12 Nov Surrounded by Cretans (Titus 1:5) by Dr. Rich Reich
Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors.
“For this reason I left you in Crete so that you might set right what remains to be done and appoint presbyters in every town, as I directed you…” ~ Titus 1:5 (full readings)
Rich’s Reflections: In today’s first reading, Paul writes in his letter how he left his co-worker, Titus, behind in Crete to minister to the Cretans. Cretans were well known for being a people who were lazy, gluttoness, dishonest, and pretty much self-absorbed in their own pleasures (Titus 1:12). This brings true meaning to the insult, “You Cretan!” Later on Paul writes, “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deluded, slaves to various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful ourselves and hating one another” (Titus 3:3). I think back to the time before I knew Christ and Paul’s description fits me perfectly. I see someone who “believed” in Jesus, but never really knew what it meant to walk with Him. I was still wrapped up in seeking my own pleasures instead of those of Christ. It was not until I saw Christ through someone else, that I came to know Jesus. Likewise, it was not until I saw the horrors of abortion, that I came to respect the dignity of all human life and oppose abortion for any reason (rape, incest, or health of the mother). Although like Titus, you might feel that you are surrounded by Cretans, remember that before you knew Christ, someone led you to Him. Lord, help me to lead others to You in respect for the dignity of all human life. 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: Help lead others to know Christ and understand the need to respect the dignity of all human life from conception to natural death.
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. Josaphat of Polotsk
Faith Quote: “Sometimes God allows what he hates to accomplish what he loves.” ~ Joni Eareckson Tada, The God I Love
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.