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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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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Esther‬ ‭7‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request. For I and my people have been sold to be destroyed, killed and annihilated. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king.”

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. 

In today’s reading, Esther goes before the king to petition her request to save the Jews. She exhibited Godly confidence that she had gained through fasting and waiting on God’s time. 

Where is God in today’s reading? Queen Esther had the favor of God. Not only was she a Jew but a female. It took great risk to go before the King, yet she fasted and positioned herself for God’s favor. On this Faith Friday, how will you use your time of waiting?

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for giving me the Godly confidence I need to petition my requests. I desire to be an Esther for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Esther‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

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. 

Mordecai empowered Esther by telling her that it was no accident that she was positioned in the King’s court during this time. He steps on my toes when he tells Esther that if she doesn’t act, God will call someone else to act. Esther’s response to initiate a fast, reminds us that we can rely on God to position us in our time of need. 

Where is God in today’s reading? Although God isn’t mentioned, He works through Esther to join others in a fast so that relief will come to the Jews. Will you give back to God this Thankful Thursday by allowing Him to use you? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Your goodness that follows me all the days of my life. I desire to be an Esther for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

‭‭Esther‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — All the royal officials at the king’s gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor. Then the royal officials at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why do you disobey the king’s command?” Day after day they spoke to him but he refused to comply. Therefore they told Haman about it to see whether Mordecai’s behavior would be tolerated, for he had told them he was a Jew.

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 key verse takes place after Haman had just been elevated by the king. Mordecai  infuriated Haman because he wouldn’t bow to him. Meanwhile Haman tried to get back at Mordecai by plotting to have all the Jews killed as we read in ‭‭Esther‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Yet having learned who Mordecai’s people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes.

Where is God in today’s reading? I can’t imagine how paralyzing the news of Haman’s plot must have been to all Jews. Although there are times when the enemy plots against us, God’s plan for our lives can’t be thwarted. Will you use this Water Walking Wednesday to walk toward God’s plan for your life?

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for protecting me from the schemes set by the enemy. I desire to be an Esther for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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