Sacrifice (Judges 9:9) by Dr. Rich Reich

19 Aug Sacrifice (Judges 9:9) by Dr. Rich Reich

“Must I give up…” ~ Judges 9:9 (full readings)
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Rich’s Reflections:  In the parable, the olive tree, fig tree, and vine all realized that they had to give up something very significant if they were to answer God’s call to lead.  Giving up, that is, sacrificing, is the essence of God’s plan.  As LIFE Runners, we have been called by God to lead others in the defense of the unborn, not to just stand on the sidelines and watch others.  My all-time favorite runner is Steve “Pre” Prefontaine and my favorite quote of his is “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”  I love this quote so much that I have a poster of it in my office so that I can always be reminded of this message.  It also gives me an opportunity to share this message with my students who visit my office for tutoring.  Pre disregarded conventional wisdom for running strategy and followed his own plans instead.  He earned a reputation for his aggressive front-running racing style, going out hard and not relinquishing the lead.  It is difficult to lead, because it takes self-sacrifice (time, talent, and treasure).  The Lord calls us to lead lives of sacrifice.  Not to sacrifice the gifts that He has blessed us with, but to apply them to serve His will in our own self-sacrifice to lead others to Him.  Pray that God gives you the strength and courage to always give your best in leading others in the defense of the unborn.
* Dr. Rich Reich is the co-founder of the National LIFE Runners Team.  He is married to Erica and lives in Colorado Springs, CO.  Full bio..

Faith Challenge:   Don’t sacrifice your God-given gifts, but apply them in the defense of the unborn.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel..
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Our Prayers: Pray LIFE Runners Creed to End Abortion.  Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, unceasingly. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
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Feast Day:  St. John Eudes
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Faith Quote:  “I beg you through the mercy of God to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to God.” ~ Rm 12:1

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22