15 Oct Authentic Freedom (Gal 5:1) by Dr. Rich Reich
Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors. LIFE Minute radio.
“For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.” ~ Gal 5:1 (full readings)
Rich’s Reflections: Our hedonistic society views liberation as the freedom to indulge one’s desires without restraint; however, this does not promote genuine freedom. This promotes bondage to one’s cravings. For example, a man chooses to indulge lust, because he feels bound by lust. In his view, the moral law that condemns lust oppresses him. But it is God’s will that we should be sanctified by avoiding sexual immorality by learning to control our own bodies in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust, like the heathen, who does not know God (1 Thes 4:3-5). Pro-abortionists would have you believe that the root cause of abortion is failed contraception. On the contrary, the root cause of abortion goes further back to the deliberate disregard for the sanctified life God has intended for us. Do not be a slave to lust, but open your hearts to the Lord’s gift of redemption. Lord, I long for the freedom for which only You can provide me. Give me the strength to break the bondage of my own desires and to love as I should. Amen.
* Dr. Rich Reich is the co-founder of the LIFE Group Devotions and the National LIFE Runners Team. He is married to Erica and lives in Satellite Beach, FL. Full bio.
Faith Challenge: Break free from the restraints of selfish desire and seek the authentic freedom for which Christ has set us free.
Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel.
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.
Feast Day: St. Teresa of Avila
Faith Quote: “Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.” – Pope John Paul II
Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22
* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will & 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 (& family): Abortion (images) is #1 death cause (22% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 & 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 & re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Mt 28:19.