Chapter 1 ends with Naomi and Ruth arriving in Bethlehem at the Beginning of the Barley Harvest. Chapter 2 introduces a man named Boaz. In verses 1 and 2, what two things does it tell you about Boaz? (Add him to your family tree!) verse 3- Ruth begins to glean the fields. Look up Deut. 24-19-22. What is the purpose of gleaning? Why does God command it? (v.22) Now even if you know this verse, look it up and read it. John 15:22 What does it say? Now... What is the first and greatest commandment? What is the second? (HINT: Matthew 22: 37-39) God commands for us to love others and to help people in need! We must always remember that we were once slaves, held captive in our own Egypt, and he set us free! We must share God's love and grace to those around us. What are some ways that you can help others and love others this week? Read Isaiah 61:1-2 and compare it to Luke 4:14-21. WOW! The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him and then he says to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." Thank Him today for what he has done for you. Then get out there show some love!

Ruth Post 3

They arrive in Bethlehem. The people have gathered around and can not believe it! Naomi is back! Can this really be her! Yes it is. But look at Naomi's response in verses 20-21. Naomi changes her name to Mara, which means bitter. Naomi went away full but returned home empty. I'm sure we have all experienced a time of disappointment in our lives when we had expectations for something or someone, only to come home empty-handed. What about changing your name! Have you ever just wanted to change you name? I know I have told my kids before that if they called my name one more time, I was changing it! Sometimes, you just wish you start life over. Are you experiencing that time right now? Pray and ask God to help you through it. Allow Him to give you His strength and His comfort. Ask Him to send you some encouragement through a friend such as Ruth. Be willing to accept His love and His friendship. Ruth gave up her land, her people, her gods, and her life for her Friend. Christ gave his life for us and He calls us His Friends! Isn't that amazing! And you know what? When we give up our gods and give our life to Christ, he guides us, provides for us and he blesses us! As we continue to study the story of Ruth, we will see God's promises fulfilled in her life and in the lives around her. He is awesome, and I love Him! Have a great day!

Ruth Post 2

So, Naomi, Ruth and Orpah leave to head to Bethlehem, Naomi's home. How do you think Naomi felt as she was leaving to go back home?' Read verses 8-13 Naomi blesses her daughters-n-law and sends them back to their people. However, they plead to stay with her. Read Deut. 25:5-10 What is the responsibility of the brother-n-law when his brother dies? Naomi did not have any more sons for them to marry. She was older and pass the age of marriage herself. They were young enough to remarry and start over. Naomi's sons had married women from Moab. Read Gen. 19:30-38 Who were the ancestors of the Moabites? If you read Numbers chapters 22-25, you will learn that there was a deep hatred between the Israelites and the Moabites because the Moabites attacked and oppressed them after they settled in Canaan. It was against the Jewish law for them to marry women from foreign lands and of foreign gods. Naomi had good reasons for telling her daughters to go back to their people. *to find someone they could marry *the hatred between the Israelites/Moabites (they could have refused her in Bethlehem) *her own uncertainty for the future Verse 13, Naomi states that the Lord's hand had gone out against her. Imagine Naomi in a distant land, all alone, not knowing what her future holds. Women were not like they are today. They didn't have the same rights as we do. They did not even own property. She was much older now and there was no one to take her in and no one to marry her daughters-n-law and keep the family inheritance. Sometimes we feel alone and feel hopeless, just like Naomi. Then we get depressed, turn bitter and start trying to blame others. We might have friends and family trying to help us but we refuse because we think we deserve it or because we are afraid of getting hurt again and we don't want to step out on faith. Have you ever had an experience where you felt like you were having a hard time accepting help, or better yet, even their love. You turn away the people who care about you because you are afraid. Ruth and Orpah told Naomi they wanted to stay with her. But she told them no and urged them to go back. After much weeping and crying out, Orpah makes the decision to return to her home and to her people. She kissed her Mother-n-law farewell and was on her way. Ruth on the other hand, refuses to leave Naomi. Read verse 16 and 17. She gave up everything she had and everything she was. She gave up her people, her gods, and even her life. Ruth did not care that Naomi was bitter and was pushing her away. Ruth did not care if the people would accept her or not. She was committed to Naomi and vowed to stay with her till death. Ruth didn't give Naomi much of a choice did she! You'll read in verse 19, that the two went on to Bethlehem.