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The Affliction of Naomi

Ruth 1:1-22, (16)   The book of Ruth shows how God used three people to achieve his purpose. These three people had character and were true to God. It also tells the story of how God’s grace was given during a challenging time. We can see that Naomi used her life as a witness for God and it touch others.   In verses 1-3: The story of Ruth happens at some point during the time of the judges. These were dull days for Israel, when "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 17:6, 21:25). Regardless, during those dim and fiendish occasions, there were still some who followed God. Naomi and Ruth are an excellent image of reliability, fellowship, and responsibility, both to God and to one another. Moab was the land east of the Dead Sea. It was one of the countries that persecuted Israel during the time of the judges (Judges 3:12). The famine must have been serious in Israel for Elimelech to move his family there. Regardless of whether Israel had effec
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Servanting, Soldiering, and Searching for Souls

Matthew 25:14-30   How are we to be what we are meant to be? A preacher, a teacher, a deacon, a church secretary, a witness, one of the board of trustees, the list goes on. It does not matter the size of the local church body that we may be affiliated with. It boils down to: How we are to live, How we are to work, and How we are to die. A faithful fruit tree will bring forth faithful followers.   How do we live? By being a faithful Servant .   Habakkuk 2:4, Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith . Romans 1:17, For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith . Galatians 2:20, I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I  live   by   the   faith  of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 3:11, But that no man is justified by the
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Who Are We?

Genesis 1:27,  So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. When did society's adults allow children to determine their God-given gender? You are a male or a female based upon the body parts you are born with. All of the transgender and gender binary issues are a result of the sin that has been allowed to run rampant in this world.  'Taking control of our own lives': Virginia students walk out over reversal of transgender protections (msn.com)
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Failing To Do What We Are Told

Judges 1:1- 36   The book of Judges is a book about heroes, some men, and some women. Although they were not perfect, coming from diverse backgrounds, they were submissive to God. It is a book about sin and what happens to those who fall into sin. The book is divided into three sections.   1:1 - 3:4 tells how Israel failed with its military, its incomplete conquest of the land, and the religious rebellion of the people. 3:5 - 16:31 tells of six periods of punishment of Israel and the rescue by the judges. 17:1 - 21:25 tells of Israel's moral failure, the tribe of Dan's acceptance of idolatry, and the tribe of Benjamin's war.   During the previous years, Joshua had led the children of Israel into the Promised Land of Canaan, after the death of Moses. The nation had promised to obey and worship the Lord. The time had come that Joshua and the elders had died and were buried. God had instructed the I
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The Forgiver That Would Not Forgive

Matthew 18:21-35   What if God did to us what this man did to another?   This passage of Scripture responds to Peter's inquiry concerning how often he ought to pardon a brother (or sister) who sins against him. Jesus explains with an illustration concerning the servant and a king. The king excuses the man's tremendous, unpayable obligation. However, the servant will not pardon the more modest debt owed to him by another and has that man tossed behind bars. The king is enraged and asks the servant for what good reason he did not show similar leniency that he had been given. The king has the man imprisoned until he pays everything. Jesus says that God the Father will do likewise to the individuals who do not pardon their brothers. The rabbis instructed that individuals ought to pardon the individuals who irritate them multiple times. Peter, attempting to be particularly liberal, inquired as to whether seven times (the "perfect" number) was sufficient to excuse
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Being Prepared for Battle

Joshua 6:1- 21   How do you prepare yourself for an impending struggle/ altercation? In chapter 1, we see God's charge to Joshua and how he prepares the people to enter the Promised Land. In chapter 2, we learn how Rahab protects the spies. In chapter 3, the children of Israel cross the Jordan River. In chapter 4, the people build a monument to God. In chapter 5, the nation of Israel reaffirms their commitment to God and Joshua meets an angel. Now in chapter 6, the story of the walls of Jericho falling. The city of Jericho was probably the oldest city on the planet. In certain spots, it had walls 25 feet high and 20 feet wide. Soldiers could see for miles while standing guard on top of them. Jericho was an image of military might and power, which the Canaanites thought was invincible. Israel would assault this city first, its obliteration would place the dread of Israel into the hearts of the Canaanites. The Canaanites consid
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