Monday, May 5, 2008

John 16:29 (the dance)


* 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).

Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. John 16:29

Living Faith snippets: "I am reminded of Anthony de Mello's insightful observation, "God is the dancer and we are the dance." One of the most brilliant moments involves the humbling realization of how little we truly do know. In a sense, it doesn't matter how much of the divine plan we grasp. What does matter is that we stay within the divine grasp [In His Holy Grip]. Dearest Lord, allow me to hear the music of the dance." by Phillis Harris-Brooks

Pat nuggets:
* Eucharist (thanksgiving): We experienced our daughter Paige's First Holy Communion yesterday, the girls were dressed like brides...for Jesus. The Sacrament (gift from God) was a beautiful display of faith and God's love for us. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" Matt 19:14. The inspiring faith and reverence of the children caused everyone to contemplate Christ's command to receive His body and blood. Many of Christ's followers could not handle the mystery and depth of this love, so they left him at the end of John Chap 6. When Jesus asked if the apostles wanted to leave, Peter replied, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God" (John 6:67-69). Our God has earned our trust and belief through His creation and His gift of Christ...may we honor God with our obedience (1st Commandment, Matt 22:37-38), even when we don't totally understand His ways, which are above our ways (Isaiah 55:9).
* Evangelization: Let's make room to share with non-believers (be a friend, make a friend, lead your friend to Christ). Let's also work on perpetual re-evangelization of ourselves and those close to us, drawing closer to God's will by way of daily prayer (real relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love and service (Golden Rule, Matt 22:39-40). Consider inviting your family and friends to join the LIFE Devotions group, providing routine spiritual connection and strength for your individual faith community.

* Sacrament of Marriage: The essence of the following quote is likely at the heart of the 60% divorce rate in America. "When two people in a marriage are more concerned about getting the golden eggs (the benefits) than they are in preserving the relationship that makes [the golden eggs] possible, they often become insensitive and inconsiderate, neglecting the little kindnesses and courtesies so important to a deep relationship. They begin to use control levers to manipulate each other, focus on their own needs, justify their own position, and look for evidence to show the wrongness of the other person. The love, the richness, the softness, and the spontaneity begin to deteriorate. The goose gets sicker day by day" (Author Unknown). If each spouse focuses on giving >50%, marriage works. As Rich shared, Forget About Me I Love You (FAMILY).
Prayer Requests: Thanksgiving prayers (many!), End abortion, Kay (end all crimes against children), Connolly family (Sue passed away on 2 May), Todd Austell (tumor), Carol Nesbitt (nephew's baby), Pam McGushin (mom's depression, Cindy Hogan's cancer), Tom Tenpenny (sister in law's biopsy), Chad (Zak's back), Our soldiers and our enemies, Travis & Kelly Benson (working on laws to end abortion in SD)

Through Christ for ProLife,
Pat
Phil 4:13
* 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)! Let's make time to share with unbelievers...and let's re-evangelize ourselves and our Western culture to a deeper union with Christ's mercy and love.

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