Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.
Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
In seeking to help Ruth and Naomi, Boaz is not prepared to side-step God's law. Although following it could threaten the marriage, he does what's right and trusts God for the outcome. It's never acceptable to do what's wrong on the grounds of greater good. But the bigger lesson here is about how God is at work in even the worst of times and the smallest of incidences. At face value this is a story or romance and the reversal of fortunes. But there is more. Ruth and Boaz's son becomes king David's grandad and a direct ancestor of Jesus. Through this union of a faithful Israelite and pagan convert, Jesus is eventually born. And now too, through all the world's joys and pains, God's purposes in Christ are somehow being fulfilled and we ourselves being matured. As you read note how God is assumed to be behind the scenes.Ruth 3-4
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.