Lost and Found (Lk 15:4,7) by Lauren Muzyka

07 Nov Lost and Found (Lk 15:4,7) by Lauren Muzyka

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB).  Leaders.  Guest Authors.
.
“What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it?  I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.” ~ Lk 15:4, 7 (full readings)
.
Lauren’s Reflections:   In the Pro-Life movement, it is so tempting to detest the other side.  The abortionist.  The abortion center counselor who convinces the woman-in-crisis that abortion is her only option.  The abortion center receptionist or office manager.  The vehement pro-choice protester with a callous disregard for life in the womb.  Yes, even the woman who ultimately chooses abortion.  But the Lord tells us in scripture that, “Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.” (Matthew 18:14).  Yes, God wills and wants ALL of his children to come back to Him with contrite hearts.  One only need to read the stories of former Planned Parenthood abortion or abortion-referral workers such as Abby Johnson, Ramona Trevino, Sue Thayer, Jewels Green or Catherine Adair to see the Lord’s mighty hand at work in the redemption of all who have been involved in the industry in a direct or indirect way whatsoever.  We must remember that all of us have fallen short of the Glory of God (cf. Romans 3:23) — not one of us has clean hands — and God has gone in search of us, too, continuously bringing us back to Himself in order to save us.  Let us take the victory that God has had in our lives and be sure to be his hands and feet in praying and reaching out to those in the abortion industry, knowing that He wills for them to be saved, too.
* Lauren Muzyka, J.D. serves as host of “Culture Lifeline,” a new national radio program on the Guadalupe Radio Network that discusses life, marriage & religious liberty.  She most recently served as Campaign Strategist for the 40 Days for Life National Team.  Lauren has been married to her best friend, Peter, for 3 years.
.
Faith Challenge:  This week, reflect on how closely you have walked with God, recently.  Is there anything you need to ask forgiveness for?  Remember that reaching out to others begins with examining yourself.  Then, pray for all those in the abortion industry, that they may come to Christ and know His saving love.
.
Counter-Culture News:  LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel.
* Become familiar with Abby Johnson’s new ministry to reach out to those in the abortion industry, And Then There Were None.  Go to www.attwn.org to learn more.  If you’re a sidewalk counselor, bring flyers (featured on the website) to the abortion facility and offer them to the workers in love.
.
Our Prayers:  Pray LIFE Runners Creed to end abortion.  Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, unceasingly. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
* If Catholic, pray a Chaplet of Divine Mercy for all in the abortion industry.  If Protestant, pray and reflect on Psalm 51.
.
Feast Day:  Saint Didacus.
.
Faith Quote:  “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” ~ 2 Chron 7:14
.
Through Christ Our Lord,
Lauren