Psalm 71:3 (our strongholds)

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

Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safey, for you are my rock and my fortress. Psalm 71:3

Living Faith snippets: "During this Holy Week as we contemplate the final days of Jesus on earth, we remember vividly what he endured to save us. Along with his suffering came a promise for our protection and salvation. In return, Jesus did ask us for something--he called us to imitate him." by Beth Dotson Brown

Rich's comments: A stronghold is a place of survival or refuge. What strongholds do you seek when you are under stress? Do you seek man-made strongholds like alcohol, over-eating, pornography, gossip, addictions, etc., or do you run towards the Lord? Whatever you flee to may not be evil in itself, but whatever keeps you from fleeing to Jesus is your true stronghold, and one day that won't be enough for you. Have no fear. Trust in God to be your true stronghold.

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

* NEW: "Look around for those who might be crying out for guidance, for friendship, for an understanding ear, and show them the love Jesus modeled for us." by Beth Dotson Brown

Culture-War 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 share ProLife Truth (John 14:6)...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16)!

ProLife Station #11 (Jesus is Nailed to the Cross): "The powers of this world crucified the God who made this world. All power and authority come from God. All who exercise power have to account for it before the throne of God. We pray that those in government may use their powers to protect the innocent babies in the womb." by Fr. Frank Pavone (Priests for Life)

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, Maureen Rogers (pain), Colleen Boddicker (Her Mom moved to hospice)

Faith Quote: "Strong and mighty, strong to save us; like a fortress never failing; strong in battle, strong in kindness, when we stray, Lord, you're strong to find us. When the winds come hard against us; you are steadfast, you are true; when the ground beneath us trembles, your foundation never moves." - Newsboys, Strong Tower

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)!