Isaiah 1:18 (path toward reconciliation)

Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow. Isaiah 1:18

Living Faith snippets: “In preparation [for Reconciliation], I ask Jesus: “Tell me what in me most jeopardizes our relationship?” I never get the same answer. It is always an unexpected and often uncomfortable revelation of a part of my life God wants to heal. It is God’s revelation and activity that helps me bring into the light areas of my life that he wants to make white as snow.” by Sr. Kathryn James Hermes, F.S.P.

Rich’s comments: Erica had a guest speaker at a teacher in-service last Friday who told the following story: Chapter 1 – I walked down a street and fell into a hole. It wasn’t my fault, but I couldn’t get out of it. After a lot of struggle, I finally worked my way out of the hole. Chapter 2 – I walked down a street and fell into a hole. It wasn’t my fault, but I couldn’t get out of it. I prayed to God to help me get out of the hole. God responded and pulled me out of the hole. Chapter 3 – I walked down a street and there was a hole. I walked around the hole. Chapter 4 – I walked down a different street. Lord, may we have the courage and self-evaluation to acknowledge our sins, for You are faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. [1 John 1:9] Amen.

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

* NEW: Embrace the healing power of God’s mercy and forgiveness this Lenten season. Perform an examination of conscience and confess your sins. [James 5:16]

Stations of the Cross (3): Jesus falls the first time
* Consider attending a Stations of the Cross service (Friday evenings, nondenominational).

Culture War/ProLife News: LifeSiteNews, American Family Association, Priests for Life
* Let’s never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images). Abortion is #1 cause of death in America.
* NOW (25 Feb-5 Apr): Please be part of the 40 Days for Life campaign by praying in front of an abortion mill for one hour…defending the voiceless unborn.

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas below.
* Let’s pray for courage to share ProLife Truth to those around us (John 14:6)…rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16).
* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, lack of faith, illnesses/injuries, jobs, Sue Peters (Carrie), Rob Ouellette (Renato, Amy, Maryann, Mark, Elaine), Stephanie Spader (Maasa)

Faith Quote: “Forgiveness is the remission of sins. For it is by this that what has been lost, and was found, is saved from being lost again.” – Saint Augustine

Rich

Romans 12:12

* Bible: Readings and reflections for today.
* 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)!