John 17:9 ("The Fellowship of the Unashamed")

Let's welcome God today with this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (archive, Facebook), based on Living Faith. Prove yourselves doers of the Word, and not merely hearers. James 1:22

I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me... John 17:9 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "The threats I face are almost opposite those encountered by the first disciples. Instead of the danger of dying for my beliefs, I face the danger of complacency in this Christianity-dominated culture. When I wonder if going to Mass and prayer really matters, it helps me to know that Jesus prayed for me to persevere." by Aileen A. O'Donoghue (Associate Professor of Physics)

Pat's nuggets:

* The Bishop presided for our Mass this past Sunday. Daughter Grace (7) said, "Do you think the Bishop knows it's my birthday? I think God had the Bishop come for my birthday." Daughter Paige (10) said, "The Bishop is a star for Jesus." May we all strive to let God's light shine through us...to be stars for Jesus!

* Stephanie Kemp shared The Fellowship of the Unashamed poem...let's apply this to our ProLife Christian journey of faith. "The decision has been made. I have stepped over the line. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is in God's hands. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, the bare minimum, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, frivolous living, selfish giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, applause, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, the best, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith. I lean on Christ's presence. I love with patience, live by prayer, and labor with the power of God's grace. My face is set. My gait is fast, my goal is heaven. My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, and my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, let up or slow up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and spoken up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give until I drop, speak out until all know, and work until He stops me. And when He returns for His own, He will have no difficulty recognizing me." (author unknown)

Faith Sharing: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding devotions or using the Facebook "invite people" link.

* NEW: What resonated with you in the The Fellowship of the Unashamed poem (above)? Consider sharing comments (or "like") on the Facebook page...for encouraging others...High five!

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, Vatican, American Family Association, Priests for Life
* Reality of abortion (images), #1 cause of death (23% of pregnancies). Expose this unjust peace, setting unborn/parents free.
* NEW: TLC Singer Chilli Describes Abortion Grief: 'I Cried Almost Every Day for 9 Years'

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together, and close to God (footnotes). Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom Hanson surgery, Uncle Patrick Justet blood clots), Sara Ragan (special intention).

* NEW: Pope Benedict ("That ordained ministers, religious women/men, and lay people involved in apostolic work may understand how to infuse missionary enthusiasm into the communities entrusted to their care.")

Feast Day: St. John I

Faith Quote: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel. It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..." Rom 1:16

Through Christ our Lord,
Pat

Phil 4:13