12 Dec Merciful Mother (Rev 12:1-2) by Shane Kapler
Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors.
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“A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet … She was with Child.” ~ Rev 12:1-2 (full readings)
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Shane’s Reflections: Since the Roe v. Wade decision over 50 million unborn children in the United States alone have been sacrificed to maintain, or in the hope of achieving, a certain material lifestyle. It is not the first time human sacrifice has been practiced on our continent, and today the Church celebrates the manner God chose some 500 years ago to convert the hearts of millions of native people to the Gospel of Life. In December, 1531, Jesus sent his mother to Juan Diego, and through him millions of adherents to the Aztec religion, a religion that portrayed many of its gods as serpents and was focused upon human sacrifice. Mary was sent to our continent as the Woman of Revelation 12 – pregnant, clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet, at war with “the ancient serpent, Satan” (Rev.12:9). Within ten years of her appearance in Mexico, 9 million Native Americans embraced Jesus Christ and in doing so, renounced the culture of death. To aid us in our current fight against the Serpent and the revival of human sacrifice on our shores, Pope John Paul II proclaimed Our Lady of Guadalupe as Patroness of the Americas and Protectress of the Unborn.
* Shane Kapler is the author of “The God Who is Love: Explaining Christianity From Its Center” and co-author of “Tending the Temple”. He works as a speech therapist in St. Louis, but his favorite “job” is being a Dad. Visit www.explainingchristianity.com.
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Faith Challenge: Invoke Our Lady of Guadalupe’s intercession on behalf of the unborn today, that she petition her beloved Son to release the grace of God on our country and the world.
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Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel.
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Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. LIFE Runners Creed. Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
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Feast Day: Our Lady of Guadalupe.
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Faith Quote: “I am your merciful mother, to you, and to all the inhabitants on this land and all the rest who love me, invoke and confide in me.” ~ Our Lady of Guadalupe to St. Juan Diego.
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Through Christ our Lord,
Shane
* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will and His miracles, changing us & helping others. Fast from things that take your eyes off Jesus. Those who pray together stay together, and close to God!
* Save Unborn (and families): Abortion (images) is #1 death cause (22% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 and Jer 1:5. “A great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish.” Mother Teresa.
* Evangelize: Make room for unbelievers and re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Matt 28:19.