Does your life look like a big fat lie? Outwardly, you appear beautiful, smiling, productive, charming, spirit-filled… But you know the truth. You know the real you is confused, struggling, tired, depressed, bitter, dirty… Others may be deceived by your “show”, but you’re not. You know the cries in the bedroom after the smiles in the …
The cloth finally arrived. She opened the massive bag, her fingers moving swiftly but gently. Her face shone with excitement as she stood and pulled the sparkling white gown out of the bag. Wow! We screamed in unison. Fixing our eyes on the cloth wasn’t enough; she had to put it on. My friend’s wedding …
Ruth and Naomi now live in Bethlehem Judah. What next? Does God really show up for those who repent and return? Let’s find out! Ruth chapter 2 verse 1 introduces us to a new character in the plot. And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of …
How do you define life and God during trying times? We all, in different ways, face difficulties. Naomi and Ruth had theirs. Oh, how these two women sat at the bedside of their loved ones – husbands, sons – caring faithfully and praying fervently. “Should I tilt your head upwards? Will you eat now? Please …
Have you heard intending couples say marital vows? I bet, yes. They voice out words affirming their devotion, loyalty, and love for each other, “till death do us part.” I remembered these marital vows while studying today’s verses. In the last study, we discussed how Orpah couldn’t bear the cost of following Naomi to Bethlehem. …
Anyone could make huge promises when it all seems rosy. But when the chips are down, when the cost for the decision you’re about to make stands naked before you… you find out if your words had a backbone. That’s what played out at this point in Ruth’s story. A Vow Without A Cost These …
Naomi and her daughters-in-law had set out on the journey to Bethlehem-Judah. With the little belongings left with them, all packed into bags strapped across their shoulders or on their heads, they walked on. Probably in silence. Different thoughts running through each person’s mind. The young women, likely thinking about the journey ahead. “When will …
Have you started something and stopped along the line? You made a decision to walk out of a relationship, change from a bad to a new habit, learn a new skill, live a life free from fear… Whatever that decision was. Starting out something could be easy, but pushing through till the finish line is …
Finally, the long awaited decision and step. Thank God for Naomi. Thank God the devil didn’t deceive her into thinking she’s doomed forever. No matter how hard life has beaten you, you can still arise… arise and return home. A day also came in the life of the prodigal son when he decided to arise …
Let me just taste it. Have you responded this way to something… then down the line, you find yourself glued to it? That’s what happened to Elimelech and his family. Verse 1 of Ruth (see yesterday’s discussion) tells us they went to sojourn in the country of Moab. “Let’s just stay there a few months, …