(If you’re not able to see this entire post just click on the title above.)
“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
What a good word!!!! Hope all is well with you and your family ❤️ Love you!!!
So happy to hear from you. I was thinking about the gang (you, me, Diane and Juanita) recently. That was one of the most growing times for me. And I want to encourage others to seek that close walk with the Lord too through my very basic website/blog. <>< Dona