Acts 4:12 (Are You Saved?) by Mark Nelson

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

"There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved." Acts 4:12 (full readings)

Mark's Reflections: Perhaps you've been asked before, "Are you saved?" Most often the asker has good intentions and truly desires to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. As we spend so much time in the book of Acts this Easter Season, I can't help but notice the passion and exuberance of the Apostles. Their lives had been CHANGED by a man named Jesus! They wanted to share how we too could be saved. I find myself asking if I have allowed Jesus to CHANGE MY LIFE recently? "Lord Jesus, reach deep into my heart, change me from the inside out. Allow me to know Your love and help me to share your love with those I encounter." Check out this beautiful song by Ike Ndolo called We Are the Beggars. "We are the beggars showing the beggars where to be filled..."
* Mark Nelson and his wife Tracy have a little boy and reside in Sioux Falls, SD. Mark has been a Youth Minister since 2004 and currently works for Holy Spirit Parish in Sioux Falls, SD.

Faith Challenge: Have you allowed the love of the Risen Lord to penetrate deep into your heart lately? Ask Him to do so today.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Feast of Divine Mercy "In 1931, Sr. Faustina, a Polish nun, had several visions of the Lord Jesus, in which He asked her, "Paint an image according to what you see, with the signature: Jesus, I trust in You. I want the first Sunday after Easter to be named Feast of Mercy."

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. Catherine of Siena (d. 1380) "The value of her life for us today lies in her recognition of holiness as a goal to be sought over the course of a lifetime."

Faith Quote: "Merit consists in the virtue of love alone, flavored with the light of true discretion without which the soul is worth nothing." ~ St. Catherine of Siena

Peace of Christ,
Mark
Luke 24:32

* 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 8:36 (Lens)

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

"What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?" Mark 8:36 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: Just yesterday I read about a home-schooled wrestler, Joel Northrup, who faced a difficult decision (see Counter Cultural News). Entering as a favorite to win the state tournament in Iowa, he was face to face with modern high school sports history. His opponent was one of two girls to ever qualify for the state tournament. As many rejoiced at the accomplishments of these two young girls, this young man agonized over whether it was right for him to wrestle a girl. Joel Northrup defaulted his match, and his dream of winning the state title. He issued this statement, "As a matter of conscience and my faith I do not believe that it is appropriate for a boy to engage a girl in this manner." Wow. In a world where feminism has stolen a women's femininity, this young man honored the sacred state of this young girls nature as a daughter of Christ. He did this in spite of personal sacrifice and the risk of being labeled a chauvinist or a prude. He stood up for what his faith tells him is true; men and women are different and those differences are a celebration of the beauty of each gender. Today's Gospel speaks precisely of these difficult decisions when our faith runs contrary to the world. The father who takes his teenage daughter to get an abortion because it will "stop her from having a normal life", or the single mother who feels she just can't afford another child are all too common examples of the short sighted vision of the world. Ultimately, Jesus speaks clearly in our Gospel that those who deny Christ in this life will be denied in the next. To follow our faith we must always see through a lens bent toward our salvation and our ultimate goal, heaven; the prize for which we all run the race of life. Dear Lord, give me the grace to always keep my eyes fixed on you and the prize of heaven.

Faith Challenge: What lens are you filtering the world through? When pressured or confused by the world, filter your problems through the lens of faith given to us at our Baptism. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and courage to stand up for your faith.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Blessed Charles de Foucauld "The life of Brother Charles illustrates the great lengths, both spiritual and physical, that a man must sometimes travel to follow Christ."

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action
* High School Wrestler Defaults vs Girl

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: Blessed John of Fiesole

Faith Quote: "I sought you out and now you come to me. Thank you." The last audible words of Pope John Paul II, on hearing tens of thousands of young people singing in St. Peter's Square as he lay on his deathbed (Friday, April 1, 2005).

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.

John 19:16 (GOOD FRIDAY)

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

Then [Pilate] handed [Jesus] over to them. John 19:16 (full readings)

Sr. Francelle's Devotion Snippets: "Good Friday is the saddest day of the year. On this day, we walk with Jesus as He carries His cross in sorrow. The Stations of the Cross often bring tears to my eyes, as it wasn't just a cross of wood He carried on his shoulder; instead, it was my sins. Each of us has our own hidden sorrows deep within our hearts; if we unite our pain with the sorrows of Jesus and Mary, they will help us to bear them. As He hung in pain for three long hours on the cross, He looks ahead to all who will reject Him and lose their souls to hell, despite the chance they have to be saved." Easter Joy

Steve's Thoughts: Good Friday. At noon Christ began his horrific journey to Golgotha. We know that he gave up his spirit at approximately 3pm. The devotion is arriving at the hour of his passion to honor Jesus and to focus our time with him today. Why do we call it "Good"? All the sins of the past, present, and future were reconciled on the Cross that day; today. The innocent lamb, led to slaughter, made that sacrifice for all of humanity in one glorious act. We say in mass, "Lord by your cross and resurrection, you have set us free. You are the savior of the world." Let us rejoice in those words today as we contemplate the magnitude of this glorious, "Good" Friday. Lord Jesus, let us remember your sacrifice for us today at the hour of your death; 3pm.
* Watch the Lamb Video by Ray Boltz - This will help you enter into Good Friday...

Faith Challenges: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding devotions or using the Facebook "invite people" link.
* NEW: I once heard it said many would gladly give up their life to save a son, but who could give up the life of their ONLY Son to save the life of another? Please consider sharing your devotion thoughts on the Facebook page, to be appreciated by many.

Counter-Culture News: 40 Days for Life, 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 expose abortion's unjust peace, rebuilding a Culture of Life for setting the unborn (and parents) free.

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

Faith Quote: "As Jesus stepped into the garden, you were in His prayers. As Jesus looked into heaven, you were in His vision. His final prayer was about you. His final pain was for you. His final passion was you." by Deacon Adejoh

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).

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)!

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)!

Psalm 71:3 (our strongholds)

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

Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safey, for you are my rock and my fortress. Psalm 71:3

Living Faith snippets: "During this Holy Week as we contemplate the final days of Jesus on earth, we remember vividly what he endured to save us. Along with his suffering came a promise for our protection and salvation. In return, Jesus did ask us for something--he called us to imitate him." by Beth Dotson Brown

Rich's comments: A stronghold is a place of survival or refuge. What strongholds do you seek when you are under stress? Do you seek man-made strongholds like alcohol, over-eating, pornography, gossip, addictions, etc., or do you run towards the Lord? Whatever you flee to may not be evil in itself, but whatever keeps you from fleeing to Jesus is your true stronghold, and one day that won't be enough for you. Have no fear. Trust in God to be your true stronghold.

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

* NEW: "Look around for those who might be crying out for guidance, for friendship, for an understanding ear, and show them the love Jesus modeled for us." by Beth Dotson Brown

Culture-War 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 share ProLife Truth (John 14:6)...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16)!

ProLife Station #11 (Jesus is Nailed to the Cross): "The powers of this world crucified the God who made this world. All power and authority come from God. All who exercise power have to account for it before the throne of God. We pray that those in government may use their powers to protect the innocent babies in the womb." by Fr. Frank Pavone (Priests for Life)

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, Maureen Rogers (pain), Colleen Boddicker (Her Mom moved to hospice)

Faith Quote: "Strong and mighty, strong to save us; like a fortress never failing; strong in battle, strong in kindness, when we stray, Lord, you're strong to find us. When the winds come hard against us; you are steadfast, you are true; when the ground beneath us trembles, your foundation never moves." - Newsboys, Strong Tower

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)!

1 Corinthians 15:1-2 (living faith)

* 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

I am reminding you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you indeed received and in which you also stand. Through it you are also being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you... 1 Corinthians 15:1-2

Living Faith snippets: "The idea that salvation is taking place right now, but is not complete fits well with my own experience. It explains the growth as well as the persistent presence of sin in my life. I think the heart of Jesus continually draws us in, sets us free, heals our wounds and deals with our occasional failures to "hold fast." I pray that this process will go on and on and on." by Mark Neilsen

Rich's comments: Man cannot save himself. Salvation comes from God's grace through faith in Christ. God’s grace grows within us as we trust in God more and follow His commandments. One cannot expect to profess their faith once and then be eternally secure, while living a life of disobedience towards God. One must live out this faith their entire life. Hence, the name of our Christian daily devotion "Living Faith."

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

Please consider signing up to pray an hour in front your local abortion mill.

Faith Quote: "The fruit of silence is prayer. The fruit of prayer is faith. The fruit of faith is love. The fruit of love is service. The fruit of service is peace." by Mother Teresa (The Simple Path)

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. 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)!

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)!

John 6:54 (Eternal Life)

* 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 (http://www.livingfaith.com/).

Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. John 6:54

Living Faith snippets: "The consecrated bread and wine are not only signs of love, but they are the real Sacramental presence of Jesus in our midst. Whenever we receive the consecrated host in our hand or on our tongue, and whenever we drink the consecrated wine, we are touching God. Lord, I cannot fully comprehend the mystery of your love. All I can do is open my heart to receive what you want to give." by Fr. Kenneth E. Grabner (author of "Focus Your Day")

Pat nuggets: I was especially taken by the prayer above, "Lord, I cannot fully comprehend the mystery of your love. All I can do is open my heart to receive what you want to give" (regarding the Eucharist). As we are the created, why should we expect to fully comprehend the ways of our Creator God? As a scientist and follower of Jesus, I am constantly amazed at how much our Creator allows us to understand through the gift of our mind and inspired words from the Bible and fellow Christians living as the Body of Christ. I do not expect to fully understand the Eucharist, but I do accept this Sacramental (from Christ) gift because God said, "unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you do not have life within you" (John 6:53). Although it should be enough that God said to do it, we still struggle with this. The many disciples of Christ at that time also struggled with this and said, "this saying is hard; who can accept it?" (John 6:60). Jesus said, "the words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe. Many of His disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied Him [Jesus]" (John 6: 63, 64, 66). Those disciples left Christ in John "6:66," and Rich noted that perhaps Satan influenced those disciples to turn away from Christ. Would those disciples have left Jesus if the Eucharist was simply a sign of his love? While trying to pass on the gift of skiing to Grace this year, I would ski ahead of Grace and ask her to ski to me. Grace had to let go and trust that I would catch her. Once she trusted me, she received the joy of the skiing gift. When I let go of my own desire to totally understand the why and how of the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist, I can then receive God's grace through His awesome gift...Amen!

Through Christ for ProLife,
Pat
Phil 4:13

* 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: Pro-Life 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.
* Other devotions: Sr. Francelle (sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com) and COUGARS daily (cougarsdaily.blogspot.com). Would you like to be added?
* Share the Good News: Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!