Matthew 25:40 (serve Him by caring for others)

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

Whatever you did for one of these…you did for me. Matthew 25:40

Living Faith snippets: “The only thing that matters for our final judgment is whether we cared lovingly for those in need. This is what separates the sheep from the goats. There is nothing about prayer, nothing about dogma, nothing even about God. Only whether we cared for “these least ones.”” by Patricia Livingston

Rich’s comments: Yesterday my friend was informed that he will be let go from his job. Who can be concerned about the needy when it appears that everyone is in need during this insecure economy? However, Jesus pronounces during the Last Judgment scene that what is ultimately important is whether we have cared for those in need. Let us trust in God that by providing for the needs of others, He will provide for us. Father, you created me and put me on earth for a purpose. Jesus you died for me and called me to complete your work. Holy Spirit, you help me carry out the work for which I was created and called. Amen.

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

* NEW: Instead of giving up something for Lent, let’s give ourselves during Lent and find ways to serve others.

Culture War/ProLife News: LifeSiteNews, American Family Association, Priests for Life
* Let’s never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images). Abortion is #1 cause of death in America.
* NOW (25 Feb-5 Apr): Please take part in the 40 Days for Life campaign by praying in front of an abortion mill for one hour (love for God & neighbor).

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, Peters family (JP updates), Rich Reich (friend’s cancer surgery), Rob Ouellette (Mark, Levi, Karl), Carolyn (research advisor has terminal cancer), Stephanie Spader (special intentions), Sue Peters (Carrie Maniscalco)

* NEW: Let’s pray for those families who have lost their jobs.

Feast Day: Read about St. Katherine Drexel here.

Faith Quote: “To ease another’s heartbreak is to forget one’s own.” by unknown author

Rich

Romans 12:12

* 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)!