Saturday, May 13, 2017

May 13

Ruth the Moabite had such love for Naomi that she was willing to do anything to help her. There was only one thing keeping things from going as Naomi had planned, another redeemer. However, Boaz had a meeting with him and he couldn't redeem her, so now it was up to him. Boaz then purchased all the properties belonging to Naomi's deceased husband and sons, which included Ruth! Boaz took Ruth to be his wife. The stories in the Bible are not told to us as mere entertainment, they have a purpose. Though the story of Ruth is full of wonderful lessons, the main purpose of God including it in His scriptures is to show the genealogy of, and the steps it took to bring Jesus to earth in the flesh. Ruth and Boaz had a son, Obed, which means, a servant. Obed was the father of Jesse, who was the father of King David! This common family is the family of kings, which culminated with our King and Savior, Jesus, the restorer of life! 

Then the women said to Naomi, "Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him. Ruth 4:14-15


You can read this story for yourself in Ruth. This portion comes from Ruth 4:1-22

Friday, May 12, 2017

May 12

Ruth's mother-in-law, Naomi, gave her instructions on how to garner the attention of Boaz. She tells her to take a bath and get ready like you would for a date. She followed her instructions and went to the threshing floor. Waiting patiently, watching Boaz, but careful not to be seen. After he had eaten and drank until his heart was content, he lay down on a heap of grain and fell asleep. Naomi had told her that at this point, she should go and lay down at his feet, and so she did. When she laid down it startled him. She then told him that he was her redeemer and asked him to cover her with his cloak. He was quite delighted that such a young woman would come to him rather than chase after the younger men. We must also posture ourselves to lay at the feet of Jesus and come to Him in submission. He, like Boaz to Ruth, is our redeemer. This story reminds us that our relationship with Jesus is a love story, full of intrigue, passion and excitement. 

Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalms 73:25-26


This story comes from Ruth 3:1-18

Thursday, May 11, 2017

May 11

Ruth set out to glean after the reapers as the poor often did in those days. While working, she came upon the field of Boaz. He noticed her and inquired about who she was. I guess, like in our small towns, everybody talks. He decided to show her favor because he had heard about the love and care she had shown her mother-in-law, Naomi. He encouraged her to stay with his workers and not go to other fields to glean so she wouldn't be assaulted. He even instructed them to leave her alone and not harm her. She was invited to eat. She ate until she was full and had leftovers to bring to Naomi. Doesn't Boaz remind you of Jesus? It brings me to tears to see the kindness he showed her. She found the field of Boaz, he invited her to stay and glean in his field, he offered her protection, fed her, and showed her favor. Jesus feeds us, invites us to stay under His protection, and shows us favor.

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. John 1:16

If you have the time, please read along with me in the book of Ruth. It's a short book but it's full of lessons. Just like the other books of the Old Testament, it points to Jesus. This portion came from Ruth 2:1-23


Please let me know if the Holy Spirit reveals something to you.

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

May 10

The book of Ruth is a beautiful story that emphasizes the kind of love that God has for us. Ruth was a selfless woman with a love for her mother in law that was unmatched. Even though Ruth was from Moab, she chose to travel back to Bethlehem with Naomi after she lost her husband and two sons. These two women grieved together over their loss but knew that they must move on with their lives because they had to fend for themselves. Naomi, who was quite prosperous when she left Bethlehem returned destitute, physically and emotionally. But God had a plan, as He always does. Barley season had just begun, so there would be work and they wouldn't go hungry. They were humbled by their situation. God is able to make good use of us when we are humble. The strong and mighty often miss God's intervention in their life because they feel they can handle everything themselves. Submit everything to God and let Him carry you through the tough situations like He did for Ruth and Naomi. 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. 1 Peter 5:6


This portion of Ruth's story comes from Ruth 1:1-22

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

May 9

If you're struggling and feeling exhausted, God is calling you to take a moment to renew, refresh and rekindle your relationship with Him. You cannot profess your love for Him and accept Him as your Savior and then try to manage in this world without Him. You need Him to keep you at peace. You need Him to tell you how much you are loved and for Him to pour His love into your heart. Being a Christ follower is not an easy position to take, but you've already signed up for it, now accept the benefits of it. When turmoil or disaster looms, or fear sets in, run to Him like a young child and grab hold of his leg and hide behind Him. Let Him defend you and protect you. Doesn't it feel good to know that we, as adults, have a loving Father that we can run to? Don't neglect to meet with Him, He waits to hear from you every day. You've accepted that you will face trials of every kind, now accept your position as His child.


Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me. Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. Psalms 25:18-20

Monday, May 8, 2017

May 8

I know you've heard that saying "God doesn't give you more than you can handle." The saying is simply a misquote of scripture. The truth is that there are many things that we cannot handle, disease and death are a couple that I can think of right away. The scripture that this is referring to says that God doesn't give us temptation beyond what we can handle. God always leaves us an opening to get out of a situation without sinning. But, sometimes that choice is the hardest choice to make. It's like being on a diet and someone asks you to choose between chocolate cake and salad. Though salad is the healthier of the two choices, chocolate cake is a temptation that is very hard to resist. So, the next time you're faced with temptation, look for the opening that God gives you and choose that option, then there won't be any regrets in your decision later on. Now you can see how scripture is often mishandled.


No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Sunday, May 7, 2017

May 7

My husband and I live in an old ranch style house that was built in 1975. It's been remodeled more times than I can count. Room additions, updating, new kitchen, new bathrooms and so on. Our regular red brick ranch is now a sprawling ranch! Everything was new except the windows! Those old aluminum windows allowed dust and noise to penetrate them and impaired our vision because of the screens and the old glass. It wasn't until we replaced them that our vision became clearer. It was just like getting new glasses, except for our house! We began to notice things we've never seen before! It was transforming! The same thing happens when you change your perspective to an eternal one. It's just like getting new windows to your soul! The noise of this world no longer rattles you. You're free from all the dust and dirt that was coming in before, and you can live your life without the worry of what tomorrow will bring, because your life is secure in Jesus.


If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-3