Psalm 42:3 (Thirst Quencher)

Welcome God today with this LIFE Group Devotion (website, Facebook).

"My being thirsts for God, the living God. When can I go and see the face of God?" Psalm 42:3 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: I find it to be a great spiritual exercise during Lent to sacrifice something that I enjoy in order to prevent myself from becoming a slave to my physical desires. I must confess that I am addicted to Mountain Dew, so this Lent I gave up all sodas despite my habitual craving. While sacrificing some physical desires, I have tried focusing on my spiritual needs (prayer and Scripture). For Saint Paul, his addiction was Jesus. Despite his great maturity in Christ, he still longed to know Him (Phil 3:8-11). But what was St. Paul talking about? Didn't he already know Jesus more closely than perhaps anyone else ever will? Of course he did, but the more he knew Jesus, the more he wanted to know Him. The more St. Paul progressed in spiritual strength, the more thirsty for God He became. Lord, only You can satisfy my thirst. I have tasted Your goodness and I thirst for more. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Do you thirst for God? Be encouraged, because your soul-thirst is a sign of soul-growth.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action

* Prosecutors drop case against abortion worker who stuffed baby born alive in bag

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). Add Prayers on our website. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, LIFE Runners, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: Saint Hesychius of Jerusalem

Faith Quote: "O God, I have tasted thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still." ~ A. W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

James 1:22

* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. Fast from things that take your eyes off Jesus. Those who pray together stay together, and close to God!
* Save Unborn (& family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (23% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 & 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 & re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Matt 28:19.

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Isaiah 58:6-7 (fasting for others)

Let's welcome God today by reflecting on this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (archive, Facebook), 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

This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly...Sharing your bread with the hungry...Clothing the naked when you see them...Isaiah 58:6-7 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Religious practices like fasting are meant to support and nourish concrete acts of love. And our sins are somehow healed when we reach out to others in compassion. These words are sobering. They imply that my Lenten practices are not a private affair between God and me. As the old proverb says, Be not simply good; be good for something." by Sr. Melannie Svoboda, S.N.D.

Rich's comments: When we decide to do something for Lent, oftentimes we think about fasting for ourselves (e.g., giving up chocolate, caffeine, video games, Facebook, etc.); usually something that we crave that feeds an addiction. It is good to periodically screen our behaviors for addictions that can serve as idols in our life; however, these Lenten practices only seem to bring us good, and not others. This Lent, try "sharing your bread" (food, money, time, talents) with others. God of love, may my Lenten practices support my endeavors to make this world a better place. Amen.

Faith Challenges: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding a devotion or using our Facebook Group "invite people to join" link.
* NEW: Read about the power of fasting in today's One Bread, One Body devotion.
*NEW: How has fasting affected your spiritual life? Do you have a story to share that witnesses to the power of fasting? Consider commenting on our Facebook Group.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, Vatican, American Family Association, Priests for Life
* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images), #1 cause of death in America (23% of pregnancies). Let's courageously share ProLife Truth to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace, rebuilding a Culture of Life for setting the unborn (and parents) free!

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together...and closer to God (see prayer/fasting footnotes).
* Prayer to end abortion, Peters family (JP), Haitian earthquake victims.

Faith Quote: "Everyone knows that fasting is a different experience from missing your dinner by accident or through poverty. Fasting asserts the will against the appetite- the reward being self-mastery and the danger pride: involuntary hunger subjects appetites and will together to the Divine Will, furnishing an occasion for submission and exposing us to the danger of rebellion." - C.S. Lewis

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, pornography, bitterness, criticalness, 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).

Psalm 71:3 (our strongholds)

Welcome God every morning before your work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which has snippets from Living Faith. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safey, for you are my rock and my fortress. Psalm 71:3

Living Faith snippets: "During this Holy Week as we contemplate the final days of Jesus on earth, we remember vividly what he endured to save us. Along with his suffering came a promise for our protection and salvation. In return, Jesus did ask us for something--he called us to imitate him." by Beth Dotson Brown

Rich's comments: A stronghold is a place of survival or refuge. What strongholds do you seek when you are under stress? Do you seek man-made strongholds like alcohol, over-eating, pornography, gossip, addictions, etc., or do you run towards the Lord? Whatever you flee to may not be evil in itself, but whatever keeps you from fleeing to Jesus is your true stronghold, and one day that won't be enough for you. Have no fear. Trust in God to be your true stronghold.

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News. Suggestions?

* NEW: "Look around for those who might be crying out for guidance, for friendship, for an understanding ear, and show them the love Jesus modeled for us." by Beth Dotson Brown

Culture-War News: LifeSiteNews, American Family Association, Priests for Life

* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images)...#1 cause of death in America. Let's share ProLife Truth (John 14:6)...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16)!

ProLife Station #11 (Jesus is Nailed to the Cross): "The powers of this world crucified the God who made this world. All power and authority come from God. All who exercise power have to account for it before the throne of God. We pray that those in government may use their powers to protect the innocent babies in the womb." by Fr. Frank Pavone (Priests for Life)

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas below.

* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, Maureen Rogers (pain), Colleen Boddicker (Her Mom moved to hospice)

Faith Quote: "Strong and mighty, strong to save us; like a fortress never failing; strong in battle, strong in kindness, when we stray, Lord, you're strong to find us. When the winds come hard against us; you are steadfast, you are true; when the ground beneath us trembles, your foundation never moves." - Newsboys, Strong Tower

Through Christ Our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* 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 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.

Let's joyfully invite others to join our LIFE Group...Rich or Pat will gladly add them to the devotions distribution list (Mark 16:15)!

Matthew 8:25-26 (Who's really in control?)

* Welcome God every morning before work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which has snippets from Living Faith (livingfaith.com).

They came and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" He said to them, "Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?" Matthew 8:25-26

Living Faith snippets: "There are, as the apostles discovered, storms. Instead of regret and fear, maybe this is the time to nurture faith. Faith that no matter where we go, God is with us and God is working. So perhaps instead of complaining, we could try asking a question: "Here we are Lord. I'm glad you're in charge and not me. What next?" Lord Jesus, help me accept my situation and see your hand in it." by Amy Welborn

Rich's comments: I remember 20 years ago playing Atari with my much younger cousin watching me. He was much too young to play video games, but he was just not satisfied in watching me play; he felt he had to be in control of the action. In order to keep him from crying in frustration, I would often let him hold the other video game controller so that he thought that he was in control. Then he was happy. It seems that as adults, the need to be in control has not changed. This obsessive desire to control our lives can even lead to our own enslavement through dangerous addictions. What a freeing experience it is to finally let go and let God take control. The ironic thing is though, God has always been in control.

ProLife news: http://www.lifenews.com/

Faith quote: "As your faith is strengthened you will find that there is no longer the need to have a sense of control, that things will flow as they will, and that you will flow with them, to your great delight and benefit." by Emmanuel Teney

Feast Day: Today is the feast of Blessed Junipero Serra (1713-1784). Junipero Serra was a Franciscan priest who founded nine missions in what is today the state of California. He is the one man most responsible for bringing the Spanish culture and the Catholic faith 500 miles deep into the Californian frontier. You can read more about him at http://www.smart.net/~tak/Patrons/junipero.html.

Our Prayers: Abortion, our enemies/our troops, China earthquake, Myanmar cyclone, Midwest floods, depression/despair, prisoners, Vicki Miller (her cancer treatment), Joe Castle (11 yr old Devantae paralyzed), Liz Curry (brother Bob broke hip), Kay Castle (cancer treatment for Ms. Nancy Wheeler, Welcome Home Warrior funding efforts)

Through Christ Our Lord,
Rich
Romans 12:12

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml.
* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others. Wayne Watson lyrics, “When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven, and miracles you can't explain await!” "If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead & see Him."
* 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. Click for Prayer to End Abortion.
* Evangelization: Let's make room for non-believers (be a friend, make a friend, lead 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.
Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

Mon, 10 Mar (John 8:7)

* Welcome God every morning by taking ~ 5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion, which has snippets from the Living Faith devotional (http://www.livingfaith.com/). Please consider sharing your gift of faith by adding a comment at life-devotions.blogspot.com.

Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her. John 8:7

Living Faith snippets: "The summer I was assigned as chaplain to a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center...I soon discovered that many of the clients weren't all that different from me. With great remorse, they described how they had stolen from and hurt their families in order to satisfy their uncontrollable cravings. It forced me to reflect on how I had hurt people I loved, not because I was controlled by a disease, but merely in pursuit of selfish desires for pleasure or success. Awareness of my own sin underlined my need to meet them not with judgement, but compassion. Only then could I help them--and myself--toward the goal of "using" no more." by Mark Mossa

Pat's nuggets: On Friday night, a group of us attended the "Stations of the Cross" which took us on a spiritual journey through 14 stations of the Passion of Christ (the 15th station is the Resurrection, not celebrated until Easter). To help us prepare for Easter, I will share snippets from these stations in the devotions leading up to Easter (from the "Behold! The Way of the Cross" booklet).

* FIRST STATION (Jesus is condemned to death.): "We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. Because, by your holy cross, You have redeemed the world. Try to imagine Jesus has already suffered prior to coming before Pilate. He was betrayed by a friend, arrested and taken into custody, even though he was innocent and committed no crime. He was mocked, scourged and spat upon and even crowned with a wreath of thorns that pressed into his head, causing great pain and loss of blood. Now, he receives an unjust sentence of death from Pontius Pilate, who knows that Jesus is an innocent man and does not deserve to die. In perfect obedience to his Father [and unconditional love for us], Jesus accepts the death sentence, is seized by the soldiers, and led out to begin the agonizing journey to Calvary. Stir my heart, Lord, that I might not give in to fear. Strengthen me to turn wrong into right, bad into good and conflict to resolution. Fill me with your grace and protect me as I do your will to bring justice to all people." Amen.

Through Christ for ProLife,
Pat
Phil 4:13

* 40 Days for Life campaign (ends 16 Mar) at http://www.40daysforlife.com/.
* Daily Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml.
* LIFE Prayers at life-prayers.blogspot.com. Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others (so let's pray daily!). Click for Prayer to End Abortion.
* Sr. Francelle Devotions at sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com.
* Defend the unborn: Pro-Life websites are listed on the blog. "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you" (Jer 1:5). "You knit me together in my mother's womb" (Ps 139:13). "Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die" (Prov 24:11). "It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish" Blessed Mother Teresa.
* Share the Good News: Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!