23 Nov Den of Thieves (Lk 19:45-46) by Angi Castle
Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors.
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“Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things, saying to them, “It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.” ~ Lk 19:45-46 (full readings)
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Angi’s Reflections: Influenced by the “den of thieves” (Planned Parenthood culture), I grew up with a Pro-Choice view for life. I felt that if a woman was a victim of rape or incest that she should have the right to abort her baby. I didn’t think that she should have to carry a baby to term and think day in and day out about how this life came to be. God spoke to me through my husband Pat one night on the front steps of his apartment (we had been dating about 2 1/2 mos.). Pat explained to me that although rape and incest were horribly evil acts, abortion would be an even deeper wound to the woman (see Faith Quote below). Pat held my hand and said, “Could you kill an innocent baby for an evil act that he/she didn’t commit?” I remember just bowing my head and sobbing as I thought about how I had been so misled by our culture versus looking towards God. The “den of thieves” is so cunning and sneaky. It looks glamorous in pop culture and tempts us every day. It is up to us to be the Body of Christ, standing up for Life Now to prevent a “den of thieves” in our homes, schools, and churches. Through prayer and actively living out our faith, Christ will be our stronghold.
* Angi Castle (LIFE Runner) is married to Pat, and they have two daughters. She is a part-time elementary school speech therapist. Angi helps serve at Rapid City Care Net PRC.
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Faith Challenge: After attending Abby Johnson’s Pro-Life talk in Rapid City, SD, one phrase really stuck with me. She said, “We need to be uncomfortable in our Pro-Life battle if we want to be heard.” Find a time this week to stand up for the dignity of all human life from conception to natural death…and be uncomfortable.
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Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel.
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Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. LIFE Runners Creed. Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
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Feast Day: St. Columban.
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Faith Quote: “The manner in which a human person is conceived does not change the science or genetic makeup of said human person. While the act of rape is a horrific, violent and tragic act, a child conceived in this act is still a human child. The mother should not be subjected to an additional act of violence that further degrades and victimizes her. Abortion in cases of rape heaps violence upon violence and robs the mother of a glimpse of light in a dark situation.” ~ Bryan Kemper
Through Christ our Lord,
Angi
John 3:16
* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will and 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 (and families): Abortion (images) is #1 death cause (22% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 and 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 and re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Matt 28:19.