Luke 17:32-33 (Beautiful Losers)

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Guest Authors schedule. LIFE Minute radio.

"Remember the wife of Lot. Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it." ~ Luke 17:32-33 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: Jesus gives us a stern, solemn warning today - Remember Lot's wife. That begs the question, "Who was Lot's wife?" Lot's wife is unnamed, but her place in the Bible stirs great emotion: She looked back at Sodom despite the Lord's clear command to not do so. She was turned into a pillar of salt (Gen.19:26). The LIFE Runners carry a similar message on their jersey's, "REMEMBER The Unborn." It was inspired at the Holocaust museum in Boston, and we bare this message as a warning to those who look upon it. We are fast approaching 60 million lives lost due to our disobedience to God's Word. Jesus gives us the clear path back to salvation in the following verse - we are to lose our life if we are to save it. As Christians we must all become beautiful losers...of our lives.

Faith Challenge: Where is God calling you to lose your life to save the unborn? Consider peacefully praying in front of your local abortion mill.

Sr. Francele's Devotion: Demons

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

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. >

Saint of the Day: St. Martin of Tours (d. 397) "On a bitterly cold day, a famous legend goes, Martin met a poor man, almost naked, trembling in the cold and begging from passersby at the city gate. Martin had nothing but his weapons and his clothes. He drew his sword, cut his cloak into two pieces, gave one to the beggar and wrapped himself in the other half. Some of the bystanders laughed at his now odd appearance; others were ashamed at not having relieved the man's misery. That night in his sleep Martin saw Christ dressed in the half of the garment he had given away, and heard him say, "Martin, still a catechumen, has covered me with his garment.""

Faith Quote: "Our body has this defect that, the more it is provided care and comforts, the more needs and desires it finds." ~ St. Teresa of Avila

Through Christ Our Lord,
Steve
Rom 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 (22% 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.

Matthew 16:24 (Forget You)

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Guest Authors schedule. LIFE Minute radio.

"Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." ~ Matthew 16:24(full readings)

Steve's Reflections: Self-denial may be one of the most profitable of all spiritual goods in the exercise of imitating Christ. The virtue of charity, the love of God and neighbor, is rooted in the pursuit of forgetting one's self for others. Today' Gospel reflects the heart of Christ for those who wish to follow him. To follow Christ is not a weekend event or when it seems convenient. It is not something you fit into your life, but rather it is something your life revolves around. It is the center upon which all good things flow in your life. As Christ disciples us to forget ourselves for others, the crucible of suffering is no longer something we taste bitterly, but rather something we willingly embrace.

Faith Challenge: Today forget yourself - commit to one selfless act for your neighbor.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Like Clay in the Hands of God

Counter-Culture News: LSN, LifeNews, Priests for Life, AFA, Vatican, Project Rachel. &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: Dedication of St. Mary Major.

Faith Quote: “Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance.” ~ St. Francis of Assisi

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 (22% 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 5:41 (Going the Extra Mile)

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

"Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles." Matthew 5:41 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: As a runner, the selected verse in today's Gospel rings home with me. I remember the strong nudgings of my heart after finishing a long race, to go back and jog with someone to the finish line. For a few moments you struggle with yourself, because you feel tired and don't want to run anymore. You have a sense of accomplishment that you have finished the race and now deserve your hard-earned rest. This sense of achievement however pales in comparison to the feeling you receive by going back and helping a fellow runner finish the race. Maybe God doesn't just want us to finish the race, but He wants us to bring others to the finish line as well. Lord, give me the strength to go the extra mile and help others finish the race. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Are you just focused on getting to the finish line, or are you willing to go back and help others finish with you?

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

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. Anthony of Padua

Faith Quote: "A sacrifice to be real must cost, must hurt, must empty ourselves." ~ Mother Teresa

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.

John 15:13 (Friends)

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

"No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." John 15:13 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: This statement by Jesus strikes to the heart for most of us - what more can I give but my life? This would have struck even deeper for the Apostles who were listening to Jesus. Quite often they called him "Master" or "Teacher" when addressing him. This was different. Jesus clarifies further,"No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you" (John 15:15). Jesus has set the boundaries of true friendship - do you tell God everything? Do you speak to him as your best friend? As we look back in scripture there is only one other biblical figure that was called a "friend" of God - Abraham. All others, Moses, Joshua and David, were called "servants" or "slaves of Yahweh." Jesus once again spins the Apostles paradigm on it's head and further reveals the depth of intimacy our Father God seeks with each one of us - our friendship. Jesus starts and ends this Gospel with this command; "Love one another as I love you," and "Love one another."

Faith Challenge: Do you talk to God the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit as a friend? Take the time to talk to God as your best friend each day. Lay all your joys, worries, fears and dreams upon him.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: End of the World "If you're a Christian who believes the Bible, Jesus clearly says no one knows the hour or the day of the return of Jesus."

Counter-Culture News: LSN, 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. Augustine of Canterbury (d. 605) "Augustine of Canterbury comes across today as a very human saint, one who could suffer like many of us from a failure of nerve...Augustine’s perseverance amidst obstacles and only partial success teaches today’s apostles and pioneers to struggle on despite frustrations and be satisfied with gradual advances."

Faith Quote: "He who would climb to a lofty height must go by steps, not leaps." ~ St. Gregory the Great (written in a letter to St. Augustine of Canterbury)

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.

Psalm 42:3 (Thirst Quencher)

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

"My being thirsts for God, the living God. When can I go and see the face of God?" Psalm 42:3 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: I find it to be a great spiritual exercise during Lent to sacrifice something that I enjoy in order to prevent myself from becoming a slave to my physical desires. I must confess that I am addicted to Mountain Dew, so this Lent I gave up all sodas despite my habitual craving. While sacrificing some physical desires, I have tried focusing on my spiritual needs (prayer and Scripture). For Saint Paul, his addiction was Jesus. Despite his great maturity in Christ, he still longed to know Him (Phil 3:8-11). But what was St. Paul talking about? Didn't he already know Jesus more closely than perhaps anyone else ever will? Of course he did, but the more he knew Jesus, the more he wanted to know Him. The more St. Paul progressed in spiritual strength, the more thirsty for God He became. Lord, only You can satisfy my thirst. I have tasted Your goodness and I thirst for more. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Do you thirst for God? Be encouraged, because your soul-thirst is a sign of soul-growth.

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

* Prosecutors drop case against abortion worker who stuffed baby born alive in bag

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, 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: Saint Hesychius of Jerusalem

Faith Quote: "O God, I have tasted thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still." ~ A. W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God

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.

Hebrews 13:1-2 (Angels Among Us) by Tina Castle

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

"Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have entertained angels." Hebrews 13:1-2 (full readings)

Tina's Reflections: My heart was moved as I read today’s verse about hospitality and entertaining angels. When I think of hospitality I think of generosity. Generosity is more than money, it is what God places on our hearts. I find the days that I make those small, generous concessions towards others are the days I find the most peace. I felt called to start a pro-life committee at my Parish. We made plans to go and pray in front of the abortion mill on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. It fell on one of the coldest days of the year. The committee was tempted to call off the event, but as we thought about the unborn unjustly being sacrificed, we knew we needed to be there. I was so proud that our priest and many of our youth joined us. During our time of peaceful prayer, we were greeted by many; a neighboring restaurant owner who gently asked us to not walk in front of his store window; a gruff man who asked me “what’s going on here,” then made the sign of the cross as he left; or the men and women who joined us in prayer as they got in their vehicles. Any of these could have been angels. We will never know how far reaching our prayers and sacrifices were that day. However, I do know that generosity is what brought us together. Check out this song by Alabama about the power of angels, Angels Among Us.

* Tina is married to Steve and the mother of four beautiful children (Brianna, Mary, Sam, & Sarah). Tina runs her own daycare, Little Miracles Daycare, and is active at her parish as the chair of the "Hear Our Voices" social justice committee.

Faith Challenge: Are you entertaining angels? Be generous and hospitable with all you encounter today.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Which one are YOU? "Sometimes I think the whole world is divided into two groups - Pharisees and Publicans. Pharisees are either judging or condemning others, while Publicans are so busy making their own hearts pleasing to God, they don't have time to judge others."

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

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. Joseph of Leonissa "Joseph avoided the safe compromises by which people sometimes undercut the gospel."

Faith Quote: "Every Christian must be a living book wherein one can read the teaching of the gospel." ~ St. Joseph of Leonissa

Through Christ Our Lord,
Tina
Matthew 25:40

* 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.

Hebrews 10:36 (The Forge)

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

"You need endurance to do the will of God and receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:36 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: I admit it - I am not a patient person. I was just a little disappointed when I learned that the Bible makes reference to "waiting" 274 times! I guess I better get used to waiting. I cross paths with many who are discouraged because of an unanswered prayer, lack of direction, a trial that has persisted, and all manner of situations that are requiring them to wait on the Lord. Perhaps you have been impatient with an elderly driver, or found yourself rolling your eyes as you wait for someone to make up their mind while ordering at the drive-up? Or maybe you've been struggling with an overbearing boss or a family member who knows just what to say to push your buttons? As we dig deeper, maybe you are suffering inside a loveless marriage, have a child who is rebellious, or an aging parent who requires more and more of your attention? Perhaps you have a disease that causes great pain or a loved one who is terminally ill? Sometimes our own sin, an addiction perhaps, can seem insurmountable and require supernatural patience to overcome. Endurance. Patience. Waiting. Today's verse from Hebrews speaks of the reality that endurance is a prerequisite to do the will of God. It is so important that our promised reward, eternal life, hinges upon it. Long suffering is the forge that has molded many Saints. Let us embrace these trials today and give thanks to God; for it is these very trials, when bore patiently and with endurance, that will prepare us for life eternal with the Father.

Faith Challenge: Each day offer up your trials both big and small to the Lord as a spiritual sacrifice...it will make you holy.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: I'm not perfect. Are you? "If we make mistakes and goof things up good, it is useless being miserable for any length of time. No matter what we may have done, we must move forward...We may not be able to forget the past, but we must get so busy helping others that we don't have time to think about the past."

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

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. Thomas Aquinas - By universal consent, Thomas Aquinas is the preeminent spokesman on reason and divine revelation. He is one of the great teachers of the medieval Catholic church, honored with the titles Doctor of the Church and Angelic Doctor.

Faith Quote: “To convert somebody, go and take them by the hand and guide them.”

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 2:5 (Sacrifice)

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

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him,“Child, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:5 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: I have heard it said that evangelization is simply one beggar showing another beggar where the bread is. In today's Gospel we hear the story of four men carrying their paralyzed friend on a pallet to see Jesus. I know these men loved their friend. They overcome obstacle after obstacle to bring their friend before Jesus. Nothing would deny them. They fought through the crowd, they tore through a roof and finally they lowered their friend before Jesus inside that house! Their persistence and ingenuity is remarkable in spite of these obstacles. These men loved this man and had faith that Jesus could help him. They knew where the bread was and they would not be deterred. What is most interesting about this healing is that it is through the faith of the paralytics friends, not that paralytic, that Jesus heals him. Also, Jesus SAW their faith - they had taken action and Jesus took note of this. Likewise, by our own faith we can fight through crowds, tear through roofs, and lower our loved ones before our merciful savior. Our faith and the action of faith through prayer, words of encouragement or a timely scripture verse can make a difference in others lives. These four friends denied their own needs in spite of great obstacles so that their friend might be healed. Are you willing to fight through crowds, and tear through roofs by way of prayer, fasting, and self sacrifice for your loved ones?
* Check out this heart wrenching story about a brother who sacrificed his life for his younger brother during the floods in Australia "Save my brother first."

Faith Challenge: There is no more powerful prayer than that of self-sacrifice. The sweet aroma of our little sacrifices rise to God as a beautiful fragrance. Try fasting from a meal or two for a loved one or friend in need and expect miracles.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Storms of Life "The next time you have an impossible storm in your life, some situation in which there doesn't seem to be any way out, call on Jesus, ask Him to help you walk on the water, like Peter did."

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

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

Feast Day: Servant of God John the Gardner (d. 1501) "He was so loving towards all that he never wanted to take offense at anything. His advice was that to forgive offenses is an act of penance most pleasing to God."

Faith Quote: "Fasting possesses great power. If practiced with the right intention, it makes man a friend of God. The demons are aware of that." ~ Tertullian (c. 220)
.
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.

Luke 11:29 (Wanting More..)

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

This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign is given, except the sign of Jonah. Luke 11:29 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "What can you give to to those who already have so much? The people had either seen or heard about the many signs that Jesus performed. And yet, some of them wanted more. Perhaps Jesus thought they should appreciate what they already had." by Fr. Kenneth Grabner, C.S.C.

Steve's Thoughts: Fr. Kenneth's thought, "...some of them wanted more," really got me thinking this morning. I think it's human nature to want to "see with our own eyes". But even those that witnessed great miracles like the multiplication of the loaves and fishes still turned from Jesus when he gave them the hard truth - "you must eat of my body and drink of my blood". They replied, "But how can this be true?" How often do we think like this ourselves? How often does my own heart harden when face to face with my own selfishness? How often do I wish I just had a little "more" so that my life would be more comfortable? Lent is a time to come to grips with our own desires and set them aside, so we can have more of Jesus. Less of the world always means more of Jesus.

Faith Challenges: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding a devotion or using our Facebook Group "invite people to join" link.
* NEW: What are you having "less" of this lent, so you can experience "more" of Jesus? Consider commenting on the Facebook Group page.

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!
* 'Pornography Harms' Website Launched

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together, and close to God (footnotes). Peters family (JP). Prayer to end abortion.
* NEW: Liz Curry (for Linda's chemotherapy, for Kim's cancer surgery recovery), Lisa Riess (healing for Schallert family), Rose Beizer (faith perspective for Adam)

Feast Day: Blessed Luke Beludi

Faith Quote: "Faith grows in the valleys, not on the mountain tops." Fr. Leroy Schik, parochial vicar, Church of Our Lady of Victory (Fergus Falls, MN)

Just one Beggar showing another where the bread is,
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).

Mark 5:19 (your response?)

Let's welcome God today 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

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)

Living Faith Snippets: "Jesus' actions called forth two entirely different responses. The townspeople knew they had witnessed something otherworldly, something no man could ever do. Stunned, they could not or would not deal with it, so they had to get rid of the source. Jesus, you have to leave us. On the other hand, the man who had been possessed and a participant in such a strange scene was so deeply grateful that he asked to leave all and accompany Jesus. Stay and sing my praises among your people. The Father and I will be glorified through you. Jesus says the same to us today: So they no longer want me in their midst. Well, now it is up to you. What a challenge!" by Sr. Charleen Hug

Pat's Nuggets: God morning, LIFE Group! If you are inspired by something in a devotion, please consider going to our Facebook page and adding a comment (or simply click the "like" button). This feedback encourages others to read the devotions and respond...further building the Kingdom of God here and now. Thank you for considering...peace of Christ be with you always!

* Joe Hourigan shared: "I heard Gianna Jessen speak. Gianna was born approximately 32 years ago, after being burned for 18 hours in her mothers womb, by a saline abortion attempt. Her birth mother was 17 years old and over 7 months pregnant. Gianna's birth certificate says "born during saline abortion". She was born with cerebral palsy, and considers it a gift from God. She is a strong woman, and has run 2 marathons. She got points across about the sanctity of life in a profound way. And her sense of humor was just awesome too. She had the chance to meet former President George W. Bush, when the BAIPA (Born Alive Infant Protection Act) was signed in 2002. He gave her a kiss on the cheek and a warm hug and told her "I'm not going to let you down." Gianna allows the love of Jesus Christ to shine forth for all the world to see. She has a powerful message to share, because she is alive, like God intended. You and I have a message to share as well. Be not afraid. Go forth, and spread the gospel of love [Life]."

* NOTE: Most every Friday after work, Joe Hourigan prays/counsels in front of the Planned Parenthood abortuary in Old Colorado Springs...bringing sanctity for the deceased babies, healing for the wounded mothers, and pain prevention by directing people to the life saving resources at the Crisis Pregnancy Center across the street. For more details on joining his "LIFE Sidewalkers" ministry, email him at joe.hourigan@hp.com.

Faith Challenges: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding a devotion to others or by using the Facebook Group "invite people to join" link. Steve, Rich, or Pat will gladly add others to the email list. Melissa Bennett, Kim McElroy, Doug Hansens, Sister M. Consolata, Terry Bangasser...welcome!

* NEW: As set up in today's snippets, let's accept the challenge to glorify Christ in the spaces/places of the world that have rejected Him. As Sr Francelle shared (Underground Churches), Christians are imprisoned/killed in many places of the world, for accepting this challenge.

* NEW: Let's glorify Christ by helping others stay warm/healthy (physically, mentally, spiritually) through the winter.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, 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: "Oakland A’s prospect Grant Desme is ending his baseball career to enter the priesthood. Desme is leaving the game at a time when his fortunes seemed to be rising fast." FOX article

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas in footnote below.
* Prayer to end abortion, those considering/had an abortion, chastity, politicians, abused children, homeless, peace for our enemies & deployed troops/families, depression/despair, prisoners, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, refugees, addictions, the persecuted, Peters family (JP, Rebekah), Health care reform (protect the unborn), Haitian earthquake victims, Rich Reich (Carolyn's cancer battle), Bobby Aborn (health issues)

* NEW: For Joe/Anne Hourigan (& 6 children) who sadly lost their 14 wk old unborn child. Joe said they will use this pain/perspective to help those suffering from abortion's wounds.

Faith Quotes:

* "These are the times that try [people's] souls." Thomas Paine

* Kelly Benson shared: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Phil 4:8

Through Christ our Lord,
Pat

Phil 4:13

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn't, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead.
* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, pornography, bitterness, criticalness, impatience, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and take on things that fix our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).
* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don't stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' (Blessed Mother Teresa).
* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead a friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service (Matt 28:19).

Psalm 50:14 (Praise God as Sacrifice)

Let's welcome God today 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

Offer to God praise as your sacrifice... Psalm 50:14 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "How could praise be the equivalent of a concrete sacrifice? Compared to the first of your flock or harvest, your money or your time, it doesn't seem as if saying words of praise to God could require anything of me. Ah, but maybe it does. Perhaps putting aside my own desires, plans and conception of what life should be like does, indeed, require a sacrifice. A far greater sacrifice than anything concrete or material, in fact." by Amy Welborn

Rich's comments: Today's Living Faith author brought up an interesting question about how praising God could be a sacrifice, but I had a different answer. Upon reflection, I thought about my own struggles with pride and humility, and how I find it challenging and frequently forget to give God credit for what I often view as my own accomplishments. It is humbling to work really hard at something (blood, sweat, and tears) and then not feel the urge to toot your own horn and tell people "Hey, look what I did!" With this perspective in hand, I can really see how giving God praise is a sacrifice as well as a gift to God. Lord, teach me to be humble and to give You praise always, for You showed us the ultimate sign of humility by being born as a helpless child among us. Amen.

Faith Challenges: Let's all invite one person each week (John 14:6) to join our LIFE Group (~250 of God's children).

* NEW: Reflect on everything that God has given you and give Him praise.

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 (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), Joe (brother Mike), Doug Young (special intention), Pat Castle (health care reform bill), Joe (daughter's pregnancy), Aaron Ferrie (special intention). Carol Nesbitt (Ron Hayes in ICU with H1N1 and pneumonia).

* NEW: Carol Nesbitt (Dody Gustaf has gone to be with our God).

Faith Quote: "God has landed on this enemy-occupied world in human form...The perfect surrender and humiliation was undergone by Christ: perfect because He was God, surrender and humiliation because He was man." - C.S. Lewis

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).

Luke 6:41 (11 Sep 01 priority list?)

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

Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own? Luke 6:41 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "This gospel passage is about hypocrisy and judging others. It's about having acute awareness of other people's failings, while ignoring our own. We need to think about that beam in our eye and forget about the splinters we see elsewhere. Dear Jesus, help me to see my faults and find the compassion needed to love my neighbor as you love us."

Faith Challenge: Let's all invite one person each week (John 14:6) to join our LIFE Group (>220 ProLife Christians).

* NEW: Let's reflect on our priority list on 11 Sep 2001...likely closer to God's priority list for our lives...let's use the 11 Sep 01 priority list today. [Where were you on 11 Sep 01? Angi, Paige, and me were stationed at Incirlik AB, Turkey.]

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!

* NEW: About 23% of all pregnancies end in abortion in the United States (about 1.2 million babies per year). Let's reach out in unconditional love to all those families about to go over the abortion cliff and to those who already went over.

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), Stephanie Spader (healthy pregnancy), Adrian Hermosillo (sister Angelica battling cancer)

* NEW: I will attend my 20 yr class reunion tonight and tomorrow. May God not be forgotten in the stories that are told. Please pray for the O'Gorman HS Class of 1989.

Faith Quote: "Out of difficulties grow miracles." Jean De La Bruyere

Through Christ our Lord,
Pat

Phil 4:13

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead.'
* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and take on things that fix our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).
* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' (Blessed Mother Teresa).
* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service (Matt 28:19).

2 Corinthians 9:6 ("give until it hurts")

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

Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. 2 Corinthians 9:6 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "I often hesitate before I give. Can I afford it? Especially when times are uncertain, it's natural to ask. God's word reminds us of reward beyond our present circumstances. When we remember we are called to give, we surely will discover the even greater reward that awaits us." by Beth Dotson Brown

Faith Challenge: Let's invite others to join the LIFE Group (>200 Christians).
* NEW: Stephanie Kemp shared..."Every abortion harms one mother and destroys one innocent human life. How much is the life of one baby worth? What are you going to do about it today? What are you willing to sacrifice? Ask the Holy Spirit to help put your prayers into action. Be not afraid!" To quote my brother Joe, "give until it hurts."

LIFE Group nuggets:

* Sue Peters: "Thank you for your continued devotion to sending out the daily devotions! I love being able to come to WORK and take another "time out for Jesus".....and believe me some days it is what keeps me going."

* Pastor Don Bird: "Whatever difficult challenges I may face throughout my day or week, I can ALWAYS count on God to remind me of the mighty work He continues to do for each and every one of us. As James 1:2-4 says, "My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing." Can you see God working in your life and through your life? Can you see how your trials, tests, sufferings, pain is strengthening your resolve, your spirit, your faith? Can you catch-a-glimpse of even the smallest blessing and allow it to bring a smile to your face? I hope you can - and I hope that you are able to experience the pure joy that Christ offers."

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)

* NEW: Peters family (JP in hospital)

Feast Day: St. Lawrence (martyr)

Faith Quotes:

* "Where there's His will, there's a way." ~ unknown

* “Never pray for an easier life — pray to be a stronger person! Never pray for tasks equal to your power — pray for power equal to your tasks.” Phillips Brooks

Through Christ our Lord,

Pat
Phil 4:13

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead.'
* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and take on things that fix our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).
* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' (Blessed Mother Teresa).
* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service.

Psalm 103:13 (compassionate parent)

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

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him... Psalm 103:13 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "God's compassion is the story of our salvation. The Christ Child in the manger is a powerful reminder that God sent his Son to earth to take our place and remove our sins. Knowing we are all weak, sinful and unable to handle salvation by our own merits, God sent Jesus--from the manger to the cross--to suffer in our stead. That's what a loving parent does. We have only to accept it."

Rich's comments: Lord, may I never forget the sacrifice that You have made for me. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News.
* NEW: Show God's compassion to another by placing their needs before yours.

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, for our 10 LIFE Runners who are training to defend the unborn at the Twin Cities Marathon on Respect Life Sunday (4 Oct).

Faith Quote: "The language of love is sacrifice." - unknown author

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)!

Matthew 9:37 (pray for vocations)

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

The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few. Matthew 9:37

Living Faith snippets: "[Jesus] tells us what to do: "Ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest." Our first task, when promoting vocations, is to pray. It is God who calls. Jesus has a great compassion for us. His heart is moved to pity when he sees us suffering. He wants to send out an abundance of laborers to help those in need and to preach the Kingdom. Let us follow Jesus' charge and dedicate this day to pray for vocations." by Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti

Rich's Comments: God has blessed all of us with different gifts and we are called to use these gifts to serve God's purposes. Pray for those who are just now identifying their gifts that they will use them to serve God.

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

* NEW: Let's pray for vocations today:

O Holy Spirit, Spirit of wisdom and divine love, impart Your knowledge, understanding, and counsel to youth that they may know the vocation wherein they can best serve God. Give them courage and strength to follow God's holy will. Guide their uncertain steps, strengthen their resolutions, shield their chastity, fashion their minds, conquer their hearts, and lead them to the vineyards where they will labor in God's holy service. Amen.

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), Nana Suzie (prayer of thanksgiving for each "good day" that JP experiences).

Faith Quote: "Show me your hands. Do they have scars from giving? Show me your feet. Are they wounded in service? Show me your heart. Have you left a place for divine love?" by Archbishop 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.
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)!

Mark 12:34 (Tiananmen Square, China)

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

You are not far from the Kingdom of God. Mark 12:34 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "I do know how hard it can be to love my neighbor even in trivial things...like being stuck behind a slow driver. Occasionally, I manage to stop swearing at them long enough to recognize that there is a person in that car, a person who may have very good reasons to travel more slowly. Maybe the space I can give them is just large enough for a tiny wedge of the Kingdom of God to fit." by Aileen O'Donoghue

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News.
* NEW: Today is the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square incident in China (~1000 protesters killed). Angi and me were in that square on 16 May 09. Today's devotion image is the "tank man" who demonstrated great courage and sacrifice for the freedom of others...watch the inspiring 2 min video. 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! Stephanie Kemp wrote, "Every abortion harms one mother and destroys one innocent human life. What are you going to do about it today? What are you willing to sacrifice? Ask the Holy Spirit to help put your prayers into action. Be not afraid!"

* P.S. The recent murder of abortionist George Tiller was, like abortion, a horrific murder. That is not ProLife Truth.

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.

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas in footnote below.
* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, addictions, Sue Peters (Wendi Kotlinsky cancer treatment), Carol Nesbitt (cousin Rob Mischel with brain cancer)

* NEW: Carla Neal (Cyndy, Anita & Collin)

Faith Quote: "Enter through the narrow gate. The gate that leads to damnation is wide, the road is clear and many choose to travel it" (Mt 7:13). What is the "wide gate" and what is the "clear road" of which Jesus speaks? It is the gate of moral autonomy, it is the road of intellectual pride. How many, even Christians, live in indifference, adopting materialistic outlook and giving in to the allurements of sin!" by John Paul II

Through Christ our Lord,

Pat

Phil 4:13

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead.'
* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and take on things that fix our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).
* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' (Blessed Mother Teresa).
* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service.

Let's joyfully invite others to join our LIFE Group...Rich or Pat will gladly add them to the devotions distribution list (Mark 16:15)!