Daniel Chapter 1
What are somethings the world has on your life? Is there a difference between your life and the life of the world...those who are not Christians? Is there a difference between what you want in life and what the world wants out of life?
We see through Daniel an example to reach towards, an example of how we can live a life in which the answers to the above questions are the ones we want them to be, not the ugly truth that sometimes plagues our heart. That is the essence of Daniel...his heart was right.
In the first few verses see how Daniel and 3 other young boys were in exile when Babylon sieges Jerusalem. In verse 1-2 we see the pride and worldliness of the king. We can also see that as an example of how the same "pride and worldliness" can destroy our lives. We cannot get caught up in our own pride and desire to have and do, to be more or greater than the next.
In verses 3-7 we see Daniel and with the 3 other boys: Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah allow their names to be changed to: Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego. Originally the names meant "God is just" or "of God" or "for God" along those lines, and the new Babylonian names which had meanings relating to the Babylonian gods. Are you letting the world change your name, your character, your reputation?
Then they are offered meat and wine, and they refused. "Daniel resolved not to defile himself with food and wine." Daniel 1:8 Here we see Daniel making it a point to not allow his heart to change. Daniel asked for 10 days - for 10 days they would not eat the meat and drink the wine, and if after they 10 days they did not see that they were better off than the rest they would do something different. I found it interesting here that the #10 represents completeness.
Daniel is trusting God to take care of him - he is taking a leap of faith.
In verse 15-16 we see that at the end of the 10 days on just vegetables that they looked better - one translation even says "fatter". God provided and took care of them, because Daniel had put his thoughts, his heart, his trust in the Lord to take care of the situation.
PSALM 33: 13-19 - simple and uncomplicated faith! Why can't we live like this? Why is this kind of faith so hard? Why can't we just trust the "divine simplicity"? God looks after those who TRUST and know it will work out "to the good of those who love him..." if you keep your heart on Him!
The final verse of the chapter we see that they are all looking great, but having to learn about the Babylonian ways. However, once again God uses His divine simplicity and show His children how to use what is wrong - the ways of the world that are not of Him, and become closer to Him.
It is pretty simple. Are you looking for the Lord's image, or the world's image? TRUST - take a leap of faith! Divine simplicity!! Use your talents and trust God to keep you in His will!
Thanks to my husband for such a great lesson - I really got a lot out of Daniel today.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Ruth Chapter 3
Ruth Chapter 3
Rewards through Refining -
1. the process the Lord uses in bringing us closer to Himself
2. what the true rest of God is
3. where fruit and growth in your Christian character comes from
3:1-2 Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you? “And now is not Boaz our kinsman, with whose maids you were? Behold, he winnows barley at the threshing floor tonight.
· Starts with drawing closer to the Lord
· Ruth had known the provision of Boaz, and had ‘sought refuge under the wings of the God of Israel’ as Boaz himself had earlier stated. We have also seen her working in Boaz’ field and seen his gracious commitment to her in return.
· Naomi sees mores for Ruth
· it wasn’t going to be easy and would involve Ruth placing herself at the feet of Boaz, totally reliant upon his will.
As we go on in our Christian life, there are times also when we must also be found at the threshing floor, where he is. It is a time of testing and refining, and just as the threshing floor was used to separate the true grain from the chaff so these times in our life are used to refine and purify our faith in Him. But as we shall see, through this testing she would learn what it is to rest in him, and his provision would be greater than in any time before!
3:3 “Wash yourself therefore, and anoint yourself and put on your best clothes, and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.”
· Three things are given for Ruth to do:
Each of these acts are quite common in the Old Testament and each is interpreted for us in the New Testament.
· Wash yourself – is being washed with the water of the word as Eph 5:26 tells us. It means examining ourselves by the word and allowing it to govern our attitudes, motives and desires. In times of testing the word of God is a light unto our path, giving us hope to persevere.
· Anoint yourself – always speaks of the enabling of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 tells us to be filled (or controlled) by the Holy Spirit and this is crucial in times of refining when our natural reaction is to be anything but controlled!
· Put on your best clothes – speaks of a righteous life. Revelation 19:8 says ‘It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen… for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.’ This is only possible to the extent that we’ve got the first two tasks in place.
3:4-5 “And it shall be when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies, and you shall go and uncover his feet and lie down; then he will tell you what you shall do.” And she said to her, “All that you say I will do.”
· Ruth had to cast herself at Boaz’ fee
· She didn’t know what would happen next or what his reaction would be but she just knew that she needed to be where he was and this meant the threshing floor
Ever felt like that? You’re going through a time of testing and all you can do is through yourself down at the Lords feet not really knowing what will happen next? To us it seems like a huge risk but to the Lord it is the very place He wants us to be.
3:6-7 So she went down to the threshing floor and did according to all that her mother-in-law had commanded her. When Boaz had eaten and drunk and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain; and she came secretly, and uncovered his feet and lay down.
· Unsure of how events would transpire, Ruth followed Naomi’s advice and went down to the threshing floor.
Notice also that the threshing floor, the place of trial that refines our faith, is down. It’s a place where, as John the Baptist testified, ‘I must decrease and He must increase’. It’s easy to talk about but never nice in reality. Maybe it means coming and acknowledging to the Lord that you have been failure as a Christian, or whatever is going on in your life. When God creates, He starts with nothing, and creates something.
But it always starts by laying yourself down in humility at His feet.
3:8 And it happened in the middle of the night that the man was startled and bent forward; and behold, a woman was lying at his feet.
· it probably doesn’t sound long for us, but here was Ruth, laying at Boaz’s feet, thinking ‘will He marry me? Will he redeem me?
How long it can be also when you find yourself on the threshing floor, in the midst of a trial. And often, God seems asleep or at least oblivious to the whole ordeal.
But He isn’t, and there will always come a time when Boaz awakes and though it takes longer usually than we would like, there will always come the time when God hears and acts on your cry. What would have been best for Ruth during this time? Well, to rest and much as possible and worry as lest as possible. And it is the same for you. So would laying her life and hopes at Boaz’s feet pay off?
3:9-12 And he said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth your maid. So spread your covering over your maid, for you are a close relative.” Then he said, “May you be blessed of the Lord, my daughter. You have shown your last kindness to be better than the first by not going after young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence.”
· Boaz was amazed at her commitment, faith and kindness stating that she was a woman of excellence.
· Not only did she show commitment to Naomi but also she had now shown that same commitment to Boaz.
Does it not also please the Lord Jesus when we choose to seek after Him instead of wealth or other worldly pleasures? I once read a quote that said you can test whether you love God by whether you seek after Him or His gifts.
· Boaz was pleased with Ruth’s choice and responds by the same words that Jesus said more than any other – ‘do not fear!’ Now what about you?
Do you feel that you’re currently taking a beating down at the threshing floor, wondering how circumstances will turn out? If so, have you laid the result before Jesus and rested at His feet? Have you washed yourself in the word and allowed the Lord Jesus Christ to speak those words ‘Do not fear!’ into your life? May we continue to turn away from our problem and also hear those words from the Lord.
· Notice also that he said ‘I will do whatever you ask… for you are a woman of excellence.’ That is his response once we have put ourselves into this position at His feet.
3:12-14 “And now it is true I am a close relative; however, there is a relative closer than I. “Remain this night, and when morning comes, if he will redeem you, good; let him redeem you. But if he does not wish to redeem you, then I will redeem you, as the Lord lives. Lie down until morning.” So she lay at his feet until morning and rose before one could recognize another; and he said, “Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.”
· Boaz, like Jesus, is willing to redeem her but there is a closer relative than Boaz
· the Lord’s response to someone trusting and looking to Him. After telling Ruth not to fear the next thing he says is for her to remain resting for the night. The rest!
She had to rest on the threshing floor knowing that Boaz would look after her. The picture couldn’t be any clearer for us. Testing and trials will come for the refining of our faith but what the Lord is after is that attitude which places the problem at the feet of Jesus, remaining restful in the midst of the trial.
3:15-18 Again he said, “Give me the cloak that is on you and hold it.” So she held it, and he measured six measures of barley and laid it on her. Then she went into the city. And when she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “How did it go, my daughter?” And she told her all that the man had done for her. And she said, “These six measures of barley he gave to me, for he said, ‘do not go to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” Then she said, “Wait, my daughter, until you know how the matter turns out; for the man will not rest until he has settled it today.”
· In her early relationship with Boaz, Ruth had worked all day in Boaz’ field and beat out 22 litres of barley.
· Here, after being at the threshing floor, Boaz gives Ruth a gift of six measures, which according to the Bible Knowledge Commentary was six seahs or 46 litres.
Have you found that in your own life? Have you noticed that hard times produce far more growth in your character than any amount of normal daily living.
We may not like it but it is true. If you have been a Christian long enough I'm sure you can look back at specific difficult times and testify that that was when you truly learnt more about the character and faithfulness of the Lord. We may read our books and hear our sermons for years but we only truly know something once that knowledge has been tested.
May we like Ruth, desire to go deeper, learning to rest and lay all at the feet of Jesus.
1 Peter 1:3-9
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.”
Rewards through Refining -
1. the process the Lord uses in bringing us closer to Himself
2. what the true rest of God is
3. where fruit and growth in your Christian character comes from
3:1-2 Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you? “And now is not Boaz our kinsman, with whose maids you were? Behold, he winnows barley at the threshing floor tonight.
· Starts with drawing closer to the Lord
· Ruth had known the provision of Boaz, and had ‘sought refuge under the wings of the God of Israel’ as Boaz himself had earlier stated. We have also seen her working in Boaz’ field and seen his gracious commitment to her in return.
· Naomi sees mores for Ruth
· it wasn’t going to be easy and would involve Ruth placing herself at the feet of Boaz, totally reliant upon his will.
As we go on in our Christian life, there are times also when we must also be found at the threshing floor, where he is. It is a time of testing and refining, and just as the threshing floor was used to separate the true grain from the chaff so these times in our life are used to refine and purify our faith in Him. But as we shall see, through this testing she would learn what it is to rest in him, and his provision would be greater than in any time before!
3:3 “Wash yourself therefore, and anoint yourself and put on your best clothes, and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.”
· Three things are given for Ruth to do:
Each of these acts are quite common in the Old Testament and each is interpreted for us in the New Testament.
· Wash yourself – is being washed with the water of the word as Eph 5:26 tells us. It means examining ourselves by the word and allowing it to govern our attitudes, motives and desires. In times of testing the word of God is a light unto our path, giving us hope to persevere.
· Anoint yourself – always speaks of the enabling of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 tells us to be filled (or controlled) by the Holy Spirit and this is crucial in times of refining when our natural reaction is to be anything but controlled!
· Put on your best clothes – speaks of a righteous life. Revelation 19:8 says ‘It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen… for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.’ This is only possible to the extent that we’ve got the first two tasks in place.
3:4-5 “And it shall be when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies, and you shall go and uncover his feet and lie down; then he will tell you what you shall do.” And she said to her, “All that you say I will do.”
· Ruth had to cast herself at Boaz’ fee
· She didn’t know what would happen next or what his reaction would be but she just knew that she needed to be where he was and this meant the threshing floor
Ever felt like that? You’re going through a time of testing and all you can do is through yourself down at the Lords feet not really knowing what will happen next? To us it seems like a huge risk but to the Lord it is the very place He wants us to be.
3:6-7 So she went down to the threshing floor and did according to all that her mother-in-law had commanded her. When Boaz had eaten and drunk and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain; and she came secretly, and uncovered his feet and lay down.
· Unsure of how events would transpire, Ruth followed Naomi’s advice and went down to the threshing floor.
Notice also that the threshing floor, the place of trial that refines our faith, is down. It’s a place where, as John the Baptist testified, ‘I must decrease and He must increase’. It’s easy to talk about but never nice in reality. Maybe it means coming and acknowledging to the Lord that you have been failure as a Christian, or whatever is going on in your life. When God creates, He starts with nothing, and creates something.
But it always starts by laying yourself down in humility at His feet.
3:8 And it happened in the middle of the night that the man was startled and bent forward; and behold, a woman was lying at his feet.
· it probably doesn’t sound long for us, but here was Ruth, laying at Boaz’s feet, thinking ‘will He marry me? Will he redeem me?
How long it can be also when you find yourself on the threshing floor, in the midst of a trial. And often, God seems asleep or at least oblivious to the whole ordeal.
But He isn’t, and there will always come a time when Boaz awakes and though it takes longer usually than we would like, there will always come the time when God hears and acts on your cry. What would have been best for Ruth during this time? Well, to rest and much as possible and worry as lest as possible. And it is the same for you. So would laying her life and hopes at Boaz’s feet pay off?
3:9-12 And he said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth your maid. So spread your covering over your maid, for you are a close relative.” Then he said, “May you be blessed of the Lord, my daughter. You have shown your last kindness to be better than the first by not going after young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence.”
· Boaz was amazed at her commitment, faith and kindness stating that she was a woman of excellence.
· Not only did she show commitment to Naomi but also she had now shown that same commitment to Boaz.
Does it not also please the Lord Jesus when we choose to seek after Him instead of wealth or other worldly pleasures? I once read a quote that said you can test whether you love God by whether you seek after Him or His gifts.
· Boaz was pleased with Ruth’s choice and responds by the same words that Jesus said more than any other – ‘do not fear!’ Now what about you?
Do you feel that you’re currently taking a beating down at the threshing floor, wondering how circumstances will turn out? If so, have you laid the result before Jesus and rested at His feet? Have you washed yourself in the word and allowed the Lord Jesus Christ to speak those words ‘Do not fear!’ into your life? May we continue to turn away from our problem and also hear those words from the Lord.
· Notice also that he said ‘I will do whatever you ask… for you are a woman of excellence.’ That is his response once we have put ourselves into this position at His feet.
3:12-14 “And now it is true I am a close relative; however, there is a relative closer than I. “Remain this night, and when morning comes, if he will redeem you, good; let him redeem you. But if he does not wish to redeem you, then I will redeem you, as the Lord lives. Lie down until morning.” So she lay at his feet until morning and rose before one could recognize another; and he said, “Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.”
· Boaz, like Jesus, is willing to redeem her but there is a closer relative than Boaz
· the Lord’s response to someone trusting and looking to Him. After telling Ruth not to fear the next thing he says is for her to remain resting for the night. The rest!
She had to rest on the threshing floor knowing that Boaz would look after her. The picture couldn’t be any clearer for us. Testing and trials will come for the refining of our faith but what the Lord is after is that attitude which places the problem at the feet of Jesus, remaining restful in the midst of the trial.
3:15-18 Again he said, “Give me the cloak that is on you and hold it.” So she held it, and he measured six measures of barley and laid it on her. Then she went into the city. And when she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “How did it go, my daughter?” And she told her all that the man had done for her. And she said, “These six measures of barley he gave to me, for he said, ‘do not go to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” Then she said, “Wait, my daughter, until you know how the matter turns out; for the man will not rest until he has settled it today.”
· In her early relationship with Boaz, Ruth had worked all day in Boaz’ field and beat out 22 litres of barley.
· Here, after being at the threshing floor, Boaz gives Ruth a gift of six measures, which according to the Bible Knowledge Commentary was six seahs or 46 litres.
Have you found that in your own life? Have you noticed that hard times produce far more growth in your character than any amount of normal daily living.
We may not like it but it is true. If you have been a Christian long enough I'm sure you can look back at specific difficult times and testify that that was when you truly learnt more about the character and faithfulness of the Lord. We may read our books and hear our sermons for years but we only truly know something once that knowledge has been tested.
May we like Ruth, desire to go deeper, learning to rest and lay all at the feet of Jesus.
1 Peter 1:3-9
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.”
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Ruth Chapter 2
Ruth Chapter 2
v. 1 -.
· Boaz, we are told, was a relative of Naomi .As a relative he would qualify as a kinsman redeemer
· We are also told that he was a man of great wealth = finest qualitites
Who could this man be a picture of?
v.2-3
· God in his mercy to the foreigners, widows and the poor
Leviticus 19:9-10 clearly said that the reapers of the harvest were to leave the corners of the field and the gleanings of the harvest for those in need. Ruth then, as a gentile, went out to glean and she just happened to do so in the field belonging to Boaz. Thousands of fields to choose from and she got lucky. It just happened! It was pure coincidence right?
What about you? How did you just happen to meet Jesus, of whom Boaz is a type? Coincidence?
v.4-7
· first meeting of Boaz and Ruth – her character pleased him
· Ruth had a right to glean and gather after the reapers- she came by grace asking ‘please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves’.
Matt 19:16-26. He came to the Lord saying ‘Teacher, what good thing must I do to inherit eternal life.’ In other words he approached Jesus by the law. He thought he could do some ‘good thing’ that would guarantee a place in heaven. He came by the law so Jesus answered him by the law and gave him the commandments. Jesus did this because He knew that the full extent of the law had not yet worked in this man so that he would come by grace. ( Romans 3:19-20) The right way is the example of the gentile woman in Matt 15:21-28.
v.8-9
· Ruth had no reason to fear with Boaz.
· What was Boaz’s response to Ruth’s approach by grace? It was one of provision.
v. 10
· Why are you so kind to me? I’m a Moabite!’
So why was Boaz so kind?
But what about the spiritual? Have you come to the point in your Christian life where you just have to stop and shake your head in disbelief at the grace of God?
v. 11 – 13
· It also shows us that it is not necessary to blow our own trumpet before God or man. Not before God because he is already entirely aware of all that we do and will reward us appropriately; or before man because it’s not likely that he’s at all interested!
v. 14
· ‘she ate and was satisfied and had some left’. Is this not the result of anyone that truly meets and experiences the Lord Jesus Christ?
Are you satisfied? Are you satisfied with Jesus? If not, then have you learned to live by grace and seen all that God has graciously provided to us as sons of God?
In the New Testament the blessings are spiritual not physical. He has promised to provide our needs physically which is good but God is predominantly interested with inward things, not outward. Ephesians 1:3 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” We HAVE been blessed we EVERY SPIRITUAL blessing in Christ.
v 15 – 16
· By the law Ruth had a right to glean among the corners of the field.
· By grace Boaz pulled grain from the bundles for her
V 17-19
· At the end of the day she was left with an ephah of barley!
· Naomi didn’t praise Ruth even though Ruth had obviously been working hard and deserved some praise.
· ‘Whose field were you in?’ is Naomi’s first comment.
Has that happened to you? Has what you have received from the Lord been so obvious that others just have to know where you got it? Did people notice the difference in you when you first met the Lord that they just had to know what could account for such a change?
V 20
· The word relative here means ‘kinsman-redeemer’.
· The responsibilities of the kinsman redeemer had been clearly defined in God’s law and included marrying a childless widow to raise up children in her dead husbands’ name. (Deut 25-10) The redeemer had to be a blood relative. Here we see the need for Jesus to be born on earth, being made in the likeness of man (Phil 2:7) so that he could qualify as our redeemer. Through the incarnation, God became ‘a blood relative’ and through his death on the cross the price was paid for the redemption of the world!
· Roy Hession, in his book ‘Our nearest kinsman’ states three things that were needed for someone to actually become your redeemer.
1. they needed to have the right :
2. they needed the :
3. they needed to be:
V 21-23
· The position that Boaz gave Ruth.
· She didn’t plant the wheat or play any part in ensuring that it there was adequate growth.
· A good picture of our inheritance in Christ, where we shall surely benefit in the age to come because of His work on our behalf.
v. 1 -.
· Boaz, we are told, was a relative of Naomi .As a relative he would qualify as a kinsman redeemer
· We are also told that he was a man of great wealth = finest qualitites
Who could this man be a picture of?
v.2-3
· God in his mercy to the foreigners, widows and the poor
Leviticus 19:9-10 clearly said that the reapers of the harvest were to leave the corners of the field and the gleanings of the harvest for those in need. Ruth then, as a gentile, went out to glean and she just happened to do so in the field belonging to Boaz. Thousands of fields to choose from and she got lucky. It just happened! It was pure coincidence right?
What about you? How did you just happen to meet Jesus, of whom Boaz is a type? Coincidence?
v.4-7
· first meeting of Boaz and Ruth – her character pleased him
· Ruth had a right to glean and gather after the reapers- she came by grace asking ‘please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves’.
Matt 19:16-26. He came to the Lord saying ‘Teacher, what good thing must I do to inherit eternal life.’ In other words he approached Jesus by the law. He thought he could do some ‘good thing’ that would guarantee a place in heaven. He came by the law so Jesus answered him by the law and gave him the commandments. Jesus did this because He knew that the full extent of the law had not yet worked in this man so that he would come by grace. ( Romans 3:19-20) The right way is the example of the gentile woman in Matt 15:21-28.
v.8-9
· Ruth had no reason to fear with Boaz.
· What was Boaz’s response to Ruth’s approach by grace? It was one of provision.
v. 10
· Why are you so kind to me? I’m a Moabite!’
So why was Boaz so kind?
But what about the spiritual? Have you come to the point in your Christian life where you just have to stop and shake your head in disbelief at the grace of God?
v. 11 – 13
· It also shows us that it is not necessary to blow our own trumpet before God or man. Not before God because he is already entirely aware of all that we do and will reward us appropriately; or before man because it’s not likely that he’s at all interested!
v. 14
· ‘she ate and was satisfied and had some left’. Is this not the result of anyone that truly meets and experiences the Lord Jesus Christ?
Are you satisfied? Are you satisfied with Jesus? If not, then have you learned to live by grace and seen all that God has graciously provided to us as sons of God?
In the New Testament the blessings are spiritual not physical. He has promised to provide our needs physically which is good but God is predominantly interested with inward things, not outward. Ephesians 1:3 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” We HAVE been blessed we EVERY SPIRITUAL blessing in Christ.
v 15 – 16
· By the law Ruth had a right to glean among the corners of the field.
· By grace Boaz pulled grain from the bundles for her
V 17-19
· At the end of the day she was left with an ephah of barley!
· Naomi didn’t praise Ruth even though Ruth had obviously been working hard and deserved some praise.
· ‘Whose field were you in?’ is Naomi’s first comment.
Has that happened to you? Has what you have received from the Lord been so obvious that others just have to know where you got it? Did people notice the difference in you when you first met the Lord that they just had to know what could account for such a change?
V 20
· The word relative here means ‘kinsman-redeemer’.
· The responsibilities of the kinsman redeemer had been clearly defined in God’s law and included marrying a childless widow to raise up children in her dead husbands’ name. (Deut 25-10) The redeemer had to be a blood relative. Here we see the need for Jesus to be born on earth, being made in the likeness of man (Phil 2:7) so that he could qualify as our redeemer. Through the incarnation, God became ‘a blood relative’ and through his death on the cross the price was paid for the redemption of the world!
· Roy Hession, in his book ‘Our nearest kinsman’ states three things that were needed for someone to actually become your redeemer.
1. they needed to have the right :
2. they needed the :
3. they needed to be:
V 21-23
· The position that Boaz gave Ruth.
· She didn’t plant the wheat or play any part in ensuring that it there was adequate growth.
· A good picture of our inheritance in Christ, where we shall surely benefit in the age to come because of His work on our behalf.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Ruth Chapter 1
Ruth
Introduction:
· Story of commitment, dedication, trial, testing, deliverance, and freedom
· Teaches about our relationship in Christ
· The progressive stages of that relationship:
- Counting the Cost
- Growing in Grace
- Rewards through Refining
- Fruits of Freedom
Chapter 1 – Counting the Cost - We will see Naomi (a blackslider), Ruth (new convert), and Orpah (double-minded women):
- Perils of worldliness and sin
- Importance of preaching a ‘real’ gospel
- Steps of a prodigal in return to the Lord
- Cost in following Him
Verses 1-2
- Starts in days of Judges and in a time of famine
- Elemelech and Naomi are living in Israel – God’s chosen land – but starting to look towards the prosperity in the world
Just like a Christian in hard times looking NOT to the Lord, but to what the world can provide. Ever been in that kind of famine? Where God doesn’t care or notice the difficulty you are in?
Why does God allow this?
Verses 3-4
- Elimelech and Naomi were faced with 2 options running or trusting they chose running.
- They left Bethleham (‘the place of bread’) and Judah (‘prasie’) for Moab (‘From Father: What Father?’) Which gives insight to Elimelech’s state of mind.
As he doubts the love and fatherhood of God he steps into willful disobedience to the word of God. He didn’t plan to stay permanently it wasn’t a great rebellion, just a new season in another land. There is nothing wrong with that is there?
Verses 3-5
- He stayed 10 years and never came out. The choice took his life, and the life of his 2 sons. It took Naomi 10 years to see that he promised much but delivered nothing, just like the world.
- Those who leave the Lord today will find the same thing – though the world promises fame, fortune, and happiness it doesn’t compare to the peace of being right with the Lord.
- We meet Ruth (‘friendship’) and Orpah (‘stiff necked’)
Verses 6-10
- A good choice – they are coming home!
- Why? – they heard of the Lord giving food to his people
- He seemed far away to the human eye, but He always knew the situation and provided when the time was right…He is sovereign.
- Naomi is now like the prodigal ready to return home. It may have taken her 10 years but she finally came back to God.
- God stripped Naomi of everything she had, she lost her husband and her two sons – she had nowhere to look but to Him!
When you have been a Christian for a while you have seen many believers come to the faith and then go back to Egypt away from God – that is the nature of the prodigal son. Why does this happen?
Luke 14:26-29 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters –yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him.” What does this say in relation to what we are discussing?
Verses 11-13
Naomi told them the truth – she didn’t tell them God would bless them and solve all their problems. She however gave them the chance to count the cost of having the Lord their God.
Jesus expects nothing less. Why do we tend to tell people it will all be good, easy, and Jesus will solve their problems?
Verses 14-18
-Orpah left – it wasn’t for her!
How is this like Christians today?
Read Matthew 13: 3-9, 20-21
-Ruth stayed – she is the picture of true conversion, belief, and commitment to God. She counted the cost and gave up everything to love and follow Naomi and her God. Verse 16-18 =)
What is the quality of commitment Jesus asks today, not the quantity but the quality? Jesus said those that follow take up their cross. What does it mean to take up your cross?
Speaks of death
1. Your right to:
2. your own ability to:
-We will see these attitudes displayed fully through the book of Ruth – this is the “quality” of commitment that Jesus desires.
John 2: 23-25 “Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, may people saw the miraculous signs he was doing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. He did not need man’s testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.” Even though some believed and wanted to commit to Jesus. Jesus wasn’t about to commit himself back. Why?
Verses 19-22
They make it back to Bethleham but Naomi (‘pleasant’) doesn’t want to be called that anymore. She prefers Mara (‘bitter’).
We can understand her sorrow – she has lost everything.
Naomi may have come back empty and bitter, but that is not how things would end. She would once again soon see the blessings of the Lord.
She returned at the beginning of barley season, season of the first fruits.
In Israel, the first fruits of a crop were reason for thanksgiving, which was to be directed to God (Ex. 23:18). In the New Testament, this has its fulfillment in Jesus. I Cor. 15: 20 “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came resurrection of the dead.” So in a figurative sense, Naomi was soon to experience life out of death. She had come back bitter and despondent but she would soon be raised from the grave!
Though bitter they would soon see new life!
Introduction:
· Story of commitment, dedication, trial, testing, deliverance, and freedom
· Teaches about our relationship in Christ
· The progressive stages of that relationship:
- Counting the Cost
- Growing in Grace
- Rewards through Refining
- Fruits of Freedom
Chapter 1 – Counting the Cost - We will see Naomi (a blackslider), Ruth (new convert), and Orpah (double-minded women):
- Perils of worldliness and sin
- Importance of preaching a ‘real’ gospel
- Steps of a prodigal in return to the Lord
- Cost in following Him
Verses 1-2
- Starts in days of Judges and in a time of famine
- Elemelech and Naomi are living in Israel – God’s chosen land – but starting to look towards the prosperity in the world
Just like a Christian in hard times looking NOT to the Lord, but to what the world can provide. Ever been in that kind of famine? Where God doesn’t care or notice the difficulty you are in?
Why does God allow this?
Verses 3-4
- Elimelech and Naomi were faced with 2 options running or trusting they chose running.
- They left Bethleham (‘the place of bread’) and Judah (‘prasie’) for Moab (‘From Father: What Father?’) Which gives insight to Elimelech’s state of mind.
As he doubts the love and fatherhood of God he steps into willful disobedience to the word of God. He didn’t plan to stay permanently it wasn’t a great rebellion, just a new season in another land. There is nothing wrong with that is there?
Verses 3-5
- He stayed 10 years and never came out. The choice took his life, and the life of his 2 sons. It took Naomi 10 years to see that he promised much but delivered nothing, just like the world.
- Those who leave the Lord today will find the same thing – though the world promises fame, fortune, and happiness it doesn’t compare to the peace of being right with the Lord.
- We meet Ruth (‘friendship’) and Orpah (‘stiff necked’)
Verses 6-10
- A good choice – they are coming home!
- Why? – they heard of the Lord giving food to his people
- He seemed far away to the human eye, but He always knew the situation and provided when the time was right…He is sovereign.
- Naomi is now like the prodigal ready to return home. It may have taken her 10 years but she finally came back to God.
- God stripped Naomi of everything she had, she lost her husband and her two sons – she had nowhere to look but to Him!
When you have been a Christian for a while you have seen many believers come to the faith and then go back to Egypt away from God – that is the nature of the prodigal son. Why does this happen?
Luke 14:26-29 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters –yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him.” What does this say in relation to what we are discussing?
Verses 11-13
Naomi told them the truth – she didn’t tell them God would bless them and solve all their problems. She however gave them the chance to count the cost of having the Lord their God.
Jesus expects nothing less. Why do we tend to tell people it will all be good, easy, and Jesus will solve their problems?
Verses 14-18
-Orpah left – it wasn’t for her!
How is this like Christians today?
Read Matthew 13: 3-9, 20-21
-Ruth stayed – she is the picture of true conversion, belief, and commitment to God. She counted the cost and gave up everything to love and follow Naomi and her God. Verse 16-18 =)
What is the quality of commitment Jesus asks today, not the quantity but the quality? Jesus said those that follow take up their cross. What does it mean to take up your cross?
Speaks of death
1. Your right to:
2. your own ability to:
-We will see these attitudes displayed fully through the book of Ruth – this is the “quality” of commitment that Jesus desires.
John 2: 23-25 “Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, may people saw the miraculous signs he was doing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. He did not need man’s testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.” Even though some believed and wanted to commit to Jesus. Jesus wasn’t about to commit himself back. Why?
Verses 19-22
They make it back to Bethleham but Naomi (‘pleasant’) doesn’t want to be called that anymore. She prefers Mara (‘bitter’).
We can understand her sorrow – she has lost everything.
Naomi may have come back empty and bitter, but that is not how things would end. She would once again soon see the blessings of the Lord.
She returned at the beginning of barley season, season of the first fruits.
In Israel, the first fruits of a crop were reason for thanksgiving, which was to be directed to God (Ex. 23:18). In the New Testament, this has its fulfillment in Jesus. I Cor. 15: 20 “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came resurrection of the dead.” So in a figurative sense, Naomi was soon to experience life out of death. She had come back bitter and despondent but she would soon be raised from the grave!
Though bitter they would soon see new life!
Monday, July 20, 2009
getting back soon
I have been gone for 2 weeks, but I promise to post this week with a recap of what has been going on. In the meantime say a prayer for me please...thanks!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Chapter 3 Review
We had a good class Sunday and we were so happy to have 10 people there...keep telling your friends and come if you are in town. Here is a quick review of Nehemiah chapter 3:
Building the Wall - remember we read it and it was just name after name and what they repaired then we looked further and talked about the symbolism of each gate along with its location. Here is a recap of the the order the gates were rebuilt and what they symbolize.
1. Sheep Gate - It all starts with Jesus and his sacrifice for our sin
2. Fish Gate - We are "fishers of men" - this gate was close to the sheep gate - once we accepted Jesus and what he has done to save us we are on fire and want to spread and tell others about what He has done for us - we want to be "fishers of men."
3. Jehanah or Old Gate - Settling into our faith, striving to become a mature christian. This gate is a little ways from the fish gate, but not too far. We are seeking discipleship - desiring to learn about our faith and our Savior.
4. Valley Gate - The low point in our walk our journey to be like Jesus. We all go through rough patches and low points it is part of being a sinner and why we need a Savior. The valley gate is located a little ways from the old gate towards the bottom of the wall.
5. Dung Gate - located very close to the valley gate the dung gate is the place where we should remove the rubble that has brought us to the valley in our lives. The dung gate is at the very bottom of the wall - farthest from the sheep gate. The dung in our live is what keeps us away from Christ.
6. Fountain Gate - wash clean, once we have removed the dung we turn the corner and wash away our sin and proceed to stand before Christ - clean and new - ready to serve and share. The fountain gate is literally around the corner from the dung gate and puts you in a direction to head back to the sheep gate.
7. Water Gate - (haha Isaac) is the word and its effect on our lives. Just how water is essential to living as a human, the word is essential to living as a christian.
8. Horse Gate - symbolizes war and the day of the Lord coming again - reminder that one day the time will come for Christ to return.
9. East Gate - close to the horse gate the east gate represents the coming of the Messiah.
10. Inspection Gate - Once we have past the east gate and Jesus has returned, it is time for us to be inspected to be accountable for our time on earth - the inspection gate represents being face to face with our almighty God.
11. Sheep Gate - it all starts and it all ends with Jesus
I know this is long and a lot, but the rebuilding of the wall is so symbolic of a christian life. We all desire to be like Jesus, to share his word, we all go through a valley or two (or 50) but it is what happens after the valley that is important - remove the dung and head to the fountain gate so you will be facing the east gate and waiting for Christ to return.
Don't forget about the Ranger game on Wednesday July 1, 2009. You must let us know Sunday if you want a ticket. If you are not able to make it to church send us a text, facebook us, or leave a comment here. Wishing you all a great week and praying for you to be headed east - waiting on your Savior.
Peace and Love =)
Building the Wall - remember we read it and it was just name after name and what they repaired then we looked further and talked about the symbolism of each gate along with its location. Here is a recap of the the order the gates were rebuilt and what they symbolize.
1. Sheep Gate - It all starts with Jesus and his sacrifice for our sin
2. Fish Gate - We are "fishers of men" - this gate was close to the sheep gate - once we accepted Jesus and what he has done to save us we are on fire and want to spread and tell others about what He has done for us - we want to be "fishers of men."
3. Jehanah or Old Gate - Settling into our faith, striving to become a mature christian. This gate is a little ways from the fish gate, but not too far. We are seeking discipleship - desiring to learn about our faith and our Savior.
4. Valley Gate - The low point in our walk our journey to be like Jesus. We all go through rough patches and low points it is part of being a sinner and why we need a Savior. The valley gate is located a little ways from the old gate towards the bottom of the wall.
5. Dung Gate - located very close to the valley gate the dung gate is the place where we should remove the rubble that has brought us to the valley in our lives. The dung gate is at the very bottom of the wall - farthest from the sheep gate. The dung in our live is what keeps us away from Christ.
6. Fountain Gate - wash clean, once we have removed the dung we turn the corner and wash away our sin and proceed to stand before Christ - clean and new - ready to serve and share. The fountain gate is literally around the corner from the dung gate and puts you in a direction to head back to the sheep gate.
7. Water Gate - (haha Isaac) is the word and its effect on our lives. Just how water is essential to living as a human, the word is essential to living as a christian.
8. Horse Gate - symbolizes war and the day of the Lord coming again - reminder that one day the time will come for Christ to return.
9. East Gate - close to the horse gate the east gate represents the coming of the Messiah.
10. Inspection Gate - Once we have past the east gate and Jesus has returned, it is time for us to be inspected to be accountable for our time on earth - the inspection gate represents being face to face with our almighty God.
11. Sheep Gate - it all starts and it all ends with Jesus
I know this is long and a lot, but the rebuilding of the wall is so symbolic of a christian life. We all desire to be like Jesus, to share his word, we all go through a valley or two (or 50) but it is what happens after the valley that is important - remove the dung and head to the fountain gate so you will be facing the east gate and waiting for Christ to return.
Don't forget about the Ranger game on Wednesday July 1, 2009. You must let us know Sunday if you want a ticket. If you are not able to make it to church send us a text, facebook us, or leave a comment here. Wishing you all a great week and praying for you to be headed east - waiting on your Savior.
Peace and Love =)
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Nehemiah's Intitmate Dependence on God
Though he was clearly a decisive leader, Nehemiah practiced intimate dependence on God. Feeling the intense spotlight of King Artaxerxes's question, Nehemiah made the earthly king wait while he spoke to the King of the universe. Nehemiah's confessions were transparent, his requests were urgent and direct. He spoke without fear that God would misunderstand him. Nehemiah's example shows us we can talk to God about anything.
What conversations and interactions with God would you like to have today? Open your heart and your voice and tell Him everything that's on your mind right now.
What conversations and interactions with God would you like to have today? Open your heart and your voice and tell Him everything that's on your mind right now.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Chapter 1 Discussion
So after re-reading chapter 1 of Nehemiah this morning a couple of things came to mind. What is it that needs rebuilding in my life? My character? My career? My home? My thoughts? My actions? The way in which I spend my time? I think we can all take some time to seriously think about where we have a hole in our "wall" and what is causing it. Pray and ask for God to reveal the source of the hole(s) in your life.
Once you know what needs rebuilding it is time to get to work. Once Nehemiah heard of the wall and its condition he didn't start immediately, " When I heard of these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven." verse 4. This verse is key to process. Nehemiah waited and prayed and fasted before he went to the King asking for permission to go and rebuild the wall. We must do the same thing in our lives, if we are serious we should spend days in prayer for strength and continued desire to truly rebuild to change our lives/situations/or whatever is our hole. If your problem is attitude then fast from negative words/or thoughts and when you experience them ask God to remove them and fill you with His attitude. If your problem is time then fast from what you are putting before God: music/Internet/movies/friends of bad influence/relationships - and spend that time with your Father instead. What can you fast from? How much will you grow if you spend time talking to God instead of doing the things that are bringing you down?
Once you have spent time in prayer and time fasting you can fill confident that you have the strength to fully rebuild your wall. God will see you mean business and that you are relying on Him to get it done.
I pray that you can get something from the above comments and God will show you the hole in your wall. I know mine is negative thoughts and comments about myself and others. I am pledging to fast from thinking or speaking negatively about others or myself this week.
Check out this video - my favorite song right now:
Sunday, June 7, 2009
1st Class
Thanks for those who came this morning. We hope you had an okay time. We will not be having class next Sunday, because so many of us will be on vacation. We will resume on Sunday June 21, 2009. We are praying for each of you. Let us know if we can do anything for you. Feel free to stop by, bring friends, and just hang out anytime you get bored this summer.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Welcome
This Sunday 6/7/09 is the first meeting of our new Sunday School Class. You probably received a flyer in the mail this week. We start at 10:15 and will have donuts for you. We are so excited about our class and up coming events this summer. We have planned to go to a Brandon Heath concert, Ranger Game, Camping Retreat, Cook-Out, and lots of fellowship. We will be starting with a study of the book of Nehemiah. We hope to see you Sunday. Let us know if you have any questions. Have a great one!
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