Journeying Through Ruth: Part 2

Dear Reader,

Thank you for joining me on my journey through the wonderful book of Ruth. Please endeavor to read through the story in your Bible as we move along. Be blessed!

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This is the story of Ruth going out to look for food and in the process ending up in Boaz’s field. It is a story of the blessings of hard work and being at the right place at the right time.

Reading the book of Ruth with a bit more of depth has opened my eyes to a plethora of wonderful lessons. In chapter 2, it gives us more insight into the character of Ruth. In vs 2, Ruth displays innovation and takes the initiative to “go out into the fields to gather leftover grain…” To me, this sort of shows that Ruth had probably been thinking of how she could provide for her and Naomi and finally came up with this idea. It got me asking, what am I doing with my hands? I must not sit down idly, I must be productive. In vs 3, she happened to find herself in the field of Boaz, who was related to her late father-in-law. Boaz was a godly man. To me, this shows that being at the right place at the right time positions me for God’s blessings. I’m sure Ruth must have asked God to lead her to which field to glean from. Going further to vs 7, Ruth displays the character of hard work which was observed by the foreman. In vs 8, the way Boaz relates to Ruth is shown. I observed the absence of lust towards her. He treated her like family, calling her ‘daughter.’ He treated her with respect and dignity. She was vulnerable, but he didn’t take advantage of that. He treated her kindly and made sure she was well taken care of. He didn’t stop her from working, but he made the burden easier. Vs 11 is a powerful verse as well. Here, reputation is spoken about. Boaz tells Ruth how he has heard about the way she has taken care of Naomi since she lost her husband. Ruth, a foreigner, had etched for herself a good reputation and a good name. Her actions had spoken louder than her words. The Bible says, “A good name is better than riches” (Proverbs 22:1). People are watching my life. What do they say about me in my absence? I must desire a good name above all else.

Vs 19 still re-emphasizes the fact that when I am at the right place at the right time, I am positioned to receive God’s blessings. In vs 23, Ruth continued being productive and did not stop caring for Naomi. This is a challenge to me as a single woman. I must be productive both at home and outside the home.

I am really challenged by Ruth’s life.

#selah

Dear Lord,

Help me to be at the right place at the right time always. Order my steps Father. Help me to live a life that speaks well of the faith I profess. Lead me to men and women like Boaz who will not take advantage of me but will be kind to me. Help me to do same to others as well. Help me to be a productive woman while I wait for you to bring me to the man you are preparing for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I hope you are blessed. Please leave your comments and thoughts about this journey through Ruth below.

In Christ,

Ishanpepe

Journeying Through Ruth: Part 1

Hi there!

Last week I rounded up my series on the AMAZING book of Esther. I enjoyed my journey and after praying about what book to study next, decided to study the book of RUTH next. It has been another AMAZING journey I tell you. I will be sharing this journey with you and I do hope that you are blessed and inspired to put the lessons into action, remember, our faith is dead without works (James 2:17). 

CHAPTER 1: This is the story of how Elimelech and his family moved to Moab and settled there, with his sons marrying Moabite women, one of which was Ruth. Him and his sons eventually die and Noami decides to return back to her homeland. Along the way she urges her daughters in law to return to their homes. The first wife does, but Ruth insisted on going with her and staying with her till death.

What really stood out for me in this chapter is reflected in vs 16-17. I find myself asking, what did Ruth see in Naomi that she was ready to pledge her life to her? Clearly she must have seen something magnetic in her mother in law’s life. She must have watched her life and admired her. She must have watched her worship her God faithfully in order for her to renounce her Moabite gods and choose Naomi’s God. Is my relationship or my lifestyle and worship of God passing a positive message to unbelievers around me? Can my worship of God cause a change in another’s heart? In vs 14, Naomi encouraged Ruth to join her mater Orpah to return to their people and to their gods but Ruth refused to because I am sure she had seen that Naomi’s God was the one true God and she decided to stick with this God. From this portion of the story I also perceive Naomi to be a good mother in law to her daughters in law. We often hear of mother in laws who make life unbearable for their daughters in law. It is passing a strong message across. When Naomi was alone and needing companionship, a woman who had lost her husband and who had hopes of marrying again and moving on with life was the one who stayed to take care of her. Naomi must have made a positive impact in Ruth’s life for her to make such a huge sacrifice. Another thing I noticed was the difference between Orpah and Ruth. I perceive Orpah to be the opposite of Ruth. When given an opportunity to return to her old life, she jumped at it. I feel Ruth was even more teachable than Orpah because she wouldn’t have felt or experienced Naomi’s positive influence if she didn’t avail herself to learn from Naomi. She must have known that there was more to learn from Naomi and so decided to yoke herself to be disciple by Naomi. The declaration she makes in vs 16-17, is a bold statement saying, “I am willing to be disciple!” Discipleship is key to the growth of every Christian and it is the key to multiplying God’s kingdom. Are you willing to be disciple so you can grow and also so that you can disciple others? Ruth was and she made the sacrifice.

People are watching my life. What are they learning from me? Are my actions drawing them to the cross from it? Will someone choose Jesus because of my life? I must exhibit Jesus to everyone I come across. 

Prayer: Father, help my life to exemplify You. To draw others to the cross of their redemption. As a woman, may my life be an inspiration to other young women who are looking up to me. Help me not to be foolish like Orpah and pursue worldiness; but help me to be wise like Ruth and choose discipleship.

#selah

I hope you are blessed. 

In Christ,

Ishanpepe

SEASON FINALE - A Journey Through The Book of Esther: Part Ten

Hi guys! 

FINALLY we have come to the end of our journey through the book of Esther. It has been such an AMAZING journey and I am thankful for the lessons learned. In this post I will close the curtains on chapter ten and highlight some of my favorite lessons from parts one to nine. For those who have been following this journey I hope you have been blessed…!

Chapter 10: This just draws the curtains on the story of Esther.

Lessons:

Vs 2: Good deeds are never forgotten, they go down in history and live on even after one is gone.

Vs 3: With God, there is no going down, its elevation from glory to glory. Mordecai ended up becoming the prime minister and he was a great man and held in high esteem. Integrity takes one from one level of greatness to the next.

In vs 3 as well, a challenge is given to people in leadership positions. The people held Mordecai in high esteem BECAUSE he worked for the good of his people. It is not strange to see our leaders neglecting the people who vote for them once they get into leadership positions. This is wrong. When we as Christians are put in leadership positions, we must take such offices seriously and work for the good of our people.

Now onto the lessons that stood out for me from the various parts of our journey:

Part 1 (Chapter 1):

Vs 12-20: Vashti the Queen disobeyed her husband and it cost her her position as the Queen because it was feared that women everywhere would begin to disrespect and disobey their husbands because of her act. This automatically means that as a leader, I must set a godly example for the people under me or else it might just cost me my position as a leader. My actions should spur others to do right and not wrong.

Vs 13-14: Who are my advisers? The King relied solely on the advice of the 7 men who were high officials but still under him. It is not imperative that every advice I receive must be adhered to. I must also learn to take responsibility and make decisions myself.

I am to submit to my husband because he is my head and this pleases the Lord. Husbands on the other hand are not to trample on their wives, but are to love, respect, and cherish their wives; not treating them as objects, but as partners in the ministry of marriage.

Part 2 (Chapter 2):

Vs 9: when the favor of the Lord is upon a person, it will manifest everywhere the person goes. Hegai had had no contact with Esther previously but upon seeing her, he was impressed and gave her preferential treatment. Favor breaks protocols for the favored.

Vs 12-13: there is a place/process of preparation that God must take me through before bringing me to my King. This is a place of beautification and training to be the rightful and befitting Queen for my King (husband).

V 15: I must not neglect the counsel of older godly people that God has placed in my life. Esther followed only what Hegai told her when it was time to go to the king and everyone admired her.

Part 3 (Chapter 3):

Vs 2b – Mordecai knew what was right. He knew the law and knew the God he served. Therefore, He refused to bow down to Haman because this would consist of idolatry which God dislikes. Bowing down to Haman put him in the position of a god, and Mordecai refused to put him in such a position. As a leader, I must beware of putting my subordinates in the position of worshipping me. I am not a god, and must never take that place for whatsoever reason.

Vs 3-4 – People will try and talk me into doing what is wrong but I must remain rooted in my faith. I must not be threatened by anyone to the extent that I drop my standards. I must never compromise. .

Vs 8-9, 12-14 – The enemy will do all he can to harm the people of God. However, we as God’s children are a threat to the kingdom of hell and no matter how they try, they cannot wipe us out. We must choose to stand for the truth and God will fight for us.

Part 4 (Chapter 4):

V 13-14: God places me in a place for a purpose. He doesn’t just place me there to enjoy and just occupy space. He has a special purpose for me. I must never take where God places me for granted. However, when God elevates me and I immediately get there and forget Him/His purpose, He will raise another person who will fulfill purpose and I will no more be His vessel unto honor. I must be careful not to forget God when I become elevated. In fact, without Him I am NOTHING.

V 15: I must always fortify myself with prayer before doing anything. Here, prayer and fasting is exhibited. Esther fasted and prayed with her maids and asked Mordecai and other Jews to do same as well. She knew she was about to risk her life, but she was prepared to do so and did so in/through prayer. I must always prepare myself for everything in/through personal prayer and collective prayer as well

Part 5 (Chapter 5):

Vs 2: Prayer causes God to grant us favor. God’s favor breaks all protocol. Esther boldly went into the King’s court and was welcomed and even given a choice to ask for up to half of the kingdom. I must pray earnestly before doing anything. My actions must be backed by prayer. Faith defies fear and trusts God to intervene. Esther knew that going into the King’s court without being summoned could cost her her life but by faith she went in all the same.

V 9-14: Pride and self-conceit will destroy a man. Pride goes before a fall. My company of friends matter. My choice of a spouse matters. An evil spouse will join his/her partner to do evil. Evil friends will advise one wrongly. In vs 14, Haman’s wife and friends were the ones who suggested the idea of gallows to be built to hang Mordecai.  Therefore, as I make choices concerning my companions, I must soak every decision in prayer because my company can make or mar me.

Part 6 (Chapter 6):

Vs 1: When God wants to bless me, he will cause important men to lose sleep because of me! He will not allow them to have peace until I am blessed and rewarded accordingly. It was because the king could not sleep that he requested for the historical records to be brought to him and then he found out about Mordecai’s revelation of an assassination plot against his life.

Vs 12: When God publicly honors me, my enemies will be publicly disgraced as well. Bottom line.

Part 7 (Chapter 7):

Vs 1: Ladies, this is a trademark secret that has endured generations; sometimes the key to a man’s heart is through his stomach. I imagine that Esther would have overseen the preparation the meal, if not prepared it herself. Be a master not only in the bedroom but also in the kitchen too. Not every time you just dump your requests before your husband. Pay and seek God’s direction on the technique to use

Part 8 (Chapter 8):

Vs 1-2: God’s favor on me is like an umbrella that covers those around me. Mordecai benefited from God’s favor upon Esther. Also, when God blesses me, I must not forget those who supported me. I shouldn’t also forget family.

Vs 6: When God elevates me, I must not turn a blind eye to the suffering of the masses. I still have responsibility to care for them and to fight for their cause.

God always takes care of His people even if they are in a foreign land.

Vs 17: People should see/hear about what God has done for you and because of that, want to be like you and most of all, want to know God.

Part 9 (Chapter 9):

Vs 4: With God there is no demotion; it is higher ground on to higher ground!

Vs 7: Haman’s sons lost their lives for his cause. Lives depend on the decisions I make. They have far reaching effects.

Vs 5-16: God intercepted the evil plans of Haman and they ended up backfiring on the people he has instructed to kill the Jews. When God is involved in my matter, no weapon formed against me shall prosper.

Vs 20-31: God always protects his people and I must never forget how he has delivered me from my enemies. I must keep the testimonies going from generation to generation. Testimonies are reminders of God’s enduring faithfulness towards his own.

Wow! Today’s post is awfully long, but I believe it was worth the read. My earnest prayer is  that you will be blessed by these lessons and most of all be challenged to act on them.

Thank You Jesus for taking us through this amazing journey.

Dear reader, see you on the next journey!

In Christ,

Shanpepe.