12 Oct Kingdom Divided? (Luke 11:17) by Steve Castle
Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors.
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“Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house.” ~ Luke 11:17 (full readings)
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Steve’s Reflections: Jesus’ strong words come on the heels of casting out a “mute” demon and being accused of doing so in the name of “Beelzebul”. Others call for a “sign” as a way to confirm His power. Two camps; one demonizes Christ’s right actions and the other is skeptical and demands more. In many ways these two camps are alive and well today in the Church and the Pro-Life movement. Many Christians and secularists have criticized the Catholic Church for its unwavering, uncompromising defense of human dignity and life from conception to natural death. They call for a more “progressive” Church. One willing to meet people in the middle by “redefining” marriage; making “exceptions” for abortion; showing “mercy” for the terminally ill; and allowing the destruction of fetuses for embryonic stem cell research. Others demonize the Church through its scandals, dwindling church attendance, and cite the hypocrisy from within; for them a sure sign the Church is dead. As Christians we should be awake at all times and know that there will be a separation of the goats from the lambs. This growing dichotomy, this culture war, is to be expected. To be divided from within, house against house, on these fundamental questions regarding human dignity will surely spell the full moral erosion of our country. As such we must be prepared to stand firm, to stand our ground as James (4:7) exhorts us, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” What remains of the Church in this culture war will be a holy remnant, undivided, tested and tried by fire.
* 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: Stand firm and do not waiver from the basic fundamental principles of human dignity and life. Cast your vote this November and take a stand for family and LIFE!
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Sr. Francelle’s Devotions: Which One Are You? (2 Feb, 2011)
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. Seraphin of Montegranaro (d. 1604)
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Faith Quote: “We cannot simultaneously commit ourselves to human rights and progress while eliminating or marginalizing the weakest among us. Nor can we practice the Gospel of life only as a private piety. American Catholics must live it vigorously and publicly, as a matter of national leadership and witness, or we will not live it at all.” ~ Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life
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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.