John 15:26 (Know Spirit, No Fear!)

Welcome God today with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB).
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"When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, He will testify to me, and you will testify also." John 15:26-27 (full readings)
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Rich's Reflections: The Holy Spirit witnesses for Jesus Christ, and we are called to be witnesses as well. This is a challenging task, because we are called to do something beyond our human nature; beyond what the world expects from us. This is why Jesus' witnesses need to receive the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8), because we are called to do something beyond our own power. It is exhilarating to be a part of something that you know deep inside was beyond your own ability, and that God through the Holy Spirit obviously had an influence to make happen. By opening our hearts to the truth of the Spirit, He gives us the faith to overcome our fears to testify for the Lord. Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may have the courage to defend all that is holy and be a witness to our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Is fear keeping you from testifying for our Lord? Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you the courage to do God's will.

Counter-Culture News: LifeNews, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action
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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.
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Feast Day: St. Philip Neri often spoke to people on street corners in Rome about Jesus. One time, thirty young men came to ridicule him. Jesus touched their hearts through Philip, and they were all converted to faith.
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Faith Quote: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." ~ 2 Timothy 1:7
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Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22
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* 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 28:10 (Do not be afraid)

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

"Then Jesus said to them, 'Do not be afraid.'" Matthew 28:10 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: In Matthew's Gospel today, the first command Jesus gives to the people who saw Him after His resurrection is: "Do not be afraid." Jesus issues this command, because He understands how fear can silence a witness. I have often watched in movies how criminals get a lot of mileage out of silencing their witnesses through fear of death. Since His resurrection, Jesus has spoken through us, His disciples and witnesses. As the members of His body, He depends on us to testify and carry on His Good News; the news that He has conquered death. Fear and death have "no more power over Him" and His witnesses (Romans 6:9). Lord, give me the courage to overcome my fear, so that I may be a witness to Your Good News. Amen.
* "We fix our eyes upon the cross, and run to Him who showed great love...Christ is risen!" Christ is Risen by Matt Maher

Faith Challenge: Do not be afraid. Go and spread the Good News that Jesus is risen from the dead and all who believe in Him have eternal life (John 3:16).

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action
* Pro-aborts won’t challenge fetal pain laws for fear of losing: Politico

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. Mark fulfilled in his life what every Christian witness is called to do: to not be afraid and proclaim to all people the Good News.

Faith Quote: "Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body, but cannot kill the soul; fear rather him who has the power to make both the soul and the body perish in Gehenna." Matthew 10:28

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.

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

Mark 5:19 (Seized by Fear)

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

"But he would not permit him but told him instead, 'Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.'" Mark 5:19 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: After Jesus drove the unclean spirits out of the demoniac and into the swine, the Gerasenes (seized by fear) begged Jesus to leave their district. It appears the people would have rather lived with a legion of demons (and have their swine) than be with the Lord. As requested, Jesus left the territory of the Gerasenes. However, by declining the request of the former demoniac to accompany Him, Jesus ensured that His truth, power, and love would be professed to the people through the new life of the saved man. Like the Gerasenes, others too can be seized by fear with difficult situations in their life (e.g, unplanned pregnancy) and make "choices" (e.g., abortion) in their lives that reject the truth, power, and love of Jesus Christ. Although Jesus may be rejected and begged to leave; He remains present in us so that we may profess His truth, power, and healing love to those who need Him. Lord, help me to comfort those who are seized by fear by being a living tabernacle (1 Cor 3:16) of Your truth, power, and love. Amen.

* My Knights of Columbus council prayed in front of an abortion center in downtown Orlando wearing shirts that read "LIFE-GUARD." We were not only there to guard the lives of the unborn, but to provide hope for those drowning parents seized by fear.

Faith Challenge: Be a source of Christ's truth, power, and love for those seized by fear.

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

* The horror of abortion

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

Feast Day: St. John Bosco

Faith Quote: "Everything and everyone is won by the sweetness of our words and works." - St. John Bosco

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

Psalm 66:16 (Faith Sharing)

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

Hear now, all you who fear God, while I declare what he has done for me. Psalm 66:16 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "In my weakest moments, when fear threatens to engulf me and my unbelief taunts me, I recall how God has saved me in the past. I have a list of these intimate miracles - when God has gone before me and turned an impossible situation around, when circumstances were so aligned against me that the presence of an Almighty God was the only explanation remaining after the dust settled. When I speak these memories out loud, something shifts. The heavens open in response to my praise, and my heart opens in response to his power." by Kristin Armstrong

Rich's comments: If you have never had the opportunity to share your faith with others, you should try it. It is exhilarating! Sit down with some people you can trust and open up to them. Share with them about the God-sightings you have had in your life. Talk about how God was there when you really needed Him. These stories of witness are very reassuring of our faith and help to dissolve fear that we are alone. Like today's Living Faith devotion says, "something shifts when I speak [about the presence of God] out loud. The heavens open in response to my praise, and my heart opens in response to his power." Lord, may I be a witness to Your glory. Amen.
* Happy birthday to Pat on Friday, April 23rd. Thank you brother for sharing your faith with me.

Faith Challenges: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding devotions or using the Facebook "invite people" link.
* NEW: Try faith sharing today with the LIFE Group. How has God shown His presence (God-sightings) in your life? Consider sharing any faith comments on the Facebook page ("like" button?), to encourage many.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, Vatican, Priests for Life

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

* NEW: Tebow: I Lost Endorsement Opportunities over Pro-Life Ad - The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback said, "losing sponsors was a small price to pay for the ability to spread this message about family and faith." Have the courage to share your faith with the LIFE Group today by providing your comments on the Facebook page.

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together, and close to God (footnotes). Peters family (JP), Prayer to end abortion. Vicki Kerkvliet (hip pain), Pam McGushin (parent's health), Jean Noon (God's will for her Mom).

Faith Quote: "What are Christians put into the world for except to do the impossible in the strength of God." - General S. C. Armstrong

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).

Matthew 1:20 (Do your Faith)

Let's welcome God by reflecting on this short Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (website, 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

The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid..." Matthew 1:20 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Matthew holds up Joseph as a model for believers-Joseph who is ready to believe an angel in a dream, right here, right now. Do not be afraid to act. Act on your faith and your loving friendship with the Lord, Mathew's Gospel declares. That's what it's all about." - Mitch Finley

Rich's comments: Earlier this year, I rediscovered James 1:22 (Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.) and adopted it as my Life Verse. Every morning during prayer I recommit myself to put my Faith into action that day. I find that working on one day at a time is more practical for me than taking on one entire Advent season or year. Throughout the day I will take mental notes on how I could have acted differently in situations to be a better portrayal of Christ's presence to others, and then the next day I recommit myself to Jesus again. Lord Jesus, help me to act on my Faith daily. Amen.

Faith Challenges: Let's generously share our LIFE Group by forwarding a devotion to others or by using the "invite people to join" link on the Facebook Group. Steve, Rich, or Pat will gladly add others to the email list.

* NEW: Be like Joseph, and don't be afraid to act on your Faith today. You can do it!

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 (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. Fasting ideas in footnote below.

* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/despair, prisoners, politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, refugees, addictions, persecuted believers, Peters family (JP, Rebekah), Health care reform bill, Scott Casmer (Helene Couchon, accident recovery), Joe Hourigan (Anne Hourigan's intense pregnancy nausea).

* NEW: Tammy Kimball (Jim and family; Jim's mother passed away unexpectedly last Tuesday)

Faith quote: "It is spiritually impossible to apply the Word week after week and remain the same. As listeners with committed minds, we become productive, maturing children of God." - Charles Stanley, How to Listen to God

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).

Deuteronomy 31:6 (have no fear)

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

Be brave and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the Lord, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "From the time we are little we hear the often repeated words in Scripture: "Do not fear." Throughout our lives many encounters challenge our ability to trust. How they are handled makes the difference between a saint and an ordinary person. Saint Clare, whom we honor today, was born into nobility. Anything Clare wanted or desired would be given her. But she wanted to rely only on God's providence and the generosity of others." by Sr. Charleen Hug, S.N.D.

Rich's comments: Children are often scared of the dark, fearful that something is hiding in their closet or underneath their bed. Parents know that the first thing that their son or daughter does when they are frightened is call their name. The next time that you are scared, may your instinct be to call upon our Father in heaven. Dear Lord, help me to overcome my fears and to trust in You. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Let's invite others to join the LIFE Group (>200 Christians).

* NEW: The next time that you are fearful or worrying about a situation, stop, pray to God and hand over all of these fears to Him.

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, refugees, addictions, persecuted believers, Maureen Rogers (redoing knee replacement on 11 Aug), Rich Reich (friend Carolyn battling cancer), Anonymous (family with unexpected pregnancy), Peters family (JP in hospital)

Feast Day: "St. Clare trusted that it was God who was guiding her life. Eventually her steadfast trust in God paid off when she founded the Poor Clares, a religious order of women devoted to the poor." - Sr. Charleen Hug

Faith Quote: “There are 200 million poor in the world who would gladly take the vow of poverty if they could eat, dress and have a home like I do." - Fulton Sheen

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.

Genesis 3:4-5 (let go, let God, unite)

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

But the serpent said to the woman, "You certainly will not die! No, God knows that the moment you eat of it [the tree] your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods who know what is good and what is bad." Genesis 3:4-5

Living Faith snippets: "Control is the ultimate temptation to "be like gods." In retrospect I see how this is sheer folly, but I continue to do it anyway because fear impels me to grasp at control." by David Nantais

Pat nuggets: Yesterday at the Chemists For Christ Bible study, we discussed St. Paul's timeless call for Christian unity. Although all five of us gathered are different denominations, we joyfully unite in Christ on Thurs mornings. Our LIFE Group also has many different denominations, yet we are peacefully united in Christ and our common defense of the voiceless unborn (ecumenical). Even if we are traveling in different lanes, let us rejoice that we are all united as we follow Inner-state Christ (The Way) back to our Heavenly Father. Let's invite others to carpool with us along The Way...

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News. Suggestions?
* NEW: Increase your awareness of spiritual warfare (part of culture war) by viewing resources at this website, http://www.lighthouseministryintl.org/.

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

* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images).
* NEW: I saw a bumper sticker on Wednesday that read, "Children are our most precious natural resource."

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas below.
* Let's pray for courage to share ProLife Truth 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, ProLife politicians, lack of faith, illnesses/injuries, Bro Joe Castle (unresolved medical issue), Peters family (JP updates), Mark Nelson (Pat Barton cancer), Ann Schaefbauer (Ian Keisacker, recovering from brain surgery), Carol Nesbitt & John Lown (Dody Gustaf has inoperable cancer), Rob Ouellette (John & Mary, Alayna and their families), Pastor Don Bird (abused children)

* NEW: For the victims and families of the Buffalo NY plane crash

Faith Quote: Sharon Carlson shared. "When you forgive others, you set the prisoner free. And the prisoner is you." author unknown

Through Christ for ProLife,
Pat

Phil 4:13

* Bible: Readings and reflections for today.

* 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)!

Luke 4:28-29 (fear not, speak the truth)

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

When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of town. Luke 4:28-29

Living Faith snippets: "Those [Jesus] knew quite well--his own people--rejected him in words and actions he could understand quite well. The truth is hard to hear. It's even harder to speak, knowing how it's usually received, isn't it?" Amy Welborn

Rich's comments Over 4,000 children are killed by abortion in America every single day. You would never hear this statement of truth on the news or see it printed in the newspaper. However, everyday we hear and read news reports about those dying from starvation in Africa, those murdered through civil war, deaths from AIDS and other diseases, deaths from natural disasters. Abortion is one of the most common surgical procedures in the U.S., but the average American knows little of its gruesome reality. Million dollar ad campaigns have schooled us in "choice", but told us nothing of abortion itself. I think about the popularity of these new Truth advertisements on television that reveal the hazards of tobacco smoking, and I ask myself, why are we so afraid to reveal the truth about abortion?

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. Patrick's prayer list), Rich Reich (Granny's health problems), Dan Castle (for alcoholics to accept intervention), Jason Peters (health of son JP), Peace in the Middle East (Iraq, Gaza), Papa Joe Castle (bleeding in brain), Sandra Bird (medical issues)

* NEW: family of Nick Hoch who recently passed away (peace and healing), Mary Fuhrman (battling cancer)

Faith Quote: "Human rights are not a privilege conferred by government. They are every human being's entitlement by virtue of his humanity. The right to life does not depend, and must not be contingent, on the pleasure of anyone else, not even a parent or sovereign. ...You must weep that your own government, at present, seems blind to this truth." by Mother Teresa

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)!

Matt 4:23 (the Kingdom is here!)

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

He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. Matt 4:23

Living Faith snippets: "The kingdom is here, inside and all around you, alive and active, and how I desire that you could see it, too! How I wish that your eyes could see and your ears could hear! The kingdom of God is here! Jesus, keep me so closely united to you this day that my life may proclaim to others that the kingdom of God is, indeed, here!" by Sr. Charleen Hug

Sister Francelle's devotion: Read her devotion titled "New Year 2009‏‏" at http://sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com/. Some snippets: "Dearest Ones, If there is anything we truly need in this New Year, it is to get closer to God and to grow in the love of our Savior. Prayer and good Christian self-talk go a long way to having that Happy New Year that we have been wishing each other. Christian self-talk is handling the stress that comes your way by reacting to it in a Christian manner. What we tell ourselves as Christians is largely shaped by how familiar we are with the Bible. After all, God's word tells us that it is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. This new year, face your fears. Fears are removed by replacing them with faith. Say to yourself again and again: "I trust in you, O Lord; my life is in your hands." I have been praying that Jesus will tell me what he wants me to do this new year and this is what I came up with: "to never consciously hurt anyone; to do as much good as possible, as often as possible, and in as many places as possible." Above all, I want to have a thankful heart and not take people or things for granted. The beauty God gives in nature, such as, the awesome beauty of silently falling snow has a way of uniting me with God. Each one-of-a-kind snowflake reminds me that each of us is wonderfully and uniquely created by God, and the peaceful white blanket is the security of His tender love for us, and the peace He offers us each day. If only I notice and remain grateful, I can see God's beauty everywhere. I pray you will be brave enough to look at your trials - not through fear but through hope, holding tight to the hand of Our father. Our journey of faith never ends. It continues and grows with each passing year, as we search for the inner peace that only God can give."

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), Carolyn McKissack (granddaughter Bailee with Crohn's), Joe Levisky (medical issues), Rob Ouellette (St. Patrick's prayer list), Rich Reich (Granny's health problems), Dan Castle (for alcoholics to accept intervention), Jason Peters (health of son JP)
* Peace in the Middle East (Iraq, Gaza)

* Praise: Liz Curry (friend Julie is cancer free!)

Feast Day (St. John Neumann): http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=70

Faith Quote: Doug Young shared this verse on his Christmas card, "Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of Life." John 8:12

Through Christ for ProLife,
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.'

* 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)!

Matthew 18:12

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

What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? Matthew 18:12

Living Faith snippets: "God shows his love by never giving up on us. This seems incredible, but since God is love, it is simply his nature to seek what is lost. Perhaps this is why Jesus so often tells us not to be afraid. No matter what we do, we can never do anything that will cause God to stop loving us." by Fr. Kenneth Grabner, C.S.C.

Rich's comments: I remember going on extremely long shopping trips with my mom when I was young. I would easily get bored following her around the large department store, and usually something would catch my eye that I thought was more interesting. The distraction would keep me from noticing that I was slowly moving further away from her, and before I knew it, I was lost. The distraction quickly faded and I was surrounded with panic and fear as I searched down every aisle of the store, desperate to find her. Just as I was contemplating how a 10 year old boy was going to make it on his own in the world, I heard a loud intercom voice "Would a little boy named Ricky please report to the front of the store, your mother is waiting for you." Sometimes we are not always lucky to have God call us over a loud speaker, but He is there waiting, longing for us to be reunited with Him. Once we remove ourselves from our worldly distractions, we can hear Him calling us home.

ProLife news: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ & http://www.priestsforlife.org/

* 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).

*NEW: "It is easy to be ProLife. It is much harder to be proactively ProLife" by Glen Flores, leader of ProLife Alliance at the University of Florida

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, John Peak (parent's health & his deployment), Liz Curry (friend Bill recovering from heart surgery), Kathy-jo Peterson (friend Dave with brain cancer), Rich Reich (Grandma with health problems), Pat Castle (neighbor Kathy Ayers having brain surgery today)

Feast Day (St. Juan Diego): http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=73

Faith Quotes: "Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly knowing that I am with you, therefore no harm can befall you; all is very, very well. Do this in complete faith and confidence." by Pope John Paul II

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)!

Luke 16:1 (financial fear)

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

A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property. Luke 16:1

Living Faith snippets: "This is a story about a financial manager caught misusing his boss's property. The story never says that he is sorry for his irresponsibility. He hasn't changed. Loving God, you love me no matter what. Help me to be honest."

Pat nuggets: Wow, today's reading perfectly fits into our current economic situation...coincidence, I think not! People have misused other people's money. Hopefully, hearts will be changed through this mess which has caused fear in the world. What is at the root of this fear...loss of our families needed daily bread or our own unneeded extras? How much do we really need to be fed and joyful as Christ promised (John 10:10)? We could ask a smiling child in a third world country. In Sister Francelle's devotion (see link below), she said, "The minute everything gets complicated, there goes our joy." Perhaps this economic crisis will refocus us on seeing God's hand reaching out to us each day with our "daily bread." May we let our Heavenly Father, not fear, dictate our vision of the future (see Faith Quote below). This is also the bottom line of the great comments shared by the LIFE Devotions Group after the election (see Our Prayers below)...fear not, God is still in charge!

Sister Francelle's devotion: Read her devotion titled "Prayer" at http://sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com/. A few snippets: "Dearest Ones, C. S. Lewis, an atheist until he was 30 years old, once wrote: "Every square inch of this world is either claimed by Christ or Satan. There is no neutral ground." Evil is always disguised as good so that makes it hard to recognize. I see this as the greatest challenge of being a Christian - recognizing evil for what it is. That's why we need to test for evil spirits with prayer. No prayer is ever wasted and every prayer is answered in some way. James 5:16 says, "The heartfelt prayer of a good man makes tremendous power available!" Jesus promised, "Ask and you will receive, seek and you shall find." This world may be full of lies, temptations and reasons to doubt our faith, but this is nothing new...bless those who persecute you and pray for your enemies. "God will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him." (Isaiah 13)"

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...

* NEW: Lets pray for President-elect Obama. Let's pray that We The People of America (the beacon on the hill) will shine Christ's Light and build a culture of Life. Let's pray for courage to build relationships and talk about ProLife.

Faith Quote: "Do you realize that your imagination of the future, which is almost always dictated by fear of some kind, rarely, if ever, pictures me there with you? The person who lives by fears, especially the projection of those into the future, will not find freedom in my love." God speaking in fictional book "The Shack" by William P. Young

Through Christ for ProLife,

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.'

* 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 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 111:5 (fear God, choose Life)

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

[The Lord] has given food to those who fear Him; He will forever be mindful of His covenant. Psalm 111:5

Living Faith snippets: "Fear of the Lord means a healthy respect for who He is and what He can do. His promises hold true as He leads us into a deeper understanding of the choices that bring Life [abortion ends Life]. Living in harmony with His design can lead us into beautiful seasons of blessing." by Kristin Armstrong

Pat nuggets:
* This weekend, let's all turn our compassion to action by working to save literally millions of babies through advocating for ProLife candidates. Convince even just one friend/family member what is really at stake with this election on 4 Nov, pray at your local abortion mill, etc. Speak up now to help end the silence of the unjust peace surrounding abortion in America. The title of this article gives the bottom line of this election, Vote as if Lives Depend on It - Because They Do.

* For ProLife election news, check out http://www.lifesitenews.com/. Here are snippets from one of the articles: "The Archbishop of Omaha, Most Reverend Elden F. Curtiss, has provided a clear directive on the "serious moral obligation to promote the common good by exercising our right to vote." The Archbishop joined the more than 80 Catholic prelates who have said that abortion and right to life are the defining issues in this election. "There are many serious issues at stake in this election, but none is more important than abortion," he wrote. Stating the need to give help to women with unplanned pregnancies who are without the resources to give birth or to care for their babies, Archbishop Curtiss again stresses "the very first right we must protect, if all human rights are to be protected, is the right to life for the unborn. Those who do not understand or accept this basic human right are unworthy of our trust."

* The 40 Days for Life campaign ends Sun, 2 Nov. The national director, Dave Bereit, shared this: "At a fundraising banquet for a pregnancy resource center in Jacksonville, Pam Tebow, mother of Heisman trophy winner Tim Tebow, shared her amazing testimony about how doctors had actually advised her to abort Tim...And why she refused. She also shared how ESPN broadcast their amazing pro-life testimony around the world, saving other lives." For the whole story go to http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=168.

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Sister Francelle devotion: Read her devotion titled "All Saints Day, 1 Nov" at http://sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com/. A few snippets: "Dearest Ones, What great rejoicing there must have been in heaven on Sunday, October 19 when the parents of St. Therese, Louis and Zelie Martin were declared "Blessed." In times like today, when the traditional family is being threatened, it is a good time to hold up the importance of a mother's and father's influence. The number one job of parents is the tremendous responsibility to raise children to become saints. The reason the Church canonizes saints is to encourage us. Most saints are not canonized...all that matters is if we finally make it to heaven."

Our Prayers: Abortion's end Prayer to End Abortion, chastity, our enemies, our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, dementia, cancer cure, prisoners, leaders integrity, loss of loved ones, lack of faith, Rob (St. Patrick's parish prayer list), Tina Castle (Jason Peter's son)

* Each day until the election let's say this novena prayer together: www.priestsforlife.org/novenas/election-day-novena.aspx. Lets pray for a change of heart for all Pro-Death candidates. Let's pray for courage to let Christ lead our vote and to publicly talk about ProLife. As part of our election prayer each day, let's fast from something that takes our eyes off of Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, judgment, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and/or take on something that fixes our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).

Faith Quote: "Abortion has pitted mothers against their children and women against men. It has sown violence and discord at the heart of the most intimate human relationships. It has portrayed the greatest of gifts - a child - as a competitor, an intrusion, and an inconvenience (Letter to US Supreme Court, February, 1994). It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish." Blessed Mother Teresa

Through Christ for ProLife,

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 lie as you wish' Blessed Mother Teresa.

* 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)!

Luke 12:6 (do not be afraid)

* 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

Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Luke 12:6

Living Faith snippets: "People are more often driven into bad behavior by fear. Jesus often counseled us not to be afraid. He knew from where most of our sinful behavior comes. Lord, help me overcome my fears and trust in you." by Msgr Stephen J. Rossetti

Pat nuggets: Thank you to Rich Reich, Steve Castle, David DiNuzzo, and Cleta Jasper for sending out such a powerful summary of the Truth about abortion. Their inspired words encourage us to boldly defend the unborn in these final days before this election. Let's encourage our pastors to speak about ProLife as the #1 foot of the cross issue of this election. Let's continue to lovingly, yet boldly, profess the Truth to those around us. Rich Reich and I have "I vote ProLife" car license plate holders (see today's picture). If you don't want to "stick" a bumper sticker on your car, buy a roll of magnetic tape to put it on your car (Stephanie Kemp's idea). If we don't have an ultrasound or a 12 wk baby model, use the love of Christ to shine the light of Truth on abortion. Many people don't want to accept that abortion is murder because it makes them accept some responsibility, but this begins their journey to reconciliation with God (and themselves) and healing through Christ...saving lives, physically and spiritually! We are ProLife warriors...the time is now to boldly act to keep this issue in the spotlight. Whenever you need motivation, remember those innocent babies dieing...and close your eyes and picture our Christ on the cross, giving everything to save our lives. Christ says to us, do not be afraid...I am with you always! Lord, please forgive me for what I have done and what I have failed to do.
40 Days for Life campaign (24 Sep to 2 Nov): Campaigns in 179 cities in 47 states (24/7 for 40 days). Please sign up to pray an hour in front your local abortion mill.
* Updates from the national director, David Bereit, at http://www.40daysforlife.com/.
* ProLife news: http://www.lifenews.com/

Our Prayers: Abortion's end, chastity, our enemies, our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, dementia, cancer cure, prisoners, leaders integrity, loss of loved ones, lack of faith
* Wednesday is "pray with your family night" (Rosary, Bible reading, etc)...the family that prays together (even if geographically separate), stays together.
* NEW: Rob (St. Patrick's parish prayer list)

Feast Day (St. Ignatius of Antioch): "St. Peter appointed him Bishop of Antioch, which he governed for forty years. He was condemned to be taken in chains to Rome, there to be devoured by two fierce lions. He ended his saintly life by exclaiming, "May I become agreeable bread to the Lord."" http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=677

Faith Quote: "No earthly pleasures, no kingdoms of this world can benefit me in any way. I prefer death in Christ Jesus to power over the farthest limits of the earth. He who died in place of us is the one object of my quest. He who rose for our sakes is my one desire. Do not talk about Jesus Christ as long as you love this world." by St. Ignatius of Antioch

Through Christ for ProLife,
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 lie as you wish' Blessed Mother Teresa. 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 91:11 (guardian angels)

* 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

For to his angels he has given command about you, that they guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91:11

Living Faith snippets: "I confess that I don't think very much about my guardian angel at all. But since angels are messengers, they must carry a message to us about God's loving care, and about how we can respond to that care. I am sure that I would make more good decisions if I more often asked for help, help in getting the message as well as acting on it." by Mark Neilsen

Rich's comments: "See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father." (Matt 18:10) The role of guardian angels is said to represent us before God, to watch over us always, to aid in our prayer, and to present our souls to God at death. Sometimes it may be difficult to believe that a guardian angel is constantly watching over us; however, it is not difficult to believe that God loves us. If anything, the belief in guardian angels is an expression of our faith in God's enduring love for us. Thank you Lord for watching over me. Amen.

40 Days for Life campaign (24 Sep to 2 Nov): Campaigns in 179 cities in 47 states (24/7 for 40 days). Please sign up to pray an hour in front your local abortion mill.

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

Our Prayers: Abortion's end, chastity, our enemies, our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, dementia, cancer cure, prisoners, leaders integrity, loss of loved ones, lack of faith, Rob Ouellette (St. Patrick parish special intentions), Scott Casmer (special intention), Ann Schaefbauer (for the family of 8 yr old Mullen John Widdowson who died of cancer on 29 Sep)

Feast Day (The Guardian Angels): God created the angels to praise Him in Heaven, to lead the fight against Satan and to guide and protect us. Some of these angels are the Guardian Angels, they guard us against evil, and as God's messengers, tell us what God wants us to do.

Faith Quote: "May the angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs come to welcome you and take you to the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem." (Rite for Christian Burial)

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 lie as you wish' Blessed Mother Teresa. 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)!

John 1:47 (fog and fear)

* 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

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him and said of him, "Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him." John 1:47

Living Faith snippets: "More important than seeing through the exterior behavior of others [fog] is the willingness to examine my own motivations. When I look in the mirror I see someone who is slowly learning to be more generous, more compassionate, but I also see someone who makes choices based more on fear than faith [ProChoice vs ProLife], hangs on to resentments and wants more control. The good news is that I can bring it all to the One who sees my divided heart, yet does not condemn me. Jesus celebrates our smallest steps toward peace, reconciliation, generosity and surrender." Terri Mifek

Pat nuggets:

* The LIFE Runners are striving to increase ProLife awareness as we prepare for the Chicago Marathon (12 Oct). While running, I often pray for the end of abortion and reflect on God's will in my life. Chad Livingston captured another spiritual element..."One thing I learned from running: As humans, we move naturally in the direction of our own comfort. As runners, we learn to move through pain toward areas of discomfort. Which, is often where God grows us.”

* "Abortion is the overridingly most important moral issue of our times, all others being important, but rendered irrelevant if the preeminent right to life is destroyed." Fr. Corapi

* YouTube pulls video on Barack Obama's extreme pro-abortion (child murder) views. http://www.onenewsnow.com/Election2008/Default.aspx?id=261784

40 Days for Life campaign (24 Sep to 2 Nov): http://www.40daysforlife.com/

* Campaigns in 179 cities in 47 states (24/7 for 40 days). Please consider signing up to pray an hour in front your local abortion mill.

* 40 Days for Life coordinators across the nation have reported 48 babies saved from abortion! Jerry Klazura shared: "A baby's life has been saved in Colorado Springs (Fri, 26 Sep)! Yesterday, a number of people were praying outside the clinic when 2 young women drove up and got out of their car. The friend of the woman scheduled to get an abortion yelled out, "I'm with you! Pray for her!" The prayer warriors who were there continued to pray fervently. Then came a period of time when the women would go into the clinic for a while and then come out and talk to each other. This continued for some time until the women came out once more. The friend talked to a vigil participant who was reading Scripture out loud. He gave the friend the Bible and a verse to read and she read it with her friend-- Isaiah 49:15 . "Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you." After reading this together, the girls went home." by Michele Mason (C. Springs 40 Days for Life director)

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

Our Prayers: Abortion's end, chastity, our enemies, our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, dementia, cancer cure, prisoners, leaders integrity, loss of loved ones, lack of faith.

* NEW: Rob Ouellette (St. Patrick parish special intentions), Scott Casmer (special intention)

Feast Day (St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St Raphael): http://www.universalis.com/20080929/today.htm

Faith Quote: "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren [the unborn!], you did it to me." Mt 25:40

Through Christ for ProLife,

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 lie as you wish' Blessed Mother Teresa. 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)!