Thursday, July 9, 2009

Matthew 10:7 (pray for the Apostles of today)

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 you go, make this proclamation, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 10:7 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Jesus, knowing that he would not be among us in his present form forever, passed on to the Twelve this same authority. They were to heal, to cleanse, to set free and to preach the Kingdom. They were instructed to do so without cost. And those who would not receive the "Word" from them would be subject to the "day of judgment." The Apostles, and their successors the bishops, are commanded by Jesus to exercise his authority from the earliest of gospel times right up to this very day. Pray for them, that they may fulfill their office with the wisdom, zeal and compassion of Jesus himself." by Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News.
* NEW: Let's pray for those who are commanded by Jesus to exercise His authority and guide His church.

Rich's comments: Heavenly Father, in these trying times when the spirit of the age threatens Christian values, give our bishops holiness of life and wisdom to direct and guide our Church so that we may grow in your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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, Nana Suzie (prayer of thanksgiving for each "good day" that JP experiences), Stephanie Spader (for a family with unexpected pregnancy), Carla Neal (Melissa & family, Bernie, Craig, Yvonne, & Carol)


Faith Quote: "It is a mistake to apply American democratic procedures to the faith and the truth. You cannot take a vote on the truth. The value of democracy stands or falls with the values which it embodies and promotes." - Pope John Paul II

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)!

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