26 Oct Eyes-Wide-Open (Luke 12:56) by Steve Castle
Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors.
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“You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?” ~ Luke 12:56 (full readings)
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Steve’s Reflections: While on a Pro-Life pilgrimage to St. Louis as part of the National LIFE Runners Team this past weekend, I had the opportunity to reflect on my journey of faith. In particular my journey towards being Pro-Life. It is interesting to note that my conversion and Pro-Life ideology were not one in the same. As a young Christian I still believed in the exceptions clauses for abortion (rape, incest, and life of the mother). I remember feeling sorry for women who found themselves in such dire circumstances, and it just seemed merciful to me to allow for an abortion. It wasn’t until the courage of a young woman turned my heart and mind toward LIFE. I remember asking her point blank – “Would you keep your child if you found yourself in any of those circumstances?” Her reply was loving and full of conviction, “I would not kill my baby just because I had been wronged or to save my own life.” I was immediately convicted by her words. I’m proud to say that I married that young woman a few short years later. My wife Tina is still turning hearts and minds towards LIFE. This past weekend we were part of a team of 252 LIFE Runners in St. Louis who prayed, raised funds, and ran (photos)…All In Christ for Pro-Life! Like Jesus in today’s Gospel who questions the eyes-shut approach of His people, I now wonder how anyone could not see the mountain of evidence and choose life. Thanks to the courageous testimony of one person, I am now eyes-wide-open and Pro-Life.
* Steve Castle serves on the LIFE Group board and is a regular Friday devotion author. Him and his wife Tina lead the Fergus Falls MN LIFE Runners Chapter and attend to their number one ministry; their four children. Full bio.
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Faith Challenge: Take courage! With eyes-wide-open share your pro-life testimony with others today. It could change a life (or two).
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Sr. Francelle’s Devotions: Saints (24 July 2009)
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. Evaristus, Pope and Martyr (d. 108)
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Faith Quote: “My friends, we can not be neutral or remain as mere spectators. Every crime against life is an attack on Peace. Let’s respect and defend life and we will have peace.” ~ Bishop Nicola De Angelus
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Through Christ our Lord,
Steve
Romans 12:12
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* 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.