Phil 2:15-16 (always Hope!)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In God We Trust,

Pat
Phil 4:13

Galatians 5:1 (Authentic Freedom)

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

For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: Our hedonistic society views liberation as the freedom to indulge one's desires without restraint; however, this does not promote genuine freedom. This promotes bondage to one's cravings. For example, a man chooses to indulge lust, because he feels bound by lust. In his view, the moral law that condemns lust oppresses him. To him, good is evil and evil good. Slavery is freedom and freedom slavery. Such a man will never find the happiness he seeks. If the lustful man would only open his heart to the gift of redemption, through ongoing conversion, Christ would liberate him from the oppression of lust through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Lord, I long for the freedom for which only You can provide me. Give me the strength to break the bondage of my own desires and to love as I should. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Break free from the restraints of selfish desire and seek the authentic freedom for which Christ has set us free.

Counter-Culture News: 40 Days for Life (ends 31 Oct), LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action.
* Text Messaging Prevents Coerced Abortion at Planned Parenthood.

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer), Leslee Unruh (grandbaby Pierce recovering from brain surgery).

Faith Quote: "Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought." - Pope John Paul II

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

Matthew 22:14 (Lord's Wedding Feast)

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

Many are invited, but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14 (full readings)

Rich's thoughts: Today's chosen scripture comes from the parable of the Wedding Feast (Jesus is the bridegroom and the Church is the bride). This parable mentions a wedding garment, which my study Bible explains is the repentance, change of heart (metanoia) and mind, that is the condition for entrance into the kingdom and must be continued in a life of good deeds. In the parable, one of the wedding guests attended the feast unprepared and was not dressed in a wedding garment. He was consequently "cast into the darkness outside." All of humanity has been invited to the Lord's Wedding Feast, but not all will be prepared for the union with Christ. Lord, prepare my heart so that I may be fit to come into union with You. Amen.

Faith Challenge: What do you do to prepare for the Wedding Feast?

Sr. Francelle's devotion: Read about the conversion story of Scott Hahn, which is also detailed in his book titled Rome Sweet Home.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life.
* Reports Reveal $3M in Federal Funds Misappropriated by New Jersey Family Planning, Planned Parenthood

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (Cousin Tom's battle vs. cancer).

Feast Day: St. John Eudes

Faith Quote: "Let us therefore give ourselves to God with a great desire to begin to live thus, and beg Him to destroy in us the life of the world of sin, and to establish His life within us." - St. John Eudes

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

Romans 8:38-39 (enduring fidelities)

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

I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Obligations express the ways in which we are rooted in abiding relationships with other people. They are signs of those enduring fidelities that give us strength and identity." by Timothy Radcliffe

Rich's comments: Throughout Scriptures (Is 54:5, Jn 3:29, Mk 2:19-20) and thoroughly discussed in Pope John Paul II's "Theology of the Body", is the portrayal of Jesus as the bridegroom, His Church as the bride, and the kingdom of heaven as the wedding feast (Mt 22:2, Mt 25:10). Marriage between a man and a woman is a visible sign of God's love. Through their fidelity to each other, they stand as a testament to God's fidelity. I believe that marriage has helped me become a better Christian and to improve my relationship with Jesus. It has taught me about self-sacrifice, commitment, patience, forgiveness, and compassion. Lord, as a renewal of my vows of love and fidelity, I recommit myself to You today. 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: Renew your commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ today.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, 40 Days for Life (until 1 Nov), 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).

* NEW: Rich Reich (Lorena Myers, member of our LIFE Devotions family, defends her thesis today. May God be with you!)

Faith Quote: "Marriage is an act of will that signifies and involves a mutual gift, which unites the spouses and binds them to their eventual souls, with whom they make up a sole family – a domestic church." - Pope John Paul II

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).

Exodus 14:28 (the faithful love of God)

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

As the water flowed back, it covered the chariots and the charioteers of Pharaoh's whole army which had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not a single one of them escaped. Exodus 14:28 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "To be sure, not every story in the Bible harmonizes with my preferred image of a gentle God. But violent as it is, this tale is still a love story. God's love for his chosen people is ferocious and one-sided. God is the mother lion, lashing out to protect her cubs, ready to tear limb from limb any creature that would harm them. How surprising to think that God could love with such intensity. How humbling to think that God could love me like that." by Karla Manternach

Rich's comments: In studying the Theology of the Body, I have learned that God's love is faithful, total, fruitful, and unconditional. The faithfulness of God's love is revealed to us today in Scripture. God is faithful to His people, and we are called to follow God's will and be faithful in return.

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

* NEW: How do you portray God's love in your life? Is your love for others faithful, total, fruitful, and unconditional?

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

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

* NEW: Learn about Theology of the Body and its life-transforming message of hope; a message that counteracts societal trends which urge us to view the body as an object of pleasure or as a machine for manipulation.

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

* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, addictions, Stephanie Spader (for a family with unexpected pregnancy), Rob Rysavy (for a coworker's wife who is battling an illness), Carol Nesbit (Please pray for my niece, Kelly, whose baby died in her womb. Pray for healing for Kelly and her husband, Kenny, and their new angel baby in heaven.)

Feast Day: St. Lawrence of Brindisi

Faith Quote: "Don’t settle for less than the authentic expression and revelation of God’s faithful, total, fruitful, and unconditional love.” - Christopher West

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

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

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

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

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

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

Luke 2:40 (Theology of the Body)

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

The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon Him. Luke 2:40

Living Faith snippets: "Thinking of Jesus as a child enlivens His humanity for me and makes it easier for me to continue to follow the man He became. Dear Jesus, fill me with your wisdom and strengthen so that I may follow you." by Aileen O'Donoghue

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to J.O.Y.-fully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15). Suggestions?

* NEW: Jesus taught us how to pray with the Our Father prayer (Luke 11). Teach children to pray...thank God, reconcile with God, ask God, praise God. Pray with your children at every meal and every night before bed...those who pray together, stay together.

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

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

* NEW: "NBC rejects Super Bowl ad because it contains pro-life message" (click here to read details, watch the powerful ad, and send NBC your comments). Although it was a great game, I was disappointed in several of the Superbowl commercials. The Superbowl should be protected as a family event, instead it is yet another one-way media event (didn't allow pro-life ad) further perverting the Theology of the Body in our culture war.

* NEW: "Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters" (by Dr. Meg Meeker) is a must read for Dad's with daughters in today's culture. It has opened my eyes even further.

Our Prayers: those that pray together stay together

* Let's pray for courage to communicate the ProLife message through Christ to those around us (John 14:6)...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16).

* Prayer to End Abortion, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, Pres Obama/politicians, lack of faith, illnesses/injuries, Papa Joe Castle (brain bleed resolution), Maureen Morgan (reconciliation for Sue Peterson and son), Rob Ouellette (Isabella, Reia, Louisa, Kathy & Artiss), Peters family (JP, updates here)

Faith Quote: "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"" Isaiah 6:8

For Love of God and Neighbor,

Pat

Phil 4:13

* Today's Bible readings here. Reflections for readings here.
* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others. Wayne Watson lyrics, “When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven, and miracles you can't explain await!” 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead & see Him.'

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

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

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

Let's J.O.Y.-fully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

Luke 6:21 (Resurrection)

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

Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Luke 6:21

Living Faith snippets: "When you forgive your enemy, when you feed the hungry, when you defend the weak [the unborn], you believe in the resurrection. When you wake at peace in the morning, when you sing to the rising sun, when you go to work with joy, you believe in the resurrection." by Carlo Carretto ("Essential Writings")

Pat nuggets:

* While searching for info on marriage as a holy institution from God, I found a thorough and surprisingly concise article from the Vatican titled, "Considerations regarding proposals to give legal recognition to unions between homosexual persons." The intro defends the sanctity of marriage with scripture. Here are a few snippets on our call to live the virtue of chastity, love homosexuals to the truth, and to protect the sanctity of marriage: "...men and women with homosexual tendencies “must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided”.(7) They are called, like other Christians, to live the virtue of chastity.(8) The homosexual inclination is however “objectively disordered”(9) and homosexual practices are “sins gravely contrary to chastity”.(10) ...respect for homosexual persons cannot lead in any way to approval of homosexual behaviour or to legal recognition of homosexual unions. The common good requires that laws recognize, promote and protect marriage as the basis of the family, the primary unit of society." http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20030731_homosexual-unions_en.html

ProLife news: http://www.lifenews.com/.
* 40 Days for Life campaign (24 Sep to 2 Nov): Sign up for updates at http://www.40daysforlife.com/about.cfm.

* Cleta Jasper shared: "Colorado will have Amendment 48 on the ballot this November...called the “Personhood Amendment.” [If passed]...in the state constitution, "the terms ‘person’ or ‘persons’ shall include any human being from the moment of fertilization.” Passage of this amendment will be fought tooth-and-nail by the anti-life forces – predominately Planned Parenthood. (They spent – as I understand it – approximately $10 million in opposition to the Marriage Amendment two years ago.) We are anticipating that they will spend at least that much money this next month or so. Colorado for Equal Rights does NOT have that kind of money to counter such television ads. What I’m asking of you is this! Prayer, prayer & more prayer – along with fasting as you are able…for a miracle! Thank you so much & may God bless you abundantly! Please check out http://www.personhoodcolorado.com/."

Our Prayers: Abortion, chastity, our enemies/our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, dementia, cancer, prisoners, integrity of our leaders, Robert Cox (discerning his career path), Mike Castle (for grandson Isaac and his caregivers), strength to live the virtue of chastity

Faith Quote: "It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish" Blessed Mother Teresa.

Through Christ Our Lord,
Pat

Phil 4:13

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml. Reflection on readings at http://www.daily-meditations.org/index2.html

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others. Wayne Watson lyrics, “When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven, and miracles you can't explain await!” "If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead & see Him."

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

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

Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

Rom 8:28 (for those who love God)

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

We know that all things work for good for those who love God... Rom 8:28

Living Faith snippets: "My mother had a great devotion to Mary...but most of all, her devotion consisted in imitating Mary's faith. Many times when circumstances were painful or confusing, I heard my mother say, "The good Lord knows what He's doing." My mother trusted that all things work for good." by Sr. Melanie Svoboda

Pat nuggets:

* Read up on the Theology of the Body (http://www.theologyofthebody.com/) to help yourself and others prevent serious consequences from our culture's attack on sexuality. Focus on the Family is hosting a conference in C. Springs on 25 Oct titled, "Homosexuality - Proclaiming the truth with love." Here are a few snippets from the brochure: "Homosexuality is one of the most difficult issues many individuals, families and churches face today. Popular culture tells us it's simply an alternative way to live. Mainstream media promotes that it's genetic and unchangeable. And the pro-gay movement seeks to politicize the education system, alter biblical truth regarding sexual behavior and redefine the meaning of marriage and family. Some Christians want to know how to stand faithfully in their biblical beliefs about human sexuality while also reaching out lovingly to those affected by homosexuality."

* "The president of a pro-family values mutual fund company...[screens] companies whose revenues or actions support pornography, abortion, anti-family entertainment, or promotion of non-married lifestyles. But Art Ally, president of the investment company, says his group normally does not spotlight or publish notices on businesses they screen out. In this case, however, he says the Timothy Plan could not stay silent when McDonald's went "over the edge." "McDonald's actually has been on our screen or prohibited list since 1999 -- so this is nothing new," says Ally. "What is new is the aggressive approach that they're moving to, in promoting and supporting the homosexual agenda." The fast-food giant's $20,000 donation to the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce for a seat on its board of directors, and labeling of those who oppose the homosexual agenda as "haters" -- both of which Ally says marked an extreme step up from sponsorship of TV programs and movies with anti-family and pornographic entertainment. Those actions, coupled with offering its employees transgender health benefits, have kept McDonald's out of Timothy Plan investments." http://www.onenewsnow.com/Business/Default.aspx?id=230550. American Family Association shared: "In January, McDonald’s paid for 56 employees to attend the “Pioneer Summit” in San Diego. The purpose of the meeting was to develop a plan to promote the gay agenda within the company (including homosexual marriage). AFA has asked McDonald’s to remain neutral in the culture battle. McDonald’s has refused. Sign the online Boycott McDonald’s petition."

ProLife news: http://www.lifenews.com/.
* 40 Days for Life campaign (24 Sep to 2 Nov): Sign up for updates at http://www.40daysforlife.com/about.cfm.

Our Prayers: Abortion, chastity, our enemies/our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, dementia, cancer, prisoners, integrity of our leaders, Robert Cox (discerning his career path), Mike Castle (for grandson Isaac and his caregivers)

* Let's pray for strength to remain chaste in our sexuality and for those struggling with difficult sexual sins like homosexuality.

Feast Day (The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blessed_Virgin_Mary

Through Christ Our Lord,

Pat

Phil 4:13

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml. Reflection on readings at http://www.daily-meditations.org/index2.html

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others. Wayne Watson lyrics, “When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven, and miracles you can't explain await!” "If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead & see Him."

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

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

Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

Psalm 69:5 (love sinners & hate our sin)

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

Those outnumber the hairs of my head who hate me without cause. Too many for my strength are they who wrongfully are my enemies. Must I restore what I did not steal? Psalm 69:5

Living Faith snippets: "The psalmist asks a poignant question for all allies who seek to right injustice: "Must I restore what I did not steal?" For a true ally, the answer is Yes." by Claire J. King

Sr. Jeanette devotion: To read her devotion titled, "Sacrifice of Praise", go to sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com.

Pat nuggets:
* Regarding this week's comments on the sin of homosexuality, let's always love the sinner (all of us) and not banish...but not make it easier for sin (support it) and not normalize sin ("bittersweet" accountability). Joe Castle commented that we judge the sin, not the sinner (God judges the heart). Chad Livingston commented that "love the sinner, hate the sin" should be "love the sinner, hate our sin." Chad also reinforced the importance of relationship with sinners (all of us) in order for others to see Jesus working in us. People don't care how much we know until they know how much we care...and they will know we are Christians by our love. It was suggested that homosexuals could live in chastity within the Sacrament of Marriage. Although homosexually orientated people could be chaste roommates, the Sacrament of Marriage is a holy institution between a man and woman for building a family (as defined by God). Furthermore, homosexual marriage would further normalize this sin to the level of an "alternative lifestyle." Read more about recent CA decisions about homosexual marriage http://www2.focusonthefamily.com/docstudy/newsletters/A000001176.cfm

* Read about a town that paid $1 million to remove a strip club http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25955847/?GT1=43001.

ProLife news: http://www.lifenews.com/.
* Read about how a couple fought for the life of their twins, requiring surgery in the womb at 22 weeks. "During the surgery, doctors entered the amniotic sack using a kind of miniature "telescope." Occasionally, to their surprise, a fetus will actually grab on to the scope in the middle of the procedure." http://abcnews.go.com/WN/Story?id=5471351&page=1

* Read about Irena Sendler (nominated for Nobel Peace Prize) who during WWII worked in the Warsaw Ghetto, as a Plumbing/Sewer specialist...and smuggled out and saved 2500 Jewish kids/infants. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irena_Sendler

Feast Day (St. Alphonsus Liguori): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alphonsus_Liguori

Our Prayers: Abortion, chastity, our enemies/our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, dementia, cancer, prisoners
* New: Chad Livingston (friend Zak recovering from back surgery), Liz Curry (Drew, 2 yr old, recovering from surgery to remove a kidney tumor), Rob Ouellette (Fred diagnosed with recurrence of a very serious illness), Pat Castle (thanksgiving for Grandma recovering from pneumonia)

Through Christ Our Lord,
Pat
Phil 4:13

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml. Reflection on readings at http://www.daily-meditations.org/index2.html
* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others. Wayne Watson lyrics, “When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven, and miracles you can't explain await!” "If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead & see Him."
* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' Blessed Mother Teresa. Prayer to End Abortion. Ask Blessed Margaret of Castello for her prayers to end abortion.
* Evangelization: Let's make room for non-believers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service.
Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

Jeremiah 15:16 (speaking Truth, chastity)

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

When I found your words, I devoured them; they became my joy and the happiness of my heart... Jeremiah 15:16

Living Faith snippets: "A prophet is one who speaks for God: anointed, invited and called to be a stand-in for the Divine. The prophet must be willing to speak God's words in any kind of weather, in good times and bad times. At some point in our lives, we too will be summoned to proclaim bittersweet messages about both the need and the joy of repentance and conversion. Anoint us with words that challenge and bless. Call forth that which is precious in each of us. Help us to be a healing presence in our suffering world. by Sr. Macrina Wiederkehr

Pat nuggets:
* McDonalds' culture impact: In Monday's devotion, I shared Dr. Dobson's (Focus on the Family, logo attached) comments about McDonalds becoming a corporate partner with the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (culture bomb)...and mentioned that I would therefore limit my support of McDonalds. I received this comment in return: "Jesus said let the person with no sin throw the first stone, all we can do is pray for them, it is not up to us to judge." I agree that Jesus made it clear that we should not judge (throw stones at His children)...and we should pray for each other to turn away from our sins. However, we should also help one another turn away from sin through accountability (lovingly call a spade a spade, "proclaim bittersweet messages" and offer counsel) and not making it easy for others to sin (like giving money to McDonalds which supports homosexuality). Needless to say, McDonalds has enough influence to contribute to the normalization of sin in our culture. Sin is destructive and moves us away from God. Homosexuality is one of many sins that is destructive to individuals...and attacks God's holy institution of marriage.

* Let's pray for strength that all Christians remain chaste in their religious, single (whether hetero or homosexual) or married vocation...and that we resist culture's attempts to minimize the destructive power of not remaining chaste (can't put a condom on the mind, heart, or soul).

ProLife news: http://www.lifenews.com/.

Our Prayers: Abortion, our enemies/our troops, natural disasters, depression/despair, prisoners, Vicki M. (her cancer treatment), Kay C. (friend Nancy Wheeler cancer treatment), Kathy-jo P. (friend Maria has terminal brain cancer), Gina Prevett (Ty's uncle who had triple bypass surgery, friends with dementia)

Faith quote: "We can only move forward if we turn our gaze together to Christ! In the light of faith, we will then discover the wisdom and strength needed to open ourselves to points of view which may not necessarily conform to our own ideas or assumptions." Pope Benedict (Apr visit to USA)

Through Christ Our Lord,
Pat
Phil 4:13

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml. Reflection on readings at http://www.daily-meditations.org/index2.html
* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others. Wayne Watson lyrics, “When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven, and miracles you can't explain await!” "If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead & see Him."
* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' Blessed Mother Teresa. Prayer to End Abortion. Ask Blessed Margaret of Castello for her prayers to end abortion.
* Evangelization: Let's make room for non-believers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service.
Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

John 15:9 (God's love)

* 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).

As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. John 15:9

Living Faith snippets: Sometimes Scripture passages I have read countless times suddenly stand out as if in highlight. That happened with this verse. I was struck with a new realization that I am loved 'as the Father loves' the Son. The love is that intense, personal and intimate." by Patricia Livingston

Rich's comments: Mother Theresa's answer for world peace was to "go home and love your family." I heard one day on the radio a pastor say that FAMILY is an acronym that stands for Forget About Me I Love You. I always try to remember this little acronym and how real love is unselfish. God showed us how to love through His Son Jesus Christ. God's love is free, total, faithful, and fruitful. Dear Lord, help us to reflect on the love relationships in our lives, especially the ones that are not bearing fruit, and help us to see where we have not been free, total or faithful in them. Help us to renew our commitment to love the people in our relationships in a free, total, faithful and fruitful way. Amen.

Through Christ Our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml.

* Prayer: If you have a prayer request, simply send it to our distribution list at life-group-distro@googlegroups.com. Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others (so let's pray daily!). Wayne Watson lyrics, “When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven, and miracles you can't explain await!” "If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead & see Him."

* Defend the unborn: ProLife 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)!