Luke 9:22 (Making Sour Taste Sweet)

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

"He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”" ~Luke 9:22 (full readings)

Rosemary's Reflections: "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." That's the phrase everyone hears when someone's having a rough day. As overused as it may seem, it does bring up a good point--you can't just sit and cry about it because at the end of the day, you're still stuck with a bunch of lemons. But, if you work with a positive attitude to make a change, you'll end up with a better experience. I know how hard it was for me standing out in the rain in front of Planned Parenthood as drivers yelled or honked at me. I did get a few friendly waves and honks as well. But whoever the driver, I kept on a smile and waved to every car as I held my pro-life sign. I thought about the difference I was making in those people's lives by staying positive, whether they agreed with me or not. I wasn't going to speak for the unborn with a frown on my face. Who would listen to me then? Jesus knew He wouldn't have an easy life, but you don't hear Him complaining at home to Mary. Instead, He's out preaching to the crowds and turning His sour suffering into sweet salvation for us. We as Christians are called to lead by example and help others "make lemonade" out of their sorrows--whether it's counseling a woman with an unplanned pregnancy or one who's regretting her abortion. So the next time life hands you some lemons, make some lemonade. Then go out, share it with someone, and help them make some more.

Faith Challenge: Try to smile at everyone you meet to bring them...and you...Joy!

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Heaven.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, LifeNews, Priests for Life, 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: St. Padre Pio da Pietrelcina (d.1968).

Faith Quote: "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." ~Winston Churchill

Through Christ Our Lord,
Rosemary

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

Luke 6:7 (No Compromise in Christ)

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

"The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the Sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him." ~ Luke 6:7 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: An aspect of my shy personality is that I like to avoid conflict at all costs. In today's Gospel, Jesus decided not to avoid conflict. He could have cured the man with the withered hand on any other day other than on the Sabbath, but He refused to be intimidated and manipulated by His enemies. Jesus stood up for what He knew was the right thing to do, and He did not compromise His principles. Jesus asks us to do the same even if it means that we will suffer as He did. Lord, give me the courage to not avoid conflict, but to stand up for the Truth despite suffering. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Don't compromise your principles. Stand up for your beliefs.

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: St. Bertin

Faith Quote: "Do what is right, be valiant for the Truth, teach it without compromise, and all lovers of the Truth will approve you; for all others, you need not care a rush." ~ J. Thomas

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.

Numbers 11:15 (What's Your Limit?)

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

"If this is the way you will deal with me, then please do me the favor of killing me at once, so that I need no longer face this distress." ~ Numbers 11:15 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: In today's Scripture, Moses apparently reached his limit. He was thoroughly frustrated and at wits' end trying to pacify the Israelites in the desert, while leading them to the promised land. Moses was so distressed that he was willing to lose his life rather than carry the burden of a complaining people. What's your limit? What will it take for you to give up on Jesus? Christ has not given up on us. Through prayer we can share our pain with Jesus. He will walk with us and help us carry our burdens with loving compassion. Lord, help me to share my pain with You for Your love is limitless. Amen.

Faith Challenge: What's your limit? Before you reach it, pray to Jesus to help you carry your burden.

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: St. Alphonsus Liguori

Faith Quote: "I Love Jesus Christ and that is why I am on fire with the desire to give Him souls, first of all my own, and then an incalculable number of others." ~ St. Alphonsus Liquori

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.

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

Matthew 7:21 (The Pebble) by Clark Sowers

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

"Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter into the kingdom of Heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in Heaven." Matthew 7:21 (full readings)

Clark's Reflections: Anyone with a sense of history understands the ramification of Abram, Sarai and Hagar’s decision in regards to their infertility. It is similar to throwing a pebble into a pond and the ripples that go on across the water. Abram’s story is filled with great lessons formed from suffering and weakness, and I am comforted knowing that this great patriarch wasn't perfect. In January of 1995 our son Michael was critically injured when I ran over him. He suffered for several hours before death came. At one point my wife whispered into his ear the greatest words of trust I have witnessed: “Michael, if Jesus comes, you go to him.” During that time of repeating The Lord’s Prayer I couldn't get beyond, “Thy will be done.” What do you pray for at a time like that; a broken life or a peaceful death? “God’s Will” is the only answer. When death was announced to our little family it was then I offered, “We have always given thanks for our blessings. Now we need to give thanks for our trials and pray we are worthy of both.” The stone we offered in our sorrow still ripples. Like Abram, we may suffer in what is given to us and not given to us. It is in that trust that we build our home on the foundation of the Rock. Abram offered a larger stone in the waters of grace and those ripples of goodness overcome the lesser ripples of our humanity.
* Clark Sowers and his wife Cathy have 10 children. They own a business in Belle Fourche, SD. Cathy is a nurse-practitioner with an emphasis in Pro-Life fertility care.

Faith Challenge: During prayer today reflect on when you failed God and contemplate in your heart how those opportunities helped form you. Give thanks to God for His grace and mercy as He writes you into His story.

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. Joseph Cafasso (d. 1860)

Faith Quote: "You call for Faith, and I give you doubt to prove that Faith exists. The greater the doubt, the greater the Faith, I say, if Faith overcomes doubt!” ~ Robert Browning

Through Christ Our Lord,
Clark
Luke 23:39-43

* 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.

Psalm 34:19 (Brokenhearted)

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

"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed." Psalm 34:19 (full readings) >

Steve's Reflections: This past weekend I attended the funeral of Michael Allen, the 10 day old son of my cousin Michael. The pain and grief of the family that just a few short days before held a healthy baby boy in their arms was crushing them. God's words in the Psalms today speak of His promise for those who experience such unimaginable pain. I couldn't help but contemplate how our Blessed Mother must have felt when she beheld her broken son as this powerful image from the movie "The Passion" illustrates. My faith, my anchor and my hope, tells me that God is closer to my cousin Michael and his family then ever before. Our God saves! He said to His mother, "I make all things new again." As we march closer to the Crucifixion this Lent, it becomes even more apparent in our readings that our faith was born of suffering. Jesus had many enemies and the closer He got to the cross the more people began to hate him. In today's Gospel Jesus is well aware of the danger surrounding Him as He contemplates that the Jews want Him dead. Take courage today as you contemplate that God is close to those most in need - the brokenhearted, and those "crushed" in spirit. In the song "I will Rise" by Chris Tomlin, I find great comfort in these words, "Jesus has overcome, and the grave is overwhelmed. The victory is won. He is risen from the dead. I will rise when He calls my name. No more sorrow, no more pain. I will rise on eagle wings. Before my God fall on my knees. And rise...I will rise." >

Faith Challenge: Take comfort that out of suffering our faith was born - the Risen Jesus is coming! >

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Clouds in Your Life "Dearest Ones, Has a cloud come into your life? Has sorrow come to your home? Are you lost, lonely and afraid? Your first impulse might be to give up, and sit down in the middle of your shattered hopes and dreams. But you must not do 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. Julie Billiart (d. 1816) "Julie's immobility in no way impeded her activities. In spite of her suffering, she managed to co-found a teaching order that tended to the needs of both the poor and the well-to-do. Each of us has limitations, but the worst malady any of us can suffer is the spiritual paralysis that keeps us from doing God’s work on earth." >

Faith Quote: “Oh, how good God is!” ~ St. Julie Billart, Founder of the Institute of Notre Dame and the Sisters of Notre Dame >

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 11:13 (Barren)

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

"Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs." Mark 11:13 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: In today's Gospel we have the curious passage of Jesus cursing the fig tree, "May no one ever eat of your fruit again!" Some might be a bit shocked or uncomfortable by Jesus' response and think the writer must have somehow misunderstood Jesus' intentions. Others might find comfort in seeing a bit of Jesus' humanity, "He got ticked off, too." The truth is in the figgy pudding. In early spring if fig trees are going to bear a crop they have little knobs called taqsh (in Arabic). To get to these knobs one would have to root through the foliage of the tree. Passersby, like Jesus, would often eat these knobs in the early spring, but this fig tree did not have any taqsh despite it's lush appearance. This was a clear sign to Jesus. Despite it's appearance it would not bear any fruit that year. It was barren. Are we like the lush fig tree? Do we put on a good show, have all the right words, say all the right prayers, make all the pious gestures, but are barren on the inside? Jesus hungers for each one of us - when he comes upon us will he find what he is looking for? Or will he find that we are all show and no substance? Prayer is an opportunity for us to "root" through the foilage and examine our intentions, and Jesus speaks clearly today about the power of prayer, "Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours." Dear Jesus, search my soul and make my intentions true so that I may be a blessing to all those I encounter today.

Faith Challenge: Search your soul, turn to prayer, and root through the foilage - where is your heart at today?

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Suffering (a must read as you prepare for Lent) "Suffering can be a great teacher. It makes us either better or bitter - it all depends on our attitude."

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

* The Baby Joseph case effects us all.

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. Casimir (d. 1483) "Casimir, born of kings and in line (third among 13 children) to be a king himself of Poland. Even as a teenager, Casimir lived a highly disciplined, even severe life, sleeping on the ground, spending a great part of the night in prayer and dedicating himself to lifelong celibacy."

Faith Quote: "He who tends a fig tree will eat his fruit, and he who serves his master will be honored" ~ Proverbs 27:18

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.

Psalm 31:23-24 (KEEP THE FAITH)

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

"Once I said in my anguish, 'I am shut out from your sight,' Yet you heard my plea, when I cried out to you. Love the Lord, all you faithful. The Lord protects the loyal, but repays the arrogant in full." Psalm 31:23-24 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: Sometimes when we are suffering, it overwhelms our spirit, and we lose all hope in Christ. We feel that we are "shut out from [His] sight" and that we are all alone. We need to remember that we are never alone in our suffering. Our Lord even hears the cry of the suffering Unborn and touches our hearts to defend them. When you feel that everything seems to be happening to you (poor health, unemployment, troubled marriage, etc.), KEEP THE FAITH; for the Lord knows our suffering and "protects the loyal." Have you ever met someone who is suffering and refuses your assistance? They seem to enjoy wallowing in their own misery searching for pity. Those who are arrogant and prideful, believing that nobody, even Jesus, can help them with their suffering have been repaid in full, because they have been left to suffer. Lord, I have faith in You; weighed down under the burden of my trials and sufferings, I cast myself at Your feet, that You may renew my strength and my courage, while I rest here in Your Presence. Amen.

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Faith Challenge: Are you suffering with Christ or without Christ? Keep the faith, even in times of anguish. He hears your cry.

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

* Abortionist Gosnell denied bail in case of grisly infant murders

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). Add Prayers on our website. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, running, etc. Let’s pray now.

* The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is traditionally celebrated from 18 to 25 January.
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Feast Day: St. John Bosco "found God's message in his dreams. If you have some question or problem in your life, ask God to send you an answer or help in a dream. Then write down your dreams. Ask God to help you remember and interpret the dreams that come from God."

Faith Quote: "Do you want Our Lord to give you many graces? Visit Him often. Do you want Him to give you few graces? Visit him seldom. Visits to the Blessed Sacrament are powerful and indispensable means of overcoming the attacks of the devil. Make frequent visits to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and the devil will be powerless against you.” - St. John Bosco

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.

Luke 4:18-19 (Vulnerable)

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

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me for He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to the oppressed, recovery of sight to the blind, freedom to the prisoner, to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.” Luke 4:18-19 (full readings)

Jean's Reflections: To share in Christ’s gospel mission is to share in Christ’s vulnerability. The Latin root of “vulnerable” means “wound.” Christ’s vulnerability is the quality that draws sinners to him, the quality of compassion and understanding that is given and received when one views oneself as a fellow-sufferer. It is the quality that heals division and heals souls. Christ shares in our pain, infirmities, guilt, afflictions, oppression, and condemnation (Is 53). If I don’t see myself as sharing in the woundedness of the world it will be difficult for me to share in Christ’s mission, unable to risk compassion and mercy. In obediently surrendering his freedom, Jesus became more and more identified with God, who has complete freedom, and in that freedom took all the risk of vulnerability, that is, to love unconditionally, keep no record of wrongs, fear not, nor protect himself. In freely loving, God is most of all who God is. In coming most vulnerably into creation, God is not giving up the characteristics of divinity but most fully manifesting them. When we strive for obedience – first through discipline and then with enthusiasm -- we become more and more who God intends, loving fully and freely, with vulnerability.
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Faith Challenge: Be aware that what our culture defines as good - prosperity, success, strength, power, invulnerability, being #1 - leads us, draws us, invites us to self-satisfaction, to be so full of ourselves we forget God’s will. Notice how, through Christ, God leads us, draws us, invites us to empty ourselves, to use God’s perspective and focus on the needs of the poor, the sick, the stranger, the prisoner, and the unborn, those to whom Christ brings good news. Christ counts us among them (if we are willing) and asks us to see the image of God in each one as He does. Christ tends to us, heals and lifts us up, reminding us that the “last” are, in fact, “first” in God’s kingdom.

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. Andre Bessette

Faith Quotes:
* "I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me…for when I am weak, then I am strong." ~ St. Paul
* "To love at all is to be vulnerable." ~ C.S. Lewis

Through Christ Our Lord,
Jean

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.

John 19:16 (GOOD FRIDAY)

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

Then [Pilate] handed [Jesus] over to them. John 19:16 (full readings)

Sr. Francelle's Devotion Snippets: "Good Friday is the saddest day of the year. On this day, we walk with Jesus as He carries His cross in sorrow. The Stations of the Cross often bring tears to my eyes, as it wasn't just a cross of wood He carried on his shoulder; instead, it was my sins. Each of us has our own hidden sorrows deep within our hearts; if we unite our pain with the sorrows of Jesus and Mary, they will help us to bear them. As He hung in pain for three long hours on the cross, He looks ahead to all who will reject Him and lose their souls to hell, despite the chance they have to be saved." Easter Joy

Steve's Thoughts: Good Friday. At noon Christ began his horrific journey to Golgotha. We know that he gave up his spirit at approximately 3pm. The devotion is arriving at the hour of his passion to honor Jesus and to focus our time with him today. Why do we call it "Good"? All the sins of the past, present, and future were reconciled on the Cross that day; today. The innocent lamb, led to slaughter, made that sacrifice for all of humanity in one glorious act. We say in mass, "Lord by your cross and resurrection, you have set us free. You are the savior of the world." Let us rejoice in those words today as we contemplate the magnitude of this glorious, "Good" Friday. Lord Jesus, let us remember your sacrifice for us today at the hour of your death; 3pm.
* Watch the Lamb Video by Ray Boltz - This will help you enter into Good Friday...

Faith Challenges: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding devotions or using the Facebook "invite people" link.
* NEW: I once heard it said many would gladly give up their life to save a son, but who could give up the life of their ONLY Son to save the life of another? Please consider sharing your devotion thoughts on the Facebook page, to be appreciated by many.

Counter-Culture News: 40 Days for Life, LifeSiteNews, Vatican, American Family Association, Priests for Life
* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images), #1 cause of death in America (23% of pregnancies). Let's courageously share ProLife Truth to expose abortion's unjust peace, rebuilding a Culture of Life for setting the unborn (and parents) free.

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

Faith Quote: "As Jesus stepped into the garden, you were in His prayers. As Jesus looked into heaven, you were in His vision. His final prayer was about you. His final pain was for you. His final passion was you." by Deacon Adejoh

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).

Mark 7:36 (Faith without signs)

Let's welcome God today by reflecting on this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (website, Facebook), based on Living Faith. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

[Jesus] ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered then not to, the more they proclaimed it. Mark 7:36 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Why does [Jesus] want to keep this [miracle] quiet? Could it be that Jesus wants us to concentrate on things other than miracles? While his powers of healing are incredible and amazing, they are not central to his message of love, hope, forgiveness, mercy, compassion. When Jesus is not physically present, all that is left is belief. Our faith is more than miracles and healing." by Paul Pennick

Rich's comments: At my faith sharing group this week, we were asked to ponder "what is there about Jesus that draws me to him?" Those who were present during the public life of Jesus, might have said His many miracles, signs, and wonders. Jesus healed many because of His great love for the people, but His miracles were performed to strengthen their faith in Him as one sent by God. Lord, may I be drawn to Your central message of love, hope, forgiveness, mercy, and compassion, for these are the true miracles of healing. Amen.

Faith Challenges:* Let's generously invite others to join the LIFE Group by forwarding a devotion or using our Facebook Group "invite people to join" link. To encourage others to reflect on the devotions, consider "liking"/commenting or sharing a "God-sighting" on our Facebook Group.
* NEW: Read Sr. Francelle's devotion, "Assisted Suicide", and learn how suffering is redemptive and that we need to depend on our Faith during the trials of life.
* NEW: What is there about Jesus that draws you to Him? Consider commenting on our Facebook Group.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, Vatican, American Family Association, Priests for Life
* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images), #1 cause of death in America (23% of pregnancies). Let's courageously share ProLife Truth to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace, rebuilding a Culture of Life for setting the unborn (and parents) free!

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together...and closer to God. See prayer/fasting footnotes.
* Prayer to end abortion, Peters family (JP), Haitian earthquake victims.

Faith Quotes: "Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens." by J.R.R. Tolkien

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 5:13 (A Healing Touch)

Let's welcome God today by reflecting on this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (website, Facebook), based on Living Faith. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, "I do will it." Luke 5:13 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "When we suffer, whether from a physical ailment or from our sins, we may feel unapproachable and isolated. I suspect that the leper in the gospel story had such feelings. We not only need the healing power of Jesus, but we also need the way in which he brings healing through his touch." by Fr. Paul J. Fasano

Rich's comments: Touch is the most important of the 5 senses and sometimes the most neglected. According to the University of Miami's Touch Research Institute (TRI), a leading scientific center devoted to exploring the effects of touch on health, touch has many positive effects. Touch facilitates weight gain in preterm infants, enhances attentiveness, alleviates depressive symptoms, reduces pain, reduces stress hormones, and improves immune function. Michelangelo really understood the importance of touch when he painted God extending a hand toward Adam on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Lord, make me an extension of Your healing touch. Amen.

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

* NEW: Don't underestimate the healing power of touch. Give someone a hug today.

* NEW: Please read Sr. Francelle's devotion (Bitter or Better?) and decide whether you will allow life's trials to make you bitter or better.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, American Family Association, Priests for Life
* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images), #1 cause of death in America (23% of pregnancies). Let's courageously share ProLife Truth to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace, rebuilding a Culture of Life for setting the unborn (and parents) free!

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

* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/despair, prisoners, politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, refugees, addictions, persecuted believers, Peters family (JP, Rebekah), Shantelle Castle (special intention), Health care reform bill, Shannon Ketchum (Grandma passed away), Michael Moon (thanksgiving for Metanoia).

Faith Quote: "Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work. " - Mother Teresa

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

James 1:22

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

* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, 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 21:31 (God is always near)

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

When you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Luke 21:31 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "There is no surer sign that God is with us than when we are in pain. During the dark times of our lives, the very times when we might question whether God cares for us, God is at hand. God is like the neighbor who brings a covered dish and checks to see if there is anything else she can do to help, anything at all. God will not forget the ones he loves." by Karla Manternach

Rich's comments: It is difficult to recognize that God is with us when we are suffering or in despair. Sometimes it is during these moments that we feel most alone and think that God is not listening to our prayers. We need to have confidence that God is always with us. He inhabits our despair as well as our praises. We just have to be willing to look for Him in the suffering and not seek to run from it. It is this faith in God's presence that will carry us through the difficult times. During my tough times, I like to think about the famous poem "Footprints in the sand," and imagine God walking beside me throughout life.

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

* NEW: Look back on the footprints of your life and see when God was walking beside you or maybe even carrying you through the tough times.

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) for setting the unborn (and parents) free!

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

* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/despair, prisoners, politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, refugees, addictions, persecuted believers, Peters family (JP, Rebekah), Joe (brother Mike), Doug Young (special intention), Pat Castle (health care reform bill), Joe (daughter's pregnancy), Aaron Ferrie (special intention).

NEW: Vicki (cousin & new born baby in car accident; cousin was 8 months pregnant)

Faith Quote: "During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you." - Jesus

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).

Wisdom 3:6 (chalice of suffering)

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

As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. Wisdom 3:6 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Is it not heroic to endure yet another surgery, make one more courteous phone call, help another shoulder a burden, avoid one more quarrel with a contentious customer and through all of this to keep your faith and trust in God alive? It is how we endure all these situations that determines who we become through them all." by Sr. Charleen Hug, S.N.D.

Rich's comments: During military training, the Air Force tests its officers to see how they perform under stress. As Christians, I feel that we are also being trained to live an authentic Christian life and to follow Jesus. Through our trials and tribulations, we build endurance to live out the Gospel even during times of stress and to be a model of Jesus Christ for others. Lord, give me the grace not to shrink from the chalice of suffering and tribulation, but patiently to accept whatever the hand of God may present to me, whether agreeable or disagreeable, and thereby to become worthy one day to be inebriated with the streams of heavenly joy. 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: View your struggles, pain, and suffering as experiences that will bring you closer to Jesus.

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, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, refugees, addictions, persecuted believers, Peters family (JP in hospital), Joe Hourigan (for brother Mike), Doug Young (special intention), Pat Castle (victims/families at Ft. Hood, health care reform bill), Joe Levisky (daughter's pregnancy), that people care for all creation.

* NEW: Stephanie Spader (daughter Rebekah in ICU for pneumonia/H1N1, for 24 wk pregnancy check up) , Brenda Alvine (for her father, Dennis Rolfson, in the ICU)

Feast Day: St. Leo the Great

Faith Quote: "Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies." - Mother Teresa

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

James 1:22

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

* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, 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 124:8 (Where is the cross?)

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

Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "When the computer makes a strange noise and the screen goes dark, I may be profoundly distressed, but I know where to go for help...but what if the doctor tells me an unusual spot has appeared on the x-ray of my lung? Or I discover I have been betrayed by a dear and trusted friend? Or that my child has been injured in a terrible car accident? If such things were to happen, where's the help?" by Mark Neilsen

Steve's Thoughts: "I was profoundly saddened by the news of a young mother who died following the birth of her son last Friday (see prayers below). I felt empty. It got me thinking about the role of suffering in our faith journey. This past Sunday I heard a priest speak of the two sides of our faith in our life journey - in our joy and in our suffering. He spoke candidly of how easily we look for our faith to entertain us and bring us joy. There is a certain temptation to "shop around" our faith to find a church that fits our needs, our family, our situation. He spoke of the many church's with profound preaching, enticing programs for every aspect of the family life, and beautiful uplifting music each Sunday. He followed up with a simple question, "Where is the cross?" The gospel of suffering is the least understood and last to be embraced by a Christian yet without it there would be no salvation, no life. It involves the understanding that our true happiness does not lie in this life but in the next. Dear Jesus, teach me to conform my ways to Your ways, my mind to Your truth, and to truly understand that real treasure, real happiness is not obtained in this life but the next.

Faith Challenges: Let's all invite one person each week (John 14:6) to join our LIFE Group (>240 of God's children).

* NEW: If your Church is not what you like volunteer for an area that you feel is lacking - fill the gaps! Get M.A.D - Go Make A Difference...

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!

* NEW: Abortionist reflects on dismembering one baby while feeling her own flutter in her womb.

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

* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, refugees, addictions, persecuted believers, 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).

* NEW: Carol Nesbit wrote, "Please add to the prayer list Katie Friedman, the wife of ’96 O’Gorman alum Jon Friedman. Jon is an F-16 pilot, stationed in Italy. His wife Katie gave birth on Friday to a new healthy baby boy, then died three hours later from severe hemorrhaging. They also have a young son who is not quite two years old. The family is devastated by the loss of this wonderful young mother."

Feast Day: St. Hilarion (371)

Faith Quote: "We are called to be hope for the innocent, protection for the defenseless, and a voice for the voiceless…” ~ Fr. Greg Paffel (Our Lady of Victory Church, Fergus Falls, MN)

Through Christ our Lord,
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).

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).