Genesis 17:5 (called by name)

02 Apr Genesis 17:5 (called by name)

Posted on Thursday 02 April, 2009

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

No longer shall you be called Abram; your name shall be Abraham, for I am making you the father of a host of nations. Genesis 17:5

Living Faith snippets: “When God changes Abram’s name to “Abraham,” the naming signifies a gift: Abraham is being called to a new way of life, a new role as the “father” of many nations, with all the responsibilities and challenges that implies. Abraham is charge with growing into the very definition of his name and living into the fullness of its meaning.” by Sr. Chris Koellhoffer

Rich’s comments: At significant points during a military career, you are promoted and your rank changes (e.g. lieutenant to captain, or captain to major). The rank change signifies an upward progression and a new responsibility. Likewise, God chose new names for people to let them know that they were destined for a new mission in life. They were going to undergo a change in their life that would be so significant that their very own identity would change. I often look back to who I was before I knew Christ (before my metanoia) and I do not recognize myself. I am a totally different person now. God has given me direction and a new mission in life; to serve Him.

Faith Challenge: Let’s challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News. Suggestions?
* NOW: “Reflect on the name you received in baptism, and ask yourself, what is God calling you to live into?” by Sr. Chris Koellhoffer

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)!

* NEW: I observed with Operation Outcry, that part of the healing process of post-abortive parents is providing a name for their aborted children. Naming their children shows that they recognize the dignity of their child’s life. I pray for those 4,000 children who die daily, because of legalized abortion in our country. I know that God has chosen names for them, because “He knew them before He formed them in their mother’s womb.” – Jeremiah 1:5

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 (constant pain)

Faith Quote: “Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.” – Pope John Paul II

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)!
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