01 Oct Bitter or Better? (Ps 17:3) by Dr. Rich Reich
Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors. LIFE Minute radio.
“You have tested my heart, searched it in the night. You have tried me by fire, but find no malice in me.” ~ Ps 17:3 (full readings)
Rich’s Reflections: The first reading today speaks about Job who lost everything that was precious to him in one day. Satan thought Job would blaspheme God as a result, but instead he blessed God’s name (Jb 1:21). In contrast, Jonah, who was put through a smaller dose of adversity, responded with anger towards God and pity towards himself (Jon 4:9). Job reacted to suffering with grace and humility, giving honor to God, while Jonah reacted with self-centered anger and blamed God. What causes the difference in their response to hardship? One possibility is the absence of malice (Ps 17:3). Jonah harbored malice towards the people of Ninevah, and could not let go of that bitterness. Job, on the other hand, was a blameless and upright man (Jb 1:1). During tough times, both men reacted from what was in their heart. What is in your heart? Lord, help me to remove bitterness from my heart and forgive others. 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: During difficult times, do you honor or blame God? Your reaction to suffering may be rooted in what is in your heart. Discard malice and embrace forgiveness.
Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel.
Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. LIFE Runners Creed & Patron Saint. Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
Feast Day: St. Therese of the Child Jesus
Faith Quote: “I prefer the monotony of obscure sacrifice to all ecstasies. To pick up a pin for love can convert a soul.” – St. Therese of the Child Jesus
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.