20 Feb Mark 8:34 (radical transformation)
Posted on Friday 20 February, 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
Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. Mark 8:34
Living Faith snippets: “The key is in the final words, “and follow me.” It’s because He leads, that we are able to live differently. Because love calls us forward, our burdens are transformed and become places of freedom.” by Mary Marrocco
LIFE Group nuggets:
* Aaron Ferrie shared today’s image…sharing the Light of Christ (Luke 8:16).
* Jean Noon shared: “Did you think of those who have abortions as the blind man, ones who need healing? Jesus touched us with healing love from the cross and we are called to go forth and do the same as we respond to darkness, evil, and injustice with humility and mercy, an openness to the way of the Cross. We are called to not “other” our neighbors thus dehumanizing them. Ironically, abortion advocates “other” the unborn: they don’t think of them as human beings and that is why they are willing to choose abortion. We are to love our neighbors and enemies with a focus on healing through relationships (be willing to touch) not set them apart as unclean. This requires a radical transformation of the heart which God set in motion through the cross.”
* Sister Francelle shared her devotion: “Does God want us to be happy?”
Faith Challenge: Let’s challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News. Suggestions?
* NEW: The next 40 Days for Life campaign begins 25 Feb (Ash Wed)…an around the clock prayer vigil in 130 communities around the world. Please commit even just one hour during the campaign to pray in front of an abortion clinic (mill). To sign up for a time slot, contact your local campaign director.
* NEW: The next 40 Days for Life campaign begins 25 Feb (Ash Wed)…an around the clock prayer vigil in 130 communities around the world. Please commit even just one hour during the campaign to pray in front of an abortion clinic (mill). To sign up for a time slot, contact your local campaign director.
* Let’s never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images).
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, Mark Nelson (Pat Barton cancer), Peters family (JP updates), Chad Livingston (Phil Ripperger’s complete healing)
* 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, Mark Nelson (Pat Barton cancer), Peters family (JP updates), Chad Livingston (Phil Ripperger’s complete healing)
* NEW: Rob Ouellette (Vicki, Betty, Steve, Carissa, & Fr. McHugh)
Faith Quote: “Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die” (Prov 24:11). 40 Days for Life gives us an opportunity to stand up for the defenseless unborn.
Through Christ for ProLife,
Pat
Phil 4:13
Pat
Phil 4:13
* 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)!
* 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)!