This week we will explore the struggle to have, keep, and share joy from the book of Ruth.
Ruth 1:16
But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”
Thought for Today
Loyalty. When we find it in a person we cherish it. Ruth, whose husband had recently died, could have gone back to her people and found a new husband. She was still young and beautiful. In no time at all she could have been living a decent life again. Instead, she pledges to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, even though it meant moving to a new place and suffering hardships. She was loyal to Naomi even when it cost her. God uses Ruth to remind us that this is the way He loves us, as well. He has pledged to stay with you, to never leave you, even when it would be easier to move on. Staying as we struggle with our sinful nature didn’t just cost Him something, it cost Him the life of His one and only Son, Jesus. God does not simply demand our loyalty; He models loyalty to us first. If you are a baptized child of God, the Bible passage for today can be read as God’s words to you. What a comfort that is when we feel unworthy of Him. He is loyal to you no matter what!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I marvel that You pledged Yourself to me in my baptism. Help my wandering heart to stay fixed on You this week as You have been fixed on me. Amen.
Devotional Quote
Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. ― Corrie ten Boom
Quote of the Day
You give loyalty, you'll get it back. You give love, you'll get it back. — Tommy Lasorda
Ruth: A Story of Real Joy 1
This week we will explore the struggle to have, keep, and share joy from the book of Ruth.
Ruth 1:16
But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”
Thought for Today
Loyalty. When we find it in a person we cherish it. Ruth, whose husband had recently died, could have gone back to her people and found a new husband. She was still young and beautiful. In no time at all she could have been living a decent life again. Instead, she pledges to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, even though it meant moving to a new place and suffering hardships. She was loyal to Naomi even when it cost her. God uses Ruth to remind us that this is the way He loves us, as well. He has pledged to stay with you, to never leave you, even when it would be easier to move on. Staying as we struggle with our sinful nature didn’t just cost Him something, it cost Him the life of His one and only Son, Jesus. God does not simply demand our loyalty; He models loyalty to us first. If you are a baptized child of God, the Bible passage for today can be read as God’s words to you. What a comfort that is when we feel unworthy of Him. He is loyal to you no matter what!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I marvel that You pledged Yourself to me in my baptism. Help my wandering heart to stay fixed on You this week as You have been fixed on me. Amen.
Devotional Quote
Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. ― Corrie ten Boom
Quote of the Day
You give loyalty, you'll get it back. You give love, you'll get it back. — Tommy Lasorda