Thursday, August 13, 2009

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)


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.

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