Luke 9:1 (All the Power We Need)

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

He summoned the Twelve and gave them power... Luke 9:1 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "These words are meant for all. We have been summoned by Christ. We, too, are annointed ones who have been given power. Let this be the heart of your prayer today. You have been summoned and given power. The power you are given is Christ Power. Jesus you are my power and my grace. You are my walking staff. Your power is enough for me." by Sr. Macrina Wiederkehr, O.S.B.

Steve's Thoughts: Today is the feast day of one of the greatest modern Saints - Padre Pio. There are many, many faith inspiring stories told of this holy man of God who lived and died on this day in 1968. In 1918, while giving thanks after mass, he received a vision of Jesus. After the vision had ended he had recieved the stigmata (wounds) of Jesus in his hands, feet, and side. These were a source of great suffering and joy throughout the remainder of his life.

"At Padre Pio's canonization Mass in 2002, Pope John Paul II referred to that day's Gospel (Matthew 11:25-30) and said: “The Gospel image of 'yoke' evokes the many trials that the humble Capuchin of San Giovanni Rotondo endured. Today we contemplate in him how sweet is the 'yoke' of Christ and indeed how light the burden are whenever someone carries these with faithful love. The life and mission of Padre Pio testify that difficulties and sorrows, if accepted with love, transform themselves into a privileged journey of holiness, which opens the person toward a greater good, known only to the Lord.”

Faith Challenges:
* NEW: I would like to welcome the following new members to the Life Group - Chasity Soupir and Deacon Chuck Kampa...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!
* 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). Kathy Castle (friend's husband Matt's kidney transplant), Stephanie Spader (for peace/healthy pregnancy)

Feast Day: St. Pio of Pietrelcina (a.k.a. Padre Pio)...more on St. Padre Pio

Faith Quote: "The life of a Christian is nothing but a perpetual struggle against self; there is no flowering of the soul to the beauty of its perfection except at the price of pain" ~ St. Padre Pio

In Christ,
Steve
Romans 12:2

* 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).