Luke 8:17 (Embrace the Truth)

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

For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. Luke 8:17 (full readings)

Rich's thoughts: Pilate asked Jesus, "What is truth?" Today, as Christians, it is challenging for us to discern the Truth, especially in our information age of the Internet and media. We are constantly exposed to a variety of ideas that are incompatible with the Truths of our faith (see Counter-Culture News). Christians who are not strong in their faith will unfortunately adopt secularist perspectives without recognizing their incompatibility with the Christian faith. Jesus came into this world to testify to the Truth. Everyone who belongs to the Truth listens to His voice. (John 18:37) Lord, may we listen to the Truth revealed by You, and live out that Truth in our daily lives. Amen.

Faith Challenge: How do you discern the Truth in your life?

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action.
* Planned Parenthood in 1952: Abortion “kills the life of a baby” Read how Planned Parenthood knew the truth about abortion back in 1952 before they became profiteers.

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer), Vicki Kerkvliet (Mom's radiation treatment), Karen Ryan-Philpott (2 wk old Baby William's heart issues), Steve Castle (1 yr old daughter Sarah seizure recovery), Nicholas Zeisler (for AF Academy healing from a cadet suicide).
* Pat Castle (Molly Barber in hospital)

Feast Day: Sts. Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and other martyrs who believed in the Truth and died for their Faith in Korea.

Faith Quote: "If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

James 1:22

Luke 11:40 (inside vs. outside)

Let's welcome God this 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

Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? Luke 11:40 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "We are like the Pharisees when we become overly concerned with outside, that is, with appearance, apparel, titles and places of honor. But surely the part of us that is called to be holy, that is made in the image and likeness of God, is that internal dimension." by Heather Wilson

Rich's comments: Why are some people ashamed to pray in public before a meal, but they would be embarrassed if they were caught eating with dirty hands. It seems that most people are concerned about their outward appearance for fear of being judged. Man looks to appearances, but the Lord sees the heart. It seems like we spend a lot of our time, money, and energy trying to fit into the World. Shouldn't we prepare ourselves to allow God to fit into us?

Faith Challenges:
Let's all invite one person each week (John 14:6) to join our LIFE Group (>240 of God's children).
* NEW: We often have to choose between what society wants us to do and what we know in our hearts that God wants us to do. Choose wisely, but pray before you choose.

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 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, refugees, addictions, persecuted believers, Peters family (JP in hospital), Lynn Bishara (for son Alex), Stephanie Spader (for pregnancy), Joyce Trunk (friend w/brain cancer), Kathy Castle (Vicki Miller in hospice).

Faith Quotes: "When we serve the poor and the sick, we serve Jesus. We must not fail to help our neighbors, because in them, we serve Jesus." - St. Rose of Lima

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, 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 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 106:3 (making the right choice)

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

Happy are they who observe what is right... Psalm 106:3 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "It was one of those moments in life when I was torn, not between good and evil, but by a conflict about where to put my focus and energy. Finishing my work was important, but I could see how upset my neighbor was, and I knew that it would be at least an hour before her husband arrived home. The next thing I knew I was offering her lemonade and catching up on the latest news. I went to bed happy that night. I had managed to meet my deadline, and I knew by the peace in my heart that I had done what was right." by Terri Mifek

One Bread One Body snippets: "Although we must not be apathetic when God calls us into action, we must not be pressured into action when He calls us to stay put. If those protesting abuses in the Church at the time of the Reformation had stayed put, we would possibly have a united, renewed Church. If the Christians in the inner city had not fled to the suburbs, inner-city churches would not be closed, and the larger Church would be stronger. If rural people were not pushing into the cities, more families would remain intact, and fewer young people would be manipulated and dehumanized. If we just stayed put, we wouldn't see so many immature and unprepared single people getting married and so many married people getting divorced." -OBOB

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

* NEW: Where are you the most pressured to make a move? Don't give in to the pressure. Move only in obedience to God.

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, Carla Neal (Jonathan Barlow, Margaret Solms, Dan, Joe and Becky), Church job interview for Steve Castle on Saturday.

Faith Quote: "By waiting and by calm you shall be saved, in quiet and in trust your strength lies" (Is 30:15).

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)!

Acts 20:22 (He is with us always)

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

But now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem. What will happen to me there I do not know... Acts 20:22 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Currently, it is my daughter, who is researching colleges intently, determined to find the "perfect" place and convinced that if she makes the wrong choice, her life will be thrown off course. What she doesn't understand, but will eventually, is that while it's true that some situations are better than others for us, God is with us in all of them. We do our part to discern and decide--"compelled by the Spirit," as Paul was--but the truth is, just like Paul, we just don't know what will happen to us when we arrive. And also like Paul, in all of those places, we find peace, not in where we are, but in who's with us--always. Lord, I don't know what the future holds, but I'm joyful that you'll be with me there." by Amy Welborn

Rich's comments: In the Air Force they tell you not to worry about your next assignment, but to do your best at your current assignment. This is true. I find that in making the most of my current situations I have thoroughly enjoyed every assignment I have had in the Air Force so far. It would be too easy to constantly worry about the things that you have no control over, while neglecting the things that you do have control over, like caring for the people around you. As a natural planner, I need to be careful that I do not set myself up for dissapointment with high expectations of the future. I need to trust in God that although I do not know all of the details of His plans for me, that the important thing is that He is with me always.

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

* NEW: Identify any worries that you currently have about the future and pray about them.

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. Philip Neri

Faith Quote: "Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

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)!

Acts 5:29 (eyes on Jesus)

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

We must obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29

Living Faith snippets: "Our conflicts will most likely occur in the quiet of a troubled heart, trying to sort out God's voice from the heavy static that surrounds us. It is never easy to do this. There are so many opportunities to become diverted." by Paul Pennick

Rich's comments: How do we sort out the things in our lives that obey God from those that contradict Him? I believe that we need to strive to live an authentic Christian life (follow Christ). By doing so, we will be more receptive to God's voice in our hearts speaking to us through the Holy Spirit. Our actions naturally follow our thoughts. If we are always thinking about Christ, we will follow Christ. Every successful athlete knows that you need to stay focused on the goal. "Keep your eyes on the prize" as the saying goes. To be authentic Christians, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus.

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

* NEW: Let's strive to live an authentic Christian life by focusing our attention on Christ.

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 below.

* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, addictions, Mike Castle (Nelda Alford cancer treatment), Bobby Aborn (wife Christi with medical issues), Sue Peters (friend getting CT scan, Godchild Sarah Fideler expecting a precious baby on Thanksgiving day)

Faith Quote: "Clearly it is much better to obey God than man. If we disobey man, we may
suffer briefly, be imprisoned, or be killed. If we disobey God, a prison can be put in us; we may be damned and suffer eternally. The Holy Spirit will show us where in our society man's law contradicts God's. The Spirit will show us how to oppose that most heinous law, the law legalizing abortion. The Spirit will teach us how to disobey man's laws that contradict God's." - One Bread, One Body

Feast Day: St. George and St. Adalbert

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)!

Revelations 3:19 (love is being able to say 'no')

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

Those whom I love, I reprove and chastise. Be earnest, therefore, and repent. Revelations 3:19

Living Faith snippets: "God says "no" to us sometimes and wants us to make good choices. God doesn't ask for perfection but does expect our very best effort and, when we fail, our repentance. God does not wait for us to make mistakes so he can punish us. He offers guidance and an invitation to forgiveness because we are loved." by Steve Givens

Rich's comments: Do you include God in your life decisions? Do you pray and discern with God's help? Sometimes people do not include God, because they know that the answer to their question will be "no", or against their worldly desires. They can hear it in their well-formed consciences, the guidance that God is whispering to them in their hearts. Lord, may we include you in our decisions, listen patiently for Your response, and obey Your loving guidance. Amen.

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

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, Joe Castle (medical concern), Joe Hourigan (special intention), Pam McGushin (family of six yr old William Hopkins), Mary Ellen Seibert (college daughter Paige has tough virus), Lynn Bishara (aunt Mary with ovarian cancer), Stephanie Spader (babies with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome)

* Gina (her friend Renee Strohm was recently diagnosed with a massive brain tumor (non-cancerous) and will be having surgery tomorrow (Wed, 19 Nov). Please pray for her and her family that the surgery goes well and she has a speedy recovery.

Faith Quote: "There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, 'All right, then, have it your way.'" by C.S. Lewis

Feast Day: St. Rose Philippine Duchesne (http://saints.sqpn.com/saintr20.htm)

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)!