Mark 12:30 (GOD is LOVE)

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

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. Mark 12:30 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "HEART! SOUL! MIND! STRENGTH! We are to love God with our entire being--all of it! One of the mystics of the East suggests that in order to bring a whole heart home to God, we have to dismiss all our half-loves. I, who have so many half-loves, find that wonderful proposal both demanding and attractive. I want to be called to be all I can be, yet I struggle to be obedient to the invitation." by Sr. Macrina Wiederkehr, O.S.B.

Rich's comments: God, who is love, has placed a strong desire in our hearts for Him. Even those who do not believe in God are hungry for love. However, love is grossly misunderstood and often distorted by our self-serving society (e.g., pornography, masturbation, rape, adultery, etc.). The human heart hungers to experience true Christ-like "agape" that is self-giving love. As Christians, it is our responsibility to teach others to come to know the love that God has for them. For once they have experienced God's love, they will no longer be fooled by the counterfeit that society offers them. Lord, make me a conduit of Your love. Amen.
* Sr. Francelle's devotion: God's Love

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Faith Challenge: Let's generously encourage others by forwarding devotions or using the Facebook "invite people" link.

* NEW: How do you share God's love with others? Consider sharing comments (or "like") on the Facebook page, for encouraging others...thank you!

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: Michigan Abortionist Admits to Forcing Client into Abortion

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together, and close to God (footnotes). Prayer to end abortion, Doug Young (special intention), Pat Castle (thanksgiving for JP completing his miraculous Make a Wish trip).

* NEW: Rich Reich (Caroline Sandow died on Saturday); (cousin Tom diagnosed with cancer).

Feast Day: St. Charles Lwanga and Companions

Faith Quote: "Since love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul." - St. Augustine

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22