And the busier life gets, I find myself with less time for nurturing my friendships.

I now have two adult-aged children, one of whom is married, and instead of my schedule freeing up, I give my daughters extra hours and attention — which is a wonderful experience for us both. My growing family is the priority now (rightly so), but I’ve also felt convicted by God to be a better friend.

Making Sure Friendships Don’t Collect Dust

Like I mentioned in the introduction to this series, I’m an introvert. It’s so much easier for me to stay at home in my comfort zone, devoting myself to family — the people I see everyday— which is a blessing in so many ways! But I also know that God has called me to reach out and be a friend.

Friendships are a good, God-given gift. The Bible gives many examples of friendships to encourage and inspire us:  David and Jonathan; Ruth and Naomi; Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; and even Jesus, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.

God created us to be grown and sharpened by our companions (Proverbs 27:17) and to show His love and care to our friends in need (Galatians 6:2, and John 13:35). After all, we were designed to be part of a community— the very Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:24-27).

Even the most independent of us needs companions we can count on and who can count on us.

Several years ago I had a serious foot injury. It was too painful to even hobble on crutches at first. I spent days on the couch, frustrated by all that needed to be done and my inability to do it.

A few days later, I was blessed immensely when a friend called and asked, “Can I come visit and pray for you?”

She reminded me that it’s important to take the initiative to be a better friend.

So how is this supposed to work? How can we be a good friend when our schedules are so full? How can we begin the process of reaching outside our comfort zones?

5 Tips for Taking the Initiative to Nurturing Friendships

1. Phone calls – A quick call to say, “I’m thinking of you” can really brighten someone’s day and foster connection.
2. Texts and social media – Simply tagging a friend on social media, commenting on their posts, or reaching out to them over direct messaging can showing love and concern.
3. Cards in the snail mail – A “thinking of you” card or note is a nice way to reach out. Include a quick update of what’s going on in your life, as well.
4. Invitations/visits/dates – Nothing fosters friendship better than time. So, when time allows, ask your friend to have a coffee date, invite them over for a chat, or visit them if they’d like.
5. Prayer, but let them know – Praying for our friends is an enormous gift. But don’t stop there, send them a message or give them a call to let them know they’re on your heart.

Being a busy woman doesn’t mean we need to shelve our friendships. It only means we need to approach things differently and get a bit creative.

What creative ways have you found to take initiative to be a better friend? Share in the comments, on our Facebook page, or in our new Facebook community group.

5 Tips for Taking Initiative to be a Better Friend. #BeingaBetterFriend
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Busy? It doesn’t mean we need to shelf friendships. 5 Tips to Take Initiative #BeingaBetterFriend
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But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old,
from ancient days.
Micah 5:2

Bethlehem – it almost didn’t seem like a real place to me as a child.

I grew up thinking of it as a quaint, almost fictional, setting for the first Christmas – a town bustling with sandal-wearing people, lots of animals, and suddenly one night, a baby born in a small open pole barn surrounded by lots of clean hay.

I suppose I read a lot of Christmas picture books.

The real Bethlehem was not quite what the picture books depict. For one thing it was little. So insignificant it was not included in the lengthy list of the cities of Judah in Joshua 15. For another, I have raised animals and believe me, hay does not stay clean and sweet smelling. Not to mention the fact that the bible only tells us that Jesus was laid in a manger, not where that manger was. There is a good possibility it was in a cave, likely at the back of a house, a common arrangement in those days.

Unlike my picture books, the real Bethlehem was small, smelly, and insignificant in the world’s eyes. Just another town.

And that made Bethlehem of Judah the perfect place for God to reveal His glory in His only begotten Son. After all, God loves to show forth His greatness in the weak things of the world!

But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29

The Importance of Bethlehem

Despite its size, by the time Micah was prophesying about the coming ruler of Israel, little Bethlehem had seen its share of important events among Jesus’ ancestors.

• Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin on the way to Bethlehem. Genesis 35:19-20
• Naomi and Elimelech left Bethlehem with their young sons, to escape a famine. Ruth 1:1-2
• It was upon Naomi’s return to Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law that Ruth met Boaz and became his wife. Ruth 4:11
• Samuel went to Bethlehem to find Jesse’s sons. 1Samuel 16:1
• And it was in Bethlehem that Samuel anointed David as King of Israel. 1 Samuel 16:13

Then finally, centuries after Micah lived, His prophecy was fulfilled.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. Luke 2:4-6

House of Bread

In addition to fulfilling prophesy, Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem was in some ways a prophesy itself.

The Hebrew for Bethlehem is two words – beth (house of) and lehem (bread.) Thus Bethlehem literally means ‘House of Bread.”

Jesus was born in the “house of bread” – how fitting that He called Himself the bread of life!

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” John 6:35

The Lord Jesus Christ is our ultimate spiritual sustenance!

Give the Gift of Bread

Homemade gifts are a lovely way to give a little bit of yourself along with your present. If you would like to bake a delicious and pretty Christmas braid as a gift, we have included a printable recipe card you can attach, that includes information with the meaning of Bethlehem and related scriptures.

If you prefer a less sweet bread, you will find a recipe for whole wheat bread on the printable as well. This one is our family’s favorite daily bread.

Special thanks to Ashley Taylor for creating this printable!

How did Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem fulfill prophecy? #JesusInTheOT
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Bethlehem means “House of Bread” and Jesus is the Bread of Life. #JesusInTheOT
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Printable bread recipe with scriptures to add to a lovely DIY gift. #JesusInTheOT
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Background

• Sandra reminded us of important guidelines as we approach narrative passages of Scripture.
• We walked through the cultural context surrounding this book in the time of the judges.

Chapter 1

• Julie gave us some insightful background into the life of Naomi.
• Teri Lynne looked at the unique relationship between Ruth and her mother-in-law.
• Kathy reminded us that the real love story in this book is between God and the people He loves and pursues.
• Stephanie gave us a powerful description of what this journey home was like for Ruth and Naomi.

Chapter 2

• Teri Lynne gave us a great look at the “3 G’s” of Submission
• Julie discussed the beginning of Ruth and Boaz’s relationship and their “learn at first sight”
• Stephanie looked at how Ruth found refuge in God
• Kathy overviewed the idea of “gleaning” and how God provided for the poor and needy through His people’s generosity

Chapter 3

• Sandra helped us dig into the original languages and taught us about our Deliverer!
• Kathy gave us some great insight into the cultural background and intent of what was happening at the threshing floor.
• Stephanie looked at Ruth and gave us a beautiful sketch of Biblical femininity in Scripture.
• We dug into Biblical masculinity and how godly men like Boaz are the real “manly men.”

Chapter 4

• Sandra decoded the strange interactions at the city gate.
• Julie gave us a great reminder of how God turns our empty into full.
• Teri Lynne looked at the women in the line of Christ and looked at how God gives hope for the broken.

Thank you for joining us on the dig!

Tomorrow, it’s “your turn” again! We’re looking forward to hearing what you’ve learned in this study, so please come back and share your thoughts!

The post Ruth Recap appeared first on Do Not Depart.

Boaz was able to change Ruth’s empty to full. The humble kinsman became obedient  and willingly acted on his love for the unprotected outcast stooping in his field. Knowing her journey was a choice to embrace His God, Boaz knew she was taking shelter under the refuge of Jehovah’s wings. Boaz was able and willing to give her refuge under the shelter of his “wings,” (2:12,3:9) purchasing her as his own through marriage and redemption. Drawing Ruth into his world, he protected her purity, restored more than she lost, and insured her future reward. Boaz willingly changed her empty to full.

As a kinsman, Boaz was able to provide rescue to the helpless woman, but he was also willing to do his duty of redemption as “Kinsman-Redeemer.” He took an empty foreigner with no hope, calling her “accepted,” and lifting her to be his bride with secure blessings and a glorious future.

In the same way, Christ was able and willing to act on behalf of the lost in need of redemption. “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those where under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Gal. 4:4-5).  Our rescue required His humanity, and he “humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!” (Phil. 2:8) The Son of God, our Kinsman, acted to rescue us from our desperate condition, making us pure, restoring more than what was lost, insuring future reward.

In his book Twelve Extraordinary Women, John MacArthur says, “Ruth is a fitting symbol of every believer, and even of the church itself – redeemed, brought into a position of great favor, endowed with riches and privilege, exalted to be the Redeemer’s own bride, and loved by Him with the profoundest affection” (p. 85).

Our pain sends us searching for Jesus, and hope gets us to Him. When the helpless stoop before Him, we cannot fathom the love extending His wings of refuge, joyfully taking us from wretch to bride. In heaven a song is sung to the Lamb of God, Jesus, because “with <his> blood <he> purchased for God  persons from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Rev. 5:9b). Our Redeemer changes our empty to full.

We thought we faced a future of scraping for refuse in the fields, but our loving Lord has given us the inheritance reserved for His beloved. Just like Boaz purchased the unclaimed and destitute woman of Moab as his bride, so Christ purchased us to make us His own and restore to us a glorious future.

Without the love of our able and willing Redeemer, we would still be suffering in the field. Gwen Smith shares the story of Christ’s rescue in her song Broken into Beautiful. Reflect on what Boaz did for Ruth and rejoice in what Christ does for the broken as you listen to Gwen’s testimony in song. When Jesus takes us from empty to full, we must never cease to be gratefully amazed.

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Boaz is a relative of Naomi, but he is not the closest relative. Before Boaz could marry Ruth, he must offer the role of the go’el to the relative and meet with the leaders at the city gate. Showing his eagerness for the matter to be resolved quickly, he immediately meet with the city elders. He told the relative that Elimelech’s property was available for the go’el to redeem. Boaz said, “If you will redeem it, redeem it; but if you will not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know; for there’s no one but you to redeem it, and I am next after you.” The relative (who must have been an older brother or cousin to Boaz) replied, “I will redeem it.” (Ruth 4:4). If you’re reading this story for the first time, you can’t help but react with disappointment!

We learned that the go’el can redeem property, but he must also marry the widow so his relative’s family name line would not end. When Boaz explained that to buy back the property would also mean being with Ruth, the relative changed his mind. He said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I ruin my own inheritance. You redeem my right of redemption for yourself, I cannot redeem it” (Ruth 4:6).

Because this conversation happened at the city gate, in front of the elders, they were able to make their decision official. The practice in verses seven and eight must be explained to the original audience of the book of Ruth as well as to our modern audience. The passage simple tells us the custom of the day was for one of the men entering the agreement would give his sandal to the other. Although there are other mentions of redeeming with a sandal (Psalm 60:8, Amos 2:6) there’s no further details about this practice. What we do know is that Boaz and the other relative made the agreement in the official way in front of the appropriate audience. Boaz said to the elders and to all the people, “You are witnesses this day that I have bought from the hand of Namoi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and Mahlon. Also Ruth the Moabite, the wife of Mahlon, I have bought to be my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his native place. You are witnesses this day” (4:9-10).

The beautiful story of Ruth’s go’el relates to our lives and our redeemer. Be sure to come back tomorrow and read Julie’s post on how this story applies to us today!

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Yesterday, Stephanie gave us a beautiful look at femininity from the perspective of Ruth. Today, we are digging into one of my favorite lessons from this book: Biblical ‘manly men’ don’t always appear the way our culture describes “manliness.”

Our culture is certainly confused when it comes to gender identity, and sadly this confusion is vividly present around us in the church. Just as women are pressured to reject traditional femininity and pushed toward gender neutrality, it seems that men often are forced into more effeminate roles, or encouraged to embrace a caricature of “manliness” that is cheap and shallow. Manly men, our culture teaches us, love sports, hunting, big trucks, big guns, and have women hanging on them everywhere they go.  They are terrible listeners, aren’t nurturing, don’t really care about people, and sit around drinking beer and grunting at one another.

As I think through the men described in Scripture, few seem to fit this description of pseudo-manliness like Samson. Samson is a perfect example of perverted masculinity. He is a man who was set apart by God from birth, given super-human strength, and commissioned for leadership among God’s people. Instead of embracing his calling, Samson uses his strength to humiliate and destroy. He flagrantly ignores God’s calling of purity on his life. He treats women as objects, spends the night with a prostitute, and tells his parents about a woman he desires to marry with the phrase, “I have seen a woman. Get her for me.”

I want my sons to be manly men. I do not want them to be Samsons who demand and take and destroy. I want them to be men who fight for what is good and right, tenaciously cling to what is holy, protect the weak and vulnerable, nurture those under their leadership, love even when it is inconvenient. I want LB to understand that it is not his love of NASCAR that makes him masculine ;); his masculinity is an integral part of who God created him to be. It is a high calling to be a manly man like Jesus and lay down his life for others. So, what does this kind of manly man look like?

During this corrupt time period of the judges, we find in Boaz a real manly man. A man with undeniable godly masculinity along the lines of great men like Joshua, David… Jesus.

Boaz is a giver, a server of those even beneath his own social status. Every time Ruth comes to him empty and vulnerable, and he sends her away full and protected (Ruth 3:15). He is known as a spiritual leader. Notice even the way his workers greet him when he meets them in the fields! Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, “The LORD be with you!” “The LORD bless you!” they called back. (Ruth 2:4) He always refers to Ruth with utmost tenderness and respect, and seeks to spare her any embarrassment or disgrace (Ruth 2:15-16, Ruth 3:10-13). He is aware of the needy around him (Ruth 2:5), encouraging and affirming (Ruth 2:10-11), arranges provision (Ruth 2:14-16), provides protection (Ruth 2:8-9). I love that Boaz makes a point to present Ruth’s situation to the kinsman-redeemer who is a closer relative, offering him the opportunity to redeem before marrying Ruth himself (Ruth 4:1-6).

Manly men protect, give, sacrifice, shield; they are considerate, aware of others, willing to be inconvenienced to do what is right.

God uses this one godly man to preserve and bless both Naomi and Ruth, and then we find at the conclusion of the book that he would become the great-grandfather of King David. (and therefore Jesus is in his line, as well!)

Ladies, we need to raise our sons with a better understanding of their masculinity. May God raise up a generation of Boaz-men- deep, strong, godly men committed to do what is right; Samson-men are destined to be blind-sighted and crushed beneath the weight of a culture that appeals to them, enslaves them, and ultimately will destroy them.

What do you think? What version of masculinity do you see being promoted both inside and outside of church culture?

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God has blessed both my daughters with godly young men to spend their lives with – and I love them both. However, before Jeremy and Justin came along, there were times I wanted to play matchmaker. Times when I thought Kelley or Sarah needed my help in finding the right husband! As always, God knew which men He had prepared for my two girls all along.

Every mother longs for their daughter to be well-cared for, protected, and loved. Naomi was no different. Although Ruth was technically Naomi’s daughter-in-law, Naomi considered her a daughter. In Ruth chapter 3, Naomi assumes a responsibility for Ruth that parents in that culture had concerning their daughters – securing her future by finding a good husband.

In Ruth 3:1, Naomi states her intention of finding a “place of rest” for Ruth.

The Hebrew word manowach, which is translated as “home” in the NIV, means “a place to settle down; a home.” For Jewish women, a “place of rest” specifically referred to the security they wanted to find with a loving husband. Naomi had one lofty purpose in sending Ruth on this nighttime mission – long-time provision for her daughter through marriage to a kinsman redeemer, an honorable man named “Boaz.” (For more about the role of the kinsman redeemer, check out yesterday’s post by Sandra.)

Naomi told Ruth to bathe, put on perfume, and dress. Then Naomi gave her specific instructions on how to approach Boaz and what to do, including “uncovering his feet and lying down” after he had gone to sleep near his pile of grain. There are some variations among biblical scholars on exactly how to understand the events that night. Unfamiliar customs of an ancient culture fill this secretive meeting.

The third chapter of Ruth is one of those Bible passages we must deal with carefully. Context and purpose are vital to understanding exactly what transpired on the threshing floor. (If you have time, read Ruth 3:1-18 now to get the story.) The following information and facts will guide us in coming to a conclusion about this encounter:

• The character of those involved – Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz were all honorable people who feared Jehovah.
• Intent – Naomi’s intentions were also honorable and long-term. A one-time, sexual encounter would not meet Ruth’s need.
• Ruth’s dress – The word “dress” in 3:3 is simla. It normally refers to an outer garment that covered everything but the head. Poor people, like Ruth, also used this garment for a blanket, making this appropriate preparation for spending a cool night outside. Definitely not the dress of a woman with plans for seduction.
• “Uncovering his feet” – this phrase has been used of seductive behavior, but not in all cases. Given the context and Naomi’s intentions, it seems more likely that Naomi’s plan was simply to gently wake Boaz when the temperature dropped in the night.
• Ruth’s request – “Spread the corner of your garment over me,” was a Hebrew euphemistic idiom for marriage. The Hebrew literally translates “to spread one’s wing over.” (See Ruth 2:12.) Ruth asked Boaz to take her under his care, assume responsibility for her, and provide for her.
• Boaz’ response – Boaz’ reaction speaks volumes. He obviously understood Ruth’s words and actions as a request for marriage. In fact, he considered her request a “kindness” and promised to act on it immediately.

Naomi sent Ruth on a dramatic and risky adventure. But as they say: drastic times call for drastic measures. Ruth was a poor, foreign widow in Israel. Without a husband to care for her, her future was bleak. Naomi lovingly longed to secure provision for her “daughter.” Boaz had not made any moves in that direction – possibly because Ruth had been in mourning. But now Ruth’s mourning was completed and Naomi did not want to waste any more time. Boaz needed to know that Ruth was available and willing to marry him.

Naomi selflessly focused on Ruth’s needs and took action. Who needs your action on their behalf today?

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When Ruth returned home to Naomi with enough barley to sustain them for days, Naomi asked where she had gleaned. Ruth replied that it was Boaz’s field. Naomi said, “Blessed be he of the Lord, who has not forsaken His kindness to the living and the dead….This man is a relation of ours, one of our relatives” (Ruth 2:20). The word translated “one of our relatives” is go’el. But it means so much more than just cousin or uncle!

John MacArthur writes that a go’el was a relative who came to the rescue. The word is also used in the following passages:

• Joshua 20:2-9 says that the go’el would avenge the blood of a murdered relative.
• Leviticus 25:23-28 says he could buy back family lands sold in desperate times.
• Leviticus 25:47-49 says he could redeem a family member sold into slavery.
• And, the role most important in the book of Ruth, the go’el could marry the widow of a relative and father offspring for the deceased spouse, so his family lineage would not die with him (referred to as levirate marriage, described in Deuteronomy 25:5-10).

It’s amazing when you stop to think about it. God cares enough about the widow to provide a protector for her in His law. As we saw in Kathy’s post about gleaning, God cared for the widows, orphans, and sojourners. And He still cares for them, using His church to provide for their needs.

This story in the book of Ruth is more than “just” a love story. Remember, the hero in this book is God Himself. Keep coming back to read how Boaz became Ruth’s go’el, and how his love and care for her is a picture of Christ’s love and care for us!

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The principle of gleaning, depicted in the second chapter of Ruth, is a little like leaving some batter in the bowl. “Gleaning,” which means “to pick up; to collect, gather,” was one of God’s provisions for the poor. (See Leviticus 19:9-10 and Deuteronomy 24:19-22.) God commanded His people not to go through their fields a second time when they harvested and not to harvest the very edges.

This “extra” belonged to the orphans, widows, and foreigners. God’s hunger solution allowed the poor to pick up the crops the harvesters dropped or missed. God provided, but they had to work for it.

This law highlights God’s concern for the poor. It even comes with a promise for the farmer: “Leave it for the alien, the fatherless and the widow that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands” (Deut. 24:19). God even tells them why they should obey: “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt” (Deut 24:22). Since God rescued them, they should in turn rescue others.

Unfortunately, contrary to God’s command, the poor were often denied the right to glean. The needy had to gain permission by “finding favor” with the land owner or harvesters. This is the position in which Ruth and Naomi find themselves after arriving in Bethlehem. They are definitely “needy.” In fact, Ruth meets two of the criteria for the gleaning law – she is both a widow and an alien. So Ruth, taking initiative to feed herself and her mother-in-law, asks Naomi for permission to glean in the fields.

But will Ruth find favor? The phrase in Ruth 2:3, which reads “as it turned out” in the NIV, could also be translated something like “as luck would have it…” The author of Ruth doesn’t really believe the positive outcome is a result of luck. He says this tongue in cheek with a wink and a nudge:

• As luck would have it… Ruth and Naomi arrived in Bethlehem at the time of the barley harvest.
• As luck would have it… Ruth stumbled onto a field that belonged to her father-in-law’s relative.
• As luck would have it… Ruth found favor with the relative, Boaz. (On Tuesday, Julie shared more about their first meeting.)

This had nothing to do with luck. God’s handiwork is unmistakable! He orchestrated circumstances to provide for Ruth and Naomi. And His plans included the obedience of Boaz. Because Boaz obeyed God’s gleaning law Ruth and Naomi did not go hungry.

I don’t have a barley field – or any other kind of field for that matter – but God still expects me to allow the needy to “glean my crops.”

“Share with God’s people who are in need” (Romans 12:13).

“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” (1 John 3:17).

Most of us in America have more than we truly need. God reminds me over and over that I keep too much for myself and give too little away.

What about you? Do you know someone today in physical need? What are some ways you practice a little “gleaning?”

The post Can I lick the bowl? appeared first on Do Not Depart.

She wasn’t content to sit by and beg bread and she certainly didn’t want her mother-in-law to succumb to such shame. So she woke up with work on her mind and requested permission to take on the role as provider. With Naomi’s approval and direction, Ruth made her way to to glean the barley fields.

She may have taken ranks with the poor, but she didn’t expect a handout. Ruth was willing to work. Each step took her closer to Boaz’s field, where she was ready to pull up her sleeves and begin throwing up some chaff.

And then we read…

“So she departed and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers; and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.” Ruth 2:3

Several years ago someone told me, “There are no coincidences with God. We don’t just “happen” into Boaz’s field.  The Bible says, “A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

Ruth may have planned her day, but it was God who ordained her steps and she wound up exactly where she needed to be to begin her journey to redemption – the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.

Boaz was clearly the “one in whose sight I may find favor”. (Ruth 2:2)

He saw that she had forsaken everything familiar to take care of her broken hearted mother-in-law. Boaz knew what it cost Ruth to be in Bethlehem.

“May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” Ruth 2:12

Bethlehem may have provided a place of shelter, but Ruth would find her refuge under the wings of the God of Israel.

Theologians often refer to Ruth’s declaration of surrender to God as a beautiful picture of her salvation. (Ruth 1:16)

Ruth’s Redeemer became her Refuge.

But her story was about to become a beautiful parallel of our ultimate Kinsman – Redeemer. When she declared Naomi’s God to be her’s, God redeemed her – soon, Boaz would too.

As we look back on the legacy Ruth leaves behind, let’s do some gleaning of our own and see what we can learn from Ruth:

 God rules in the affairs of men (and women) – Proverbs 16:9 Ruth left home in search of food but the Lord directed her to Boaz’s field! We may make our plans, but the Lord certainly ordains our steps. We must pay attention to the fields He places in front of us – to the opportunities to serve Him that are often found in the simple and the ordinary. We may be surprised when God chooses to turn our service into a blessing.

 God takes note of what we do for His glory  – Hebrews 6:10 We may not realize it, but like Boaz, God sees our labor of love. When we feel like we’re weary, weak and worn out, we need to remember that God sees what we are doing for Him. Nothing escapes the eyes of the Living God…not even that which we do behind the scenes…perhaps, especially that which we do behind the scenes.

We can find rest under His wings of refuge – Psalm 57:1 – Only God can provide the shelter we need for the storms of this life. He is our Refuge and our Redeemer. We can run to Christ and find refuge under the shadow of His wings.

Which legacy left by Ruth speaks to your life today?

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