09 Jul Out of Egypt (Hosea 2:16) by Dr. Rich Reich
Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors. LIFE Minute radio.
“Therefore, I will allure her now; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak persuasively to her.” ~ Hosea 2:16 (full readings)
Rich’s Reflections: In today’s Scripture from Hosea, the Lord tells us how He will lead us into the wilderness so that He can speak to us persuasively. This reading encourages me that when I find myself lost in the wilderness, I am not alone. Actually Jesus has intentionally led me there to remove all the distractions from my life, so that I may realize that He is all that I need. The Lord led the Israelites out of Egypt (where they lived comfortably but enslaved) to journey to the Promised Land, but they had to travel through the wilderness first. Our Egypt is a culture of materialism, hedonism, and selfishness that enslave us. It is not until Jesus leads us out of Egypt and into the wilderness that we are able to see that God is our true source of happiness and freedom. Lord, when I am lost in the desert, may I recognize that You have led me there on my journey to the Promised Land. 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: When you find yourself lost in the wilderness, take comfort that Jesus has led you there to remove all distractions from your life so that you may recognize how much He loves you.
Counter-Culture News: LSN, LifeNews, Priests for Life, AFA, 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. Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions
Faith Quote: “Life is a wilderness of twists and turns, where faith is your only compass.” – Paul Sentaguida
Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22
* 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.