Joshua 24:13 (Your House)

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

"I gave you a land which you had not tilled and cities which you had not built, to dwell in; you have eaten of vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant." ~ Joshua 24:13 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: The other day I glanced above our stove in the kitchen to a picture that has been hanging in our home for years. It says, "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord." I was quickly reminded how easily I forget that all good things flow from God. My house, my job, even my family is not my own - I am but a steward for a short while. In today's reading, Joshua reminds God's people all that has been done for them. They were once prisoners in the land of Egypt, but God delivered them. A few short verses later Joshua challenges them to make a choice - either go back to the ways of their fathers or turn toward God. There is no duplicity, no division in God. He proclaims, "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord."

Faith Challenge: Is your house divided? Today, like Joshua, commit your house to the Lord.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: God Answers Prayers

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

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Spiritual Adoption, 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: St. Jane Frances de Chantal (d. 1641)

Faith Quote: "Once we have humbled ourselves for the faults God allows us to become aware of in ourselves, we must forget them and go forward." ~ St. Jane Frances de Chantal

Through Christ Our Lord,
Steve
Romans 12:2 .

* 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 (22% 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.

Comments? To subscribe/unsubscribe to the emails, go to LIFE Group Devotions or LIFE Runners Updates.

1 John 3:23 (Holy Name of Jesus)

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

"And His commandment is this: we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as He commanded us." 1 John 3:23 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: Today is the feast day of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, eight days after the birth of Christ. "When eight days were completed for His circumcision, He was named Jesus, the name given Him by the angel before He was conceived in the womb." (Luke 2:21) This feast day was first celebrated in the 15th century as a celebration of Christ's naming and circumcision (a memoriam of the first shedding of the Lord's blood), but has evolved into the central feast of all the mysteries of Jesus Christ. Today we should take the opportunity to reflect on the power of the Name of Jesus revealed to us in scripture and in our lives. The Name of Jesus invoked with confidence brings physical healing (Mark 16:17-18, Acts 3:6, 9:34, 9:40). Jesus' name gives consolation in spiritual trials...try chanting Jesus repeatedly to yourself when tempted by sin, and you will be overwhelmed with a feeling of peace. His Holy Name protects us from satan for the devil fears the Name of Jesus. In the Name of Jesus we obtain blessings, for Christ has said: "If you ask the Father anything in My Name, He will give it to you." (John 16:23) Therefore, we conclude our prayers with these words: "Through Our Lord Jesus Christ." Lord, may every knee bend at the sound of Your Most Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Don't be ashamed to speak the Holy Name of Jesus in public for His name has great power.

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

* Story of healthy unborn twin’s abortion sparks angry backlash from Canadian twins

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

Feast Day: Most Holy Name of Jesus

Faith Quote: "Glorious name, gracious name, name of love and of power! Through you sins are forgiven, through you enemies are vanquished, through you the sick are freed from their illness, through you those suffering in trials are made strong and cheerful. You bring honor to those who believe, you teach those who preach, you give strength to the toiler, you sustain the weary." ~ St. Bernardine of Siena

In the Holy Name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
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.

Comments? To subscribe/unsubscribe to the emails, go to LIFE Group Devotions or LIFE Runners Updates.

Matthew 11:11 (Circle of Blessing) by Jean

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

"…there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” Matthew 11:11 (full readings)

Jean's Reflections: In the circle of blessing and reconciliation which God initiates, John baptized with water those who were willing to acknowledge their own darkness. So often, though, repentance and wanting forgiveness from God is not accompanied by wanting to do God’s will, or having inner freedom to do God’s will -- to love neighbor. The Pharisees “did the right thing” in all the externals – often out of duty rather than love – and showed that their hearts had not been transformed. They neglected the greater part of the law: mercy for those in darkness. They were unwilling to bear another’s burdens as God who daily bears our burdens for us. The kingdom of heaven comes to fulfillment through Jesus Christ who baptizes by fire and the Holy Spirit, who gives freedom from “having to” follow the law as slaves so that we have freedom for “wanting to” follow the law as lovers. Jesus’ mission is to bring good news, that is, forgiveness, mercy, and compassion to those who walk in darkness so that they, too, may participate in the circle of blessing and offer forgiveness, mercy, and compassion to their neighbors who are sinners all. Until I see myself as one who walks in darkness and has received liberation and forgiveness from God I will have a difficult time sharing in his mission with my whole heart. Mercy and forgiveness of those who have trespassed against me is my way of showing that God’s mercy and forgiveness of me has changed my heart. When I witness myself bringing good news to the poor, the captive, the blind, the stranger, the sick, and the prisoner, I recognize that I have stepped into the circle of mercy sharing in the life of God. When all men are willing to acknowledge their own darkness and, through their changed hearts, forgive their enemies the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb…there shall be no harm or ruin…and the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the lord (from last Sunday’s first reading).

Faith Challenge: Be aware of whether the choices I make from my “gut” or emotions are in line with God’s will that I love my neighbor as God does.

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

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. Juan Diego "Similar to ancient biblical personages who were collective representations of all the people, we could say that Juan Diego represents all the indigenous peoples who accepted the Gospel of Jesus, thanks to the maternal aid of Mary, who is always inseparable from the manifestation of her Son and the spread of the Church, as was her presence among the Apostles on the day of Pentecost” (Pope John Paul II, beatification homily).

Faith Quote: "Don't lose any opportunity, however small, of being gentle toward everyone. Don't rely on your own efforts to succeed in your various undertakings, but only God's help. Then rest in God's care of you, confident that God will do what is best for you, provided that you, for your part, work diligently but gently. I say 'gently' because a tense diligence is harmful both to our heart and to our task and is not really diligence, but rather over eagerness and anxiety.... I recommend you to God's mercy. I beg God, through that same mercy, to fill you with God's love." ~ St Francis de Sales

Through Christ Our Lord,
Jean Noon
Luke 4:17-19

* 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.

Comments? To subscribe/unsubscribe to the emails, go to LIFE Group Devotions or LIFE Runners Updates.

John 16:22 (finding joy)

Let's 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. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. John 16:22 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "The good news of Jesus is not a promise of a perfectly joyful life in the here and now, absent of pain and filled with never-ending bliss. Christians face the same joyless times and moments of dissatisfaction and anger, as do those without faith. But, thankfully, there is more to this life of faith than meets the eye. For with Jesus come another life beyond this one, another chance at childlike joy that no one can take away. Jesus, fill me with the joy of your eternal life." by Steve Givens

Rich's comments: Although Christians face the same joyless times and moments of dissatisfaction and anger as do those without faith, Christians differ in the way we deal with these feelings by responding with a Christian attitude. Please read Sister Francelle's devotion on "Blessing those who curse you." (Matt 5:44) Jesus provides us the keys to experiencing peace in our hearts during times of trouble.

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News.
* NEW: Read Sister Francelle's devotion and practice blessing those who curse you.

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, natural disasters, addictions, Rich (Jim Russell who is battling cancer), Rich (Jack Myers, tumor in esophagus)

Feast Day: St. Rita of Cascia

Faith Quote: "To maintain a joyful family requires much from both the parents and the children. Each member of the family has to become, in a special way, the servant of the others." by 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)!

Mark 5:34 (nurture your faith)

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

Daughter, your faith has saved you. Mark 5:34

Living Faith snippets: "In this quote, I find myself thinking about what Jesus did not say. He doesn't say that he, of God, had saved her because of her faith. He says her faith saved her. Nonbelievers and those struggling with doubt have been heard to ask, "If God exists, why doesn't God make that fact obvious?" This statement from Jesus may hint at part of the answer." by Aileen O'Donoghue

Rich's comments: Like manna from heaven provided for the Israelites during their time in the desert, faith is a gift from God that is meant to sustain us through good times and bad. Although faith is provided by God, it is our responsibility to nurture our faith through worship, study, conversations with God, and mutual support of one another, by helping those who need us, by giving our time, and by sharing our resources. By nurturing our faith, it will be there to carry us through the unexpected hardships of life (desert). Lord, thank you for the gift of faith. Help me to understand how precious and powerful this gift is. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to J.O.Y.-fully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15). Suggestions?

* NEW: Show others our strong faith in Jesus by keeping a positive attitude through good times and bad. No matter how bad things get in this world, we know that the story ends with a happy ending: Jesus conquers evil.

Culture War/ProLife News: click LifeSiteNews, American Family Association, Priests for Life
* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (click here for images).

Our Prayers: those that pray together stay together
* Let's pray for courage to communicate the ProLife message through Christ to those around us (John 14:6)...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16).
* Prayer to End Abortion, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, Pres Obama/politicians, lack of faith, illnesses/injuries, Papa Joe Castle (brain bleed resolution), Maureen Morgan (reconciliation for Sue Peterson and son), Rob Ouellette (Isabella, Reia, Louisa, Kathy & Artiss), Peters family (JP, updates here)

* NEW: Fr. Tim Lozier (prostate surgery this Thursday)

Faith Quote: "I do not pray for success, I ask for faithfulness." by Mother Teresa

Through Christ Our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* Today's Bible readings here. Reflections for readings here.

* 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.'
* Fasting: Let's fast from things that takes 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 J.O.Y.-fully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

Hebrews 2:7 (humility)

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 (livingfaith.com). All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

You made him for a little while lower than the angels. Hebrews 2:7

Living Faith snippets: "The God of the covenant chose to make his son one of us, so that he would experience all the things you and I may experience in a lifetime and suffer exquisite pain in human terms that we could not fail to understand. Just trying to grasp what God did for us is perhaps the most humbling experience of all." by Heather Wilson

Rich's comments: Throughout life, we have many opportunities to take credit for successes in our lives when we shouldn’t. We need to think of these successes as blessings that God has provided for us to do His will. How do we do God's will in light of a success? By glorifying God and giving Him credit. By humbling ourselves before God and realizing that we would have nothing if it were not for God's grace. "Whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

ProLife news: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ & http://www.priestsforlife.org/
* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (click here for images).
* Let's pray for courage to communicate the ProLife message through Christ to those around us (John 14:6)...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16).

Our Prayers: Prayer to End Abortion, chastity, our enemies, our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, loss of loved ones, lack of faith, illnesses/injuries, Mike Castle (eye infection), Joe Levisky (medical issues), Rob Ouellette (St. Pat's prayer list), Dan Castle (for alcoholics), Peace in the Middle East (Iraq, Gaza), Papa Joe Castle (bleeding in brain), Lynn Bishara (Aunt Mary battling cancer), Kay Castle (Bill Lund family)

* UPDATE: Jason Peters (please continue to pray for the health of son JP and provide God's guidance to the physicians)

Faith Quote: "Humility is the mother of all virtues; purity, charity and obedience. It is in being humble that our love becomes real, devoted and ardent. If you are humble nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are. If you are blamed you will not be discouraged. If they call you a saint you will not put yourself on a pedestal." by Mother Teresa

Feast Day (St. Hilary):

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=55

Through Christ Our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml. Reflection on readings at http://www.daily-meditations.org/index2.html

* 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.'

* Fasting: Let's fast from things that takes our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, judgment, 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 lie 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 live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!