Wrap Yourself in Scripture #1 ~ Hearing God’s Voice

November 24, 2025 by Leave a Comment
WRAP Yourself Scripture #1 ~ Hearing God’s Voice

WRAP fosters a personal two-way conversation with your heavenly Father through prayer and Scripture.

Hearing God’s Voice

Have you heard from God today? He wants to speak to you. Are you listening? Join the podcast this week and learn how to hear from God and “WRAP yourself in Scripture.” (Scroll Down to play the Podcast.)

Two-Way Conversation

You can have a personal two-way conversation with your heavenly Father. He wants to speak to you. Begin today to practice the original WRAP method for reading, reflecting on, and hearing God’s voice in Scripture with author Karen Dwyer. Karen, with husband Larry, created the WRAP™ acronym and the book WRAP Yourself in Scripture in 2009, and now it’s in a NEW 4th edition. We will cover these points:

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Method Promoted by the Church Fathers

  • WRAP is based on the principles of Lectio Divina (pronounced Lect-see-oh Di-vee-na), an ancient, yet rediscovered, method of reading, reflecting on, and praying Scripture.
  • The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes Lectio Divina as a method “where the Word of God is so read and meditated on that it becomes prayer” (CCC 1177). This method has been practiced for centuries by the Desert Fathers, the Benedictines, the Carmelites, and various Doctors of the Church, including St. Gregory the Great, St. Jerome, St. John of the Cross, and St. Teresa of Avila, among others.

Defined by the Catechism

  • The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Christian prayer as “a covenant relationship between God and Man in Christ” (CCC 2564). Inherent in this relationship is a two-way conversation.
  • The Second Vatican Council points out: “In the sacred books [of Scripture] the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his children and talks with them” (Dei Verbum 21).

WRAP – Simplified Guide to Lectio Divina

  • Lectio Divina is Latin for “divine reading” of Scripture. It is much more than simply perusing the chapters of Scripture as if reading a novel or a newspaper or reading a history book.
  • The Latin word lectio means deeply consuming a reading.
  •  The four steps of WRAP is a simplified version of Lectio Divina, which includes lectio, meditatio, oratio, and contemplatio in the original Latin.

WRAP,  the Acronym

  • WRAP is an Acronym that stands for:
  • W=WRITE the verse(s) down when the words jump out to you.
  • R = REFLECT or meditate on the words, reread them, mutter them, and imagine the meaning in dialogue with Jesus.
  • A=APPLY by continuing to ask the Lord if there is an application and response.
  • P= PRAY & PRAISE, by making the verse your prayer. Praise the mighty name of Jesus your Savior, God your Heavenly Father, and the Holy Spirit, your Guide
  • Enhance your joy by cultivating a deeper relationship with God.

Download the template and the 14 Days of WRAP bookmark from my website WRAPyourselfinJOY.com and start practicing WRAP with Psalm 103: 1-13.

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Wrap Yourself in Scripture #4 ~ Tips for Hearing God Every Day

November 24, 2025 by Leave a Comment
WRAP Yourself Scripture #4 ~ Tips for Hearing God Every Day

Tips for WRAP to help you hear God with a message just for you.

Tips for Hearing God Every Day

Have you ever thought, “Can I really hear from God every day?” The answer is, “Yes, you can!” But you have to pause. WRAP can help you hear Jesus Christ with a personal message meant just for you. With WRAP, you’ll discover that God’s Word is truly alive and that He wants to speak to you. But you have to pause and make room for Him. Being faithful in reading and praying the Word of God will transform your life forever! Join us today and discover the tips you need to hear from God every day, pausing for a message specifically for you. (Scroll Down for Podcast.)

Practical Council in the Holy Spirit

Fr. John Horn, in the foreword of our book, WRAP Yourself in Scripture, says,  “WRAP provides a way of receiving practical counsel in the Holy Spirit and a new, intimate relationship with Jesus and the Father. This method of prayer will awaken your inner desire to become more and more ‘filled with all the fullness of God’” (Ephesians 3: 19). Today, we will cover these tips for hearing God every day, pausing, and being ‘filled with all the fullness of God.”

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How Much Time Does WRAP Take?

  • You can follow this method for as little as 10 minutes or much longer.
  • For example, you could take your Bible and journal with you to WRAP in Adoration.

Where should I WRAP?

  • Try to pause for a few minutes every day to practice WRAP.
  • To pause means to intentionally slow down and step away from the chaos of daily life.
  • Spiritually, it’s more than just taking a break; it means you take time to be with God in prayer-a time free of distractions, to pray and connect to His peaceful presence.
  • Go to a place where you can be alone to pray and listen for God’s voice; you may simply shut the door.

What Supplies Do I need for WRAP?

  • You will need an empty notebook to use as your journal, a pen or pencil and of course, your Bible.
  • Keep a zippered notebook or tote bag that holds these supplies so you will have them handy

How do I Select Verses for WRAP?

  • Choose a section from a daily or Sunday Mass reading.
  • You could choose a Psalm.
  • Choose a passage that’s about 5 to 10 verses.

How do I Begin?

  • Close your eyes and picture in your mind that the Lord is sitting with you, and you can sense his loving, sustaining presence.
  • Offer a simple prayer of thanksgiving and invite the Holy Spirit to guide and speak to you.

Personal Application

  • Grab a pen and a small, inexpensive notebook and call it your WRAP Journal, plus your Bible.
  • Turn to Psalm 27  in your Bible and WRAP with it.

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Wrap Yourself in Scripture #3 ~ Holy, Heavenly Meditation

November 24, 2025 by Leave a Comment
WRAP Yourself Scripture #3 ~ Holy, Heavenly Meditation

WRAP with the “Four M’s of Christian Mediation” will guide you in Prayer and Reflection

Meditation & WRAP

Have you ever wondered if meditation could really be part of prayer? It can! Meditation on Scripture can bring you into a two-way conversation with God. Join us today to learn how to approach the Word of God with Holy Heavenly Meditation and prayer, guided by WRAP. (Scroll Down for Podcast.)

Distinctions Among Prayerful Meditation and Other Forms

There is a big distinction between prayerful Biblical meditation and other forms of meditation. Eastern or New Age meditations have an inward focus on the deepest self. Biblical meditation, on the other hand, brings us into a closer encounter with God and His presence around Scripture. We will cover the “Four M’s of Christian Meditation” and these points:

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Straightforward and Uncomplicated WRAP

  • Christian meditation “engages thought, imagination, emotion, and desire” (CCC 2708).
  • You speak to God from your thoughts, feelings, and desires as you contemplate the message in the verse.
  • What does it mean for the way you act, live, and treat others?

The Bible Encourages Meditation

  • Joshua 1: 8: “You shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful
  • Psalm 1: 1-2: Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord.
  • Psalm 119: 97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. 
  • Luke 2: 10: Mary treasured all these words [the words from God] and pondered them in her heart.

The Old Testament Hebrew Words translated “Meditation”

  • HÂGÂH, translated “meditate,” means “to murmur or mutter or to repeat over and over,” “to ponder,” and “to deeply imagine” God’s word.
  • SIYACH means to meditate upon, study, ponder, to talk, to speak aloud, and even to sing.

The 4 M’s of Meditation

  • MULL OVER means positively pondering and intensely considering the meaning of the verse.
  • MUTTER means repeating the verse and words aloud and to yourself in order to chew them.
  • MENTALLY IMAGINE means to put yourself in a scene as you read it.
  • MEMORIZE comes easily after mulling over, muttering, and mentally picturing the verse or verses.

Personal Application

  • Grab a pen and a small, inexpensive notebook and call it your WRAP Journal, plus your Bible.
  • Turn to Psalm 1: 1-6 in your Bible and WRAP with it.

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Wrap Yourself in Scripture #2 ~ The Bible: “A Pharmacy Open to All Souls”

November 24, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Wrap Yourself in Scripture #2 ~ The Bible: “A Pharmacy Open to All Souls”

The Bible is: “A pharmacy open to all souls….with remedies just right for your cases.”

A Pharmacy

Did you know the Bible offers a “pharmacy open to all souls” with remedies for your worries and troubles? Saint Basil the Great tells us this and more.  Join us today to learn how WRAP – the acronym for Lectio Divina- can help you discover the medicine just right for your body, soul, and spirit. (Scroll Down to Listen.)

WRAP – Simplified Guide to Lectio Divina

Four Stages of Prayer

  • The four stages of prayer described by Rev. Mark Thibodeaux (The Armchair Mystic) include: . Talking at God, Talking to God, Listening to God speak to your heart –through reading & reflecting on Scripture daily, Resting in God’s presence, enjoying His company.
  • Take the Self-report Prayer Survey in WRAP Yourself in Scripture, 4th Edition, by Karen & Lawrence Dwyer, or download the bookmark from WRAPYourselfinJoy.com.

St. Basil the Great

  • “The Holy Spirit composed the Scriptures so that in them, as in a pharmacy open to all souls, we might each of us be able to find the medicine suited to our own particular illness…and in the Books of Psalms we can find… remedies just right for their cases.” (Spidlik, T., & Drake, P. (1993). Drinking from the Hidden Fountain: A Patristic Breviary, Liturgical Press.)
  • He reminds us that the Lord, encountered through the passages of Scripture, heals our cases.
  • Cases can refer to problems, worries, anxieties, rejection, and much more.

Personal Application

  • Grab a pen and a small, inexpensive notebook and call it your WRAP Journal, plus your Bible.
  • Select a Scripture passage WRAP with Psalm 103: 1-13 again.
  • Go to a quiet place to be alone for 10 minutes.
  • Pray, ask, and open your heart for God. Begin your prayer of thanksgiving. Acknowledge that the Lord is with you. Thank Jesus, that He wants to speak to your heart today through Scripture. Pray, Come, Holy Spirit, and enlighten my mind to Your truth.”
  • Spread out the W R A P in your journal over at least one page.
  • Download the template bookmark from the website WRAPyourselfinJOY.com and practice WRAP.

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Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Transformed By God’s Grace ~ Ruth #7

September 5, 2024 by Leave a Comment
Ruth #7 Transformed by Grace

Ruth #7 Transformed by Grace

Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Transformed by God’s Grace Episode #7

If your life needs transformation, consider reading the Book of Ruth, where God powerfully transforms each character  and wants to do the same for you. God’s faithfulness can bring triumph out of tragedies, restoration from waywardness, and blessing out of loss. Join us today as we conclude our series on the Book of Ruth.

Finding Joy in Tough Times is a seven-part series. Today, we will cover these points. (Scroll down for the podcast.)

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The Family

  • The beautiful, gracious, and even joyous Naomi, according to the meaning of her name suffers great loss. (Ruth 1-3)
  • Elimelech and family left Bethlehem, meaning house of bread to find more bread during the famine.
  • Naomi’s husband died and the two sons married Moabite wives – Orpah and Ruth.
  • They lived in Moab about ten years, and both sons died.
  • In Ruth 1:16, Ruth made a declaration of loyalty to Naomi and the God of Israel -it changed her life forever.

Naomi Becomes Mara but returns to Naomi

  • Naomi said, “Do not call me Naomi [pleasant, gracious, joyous]. Call me Mara [bitter], for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. 21 I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty…the Lord has afflicted me, and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?” (Ruth 1: 19)
  • Ruth returned home after gleaning in Boaz’ fields with 30 pounds of grain.
  • Naomi praises and blesses the Lord again; joy returns.
  • Naomi sees God’s footsteps in their lives: Boaz to become the kinsman redeemer and agrees to marry Ruth and become her kinsman redeemer.

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Boaz, a Messianic Type of Christ

  • Boaz’s loving-kindness shadows God’s love sent to us in Jesus Christ.
  • As the kinsman redeemer, Boaz was a Christ-like figure.

Ruth, the “Worthy Woman”

  • Boaz described Ruth as one known as a “worthy woman” among the people. (Ruth 3:11)
  • These exact words appear in Proverbs 31: 10-31.
  • She is foremost “a woman who fears the Lord” and “to be praised” (v. 30).
  • Boaz, her husband, was “known in the city gates when he sits among the elders in the land” (v. 23).
  • “Her children rise and bless her; her husband too, her husband also, he praises her” (v. 28), as seen in the record of Matthew 1: 5 where she will be praised and remembered forever as a great-grandmother of King David and member of Christ’s lineage.

The Marriage, the Lineage of David and Jesus Christ

  • JOY multiplies for Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz as the town’s women pray a blessing over their lives and new life  Obed (Ruth 4).
  • Boaz and Ruth are in the lineage of David (Ruth 4: 18-22) and of Jesus (Matthew 1).
  • Once a prostitute and Canaanite, Boaz’s mother was Rahab, who helped Joshua’s spies.

Blessings

  • Blessing Prayers are themes of Ruth, and there are seven recorded blessings.
  • Blessings are one of five types of prayer : 1) blessing or adoration, 2) petition, 3) intercession, 4) thanksgiving, and 5) praise .
  • A blessing for another proclaims God’s goodness, kindness, and power and it includes a petition asking God to share His goodness, power, compassion, and favor to change a situation.
  • Ruth includes blessings of Naomi praising God and asking for the daughters-in-law, Boaz blessing and praying for Ruth, the neighbors blessing and praying for Naomi, Ruth Boaz and Obed (Ruth 1: 17, 2:4, 12; 2:19–20; 3:10, 4:11-12, 14).

God is the HERO of RUTH!

  • Ultimately, God is the hero of the Book of Ruth.
  • God directs each detail and composes everything according to His divine purpose.
  • God’s grace leads us beyond the short span of our lives- He blesses us in our earthly lives and uses us to impact our immediate sphere and generation, as well as those in the generations to come.
  • Let’s remember to look to God in impossible situations and allow him to impact the next generation through our witness and loving-kindness.

Links

Seven Part Series Finding Joy In Tough Times

Cup of JOY

Karen offers Cup of JOY Women™ or  Cup of JOY Gathering,™  which include  FREE study guides to accompany every podcast in each series: Finding JOY, A Joy-filled Advent, Esther for This Time: Joyful Reversals, Nehemiah & Rebuilding Hope, Joyful & Battle Ready,  Ruth & Finding Joy in Tough Times  W  or  WRAP Yourself in Scripture.  Sign up at Karen’s Website.

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Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Final Blessings and Reversals ~ Ruth #6

August 24, 2024 by Leave a Comment
Final Blessings & Reversals: Episode 6 ~ If you need restoration or turnarounds in circumstances of pain, sorrow, or emptiness, look to the Book of Ruth. Join the podcast today as the Book of Ruth reveals God's offer to rescue, deliver, and restore you. #thebookofRuth #KarenDwyer #wrapyourselfinjoy #wrrapyourselfinjoypodcast #podcast #christianpodcast #catholicpodcast

Boaz Marries Ruth

Do you need restoration or turnarounds in pain, sorrow, or emptiness, look to the Book of Ruth. Join the podcast today as the Book of Ruth reveals how God offers to rescue, deliver, and restore you.

Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Final Blessings and Reversals Episode #6

Finding Joy in Tough Times is a seven-part series. Today we cover these points:

Problem: Another Redeemer

  • Ruth asked Boaz to initiate the Levirate Marriage legal procedure and become her husband.
  • In reply, Boaz blessed Ruth and told her he would all that she asked
  • Another was closer kin and had the right to redeem her.

 The City Gate (Ruth 4: 1-6)

  • The City Gate (Ruth 4:1) was the business district in ancient Israel
  • .Boaz was wise in his approach with the possible other kin and “goel”
  • The goel refused when he heard the stipulation that he must marry Ruth the Moabitess.
  • He turned his right over to Boaz.

The Legal Transaction (Ruth 4: 7-10)

  • Boaz chose 10 men to witness his conversation and exchange of a sandal.
  • Boaz agrees to marry Ruth and claim the land to maintain the Elimelech – Mahlon name on the inheritance.
  • Elimelech’s family name is alive in the community for all generations.

The Blessings (Ruth 4: 11-14)

  • The sixth blessing is a powerful prayer spoken by the elders for Boaz and Ruth – from the Bible.
  • Rachel and Leah were the mothers to the twelve sons or leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel.
  • Tamar has a levirate marriage too; the witnesses prayed for Ruth to have a son and be famous in Israel.
  • In the final blessing, Naomi receives kin and a grandson.

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Personal Application

  • What impacts you most from Ruth 4?
  1. God is a God of Reversals. He can do miracles. You too can have a reversal in circumstances. If you need one, ask the Lord in prayer, Stay faithful. Remember his promises, especially Ephesians 3:20
  2. God is a Redeemer. He not only reverses situations, but He redeems them. A redeemer is one who rescues, saves, restores and delivers. Elimelech’s name has been redeemed. His land has been redeemed; the family name has been restored in Bethlehem. Ruth is no longer called a widowed Moabitess from a pagan culture, she is has become the wife of Boaz. She is no longer a barren woman, she is a mother. So if you need a redeemer for your life, call on Jesus. He will rescue, deliver and restore you. Remember: Jeremiah 30:17 and Colossians 1: 13-14.

Links

Seven Part Series Ruth: Finding Joy In Tough Times

Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one. Read more (here) on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.  It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the one-hour discussion and study.

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Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Waiting in Peace ~ Ruth #5

August 16, 2024 by Leave a Comment
Waiting in Peace Episode 5 ~ Is waiting in peace for God to answer a prayer difficult? It can be challenging for every Christian.  The Book of Ruth shows us that God is at work even when we don’t see the answers yet, so we can His rest in peace.. #thebookofRuth #KarenDwyer #wrapyourselfinjoy #wrrapyourselfinjoypodcast #podcast #christianpodcast #catholicpodcast

Ruth #5-Finding Joy in Tough Times-Waiting in Peace

Is waiting in peace for God to answer a prayer difficult? It can be challenging for every Christian.  Join the podcast today as the Book of Ruth shows us that God is at work even when we don’t see the answers yet, so we can His rest in peace.

Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Waiting in Peace Episode #5

Finding Joy in Tough Times is a seven-part series. Today, we will cover these points:

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Wait Time

  • Time has passed between Chapters two and Chapter three of Ruth—between two and three months.
  • Waiting often prepares our hearts to what’s ahead in life.
  • Time and love prepared Naomi and Ruth for God’s blessing and challenges that were about to come.

Wash and  Anoint Yourself (Ruth 3: 1-5)

  • Naomi wants a husband and home life for Ruth.
  • She reminds Ruth that Boaz is the kinsman and landowner  who just happens to be winnowing barley that night.
  • Naomi gives Ruth four instructions and Ruth obeys.
  • Uncovering his feet, was signaling Ruth wants to be his wife and he, her kinsman redeemer!

Boaz was Startled! (Ruth 3: 6-13)

  • Boaz was startled to find a woman lying at his feet.
  • By asking him to spread his cloak over her, Ruth was repeating Boaz’s words of Ruth 2 when he blessed her for seeking refuge under the wings or cloak of God.
  • In Ezekiel 16:8, God even uses the same phrase saying he will spread his cloak over Israel in covenant love to protect the nation and make the nation his forever just like the covenant commitment in a marriage.
  • Boaz says he will marry her and spread his cloak (meaning provision, protection and warmth) over her; everyone in the village knows she is a worthy woman (in Hebrew word haill) which means honorable, noble and excellent.

Problem: Another Redeemer

  • Boaz agrees to marry Ruth but says a closer kinsmen exists who legally has the first opportunity to marry her and claim the land of Elimelech that might have gone to Mahlon.
  • Boaz likely had been considering his obligation – he knew he was in line to be the kinsman-redeemer.

Provision and More

  • Boaz, in his display of hesed love, gives Ruth 60 pounds of Barley to take back to Naomi.
  • Naomi would understand the gift of barley to mean Boaz was giving his word in agreement with God’s laws.
  • She said to Ruth, wait my daughter, let your heart be peaceful, you can count on Boaz to work this out.

Personal Application

What impacts you most from Ruth 3?

  1. Surrender & Trust. At one point on the threshing floor, Ruth came to complete trust and complete surrender to God and his laws. She did everything she knew to do and now would trust the rest to God. Proverbs 3: 5-6 reminds of the same: Proverbs 3: 5-6 reminds us we can count on God. Surrender you needs to him and trust he is leading you as you walk forward.
  2. Wait in Peace, God is at Work. Remember that while waiting for God to answer but not seeing answers yet, God is still at work. We can pray with Psalm 27: 13-14 that reminds us God will answer, He is at work while we wait.   Our Savior Jesus will “settle the matter for us” always.  Even if you feel empty like Naomi did, wait on God and His son Jesus.  You will see that He will settle the matters for you. Proverbs 16: 3 also assures us of this.  Repeat these Scriptures daily, declare them to yourself and pray them.

Links

Seven Part Series Finding Joy In Tough Times

Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one. Read more (here) on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.  It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the one-hour discussion and study.

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Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Starting Over & Noticing God’s Footsteps ~ Ruth #4

August 9, 2024 by Leave a Comment
Are you starting over? Is it a new job, a new home or hometown, a new relationship, or a new phase in life? We all face times of change and even upheaval, but it’s a perfect time to return to God and prayer, forgive the past, and look for God to go before you. Join the podcast today as the Book of Ruth shows how to start over and notice God’s footsteps walking ahead of you. #thebookofRuth #KarenDwyer #wrapyourselfinjoy #wrrapyourselfinjoypodcast #podcast #christianpodcast #catholicpodcast

Ruth Gleaning in the Fields. Painting by James Tissot, 1896

Are you starting over? Is it a new job, a new home or hometown, a new relationship, or a new phase in life? We all face times of change and even upheaval, but it’s a perfect time to return to God and prayer, forgive the past, and look for God to go before you. Join the podcast today as the Book of Ruth shows how to start over and notice God’s footsteps walking ahead of you.

Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Starting Over & Noticing God’s Footsteps Episode #4

Finding Joy in Tough Times is a seven-part series. Today, we will cover these points:

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Ruth Gleans Forward (Ruth 2: 14-16)

  • Working in the fields was strenuous and hazardous(v. 9) but Ruth gleaned forward.
  • Ruth did not look back or hold on to the past. She gleaned forward.
  • She was not stymied by bitterness or self-pity.
  • With Boaz’s instructions, Ruth’s first day of gleaning was very successful!

Naomi’s Surprise & Bitterness Surrendered (Ruth 2: 17-19)

  • Ruth beat out an ephah (eefuh) of barley– hard work!
  • Ruth showed Naomi 30 pounds (5 ½ gallons) of Barley
  • Naomi notices God’s Footprints of guidance and blessings.

Changed Outlook – Our Nearest Kin (Ruth 2: 20-23)

  • Now Naomi has a change of mind and heart.
  • She is confident God has not forsaken them.
  • Boaz is the Goel (Deuteronomy 25: 5-10) – the closest male relative, the kinsman redeemer

Ruth Gleans for Three Months (Ruth 2: 23)

  • Ruth gleaned in Boaz’s fields for Barley & Wheat Harvest, which lasted three months.
  • A blessing can be a simple prayer asking God to share his loving kindness, guidance, and favor on another.
  • The Jewish Midrash “A widow or a female convert must wait three months before marrying to make sure she was not pregnant.”I Will Go Where You Go

Personal Reflection & Application

What impacts you most from Ruth 2: 14-23?

  1. Start Over & Give God Your Bitterness & Receive His Joy. Do you feel bitter about anything? If left to fester, disappointment, grief, unforgiveness, and unresolved anger can lead to bitterness. Bitterness is a joy-zapper and will stop any new beginning. When life seems unfair, we are prone to turn from God and allow bitterness to take hold. Instead, ask the Lord where you have any bitterness or unforgiveness, then confess it and ask the Lord for his glorious grace to dispense bitterness and start over. (You likely need to forgive yourself or another person or God). Only by God’s glorious grace can you go forward. Naomi told her friends to call her Mara – the Bitter one. But she returned to God and the faith community. Declaring her bitterness was a confession at this time. She started over. Now, she notices God’s footsteps and you can sense the joy that come across her face. Remember Ephesians 4: 31-32 and pray Psalm 51:10.
  • Look for God’s Footsteps. God is with you. He is for you. He is guiding you. In Ruth 1: 20, she said that God made her life bitter and sent her trouble. But in Ruth 2: 20, she notices God’s footsteps ahead of them and how he provided abundantly for them via Boaz, so she exclaimed. “The Lord always keeps his promises to the living and the dead.” (Good News Translation). Do you need a change of heart? Ask God to help you see his footsteps in your life. He will show you how HE is guiding you and showering you with his loving kindness. Memorize and pray Lamentations 3:22-23.

Links

Seven Part Series Finding Joy In Tough Times

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Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ New Hope, New Direction & Blessing Prayers ~ Ruth #3

July 26, 2024 by Leave a Comment
New Hope, New Direction, and Blessing Prayers ~ Do you find yourself losing hope? We all face times of discouragement and sadness, but that’s when we need to turn to God. Join the podcast today as the Book of Ruth shows us new hope in tragedy, new direction as we look to Him, and how to pray blessing prayers. #thebookofRuth #KarenDwyer #wrapyourselfinjoy #wrapyourselfinjoypodcast #podcast #christianpodcast #catholicpodcast

Ruth Gleans and Boaz Prays a Blessing Prayer for Her.

Do you find yourself losing hope? We all face times of discouragement and sadness but that’s when we need to turn to God. Join the podcast today as the Book of Ruth shows us new hope in tragedy, new directions for the future and how to pray blessing prayers.

Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ New Hope, New Direction & Blessing Prayers Episode #3

Ruth: Finding Joy in Tough Times is a seven-part series. Today, we will cover these points:

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Return to Jerusalem

Previously, we accompanied Elimelech, Naomi, and the family en route from Bethlehem to Moab to escape a famine. Disaster hits the family—Elimelech dies, the two sons marry Moabite women, and then, after ten years, the sons die. In grief, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem with her two daughters-in-law and then begs the women to return to their Moabite mothers and culture. Three essential details from the Book of Ruth emerge, including 1) Blessings-Naomi blessed her daughters-in-law, 2) Hesed (Hebrew for loving-kindness) – she prayed for God’s loving-kindness on the women, and 3) She remembers God but says she is bitter against God. How could Naomi be bitter against God for what happened yet still pray for the Lord’s loving-kindness? The answer is related to the opening verse of Ruth 1: In the days the judges ruled. Today, we cover the following points.

Mara (Ruth 1: 19-22)

  • Naomi is aware of the cycle when her nation fell into sin, servitude, supplication, and salvation stages from Judges.
  • Her return signifies her repentance.
  • She asks to be called Mara, meaning bitter, but in the Book of Ruth, no one ever calls her that.

New Hope (Ruth 2: 1-3)

  • Ruth gleans to support Naomi, and herself-it’s the barley harvest.
  • Gleaning provides for the poor ((see Deuteronomy 24:19 and Leviticus 19: 9-10).
  • Ruth” happens to” end up on a field owned by Boaz, who turns out to be a kinsman of Elimelech.

Divine Providence (Ruth 2: 4-13)

  • Ruth happened to glean in part of Boaz’s field. Boaz was Elimelech’s relative and a man of great wealth. Unlike Elimelech, he had stayed in Bethlehem during the famine, and God had taken care of him.
  • Divine Providence means God “watches over and governs all the things that He made, reaching from end to end with might and disposing of all things with gentleness” [The First Vatican Council (1869-70, Denziner, p. 3003) and “all events, even the most personal decisions of human beings, are part of God’s eternal plan” (Hardon, 1999, p. 448).

Hesed

  • HESED (loving-kindness and covenant faithfulness) becomes more apparent
  • Divine Providence means God “watches over and governs all the things that He made, reaching from end to end with might and disposing of all things with gentleness” [The First Vatican Council (1869-70, Denziner, p. 3003) and “all events, even the most personal decisions of human beings, are part of God’s eternal plan” (Hardon, 1999, p. 448).
  • God gave Ruth favor, and Boaz demonstrated favor and loving-kindness to protect Ruth.

The Blessings

  • Boaz speaks and prays the language of blessing: When Boaz came from Bethlehem, he said to the reapers, “The Lord be with you!”
  • He prayed over Ruth: 12 May the Lord reward you for your deeds, and may you have a full reward from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge!”
  • A blessing can be a simple prayer asking God to share his loving kindness, guidance, and favor on another.

Personal Reflection & Application

What impacts you most from Ruth 1: 19 – 2: 13?

  • Look for God’s providence, hope, and care in small ways. Naomi and Ruth approached Bethlehem at the start of the barley harvest, which meant food was plentiful again – new hope. Ruth just happened to land in Boaz’s field to glean, and he gave her favor—a sign of hope. Rely on 2 Corinthians 9:8-10.
  • Pray Blessings Over Your Friends and Family Today. Consider praying a blessing over another. Try to include 1) PROCLAIM GOD’S GOODNESS.  Speak God’s goodness, kindness, and His power to change a situation, 2) ASK GOD’S BLESSING OVER A PERSON. Ask God to share this goodness, kindness, strength, favor, and joy with the person, and 3) DESCRIBE THE NEED. Pray what and why the person needs blessing. Why not share the blessing in a note, text, or email? They will be blessed.

Links

Seven Part Series Finding Joy In Tough Times

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Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Weeping Forward, I Will Go Where You Go~ Ruth #2

July 19, 2024 by Leave a Comment
Weeping Forward, I Will Go Where You Go Episode 2 ~ Are you weeping forward or backward? Sometimes, we must weep, but we must also go forward, trusting that God is leading us on. Join the podcast today, where we focus on Naomi's blessing and Ruth’s words, “I will go where you go, and your God will be my God,” as they weep forward. #thebookofRuth #KarenDwyer #wrapyourselfinjoy #wrapyourselfinjoypodcast #podcast #christianpodcast #catholicpodcast

Ruth and Naomi Weep Forward to Bethlehem

Are you weeping forward or backward? Sometimes, we must weep, but we must also go forward trusting God is leading us. Join the podcast today, where we focus on Naomi’s blessing and Ruth’s words, “I will go where you go, and your God will be my God,” as the two weep forward.

Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Weeping Forward, I Will Go Where You Go #2

Finding Joy in Tough Times is a seven-part series. Today, we will cover these points:

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From Moab to Bethlehem

Last week, we met the family – Elimelech, Naomi, sons Mahlon and Chilion who made the decision to leave Bethlehem to escape a famine. They left their faith community and their family and even overlooked God’s warning about living among those who worshiped idols. Soon, Elimelech died. The sons married Moabite women, and within ten years, they also died. So Naomi was left with the two daughters-in-law in Moab and they wept forward to Bethlehem. Today, we cover the following points:

Who are Moabites?

  • So, who are the Moabites?
  • All Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham’s nephew.
  • In Genesis 18, Abraham asks God to refrain from destroying Sodom and Gomorrah.
  • God heard Abraham’s prayer and brought out Lot and his family before any destruction.
  • Lot’s daughters became convinced they would never marry and have children.
  • So, after getting Lot drunk, they seduced their father, and the relationship produced a son Moab and another son named Ammi.

God Remembers the Prayers

  • Moab became the father of the Moabite nation and Ammi the father of the Ammonite nation; both nations soon worshiped other gods that even required child sacrifice.
  • God remembered the prayers and, in His providence, brought one of Lot’s descendants—Ruth—into the ancestral line of David, the line of Christ.

The Journey Home to Bethlehem (Ruth 1: 6-11)

  • Somewhere en route, Naomi’s thoughts turned to what problems the daughter-in-laws would face in Bethlehem. The levirate law would provide them NO security or future..
  • This law assured a widow that a brother or relative of her dead husband would marry her and raise up children in her husband’s name and for his estate.
  • Naomi realized it was too late for her to marry again and have more sons. She begged them to return.

The Blessing (Ruth 1: 8-9)

  • Naomi blessed the women with the words in v 8-9,  the first of seven blessings in Ruth, where blessing becomes a strong theme.
  • A blessing can be a simple prayer asking God to share his loving kindness, guidance, and favor on another.
  • Naomi asked the Lord to “deal kindly with them.” Kindly in the original Hebrew is “hesed.”
  • Hesed involves kindness, covenant-type love, faithfulness, and mercy – a deep commitment, devotion, and care. God himself, throughout Scripture, is the model for hesed.
  • God’s loving-kindness was sent to us through his Only Son, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins.

 I Will Go Where You Go (Ruth 1: 17-18).

  • Orpah returned to Moab, but Ruth clung to Naomi
  • Ruth showed hesed “Don’t ask me to leave you! Let me go with you. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and that is where I will be buried. May the Lord’s worst punishment come upon me if I let anything but death separate me from you” (v. 16-17, Good News translation).
  • Ruth used Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel in Hebrew, which means “I am who I am,”
  • Her profession of faith put her story in the Bible and give her a place in salvation history forever.
  • Together, they wept and walked forward to Bethlehem.

Personal Reflection & Application

What impacts you most from Ruth 1: 6-18?

  • Weep & Walk Forward. Sometimes, we must weep, even cry our eyes out over loss and disappointment.  Share your tears with trusted friends and family and keep going forward. Keep looking for God to open doors. Psalm 56: 8-9 is a comfort: “O God, You have kept count of my tossings [wonderings]; [you] put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your record? … This I know, that God is for me.“God sees and remembers all your tears and the sufferings you. Rely on Isaiah 41: 10.
  • Speak Blessings. The Hebrew word for deep devotion and compassion is hesed, Even in great trial and pain, we can pray a blessing of God of God’s loving kindness for others. Naomi blessed her daughters-in-law simply by asking God to show his kindness, guiding love, and favor to them. For example, you can bless with others Numbers 6: 24-26 and bless the Lord with Psalm 104.

Links

Seven Part Series Ruth: Finding Joy In Tough Times

[1] Pope Francis:

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Essential Oils of the Scriptures Part 1

December 10, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Podcast #30

Essential Oils of the Scriptures

Part 1

It All Started at the Beginning of Creation…

It all started in Genesis! From the very beginning of the creation story, plants and herbs are mentioned. Plants are not only fundamental for our planet, but they are also intimately tied to the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of people. This has been noted since the beginning of time.

These passages support that notion.

  • Ezekiel 47:12
  • Revelation 22:2

Herbs, Oils and Essential Oils Used for Incense and Prayer

Oils were essential to daily living back in Biblical times. In fact, the word “oil” appears in the Bible 190 times which is more than the words believe, grace and joy!

There are mixed opinions on whether fragranced oils (early versions of essential oils) were truly essential oils or if they were just olive oil that was heavily infused with different herbs and plants. As early as 3500 B.C. distillation pots have been found.

Biblical References to Incense

In Exodus 30:34-35, the Lord actually gives Moses a Holy Incense recipe. They then use that recipe later when a plague came through in the book of Numbers 17: 11-13.

Anointing & Oils in Ancient Times

Oils were used for both anointing and healing in the Bible. God also gives Moses a Holy Anointing Oil Recipe in Exodus. How cool is it that God is giving out recipes 🙂

Fun facts

500 Shekels is about 12.5 lbs, and a hin is 1 gallon. So this recipe made up about 24 quarts of oil! You can imagine the value of this oil blend! This blend was also put on wafers and unleavened bread and eaten, which shows that essential oils were used topically and internally.

The Importance of Anointing

Now, let’s back up for a minute and talk about the practice of anointing which was big in Biblical times and unfortunately has become lost over the years. The origin of anointing was from the shepherds of the day. Lice and other insects would often get into the wool of sheep. From this, anointing became symbolic of blessing, protection, and empowerment.

The New Testament Greek words for “anoint” are:

  • chrio which means “to smear or rub with oil” and, by implication, “to consecrate for office or religious service”
  • aleipho which means “to anoint

During Biblical times, people were anointed with oil to signify God’s blessing. They were also used to call that person to role or position in their life.

We see this in the following passages:

  • The Anointing of Aaron: Leviticus 8:10-12
  • The Anointing of Saul: 1 Samuel 10:1
  • The Anointing of David: 1 Samuel 16:12-13
  • The Anointing of Jesus: John 12:3
  • Jesus and the Disciples Anointed People: Mark 6:12-13
  • God the Father anoints Jesus: Hebrews 1:8-9

This is just the beginning of Essential Oils and the Bible.

Learn more next week about:

  • 12 of the Essential oils of the Bible
  • ancient uses for them
  • how we can use them today

You want to grab your oils now, you can find them here.

As always, be grateful & have faith!

God Bless!

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He has Risen! Happy Easter!

April 2, 2018 by Leave a Comment

He has Risen!

Happy Easter!

John 20:1-18

As always be grateful & have faith~ God Bless!


He has Risen!

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