Mark 9:42 (example to others)

* Welcome God every morning before 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 (livingfaith.com).

Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe [in me] to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. Mark 9:42

Living Faith snippets: “Kids not only say the darndest things, but they remember the darndest things, too. Their memories serve as a reminder of my grave responsibility not to be an obstacle to their faith or that of the other young people I encounter.” by Mark Mossa

Rich’s comments: Parents have a huge responsibility of being a good example of what it means to be a Christian to their children. Children are quick learners, open to new ideas and challenges. We also have the responsibility to be examples of Christ for each other. If we teach another to sin, he in turn may teach still another, until a train of sin is set in motion with no foreseeable end. The young in faith are especially vulnerable to the bad example of those who should be passing on the faith. Do we set a good example for others to follow, especially the young? Lord Jesus, thank you for being the greatest example of God’s love. May we also be examples of God’s love to others. Amen.

Feast Day: Saint Rita of Cascia was a child herself when she was forced to be married despite her desires to enter a convent. You can find out more about this inspiring saint at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Rita_of_Cascia.

Our Prayers: Abortion, our enemies, our troops, China earthquake, Myanmar cyclone, depression/despair, Vicki Miller (her cancer treatment), Pam McGushin (Cindy’s cancer treatment), Tom Tenpenny (sister in law Anna’s cancer treatment), Jenny Senour (ProLife job interview), Pat Castle (free niece Shantelle from world’s grip), Kelly Benson (son Emeric premature birth), Kathy-jo Peterson (aunt Peggy’s brain cancer), Kay Castle (friend Betty’s back pain)

* New: Joe Hourigan (friend’s son, Peter Krause, with Downs Syndrome)

* Praise: Update on Dale Sundermann’s Mom…”Interesting you should ask, she is doing much better.” Amen!

Faith Quote: “Prayer is the key to Heaven, but faith unlocks the door.” – unknown author

Rich

Romans 12:12

* Outreach: Each week, please invite at least one friend or family member to join the LIFE Devotions group (Mark 16:15), providing routine spiritual connection and strength.

* Today’s Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml.
* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God’s will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others. Wayne Watson, “When God’s people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven, and miracles you can’t explain await!” “If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead & see Him.”
* Defend the unborn: ProLife websites at life-devotions.blogspot.com. ‘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. Click for Prayer to End Abortion.
* Share the Good News: Let’s joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)! Let’s make room to share with non-believers (be a friend, make a friend, lead your friend to Christ)…and work on perpetual re-evangelization of self and those close to us (Western culture), drawing closer to God’s will by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of selfless love, mercy, and service…