Romans 8:28 NIV — And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

If you have not done so before now, I encourage you to read the entire book of Ruth. Although God is rarely talked about in the book of Ruth, He is at work throughout the book. God is also at work in your life. Take time today to sit and reflect on God’s work in your life. In what situations have you seen the hand of God at work on your behalf? Where has God worked for good for you? Finish this week by turning your reflection into a gratitude list of the times and ways God has protected, provided, and worked for your good, even when you couldn’t see His work at first. 

Let’s pray. Thank You Lord for always working for my good. Forgive me for times when I have doubted Your presence. May I always remember that You are always working for my good. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Ruth 2 NIV

Today let’s ponder the character of Boaz from the book of Ruth. As we read in Ruth 2, Boaz was a man of noble character. As the guardian redeemer he proved to be generous and loyal. Boaz admired Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi and was generous when he directed her to stay with his workers to gather grain until the harvest was completed. Boaz later proved to be noble and loyal when he embraced his role as the guardian redeemer and took Ruth as his wife. 

Now I ask you to compare Boaz’s response to Ruth with your response to God. When have you shown that you are noble? How have you been loyal to God? When have you been generous to God or to others on God’s behalf? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the example of Boaz. May I be an example of loyalty and generosity in Your name. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Ruth 3:4-9 NIV — “I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered. So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do. When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down. In the middle of the night something startled the man; he turned—and there was a woman lying at his feet! “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer[ of our family.”

Yesterday I shared with you how Ruth was a woman of noble character and how loyal she was to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Today I would like for us to focus on how Ruth exhibited boldness. Being bold means showing an ability to take risks; confident and courageous. Imagine being in Ruth’s position. She took a risk by going with Naomi to a foreign land without a husband to provide and protect her. She searched for work and was confident she would be able to find a job that would help her take care of their needs. She was courageous in the way she went to Boaz and asked him to take care of her and Naomi. Ruth was bold. Ruth stepped out in faith as a water walker.

When have you exhibited boldness? When has God asked you to step out in faith? When have you been a water walker? Is God calling you into the water today?

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the example of boldness given by Ruth. Help me to be bold and step into the water. Guide and direct my steps as I strive to be a water walker. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Ruth 1:16-17 NIV — But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”

The book of Ruth not only tells of Naomi’s  journey through grief, but it also unwraps the beautiful relationship between Ruth and Naomi. Naomi’s husband and both sons died. Naomi was left with her two daughters-in-law, who were both also grieving the loss of their husbands. The grief must have felt stifling. Naomi decided to return to her homeland and told her daughters-in-law to return to their mother’s home. One daughter-in-law went back home, but her daughter-in-law named Ruth stayed with her. As the story unfolds, we learn of Ruth’s noble character and loyalty to Naomi. Ruth traveled with Naomi, found work so she could provide for Naomi, and eventually stepped out in faith by reaching out to Boaz for Naomi. 

To whom or what are you loyal? To whom or what do you devote your time and attention? How do you show loyalty?  Ponder these questions as you go about your day. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the example of loyalty provided by Ruth. May I show such love and loyalty to my friends and family. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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📸 Video by Ray white

This week we will explore the Bible characters of Ruth and Boaz. Both of them showed bold faith in their actions. As you prepare for our week ahead, meditate on this week’s scripture verses.

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This week we will explore the Bible characters of Ruth and Boaz. Both of them showed bold faith in their actions. As you prepare for our week ahead, listen to You Make Me Brave by Bethel Music and Oceans by Hillsong United.

Click here to watch today’s video.

Esther‬ ‭8‬:‭11‬, ‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — The king’s edict granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and protect themselves; to destroy, kill and annihilate the armed men of any nationality or province who might attack them and their women and children, and to plunder the property of their enemies. For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor. In every province and in every city to which the edict of the king came, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them.

This week we have been sharing the story of Esther. This is the only book in the Bible that does not mention God. We invite you to look for God throughout the week. 

Today’s reading comes after Haman has been impaled and killed. The edict to kill the Jews could not be stopped but the King was able to issue an edict that allowed the Jews to fight back.  

Where is God in today’s reading? Today’s story ended with a great outcome. The plan may not have been what we would have envisioned but God’s goodness comes in all shapes and sizes! Will you use this Savor Saturday to recall the goodness of God and the joy He gives you?

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for giving me the joy that only You can offer. I desire to be an Esther for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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