Luke 12:15 (Rich for God)

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

"Then he said to the crowd, 'Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one's life does not consist of possessions.'" ~ Luke 12:15 (full readings)

Rich's Comments: In today's Gospel, we are warned about the pitfalls of greed; however, we are not told to avoid being rich. It is alright to be rich as long as we are rich in what matters to God. Materialism on the other hand, is a form of self-induced slavery, in which we have an uncontrollable attachment to material possessions. If you don't believe me, try removing the material clutter from your house and donating it to charity. The feeling you have afterwards is liberating. I find that material things just add to the complexity of my life and contribute unnecessary anxiety (e.g., things being broken, not working, lost, stolen, or turning obsolete by a newly released gadget on the market). Like Mother Theresa said, we need to simplify our lives ("Live simply so that others may simply live"). By removing materials from our life, we can focus more on what really matters, being rich for God. Only God can fill the God-size hole in our heart. Lord, may I always be eager for Your presence for only You can fulfill me. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Avoid the slavery of materialism by satisfying your desires with God.

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: While being martyred by being fed to lions, St. Ignatius of Antioch prayed that he would become the immaculate bread of Christ.

Faith Quote: "I am the wheat of God. Let me be ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found the pure bread of Christ." ~ St. Ignatius of Antioch

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 6:27 (non-perishable Bread of Life)

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

"Do not work for food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you." John 6:27

Rich's Reflections: In the Gospel today, Jesus addresses the crowd who seeks for Him in Capernaum following the miracle in which He fed 5,000. Jesus says, "Do not work for food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life which the Son of Man will give you." Jesus knows the main motive of the people, which was to get free food. There is nothing wrong with seeking food. All living things including humans need food for survival. However, humanity has a higher purpose of living than survival. All food will spoil; and all men that eat the food will only survive until the time they die. Why foolishly put all our time in working for the things temporal without spending time thinking about the things eternal? True non-perishable things in life come from God's love working in us and not through human effort alone. Being a loving spouse, a caring parent, a devoted friend, a helping hand for someone in need. These signs of love last, because they are nourished by the food that gives us life...Christ Himself. Lord, may I realize that only You can satisfy my hunger. May Your love work through me to provide nourishing food for others. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Simplify your life and focus on the things that are non-perishable.

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

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

Feast Day: St. Pachomius

Faith Quote: "Live simply so that others may simply live." ~ Mother Teresa

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

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

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

Mark 10:23 (In God We Trust!)

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

"Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, 'How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!'" Mark 10:23 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: Riches promise much, but really offer little in return. Riches do not satisfy, and we foolishly think that more riches will bring satisfaction. We can actually become a slave to our riches. With riches comes the preoccupation with them; we worry how to use them, maintain them, store them, protect them, etc. The accumulation of riches can absorb what time and energy we have so that we have little for anything else (such as family, church, the Lord). Riches can deceive us into thinking that we do not need anything; even God. It promotes a sense of arrogance and pride. Blinded by pride we do not seek the one and only thing that can fill the empty desires of our heart, the everlasting love of God our Father. We need to leave our riches behind and trust in God that He alone provides for all of our needs. Lord, help me to trust in You that You are all that I desire. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Evaluate what your focus is in life. Are you preoccupied by seeking wealth? Remember that where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.

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

* Fourteen women rescued from ‘eugenics surrogate’ baby trafficking ring in Thailand

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. Romanus and St. Lupicinus

Faith Quote: "As we grow detached from things, we come (with God's help) to master our desires, and we give the mastery over to God. Discipline and divine grace heal the intellect and the will of the effects of concupiscence. We can begin to see things clearly." ~ Scott Hahn

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.

Matt 1:23 (God is with us!)

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

Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means "God is with us." Matt 1:23 (full readings)

Pat nuggets:

* On this Feast Day of Mary's birth (below), today's Scripture celebrates Mary's fiat ("yes, God"), which brought Christ into our lives. God calls everyone to help build His Kingdom...like Mary, say "yes, God!" each day and prepare for great blessings. Mary gave her body totally to God. Read about John Paul II's teaching on the Theology of the Body.

* The awesome "Mother of Life" picture is by Nellie Edwards (order at mo8@srt.com).

* Today's verse and this upbeat song (Starry Night) address the highlighted Counter-Culture News article (below).

* The LIFE Runners are racing the Sioux Falls Marathon on 12 Sep...for ProLife ministry. We are raising funds for the Alpha Center crisis pregnancy bus that delivers free ultrasounds. Prayers of thanksgiving for our Sponsors (listed at Marathons for ProLife blogsite).

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Faith Challenge: Plan to spend even just one hour in prayer at your local abortion mill during the 40 Days for Life (starts Sep 22).

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life.
* Stephen Hawking's Junk Science Atheism. Chad Livingston shared, "This is so opposed to the relationship that [God] lays out in Scripture. We are very significant and have purpose! In a post-modern culture, people are open to more than they can see. Secularism and materialism is shallow and short sighted."

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer).

* Pope Benedict ("That by opening our hearts to love we may put an end to wars.") Mother Theresa said that abortion is the biggest threat to world peace. If we kill our own children, will we love our enemies?

* Pat Castle (LIFE Runners mission on 12 Sep, Grandfather's 90th birthday party on 11 Sep)

Feast Day: Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Faith Quote: "Claiming that God's word [Scripture] allows for abortion is using God's name in vain." Fr. Frank Pavone (Priests for Life)

Through Christ our Lord,
Pat

Phil 4:13

Mark 6:55 (healing/building God's temple)

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

They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats, to wherever they heard He was. Mark 6:55

Living Faith snippets: "It takes a lot of courage to admit that one needs healing. When we do this, Jesus' power to heal is available to us too; we only need to present ourselves. What in your life needs healing? What the crippled, withered or oozing parts of your soul that require Jesus' healing touch? Ask Jesus to transform these scars into new flesh. This takes courage and faith." by David Nantais

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News. Suggestions?
* NEW: Put a Bible verse reference in your signature block, which shares the Good News and sends a message to yourself/others that your true identity is from God.

Pastor Don: Read his devotion here titled "Haggai 1:1-15". Some snippets: "Over the last 2 months, the Lord has laid on my heart Haggai 1:1-15. Haggai was a prophet that challenged the Jews who had returned from Exile in Babylon to see where their hearts and priorities really lay. They had laid the foundation for a new temple, but when enemies seemed to apply pressure, the work stopped. But, even when the barriers were lifted, the people lapsed into spiritual lethargy. They had lost their passion for the worship of the living God. They procrastinated by saying, "It just doesn't seem to be the right time." (v. 2) [I often hear this with the ProLife movement.] Haggai recognized the hard economic times (ring a bell?) in verse 6. He brought the people face to face with the real issue, as he exhorted them to look at their own spiritual condition. They were focusing on insignificant matters, like the decoration of their homes, while every day they ignored God's temple lying in ruins. If the people ignored the physical ruin of the temple, they were ignoring the spiritual wreckage in their souls as well. Have I neglected my temple to pursue worldly pleasures? Am I giving excuses to God saying, "Right now is not the time for me to work on that issue. I'm not in a good place, God, to work on that relationship [love neighbor]. I don't have the tools, God, to reconstruct my life and make you the center of it right now [love God]." Are we willing to spend the time to ensure that the church is on a strong foundation and is that mighty fortress for people to experience the living God in their lives? I want to "consider my ways" (v. 5), and the ways of the Lord, so that He may take pleasure in my life and be glorified through it (v. 8). Amen."

Culture War/ProLife News: LifeSiteNews, American Family Association, Priests for Life

* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images).

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

* Let's pray for courage to share ProLife Truth to those around us (John 14:6)...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16).

* Prayer to end abortion, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, Pres Obama becomes ProLife, lack of faith, illnesses/injuries, Rich Reich (Fr. Tim cancer surgery), Liz Curry (abused children), Zek Kazanca (PhD exam prep), Bro Joe Castle (unresolved medical issue), Peters family (JP updates), Mark Nelson (Pat Barton cancer surgery), Rob Ouellette (Leo & Suzanne)

Faith Quote: Rob Ouellette shared. "Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly...Leave the rest to God." author unknown

Through Christ for ProLife,
Pat

Phil 4:13

* Bible: Readings and reflections for today.

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others. Wayne Watson, “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.'

* 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 me will gladly add them to the devotions distribution list (Mark 16:15)!

1 Samuel 1:28 (Merry Christmas!)

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

Now I, in turn, give him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the Lord. 1 Samuel 1:28

Living Faith snippets: "Wonderful and mysterious things happen when we are willing to hold lightly what God has given to us. Although Hannah has longed for a child, she did not cling to Samuel, but consecrates the child she has so ardently prayed for to the Lord. Each of us has something that we long for with all our hearts. While our desires are not bad in themselves, we can become obsessed and lose our freedom if we make this desire the center of our universe." by Terri Mifek

* Let's pray that our desires are in check with the first commandment (God is #1), embracing God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as the center of our universe!

Christmas:

* My Mom (Kathy Castle) shared this powerful 5 min video, click O Holy Night. This short video has clips from The Nativity Story, showing the true meaning of Christmas. Our Savior Jesus Christ is born!

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, Kathy Ayers brain surgery, Mike Castle (Rachelle/Isaac, eye infection), Jason Peters (health of son JP), Carolyn McKissack (Bailee with Crohn's), Joe Levisky (medical issues), Rob Ouellette (St. Patrick's prayer list), Pat Castle (Mom's sinus infection), Rich Reich (Granny's health problems), Liz Curry (friend Bill, Julie/family)

Faith Quote: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Wishing our LIFE Group a most holy and merry Christmas!

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)!

Luke 1:28 (obstacles, greed, God's love, silent no more, Mary)

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

Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you. Luke 1:28

Living Faith snippets: "Mary's "yes" is not just about her and God. It's about all of us...the whole, winding, messy journey of humanity. She's giving herself over completely to God for His loving purposes. Only God can clear out the obstacles [see Faith quote below], which He did for Mary from her conception [see Holy Day below]. And which He does within us, too, beginning with the waters of baptism and continuing with each "yes" we offer Him. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you...[pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death]." by Amy Welborn

Pastor Don's devotion: Read his devotion that I titled "Combating Greed" at http://pastordonbird.blogspot.com/. A few snippets: "I hope and pray that this email finds all of you in a place where your hearts are open to receiving Christ today. That is what this Advent season is all about - preparing our hearts for Christ to live and reign in us! As Christians we often times rail against the commercialization of Christmas. We can easily identify the greed in others, but are we ready to identify the greed in our own lives? How much do we spend this time of year on things that, come next Christmas, we don't even use anymore? The dictionary defines greed as "an excessive desire for getting or having". Greed goes beyond the material. Are we greedy with our time? Wanting to use it on the things we enjoy and not offering that time in service to others or God? Are we greedy with our attitudes, believing that our wants are above the needs of others, always expecting something in return? We are reminded this time of the year of a selfless, sacrificial God who comes to us in the form of an innocent, tiny baby. The only thing He is greedy for is His excessive desire for the hearts of each of His children. Let's allow God to search our hearts and prepare us for the coming of our King. Before we look at the greedy world and condemn it, let's look at our own greediness and ask God to heal it. Romans 12:1-2. This Advent season, let God bring the best out of each of us and if we are going to be greedy for anything this season, let's be greedy for Christ and have an excessive desire to do His will."

Jesus' Christmas (birthday) 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?

* NEW: Everyone is in dire need of God's love...let's share the gift of God's love.

* NEW: In mid Dec, Patti Kryzanowski (C. Springs) is taking gifts to the Lakota people on the Pine Ridge Reservation in SD. Please let me know if you have anything to donate.

ProLife news: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ & http://www.priestsforlife.org/
* NEW: Beth O'Connor shared..."The Silent No More campaign, designed to promote awareness of the pain abortion causes, has created a series of YouTube videos at http://www.youtube.com/silentnomorecampaign. Please view as many of the videos as possible."

* 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), Liz Curry (friend Bill recovering from heart surgery)

* NEW: Kathy-jo Peterson (friend Dave with brain cancer), Rich Reich (Grandma with health problems), Pat Castle (neighbor Kathy Ayers having brain surgery today)

Holy Day (Immaculate Conception): http://www.catholic.com/library/Immaculate_Conception_and_Assum.asp

Faith Quote: "Doubt sees the obstacles. Faith sees the way. Doubt sees the darkest night. Faith sees the day. Doubt dreads to take a step. Faith soars on high. Doubt questions, 'Who believes?' Faith answers, 'I'." author unknown

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)!

Isaiah 2:3 (Advent, Bella, ID)

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

Come let us climb the Lord's mountain...That He may instruct us in His ways, and we may walk in His paths. Isaiah 2:3

Living Faith snippets: "An eagerness for learning and a craving for wisdom [God] is portrayed in the hearts of these pilgrims. The image of changing all weapons of war into tools for service and peace is indeed uplifting. Let us reflect on ways we can take our sword-like qualities and change them into peacekeeping qualities. How would our living conditions improve if we could change all of our complaints to gratitude, our bitterness to compassion, our envy to affirmation, our indifference to love? How would our lives be transformed if all negativity would soften into encouragement and fear to trust? [We] already know the answer to these questions. Meditate on these truths." by Sr. Macrina Wiederkehr

Pat nuggets:

* Jesus' Christmas (birthday) List: Aaron Ferrie shared this great 2.5 min video on keeping Christ in Christmas (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVqqj1v-ZBU). Christmas is Jesus' birthday party. This is how we give Jesus a birthday present..."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) with those in dire need of "daily bread" and love...feed children (http://www.compassion.com/), serve homeless, visit homebound & prisoners, write injured & deployed soldiers, help unemployed, help crisis pregnancies, etc (what else?). For our adult & child family members who don't need material gifts, consider giving them a nice hand written card with a gift certificate for spending time with you...presence (vs presents) is more valuable to relationships: lunch, sporting event, church/pray, hiking, fishing, etc (what else?). Give the gift funds you saved (from presence vs presents) to the needy. Consider giving to the needy in the name of a family member (as a gift). Consider asking family members to donate your gifts (funds) to the needy. Consider pooling gift funds with immediate/extended family members and give to the needy...God's work brings family closer together! Other ideas on how we can keep Christ in Advent/Christmas?

* Bella movie: Per Melissa McBride's recent reminder/recommendation, we rented the ProLife movie "Bella" last week. This movie did a fantastic job of putting abortion in perspective by bringing two people together who were wrestling with the sanctity of life. One accidentally killed a little girl (~4 yrs old) with his car, which caused him huge suffering. He worked with a woman who was considering an abortion to kill her very little girl (a few wks past conception). He reached out with a loving friendship (made sacrifices) to help open her mind, heart, and soul to the sanctity of life and evil of abortion...thereby saving her daughter's life (Bella) and replacing her own suffering with joy! The best indicators for real love are service and sacrifice.

Christian ID: How would unbelievers recognize a Christian in the world? By our love! Let's share things we can do to glorify God and love neighbor.

* (NEW) Pastor Don Bird shared: "Whenever I see Christian "ID", I am reminded of Freud's classifications of the id, ego, and superego. According to Freud, the id is the personality component made up of unconscious psychic energy that works to satisfy...those unconscious drives that help us survive and meet our own needs. Should not our faith, our Christianity, our spirituality, be so in-grained within us that it becomes the very thing that drives us? When our Christian ID takes over we respond differently, act differently, and pursue our needs and meet the needs of others differently. When we are troubled, we turn to prayer instead of worry. When we are angered, we turn to mercy instead of revenge. When we despair, we live in the hope of Jesus instead of wallowing in the mire of our own existence. When someone speaks poorly of us, we respond in silence instead of gossip. When we are confronted with hate, we respond in love. When our Christian ID becomes the driving energy in our lives, Jesus is shared in a real and evident way. May we continue to pray that our Freudian id does not drive us to meet our own needs and cause us to look selfishly at the world, but that our Christian ID leads us to be the hands, feet, and voice of Christ in our world today!" http://pastordonbird.blogspot.com/

ProLife news: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ & http://www.priestsforlife.org/
* Let's pray for courage to build relationships and talk about ProLife. Let's pray that We The People of America will shine Christ's Light and build 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, Joe Castle (medical concerns), Matt Kayser (family of Jesse Alne)
* NEW: Rob Ouellette (Jeff, Arleen, Ramona, Pat)

Faith quote: "If you only want to have more and more -- if your idol is profit and pleasure -- remember that one's value is not measured by what one has, but by what one is!" Pope John Paul II

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)!

Luke 21:5-6 (Boycott Black Friday)

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

While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, he said, "All that you see here--the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down." Luke 21:5-6

Living Faith snippets: "Remember when you loved so fiercely you spent hours or days working on something you could give to the one you loved? And you felt such pride in the work and joy in the giving? Whether it landed on a prime place magneted to the refrigerator door, tucked into a jewelry box or displayed in a scrapbook, you created it with your own hands and tenacious ingenuity. Where is it now? Heavenly Father, help me remember that time is an illusion; only love remains. by Claire J. King

Rich's comments: As I prepare yet another box of material things to take to Goodwill or Salvation Army, I think to myself, did these items bring me joy in the brief time that I owned them? Sometimes I wonder as I repeat the cycle (buy things, place things on shelves, take things to Goodwill), should I just cut out the middleman and just donate money to the poor. Wouldn't that bring me greater joy than the emptiness I feel with these material things? All I remember from my past are the experiences that I have shared with others, not how many video games or books I have collected on the shelves. This Thanksgiving, when you take time to focus on what you are thankful for with family and friends, please don't take these things for granted. I think that your children would rather have you spend time with them than have you drag them along on your shopping marathon the day after Thanksgiving. You will find a greater joy at home with your family on Friday, than you ever would waiting in a long checkout line. Boycott Black Friday and spend time with your family.

Christian ID: "How would unbelievers recognize a Christian in the world?" By our love! Let's share things we can do to glorify God and love neighbor. When someone sneezes, say "God bless you." When asked for prayers, offer to pray with them on the spot. When asked about your weekend, tell about your faith activities. When someone takes the Lord's name in vain (2nd commandment), ask them gently to please not say that (hopefully they will ask why...and we will share our faith!). When asked your favorite food, say "the Body and Blood of Christ." When asked what you're thankful for, say "Jesus."

* (NEW) Beth O'Connor shared: Wear shirts proclaiming a Christian and/or pro-life message, "Christ is Christmas", "Celebrate the Birth of Christ the Lord 365 days a year", etc.

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

* Read the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) that president-elect Obama plans on signing as soon as he becomes president. Please sign the petition now to fight FOCA. Millions of unborn babies depend on you.

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, Lynn Bishara (aunt Mary with cancer), Stephanie Spader (for babies with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome), Joe Hourigan (special intention & Silbi/Sabu), Gina Prevett (Renee with brain tumor), Kay Castle (funding for Welcome Home Warriors), Tom Albrecht (health/faith of parents), Joe Castle (medical concerns), Matt Kayser (family of Jesse Alne, Jesse was killed in a motorcycle accident)

* Let's pray for courage to build relationships and talk about ProLife. Let's pray that We The People of America will shine Christ's Light and build a culture of Life (Matt 5:16).

Feast Day (St. Catherine of Alexandria): http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=341

Faith Quote: "I sometimes wonder whether all pleasures are not substitutes for joy." by C.S. Lewis

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)!

John 20:17 (Letting Go)

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

Jesus said to [Mary Magdalene], "Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father." John 20:17

Living Faith snippets: Jesus told Mary to "stop holding on to me." Jesus had accepted death not to return to his former life, but to ascend to the Father. We all must learn that there comes a time that we must release our hold on those we love and admire, when it is their time to ascend to the Father. by Fr. James McKarns

Rich's comments: The Risen Christ tells Mary to let go. To let go of her fear. To let go of her desire to clutch onto material things. To let go of her desire to be in control. Jesus wants her to trust Him. To trust Him that the abundant life of God is stronger than the death of the world. To trust God enough to let go of all of our burdens. We need to stop holding on! Lord, I need to learn to let go and trust in Your plan. Amen.

ProLife news: http://www.lifenews.com/.
* The new C. Springs crisis pregnancy center is having volunteer work days each weekend to get ready for opening (across from the C. Springs abortion mill). Please reply to Pat if you would like to be part of a LIFE Group volunteer day.

Feast Day (St. Mary Magdalene): Read about Mary Magdalene from today's gospel at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Magdalene

Our Prayers: Abortion, our enemies/our troops, natural disasters, depression/despair, prisoners, Vicki M. (her cancer treatment), Joe C. (11 yr old Devantae paralyzed), Kay C. (friend Nancy Wheeler cancer treatment), Kathy-jo P. (friend Maria has terminal brain cancer)

Faith quote: "Faith isn't faith until it's all you're holding on to." by unknown author

Through Christ Our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml.
* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others. Wayne Watson lyrics, “When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven, and miracles you can't explain await!” "If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead & see Him."
* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' Blessed Mother Teresa. Prayer to End Abortion. Ask Blessed Margaret of Castello for her prayers to end abortion.
* Evangelization: Let's make room for non-believers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service.
Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!