Matthew 21:23 (Christ's Authority)

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

"When he had come into the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and said, 'By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?'" Matthew 21:23 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: Our culture is often guilty, like the chief priests and the elders, of questioning or denying the authority of Christ's teachings. Our culture would rather act upon it's own authority than submit to moral teachings it might find difficult or constraining. However, we must remember to trust in Jesus Christ and follow Him, because He leads us to the true path of freedom. Ironically, rejecting Christ's authority in matters of personal moral behavior often leads to spiritual enslavement. We become trapped by an artificial sense of freedom, seeking the peace that only Christ can provide. Lord, You are my king and I trust in Your authority. Show me Your way and make known to me the true path of freedom. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Do you respect Christ's authority when it comes to making personal moral decisions? Reflect on the teachings of Jesus that you find most difficult to follow and pray for His help.

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

* Iowa Planned Parenthood merger could lead to increased abortions

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). View, add, update Prayers on our website. Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: St. Lucy

Faith Quote: "Frequently remind yourself that God is with you, that He will never fail you, that you can count upon him. Say these words, 'God is with me, helping me.'" - Norman Vincent Peale

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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Matthew 10:7 (pray for the Apostles of today)

Let's welcome God every 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

As you go, make this proclamation, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 10:7 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Jesus, knowing that he would not be among us in his present form forever, passed on to the Twelve this same authority. They were to heal, to cleanse, to set free and to preach the Kingdom. They were instructed to do so without cost. And those who would not receive the "Word" from them would be subject to the "day of judgment." The Apostles, and their successors the bishops, are commanded by Jesus to exercise his authority from the earliest of gospel times right up to this very day. Pray for them, that they may fulfill their office with the wisdom, zeal and compassion of Jesus himself." by Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti

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

* NEW: Let's pray for those who are commanded by Jesus to exercise His authority and guide His church.

Rich's comments: Heavenly Father, in these trying times when the spirit of the age threatens Christian values, give our bishops holiness of life and wisdom to direct and guide our Church so that we may grow in your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Counter-Culture 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 courageously share ProLife Truth (John 14:6) to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16) and setting the unborn free!

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, addictions, Nana Suzie (prayer of thanksgiving for each "good day" that JP experiences), Stephanie Spader (for a family with unexpected pregnancy), Carla Neal (Melissa & family, Bernie, Craig, Yvonne, & Carol)

Feast Day: St. Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions

Faith Quote: "It is a mistake to apply American democratic procedures to the faith and the truth. You cannot take a vote on the truth. The value of democracy stands or falls with the values which it embodies and promotes." - Pope John Paul II

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)!