This week God gave me “fresh” manna and when He did,
it truly was a kiss,
a reminder that despite my daily self-centeredness,
He loves me.
He loves us when times are good and when we are good,
but, oh, He loves us when times are bad, and when we are bad.
That’s the gospel truth.
He also shows us how to respond when times are bad.
Psalm 126 shows us how not to waste our tears, but to sow our tears.
What His Spirit showed me that was new to me, and thrilled my soul,
is how the book of Ruth is an illustration of Psalm 126.
Both of these “works of art”
use the land as a picture of what God can do in the hearts of God’s people.
The same One who can turn a desert into a garden
can do that in our hearts,
and even the hearts of those whom we have all but given up on.
Both of these “works of arts” show how God can flood our sisterhood,
our fellowship, with resurrection power.
For we can encourage one another to find strength in God..
The book of Ruth begins with a famine in the land and ends with a harvest,
paralleling what He is doing in the hearts of His people.
Psalm 126 begins remembering a time of joy, of fertility,
because the community is now facing barrenness,
and praying God will restore them they way He restores the land.
Naomi has often been called a female Job, for within the first five verses,
she has lost her home, her husband, her sons, and
her hope of ever being a grandmother.
Her widowed daughters-in-law have been as barren as the land.
Naomi is lamenting, remembering days past, when her arms were full.
She feels forsaken by God.
She has often been called a female Job.
Like Job, she has lost so much.
Like Job, she laments, which is a huge secret in sowing our tears,
for it keeps us connected to God.
Unlike Job, who had miserable comforters,
Naomi has a true friend in Ruth.
As the story unfolds, God uses this most unlikely vessel,
a barren Moabite widow.
We’ll see how TOGETHER,
they stay connected to God,
and how Ruth comes home to Naomi rejoicing,
bringing in the sheaves.
In the same way, Psalm 126 has the Israelites remembering days past,
when life was sweet, their bellies full, and their mouths full of laughter.
But now, there seems to be a famine of some kind, and they are lamenting.
But we learn from this psalm, and from Ruth and Naomi,
how to respond to God in these barren times,
so that one day we too may come home rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
I’ve spoken and written so much about the book of Ruth, cherishing its beauty.
Yet God’s Word is ever new. Seeing this parallel with Psalm 126, and also reading a new and intriguing book on Ruth by Carolyn Custis James, has brought what
is often describes as “fresh manna,” echoing back to the warning to the Israeltites
not to try to store up manna, but gather each day.
We must never assume we’ve stored up all we need to know from the Word,
but gather each day.
James is somewhat controversial in Reformed circles because she is a feminist, but I believe she is a feminist in the best sense of the word. Though I have not read all her works, what I have read seems neither strident nor unscriptural. I do think it is easy to fall into the trap of painting a caricature of someone based on what others have said, without real basis, and I feel the Reformed community has done that with James, when she really has so much to offer. She sees how differently Christianity is from the world religions in its high view of women and encourages us to embrace this same view. Here is a taste of what James brings in “The Gospel of Ruth.”
Naomi’s wrestlings with God are weighty matters, not to be brushed aside as a matter of female disposition or minimized as some kind of hormonal episode. The Bible takes her seriously and expects us to do that same…And the simple everyday battles Ruth is fighting to put food on the table and to rescue a dying family are not private matters of little concern to anyone else. The redemption of humanity hangs in the balance. The line Ruth is fighting to save “just happens” to be the royal line of Israel – the ancestors of the Messiah. Ironically, God’s purposes of humanity are riding on the shoulders of two women the world believes have lost their ability to contribute…Just as Jesus overturned the trading tables in the temple, he also overthrows humanity’s habit of devaluing of women and girls.
Though God blessed Steve and me with biological and adopted children, I do not want to reinforce the stereotype that women only have value when they are married and mothering. Indeed, Isaiah 54 flies in the face of that stereotype.
God values us not on the basis of race, gender, or fertility. We are valued simply because we are His: male or female, Greek or Jew, slave or free… He is also compassionate to us when we are facing barrenness of any sort: physical, emotional, spiritual… He saw the tears of Hagar, of Naomi, of the Widow from Nain, of the Samaritan woman… and came to each of them, giving them what they needed.
Just as I believe God gifted most men to be providers and protectors, He gifted most women to be relational. God gave us the book of Ruth, in part, I believe, to show us how to use that gift to bring glory to Him, and so that together, we may come home rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Let’s go!
God Hunt: Be alert this week to people from your past who strengthened you, and people each day who are in your path, and see them through the eyes of God. Is it possible that you will have a “divine” intervention?
Sunday
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
2. Be alert to the people in your path and report anything God helped you to see with fresh eyes.
Monday: Psalm 126
3. Read Psalm 126:
A. We don’t know what time the psalmist is remembering in his sorrow, but we do know he remembers how they felt. What pictures, phrases, and praise do you find in verses 1-3?
B. Why is it important to remember the good times in the hard times?
(My dear friend Twila is plagued with severe migraines that have returned in ferocity and frequency, and last week when she was at my house for a visit, she had to go home due to a migraine. I hugged her and prayed for her and through tears she said, “But everything else in my life is so good!” She is not forgetting God’s goodness even in the midst of pain.)
C. What does the psalmist ask in verses 4-6?
D. How do you see God’s power in turning a barren desert into a garden in this psalm?
This from one commentator on the meaning of “Negeb or Negev”
God’s people here view themselves like one of those dry riverbeds in the Negev, the desert of the south of Israel. But their prayer is that God will restore them like the streams in the Negev. Such a vivid picture, because at certain seasons when there’s rainfall in the Negev it comes copiously, abundantly, and in a few hours what was a dry riverbed is transformed into an overflowing, torrential stream…
Tuesday: The God Who Makes Dry Bones Live
The men are all dead by verse 5, and the lead characters in this story are Naomi and Ruth. Yes, Boaz comes in later, and he is important in that he is a Christ-figure, but God gives us the gift of showing that women have value and can be used mightily of Him even when they may not have what the world values. Naomi was probably a wealthy woman in Bethlehem, for Elimilech was an Ephrathrite, which not only links him to David, but was a wealthier clan. Cyril J. Barber says “being an Ephrathrite was equivalent to being from a well-established family in Boston.” She also was the mother of sons, which were valued much more highly than daughters in that culture.
4. Read Ruth 1:1-5 and describe all that Naomi has lost, and how this could parallel Psalm 126.
5. Though Naomi is in high-tide grief, she is still kind to her daughters-in-law. See if you can find examples of this in Ruth 1:6-9.
Ruth must have seen something in Naomi that she didn’t see in the women who embraced the god Moab. And yet Naomi’s circumstances are terrible, and would repel rather than draw people to her God, who allowed it all. So, why did Ruth leave her family, her land, her people — and commit her whole life to Naomi and to Naomi’s God? Right now I am dealing, as are many of you, with a family member who is absolutely hostile to the real Jesus. She is facing real trouble and I have been at her side over these last several months. Yet last night she raised the subject of my faith again, and spoke angrily about it, bringing up old arguments like the Crusades, Christians who owned slaves…and her belief that the Bible says the earth is flat. I didn’t want to argue. I kissed her, told her I loved her, and came home weary, thinking, “Is she a lost cause?”
So what James wrote here, is what I must never forget.
The apostle Paul raises the subject of barrenness to the level of a theological teaching when he brings up Sarah and Abraham in Romans…God chose a hopelessly infertile elderly couple when he wanted to build a great nation… Humanly speaking, it was a lost cause from the start, for Abraham’s “body was as good as dead” and “Sarah’s womb was also dead.” Yet Abraham believed “God had power to do what he had promised.” …Ezekiel preached to a field of dry bones, but only God could bring those bones to life. It takes God’s mega-voltage resurrection power to awaken a human soul from death to life. No amount of persuasion, perseverance, loving kindness, or proven evangelistic techniques can overcome the grip of death and breathe life into the human soul, although God regularly employs all of these methods and more in the birthing process. The same high-voltage resurrection power that released Jesus from the tomb works every time a sinner turns to Christ.
Resurrection power took hold of Ruth on the road from Moab to Bethlehem. There’s no other way to explain what happened to her.
6. Describe the persistence you see in Ruth 1:10-18. How do you explain it? What hope does this give you?
7. Do you believe that God can make dry bones live? If so, why?
8. Are you being alert to the people in your path? Do you have a God Hunt to share?
Wednesday: Better Together
In both Psalm 126 and in the book of Ruth, we see the beauty of community, of helping one another find strength in God. It is what we have here!
Ruth’s famous commitment is often spoken at weddings, even though it was actually spoken by one woman to another. It is also a picture of what God asks from us, to trust Him, to cling to Him for better or for worse, to make His people our people, and to stay close to Him even in death. I like this particular song and the words spoken in the middle because it points out what is really valuable in life: our relationship with God and with one another. That is the only thing that will last. Listen to this and then share your comments:
9. Share your comments on the above.
10. How have your sisters here strengthened you in the hard times? Be specific if possible.
11. How many times did Naomi send Ruth back? Why do you think Ruth did not give up?
12. When times are bad, what do you know about God that can keep you going? Speak this to your soul.
Thursday: Listening with Your Heart
13. Read Ruth 1:19-22
A. Describe Naomi’s lament in verses 20-21.
B. How could these words have hurt Ruth?
C. What do you think Ruth might have heard that helped her not to take offense?
I’ve been reading Abba’s Child by Brennan Manning. He contrasts the Pharisee who pretends all is well with the child who is open and honest. The Pharisee does not need God, but we are to look to our Father the way a child continually does with his mother or father.
Naomi has not pretended she has it all together. And Ruth has listened between the lines.
Naomi is hurting so much that she is no longer expecting God to meet her needs. Ruth listens not so much to Naomi’s words, but to her heart — which we can do if we exercise our relational gift. Ruth also doesn’t judge Naomi by these bitter words, but remembers the woman who loved her and gave her grace, even though she was a Moabite. And God comes to Ruth, flooding her dry bones with life. And Ruth trusts Naomi’s God, and goes forth in faith. Then God uses Ruth to restore Naomi. God leads Ruth to the field of godly Boaz, Boaz, our Christ-figure, fills Ruth’s arms with grain, and Ruth returns that night to Naomi, bringing in the sheaves.
14. Read Ruth 2:17-23
A. Describe the scene in verses 17-18.
B. How do you see a turn in Naomi’s attitude toward God in verses 19-20?
C. What were some of the things that Ruth did that helped Naomi heal?
15. Are you being alert to the people in your path? Do you have a God Hunt to share?
Friday: The Gift Women Can Use For The Glory of God
I think you will love today, so I’m hoping you are still with me! Sociolinguist Deborah Tannen has enlightened me on why language styles of men and women are so different. Status is important to men (perhaps because God wired them to be providers). Men like to hold the floor and engage in report talk, sharing stories, jokes…but sometimes they are not the best listeners. Connection is important to women (perhaps because God wired them to be nurturers.) Women engage, not in “report talk,” but in “rapport talk,” volleying in conversation, establishing ties. You can see these differing drives in the conversation of children. Watch this from Deborah Tannen:
16. What did you learn and what comments do you have on the above?
17. Read Ruth 2:19-22 and describe the “rapport talk” between Ruth and Naomi.
18. How did each woman not only listen and connect, but also help one another find strength in God?
19. Have you been alert to the people in your path? Have you been able to use your gift for nurturing to the glory of God? If so, share.
Saturday:
20. What is your take-a-way and why?
125 comments
13. Read Ruth 1:19-22
A. Describe Naomi’s lament in verses 20-21.
She was saying quite frankly that God had brought great heartache and trouble into her life. She said the Lord had taken away all she had and brought her misfortune. She didn’t blame her circumstances. She said God was responsible for her life being bad now.
B. How could these words have hurt Ruth?
Ruth had committed that Naomi’s God would be her God. Naomi’s lament wouldn’t have instilled much confidence in what kind of God He was.
C. What do you think Ruth might have heard that helped her not to take offense?
Naomi was speaking to the fact that God was in her life in a very personal way. She refers to Him as the Almighty. She wasn’t rejecting God but the turn of events he had allowed in her life was hard.
14. Read Ruth 2:17-23
A. Describe the scene in verses 17-18.
Ruth had gleaned and threshed a good amount of grain (22 liters) for her and Naomi to have.
B. How do you see a turn in Naomi’s attitude toward God in verses 19-20?
She speaks a blessing on Boaz for his kindness to Ruth for allowing her to glean so much and there seems to be encouragement in her comments to Ruth about Boaz being a close relative.
C. What were some of the things that Ruth did that helped Naomi heal?
She left her family and her native country to come to a foreign country. She was there for Naomi and worked hard to provide food for them. She obtained a good report because of her good character among Naomi’s hometown friends and family. She helped bring some normalcy back to Naomi’s life.
15. Are you being alert to the people in your path? Do you have a God Hunt to share?
I have 3 friends who are in that waiting time for elderly parents in the hospital or care homes close to leaving this life to be with the Lord. Awaiting these deaths is hard. A couple I have known all my life. The idea of saying goodbyes but yet giving them up to be at peace and home with the Lord is very bitter sweet. I pray for these sweet friends and these grieving seasons of their lives.
13. Read Ruth 1:19-22
A. Describe Naomi’s lament in verses 20-21.
Naomi is sad. She tells them she has lost everything she left with and the Lord dealt her bitterly so she should be called Mara instead of Naomi.
B. How could these words have hurt Ruth?
Ruth was loyal to Naomi. Naomi had Ruth but doesn’t acknowledge that she has her with her. Ruth probably felt like she didn’t matter to Naomi.
C. What do you think Ruth might have heard that helped her not to take offense?
After looking through several versions of the Bible, the only thing I could come up with was Naomi references the men. Ruth knows that the men of the time are more important than the women (seemingly), so she might not have taken offense as I would have.
14. Read Ruth 2:17-23
A. Describe the scene in verses 17-18.
Ruth was working; gleaning in a field after the workers had taken the harvest. She took the load back to Naomi, including the food she ate during the day that was left over.
B. How do you see a turn in Naomi’s attitude toward God in verses 19-20?
Because Ruth had gleaned in a field of a distant relative of Naomi’s family without knowing. It was a kiss from the King, and Naomi recognized it!!
C. What were some of the things that Ruth did that helped Naomi heal?
She lived with her, helped her with food, and was encouraging in that she has made contact with Naomi’s relatives who might help her if necessary. Ruth was her “arms” that lifted Naomi up just like Moses’ arms were lifted when he was weak but needed to be strong (by Aaron and Jacob? I can’t exactly remember now). She was kind and showed Naomi LOVE.
15. Are you being alert to the people in your path? Do you have a God Hunt to share?
YES!! To make a very long story short, we had a court hearing about the grand kids on Tuesday to determine whether we should continue temporary custody. Throughout all of this ordeal the last six months, God has been very silent. Usually when He silent I know that I just don’t need to do anything with the situation. I just should let it coast along the way it is going and not interfere. We were struggling in the hearing and the judge decided to appoint an investigator to come to our house and to go to Los Angeles where Sarah is now. He also told us we were going to have to pay about $2000 right up front for this person’s services. For us, it wasn’t about the money, it was more about the principle that Sarah should pay half of this cost. We knew she couldn’t do that, but the judge said she should. We left, feeling pretty down about the whole process. The next day my husband came home from work and shared that he had received a check for his vacation time that he did not use last year. The odd part was the employees have been told they would lose their vacation days if they did not use them. He was not anticipating any money for those days. How much was the check? $1900!! Oh my! God has spoken LOUD AND CLEAR to me! We didn’t need that money, so it had to be that He wanted me to know He is really still here in the background, doing His thing (working on my daughter’s heart I think). It could have been $300, or some other amount. It was just what was needed at just the right time. Thanks be to God!
What a great God Hunt, Laura. I think the investigator is important and may settle things once and for all for good for the kids.
Wow, Laura! That’s amazing! Yes the Lord is definitely working for you!! 🙂
16. What did you learn and what comments do you have on the above?
Wow, she is spot on. This helps me to see why my boys and husband communicate the way they do, and why I react like I do to them. I was thinking how wonderfully different God made us.
And why you need female friends, dear Rebecca! 🙂
Oh yes! :))
13. Describe Naomi’s lament:she responds to the women , “Don’t call me Naomi for the Almighty has dealt bitterly with me. Call me Mara.”
B. These words might have hurt Ruth because it seemed that she did not appreciate Ruth’s magnanimity to her and her loyalty by saying, “The Lord has brought me home empty.”
C. What might have helped her to not take offense?
It was the beginning of the barley harvest- no longer is there a famine in the land!
14.Describe the scene: Ruth gleaned in the field until evening and when she beat out the grain it filled a whole basket.
B. Naomi’s attitude seems to have changed when she said,”Blessed be the man who took notice of you.”
C. Ruth’s kindness to Naomi helped her to heal! She was attentive to her needs, brought her left over food
15. Are you being alert to people in your path? Yes, we have a neighbor who needs a listening ear and kindness when she is hurting.I am praying for her and her daughter’s relationship.
16. Conversational rituals…. Fascinating! I realize that when I converse with another woman who is not a close friend, I am always asking within myself ‘will you let me in? Can I come closer?’ It also explains why some conversations with my husband go south. He thinks he got lowered in status, which in my mind he didn’t.
17. Rapport talk…Ruth and Naomi go back and forth, adding details. Not to say they are better, but to bring the other closer.
18. Each encouraged the other with positive things. Ruth also put Naomi’s suggestions into practice.
So glad you watched and liked it Mary!
Jenny, thank you for your prayers! I am starting to feel better and will get out some today.
14. Read Ruth 2:17-23
A. Describe the scene in verses 17-18.
Ruth worked hard until evening and brought home an ephah (30 lbs) of grain.
B. How do you see a turn in Naomi’s attitude toward God in verses 19-20?
When Naomi saw what Ruth brought, she must been very surprised at the amount. And without a skip, she attributed the blessing to
A. What were some of the things that Ruth did that helped Naomi heal?
Her submission to Naomi’s instructions
Her kindness in sharing her left overs
Her openness in sharing what has happened.
15. Are you being alert to the people in your path? Do you have a God Hunt to share?
A former student of mine who now works as a hospice nurse came to do some care in the nursing home where we were at. She was going to give a shower to a resident and when I asked if my students can assist, she said yes. I was able to do something else with another student because she freed me up from having to stay in the shower room.
One of the good aides at the Dementia Unit showed me and 2 of my students how to realistically and safely take care of a confused resident when using the restroom. This lady has had a stroke on top of that. There is nothing like hands on practical ideas on how to take care of patients that you will not find in a book! I do not know most of our patients from the get go and having a seasoned aide show us how things work really help. I and my 2 students were impressed!
Great closing God Hunt of the woman in the Dementia unit
7. Do you believe that God can make dry bones live? If so, why?
Yes, I believe that He can do anything He wants. Jesus said that if the people didn’t cry out (in praise), the rocks would do it. God can take what appears to be hopelessly lifeless and dead and bring it to life. That’s a metaphor of us before we were saved by Him.
8. Are you being alert to the people in your path? Do you have a God Hunt to share?
I can’t think of any encounter with a person that stood out to me this week. However, something struck me as I listened to a podcast in which Chris Fabry was talking about his new book. He was quoting an author of another book who said that people need three things in order to survive: to be known, to have purpose, and to be remembered. It made me cry. I want to remember these three things because, what part could I have in another’s life to give them one (or more) of these things?
10. How have your sisters here strengthened you in the hard times? Be specific if possible.
There have been so many times I’ve asked for a specific need to be prayed for, whether posting it here or on our FB page, and I am encouraged by the responses and to know you are praying for me or a loved one. Lizzy helped me especially go through the death of my mom last November; though not “in person” as we live in different states, we were able to text and I knew she was praying for me and my family in the days that my mom was in hospice. There were hours with my mom when another family member was there as well, but because she is not a believer, though she loved my mom too, there was no spiritual support or connection. It certainly was important to me to have my sisters here praying.
11. How many times did Naomi send Ruth back? Why do you think Ruth did not give up?
I counted a total of four times that Naomi urged her daughters-in-law to go back; the fourth time was to Ruth alone as Orpah had turned back. Why didn’t Ruth give up? Perhaps because she had already made up her mind that she was going to stay with Naomi before they even set out on the road to Bethlehem. She was never “waffling” between two choices.
12. When times are bad, what do you know about God that can keep you going? Speak this to your soul.
When bad things are happening to me, or around me, it never means that God does not love me. If I look at God through the lens of my circumstances, He will appear distorted. That’s what Satan wants. God is God and His character never changes.
13. Read Ruth 1:19-22
A. Describe Naomi’s lament in verses 20-21.
She tells the women not to call her by her given name, Naomi, but to call her “Mara” – which means “bitter”, because, she says, God has made her life very bitter. She left Bethlehem full, with her husband and sons, but has returned empty. The Lord has afflicted her and brought trouble upon her. (She’s obviously not appreciating the presence of Ruth here!)
B. How could these words have hurt Ruth?
Ruth left her family and homeland behind to go with Naomi, and she hears Naomi telling everyone that she has returned home empty? Oh, Ruth may have thought, here I thought that I was a comfort to you….you have me, that’s something! It’s easy to feel badly when you are unable to console someone with your presence, when they look right past you and only see how miserable they are.
C. What do you think Ruth might have heard that helped her not to take offense?
Four times Naomi brings up the name of the Lord and places all the blame for her misery squarely upon Him. So perhaps Ruth could understand that it was God who Naomi was angry with and lashing out at, and her angry words had nothing to do with her feelings for Ruth. Ruth must have understood also that Naomi was still grieving for her husband and sons.
14. Read Ruth 2:17-23
A. Describe the scene in verses 17-18.
Ruth is gleaning the barley grain in the field of Boaz. She works all day, until evening. Then, she threshes the barley and takes it back to town, to Naomi. She even has some leftovers from her meal to share with Naomi. Naomi notices how much Ruth has gathered.
B. How do you see a turn in Naomi’s attitude toward God in verses 19-20?
When Naomi learns that Ruth has been working with Boaz, who just happens to be a close relative and a kinsman-redeemer, she gives credit to God, saying “He has not stopped showing His kindness to the living and the dead.” While she acknowledges the kindness of Boaz, she sees God’s hand in this; it’s not just coincidence that Ruth happened to be in Boaz’s field.
C. What were some of the things that Ruth did that helped Naomi heal?
When Naomi was spewing out bitterness and lament, Ruth didn’t chastise her, correct her, try to shush her, or take it personally. That’s a big one (to me), not to take it personally. I tend to do that. Ruth remained quietly, steadfastly by her side. She went about her daily life and work, and willingly went to work to provide for them. She didn’t join in the pity party and that would’ve been so easy to do – remember, Ruth also was a widow and was surely mourning her husband. She could’ve sat in the house all day with Naomi and cried and felt sorry for herself. But, she stepped up and stepped out and went to work so they wouldn’t starve. Elisabeth Eliot used to say, “Just do the next thing.”
Susan — love this whole post. Many treasures here and good to hear how Lizzy ministered to you too.
17. Read Ruth 2:19-22 and describe the “rapport talk” between Ruth and Naomi.
Okay so this weeks blog post reminded me of Sarah Groves song, Twice as good.
I like how Naomi started the volleying back and forth and how His Spirit moved when she exclaimed, Blessed be the man who took notice of you! It was like Ruth was dying to tell her anyway and Naomi opened that door wide. They are on the same page with their desires and connect on a deeper level so there is trust. I love how excited Naomi was when she found out it was Boaz and I also love how she mentored Ruth encouraging her to stay with the women in his field. I so love how when God ties us there is this unbreakable, loyal bond and it doesn’t matter how far away we are from one another. 🙂 🙂
Yes! Twice as good!
16. What did you learn and what comments do you have on the above?
Deborah Tannen states that women seek sameness while men seek status, often one-upping each other. Conversation isn’t literal… the actual words aren’t necessarily truth; one needs to look underneath the surface of the words for genuine understanding.
I’m still pondering this…it is interesting. I’ve been thinking about my Mom and Dad’s relationship; my Dad truly listens to my Mom, he never feels like he has to listen and doesn’t seek to “hold the floor”…similarly with my husband and his close friends, I don’t see this one-upping, status thing (maybe because they are all in their late 50’s/early 60’s?)…I recently got together with a group of kayaking friends (women) to plan our annual summer trip, in thinking back to our evening, I can see connection and a “sameness” in our choice of where to go for our annual trip. Still pondering…
17. Describe the “rapport talk” between Ruth and Naomi.
They chatted back and forth about where Ruth had worked, the blessing bestowed on Ruth by the owner of the field, Naomi knowing/being related to the owner/Boaz, and Naomi’s encouraging Ruth to continue working in Boaz’s fields.
18. How did each woman not only listen and connect, but also help one another find strength in God?
They are showing tangibly each other the blessing God has bestowed (e.g., Ruth finding gleaning work where she will not be harmed, Ruth gleaning throughout the barley and wheat harvests)…reminding each other of the blessing from the hand of God (e.g., Boaz being the owner of the field, the, Boaz being a close relative of Naomi).
Nanci — you and your mom are blessed — so was I. I think both right-brained men and spiritually mature men are good listeners. Spiritually mature men have their identity in Christ.
19. Have you been able to use your gift for nurturing to the glory of God?
A young gal who I care about (the daughter of a friend) is going through a rough time, she posted on FB feeling devastated. (To put this in perspective and ease your minds, she is in her final semester of college…lots of pressure related to that and other desires.) As many of you know, I really like Ann Voskamp, and it just so happened that I saw a post from Ann that was perfect…I shared it to this young gal’s site with an emoji heart. I think Ann’s post will help her immensely in putting life into perspective. I just feel like the post from Ann was a gift from above…the timing could not have been more perfect. Thank You, Lord!
16. What did you learn and what comments do you have on the above?
I thought it was an interesting video. Boys like to “one up” each other and girls like to show they are similar to each other. I liked the scenarios where kids are being observed. So sweet; reminds me of life in the seventies. Kids don’t play outside anymore like we did…sure at the play ground, but not much in the neighborhoods. It’s sad.
17. Read Ruth 2:19-22 and describe the “rapport talk” between Ruth and Naomi.
They mimick each other to confirm their agreement. Ruth explains she gleaned in Boaz’s field and Naomi tells her who he is. Ruth says Boaz told her to stay close to the men for safety and Naomi tells her to stay close to the women who glean.
18. How did each woman not only listen and connect, but also help one another find strength in God?
They listened because they repeated things said by each other as part of their conversation. Naomi asked God to bless Boaz for his care of Ruth.
19. Have you been alert to the people in your path? Have you been able to use your gift for nurturing to the glory of God? If so, share.
I’ve noticed that one of my colleagues who claims she is agnostic, has been trying to be more in tune with ways “a higher power” helps her in her life. I believe this is because I have not been shy at sharing when I know God is talking to me; kisses from the King, and God hunts! She knows the story of our family and I told her about the investigator and court and such. I have shared other things in the past as well with her. I see her as maybe coming over to my “side” 😇.
16. What did you learn and what comments do you have on the above?
Wow! Deborah was spot on! And yet it is very hard to practice at times to understand our men and boys. Today I was talking to Richard about something and he went on and on about how I should respond. I just wanted him to connect with me! As my feelings of frustration rose, I heard him say, “I am just trying to protect you”. My mind went back to what Deborah says here and my frustration and anger at my husband kind of fizzled. J This is his way of loving me.
17. Read Ruth 2:19-22 and describe the “rapport talk” between Ruth and Naomi.
Acknowledging each other’s feelings. Hearing the message underneath the spoken words.
18. How did each woman not only listen and connect, but also help one another find strength in God?
Pointing each other to God, the Blessor.
19. Have you been alert to the people in your path? Have you been able to use your gift for nurturing to the glory of God? If so, share.
My student whose Mom is “complaining” about me. God has given me a love for this girl that I am not capable of. Coaching her in the clinical area (she is very slow and has trouble comprehending what I am saying to her) is definitely a Jesus thing. Often times, I feel like I am just giving, giving, giving in her situation and she is just getting, getting, getting. Meanwhile in the background, her Mom has launched an unreasonable case against me.
I am tempted at times to do “an eye for an eye…” but Jesus restrains me when the bite sounds of the enemy is ever hemming me in. I can choose to nurture instead of walking away from this student while I wait on the Lord to direct my (our) next steps.
Paul Miller, in his book, The Praying Life, talks about God weaving a story in our lives. I am waiting patiently for each chapter and I am praying God is being honored through it.
Saturday:
20. What is your take-a-way and why?
The word, REMEMBER:
Remember
God’s character
His Word
Our stories
God’s character-faithfulness, provider, story weaver, sovereignty
His Word Lam 3:20-24; Psalm 126; The book of Ruth
Our stories-testimonies
Here’s another wonderful word, Bing, Remember. Yes, through the stories of Ruth and each other, God is weaving wonderful truths. From sorrow and laments to joy and rejoicing!
Bing–I really like your take away. I feel like God wanted me to read this here now and let this sink into my heart. So many great applications. Lord, help me remember Your faithfulness to me when I am tempted to doubt and fear. May I instead praise You for Your holiness and great love.
16. What did you learn from the conversations? These video clips were delightful in observing these conversations between children. Yes, the competitiveness of the boys and the cooperativeness of the girls was very clear! Smilingly I think of our church coffee hour where men gather in a group and women clump together at a table and probably there is much similarity in these conversations!
We do share many stories in which we identify with one another. Describe rapport talk between Naomi and Ruth; these women were a great support to one another. Ruth is open to share her work gleaning in the field and what went on with Boaz and the young men. Then Naomi encouraged her as she told Ruth that “Boaz is a close relative, one of our redeemers.”
18. How did each woman listen and connect, but also help one another find strength in God?
Naomi said, ” The Lord whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!” And Ruth responded, “Boaz told me to stay close by my young men.” They are in agreement that the Lord is at work in this situation, providing safety for Ruth and provision for them both. It is a very special relationship and God is truly blessing them.
19. Have you been alert to people in your path?
Over the past year the Lord brought me and a friend, a growing and strong Christian who recently-3 years ago-, came to sobriety after a long struggle. L. and I get together often to do a Bible study homework together. It is definitely a nurturing relationship bringing glory to God.
Many years ago, an older Christian nurse was a wonderful nurturer to me as I struggled to grow as a young Christian after taking some wrong life turns…It meant so much to me and I am so grateful God brought me into the same work setting.
4. Read Ruth 1:1-5 and describe all that Naomi has lost, and how this could parallel Psalm 126.
She left Bethlehem-family friends. She lost her husband and later both sons.
5. Though Naomi is in high-tide grief, she is still kind to her daughters-in-law. See if you can find examples of this in Ruth 1:6-9.
She blesses them. She asks the Lord to “deal kindly” with them, and that He would grant them rest. A few years ago, I read Paul Miller’s “A Loving Life”, which draws on the book of Ruth to teach about real love. I loved the book, need to re-read as I’v forgotten too much, but he describes this love Naomi gives to Orpah and Ruth as “hessed” love. She wants to sacrificially give them freedom, and God’s blessing.
6. Describe the persistence you see in Ruth 1:10-18. How do you explain it? What hope does this give you?
I love Ruth’s pushiness, or steadfastness. She has made a commitment, based on conviction, and she cannot be shaken. She desires to forsake all, for her love and faithfulness to Naomi.
7. Do you believe that God can make dry bones live? If so, why?
I do believe He CAN, I believe His Word. I struggle with if He WILL, and when.
9. Share your comments on the above. (song)
So powerful, especially as I think of it as my comittment to the Lord. I am also reminded of the importance of community. I was a little convicted even when he said “there is an energy in us which makes things happen when the paths of other persons touch ours and we have to be there and let it happen”. I really feel I am juggling more than I ever have, and while many more do much more than I (Dee!) I think I’m realizing I’m not as much of a juggler as I used to be! I’ve also been battling some health issues that aren’t helping, but in my waiting to catch my breath that may not happen, I can easily say no to extra events. And while I need to give myself grace right now, I also need to remember the value of relationships. The introvert in me can easily forget that, although it’s also the introvert in me that craves deep connection with others–but I have to show up, or “be there and let it happen”! Also liked this: ” the clarity and care with which we have loved others will speak with vitality of the great gift of life we have been for each other.”
Lizzy for all you are juggling, and the fact you are an introvert, you have touched so many lives here, including mine!
The video was spot on. Amusing how different boys & girls are in how they relate 🙂 I am definitely the relational one in my family. My hubby is not at all, tho he gets on great with his lawyer & golfing buddies! I really need time with my sister/girlfriends to share life & encourage each other.
My takeaway will be how God can raise up encouragers & comforters to accompany us on our journey. He has done it countless times for me & now I want to do that more & more for others. God used Ruth “to restore Naomi”. That is beautiful, & only the Lord could orchestrate it all.
11. How many times did Naomi send Ruth back? Why do you think Ruth did not give up?
I see 3 times. The level of commitment from Ruth is convicting to my heart. Nothing could stop her devotion. Rather than turn bitter from her own pain of losing her husband, she is determined to serve and care for Naomi. She gave up everything for Naomi. It was her choice, she was not coerced or forced, her heart was willing to follow, no matter the cost. There is a picture of Christ’s sacrifice for me, and the kind of devotion I want to have for Him.
12. When times are bad, what do you know about God that can keep you going? Speak this to your soul.
He has not left me, and never will. He is good. He is fair and just. He loves me. He will take me Home one Day, and there will be no more tears, all will be made new. I think Bing’s take away, “remember”, is so important for me. Remember who He is, what He has told me in His Word, how He has rescued me, and all that He has promised me.
Take-away:
Our GREAT need for support in community and UNITY in the body of Christ. Nurturing one another and encouraging each other is vital!