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.

Books by Karen

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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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Finding JOY in Tough Times ~ Decision Making & Turnarounds ~ Ruth #1

July 10, 2024 by Leave a Comment
Decision Making and Turnarounds Episode 1 ~ The Book of Ruth reveals God’s goodness, God’s providence, and Godly relationships. Most importantly, it shows how God uses faithful women in Salvation history, especially Ruth, a refugee and convert who ends up in the lineage of Jesus Christ. Episode #1 focuses on turnarounds and finding new joy in difficult circumstances. Join the podcast today and uncover how a book written over 3000 years ago can speak to you!#thebookofRuth #KarenDwyer #wrapyourselfinjoy #wrapyourselfinjoypodcast #podcast #christianpodcast #catholicpodcast

Ruth Makes an Important Decision

Do you regret a decision you made? God can help you find a turnaround. The Book of Ruth is about turnarounds and finding new joy and purpose in difficult circumstances. Join the podcast and uncover how a book written over 3000 years ago can speak to you today.

Then and Now

Welcome to Ruth-Finding Joy in Tough Times and Trusting in God’s Goodness Episode #1. The Book of Ruth reveals God’s goodness, God’s God’s providence and Godly relationships. Most importantly, it shows how God uses faithful women in Salvation history, especially Ruth, a refugee and convert who ended up in the lineage of Jesus Christ. God’s Word is always alive and fresh (Hebrews 4: 12) and will speak to our hearts by the Holy Spirit and in this case, through the Book of Ruth.

Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Decision Making & Turnarounds Episode #1

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

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My Journey

My journey with Ruth started when Pope Benedict XV1, in the summer of August 2011, encouraged the faithful to read the Book of Ruth. So I did and invited others to join me. Then, in 2022, Pope Francis called the faithful to study Ruth.[1] Others joined me again. We had fresh insights both times, and God spoke to our hearts in amazing ways, filling us with joy.  So, even if you have read Ruth before, let’s read it again with a new heart and open mind to hear what the Holy Spirit may teach us. Today, we cover the following points.

Background for the Book of Ruth

  • Ruth is one of five Old Testament books (with Esther, Song of Songs, Lamentations, and Ecclesiastes) that make up the Megillah; each is read in the synagogue during a specific Jewish festival.
  • Ruth is about 1/4th of the way into the pages of your Bible, between Judges and 1 Samuel.
  • Ruth is among the historical books in the Old Testament; with the time period, “In the days that the judges ruled (v. 1),” which is about 1380 BC to 1050 BC.
  • It was a dismal time for Israel;  the people would not listen to the judges God sent, turned away from God, and fell into idolatry and immorality (Judges 2: 16-17).

 Elimelech, Naomi, Mahlon & Chilion Move to Moab (Ruth 1: 1-2)

  • The family moved from Bethlehem to Moab because of famine, but problems arose from that decision.
  • Elimelech’s name in Hebrew means My God is King, but Elimelech did not look to God, just wanting out of the famine.
  • The family were Ephrathites. Ephratha is the former name of Bethlehem in Scripture and is about five miles south of Jerusalem.
  • God cautioned the Israelites about associating with their enemies, especially the Moabites because they hated Israel and led them to worship their idols.
  • God always gives his people choices (Deuteronomy 30: 19).

Ten Years Later & Great Loss (Ruth 1: 3-6).

  • Elimelech died, the boys married Moabite women, and after ten years, both sons died.
  • Naomi suffered emotionally, plus knowing legally, the family name and inheritance would be gone.
  • She was left ONLY with two daughters-in-law in a foreign country,. BUT GOD!!
  • Psalm 146: 9: “The Lord watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow.”

The Turnaround (Ruth 1: 6).

  • Grief-stricken, Naomi heard in Moab that the LORD came to help his people with food in Bethlehem.
  • Naomi rose and, with the daughters-in-law, started the return to her people, her faith community, and her God.

Personal Reflection & Application

  • What impacts you most from these first six verses of Ruth?
    • Arise. Have you made a choice you regret? God will lead you forward. Arise. Don’t look back or stay in despair.
    • Remember. Do you feel like God has forsaken you? Are you bereaved or lonely? Naomi remembered the Lord. Do you remember God’s goodness? Start today thanking God for how he has blessed and helped you, even in the smallest matters.
    • Listen for him to speak to you, especially in the Scriptures.
  • God is with you always. God has a plan that can change devastation to joy.

Prayer Response

  • Read, memorize, and pray these verses:
    • John 6:37. Jesus said, “I will never turn away anyone who comes to me.” (Good News)
    • Hebrews 13: 5. The Lord God says, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (NRSVCE)
    • Jeremiah 29: 11.“I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope.” (Good News)

Links

Seven Part Series Ruth: Finding Joy In Tough Times

[1] Pope Francis:

 

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