Mark 1:11 (The Baptism of the Lord)

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners(FB). Guest Authors schedule. LIFE Minute radio.

"And a voice came from the heavens, 'You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.'" ~ Mark 1:11 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: If baptism is necessary for the remission of sins, particularly Original Sin, why was Christ baptized? Jesus was born without Original Sin, and He lived His entire life without sinning; therefore, He had no need of baptism as we do. In humbling Himself to the baptism of St. John the Baptist, Jesus provided an example to the rest of us. In being baptized, Jesus instituted the Sacrament of Baptism. His flesh blessed the water, and the descent of the Holy Spirit (in the form of a dove) and the affirmation of God the Father announcing that this was His Son, in Whom He was well pleased, marked the beginning of Christ's ministry. Jesus brings today's Scriptures to us, so we can share in His baptism. Jesus desires for us to receive the renewing power of the Spirit and the affirmation from the Father, so that we too may share in His ministry. Lord, may my baptism and confirmation promises be renewed, so that I may know in a new way the Father's love and the Spirit's power. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Renew your baptism promises today and begin a deeper ministry with Jesus.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, LifeNews, Priests for Life,Vatican, Project Rachel.

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. LIFE Runners Creed. Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: The Baptism of the Lord.

Faith Quote: "A child is a precious gift from God and baptism is God's gift wrapping." ~ unknown author

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will and His miracles, changing us and helping others. Fast from things that take your eyes off Jesus. Those who pray together stay together, and close to God!
* Save Unborn (and family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (23% pregnancies).Prov 24:11 and Jer 1:5. “A great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish.” Mother Teresa
* Evangelize:Make room for unbelievers and re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Mt 28:19.