30 Nov Fishing (Mt 4:18) by Shane Kapler
Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors.
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“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” ~ Mt 4:18-22 (full readings)
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Shane’s Reflections: Today we celebrate Jesus’ calling of Andrew the fisherman to become one of his disciples, and eventually an apostle. We live in a culture that is leery of people sharing their faith, or “proselytizing.” Andrew’s occupation and the way Jesus worked it into his call has a couple of lessons for us. First, fisherman must exercise patience. We should live our faith, joyfully and openly, with those around us, waiting for the many natural opportunities God provides to share its power. At the same time, when someone expresses interest and we begin to dialogue about our beliefs, we have to know when to start “pulling up the net” so to speak, inviting them to come hear a speaker with you, lending them a book, or inviting them to come to church and then out to brunch next Sunday.
* Shane Kapler is the author of “The God Who is Love: Explaining Christianity From Its Center” and co-author of “Tending the Temple”. He works as a speech therapist in St. Louis, but his favorite “job” is being a Dad. Visit www.explainingchristianity.com.
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Faith Challenge: After practicing patience in sharing your faith, do not be afraid to “pull up the net.” Be on your lookout today for such an opportunity. Don’t force it, but should it present itself, say a quick prayer for guidance and then step out.
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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: Saint Andrew.
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Faith Quote: “How can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” ~ Rom 10:14.
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Through Christ our Lord,
Shane
* 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.