Acts 11:22-24 ("Ministry of Encouragement"!)

Let's welcome God today with this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (archive, Facebook), based on Living Faith. Prove yourselves doers of the Word, and not merely hearers. James 1:22

They sent Barnabas [to go] to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled with the holy Spirit and faith. Acts 11:22-24 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "[Like Barnabas], what if we were to take up the "Ministry of Encouragement" today, purposely looking for what's going right and taking time to affirm it? Can we open our eyes and hearts today to all the strengths and virtues present in ourselves, in others, in the workplace, in our community and country?" by Claire J. King

Pat nuggets:

* While stationed in Turkey (2000-2002), I visited this special church in Antioch (today's verse & picture). Angi and I visited the tomb of Barnabas on the island of Cyprus. The stories in the Bible really happened...Christ really gave his life for our salvation...and God really loves each one of us!

* Art Horn shared, "Faith Sharing reminded me of the movie Letters to God; amazing movie that really inspired me. I highly recommend it to everyone to see!"

* Jean Noon shared, "Mother Teresa's simple path began with silence: The fruit of silence is prayer. The fruit of prayer is faith. The fruit of faith is love. The fruit of love is service. The fruit of service is peace. I think this path is sequential; skipping won't work! All these fruits begin with silence as a way to still the ego... mind and its chatter and its tendencies. Silence makes space for God's perspective. Silence makes space for grace." Mother Teresa's book, The Simple Path, is a quick read...and filled with many growth opportunities.

* Sr. Francelle's devotion: What do you do with the Bumps in life?

Faith Sharing: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding devotions or using the Facebook "invite people" link.
* NEW: In what ways can we encourage each other to live out our faith each day? Please consider sharing faith comments (or "like" button) on the Facebook page, appreciated by many...thank you!

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

* Reality of abortion (images), #1 cause of death (23% of pregnancies). Expose this unjust peace, setting unborn/parents free.

* NEW: Nebraska Enacts First-Ever Abortion Ban Based on Fetal Pain.

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together, and close to God (footnotes). Peters family (JP), Prayer to end abortion.

Faith Quote: St. Anselm of Canterbury, "Nor do I seek to understand that I may believe, but I believe that I may understand. For this too I believe, that unless I first believe, I shall not understand." His motto was, "Faith Seeking Understanding." He taught that faith and reason are not enemies...but the closest of friends. (shared by Stephanie Kemp)

Through Christ our Lord,

Pat

Phil 4:13

* 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).

1 Cor 1:3-4 (encouragement!)

Let's welcome God every morning before work by giving a few minutes to read this 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

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all encouragement, who encourages us in our every affliction, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction... 1 Cor 1:3-4 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Of the many kinds of friends- the helper, the advisor, the confidant, the companion, the jester- the cheerleader is one of the most important. This is the friend who encourages us when we're down, overwhelmed or on the verge of giving up. This is the friend who says just the right words, pats us on the back, reminds us of our goodness and abilities, and then nudges us back on to the playing field of life. According to St. Paul, all encouragement ultimately comes from God, so, in one way, we can say (respectfully, of course) that God is our greatest cheerleader. Today, let us thank God for all the cheerleaders in our lives. Also, let us ask ourselves: For whom might I become a cheerleader? Encouraging God, thank you for all the ways you remind me of your love for me and encourage me to use my gifts in the game of life." by Sr. Melannie Svoboda

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News.
* NEW: Let's encourage somebody today...we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil 4:13)!

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, Sue Peters (Wendi Kotlinsky cancer treatment), Carol Nesbitt (cousin Rob Mischel with brain cancer), Carla Neal (Cyndy, Anita & Collin), Jason Peters (his son JP in hospital)

* NEW: Rich Reich (his Dad's has blocked brain artery)

Faith Quote: "Today, those who can live the Gospel consistently are swimming against the tide. This is the heroism of daily life, of living holiness at every instant and in every situation." John Paul II

Through Christ our Lord,

Pat

Phil 4:13

* 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)!

Matt 15:11 (the tongue is mightier than the blade)

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

It is not what enters one's mouth that defiles that person; but what comes out of the mouth is what defiles one. Matthew 15:11

Living Faith snippets: "Think abou what you eat, of course. But as diet is crucial for physical health, so restrained speech keeps the spirit in good shape." by Mark Neilsen

Rich's comments: Despite having heard the saying, "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all," most people probably underestimate the power of the spoken word. Though we will probably never kill someone, does not mean that the commandment "thou shall not kill" does not apply to us. Our words are so powerful that they can be used to kill another's spirit, or destroy our own. Our words can bless or curse, encourage or discourage, hurt or heal, tear down or build up. Our words can even influence the way we act and feel as well as determine our attitude and outlook on life. Lord, give me self control to hold my tongue rather than give life to negative thoughts. I want to have a positive life full of joy; let that be reflected in what I say today. Amen.

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

Our Prayers: Abortion, chastity, our enemies/our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, dementia, cancer, prisoners, Chad Livingston (friend Zak recovering from back surgery), Liz Curry (Drew, 2 yr old, recovering from surgery to remove a kidney tumor), Rob Ouellette (Fred diagnosed with recurrence of a very serious illness), Deb Kayser (recovering from rotator cuff and hand surgeries)

Faith Quote: “The smallest seed of faith is better than the largest fruit of happiness.” by Henry David Thoreau

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."
* 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. Prayer to End Abortion. Ask Blessed Margaret of Castello for her prayers 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)!

Matthew 14:27 (lifeguard on duty)

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

Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid. Matthew 14:27

Living Faith snippets: "I want to trust God enough to tread the waters of life but admit that I am not quite ready to let go of Him. He is always near. If I sink, He is there. If I am over confident and rely too much on myself, He is there. If I should kick a nearby swimmer in this sea of life, He is there to remind me to make amends and keep afloat. As I grow, I may one day help others overcome their fear and stay afloat. God is good. And so are the waves." by Fr. James Stephen Behrens

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

Feast Day (St. John Mary Vianney): "He is the patron saint of parish priests (1786-1859). He became famous internationally for his priestly and pastoral work in his parish due to the radical spiritual transformation of the community and its surroundings. Catholics attribute this to his saintly life, mortification, and persevering ministry in the sacrament of confession." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Vianney

Our Prayers: Abortion, chastity, our enemies/our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, dementia, cancer, prisoners, Chad Livingston (friend Zak recovering from back surgery), Liz Curry (Drew, 2 yr old, recovering from surgery to remove a kidney tumor), Rob Ouellette (Fred diagnosed with recurrence of a very serious illness)

* Deb Kayser (recovering from rotator cuff and hand surgeries)

Faith Quote: "The challenges confronting us require a comprehensive and sound instruction in the truths of the faith. But they also call for cultivating a mindset, an intellectual culture...confident in the profound harmony of faith and reason, and prepared to bring the richness of faith's vision to bear on the urgent issues which affect the future of American society." Pope Benedict (Apr 2008 visit to USA)

Through Christ Our Lord,

Pat

Phil 4:13

* 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."

* 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. Prayer to End Abortion. Ask Blessed Margaret of Castello for her prayers 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)!

2 Kings 11:17 (encouragement)

* 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).

Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord as one party and the king and the people as the other, by which they would be the Lord's people; and another covenant, between the king and the people. 2 Kings 11:17

Living Faith snippets: "All of us together, lay and clergy, are the Body of Christ, committed to Jesus' Gospel in loving covenant through the Sacraments. Shouldn't I be committed to you in prayer by honest, kind and encouraging words? Shouldn't I, in all things, be trying to make it easier for you to be faithful to your covenant with God? Jesus, Savior, keep me aware today of how my words and actions can help others follow you better." by Fr. James Krings

ProLife news: lifesitenews.com

Our Prayers: Abortion, our enemies, our troops, China earthquake, Myanmar cyclone, Midwest floods, depression/despair, prisoners, Vicki Miller (her cancer treatment)

Through Christ for ProLife,
Pat
Phil 4:13

* Outreach: Let's gladly invite those near us to join our LIFE Devotions group (Mark 16:15), providing routine spiritual connection and strength (simply forward a devotion with an invitation).
* 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)!

Psalm 27:14 (courage to be honest)

* 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).

Wait for the Lord with courage. Psalm 27:14

Living Faith snippets: "When we think of courage, we often think of battlefields, hospital rooms and courthouses. [How about] the courage to be honest with [ourselves]? Today might be a good day for us to reflect on the deeper roots of our tendency to judge others. What might be lurking there: jealousy, fear, hurt, anger, loneliness, fatigue? Loving God, give me the courage to be honest with you, with others and with myself." by Sr. Melannie Svoboda

ProLife news: lifesitenews.com

Feast Day of St. Anthony of Padua: "After his ordination, Anthony was placed in charge of hospitality in his abbey. In this role, in 1219, he came in contact with five Franciscans who were on their way to Morocco to preach to the Muslims there. Anthony was strongly attracted to the simple Gospel lifestyle of the Franciscan friars. In February 1220, news arrived that the five Franciscans had been martyred in Morocco. Anthony meditated on the heroism of these Franciscans. He wanted to obey God's call to leave everything and follow Him. Anthony obtained permission from his superiors to join the Franciscan order." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_of_Padua

Our Prayers: Abortion, our enemies, our troops, China earthquake, Myanmar cyclone, depression/despair, prisoners, Vicki Miller (her cancer treatment), Carlson family (sell home)

Through Christ for ProLife,

Pat

Phil 4:13

* Outreach: Let's gladly invite those near us to join our LIFE Devotions group (Mark 16:15), providing routine spiritual connection and strength (simply forward a devotion with an invitation).

* 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)!

Sat, 23 Feb (Luke 15:31)

* Welcome God every day by reading the Living Faith devotional before work (~1 min). Order at http://www.livingfaith.com/.

My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. Luke 15:31

Living Faith Devotion snippets: "When we went to Sunday Mass and heard the same Gospel as today, involving the dutiful elder son, the priest posed a most remarkable question. "Why," he asked, "did it take the father so long to tell his older son how proud he was of him and how grateful he was for his son's loyalty?" So, what about you? Who have you taken too long to thank, to affirm, to encourage?" by Fr. James Krings

Rich's comments: The parable of the prodigal son is very rich in meaning. It is so rich that every time that I have reflected on the parable either at a retreat, during a homily, or in a devotion, I learn something new. This morning is no exception. The question posed by Father Krings made me think of something Pat told me once. He said that our spiritual leaders (e.g. pastors, priests, deacons, etc.) need encouragement as well. This Sunday at church, take the time to affirm your spiritual leaders that the Holy Spirit working through them has touched your lives.

Through Christ Our Lord,
Rich
Romans 12:12

* Daily Bible readings: View at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml
* LIFE Devotions blog: View at life-devotions.blogspot.com. Sign up to comment at LIFE Devotions. Please fill in your profile.
* LIFE Prayers blog: View at life-prayers.blogspot.com. Sign up to post prayers and comment at LIFE Prayers. Prayer connects us with God's will and miracles, thereby changing us and helping others (so let's pray daily!).
* Sr. Francelle Devotions: View at sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com.
* Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!