01 Feb Standing Firm (Heb 10:32, 36) by Shane Kapler
Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors.
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“At times you were publicly exposed to abuse and affliction; at other times you associated yourselves with those so treated … You need endurance to do the will of God and receive what he has promised.” ~ Heb 10:32, 36 (full readings)
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Shane’s Reflections: Many of us feel that it is getting harder to be a believing and professing Christian in today’s world. But God’s people have passed through periods like this before – and much darker periods as well. Nations, whole civilizations, rise and fall but God’s Church goes on. It is the one constant we can count on being present in this world (Mt 16:18; 28:19-20). What is at question is our continued place in it. We must stay the course and continue to confess the truth despite opposition and persecution (Heb 3:14; Lk 9:26). The dignity of life, the beauty of the family, and the unborn’s right to life are all important aspects of this truth. Chin up brothers and sisters; “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Rom 8:18). But to persevere we must be people of prayer, doing everything we can to allow Christ’s grace to flow through us unhindered. Jesus warns us, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Mt 24:12-13).
* 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: This kind of perseverance is supernatural; it has to come from the hand of God. He wants to give it to you; but He will not force it upon you. Sincerely ask Him for this grace – today, and every day after this.
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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: St. Ansgar.
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Faith Quote: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.” (1 Cor. 9:24).
Through Christ our Lord,
Shane