God Has a Plan

Monday Readings:
      Ruth 1:5 In the face of terrible circumstances, Ruth follows God. Naomi and her husband and her two sons have come from Bethlehem to Moab in a time of famine. Her sons marry Moabite women, then all the men die, leaving Naomi and her two daughter - in - laws. Naomi feels it is now time to return home, so she encourages her daughter - in - laws to return to their families. Moabites were idol worshippers, descendants of Lot and his daughter(Genesis 19:27-38; Exodus 20:5,6). Ruth makes her conversion known in verse 16 and refuses to return to her old way of life. She is willing to go to a country where she is considered the enemy because of her love for God and her love for Naomi is greater than her fear.

This is the great providence of God to bring Christ into the world, though Ruth and Naomi have no idea. God is in control and He uses situations both good and bad to bring great things to pass.

Father, great and wonderful are all Your plans. Help me to have faith that You are bringing to pass Your plans in all that happens to us. In Christ name pray. Amen.

Tuesday Readings:
      Ruth 2:10 Ruth humbled herself and declared her unworthiness as well as her association with another people who were enemies of God's people. Boaz is her physical savior, showing undeserved kindness.

To receive salvation from Jesus should we not fall at His feet and declare ourselves enemies of God in need of His mercy and forgiveness?

Thank you Lord Jesus, that You took note of me, showing me undeserved forgiveness and mercy and salvation. We love You, Lord. Amen.

Wednesday Readings:
       Ruth 3:9 Ruth asked Boaz to spread the wings of his garment over her (Geneva). She wants him to preform the duty of the near kinsman and take her as his wife.

Do we not need Jesus to be our near kinsman redeemer? It is His covering of our sin that is our only hope of salvation. (Malachi 4:2)

Lord Jesus, thank you for shedding Your precious blood to cover our sin. In Your name we pray. Amen.

Thursday Readings:
      Ruth 4: 11,12 The people pronounce a blessing that was really a prophecy they didn't know or understand fully. Rachel and Leah are the mothers of the twelve tribes of Israel and Tamar the mother of the tribe of Judah. It seemed the family of Naomi and the family of Boaz were coming to an end before this match.  Be famous in Bethlehem, they said. That's almost hilarious. Read the last to verses. Who is Ruth's famous great grandson?!!

Friday's Readings:
     Matthew 1: 1:3-6 Genealogies - I heard you groan, but notice the women; Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba. Two of the four are Gentile women. Examine their lives - Tamar who played the harlot Genesis 38, Rehab the harlot Joshua 2; 6:25, Ruth the Moabite Ruth 4, Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah II Samuel 11. Women of Jewish and Gentile descent were used to bring the world together in Christ.

Father, help me not to reject anyone but know that everyone is part of Your plan - loved by You. For you have commanded us to go into all the world and preach the Gospel Matthew 28:19,20.

May your week be filled with Thanksgiving to God for all His mercies,

Gail