Jericho March will be held from Sun, March 22 through Sat, March 28th at 3 p.m. each day. Fr. Bill Carmody will lead the march, carrying the Blessed Sacrament each day. After we walk around the entire block, there will be adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament for the remainder of the hour. Joshua 6: 3-5"

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas below.
* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, lack of faith, illnesses/injuries, jobs, Paul Cote (sister Christine with cancer), John Lown (Allan Hillberg in ICU), Sharmane Calvin (Dr. Earl passed away/his family)

* NEW: Kathy Castle (16 cars pulled into Planned Parenthood with young girls), Carla Neal (Katelyn, Mollie, Pam Bert, Edna, Maureen, Cathy, Robin and their families)

Faith Quote: "If you teach your daughter to be good rather than simply happy, she will become both. Humility...can be taught only by example." Meg Meeker ("Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters")

Through Christ for ProLife,
Pat

Phil 4:13

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead.'
* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and take on things that fix our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).
* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' (Blessed Mother Teresa).
* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service.
Let's joyfully invite others to join our LIFE Group...Rich or Pat will gladly add them to the devotions distribution list (Mark 16:15)!

Matthew 5:17 (surprising ways!)

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. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Matthew 5:17

Living Faith snippets: "In our search for a spirituality that is meaningful and relevant to our time, it is easy to get caught up in factions that emphasis one extreme or the other. Some people are so biased against organized religion that they overlook the wisdom and depth of the Church. Others are so fearful that they immediately condemn [Judge] and reject anyone who does not belong to their denomination or group. May we remain open to the surprising ways of the Holy Spirit as we seek to know the mind and heart of our God." by Terri Mifek

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News. Suggestions?
* NEW: Let's love up our neighbor...offer someone a free hug today, especially a pregnant Mom!

Stations of the Cross (#9): Jesus falls a third time.

Culture War/ProLife 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 share ProLife Truth (John 14:6)...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16)!
* NOW (25 Feb-5 Apr): Support the 40 Days for Life campaign by praying by an abortion mill for one hour (Matt 26:40)...let's defend the voiceless unborn!

* NEW: Yesterday, Rich shared about the Operation Outcry display of several hundred baby shoes...representing aborted children. This reminded me of the Holocaust Museum in DC where there is an entire room filled with shoes from the victims. A Holocaust is happening right now...over 25,000 babies murdered every week in America alone.

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas below.
* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, lack of faith, illnesses/injuries, jobs, Paul Cote (sister Christine with cancer), John Lown (Allan Hillberg in ICU)

* NEW: Carla Neal (Elena, Ghirmay, Sylk, Gianna, Becky, John , Emily & Jean), Kathy Castle (for repose of the soul of Marv Christiansen), Steve Castle (pregnant wife Tina very sick)

Faith Quote: “Humility readies her [a daughter] for a life that has depth because it involves service and taking on challenges. It provides joy because it teaches her to look outward, not just inward. It gives her the wisdom to understand right from wrong." Meg Meeker ("Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters")

* Humility enables us to keep God #1 in our life (First Commandment)...

Through Christ for ProLife,
Pat

Phil 4:13

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead.'
* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and take on things that fix our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).
* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' (Blessed Mother Teresa).
* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service.
Let's joyfully invite others to join our LIFE Group...Rich or Pat will gladly add them to the devotions distribution list (Mark 16:15)!