Okay, I went to the Simulcast this weekend and heard Beth Moore! Yeah! I am so glad that I was able to go. I really needed a fresh WORD! I just want to take a few minutes to tell you about some of what she ended with because it made me think of the last post I did earlier this week. One of the points she made was that we need to do good. She asked us these two questions: Who can we help? What good can we do? Here's the part that really got me. She was not talking about doing what is right. She was talking about doing some good! She brought up an interesting point. She said we get so caught up in doing what is right, and we think as long as we are doing what is right we are ok. (i am paraphrasing here!) We hear stories, see people, watch the news, and we think, "well, we are doing what is right". Just because we are doing what is right- if we do not do good- what good did it do? She brought up the fact that this is the reason so many people don't like us! They see us doing what is right but not doing anything good! There are people out there who are hurting, who are facing loss, who need our help. What good are we doing? We were studying Psalm 37:4 but the verse we were referring to here was verse 3. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. some translations say feed off of his faithfulness! Nursing Homes, Children's Homes, children in our church and schools who need mentoring, pregnancy crisis centers, hospitals, jail, neighborhood... these are just some suggestions... Here is the last statement I wrote down. God will deal with evil... we need to worry about doing some good. Feed off of His faithfulness...dwell in the land He has you in...enjoy safe pastures... and DO SOME GOOD! I want to thank the ladies at my church. You all mean so much to me and I love Bible Study and I love hanging out with you! You are all such an encouragement to me and I love each one of you. Can't wait till Tuesday! (BTW-we are meeting Tuesday night for a special time! you won't want to miss it!) LOVE YA!~

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!