The Book of Ruth ~ Devotion Eleven

"What's the Buzz?"

We pick up the story of Ruth from the question she asked Boaz after he had been so kind to her. We find it in verse 10 of chapter 2. Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.”

Ruth humbled herself before the master of the grain field that she was harvesting grain for her and Naomi. She knew that he had the power to prevent her from gathering the food she so desperately needed. She knew her position before him.

Ruth 2:11-13 (NLT) “Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”

     “I hope I continue to please you, sir,” she replied. “You have comforted me by speaking so kindly to me, even though I am not one of your workers.”

I love how Scripture tells the story of Ruth. We get a clearer and clearer picture of this special woman. Boaz obviously noticed her. The story of Naomi’s return with this Moabitess had spread all across town. He’d heard the buzz about Naomi’s companion who happened to be a foreigner. Now he comes to work and sees her resting in his shelter after picking up left-over grain from his barley fields.

We’ve all heard stories about people and have been curious to see what all the chatter was about. When we come face-to-face with the subject matter we can either satisfy our curiosity or keep quiet and believe what we’ve heard. Boaz decided to talk with Ruth and find out for himself.

We've all "heard things" and have even helped with the spreading of the "news." Why do we do this? Are we satisfying our need to know more? Is it ok to add to the chatter? This is what the Bible says:

Proverbs 18:8 (NLT) Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.

Ephesians 5:6-7 (NLT) Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

Psalm 19:14 (NLT) May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Boaz asked Ruth about herself. He told her the good things that people had said. Isn't that what we should do? Shouldn't we go to the subject of idle chatter and find out the truth?

Apparently Boaz was impressed with Ruth because she had been faithful to her mother-in-law. He knew she was a foreigner but he didn’t allow this to prejudice him towards her. Instead of holding her nationality against her, he instead looked at her actions and her heart.

So many times we judge people by where they come from, how they look or what we have heard about them. But how often do we give them a chance without judgment. You’ve heard the saying, “You can’t judge a book by its cover?” Well, in this case, Boaz decided to read the book instead of just reading the cover.

Boaz could have ignored Ruth. He could have thrown her off his property. He could have had her arrested. Instead, he offered her kindness. He had heard things about her but waited to find out for himself just who she really was.

Colossians 3:12 (NLT) Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Women (I think we can add men) have the tendency to judge people (especially other women) by the things they have heard, the way a person looks, how they act around others, etc. I've done it. I've believed what others have said and not given that person a chance. (Am I the only one here?) I've been the one to judge and tell others about things that I have no right to talk about. These are questions we should all ask ourselves and then have an honest chat with our God.

Earlier in chapter 1 we read about how Ruth chose Naomi’s people and especially her God. She wanted what Naomi had ~ a people to call her own and a God that was strong. Boaz was again showing Ruth how kind his God was. He offered a blessing on Ruth. We read it in the second half of verse 2:12. “May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”

Wow, instead of sending Ruth away, Boaz blessed her. I’m almost positive Ruth was quite nervous and even afraid around Boaz. She didn’t know how he would respond to her. So when he was through blessing her and showing her kindness, Ruth responded with grateful words.

Ruth 2:13 (MSG) She said, "Oh sir, such grace, such kindness—I don't deserve it. You've touched my heart, treated me like one of your own. And I don't even belong here!"

Ruth knew her place. She knew she didn’t deserve the good and kind treatment from Boaz. How grateful she must have been. We too should be grateful for finding good and kind treatment from God through His Son Jesus. Boaz reflected the goodness and kindness of God to her. Ruth received this from him even though she knew he didn’t have to show it to her.

Our relationship to Jesus is similar. He touches our hearts and treats us like His own. We don't deserve His kindness ~ His forgiveness ~ His love. But, Jesus gives it freely to those who ask.

Ephesians 2:6-7 (Contemporary English Version) God raised us from death to life with Christ Jesus, and he has given us a place beside Christ in heaven. God did this so that in the future world he could show how truly good and kind he is to us because of what Christ Jesus has done.

We are all beggars before we come to Christ. He's the Master who gives to those who humble themselves and ask Him to help them. The whole Book of Ruth tells a story of God's kindness and provision. We were foreigners in His land and now we are part of His family. Wow! We need to really stop and think about the generosity of the One who loves us most and knows us without having to listen to what others say about. He doesn't give any credit to idle chatter. (Whew that's a big relief!)

Oh Lord, thank You for all the kindness You have given me even though I don't deserve it!

The Book of Ruth ~ Devotion Ten

"Choose Your Attitude"

In Devotion Nine we learned about Ruth going to glean the leftover barley in the fields to get food for her and Naomi. What a humbling thing to do. I can’t imagine having to feed my family that way. They had no other choice but to take this humble position.

The act of picking up grain causes not only a physical bowing, but a mental one as well. It reflects the spiritual humility God requires of us. The position of true humility is having an understanding of our true identity as it relates to God.

I'm sure there are things in your life, as well as in mine, that I have to do even though we don't want to. How we respond to the work ahead of us is the issue. How is our attitude toward it? Take time to think about the task that faces you today? What is your true attitude?

1 Peter 5:5b-7 (NLT) And all of you, serve each other in humility, for “God opposes the proud
but favors the humble.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Peter writes about being a servant. He relates to us that God doesn't like proud hearts. In that, it means our attitude toward the task ahead or people we encounter. What's cool about God is that He supplies us with the right attitude when we ask Him. We don't have to worry about what lies ahead when we give it to our God, because He really cares for us. He is compassionate towards us when we turn to Him with humble hearts.

Ruth humbled herself and look what happened:

Ruth 2:4-10 (NLT) While she was there, Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters. “The Lord be with you!” he said. “The Lord bless you!” the harvesters replied. Then Boaz asked his foreman, “Who is that young woman over there? Who does she belong to?” And the foreman replied, “She is the young woman from Moab who came back with Naomi.  She asked me this morning if she could gather grain behind the harvesters. She has been hard at work ever since, except for a few minutes’ rest in the shelter.” Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.” Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.”

So as we go further into the story, let’s humble ourselves before the Lord with prayer:

"Dear Lord,  I want nothing more than to serve You. Help me learn more about Your wonderful plans through this story found in Ruth. It is rich with Your love and faithfulness. I pray that I will discover how You answer prayers in ways Naomi and Ruth could never have imagined. May I see and experience the same wonder. It is in Jesus’ Name I pray ~ Amen."

We determine from Boaz’s greeting of the workers that he is a godly man and his workers responded in kind. Such a greeting is practically unheard of in today’s society, at least in western society. This closet we get is saying, “Have a nice day.”

The priests of the time were required by God to give a blessing to the Israelites. It was a way of putting God’s name on them to reflect that they were His chosen people. The priests were calling God’s blessing to be on His people. Boaz was blessing those who worked for him in his greeting. Boaz started the day with a good attitude.

Below is the blessing he gave:

Numbers 6:22-27 (NLT) Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing: ‘May the Lord bless you
 and protect you. May the Lord smile on you
 and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favor
 and give you His peace.’ Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in My name, I Myself will bless them.”

With Boaz’s greeting to his fellow workers, he was acknowledging God and simply asking God’s blessing on them and their work. With this “hello” he was calling on God for protection, God’s delight and grace, His favor and peace. The workers responded with the same. Their response was the “amen” to the blessing.

How do you greet others? What attitude do you have when you approach someone? Does it depend on who it is? Are you kind or rude? Gentle or forceful? Considerate or selfish?

After greeting his men, he asked about the Ruth. Boaz didn’t waste time in approaching her. Not only that, he made sure that she felt welcome to continue with her work. He wasn’t required to offer her any more than being able to pick up the left-over grain, but he went beyond the requirement. He offered her water and protection as well.

Boaz reminds me of God’s grace to those who humble themselves before Him. He doesn’t have to give us anything, but He does. His biggest gift of grace to us is found in His Son Jesus. We don’t deserve anything from Him. Because the Lord loves us, He gave His best for us. (See John 3:16-17)

God knows who you are. He doesn’t have to ask anyone. He provides for us, for His people. He’s concerned with our welfare. He doesn’t want us to go anywhere else to find provision for our needs. He’s all we need. Rest in Him and take part in the provision He has for you.

Ruth's response to Boaz was one of great humility and gratitude. We must examine our response to God’s wonderful gifts to us. We don’t deserve the favor we find in Him, but because of His great love for us, He gives freely.

As you go about your day today ask God for His help in the duties of life. Choose the joy He willingly provides for those who decide to humble themselves before Him.

The Book of Ruth ~ Devotion Nine

"Let's Move!"

In our last devotion we learned about Naomi’s entrance into her hometown of Bethlehem. Apparently the women were surprised to see her. In fact, they weren’t sure it was her after ten years. She wasn’t with her husband Elimelech or her sons. Rather, she was with a stranger. Who was that young woman?

Naomi began her introduction by explaining that she was no longer named “Naomi,” which means “my joy,” but had taken on the name “Mara,” which means “bitter.” We know why Naomi was bitter. She even blamed God for changing the meaning of her name.

When I was younger I was called Carrie Anne. When I got older I changed my name to Carrie. I still, to this day, don’t like to be called Carrie Anne because it makes me feel like I’m a child. (Waa-waa., call the wambulance! ) I know that my parents named me after two very special people (their sisters), but I still don’t like it. Carrie sounds so much more sophisticated (yeah right). Maybe Carrie Anne reminds me of my insecurities. (Who knows?)

Could it be that Naomi didn’t like her name anymore because it brought back memories of happier times with her husband and her sons? Bittersweet memories that made her heart physically skip a beat or two. Maybe every time someone would say her name it made her heart ache so much she would rather be called by a name that described how she felt now. Her name didn’t affect her situation it affected her attitude.

It would be like me feeling dumb or ugly and telling everyone my name was "Dumb Ugly." Nice name right? But this is exactly what Naomi did. She dropped the joyful name for bitterness. What joyful name have you dropped for bitterness?

So with this new name Naomi began the next chapter in her life with a woman who gave up her life to follow her. I wonder how Ruth must have felt as she stood there hearing her beloved mother-in-law tell these women of her bitterness.

Naomi’s name didn’t affect her situation

it affected her attitude.

Ruth 2:1-3 Now there was a wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi’s husband, Elimelech. One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go out into the harvest fields to pick up the stalks of grain left behind by anyone who is kind enough to let me do it.”

Naomi replied, “All right, my daughter, go ahead.” So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech.

The field where Ruth picked up grain was near the city of Bethlehem. This land is rich with Biblical history. Little did she know what God had in store for her in this bread basket of the Promised Land? Isn't it funny how God leads us places and surprises us with things. We often call it coincidence, but it's really God wanting to delight us.

Here is some interesting history of this little town known as Bethlehem. Take a look:

Genesis 35:18-19 Rachel (Jacob's wife) was about to die, but with her last breath she named the baby Ben-oni (which means “son of my sorrow”). The baby’s father, however, called him Benjamin (which means “son of my right hand”). So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).

1 Samuel 17:14-15 David was the youngest son. David’s three oldest brothers stayed with Saul’s army, but David (later King David) went back and forth so he could help his father with the sheep in Bethlehem.

Matthew 2:1-2 Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

Bethlehem was definitely a place where mighty things of God happened. This little town holds great significance historically as well as spiritually in the lives of the chosen people of Israel. The most significant is that our Lord Jesus Christ made His entrance, as God in human form, in the tiny helpless body of an infant.

We can see the scarlet thread of salvation running from the Old Testament to the New Testament. None of this was accidental or coincidental. It was God’s plan and He is still working out His plan in the perfection of His holiness.

Naomi knew that it was the command of God for the farmers to leave the corners of their grain fields and not gather the secondary gleanings of their crops. Rather, they were to be left for those in need. So when Ruth suggested that she go and gather the leftover grain, Naomi agreed to let her go.

Can you even imagine the hunger and desperation these women found themselves in? Desperation can get us to do things we normally wouldn’t. I can’t help believe that God was directing them towards food in a certain field so that He could show them how much He cared about them and had a plan for them.

In our desperation we often seek out things that will fill our needs immediately. But do we remember the promises of God like these two women? Even in her bitterness, Naomi remembered God’s commands. She was at her lowest point when she decided to try God’s way again. Naomi was humbled by her dire circumstances.

1 Peter 5:6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.

Humility can be forced upon us, but this verse says we must take the responsibility to humble ourselves under His mighty hand. He doesn’t force us into anything. When we do, He gently lifts our faces and says, “I will lift you out of this in My time, My perfect time.”

The Greek word for “right time,” is “kairos,” which means, “a point when something is ready or favorable.” God won’t move until He knows the time is right. Not, about right or kind of right, but perfectly right. This is where faith comes in to play. We may not understand why it’s taking so long to reach this perfect time but we can be sure that the Creator of this universe knows the best time for us.

Faith is not just sitting around waiting for something to happen. Faith is an active thing. It requires action on our parts. Look at Naomi; even in her grief she knew she had to move out and find food and shelter. Moab wasn't that place. Could it be that she felt the gentle nudging of her God to go to Bethlehem?

We see faith in action in Ruth. She got up and moved by picking up grain left behind from the harvesters. When she did, she found out that God had placed her in a great place in the fields of Boaz. We will learn more about this man soon. But, for right now, let’s decide to move out in faith and pick up the grain God has provided for us. You’ll never know what He has in store for you when you go in faith.

What is your definition of faith? Is God trying to get you to move out? Are you willing to take the steps of faith that gets us moving? Are you waiting for something to happen? Believe that God is guiding you and will direct your steps.

Proverbs 20:24 The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?

Let's move!

The Book of Ruth ~ Devotion Eight

"Is Your Name Bitter?"

Ruth 1:19-22 So the two of them continued on their journey. When they came to Bethlehem, the entire town was excited by their arrival. “Is it really Naomi?” the women asked. “Don’t call me Naomi,” she responded. “Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?” So Naomi returned from Moab, accompanied by her daughter-in-law Ruth, the young Moabite woman. They arrived in Bethlehem in late spring, at the beginning of the barley harvest.

As we draw Chapter One of Ruth to a close, we will continue to travel on with Naomi and Ruth as they venture toward Bethlehem. Having settled the issue of whether Ruth would continue to accompany Naomi to the Promised Land, the women set out.

The women walked on together. We know this because the Hebrew word for “traveled on” is “halak” which means "to walk." Their journey wasn’t on donkeys or in a car. Theirs was a hard and long journey. It took about a week and a half with a rise in elevation of 2000 feet. As the crow flies, it was about 40 miles, but their journey took them around the Dead Sea and greatly increased their trek. It was extremely hot and long.

It had been at least ten years since Elimelech took his little family to Moab. So, when Naomi came home without him the women in Bethlehem weren’t sure if it was her or not. Time, tragedy and poverty had more than likely etched a few wrinkles in her face and turn a few hairs white on her head.

I remember going to my 25th High School reunion. It was fun for me to see everyone. Of course, some had changed more than others. The faces had aged and the hair was either gray ~ covered with color ~ or simply gone.  Experiences of life had aged those teenagers I had known.

Can you imagine how Naomi must have felt as she walked into Bethlehem ten years later without the husband and sons she had left with ten years earlier? Instead she walked in with a Moabitess on her arm and hunger in her eyes.

Apparently Naomi was trying to explain her appearance. She had lost so much and had so little that I wonder if she was worried what the women thought of her. Were these the women she had grown up with? Did they marry around the same time? Did they have babies together? Whatever the reason, Naomi felt a need to explain herself.

Even well-fed with our faces washed and made up, we as women tend to think we need to explain our looks. We make apologies for the condition of our houses when people come over. When we receive a compliment most of us tend to pooh-pooh it.

The Hebrew word that Naomi has given herself is “Mara.” She states that it means “bitter.” But with bitterness comes other emotions. Anger seems to always accompany bitterness. It appears that she is angry toward God for the situation she is in.

Blaming God for our circumstances is common. Remember, she left the Promised Land with her people. Granted, her husband led her to Moab, but she had experienced the results of turning away from God’s provision. And now she blamed God for the dire situation she found herself in.

Little did she know that God was leading her back home. She was on a supernatural journey as well. Her life was over as she knew it and now she had to face people with her damaged, battered and bruised self. But, beyond all this God was at work and soon we will see how He would restore this bride of Elimelech. He would remind her of her name ~ Naomi ~ my joy.

Think about your life. Are there things that you blame God for? Why wasn't He there for you? Maybe you feel abandoned now. You've asked the question, "If God is a loving God, then why did He let this happen?"

God has big and strong shoulders. He wants to hear what you are feeling and thinking. Even though He already knows, He wants us to voice it. Let me say this though, that when we do approach God with our hurts and such, we should approach Him with the respect He deserves. Even if we don't agree with Him, He is still God. He's a loving God who allows choices in life. It's a fallen world. It has been since Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. And with a fallen world we have heartache and calamity, illness and death.

God knows our hurts and it grieves Him. It grieved Him so much that He made a way for a Savior to overcome this dark world and all its fallen-ness.

John 16:32-33 "But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Jesus knows what it is like to feel abandoned. He was left by His dearest and closest friends to face a lonely cross and be accused of trumped-up charges. He faced this so that we could, through belief in Him, overcome this lost world and be accepted into His Kingdom.

He took on all our bitterness, sin and pride. He bore it all to make a way for us to approach God. He overcame death and rose to eternal life. He invites everyone to enjoy the benefits of this eternal destiny with Him. One day He will return and renew this planet and make His Kingdom here. AND we're invited! Now that's a loving God!

Let’s not change our names to "Mara.”(Bitter). Let’s except God's joy and delight. (Remember that we have a new name waiting for us.)

Naomi seems to forget the famine she and her family had left ten years before. Yes, she had her family intact, but she also left out the part about hunger and poverty. Sometimes we do the same. We look back and want what we used to have and forget about the way things really were. Things weren’t right for Elimelech and Naomi. They had walked away from God’s promises. They didn’t bend their knees before Him and ask for His help as far as we can tell. They searched for filling somewhere else.

Where do you look for your needs to be met? Do you look to the bottle of prescription drugs? Do you look to your loved ones to fill that need? Do you look to blame someone else to release some of the guilt and regret you feel? Is your name "bitter?"

So we close Chapter One with Naomi explaining herself and her situation. Did you notice that she didn’t introduce Ruth? The last verse says, “And so Naomi was back, and Ruth the foreigner with her, back from the country of Moab. They arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.” She was back and not only that, she had a foreign daughter-in-law with her. The Israelites were not supposed to marry outside their people and here she was with Ruth a Moabitess in tow. She forgot to introduce faithful Ruth who had been beside her every step of the way.

I wonder what everyone thought. Did they think she had brought her suffering on herself? Or did they agree with her that God was angry? We’ll see that God had something else in mind for these two women. And the good news is that He has something far better in store for us too.

What is your name? Are you called "bitter?" Do you forget the Faithful One standing beside you just as Naomi did to Ruth when she faced the women of Bethlehem? Do you or have you blamed the God who gave up His Son for you?

John 3:16-17 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him."

It's hard to trust God when so many things happen to cause you to want to blame and not trust Him. I'm there right with you. I'm asking myself the same things. But this I do know and take on as my life's shield ~ Jesus has overcome the world!

The Book of Ruth ~ Devotion Seven

"Choosing What's Best"

Ruth 1:15-18 15 “Look,” Naomi said to her, “your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. You should do the same.”

But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said nothing more.

Can you picture the scene? Three women, all widowed and starving, were trying to find a home and food. Naomi had told them that she couldn’t provide for the younger women’s needs and urged them to go back home. Both daughters-in-law were clinging to her. Obviously the love and respect between them was great.

It’s hard to let someone go when they mean so much to you. You love their smell, their presence, the sound of their voice... Orpah made the hard choice to go back home to Moab but Ruth wanted to stay with her Mother-in-law Naomi. She didn’t want to let her go. Obviously Naomi meant too much to Ruth.

Orpah had gone back home to what she knew. She went back to her family and her gods. But Ruth decided to go with Naomi and adopt her people and her God. Naomi must have been a woman of great faith in God because Ruth wanted to abandon everything that she knew to go with her to her homeland in Bethlehem and worship her God.

Naomi was important to Ruth. She learned about Naomi's one true God from her. The love and devotion between these two women was great. Nothing was going to stop Ruth from going with Naomi. Finally, Naomi saw something in her eyes that made her stop urging Ruth to go back home like Orpah had done.

Ruth was a determined young woman who was dedicated to Naomi. Though she took on her God and pledged her allegiance to Naomi, she had yet to see what all that would entail. She couldn’t have known what lay ahead in a foreign land. All she knew was that she would faithfully follow one who called God’s Promised Land home.

Ruth looked forward to finding a home in the Promised Land of Naomi’s God. Soon she would find it. God promises us a home with Him. He promises to provide for us here on earth while He prepares a place for us in His eternity. Now we are on the road with the One who accepted us into His family. His name is Jesus.

What Orpah chose wasn't a bad thing, but was it the best thing? The better thing? Was Ruth's choice better? There is another story in the Bible that talks about the choosing the better thing.

Luke 10:38-42 The Lord and his disciples were traveling along and came to a village. When they got there, a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat down in front of the Lord and was listening to what he said. Martha was worried about all that had to be done. Finally, she went to Jesus and said, "Lord, doesn't it bother you that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me!" The Lord answered, "Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset about so many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her."

In this portion of Scripture we read about two sisters; Mary and Martha. Jesus and His disciples had stopped there as they traveled. Martha had invited them and was preparing food (this isn't stated but assumed). Mary on the other hand, was sitting at the Lord's feet, listening to Him. Anyway, Martha didn't like that Mary wasn't helping her and told Jesus so. Jesus listened and replied, "Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset about so many things, but only one thing is necessary."

I can just see Martha's eyes begin to fill up with frustration and tears as the Savior gently corrects her. What was running through her mind? Did she wonder if Jesus really knew what it took to feed so many? Did He know how perfect she wanted the time to be for Him? Didn't He see her dedication? Why was He rewarding Mary for sitting idle?

Jesus, did see the frustration in Martha's tone of voice and the look on her face. He knew her plans were meant for Him. I'm sure He appreciated her efforts but He knew that Martha's good efforts were distracting her from what was really important ~ sitting at His feet and hearing His words.

It's interesting to note that "preparations that had to be made" is "diakonia" in Greek and it means "service, ministry, assistance involving compassionate love toward others." It's a good thing. It's what Martha had chosen, so why did Jesus tell her that Mary had chosen what was better?

Martha was frustrated over the minutia. She had her mind on many things, not just the preparations. Jesus knew that. He knew it was more than Martha wanting Mary's help with the dishes. Martha's mind wasn't on Jesus. Mary's mind was.

Psalm 27:4-5. The one thing I ask of the Lord — the thing I seek most — is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock.

The best place for you and I to choose is to sit at the feet on Jesus and learn how to live life from Him. Then, we can go about our work while still focusing on what we learn from Him. As Believers, we have the presence of Jesus in us in the Holy Spirit. We can bow our minds and hearts toward Jesus any time we want. Why then, do we allow the distractions of our "servanthood" affect our relationship with Jesus? What frustrations are distracting you?

The Promised Land of the Israelites was nothing compared to what is waiting for those who chose to believe Him and follow Him on this earth. Just like Ruth, we have to let go of the idea of returning to what we have known before we decided to follow Jesus. We must set our feet on the road to the Promised Land and grab hold of everything He is and represents to us. He must become our God. We must adopt His ways. Jesus has great plans for His family and if you choose to follow Him this means you.

Just as Ruth decided to let go of what she had known before and take up the road with a person she admired and loved deeply, let’s you and I venture down the road with our King ~ Jesus. Like Mary let's sit at His feet and forget about the distractions. Jesus is not only the Great Teacher, He's a carpenter and He's preparing a place for us. Let us focus on that and what He wants to teach us.

John 14:1-3 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am."

The Book of Ruth ~ Devotion Six

 "Saying Goodbye"

Ruth 1:11-14 (NLT) But Naomi replied, “Why should you go on with me? Can I still give birth to other sons who could grow up to be your husbands? No, my daughters, return to your parents’ homes, for I am too old to marry again. And even if it were possible, and I were to get married tonight and bear sons, then what? Would you wait for them to grow up and refuse to marry someone else? No, of course not, my daughters! Things are far more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord himself has raised his fist against me.”

And again they wept together, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye. But Ruth clung tightly to Naomi.

Saying good-bye to someone you care deeply for is one of the hardest things to do. It’s especially hard when you either know you won’t see them again in this lifetime or you don’t know when you will see them again. Either way saying good-bye isn’t easy.

Today we are going to look at a very difficult good-bye. Again we return to Moab and listen to the conversation between the tattered remains of a family ~ Naomi and her daughters-in-law ~ Orpah and Ruth.

You can almost hear the cries. Loving someone like these three women loved one another creates a great bond. Through life, love and loss, these women united. Naomi was giving these women a way out. She knew that she had nothing to offer them. She had no more sons and she had no money. All she had was the road back to her own people to walk on.

Orpah made the decision to leave to return to her family. She wasn’t abandoning Naomi and Ruth; she was making a choice to return to the life she had always known. Who knows the reasoning behind her decision? We can’t allow ourselves to judge her. Obviously her choice to go back wasn’t an easy one. Verse 14 says, “Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye.”

The Hebrew defines this relationship as one of deep respect and affection. Orpah wasn’t leaving because she wasn’t close to Naomi. In fact, she loved her dearly. Her heart must have broken in two, yet she knew that turning back was the path she must take.

In life, our paths cross, travel together and part company. Some relationships go on together for many years. Others only meet briefly. Sometimes its difficult to let go. Other times its time to move on and both parties know it. Saying "good-bye" is part of life.

I know that you've experienced "good-bye,"to what extent of grief I don't know, but I do know that every life has to say "good-bye." What comes to your mind?

Ruth made the decision to stay with Naomi. In fact the Bible says, she “embraced her and held on.” The New International Version of the Bible says, “She clung to her.” Naomi tried to get Ruth to return with Orpah but Ruth was determined to follow her back to Bethlehem.

I can just see how as Ruth was holding on to Naomi the older woman was trying to gently peel her hands away. Ruth didn’t want to lose Naomi. She was precious to her. I can only imagine the pain and fear that Ruth and Naomi were experiencing. The love between them was great.

Sometimes we “cling to” other things. We can cling to a memory. Maybe a past relationship, that has long since ended, but you still wish you were in. Or maybe you “cling to” a substance that you just know you can’t live without. How about an attitude? Letting go of a bad attitude can be really painful.

What attitudes, habits, people...are you holding on to that you know you need to say good-bye to? God has told you that they are holding you back from His will and yet you hang on to them as if they were essential to your very breath. Can you let go? Are you willing?

Deuteronomy 10:20 (NLY) You must fear the Lord your God and worship him and cling to him. Your oaths must be in his name alone.

Cling to Him! Hold fast to Jesus. Grab on and don’t let go. Make the choice to follow Him to where He promises His best for you. Ruth gives us an example of refusing to let go of someone dear to her. Let’s take this same devotion and hold on to Jesus.

The distractions of this life will pull our attention away from the One who loves us most. Sometimes we don’t know we are being distracted. Things that appear good or benign can and do draw our eyes away from what He intends for us. And what He intends for us is only for our good and to His honor.

I often lie in bed and think about my day. Sometimes it’s hard to go to sleep because my mind won’t shut off. The only thing that calms me down is laying all my thoughts down before Him and admit that no matter what I plan, His plan is better.

The battle for our minds and hearts is constant. The evil one wants nothing more than for our plans to frustrate and confuse us. He wants to keep you and me from holding fast to Jesus because He knows that Christ’s plans will succeed.

Don't be afraid to say good-bye to the things and people God has told you to say good-by to. Don't "cling to" them. God does have a plan and purpose for those who decide to follow Him. Remember that He sees the complete picture. We are only seeing underneath the threads.

"We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." ~ Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)

Will you trust that Jesus does know best? He wants to show you His wonderful plans. There is no confusion when you and I hold tight to Him. Let’s “cling to” Him and know that what comes our way is from the hand of God.

The Book of Ruth ~ Devotion Five

"The Waves of Grief"

Ruth 1:8-10 (NLT) But on the way, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back to your mothers’ homes. And may the Lord reward you for your kindness to your husbands and to me. May the Lord bless you with the security of another marriage.” Then she kissed them good-bye, and they all broke down and wept. “No,” they said. “We want to go with you to your people."

It’s hard to see someone you love go through hard times especially when you are experiencing the same pain. I remember the awful pain I felt when my mother died. After eight months in the hospital she died with all of her children around her. She was the central figure in my family and helped guide each of us to a personal relationship with Jesus.

My mother and father had been married almost fifty-four years and he depended on her for so much. He was a country doctor for a little town in Texas and he was mostly gone. Mom ran the house, finances, family and even ran the little clinic and hospital they owned. When she passed away we found out just how dependent on her we all were, especially my dad.

My dad had to learn how to balance a check book at the age of seventy-nine. He’d never paid bills or cooked. Mom took care of all he needed. He tried to live alone but had to come live with me after about five months. My husband and I gladly took him home with us. In my grief I found myself comforting another who was grieving even more than I was.

This is where Orpah and Ruth found themselves. In their pain and grief they felt they needed to comfort one who was grieving even more than they were. The Bible gives us this wonderful glimpse of pure devotion and selfless love from these two women. They were willing to leave their homes behind and follow their mother-in-law Naomi to a land they didn’t know.

There were a lot of tears, hugs and kisses going on. Their love for one another was obviously great. Pain was drawing them together in their unique situation ~ Three widows holding on to one another. The younger women desperately holding onto the mother of their dead husbands and the mother holding onto what was left of her family. They comforted one another in spite and because of the shared pain.

Grief and pain cannot be rushed. It takes time to heal. At times it seems like we try to get better fast or hide our grief from those around us. The less we cry, the stronger we are ~ not really. The opposite is true. Grief has it time and place. It especially has its purpose.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.

Imagine yourself standing on the edge of an ocean with the water lapping at your feet. Along comes a wave and knocks you down. You get up and shake off the sand and shells that have stuck to you. The water returns to its rhythmic course… rushing to the shore and pulling back over it..over and over it goes until another wave hits you.

Grief is rhythm of the waves. It laps at your feet and can lull you into accepting that this is the way life is. Dare I say…comfortable in a strange way? Life begins to slowly move forward and then…the wave hits…knocking you down and burying you in the sand and shells that rub and rip.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NLT) All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.

We are not alone when we are grieving. As 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 says, God is “the source of all comfort” His words are a supernatural balm that soothes our aching hearts. He sits beside us and gently brushes back our tear-soaked hair. There is no one like Him. No one can comfort us like He can. People get tired of trying to comfort us and make things better. If we’re not careful, some will avoid the constant strain of our grief. But, God, the Great Comforter will never leave us.

Naomi’s daughters-in-law shared in her grief because their grief linked them together. Maybe this shared grief helped them to cope with their own. I don’t know for sure, but I’d bet it’s true.

As believers we share as members of the same family of Jesus. We should look out for one another, building and supporting. It’s sad, but I have seen and experienced hurt within the church. The truth is that I'm ashamed that I’ve served up some awful behavior myself ~ God forgive me.

Its time we began to act and respond as Jesus would have us respond. Ephesians 3:32 (MSG) says this, “Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.” Our actions should reflect this Christ-like attitude toward others. We must be willing to be gentle, sensitive and forgiving.

Are you willing? This is my prayer that we will become more and more like Jesus and be ready and willing to walk through grief and pain like Orpah and Ruth did for Naomi.