John 20:29 (recognizing Jesus in His wounds)

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

Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed. John 20:29 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "We may think that Thomas had it easy; after all, he got to touch the wounds of Jesus. But our faith tells us that even though we can't physically see Jesus today, we can still recognize him as he continues to show us his wounds. When we encounter a homeless person, listen to a neighbor's account of job uncertainty, struggle to heal fractured relationships, try to relieve a loved one's physical pain or be present to their emotional anguish, we are encountering Jesus in his wounds among us. Jesus risen, here and now." by Sr. Chris Koellhoffer

Rich's comments: The devotion this morning opened my eyes to something that I had not realized before; that those suffering all around us are the wounds of Jesus. In order to show Jesus that we love Him, we are called to love others. Please read Sr. Francelle's devotion on grieving and healing here, where she talks about how to comfort those who are suffering.

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

* NEW: Read Sr. Francelle's devotion on grieving and healing here, and put it into action.

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, Carla Neal (Jonathan Barlow, Margaret Solms, Dan, Joe and Becky), Nana Suzie (prayer of thanksgiving for each "good day" that JP experiences).

Feast Day: St. Thomas

Faith Quote: "I pray that you will understand the words of Jesus, “Love one another as I have loved you.” Ask yourself “How has he loved me? Do I really love others in the same way?” Unless this love is among us, we can kill ourselves with work and it will only be work, not love. Work without love is slavery." - 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)!