Finding Hope-Ruth

Ruth, even though just four chapters, gives hope in a world where life can seem hopeless. Set in the time of the Judges, we see that Israel is in a time of failure. It is not a hopeful time. The book of Ruth gives a glimpse of what God is doing in the darkest of times. In some ways, we may feel like we are living in the darkest of times. Families and marriages are struggling. Companies are laying off employees. Spiritually and financially our nation is in crisis. It seems like things are getting worse not better. Naomi lived in the time of a famine. She had lost her husband and two sons and is heading back to her home with her daughter in law Ruth. She can see no hope but somehow Ruth sees hope. Ruth decides to go with Naomi even though in doing so she would have to leave her family, possibly embrace a life of widowhood and childlessness (since Naomi had no more sons) and would be with an unknown people with a different language. Somehow Ruth is able to have a faith in Naomi's God that sees beyond their present setbacks.

Ruth's faith is seen again in her first conversation with Boaz. (Ruth 2:10-12) Boaz sees Ruth as a woman who seeks refuge under God's wings. According to John Piper, Ruth was blessed because she chose to find refuge in God which in turn glorifies God. Ruth wanted to stay under the wings of God so she stayed with Naomi. I really like this part. Ruth knew God was moving towards this destitute widow and she moved too. Lots of times I have visualized under the wings of God as being a set place. It could be a set place such as when we are called to wait. On the other hand, under His wings, God could position us and use us as we are safe in his refuge. I am reminded of the saying " the safest place to be is in the will of God." My family will be moving this summer overseas. As we seek refuge under God's wing, we are in the exact place we need to be even with all the unrest around us.

From here, the story picks up and the romance of Boaz and Ruth begins and then leads to the marriage of Ruth and Boaz and the birth of Obed. In the last chapter of Ruth, we find out that Obed would be the great grandfather to David. If we look even farther ahead we find that Obed whose mother is a Moabite is part of the lineage of Jesus. Even in the Old Testament God shows us his heart for all nations. It also shows God at work in the darkest of times working for the good of his people as He prepares the way for Jesus. Quoting John Piper once more, "the glory of Christ is that He comes from the nations as well as dying for the nations.

As Ruth as my example, I want to be a woman who knows God is good, bows down before Him and finds refuge under His wing. I desire for my prayer to be the same as RC Sproul who said, " May we see the invisible hand of God work in the darkest of times." May we see the Hope of glory, Jesus, in the darkest of times.

A Gift from God

I often meet with a group of friends that began with us celebrating each of our birthdays. We have four in our group and it guaranteed in the midst of our busy schedules we would get together at least 4 times a year. A few years ago we decided that was not really enough and starting meeting for accountability at least once a month early on Saturday morning. Fast forward to Wed of this week. I had been having a rough week emotionally and was a little down and was excited to be meeting one of my dear friends for lunch. To my suprise, I ended up meeting two of my dear friends for lunch and they wanted to pray for me. Tears came to my eyes as I realized God had heard my prayers and sent angels here on earth to answer.

In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, it says "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. ....A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart." God has put us together in relationship to pray, lift up and enjoy life together. When one of us is struggling, others are there to pick her up and love on her. As sisters in Christ, we will be stronger as we stand together for the kingdom of God. So often in the past, I have listened to the lies of Satan that have kept me from experiencing life in fellowhip with others. I would think I can do this on my own or if I was a strong enough Christian I could handle this. Maybe I would think what would my friends think of me if they really knew what I think or felt. I have found these to be lies.

As our prayers go up together for the kingdom of heaven, we will live out Matthew 18:19,20. "if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by my Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered in My name, there I am in their midst."

If you don't have a friends that you can share with and pray for, ask God to send some . He will provide. I would say it is a must have. Life is much better when it is lived in community.

Dear God, Thank you for your promises and gifts to us. Thank you for the friends you have given me who pray for me and I have the privilege of praying for them. May we seek your kingdom in all that we do. Amen

Whose name am I trying to make known?

As I have been reading through the book of Genesis, I have been thinking about and contrasting two stories. One is found in Genesis 11 and the other in Genesis 12. In Genesis 11, the people decide to make a name for themselves by uniting and building this tower instead of following God's plan for their lives. They thought they could go about this making name for themselves thing on their own leaving God out of the picture. God foils the plan thus the tower of Babel story. Now Genesis 12 begins with God's call of Abram. God instructs Abram to leave his family and follow God to the land God has for him. God then promises that He will bless Abram and make Abram's name great. He also promises that all peoples of the earth will be blessed through Abram. What does Abram do? He obeys. He leaves his home and follows God's leading.

Why is Abram's name great? In Hebrews, it tells it was Abram's faith- his faith in leaving his home to follow, his faith that God would give him a son, and lastly his faith that God would keep his promises even if it didn't all happen in his lifetime. In Galatians, it tells us that Abram "believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness." But most of all God had a plan. He would bless Abram so Abram and his descendants could bless all peoples of the earth.

So often I am too much like the people of Babel. I am tooting my own horn and building my own towers. But I want so much to be like Abram. I want to have great faith. I want to believe God's promises. I want to be a blessing to all peoples of the world.

Dear God of Abram who is also my God, I thank you that your name is great and above all other names. Forgive me for the times I try to make my name great. Forgive me for doing things my way instead of your way. God may I have faith in your promises and believe that you will do what you say you are going to do. Thank you for blessing me in so many ways and even though I don't deserve it. May I be a blessing to those you send my way. In Jesus name, Amen

What my daughter says about our journey

This was the poem that W put in our Christmas card this year.

With mountains of snow
We are on the go
To tell about Jesus
They really really need us.
I wear a cloth around my head
Because of culture Mom said.
We will do it
Because God said to do it.

Dear God, Guide our journey. As we continue to prepare, may we seek your guidance. Thank you for your provision and faithfulness. In Jesus name, Amen