Mark 9:23-24 (preservative for eternal life!)

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

Jesus said to him…”Everything is possible to one who has faith.” Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!” Matt 9:23-24

Living Faith snippets: “His son has experienced violent convulsions since childhood, often threatening the young man with serious harm and even death. Jesus sees the faith the faith has and cures his son. Our faith is strengthened and deepened by our steady, intimate conversations with God.” by Sr. Melannie Svoboda

* While visiting with Michael Kayser, we came up with the analogy of our faith in Christ being a preservative for eternal life. Without the preservative of faith, our life will deteriorate.

* Joe Hourigan said that we should treat sin like an injury that requires immediate attention…self-aid/buddy-care and professional treatment with the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

* Pope says fasting in Lent opens hearts to God, hands to the poor, by Cindy Wooden

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

* NEW: Attend a morning Ash Wed service (25 Feb) and wear your ashes all day.

Culture War/ProLife News: LifeSiteNews, American Family Association, Priests for Life
* Let’s never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images).

* 40 Days for Life campaign (25 Feb – 5 Apr) is an around the clock prayer vigil in front of abortion mills in 130 communities around the world. Please sign up for even just one hour.

* NEW: Carol Nesbitt shared this article, ND Senate approves abortion clinic signs.

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), Rob Ouellette (Vicki, Betty, Steve, Carissa, & Fr. McHugh)

Faith Quote: “Blaming God is a continual problem in the life of the skeptic. Only God can change hearts. You however, can be there when they call on you.” Chad Livingston

Through Christ for ProLife,

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.