Luke 24:51 The Ascension of the Lord

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

As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. Luke 24:51 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "I have always had a sad sense of abandonment when I think about the Ascension. 'Jesus is gone; what do we do now?' I imagine the apostles saying. Mary remained after Jesus ascended to his Father, and she gave insight, guidance and tender care to those following him. Remember that she still does the same for us. Dear Jesus, when I feel that you have disappeared from my sight, remind me to look at Mary." by Rebecca Sande

Rich's comments: Early on in my Faith, I believed in Jesus and His resurrection, but I saw Him only as a historical figure; a mysterious God-man who died for our sins thousands of years ago. This perspective makes one feel distant from our Lord and leads to a sad sense of abandonment, because a necessary relationship with Jesus Christ is lacking. Since then, I have matured in my Faith and have built a relationship with Jesus through prayer, worship, and scripture. By maintaining a daily connection to Jesus, He becomes real to me in the present and dissolves all sense of abandonment. Lord, may I always remember that You are here with me now. Amen.
* Read Sr. Francelle's devotion "Unless the grain of wheat dies..." and learn about dying to self and living for God.

Faith Sharing: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding devotions or using the Facebook "invite people" link.
* NEW: How can you stay connected to Jesus? Please consider sharing comments (or "like" button) on the Facebook page, to encourage many...thank you!

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, Vatican, American Family Association, Priests for Life
* Reality of abortion (images), #1 cause of death (23% of pregnancies). Expose this unjust peace, setting unborn/parents free.
* NEW: Catholic Bishop: Social Worker Wanted My Mom to Abort Me During the Depression; Bishop Galeone was the keynote speaker at the Banquet for Life hosted by A Woman's Answer Medical Center (crisis pregnance center) in Gainesville, Florida, where the ultrasound machine that the LIFE Group assisted raising money for was presented.

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together, and close to God (footnotes). Peters family (JP), Prayer to end abortion.
* NEW: Ann Schaefbauer (repose of the soul of mother in law Becky, strength for family)

* NEW: Rich Reich (cousin Tom Hanson - surgery this week to remove colon; suffering from Familial Adenomatous Polyposis), (uncle Patrick Justet - blood clots in leg), (Sara Ragan - special intention).

Faith Quote: "He ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead." - Apostles Creed

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

Psalm 130:6 (yearning for God)

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

My soul waits for the Lord more than sentinels wait for the dawn. Psalm 130:6 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "There is a wonderful word that is seldom used: yearning. It means "to be filled with longing or desire." Just as the sentinel must yearn for the dawn, so does the psalmist not just wait, but yearn for God. Over the years [in church], I have found myself sitting closer and closer to the altar, even leaning forward, longing for, yearning for Jesus, looking for the first rays of the sun--the Son." by Heather Wilson

Rich's comments: Do you have that yearning desire for the Lord that the psalmist speaks about? I know that when I sit down at a restaurant, I begin to salivate thinking about the meal that I am about to have as I look at the menu. Sometimes I may even order an appetizer to satiate my hunger before the main course. If you do not have this yearning desire for Jesus Christ, perhaps you have not yet read the menu (Scriptures) or satisfied your hunger (Eucharist). Lord, may my heart always yearn for You above all other desires in anticipation of full communion with You. Amen.

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

* NEW: Renew your desire for the Lord. Participate in a Bible study/faith sharing group and put your faith into action by serving those in need.

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

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

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

* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, refugees, addictions, persecuted believers, Peters family (JP in hospital), Lynn Bishara (for son Alex), Stephanie Spader (for pregnancy), Joyce Trunk (friend w/brain cancer), Kathy Castle (Vicki Miller in hospice).

Feast Day: St. Teresa of Avila

Faith Quote: "God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing." - C.S. Lewis

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

James 1:22

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn't, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead.'
* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, 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).

Joshua 3:15-16 (God in me)

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

No sooner had these priestly bearers of the ark waded into the waters at the edge of the Jordan...than the waters flowing from upstream halted...Thus the people crossed over opposite Jericho. Joshua 3:15-16 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "When I was younger, the flare for drama in me loved the image of the Levites bearing the Ark of the Covenant on their shoulders or marching into battle with it preceding the line of attack or crossing the Jordan River with it held high above them. As the years went by, I realized that I bear not just the container of God but God himself in my very being. And God's presence surrounds me, enfolds me, protects me whether I am at rest, doing battle with my emotions or teaching." by Sr. Charleen Hug, S.N.D.

Rich's comments: At my church, the reader processes to the altar with the Word of God held high above their head as did the Levites who beared the Ark. This is, because we believe that God is present in the Scriptures. God is also present within us, but sometimes it seems that we forget. We should glorify God within us by aspiring to be holy in our daily lives. Lord, may I remember Your presence within me always, but especially when I am tempted by sin. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Let's invite others to join the LIFE Group (>200 Christians).

* NEW: Reflect on the presence of God and allow Him to be glorified within you.

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

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas in footnote below.
* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, refugees, addictions, persecuted believers, Maureen Rogers (redoing knee replacement on 11 Aug), Rich Reich (friend Carolyn battling cancer), Anonymous (family with unexpected pregnancy), Peters family (JP in hospital)

Feast Day: St. Pontian and St. Hippolytus

Faith Quote: "We're not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be." by C.S. Lewis

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

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

Numbers 11:11 (halve your sorrow, double your joy!)

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

"Why do you treat your servant so badly?" Moses asked the Lord. Numbers 11:11 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Moses is so frustrated, carrying the burden of the Israelites on his shoulders alone! We may feel the same way sometimes, whether the burden is an unruly child, an aging parent or an unmotivated staff. God sends Moses the tribe's seventy elders to share and lighten his burden. A Spanish proverb tells us, "Joy shared is doubled; sorrow shared is halved." God sends us people to share our burdens too, but if our eyes are turned inward or looking at the ground, we will never see them." by Heather Wilson

Faith Challenge: Let's invite others to join the LIFE Group (~200 Christians).

* NEW: "Look around today to see whom God has sent you...either to halve your sorrow or double your joy." by Heather Wilson

LIFE Group nuggets:
* Sr Francelle's devotion, When the darkness comes: "This is one of the most thoughtful and meaningful pieces that I have read about "when darkness comes"...as it does to all of us at one time or another. THANK YOU." Anonymous

* Lorena Myers: "I love being a part of this LIFE group. It has been a blessing to my life. I always love reading the quotes you guys put at the end. Having this online group is definitely an awesome idea. Peace."

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

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

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

* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, addictions, LIFE Runners TC Marathon training (4 Oct), Carol Nesbitt (cousin Rob gravely ill with brain cancer)

* NEW: Maureen Rogers (redoing total knee replacement on August 11 because of infection)

* NEW: Pope Benedict ("That public opinion may be more aware of the problems of millions of displaced persons and refugees, and that concrete solutions may be found for their often tragic situation.")

Faith Quote: "Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly." by G.K. Chesterton

Through Christ our Lord,

Pat
Phil 4:13

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

John 17:20-21 (one in the Spirit?)

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

I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that all
may be one. John 17:20-21 (full readings)

One Bread, One Body: "Jesus is praying at this moment that all peoples, nations, and denominations be one as He and the Father are One (Jn 17:21). Therefore, Jesus is praying for us to receive the Holy Spirit, for the Spirit is the Source of our unity (Eph 4:3). Jesus is praying now for a new Pentecost. Will we answer His prayers after He has answered ours for so many years? Surprisingly, most of us don't want unity and so don't want the Spirit of unity. We give "lip service" to unity, and few have "gone on record" proposing the perpetuation of divisions and denominations. However, whenever we seriously attempt unity, people "show their true colors." Too many of us prefer the pain of separation to the pain of unconditional love and unity. We prefer our divisions and denominations over God's plan of salvation. Therefore, we need a change of heart to want unity and the Holy Spirit of unity. We must repent, go to Confession, and only then expect a new Pentecost. Father, remove my love for disunity. Give me your heart for those who are hard for me to tolerate. Amen. (Taken from the daily devotional One Bread, One Body.)

Rich's comments: There are over 33,000 Christian denominations in the world according to the World Christian Encyclopedia. It is sad that we as the Body of Christ have defined so many divisions amongst us. We need to answer Christ's prayer and remain one in Him by standing firm to the Truth. Paul warned us in yesterday's reading, "I know that after my departure savage wolves will come among you, and they will not spare the flock. And from your own group, men will come forward perverting the truth to draw the disciples away after them (Acts 29-30). Pentecost is approaching. Prepare yourselves to receive the Spirit of unity.

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

* NEW: Do not focus on the things that separate us as different Christian denominations, but open your heart to the Spirit of unity and rejoice that we all know the Lord and are one in Him.

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

* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, addictions, Rich (Jim Russell who is battling cancer), Rich (Jack Myers, tumor in esophagus), the sick, hungry and homeless.

* NEW: Pray for unity.

Faith Quote: "There is a tremendous strength that is growing in the world through sharing together, praying together, suffering together, and working together." by Mother Teresa

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

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

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

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

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

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

Psalm 57:8 (putting God at the Center)

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

My heart is steadfast, O God; my heart is steadfast. Psalm 57:8 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "I learned that with a labyrinth, unlike a maze, if you simply keep following the path, you will come to the center. I walked with a burden weighing heavily on me and prayed as I walked. At the center, I sat quietly, feeling myself in God's presence. Placing God at the center of our lives gives us steadfast hearts. We may be traveling a rocky path or facing a terrible situation, but walk it we must. And awaiting us at the center is God who will hold us in love, heal us and show us the path out." by Heather Wilson

Rich's comments: Today's devotion about the labyrinth reminded me of my trip to Tucson, Arizona to visit the Mission San Xavier del Bac, built by Father Kino in 1700. In the church you can see the Man-in-the-Maze logo on the floor and altar. This famous logo of the Tohono O'odham nation is shown on the basket pictured with this devotion. A common interpretation is as follows: The human figure stands for the O'odham people. The maze represents the difficult journey toward finding deeper meaning in life. The twists an turns refer to struggles and lessons learned along the way. At the center of the maze is a circle, which stands for death, and for becoming one with God. Lord, I know that I struggle to walk a straight path towards You, but by placing You as the center of my life, I know that my path eventually leads to You.

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News.
* NEW: Ask yourself what is in the center of your life? Where does your path lead?

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

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas below.
* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, addictions, Jason Peters (son JP), Kathy Castle (Michael Moon hand infection), Carla Neal (Harold Heard, Jamie, Joyce & all of you), Pat, Angi, & 4 cadets (safe trip to China and back)

Feast Day: St. Isidore

Faith Quote: "God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing." by C.S. Lewis

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

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

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

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

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

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