Matthew 16:24 (Forget You)

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

"Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." ~ Matthew 16:24(full readings)

Steve's Reflections: Self-denial may be one of the most profitable of all spiritual goods in the exercise of imitating Christ. The virtue of charity, the love of God and neighbor, is rooted in the pursuit of forgetting one's self for others. Today' Gospel reflects the heart of Christ for those who wish to follow him. To follow Christ is not a weekend event or when it seems convenient. It is not something you fit into your life, but rather it is something your life revolves around. It is the center upon which all good things flow in your life. As Christ disciples us to forget ourselves for others, the crucible of suffering is no longer something we taste bitterly, but rather something we willingly embrace.

Faith Challenge: Today forget yourself - commit to one selfless act for your neighbor.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Like Clay in the Hands of God

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

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

Feast Day: Dedication of St. Mary Major.

Faith Quote: “Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance.” ~ St. Francis of Assisi

Through Christ Our Lord,
Steve
Romans 12:2 .

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

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

Isaiah 58:6-7 (The Pretzel)

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

"This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own." Isaiah 58:6-7 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: Did you know that the pretzel is a food invented for Lent? During a time when the Church asked that the faithful abstain from any foods containing animal derivatives the pretzel was born - it contains no milk, butter, or eggs. The pretzel, then called bracellae ("little arms"), was invented by a monk who rolled the dough to mimic the crossed arms of prayer as a reminder of the reason for the season. We recognize Lent as a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving as prescribed by the Church. Many people will give up or fast from certain things during these 40 days as a way of denying the self. The hunger pains and sacrifices we make during this period first and foremost imitate Christ's example. To fast is to become Christ-like. We fast because it was what Jesus did for 40 days and nights in the desert. It builds discipline, so we may be better equipped to handle future temptation. Jesus faced the temptation in the desert while fasting. Self denial is one of the most powerful and hated prayers of the devil. Why? Because it humbles us and turns our focus outward toward our brothers and sisters all around the world who feel these sorts of pains everyday. Lastly, the hunger we feel reminds us of our need everyday for a steady diet of God. In reality, fasting and almsgiving are just the tip of the iceberg of what the Lord is calling each of us to do. Today's verse from Isaiah speaks of what the Lord is really expecting of us as we prepare for the Risen Lord - releasing, untying, setting free, sharing, sheltering, clothing, and "not turning your back on your own". Dear Lord, where am I bound up? Where do I need to be set free? Give me the grace to step out in faith to share, shelter, and clothe those in need.

Faith Challenge: Have you started your Lenten sacrifice? Consider doing something extra this Lenten season to help those most in need in your community.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Forgiveness "Forgiveness is more than staying away from those who hurt us - it calls us to love our enemies. We're called to be children of our heavenly Father. We are inspired to do this because Jesus did it."

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

Feast Day: St. John Ogilvie, Scottish Martyr (d. 1615) "John came of age when neither Catholics nor Protestants were willing to tolerate one another. Turning to Scripture, he found words that enlarged his vision. Although he became a Catholic and died for his faith, he understood the meaning of “small-c catholic,” the wide range of believers who embrace Christianity."

Faith Quote: "Look at His adorable face. Look at His glazed and sunken eyes. Look at His wounds. Look Jesus in the Face. There, you will see how He loves us." ~ St. Therese of Lisieux

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 2:5 (Sacrifice)

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

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him,“Child, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:5 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: I have heard it said that evangelization is simply one beggar showing another beggar where the bread is. In today's Gospel we hear the story of four men carrying their paralyzed friend on a pallet to see Jesus. I know these men loved their friend. They overcome obstacle after obstacle to bring their friend before Jesus. Nothing would deny them. They fought through the crowd, they tore through a roof and finally they lowered their friend before Jesus inside that house! Their persistence and ingenuity is remarkable in spite of these obstacles. These men loved this man and had faith that Jesus could help him. They knew where the bread was and they would not be deterred. What is most interesting about this healing is that it is through the faith of the paralytics friends, not that paralytic, that Jesus heals him. Also, Jesus SAW their faith - they had taken action and Jesus took note of this. Likewise, by our own faith we can fight through crowds, tear through roofs, and lower our loved ones before our merciful savior. Our faith and the action of faith through prayer, words of encouragement or a timely scripture verse can make a difference in others lives. These four friends denied their own needs in spite of great obstacles so that their friend might be healed. Are you willing to fight through crowds, and tear through roofs by way of prayer, fasting, and self sacrifice for your loved ones?
* Check out this heart wrenching story about a brother who sacrificed his life for his younger brother during the floods in Australia "Save my brother first."

Faith Challenge: There is no more powerful prayer than that of self-sacrifice. The sweet aroma of our little sacrifices rise to God as a beautiful fragrance. Try fasting from a meal or two for a loved one or friend in need and expect miracles.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Storms of Life "The next time you have an impossible storm in your life, some situation in which there doesn't seem to be any way out, call on Jesus, ask Him to help you walk on the water, like Peter did."

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: Servant of God John the Gardner (d. 1501) "He was so loving towards all that he never wanted to take offense at anything. His advice was that to forgive offenses is an act of penance most pleasing to God."

Faith Quote: "Fasting possesses great power. If practiced with the right intention, it makes man a friend of God. The demons are aware of that." ~ Tertullian (c. 220)
.
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.

Luke 10:6 (Peace be with You)

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

If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Luke 10:6 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: Peace is not to be found in the world (John 14:27), in others, or in ourselves. Peace is not the result of human effort. Peace is a gift of Jesus and can only come from Him. We receive the peace of Christ when we turn from pride and selfishness, and walk in the path that Jesus has shown us. If one were to live as an authentic Christian, everything that one intends, thinks, and does would be in tune and harmony with the will of God. This is the source of Christ's peace; the removal of moral conflict within one's heart that comes from denying ourselves and accepting God's will. May the peace of Christ rest on you and be with you always.

Faith Challenge: What things in your life prevent you from receiving the peace of Christ?

Counter-Culture News: 40 Days for Life (ends 31 Oct), LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action.
* Susan Boyle: Docs Told Mum to Abort Me. International singing phenomenon Susan Boyle has revealed in a new autobiography that doctors had told her mother to abort her, because they thought the pregnancy was risky.

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

Feast Day: St. Luke

Faith Quote: "Every act of love is a work of peace, no matter how small." - Mother Teresa

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

Psalm 105:18 (Severing Our Shackles)

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

They had weighed him down with fetters, and he was bound with chains... Psalm 105:18 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "The shackles and chains that held Joseph captive when he was enslaved are symbolic of whatever keeps us unfree. What might those shackles be?...Whatever keeps us from being at peace and from accessing our innate goodness - this is what chains us and holds us captive. Lent focuses on breaking these shackles, on freeing us to be people of deep and lasting love." by Sr. Joyce Rupp, O.S.M.

Steve's Thoughts: We all have sin in our life...Paul tells us in the book of Romans, "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..." (Romans 3:23). We all have chains. The good news is that God has intended for us to live in freedom. Lent is that time of self-denial through acts of prayer, fasting, and alms giving that remind us of our intense need for God in our lives. Life is so fragile and I often take for granted what a gift this short time I have been given. My hunger pains, and other grumblings of my flesh are a sign to me of my dependence on things outside of myself - the air I breath, the food I eat, the shelter over my head. I am reminded in those moments that I need God even more than I need the food my stomach is clamoring for. It is in this way that we place ourselves in small ways at the foot of the cross this Lenten season.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: From Suffering to Surrender

Faith Challenges: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by fwding a devotion or using the Facebook "invite people to join" link.
* NEW: How are you reminded of your need for God? Consider commenting on the Facebook page.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, Vatican, American Family Association, Priests for Life
* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images), #1 cause of death in America (23% of pregnancies). Let's courageously share ProLife Truth to expose abortion's unjust peace, rebuilding a Culture of Life for setting the unborn (and parents) free!
* NEW: 40 Days for Life (until 28 March, 188 babies saved so far), "Remember that this is Spiritual Warfare"

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together, and close to God (footnotes). Peters family (JP). Prayer to end abortion.
* NEW: Vicki Kerkvliet (mother's heart problem)

Feast Day: St. John Joseph of the Cross, "Self-denial is never an end in itself but is only a help toward greater charity—as the life of Saint John Joseph shows..."

Faith Quote: "Many would be willing to have afflictions provided that they not be inconvenienced by them." St. Francis De Sales

Through Christ our Lord,
Steve
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, 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 131:2 (my soul)

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

Like a weaned child on its mother's lap, so is my soul within me. Psalm 131:2 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "As I get older, I find myself more and more secure in the relationship between my soul and my God, for I feel increasingly like this weaned child, satisfied and secure but still growing, safe in the arms of God, the source of my sustenance and life." by Steve Givens

Rich's comments: Today's devotion reminded me of Toby Mac's song, "Lose My Soul," in which he sings "I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul." This line appears to be derived from Mark 8:36, "What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?" In this Gospel, Jesus defines the conditions of discipleship, "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it." We need only to read the headlines of the Hollywood tabloids in the checkout aisle to realize that fame and fortune cannot buy us happiness. Jesus, may we realize that You alone are the source of our sustenance and life. Amen.

Faith Challenges: Let's all invite one person each week (John 14:6) to join our LIFE Group (~250 of God's children).

* Don't get caught up in the self-serving philosophies of our culture (i.e., individualism, hedonism, and materialism); true happiness comes from serving others.

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), Lynn Bishara (for son Alex), Joe Hourigan (for brother Mike), Doug Young (special intention).

* NEW: Shannon Bohannon (parishioner - emergency brain surgery last week; Dennis O'Connor - hospitalized with pneumonia & suffering from congestive heart failure; Aurora White - 20 month old niece, broke her leg & is in a half body cast; and pray for the caregivers & family of each of these people).

Feast Day: St. Martin de Porres

Faith Quote: "Love is the beauty of the soul." by St. Augustine

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

James 1:22

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn't, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead.'
* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, pornography, bitterness, criticalness, impatience, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and take on things that fix our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).
* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don't stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' (Blessed Mother Teresa).
* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead a friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service (Matt 28:19).

Luke 11:40 (inside vs. outside)

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

Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? Luke 11:40 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "We are like the Pharisees when we become overly concerned with outside, that is, with appearance, apparel, titles and places of honor. But surely the part of us that is called to be holy, that is made in the image and likeness of God, is that internal dimension." by Heather Wilson

Rich's comments: Why are some people ashamed to pray in public before a meal, but they would be embarrassed if they were caught eating with dirty hands. It seems that most people are concerned about their outward appearance for fear of being judged. Man looks to appearances, but the Lord sees the heart. It seems like we spend a lot of our time, money, and energy trying to fit into the World. Shouldn't we prepare ourselves to allow God to fit into us?

Faith Challenges:
Let's all invite one person each week (John 14:6) to join our LIFE Group (>240 of God's children).
* NEW: We often have to choose between what society wants us to do and what we know in our hearts that God wants us to do. Choose wisely, but pray before you choose.

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), Lynn Bishara (for son Alex), Stephanie Spader (for pregnancy), Joyce Trunk (friend w/brain cancer), Kathy Castle (Vicki Miller in hospice).

Faith Quotes: "When we serve the poor and the sick, we serve Jesus. We must not fail to help our neighbors, because in them, we serve Jesus." - St. Rose of Lima

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

James 1:22

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

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

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

* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead a friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service (Matt 28:19).

Luke 9:1 (All the Power We Need)

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

He summoned the Twelve and gave them power... Luke 9:1 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "These words are meant for all. We have been summoned by Christ. We, too, are annointed ones who have been given power. Let this be the heart of your prayer today. You have been summoned and given power. The power you are given is Christ Power. Jesus you are my power and my grace. You are my walking staff. Your power is enough for me." by Sr. Macrina Wiederkehr, O.S.B.

Steve's Thoughts: Today is the feast day of one of the greatest modern Saints - Padre Pio. There are many, many faith inspiring stories told of this holy man of God who lived and died on this day in 1968. In 1918, while giving thanks after mass, he received a vision of Jesus. After the vision had ended he had recieved the stigmata (wounds) of Jesus in his hands, feet, and side. These were a source of great suffering and joy throughout the remainder of his life.

"At Padre Pio's canonization Mass in 2002, Pope John Paul II referred to that day's Gospel (Matthew 11:25-30) and said: “The Gospel image of 'yoke' evokes the many trials that the humble Capuchin of San Giovanni Rotondo endured. Today we contemplate in him how sweet is the 'yoke' of Christ and indeed how light the burden are whenever someone carries these with faithful love. The life and mission of Padre Pio testify that difficulties and sorrows, if accepted with love, transform themselves into a privileged journey of holiness, which opens the person toward a greater good, known only to the Lord.”

Faith Challenges:
* NEW: I would like to welcome the following new members to the Life Group - Chasity Soupir and Deacon Chuck Kampa...let's all invite one person each week (John 14:6) to join our LIFE Group family (>225 ProLife Christians).

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, 40 Days for Life (begins 23 Sep), 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!
* Please read letter from Charmaine Yoest, President and CEO of Americans United for Life Action (AULA), addressing the concerns about abortion in health care. STAY INFORMED!

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

* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, refugees, addictions, persecuted believers, Peters family (JP in hospital), Lynn Bishara (for son Alex), Kay Castle (special intentions), Pat Castle (for cousin Michael). Kathy Castle (friend's husband Matt's kidney transplant), Stephanie Spader (for peace/healthy pregnancy)

Feast Day: St. Pio of Pietrelcina (a.k.a. Padre Pio)...more on St. Padre Pio

Faith Quote: "The life of a Christian is nothing but a perpetual struggle against self; there is no flowering of the soul to the beauty of its perfection except at the price of pain" ~ St. Padre Pio

In Christ,
Steve
Romans 12:2

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

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

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

* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead a friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service (Matt 28:19).

Matthew 25:40 (serve Him by caring for others)

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

Whatever you did for one of these...you did for me. Matthew 25:40

Living Faith snippets: "The only thing that matters for our final judgment is whether we cared lovingly for those in need. This is what separates the sheep from the goats. There is nothing about prayer, nothing about dogma, nothing even about God. Only whether we cared for "these least ones."" by Patricia Livingston

Rich's comments: Yesterday my friend was informed that he will be let go from his job. Who can be concerned about the needy when it appears that everyone is in need during this insecure economy? However, Jesus pronounces during the Last Judgment scene that what is ultimately important is whether we have cared for those in need. Let us trust in God that by providing for the needs of others, He will provide for us. Father, you created me and put me on earth for a purpose. Jesus you died for me and called me to complete your work. Holy Spirit, you help me carry out the work for which I was created and called. Amen.

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

* NEW: Instead of giving up something for Lent, let's give ourselves during Lent and find ways to serve others.

Culture War/ProLife News: LifeSiteNews, American Family Association, Priests for Life
* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images). Abortion is #1 cause of death in America.
* NOW (25 Feb-5 Apr): Please take part in the 40 Days for Life campaign by praying in front of an abortion mill for one hour (love for God & neighbor).

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, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, lack of faith, illnesses/injuries, Peters family (JP updates), Rich Reich (friend's cancer surgery), Rob Ouellette (Mark, Levi, Karl), Carolyn (research advisor has terminal cancer), Stephanie Spader (special intentions), Sue Peters (Carrie Maniscalco)

* NEW: Let's pray for those families who have lost their jobs.

Feast Day: Read about St. Katherine Drexel here.

Faith Quote: "To ease another's heartbreak is to forget one's own." by unknown author

Through Christ Our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* Bible: Readings and reflections for today.
* 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)!

Mark 10:28 (dying to self)

* 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).

We have given up everything and followed you. Mark 10:28

Living Faith snippets: "Following Jesus requires a dying to self and a letting go of anything that hinders us from full discipleship. Jesus promised that whoever sacrifices for his sake will "receive a hundred times more now in this present age." My experience is that whatever we think we have lost in becoming Jesus' disciples, we actually receive back in abundance. In Christ, we grow rich in love, family and grace. In the end, we actually give up nothing and we receive everything." by Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti

Rich's comments: Dying to self is the essence of metanoia (having a repentant heart). I found it the most difficult first step in following Christ. Recognizing that I had to change. I had to give up the things that I believed defined who I was. The things that made me feel comfortable (e.g. friends, music, material things, plans, aspirations). I had to clean house and make room for Christ in my life. I had to remove all distractions and obstacles that prevented me from placing Christ in the center of my life. I had to become a living sacrifice. How I finally justified to myself, the process of dying to self, is that God gave us free will as a sign of His love for us. I in turn use this gift of free will to offer myself up to God to do His will; to show Him that I love Him. Lord, fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Give me the courage to deny myself, take up my cross, and follow You. Amen.

Feast Day: Today is the feast day of St. Augustine of Canterbury. "Saint Augustine comes across today as a very human saint, one who could suffer like many of us from a failure of nerve. For example, his first venture to England ended in a big U-turn back to Rome. He made mistakes and met failure in his peacemaking attempts with the Briton Christians. He often wrote to Rome for decisions on matters he could have decided on his own had he been more self-assured. He even received mild warnings against pride from Pope Gregory, who cautioned him to “fear lest, amidst the wonders that are done, the weak mind be puffed up by self-esteem.” Augustine’s perseverance amidst obstacles and only partial success teaches today’s apostles and pioneers to struggle on despite frustrations and be satisfied with gradual advances." (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintOfDay/default.asp?id=1396)

Our Prayers: Abortion, our enemies, our troops, China earthquake, Myanmar cyclone, depression/despair, Vicki Miller (her cancer treatment), Pam McGushin (Cindy's cancer treatment), Tom Tenpenny (sister in law Anna's cancer treatment), Jenny Senour (ProLife job interview), Pat Castle (niece Shantelle's misdirection), Kelly Benson (son Emeric premature birth), Kathy-jo Peterson (aunt Peggy's brain cancer), Kay Castle (friend Betty's back pain), Joe Hourigan (friend's son, Peter, with Downs Syndrome), Tracy Humphreys and all who are recovering from the Windsor, CO tornado.

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, “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: Websites at life-devotions.blogspot.com. '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. Click for Prayer to End Abortion.

* Share the Good News: Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)! Let's make room to share with non-believers (be a friend, make a friend, lead your friend to Christ)...and work on perpetual re-evangelization of self and those close to us, drawing closer to God's will by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service...

Wed, 13 Feb (Psalm 51:19)

* Welcome God every day by reading the Living Faith devotional before work (~1 min). Order at http://www.livingfaith.com/.

My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit. Psalm 51:19

Devotion snippets: "The greatest sacrifice we can make is to bow our heads in contrite submission as we accept the hand of our Creator. We lose reliance on our own wills and learn to behave in ways that are perhaps foreign to our wild selves, but we get the hand of the living God." by Steve Givens

St. Peter Quote: "If anyone asks you to give an account of the hope which you cherish [Christ], be ready at all times to answer for it but courteously & with due reverence": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_peter.

Through Christ Our Lord,
Pat
Phil 4:13

* Daily Bible readings: www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml
* LIFE Devotions blog: Sign up at LIFE Devotions. Please fill in your profile.
* LIFE Prayers blog: Sign up at LIFE Prayers. Prayer changes things, so let's pray daily. Please "post" prayer requests (update with a "comment", send to distro).
* Sr. Francelle Devotions blog: Sign up at Sr. Francelle Devotions. Let me know if you (and others) would like to receive her wonderful weekly faith-application devotions.
* Devotions distro: I would gladly add other friends/family to our group distro. A "reply" to this email goes to the entire distro. If inspired, please fwd faith emails to the distro at LIFE-Group-Devotions-distro@googlegroups.com.
* Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

Tues, 12 Feb (Matt 6:8)

* Welcome God every day by reading the Living Faith devotional before work (~1 min). Order at http://www.livingfaith.com/.

Do not be like them. Matthew 6:8

Devotion snippets: "The disciples must have been startled by Jesus' warning to not be like the model citizens of their culture. Instead, Jesus called them to acts of love and mercy, acts that often went against the crowd or the accepted standards of the day." by Julia Schloss

Pat's nuggets: This past Sunday, Fr. Bob told a story about a man who was in search of the meaning of life. The man visited a hermit who had contemplated this same question. The hermit poured the man a cup of tea and kept pouring until the tea overflowed from the cup. The hermit then explained that the man was like that tea cup, full of preconceived ideas, agendas, and pride...and unless the man empties himself, he will not be able to receive the Truth. I heard a song this morning that said, "I want to be empty, I want to be free." During our Lenten journey, let's strive to empty ourselves of the junk that keeps us from receiving eternal freedom through Christ!

*Please consider responding with a comment to this devotion post...and then send out to our group distro (address below).

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi: "All-highest, glorious God, cast your light into the darkness of my heart. Give me right faith, firm hope, perfect charity, and profound humility, with wisdom and perception, O Lord, so that I may do what is truly your holy will. Amen." I found this prayer on a card I received at the tomb of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy. In 2001, my parents, Angi, Paige, and I celebrated Mass in Assisi with a group that included Scott and Kimberly Hahn (wonderful Christians). St. Francis, please pray with all of us today: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_francis_of_assisi.

Through Christ Our Lord,
Pat
Phil 4:13

* Daily Bible readings: www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml
* LIFE Devotions blog: Sign up at LIFE Devotions. Please fill in your profile.
* LIFE Prayers blog: Sign up at LIFE Prayers. Prayer changes things, so let's pray daily. Please post a prayer request (updates as a comment, send out to the distro).
* Sr. Francelle Devotions blog: Sign up at Sr. Francelle Devotions. Let me know if you (and others) would like to receive her wonderful weekly faith-application devotions.* Devotions distro: I would gladly add other friends/family to our group distro. A "reply" to this email goes to the entire distro. If inspired, please fwd faith emails to the distro at LIFE-Group-Devotions-distro@googlegroups.com.
* Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

Wed, 6 Feb (Psalm 51:14)

* Welcome God into each day by reading the Living Faith devotional before work (~1 min). Order at http://www.livingfaith.com/.

Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain me. Psalm 51:14

Living Faith Devotion snippets: "During this Lent, we might think about what could restore us to life. What is missing in our relationship with Jesus? Perhaps we need to clear away the unnecessary (fasting) to see the essential. Perhaps we need to speak to Him more (pray) to find out. Perhaps we need to listen to Him more in the poor (almsgiving)." by Amy Welborn

Sr. Francelle Devotion snippets: "I look forward to the season of Lent with joy and excitement, because I know so many are going to get closer to Jesus. Lent prepares us for the greatest feast of all the year, the Resurrection, Easter Sunday! Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for forty days, in memory of Jesus' forty day fast in the desert. The ashes we receive on our foreheads remind us, "we came from dust and unto dust we shall return." Saying "no" to ourselves in small things, such as giving up sweets, refraining from expressing our opinion, having the last word, needing to be "right" always, not complaining, not blaming, etc., these all get us into the habit of "dying to self " - then, when something bigger comes along, such as saying "no" to sin, we can conquer. If we wish to follow Jesus, we have no choice except to deny ourselves because Jesus said, "Unless you deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciples." I know a family, who decided each member would do something kind each day during Lent, then at the evening meal, they share what they have done. If they can't think of anything they did, they share some kind act they saw someone else do. As we walk the way of the cross with Jesus, may our hearts be transformed this Lent."

Pat's nuggets: For Lent, let us take on or give up something to help realize the mystery of true freedom through joyfully carrying our daily crosses as disciples of Jesus Christ...offering up each cross as a prayer for someone. Please consider sharing your Lent experiences as a blog comment to this devotion post.

Through Christ Our Lord,
Pat
Phil 4:13

* LIFE Devotions blog: Sign up at LIFE Devotions blog. For faith sharing, please comment on a devotion post. For faith networking, please fill in your blog profile.
* LIFE Prayers blog: Sign up at LIFE Prayers blog. Prayer changes things, so let's pray daily. Please post a prayer request (update prayer with comment link).
* Distro additions?: I would gladly add your friends/family to our daily distro. Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others (Mark 16:15)!
* Daily Bible readings: Today's readings are found at http://www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml (link in blog header).
* Sr. Francelle Devotions blog: To see her wonderful weekly faith-application devotions, sign up at Sr. Francelle’s Faith blog. I would gladly add you and others to this distro.