Ruth 2-4, John 4:43-54, Psalms 105:16-36, Proverbs 14:26-27

What God said to me – There are people who when they read a novel, once they get involved in the story, they stop and go read the end to make sure it has a happy ending before they proceed with reading it.  They then settle down and enjoy the entire book even though they don’t know all that is going to happen because they know how it turns out in the end.  In the story of Naomi and Ruth, when Naomi returned to her hometown with Ruth, she was bitter and sad because of the things that had happened to her.  Now fast forward to the end of the book and you find the “happy” ending.  Ruth was redeemed by a wealthy relative and became the great grandmother of king David and eventually Messiah.  Ruth was a daughter-in-law who loved her and provided for her.  Naomi wasted so much time on complaints and bitterness when My plan for her was peace and joy.  So, how are you responding to the difficult things you encounter in your life?  Are you wasting your life on bitterness and complaints or are you trusting My sovereignty and My promises and experiencing peace and joy?  You’ve read the end of the book.  You know how the story ends so you can praise in the in-between and live in faith and hope and trust.  “I AM” faithful.

Judges 21, Ruth 1, John 4:4-42, Psalms 105:1-15, Proverbs 14:25

What God said to me – Have you ever been around someone who is all gloom and doom, always negative – they get a big promotion, but all they do is complain about having more responsibility – someone treats them to an ice cream cone and they gripe because it melts too fast – it’s always too hot or too cold or too windy or too dark or too something.  You know how weary and tiresome it is to be around someone like that, who is always complaining and never expressing gratitude or joy.  Now think about Me and how My children respond to Me in the various circumstances of life in which they find themselves.  I have promised to work all things for good to those who love Me and who are called according to My purpose, so what does it say about your faith and spiritual maturity when you gripe and complain.  Look at the story of Naomi – she went through great tragedies and trials in losing her husband and sons.  When she returned home and the people greeted her by name, she said “don’t call me Naomi, call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.  I went out full, but the Lord brought me back empty.”  She didn’t acknowledge the precious treasure I gave her in the daughter-in-law, Ruth, who was loyal and kind and took care of her.  She was so consumed by her sorrow and loss that she couldn’t see the blessing in front of her.  When life gets difficult – and it will – you must learn to take your focus off of your circumstances and look to Me – trust My sovereignty – trust My plan – trust My promise – I will work all things for your good and for My glory.

Judges 19-20, John 3:22-4:3, Psalms 104:24-35, Proverbs 14:22-24

What God said to me – True humility is rare now days.  Society says, “look out for number one” or “you deserve the best” or “you’re perfect the way you are.”  There is even a new term called the “humblebrag” where you brag about an accomplishment while at the same time saying, “aw shucks, I don’t even think I’m that good.”  My children are to put on hearts of compassion and kindness and humility.  So, what is humility?  It is not abasing or belittling yourself – it is an accurate assessment of who you are in the light of who “I AM” – it is a realization that all you are and have and do is because of My grace and mercy at work in your life and that apart from Me, you are nothing.  It is not thinking more highly of yourself than you ought to think.  As John the Baptist said, “He must increase, and I must decrease.”  You must humble yourself under My mighty hand and walk in a manner worthy of your calling and there will come a time when you will be exalted as a precious child of the King.