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“How we treat others is seen not just by other people but also by God.” <>< Dona (04/14/20)

Please read Ruth 1 through 4. If you don’t have a Bible handy just click here -> Biblegateway.com.  The Biblegateway website should open for you to use.  Type in the chapters you want to read and select the translation you want to read them from. Click search and the chapters should appear. Once you read the suggested chapters close the screen and you should return here.

I loved slowly reading this book of the Bible.  It’s so rich in Oh! Wow! Moments.

Ruth 1 is about the responses of a mother-in-law and her two daughters-in-law after each one loses their husband.  

Response

Oh! Wow! Lord You can use every circumstance to build Your kingdom. Naomi and Ruth still wanted to help each other even though their husbands had died and they were not legally responsible for each other.

Something to think about

Though it meant that Naomi would be alone she encouraged her two daughters-in-law to go back to their own families so perhaps each would find a husband.

Something to experience

When we face difficult times, God welcomes our honest prayers.  And we need to recognize the love, strength and resources that He provides during these stressful times.  Would we be like Naomi if we found ourselves in her situation? Would we consider the needs of others and not just our own?  My hope is we would respond like Naomi did.

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Ruth 2 is about Ruth gleaning (retrieving the grain not collected) in Boaz’s field.  This solution opened up a new door of opportunity for her.

Response

Oh! Wow! Lord Your plan was for Ruth to glean in Boaz’s field so she and Naomi would have food but also Ruth and Boaz would have an opportunity to meet. 

Something to think about

Ruth listened to her mother-in-law’s advice to work in Boaz’s field.  While working the fields Ruth consistently exhibited admirable qualities.  She was hardworking, loving, kind, and brave.   These qualities gained for her a good reputation.

Something to experience

Our reputation is formed by the people who watch us day after day at work, at home, away from home and in church.  A good reputation comes by consistently living out the qualities we believe in – no matter what group of people or surroundings we are in. 

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In Ruth 3:9 Ruth revealed to Boaz he was her kinsman-redeemer.

Response

Oh! Wow! Lord each of us has someone who is willing to take care of us.  Someone who is willing to be our kinsman-redeemer.  And He is Christ Jesus.   

Something to think about

A kinsman-redeemer was a relative who volunteered to take responsibility for their extended family.

Something to experience

We have a kinsman-redeemer in Christ Jesus.  Though He was God He came to earth as a man in order to save us.  By His death on the cross, He has redeemed us from sin and hopelessness and thereby purchased us to be His own possession (I Peter 1:18-19). This guarantees our eternal inheritance.

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In Ruth 4 Boaz married Ruth.  And he extended his care to Ruth’s husband’s mother, Naomi.

Response

Oh! Wow! Boaz was kind to Naomi.

Something to think about

Throughout her tough life, Naomi had continued to trust God.  And God continued to bless her. 

Something to experience

Even in our sorrow and calamity God can bring great blessings.  Will we be like Naomi?  We need to stay loyal to the Lord even when we are experiencing tragedy because He will be right there with us.  

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Prayer

Lord I pray, just like Ruth, we will exhibit loyalty, friendship, and commitment to God and to each other in our daily life (Ruth 1).  Lord I pray we will do more than expected when someone is in need. When hardship comes I pray we will not despair. For each day is an opportunity to experience Your care.   I pray we will realize You are working in our life even when we don’t see Your hand.  Nothing happens in our life by luck or coincidence.  I pray we will have faith that You are directing our lives for Your purpose (Ruth 2).  Lord I pray we will show gratitude to Your Son for coming to earth to redeem us. Thank You for guaranteeing us an eternal inheritance (Ruth 3).  Lord I pray every choice we make will be with our eyes focused on eternity.   I pray we will live in faithfulness to You, knowing that the significance of our life will extend beyond our lifetime.  The rewards will outweigh any sacrifice we make here (Ruth 4).  In Christ Jesus’ name I pray.  AMEN.

“May every choice you make be with your eyes focused on eternity.” <>< Dona