19 Nov First Love (Rev 2:4) by Dr. Rich Reich
Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors.
“Yet I hold this against you: you have lost the love you had at first.” ~ Rev 2:4 (full readings)
Rich’s Reflections: What attracted you first to Jesus? Upon reflection, I believe that my strong attraction to Jesus after my metanoia (change of heart) was feeling His personal love for me after going to reconciliation (a sacrament that I had been avoiding for 20 years). After being absolved of my sins, I felt a load lifted from my shoulders. I was on a spiritual high and all I wanted to do was to think of Jesus, be with Jesus, and talk about Jesus. My close friends who witnessed my metanoia can vouch for the transformation that I experienced. Reflecting on how I feel about my relationship with Jesus today, I can honestly say that my preoccupation with Jesus has decreased. I yearn for that spiritual high that I once experienced. God tells us to “realize how far we have fallen; repent, and do the works that we did at first” (Rev 2:5). Pray for those who are feeling alone, desperate, and unloved; especially those who have been affected by abortion. Please return to your first love, Jesus Christ.
* 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: Do not let your love for Jesus die. Repent and renew your first love, Jesus Christ.
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. Nerses the Great
Faith Quote: “Define yourself radically as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is illusion.” – Brennan Manning
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.