November 26, 2024
34th Week in Ordinary Time
Following Jesus
He answered, “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them!”
Luke 21:8

In the age of social media, following people takes on a whole new meaning. Celebrities, politicians and other influencers brag about their number of followers, who sometimes hang on their every word, waiting expectantly for their next post. Some do this for all the right reasons: trying to impact the world in positive ways and bring a word of hope to those longing for it. Many others seek influence for more nefarious reasons—to shock, to lure, to steal, to corrupt. Some will go to just about any length to satisfy their greed.

In the middle of all that noise and demand for attention stands our quiet and gentle Jesus. He doesn’t shout or wave his arms. He does not make demands or threats. He stands among us, still, saying with authority: “Don’t be fooled by weak imitations. Follow me.”

- Steve Givens

Revelation 14:14-19 ✚ Psalm 96:10-13 ✚ Luke 21:5-11
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Comments

November 26, 2024 at 06:24 PM

Thank you for your continued prayers for my mum. Your support means the world to me during this emotional time. DEVOTION TO ST JUDE: Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, I place myself into your hands at this difficult time. Help me to know that I am not alone. Please pray for me, asking God to send me comfort for my sorrows, bravery for my fears, and healing for my suffering. Ask our loving God to strengthen my faith and give me the courage to accept His Will for my life. Thank you, St. Jude, for the hope you offer to all who believe in you. Amen.

November 26, 2024 at 01:21 PM

Happy Thanksgiving and prayers for a blessed and sacred advent to you all. Thanks for reading, commenting and keeping the Word and the Faith alive for those around you. Steve

November 26, 2024 at 11:02 AM

Steve your words ring so true in society these days. But you inspire us to be the calm faithful that we are to hold up Gods way everyday. Thank you. LFF you are an inspiration! I feel like the walls are falling in around me everyday in this community I live in. It used to be a small agricultural village with many plots of land and animals everywhere. Recently many have found this serene place but have come in with million dollar mansions thinking bigger is better. They build around all the small modest homes here then complain that there are animals and older homes next to them (homes that have been here for 60 years.) I pray each day for the humility of God to stand its ground as there are many people of faith here we are just getting run over right now. Blessings to all the LFF, especially those with extra needs these days and may we see and spread Gods love around the world everyday.

Steve Givens
November 26, 2024 at 01:24 PM

My prayers go out to you during this season of change, Stormi. Remember that God remains a constant when all else is changing.

Kjc
November 26, 2024 at 11:12 AM

Stormi you hang in there girl. Living faith family new on TV is terrible but local news in western New York not so bad united way collected and distributed 500 turkeys and fixings. Catholic charities also did the same with 300 turkeys. Sharing this prayer with you guys. Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Patroness of the United States of America, please help our country. Help us to return to what is decent, right, and proper, Help us to return to respect for ourselves and others, to self-control and self-discipline, and, especially, to a deep love for your Son and his teachings. Protect us from those who would destroy us from within. Our Lady, we place ourselves and our country under your mantle. Pray for us and help us. Amen Ken

November 26, 2024 at 09:57 AM

AMEN Steve! Well said ✝️ I’ll follow gentle, quiet , humble Jesus for a more peaceful life❤️

November 26, 2024 at 08:58 AM

AMEN!

November 26, 2024 at 08:53 AM

Amen!

November 26, 2024 at 08:37 AM

Steve, my favorite lines are “…He doesn’t shout or wave his arms. He does not make demands or threats. He stands among us, still, saying with authority: “Don’t be fooled by weak imitations. Follow me.” This is just beautiful. I love the humility, the gentle but firm, presence. It’s not about, “Look at me, look at me….” May God grant me the moral courage, and the courage of my conviction to live like as he intends. Sending prayers for Denise, Dennnis, Shelly, Debbie, Anna, Terry, Stephanie, Christine, Peggy, Vincent, Irene, Pam, Ken, Sunshine, Sandy, Stormi, Garret and Vicky. Amen.

Steve Givens
November 26, 2024 at 01:25 PM

Thanks, Jane!

Stormi
November 26, 2024 at 11:04 AM

Jane thank you for your contributions. You're amazing with a great memory and love to share. Blessings to you !

Pam
November 26, 2024 at 10:53 AM

Jane...Thank You for remembering me, as I remember each day our Living Faith Family. I say the Our Father as I tap into the Living Faith site: "Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver our Living Faith Family from every evil. Deliver our Living Faith Family please Dear Lord from every evil, grant us peace this day, protect us from all fear and anxiety as we all wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory are yours now and forever. Amen" Thanx again, Jane...we can never have too many prayers that's for sure! God Bless Us All And All Who We Love!

Kjc
November 26, 2024 at 10:15 AM

Thanks jane for your contributions and prayers especially the humility prayer that I say often. As opposed to the country song "it's hard to be humble when you're perfect in every way" Living faith family sharing. Wisdom of the Saints for today "Those whose hearts are enlarged by confidence in God run swiftly of the path of perfection. They not only run, they fly; because, having placed all their hope in the Lord, they are no longer weak as they once were. They become strong with the strength of God, which is given to all who put their trust in Him" Saint Alphonsus Liguor Padre Pio's saying for today. "Cleanse your heart of every Earthly passion, humble yourself and pray! In this way, you will certainly find God, who will give you peace and serenity in this life and eternal beatitude in the next." Ken

November 26, 2024 at 08:24 AM

Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, as well as those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen

November 26, 2024 at 08:20 AM

*** Reminds me of the book, Not A Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus! *** To recognize the fake is to know the real one! To know the fake doesn’t make you recognize the real one! See the difference? *** Listen to His voice in John 10:27, “My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow Me.” ******* He is the Light of the world in John 8:12, “Jesus spoke to the people again. He said, “I am the Light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in darkness. They will have that light. They will have life.”

Lizzie
November 26, 2024 at 11:23 PM

To recognize the fake is to know the real one! Love this! I always would get anxious when hearing this passage, because I think, how will I recognize the fakes? Now I know how - to know the real one. To know the real one. Thank you for this.

November 26, 2024 at 07:50 AM

Yes, Steve, so much noise all around us saying look at me. Lord, I pray everyday for discernment to not be deceived, and to know it's really You when You return. I only want to follow You. Amen. Uplifting prayers for all LF family.

November 26, 2024 at 07:19 AM

Steve, each time I add a comment I am taking on the role of an influence. It is a minor role, and hopefully, more often than not, enhances the role of the almighty influencer.

Steve Givens
November 26, 2024 at 01:26 PM

I like that take on this Bruce. Keep doing it!

November 26, 2024 at 06:21 AM

Amen :)

November 26, 2024 at 06:09 AM

Amen.☮️

November 26, 2024 at 05:21 AM

We need to beware of following the wrong Christ as well.

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