Luke 5:20 (Visible Faith)

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

"When he saw their faith, he said, "As for you, your sins are forgiven." Luke 5:20 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: After reading the above verse from the Gospel, I reflected on whether or not Jesus could see my faith as He did the men who carried the paralytic on the stretcher. Despite the crowd (today's culture) blocking their path to Christ, they were so persistent and focused on bringing the man to Jesus that they lowered him down from the roof. Is my faith visible to Christ, or do I get lost in the crowds (consumed by materialism, hedonism, selfishness, pride)? Is my faith strong enough for overcoming obstacles (illness, financial struggle, addiction) to stay focused on Christ, or do I allow my sin to cloud my faith? Lord, let my faith be full and visible to You and penetrate my thoughts and actions so that others may also see this faith and know You. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Is your faith in Christ visible to others?

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action
*Pope: Don't 'Violate Rights of Unborn with...In Vitro Fertilization'

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

Feast Day: St. Nicholas

Faith Quote: “To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible." - St. Thomas Aquinas

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.

Luke 11:52 ("key of knowledge") by Stephanie

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

Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. Luke 11:52 (full readings)

Stephanie's Reflections: The Pharisees and scribes (lawyers) were the religious leaders who studied the law of Moses and the prophets, developing an elaborate code of conduct that applied to every facet of daily life. Those that came in contact with them were being poisoned with a false idea of God. They kept the Scriptures locked up, concealing from the people the most important spiritual principles of God's covenant. The power of the key was in their teaching function, by which they should have been bringing others to God. More than anything, God wanted from them a trusting, contrite and open heart. We, too, have to learn to live more out of love than by the law, not condemning others and in the process condemning ourselves. Over the last 26 years as a volunteer in ProLife work, I have occasionally been quick to judge people who have a different idea of what 'ProLife' means. My frustration, especially with the ProLife indifference of professed Christians, has taken me several times to nearly throwing in the towel and giving up. Still I persist...but only because of God's grace. Please pray with me: Lord Jesus, help me to live each day more out of love, than by the law. Help me to look seriously at my own life before considering what others should be doing or should not be doing. Help me to look beyond myself. Help me not to judge others without first striving to know where they are coming from. Help me to take people where they are as we fight this battle on behalf of your precious 'little ones'. Help me to remember that You see the big picture and hold all things in being. Guide me through the frustrations of my daily life to a deeper love for You. Give me courage, Jesus. Help me to persevere. Teach me patience and help me to be more forgiving. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me hear your Word and to do your Will, no matter how much it hurts. Amen.

* Stephanie Kemp is the oldest of twelve, Mother of three grown sons, and Grandmother of three. With over 26 years of ProLife work, Stephanie is a true ProLife 'marathoner'!

Faith Challenge: "We are all originals from the mind and heart of God...God sends each person into the world with a special message to deliver, with a special song to sing, with a special act of love to bestow. These have been entrusted only to me...to take a life is a rejection of the message, the song and the love entrusted to that person by God." Abortion: The Silent Holocaust by Father John Powell

* What message of God's love will we share today? What song will we sing?

Counter-Culture News: 40 Days for Life (ends 31 Oct), LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action.
* College students in Colorado going barefoot for week of pro-life advocacy

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP), Alpha Center, Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer), Sarah Ragan (healing from the miscarriage of her baby), Sue Peters (special intention)

Feast Day: St. Callistus I

Faith Quote: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before Him." Eph 1:3-4

Through Christ Our Lord,

Stephanie Kemp

Deut 30:19

1 Corinthians 9:24 (Running the Race)

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

"Run so as to win." 1 Cor 9:24 (full readings)

Steve's Thoughts: My thoughts today are consumed with two thoughts. First, my wife Tina will be celebrating her birthday today and I can't imagine life without her. I love you, Tina and I am forever grateful for you. As a fifteen year old kid, I met the two loves of my life on the same weekend - Jesus and my wife - not a bad weekend! The second thought turns to our Life Runners (Pat pictured above) who will be running this coming Sunday, "so as to win," a greater race - the end to abortion. To run a marathon is no small feat and to take on that sacrifice for the unborn is commendable. As I contemplate our verse several things come to mind from my own experience of training and running a marathon.
* Commitment - To train for 18 weeks in itself is a commitment, but to think that you have to train to even be able to start training for a marathon is an eye opener! It really is a year round journey much like our faith.
* Determination - Carving out the time for midweek long runs (sometimes in excess of 10 miles) and THE long run on the weekends (12 - 20 miles) takes loads of determination. The same is true for our training in the faith to find time for prayer and study to grow our minds and hearts towards our Lords.
* Perseverance - You aren't a distance runner until you've experienced an injury. The first battle is getting to the start line of the race. Most runners walk up to that line with some sort of injury from the rigors of their training. Like our own humanity we are all wounded and will not finish this race of life unscathed.
* Long-suffering - "Hitting the wall" is an experience like no other. Most runners hit this "wall" between miles 20 - 23. This is where all the bodies glycogen stores have become completely depleted. Every step is an act of the will. They say the first 10 miles is your training, the next 10 miles is your mind, and the final 6.2 miles is your heart. Much like the race of life, we will all run out of gas at some point and need an "aid station" (i.e. retreat, sacraments, prayer) to see us through to the end. Distance runners quickly learn how to pace themselves and utilize the aid stations along the way.

This is where the rubber hits the road and our scripture comes alive. If we don't "pace" ourselves in the race of life and "run so as to win," then we will "hit the wall" at some point. What are your "aid stations"? Is it making a yearly retreat? Is it regularly attending Mass or a church service to be fed by the word and the Eucharist? Is it daily prayer time with our Lord? Is it fellowship with other believers who encourage us along the way, much like the many spectators along the road of the marathon?

Faith Challenge: Today write down your "aid stations" and put them in a visible place in your home or office as a daily reminder of those things that will keep you going in the marathon of life.
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Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Happiness "Make a habit of thanking God always, even for the bad things because God can bring good out of bad."

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

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer), Pope Benedict ("That by opening our hearts to love we may put an end to wars."), Pat Castle (LIFE Runners mission on 12 Sep, Grandpa's 90th bday party on 11 Sep)
* NEW: Steve Castle (Thanksgiving for my wife, Tina, on her bday), Rich Reich (Pastor Pat Coy heart recovery, Uncle Javier's health)

Feast Day: St. Thomas of Villanova "The absent-minded professor is a stock comic figure. This absent-minded professor earned even more derisive laughs with his determined shabbiness and his willingness to let the poor who flocked to his door take advantage of him." (from http://www.americancatholic.org/)

Faith Quote: "God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing." - C.S. Lewis

Through Christ our Lord,
Steve
Romans 12:2

Luke 2:40 (Waiting on the Lord)

Let's welcome God by reflecting on this 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 child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. Luke 2:40 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "This passage reminds me to be patient. After all the exciting events around the conception, birth, and presentation of Jesus, he goes home to grow up. The shepherds, the Magi, the choirs of angels all just have to sit back and wait thirty years for Jesus to grow into an adult and take up his mission." by Aileen O'Donoghue

Steve's Thoughts: This is such a provocative, stirring verse to me. There are so many years of Jesus' life we just know nothing about. What did Jesus do? We have to trust that God had it in hand and took care of those details. Clearly he did. How often do we find that a prayer unanswered discourages us? Or that a habitual sin in our life continues to be a thorn in our side despite our best efforts? In my youth I have lacked hindsight to see how things have a way of working out. As I've grown into adulthood I have found that God does have a way of working through these details in the most unimagined ways. In my own life, I can point to the fact that after months of prayer my house has not sold in Sioux Falls. Yet, I have found strength as I wait on the Lord knowing he has a plan. I have found that many of those seemingly unanswered prayers were simply God whispering, "Wait..."

Faith Challenges: Let's generously share the 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.

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), Shantelle Castle (special intention), Health care reform bill

Faith quotes: "Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary." ~ Isaiah 40:31

Through Christ our Lord,
Steve
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, 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).

Luke 12:37 (prepare the way of the Lord)

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

Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Luke 12:37 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Just as parents arriving home from a vacation do not want to find their teenager hosting a raging party, Jesus doesn't want to return to a disrespectful mess either. How will he feel if he comes back to collect his beloved people, the ones he gave his life for, only to discover that we have let our families and churches fall apart, made idols of money and worldly success, and allowed sin to pollute us? Like the parents of the teenager, I imagine he will not be amused." by Kristin Armstrong

Rich's comments: Only a few times during my 12 year marriage have I ever been left home alone while my wife was away on a trip. Although I embrace the rules of our household, I tend to slack a bit during these periods and let the chores slide. I usually wait until the day before she comes home to catch up on cleaning the house and doing yard work. Similarly, I sometimes slack a bit on maintaining my spiritual life and striving towards holiness. The only difference is that Jesus is not away on a trip. He is always present with us. Lord, help me be vigilant. Amen.

Faith Challenges: Let's all invite one person each week (John 14:6) to join our LIFE Group (>240 of God's children).
* NEW: Don't be discouraged if you periodically fall during your path to holiness. A Christian always picks themselves up and continues the race.

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), Joyce Trunk (friend w/brain cancer)

Feast Day: St. Paul of the Cross

Faith Quote: "Give me chastity and continence, but not yet." - St. Augustine

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 34:11 (deep knowing)

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

Those who seek the Lord want for no good thing. Psalm 34:11 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Several years ago I spent a day at the San Juan Capistrano Mission, established over 230 years ago by Blessed Junipero Serra, whose feast we celebrate today. Junipero and so many other friars had, as the psalmist's said, sought the Lord and come to know God's goodness. For them, this deep knowing outweighed the profound hardships of travel, hunger, loneliness and struggle. This deep knowing of the divine impelled Junipero and his brothers to keep on witnessing to the gospel, so that others could also find out for themselves just how good the Lord is." by Sr. Chris Koellhoffer

Rich's comments: Father, thank You for allowing me to know You through Your son Jesus Christ. May this deep knowledge of You prevent me from being shaken when I am in the midst of inner turmoil or outer conflict. May my heart remain steadfast trusting in You and Your overall plan for my life. I want to remain firmly grounded as I overcome the daily obstacles common to all who live on earth. Help me to learn the valuable lessons along the way as I press on toward the goal for which You have called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Amen.

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

* NEW: Have the courage to share your knowledge of Jesus with others.

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).

* NEW: Nana Suzie - a prayer of thanksgiving for each "good day" that JP experiences

Feast Day: Blessed Junipero Serra

Faith Quote: "Some people feel guilty about their anxieties and regard them as a defect of faith but they are afflictions, not sins. Like all afflictions, they are, if we can so take them, our share in the passion of Christ." by C. S. Lewis

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)!

2 Timothy 4:7 (finish the race)

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

I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Paul the Apostle. Teresa of Avila. John of the Cross. Francis of Assisi. Elizabeth Seton. John Paul II. Mother Teresa. These individuals not only ran "the race," they believed that it was the only race worth running: the race laid out by the life, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. It is marked out by his life and culminates in the mystery of his--and our--death and resurrection." by Sr. Kathryn James Hermes

One Bread One Body: "In many countries throughout the world, today is a holy day. This means that today is very special, and God wants to do something very special in our lives. In today's first Scripture reading, Peter is miraculously freed from jail (Acts 12:7ff). Today can be our day of liberation from our prisons of sin, fear, compulsive behavior, and self-hatred. Even if we have been in these prisons for most of our lives, Jesus can set us free today. In today's Gospel reading, Jesus asks the question: "Who do you say that I am?" (Mt 16:15) If by faith we acknowledge Jesus as Messiah, Son of God, Lord, and Savior, today will be not only the day of liberation, but also "the day of salvation" (2 Cor 6:2). Paul said: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on a merited crown awaits me" (2 Tm 4:7-8). Like Paul, a few readers of this devotion are on the threshold of dying, going to
heaven, and seeing Jesus face to face. Today could be their "Day of the Lord," the last on earth, the first in heaven. Today is a holy day, an unforgettable day, a day of liberation, salvation, death, and life. "This is the day the Lord has made" (Ps 118:24)."

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

* NEW: Whom do you know who is racing on the way of Christ Jesus? How can you support them? Urge them on? Applaud them?

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).

Feast Day: St. Peter and St. Paul

Faith Quote: "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." - St. Paul

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)!

John 14:31 (overcoming adversity)

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

The world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me. John 14:31 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Doing whatever the Father commanded led Jesus down a terrible path: separation from his family, desertion by his friends and followers, torture and a painful death on the cross. Whenever I start to throw myself a pity party for some little cross I'm bearing, I should think of Jesus." by Heather Wilson

Rich's comments: After reading all three readings today (full readings), I recognized an underlying theme: overcoming adversity. If we back up one verse (John 14:30) before today's highlighted Gospel verse, it quotes Jesus saying, "I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me." I take great comfort in knowing that if I follow Jesus, I am doing what God has commanded and the ruler of the world will have no power over me. Sometimes we may feel that we are alone in following Christ. We are ridiculed, isolated, and humiliated. It would be so much easier to conform to the world view, but we must persevere in the faith for "it is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God." (Acts 14:22). Whenever you are undergoing hardships in your life, remember Jesus who has gone before us to set us free.

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

* NEW: Remind others that they are not alone in following Jesus. Be Christ to others and support them through their hardships.

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, Jason Peters (son JP), Kathy Castle (Michael Moon hand infection), Carla Neal (Harold Heard, Jamie, Joyce & all of you)

Feast Day: St. Nereus, St. Achilleus, St. Pancras

Faith Quote: "Often our work doesn't begin to bear fruit until, like grains of wheat, we fall to the earth and die." Jn 12:24

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)!

Jeremiah 17:9 (training run)

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

More tortuous than all else is the human heart, beyond remedy; who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Why is my progress in holiness and love so almost imperceptibly slow? The causes are rooted deep in the heart. And the heart is tortuous; who can understand it? Who? Why, the One who has taken up residence in it. God is not a neutral observer of our lives. He has come to make his home in us." by Kevin Perrotta

Rich's comments: I view Lent as a training run for life. When you are going to run a marathon, you don't just wake up one morning, put on your running gear, and start running 26.2 miles without any training. Marathon training usually takes about 18 weeks, and starts with shorter distances that gradually get longer. These training runs build the foundation of the endurance needed to complete a marathon. This Lent, view the challenges that you face as spiritual training runs. As with running, there will be good days and bad, but every day is a key element of your training. Keep running, and never lose sight of the goal, everlasting life with our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

* NEW: Runners often keep a running journal to track their training, good days and bad. Try to keep a journal of your spiritual training. Write about the challenges that you face daily during Lent and then reflect on them in prayer.

Stations of the Cross (5): Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his cross. Consider attending a Stations of the Cross service (Friday evenings, nondenominational).

Culture War/ProLife News: LifeSiteNews, American Family Association, Priests for Life
* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images). Abortion is #1 cause of death in America.
* NOW (25 Feb-5 Apr): Please be part of the 40 Days for Life campaign by praying in front of an abortion mill for one hour...defending the voiceless unborn.

* NEW: The other day I discovered a website called http://prolifeinternet.com/. This is a search page in which 100% of funds raised by advertisements go directly to Pro-Life efforts instead of corporate pockets. Use the internet to help build a culture of life. "Search the Internet--Save Babies!"

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, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, lack of faith, illnesses/injuries, jobs, Sue Peters (Carrie), Rob Ouellette (Renato, Amy, Maryann, Mark, Elaine), Paul Cote (his sister Christine near the end of her holy battle with cancer)

Faith Quote: "Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies." by Mother Teresa

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)!

Psalm 145:9 (step back and pray)

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 is good to all; and compassionate toward all his works. Psalm 145:9

Living Faith snippets: "Sometimes it's difficult to arrive at that point when we need to understand that we've done as much as we can do for another person. It's hard and painful, but at times necessary, to step back and pray that God's compassion, which is faithful and real, will touch another's heart, even if we have to step aside in the process." by Amy Welborn

Rich's comments: My wife Erica prayed for me for 9 years. I didn't even know that she was praying for me. That is true love. She prayed that I would grow stronger in my faith and have a relationship with Christ so that we could grow closer to God together. God heard her prayers and assigned us to move to Colorado Springs so that I would meet my running partner and dearest brother Pat. Jesus used Pat to touch my heart and bring me closer to Him. Erica understood that she could not force me to have a relationship with Christ, but through her perseverance in prayer (Romans 12:12) that God would take over. I am happy to say that now Erica and I pray together.

Jesus' Christmas List: This is how we give Jesus a Christmas (birthday) gift..."whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matt 25:40). The true meaning of Christmas is to share our gifts (time, talent, treasure, faith, hope, love) with those lacking in "daily bread" and love. Who is in dire need of our Christmas gifts?

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).

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), Kathy-jo Peterson (friend Dave with brain cancer), Rich Reich (Grandma with health problems), Pat Castle (Kathy Ayers recovering from brain surgery, Mike Castle eye infection, Joe Castle medical appt today)

Faith Quote: "Love means to commit oneself without guarantee, to give oneself completely in the hope that our love will produce love in the loved person. Love is an act of faith, and whoever is of little faith is also of little love." by Erich Fromm

Feast Day (St. Damasus I): http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=41

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 9:54 (God's love is patient)

* 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 disciples James and John saw this they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?" Luke 9:54

Living Faith snippets: "I take comfort in the thought that even after closely following Jesus, James and John didn't really understand the heart and mind of their teacher and friend. We are slow to change even in the face of powerful experiences of God's love and mercy. Jesus gave the Samaritans time and space to change their hearts. He does the same for us." by Terri Mifek

Rich's comments: A change of heart takes time (God's time), and it can't be rushed or forced. A changed heart takes patience, prayer, and perseverence. Saint Augustine's mother, Monica, knows this all to well. St. Augustine lived a very sinful life that caused Monica so much suffering that she once refused to allow him to live in her house. But she soon relented; realizing that the time for his conversion had not yet come. She gave up arguing with him (or asking others to do so) and turned instead to prayer, fasts, and vigils, hoping that they would succeed where argument had failed. In her patient treatment of him over many years of anxiety, finally ended by his conversion. Lord, allow us to plant the seeds of faith and to be patient for your grace to enter hearts and make them grow. Amen.

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.

* 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)

Feast Day (St. Jerome):

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=10

Faith Quote: "Patience is the companion of wisdom." by St. Augustine

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)!

Matthew 19:20 (perseverance)

* 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

All of these I have observed. What do I still lack? Matthew 19:20

Living Faith snippets: "From today's readings, I sense that God, too, gets disappointed with us and the work we leave unfinished. "What a fickle race they are, sons with no loyalty in them" (Deut 32:20). Perhaps this is why we pray for final perseverance. It is God's gift to us, an antidote for the wayward soul, so that having lived our whole life faithfully following the Gospel, we will not come to the end and, like the rich young man, walk away sad. Lord, help the seeds you have planted bear fruit that will last." by Rebecca Sande

Sister Francelle: Read her wonderful devotion "Unless you become as little children..." at http://sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com/. Here is the intro..."Recently, I read about a young college student in Chicago, Jerry, who had been raised as an atheist. In fact, his parents tried their best to teach him there is no God. His roommate, Joe, was a Christian and was not silent about it. He tried his best to convert his friend, but he never had any success. Jerry was an excellent swimmer and even trained for the Olympics. One evening, as he was driving home, he decided to go for a late night swim..."

Pat nuggets: Speaking of perseverance (and celebrating God's gift of life while offering it up for ProLife), despite a thunderstorm at the base and a snowstorm at the summit, some of our devotions group members ran the Pikes Peak Ascent or Marathon this past weekend (Scott Casmer, Doug Young, Courtney Schumann, Steve Castle, Angi Castle, and myself). Thank you, Jesus! (Attached picture is Pikes Peak on Sun morning.)

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

Our Prayers: Abortion, chastity, our enemies/our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, dementia, cancer, prisoners, Liz Curry (Drew, 2 yr old, kidney tumor surgery recovery)

Faith Quote: "Sometimes it is challenging to find a reason for what appears only as a difficulty to be overcome or even pain to be endured. Yet our faith helps us to break open the horizon beyond our own selves in order to see life as God does. God's unconditional love, which bathes every human individual, points to a meaning and purpose for all human life. Through His Cross, Jesus in fact draws us into His saving love (Jn 12:32) and in so doing shows us the way ahead...the way of hope which transfigures us all, so that we too, become bearers of that hope and charity for others." by Pope Benedict (Apr 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)!

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)!

James 1:12 (Endurance through Prayer)

* 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).

Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation... James 1:12

Living Faith snippets: "Trials are an expected part of the training of any athlete. They build a competitive spirit and a stamina that helps the athlete endure. A life of faithful loving has many trials of its own. There will be times when the routines of ordinary love feel very unrewarding and lacking a goal. A life of daily prayer goes a long way in helping us remember that God has a goal in mind for us. Prayer is the daily breath of God that we need to keep our hearts open and toned, wise and loving." Fr. James Stephen Behrens, O.C.S.O.

Rich's comments: Today's devotion reminded me of the book about Mother Theresa called Simple Path. The book speaks about how Mother Theresa and the sisters working at the hospice would care for the dying. It was so emotionally exhausting for them to experience the death of the people that they were taking caring of that they needed to go and pray to God throughout the day in order to refuel spiritually. When I first read this, I made the connection between their praying and the refueling stations along a marathon course. Being a Christian is a life-long training process. I can't imagine now, going a day without praying to God; without getting a daily pep talk from the "Coach of Life."

Through Christ Our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

Our Prayers: All (thanksgiving prayers), Pat Castle (abortion, soldiers, enemies), Kay Castle (crimes against children), Vicki Miller (cancer treatment), Pam McGushin (mom's depression, Cindy's cancer treatment), Tom Tenpenny (Anna's cancer treatment), Dale Sundermann (strength for his Mom), Jenny Senour (ProLife job interview), Liz Curry (Christian's back surgery), Cyclone in Myanmar (suffering), Kevin Connolly (repose of his Mom's soul)

Feast Day: Our Lady of Fatima (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Fatima)

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml.
* Prayer: If you have a prayer request, simply send it to our distribution list at life-group-distro@googlegroups.com. Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others. Wayne Watson, “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: ProLife websites at life-devotions.blogspot.com. '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.
* Share the Good News: Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)! Let's make room to share with non-believers (be a friend, make a friend, lead your friend to Christ)...and work on perpetual re-evangelization of ourselves and those close to us (Western culture), drawing closer to God's will by way of daily prayer (real relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service...

* Let's invite family, friends, and our "neighbors" to join the LIFE Devotions group, providing routine spiritual connection and strength for our faith communities.

Acts 16:30-31 (Protective Power of Belief)

* 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).

"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" And [Paul and Silas] said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your household will be saved." Acts 16:30-31

Living Faith snippets: "For anyone who has loved an unbeliever, this Scripture holds a great deal of hope and responsibility. The belief of one person can carry an entire household into eternity. Our belief in the Lord, and our intercessory prayer for our loved ones, is strong enough to provide protection and a pathway for our families. May we never stop praying for those who don't yet know how to pray for themselves." by Kristin Armstrong

Rich's comments: For those of you who are praying for a loved one to know Christ, please don't give up. Please persevere. My wife, Erica, told me how she had been praying for me every day of our marriage. I didn't even know that she was. Erica was one of the first people to recognize the change in my heart after I made a conscious decision to build a relationship with Jesus (Advent 2006). She was so overjoyed for me and relieved that she would no longer have to drag me along our spiritual journey, but now we could walk upright together hand in hand. I believe that our marriage is stronger now than ever. As we both move closer to Christ, He brings us closer together. This month we celebrated our 11 year anniversary, but it seems like our first. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. (Romans 12:12)

Through Christ Our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml.
* Prayer: If you have a prayer request, simply send it to our distribution list at life-group-distro@googlegroups.com. Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others (so let's pray daily!). 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: ProLife websites at life-devotions.blogspot.com. '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.
* Share the Good News: Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!