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. 3:17My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it. Luke 8:21 (full readings)
Living Faith snippets: "So Jesus' words, rather than offending us, can give us comfort that the periodic alienation we feel from our families is something he has experienced and understands. Let us call on him in our difficult moments to expand our hearts to love what we can't comprehend in our families." by Aileen O'Donoghue
Rich's comments: In the Gospel reading today, Jesus makes clear that His family is not consituted by physical relationship with Him, but by obedience to the word of God. I grew up in a very small family; just my mom, dad, and I. I take pleasure in knowing that God's definition of family goes beyond physical relationships. I have many brothers and sisters in Christ. I am not alone. Please pray for me today as I begin leading a small family of 7 Christians in a faith sharing group who will gather weekly in my home to reflect on our spiritual lives and put our faith into action. (James 1:22)
Faith Challenges:
* NEW: Let's all invite one person each week (John 14:6) to join our LIFE Group family (>225 ProLife Christians).
Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, 40 Days for Life (begins 23 Sep), 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 to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16) and setting the unborn free!
* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images)...#1 cause of death in America. Let's courageously share ProLife Truth to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16) and setting the unborn free!
* NEW: Please read letter from Charmaine Yoest, President and CEO of Americans United for Life Action (AULA), addressing the concerns about abortion in health care. STAY INFORMED!
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, Peters family (JP in hospital), Lynn Bishara (for son Alex), Kay Castle (special intentions), Pat Castle (for cousin Michael).
* 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, Peters family (JP in hospital), Lynn Bishara (for son Alex), Kay Castle (special intentions), Pat Castle (for cousin Michael).
* NEW: Kathy Castle (friend's husband Matt's kidney transplant), Stephanie Spader (for peace/healthy pregnancy)
Faith Quote: "As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live." - Pope John Paul II
Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22
* 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 a 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 (Matt 28:19).
* 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 a 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 (Matt 28:19).
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