Are You Like Ruth?

Proverbs 20:27 The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being.
We've reached the end on our study on Ruth, a life worth celebrating and emulating!

1. Are you willing to go out of your comfort zone for the Lord?
   
2. In the midst of trials, do you keep your eyes fixed on Him?
3. Do you plant seeds of faith?
4. Are you humble? Generous? Obedient to God?
   

Photo by JacobEnos (http://www.flickr.com/photos/10574125@N04/2703340400/)

Are You Like Boaz?

God's word is a lamp to your feet and a light for your path. (Psalm 119:105) We've been doing a character study of Boaz for the past two weeks. Are you like him in some ways?

1. Do you put God above your worldly desires?
2. Do you see other people through God's eyes?
3. Do you recognize the Christ-like?
   
4. Are you able to bless others through your talents, position and wealth?
   
5. Are you a leader, protector and provider?
   
6. Do you submit to authority and follow the law of your land?
   

Photo by Artwerk (http://www.flickr.com/photos/86452432@N00/400862500/)

Generational Blessings

Ruth 4:¹⁶ Then Naomi took the child, laid him in her lap and cared for him. ¹⁷ The women living there said, "Naomi has a son." And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

It's a biblical principle--If you love God and keep His commandments, He will bless you and show His love to a thousand generations. God's favor won't stop with your immediate family. It will flow to a thousand generations after.

Ruth and Boaz completely obeyed our Heavenly Father. Their son was the great grandfather of David who was a direct descendant of Jesus. Imagine that! Ruthand Boaz, part of the Messiah's bloodline! The impact of their righteous decisions continues to bless us today.

Do you want your descendants to be blessed? How will you open the door to generational blessings? What impact will your life make on future generations?

Photo: "Four Generations" by Hammer 51012 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7365168@N03/3109642267/)

The Blessing of Children

Ruth 4:¹⁶ Then Naomi took the child, laid him in her lap and cared for him.

Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him. (Psalm 127:3) It's challenging to view children as God's gifts when you feed in the middle of the night, change diapers or ride a tantrum's wave. But why not focus on the positives? Your child's smile. The way he calls your name and holds your hand. The way she pulls on your sleeve when she can't figure out her homework.

Has God entrusted you with His children in your home? Or do you work with children as an educator, psychologist or doctor? It may sometimes feel like all we do is give, teach and help children. Did you ever stop and think about how they give, teach and help you?

Today, thank the Lord for endowing you with children. Value them and take your stewardship to heart.

Photo: "Mingalaba" by Tranuf (http://www.flickr.com/photos/63726798@N00/375294089/)

The Blessing of Marriage

Ruth 4:¹³ So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. Then he went to her, and the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.

The light at the end of the tunnel. After Ruth's hardships, God blessed her with a husband who was a leader, protector and provider. God also blessed Boaz with a wife who was humble, generous and eager to please him.

Do you feel called to marriage? Do you view marriage as a blessing? Are you able to celebrate the positive qualities of your spouse?

Photo: "Endless Love" by milzero.com (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22288108@N00/2408535634/)

Speak Blessing

^{Ruth 4:11} Then the elders and all those at the gate said, "We are witnesses. May the LORD make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem.

People spoke blessings into Ruth and Boaz's lives during their wedding. They said--Ruth will help build Israel, have status and be known. Everything they said came to pass. Their descendants include King David and Jesus. We all know Ruth and continue to be inspired by her story, written 3000 years ago.

Remember that reckless words pierce like a sword but the tongue of the wise bring healing. Are you speaking blessing into other people's lives? Are you speaking joy, prosperity and healing?

Follow the Law

Ruth 3:¹² Although it is true that I am near of kin, there is a kinsman-redeemer nearer than I. ¹³ Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to redeem, good; let him redeem. But if he is not willing, as surely as the LORD lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.

Boaz took a liking to Ruth, but he couldn't marry her. The laws of their community dictated Ruth's next beau--the closest relative of her late husband. If the next of kin decided not to redeem Ruth, then Boaz could marry her.

Boaz decided to follow the laws of his community in spite of his strong feelings for Ruth. His submission to authority lengthened his patience. He put God above his own worldly desires.

Is your heart burning for someone or something today? It may be burning for a loved one, a chance to adopt a child, put up a business or purchase your dream home. It may feel right but are you honoring the law? Today, be patient and honor God by following the law. Remember that the blessing of the Lord brings wealth and He adds no trouble to it.

Photo: "Courtroom One Gavel" by Joe Gratz (http://www.flickr.com/photos/63126465@N00/117048243/)