Luke 4:28 (Off the Cliff)

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided byLIFE Runners (FB). Upcoming Guest Authors.

"When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury." Luke 4:28 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: In today's Gospel, Jesus unfavorably compared the people of His hometown with foreigners in order to call them to repentance. Jesus told the people of Nazareth that, although many Jewish widows needed financial help during a three-and-a-half year famine brought on by the prophet Elijah, none of the Jewish widows were helped. Instead, a foreign widow from Zarephath received Elijah's aid (Lk 4:25-26). Instead of repenting, Christ's people refused the calling and tried to throw Jesus over a cliff (Lk 4:29-30). When the Lord blesses someone else, do you feel neglected by God? Instead of throwing Jesus over the cliff, we should throw away our pride. Pride is keeping us from repenting and experiencing true spiritual growth this Lent. Lord, remove pride from my heart so that I may repent. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Thank God when others are being blessed in ways that you are not. This is a call for you to repent.

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

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. LIFE Runners Creed & Patron Saint. Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: St. Fina

Faith Quote: "Repentance lifts a man up. Mourning knocks at heaven's gate. Holy humility opens it." ~ John Climacus

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.

2 Cor. 11:30 (In Christ)

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB).

"If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness." 2 Cor. 11:30 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: Are you hidden in Christ (Col. 3:3)? I have been reflecting on this image of being hidden in Christ for some time as I am convinced that the harder we try to do God's work the more we get in the way. As Paul points out today, to boast is to be a fool. If we are to boast it should be of our weakness. During my early years as a baby Christian I especially felt the effects of "trying too hard". I would often come up with a wonderful idea (or so I thought) only to see it fall flat. A relationship that held so much promise would cool off. This discouraged me but ultimately helped me realize that I was following my own designs and not truly listening to God. I was stumbling over myself and God let me learn those tough lessons for a reason...so I may not boast of my own accord but boast In Christ of the good work he has accomplished in me. I am in Christ and for that I am a new man. This is God's victory in me! In the end, my faith has been a journey of casting off the ballast of self so that God may fill my sails and direct my paths.
* Have fun with this parody about the self, "So Long Self" by Mercy Me

Faith Challenge: Who is filling your sails? Forget yourself today and do something sacrificial for another.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Life Story "I long for the gift of life everlasting, but I hope to spend whatever time is left in telling others about the love of Jesus."

Counter-Culture News: LifeNews, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action &gt

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

Feast Day: St. Albert Chmielowski (d. 1916)

Faith Quote: "If I have helped just one person to save their soul, my vocation is worth it." ~ Sr. Francelle Clarke (see her devotion)

Through Christ Our Lord,
Steve
Romans 12:2 .

* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. Fast from things that take your eyes off Jesus. Those who pray together stay together, and close to God!
* Save Unborn (& family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (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 10:23 (In God We Trust!)

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

"Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, 'How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!'" Mark 10:23 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: Riches promise much, but really offer little in return. Riches do not satisfy, and we foolishly think that more riches will bring satisfaction. We can actually become a slave to our riches. With riches comes the preoccupation with them; we worry how to use them, maintain them, store them, protect them, etc. The accumulation of riches can absorb what time and energy we have so that we have little for anything else (such as family, church, the Lord). Riches can deceive us into thinking that we do not need anything; even God. It promotes a sense of arrogance and pride. Blinded by pride we do not seek the one and only thing that can fill the empty desires of our heart, the everlasting love of God our Father. We need to leave our riches behind and trust in God that He alone provides for all of our needs. Lord, help me to trust in You that You are all that I desire. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Evaluate what your focus is in life. Are you preoccupied by seeking wealth? Remember that where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.

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

* Fourteen women rescued from ‘eugenics surrogate’ baby trafficking ring in Thailand

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Spiritual Adoption, 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. Romanus and St. Lupicinus

Faith Quote: "As we grow detached from things, we come (with God's help) to master our desires, and we give the mastery over to God. Discipline and divine grace heal the intellect and the will of the effects of concupiscence. We can begin to see things clearly." ~ Scott Hahn

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.

Psalm 31:23-24 (KEEP THE FAITH)

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

"Once I said in my anguish, 'I am shut out from your sight,' Yet you heard my plea, when I cried out to you. Love the Lord, all you faithful. The Lord protects the loyal, but repays the arrogant in full." Psalm 31:23-24 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: Sometimes when we are suffering, it overwhelms our spirit, and we lose all hope in Christ. We feel that we are "shut out from [His] sight" and that we are all alone. We need to remember that we are never alone in our suffering. Our Lord even hears the cry of the suffering Unborn and touches our hearts to defend them. When you feel that everything seems to be happening to you (poor health, unemployment, troubled marriage, etc.), KEEP THE FAITH; for the Lord knows our suffering and "protects the loyal." Have you ever met someone who is suffering and refuses your assistance? They seem to enjoy wallowing in their own misery searching for pity. Those who are arrogant and prideful, believing that nobody, even Jesus, can help them with their suffering have been repaid in full, because they have been left to suffer. Lord, I have faith in You; weighed down under the burden of my trials and sufferings, I cast myself at Your feet, that You may renew my strength and my courage, while I rest here in Your Presence. Amen.

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Faith Challenge: Are you suffering with Christ or without Christ? Keep the faith, even in times of anguish. He hears your cry.

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

* Abortionist Gosnell denied bail in case of grisly infant murders

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

* The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is traditionally celebrated from 18 to 25 January.
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Feast Day: St. John Bosco "found God's message in his dreams. If you have some question or problem in your life, ask God to send you an answer or help in a dream. Then write down your dreams. Ask God to help you remember and interpret the dreams that come from God."

Faith Quote: "Do you want Our Lord to give you many graces? Visit Him often. Do you want Him to give you few graces? Visit him seldom. Visits to the Blessed Sacrament are powerful and indispensable means of overcoming the attacks of the devil. Make frequent visits to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and the devil will be powerless against you.” - 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.

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

Luke 9:49-50 (No room for Pride in God's work)

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

Then John said in reply, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company." Jesus said to him, "Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you." Luke 9:49-50 (full readings)

Rich's Thoughts: The apostles of Jesus struggled with pride. In their pride, the apostles imagined that they had the exclusive commission to cast out demons (Luke 9:1). The bickering amongst themselves about who was the greatest (Luke 9:46) was just a symptom of their insecurity that required them to degrade or hinder anyone who seemed to be their equal. Pride can make us resent others, especially in their success. This resentment stems from a problem of perception. We need to see that our successes are not our own, but are for the glory of God; and as God's children, we are all unified in His work of love.

Faith Challenge: Pray about your feelings of jealousy and have peace in knowing that all blessings are for the glory of God.

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

* New Initiative Offers Help to Girls Facing Pressure to Abort

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer), Helene Couchon (Molly Barber's health).

* Leslee/Allen Unruh (son Cash's home burned down, grandbaby Pierce's brain surgery Friday)

Feast Day: Saint Vincent de Paul was a Roman Catholic priest who helped found many charitable organizations, including the Daughters of Charity and the Lazarists.

Faith Quote: "The most powerful weapon to conquer the devil is humility. For, as he does not know at all how to employ it, neither does he know how to defend himself from it. " - St. Vincent de Paul

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

James 1:22

Jeremiah 18:6 (Mold Me Lord)

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

Can I not do to you, house of Israel, as this potter has done? says the Lord. Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, house of Israel. Jeremiah 18:6 (full readings)

Rich's comments: I find it very relaxing to build sandcastles on the beach. I like working the sand with my hands, keeping myself busy sculpting walls and digging trenches. However, no matter how much time I spend on building my fortress, the water will be there to wash it away. The water (Holy Spirit) breaks down my walls (pride) and fills in my trenches (struggles) making everything new again. Lord, You make everything new again. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Allow yourself to be molded by God's hands. Listen to God's words and be open to change.

Sr. Francelle's devotion: Walking on Water

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

* ABC Family's New Program 'Pretty Little Liars'

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP, special intention).
* Rich Reich (Cousin Tom starting chemotherapy), Pat Castle (Kimberly Martinez recovering from car accident), Liz Curry (Darleen Deans stroke recovery), Joe Levisky (thanksgiving for birth of granddaughter), Lynn Bishara (Aunt Marilyn with rare leukemia & kidney failure)

Faith Quote: "Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Feast Day: Read how St. Martha was open to change.

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

James 1:22

John 13:16-17 (Discipleship)

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

Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it. John 13:16-17 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "If anyone understood this Scripture passage, it was Catherine of Siena, a complex, bold figure among our noble ancestry, the communion of saints. Although she unflinchingly spoke truth to the heads of Church and State alike, she was deeply aware that the messages she bore did not originate with her, but were relayed through her. As a profoundly prayerful woman, she embraced the role of messenger and dignified the role of servant as a powerful witness to the Church by her fidelity to the Word of God in the sanctuary of her conscience." by Claire J. King

Rich's comments: What hinders any Christian disciple to become an effective learner and student would be his/her pride, which is opposite to submission and humility. Last week, my little sister Heather (20 years old) graduated from Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT) at Lackland AFB. I had a great time listening to my sister's stories about her BMT experience. The majority of BMT was about breaking the trainees pride down so that they could become effective learners (disciples) of Air Force doctrine and practices. Lord, grant me the humility to set my pride aside and become an effective disciple in imitating You. Amen.
* Sr. Francelle's devotion: In Everything Give Thanks

Faith Sharing: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding devotions or using the Facebook "invite people" link.
* NEW: What issues do you have that hinder your Christian discipleship? Please consider sharing faith comments (or "like" button) on the Facebook page, appreciated by many...thank you!

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, Vatican, American Family Association, Priests for Life
* Reality of abortion (images), #1 cause of death (23% of pregnancies). Expose this unjust peace, setting unborn/parents free.
* NEW: Bishop Slattery Decries Pain of Women Who 'Lost Part of their Soul' to Abortion

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

Faith Quote: "He who cannot obey, cannot command." - Benjamin Franklin

Feast Day: St. Catherine of Siena

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

Ezekiel 18:21 (God's Power to Transform)

Let's welcome God today with this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (archive, 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

But if the wicked man turns away from all the sins he committed, if he keeps all my statutes and does what is right and just, he shall surely live, he shall not die. Ezekiel 18:21 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Consistently doing what is right and just is no easy task, and we may feel overwhelmed by the difficulty at times. But we are not alone in the struggle. One of the great messages of holy Scripture is that God is always with us in our struggles. The more we open our hearts to God's power, the more successful we become in doing what is right and just. The power of God is always within us, helping us to do those things that will bring peace both to ourselves and to others. Lord, may I never forget that your transforming power is always within me." by Fr. Kenneth Grabner, C.S.C.

Rich's comments: Words from a song I heard on the radio Monday morning have resonated with me this whole week. The song is Sweet Holy Spirit by Newworldson and the words are "If pride is my prison, then Grace be my key." Reflecting on these words I have realized that it is my own pride that turns me away from God and prevents me from doing what is right. Pride prevents me from denying myself. It prevents me from opening my heart fully to God's transforming Grace. Lord, may I surrender myself to You today and to the guidance of Your sweet Holy Spirit. Amen.

Faith Challenges: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding a devotion or using our Facebook Group "invite people to join" link.
* NEW: Do you remember a moment when you allowed God to transform your life? Consider commenting on the Facebook Group page.
* NEW: Read Sr. Francelle's devotion (Habits) and learn how to rely on God's transforming power during Lent...to change your bad habits to good ones.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, 40 Days for Life, Vatican, 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!
* NEW: Priests for Life President Calls for Respectful Burial of Frozen Fetuses

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together, and close to God (footnotes). Peters family (JP). Prayer to end abortion. Helene Couchon (healing from severe car accident), Liz Curry (for Linda's chemotherapy, for Kim's cancer surgery recovery), Rose Beizer (faith perspective for Adam).
* NEW: Lisa Riess (Kimberly Schallert died Tuesday; please keep her family in your prayers)

Feast Day: St. Caesarius of Nazianzen

Faith Quote: "Pride is weighing me down. It’s choking my heart. I’m chained up and bound. If pride is my prison, then Grace be my key. Sweet Holy Spirit, come rescue me." - Newworldson

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).

Revelations 12:7 (Turn down Pride)

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

War broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. Revelations 12:7 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Pride is the beginning of all sins and faults... The Fathers of the Church believed that the fall of the angels was caused by pride. They speculated that it was the pride of the angels which caused them to refuse to acknowledge the divinity of the second person of the Blessed Trinity when they foreknew that he was to become a creature of this earth. They simply could not endure that the Son of God would be a weak and limited human being." by Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel

Rich's comments: A man was driving around Pittsburgh trying to find Mercy Hospital. Finally his frustration peaked and he decided to stop and ask for help from a gentleman on the side of the road. The gentleman said in response, "Oh you're almost there. Just turn down Pride and you will find Mercy." After turning left onto Pride Street, the driver was amazed to find Mercy Hospital straight ahead. These directions seem so simple, but why do we so frequently find ourselves lost in life. We need to turn down our Pride before we can receive God's Mercy. Lord, give me the strength and courage to put my pride aside and follow You. Amen.

Faith Challenges: Let's all invite one person each week (John 14:6) to join our LIFE Group (>235 ProLife Christians).
* NEW: Stop, turn down your Pride, and ask God for directions!

Pro-Life News: The LIFE Runners (Dave, Jason, Doug, Rich, John, Jim, Steve, Pat, Tammy, Brenda/Aaron/Trevor) will be running the Twin-Cities Marathon (26.2 miles) on Respect Life Sunday (October 4th) to raise money for an ultrasound for A Woman's Answer Medical Center in Gainesville, FL. Please consider sponsoring our team by donating $/mile. Please make checks payable to "Knights of Columbus" and mail them to PO Box 14044, Gainesville, FL 32604.

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), Pat Castle (for cousin Michael), Stephanie Spader (for peace/healthy pregnancy), Kay Castle (Nancy Wheeler, Sheri Daniels, Sr. Joan Luke), Maureen Rogers (her pain).

Feast Day: (Angels St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael) St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael, be with me today. Protect me from whatever could cause spiritual or physical harm. Help me be faithful to Jesus and a good communicator of his divine love. Amen.

Faith Quote: "It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels." by 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 40:7 (from deed to faith)

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

Sacrifice or oblation you wished not, but ears open to obedience you gave me. Psalm 40:7 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "When I was young, I wanted nothing more than to do the holy will of God. I knew I had made some poor choices in my life up to that point, and I wanted God to know that I repented of those sins and that I had placed him first in my life. I devoured books on the lives of the saints, wanting to emulate their every act of love and penitence. Despite my best efforts, I still fell short, and so I daily resolved to find ways to make sacrifices that would prove to God my sincerity of heart. Not only was it exhausting, but it had the unanticipated counter-effect of making me proud of my imagined control and ascetic resolve. How much like the Pharisees I had become! In those days of youthful extremes, this psalm was like a beacon light for me, slowly guiding me back from deeds to faith, from self-scrutiny to the heart of love." by Claire J. King

Faith Challenge: Let's invite others to join the LIFE Group (>210 Christians).
NEW: Although we are called to do God's will, never forget that it is your faith in our Lord Jesus Christ that saves.

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, Rich Reich (friend Carolyn battling cancer), Peters family (JP in hospital), Stephanie Spader (pregnancy concerns), Steve/Tina Castle (sell their home)

* UPDATE: "Had a doc appt yesterday and I'm still very early in the pregnancy (3 mo) BUT the baby is ahead of schedule already (about a week) so that is GREAT! Praise God...we still are praying for a BIG HEALTHY baby." - Stephanie Spader

Feast Day: St. Bernard

Faith Quote: "Many people mistake our work for our vocation. Our vocation is the love of Jesus." - 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.

2 Corinthians 4:7 (earthen vessels)

Let's welcome God every morning before work by giving a few minutes to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which is based on Living Faith. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "St. Paul tells us we are all earthen vessels. What an appropriate image! Though vulnerable, we are still valuable; though imperfect, we are precious; though flawed, we are cherished. Our survival ultimately comes not from our own power, but from the surpassing power of God." by Sr. Melannie Svoboda

Rich's comments: Pride is the number one deadly sin, because in pride we believe that we do not need God and we reject Him. We need to remember that we are as fragile as earthen vessels, and our survival ultimately comes from God's power. When you struggle to be holy, do not be frustrated when you fail. Remember that it is humanly impossible for us to be holy without the grace of God. We need God, and God wants us to need Him. Pray for meekness and humility of mind and heart. "God resists the proud but He gives grace to the humble". (James 4:6)

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

* NEW: The next time you feel the urge to boast about your accomplishments, remember to give all credit to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, American Family Association, Priests for Life
* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images)...#1 cause of death in America. Let's courageously share ProLife Truth (John 14:6) to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16) and setting the unborn free!

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas 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, Jason Peters (his son JP in hospital), Rich Reich (his Dad's has blocked brain artery), Carla Neal (Jean, Brenda, Donna, Joe & family, Roy, Joan, Mary Ann, Christina, Kenneth, Angela, Sue, Tammy, Tim & Family), Sue Peters (Wendi Kotlinsky cancer treatment was successful!), Rich Reich (Anne Vieira's sister-in-law died suddenly.)

Faith Quote: "A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can't see something that's above you." - 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)!