Hey, Siestas! How about this summer Bible study? Is it fabulous or what?? I pray you are getting as much out of Kelly Minter’s “Ruth” as we are. My group of 8 is totally engrossed in it. We can’t get out on time to save our lives but that’s a good problem to have.
It’s time for our third gathering and we will discuss Weeks Three and Four or in the bookâs terminology, Sessions Three and Four. As usual, I’m providing you a written version of what I share in the video greeting in case you have trouble playing it. We will have five interactives this time around: two based on Week (or Session) Three, two based on Week (or Session) Four and the final one will tie together both.
Summer Siesta Bible Study – Ruth Session 3 from LPV on Vimeo.
Based on Week (or Session) Three:
1. Turn to p.68 and review the first segment âFor Discussionâ: Describe a time when you were overcome by a manâs kindness. In keeping with the example of Ruth and Boaz, try to think in terms of an unexpected kindness.
2. Read Ruth 2:19-20 and review the climactic revelation in this Book of the Bible. After you read those two Scriptures, turn to p.85 and review the first couple of sentences of the paragraph in the middle of the page as follows: âItâs interesting that up to this point Naomi knew she had a kinsman-redeemer named Boaz but had no idea Ruth knew him; Ruth knew Boaz but didnât know he was a kinsman redeemer. Suddenly these two pieces of information collided to potentially change the course of history.â Our divinely ordained collisions may not change the course of human history but they certainly change the course of our own personal history. Can any of you think of a time when God orchestrated an encounter or experience where you (or perhaps both/all parties involved) could say, âOnly God could have knownâ? If so, share it. These would be really cool to hear in your blog comments so consider sharing one of the most meaningful examples.
Based on Week (or Session) Four:
3. Turn to p.95 and, if willing, share your answers to the âPersonal Responseâ section at the very bottom of the page: âDescribe a time when youâd done everything you could do and then had to wait for someone elseâs response.â
4. Turn to p.108 and review the answer to the question in the middle of the page: âWhat did Boaz promise to do if the nearer relative chose not to redeem Ruth?â Then, share your responses to the discussion portion just below it where we were challenged to put ourselves in Ruthâs place. What kinds of feelings and thought processes would you have had in her exact situation?
Donât conclude this portion of the Bible study without one of you reading the final paragraph on p.108 aloud to the rest of the group. (âIf Ruth slept at all that nightâŠ) Those of you going solo can simply read it again and let it go even deeper.
5. Ask if one person wants to share a brand new insight sheâs gained from this study regarding Christ as her Redeemer. (For those of you going solo, consider that Iâm asking each of you the question.)
For our next gathering in two weeks, do Weeks (or Sessions) Five and Six. In other words, let’s finish up! And while we’re at it, Sisters, LET’S FINISH STRONG! You will feel such joy in your soul if you’ll see this to the last page. Wouldn’t it be fabulous if just as many women signed in at the end as in the beginning? Let’s make our goal 100%, Sisters!
For those of you joining in on the meals, consider the recipes on pages 88-89. The Grilled Chicken Salad with Strawberries sounds perfect for summer. Lord, have mercy on us, so does the pie!
Good morning from Columbus, OH…:)
1. There was one time where the guy behind me at Starbucks paid for my coffee. Of course, in my cynicism, I left thinking something along the lines of ‘What some men won’t do for a date…’ but the Lord soon stopped me. I’ve had a difficult time accepting kindness from others and He gave me the opportunity to recognize that and begin to “think in the right direction” about that particular situation. I saw it as not just kindness from that man, but kindness from the Lord.
2. I’ve had several “God-incidences” in relationships with other people but this is the one that sticks out to me right now…
In October I’ll be going to Israel and Palestine for two weeks on missions with a group at my church. God alone has been aware of the cost of this trip and so far has been miraculously faithful to begin to provide. It’s frustrating how the financial cost of a big trip like that can begin to overshadow the paramount importance of preparing spiritually for such an experience. However, God has stretched out His own hand for me in the beginning stages of this, and I know that He will continue to provide.
3. Two words: Graduate School. (I’m laughing uncontrollably right now, when I’ve held that piece of paper that says my name with “Master of…” for a year, but it was unspeakably frightening to wait at the time.)
4. If I were Ruthie in this position, I’d be happy at least to know that he WANTED me. I’d be, of course, very nervous that it would end up not working out the way I wanted it to, especially because of the hard work and risk it took to get to that point in the first place.
5. Jesus…(I love just saying it). We see Him teaching on a mountainside. We see Him reaching out His hand to the woman at the well (John 4) and showing her compassion in the midst of her sin. We see Him in the temple, putting the religious “elite” in their place and proving that in the economy of His kingdom, EVERYONE has a place and EVERYONE gets to play. We also see Him in the garden, praying that we’d be one as a family and asking the Father in the midst of His holy humanness to “let the cup pass” from Him. We see Him on the cross, speaking the impossible into existence when He said, “Father, forgive them…”. We see Him calling Mary by her name as she visited His gravesite to mourn Him, the One who gave her significance before His death, and now after His death was giving her the shock of her life as He showed Himself alive. All these pictures are amazing. But how often do we see Him waiting for us at the altar of marriage, our redeemer who has not only saved us but is waiting to MARRY us? He’s not just kind, He’s not just sacrificial. He’s passionately pursuing.
What a beautiful response to #5. Love the pictures you painted with your words. They did my heart good!
I’m so glad, Laura! It’s easy to forget sometimes that He’s all those things not just for humanity in general, but to us personally. Be encouraged, my sister! *hugs*
A-men Laura.
Those words did my heart good as well.
Thank you for sharing Rachel.
:o)
Agree with Laura. I love how you put that He is passionately pursuing us, everyone of us and He will not turn away any willing, believing heart. Thank you for your post!
Wow to #5!!!!
1. I teach at an elementary school. I have had a principal who shows kindness and consideration in so many ways. Unfortunately he is leaving but the grace in the workplace will be remembered.
2. Rachel’s post made me remember this one.. but how could I forget it. I had always wanted to go to Europe. I have a friend that has been so generous through the years. We were able to go expense paid by Fund for Teachers to London and Paris. God was given the glory for this trip. We even attended Hillsong Church. While I was there, via email (at a sidewalk email cafe) that’s a story. I was offered the job of art teacher… I enthusiastically accepted and went to museums with new eyes.
3. Waiting to hear about the grant for our trip was a time I had to wait. Getting the letter from the mailbox. Really not believing it. I felt such joy with this opportunity and in a way paid back for all the money of my own I have spent in the classroom for years.
4. Ruth had to feel great relief but also apprehension about what the future held for her. We also know God will work in our behalf but we don’t always know how.
5. To review the role of Redeemer and think of the messes Jesus has turned around and is still turning around for me is humbling and overwhelming. Yes. I love this picture and it has indeed made an impact on me.
I have loved doing this study as well. The past couple of days my husband wanted me to read it out loud while we drove for mini-vacations.. what great conversation we had. Thank you and thank you to Kelly.
Yay London–my favorite city. đ
Donna Benjamin
solo
Lynn Haven/Panama City FL (for 3 more days)
The packers arrived yesterday and I’m surrounded by moving boxes as I type this. Two more days of packing, then we’re off on our next journey!
1. Most recently, on Good Friday, my pastor dropped everything to help us/(me) deal with the tragic news of the loss yet another close family member, this time, it was my first cousin’s son, (who was more like a nephew to me–and a cousin to my daughter who was the same age–both were due to graduate high school this year–Holly did, John didn’t). John was walking with a younger friend, and a neighbor boy veered off the country road, hitting and killing both boys. As I received the news, my husband was at his new job, (7 hours north of here), I knew that I had to get to Holly before she found out on Facebook, or elsewhere. So my pastor dropped everything to drive me to Holly’s school, and then sat with me as I had to explain to Holly that she lost one of her nearest and dearest family members. He then drove us back to our house, and as we pulled up, our youth pastor was waiting for us. We all came back into the house, and my pastor began to fold laundry and do dishes! (Mind you this was on Good Friday–he had a very full weekend ahead of him-yet he acted as though he had all the time in the world).
2. On September 26, 1987 I was scheduled to have the night off, but had agreed to work for someone else. (I was working at a Doubletree as a front desk clerk while going to school in Denver, CO). As I arrived at the front desk, I became aware that a group of guys from the Air Force Academy’s “Wings of Blue” were staying at the hotel for the “Aurora Balloon Festival”. I thought to myself, “oh great…just what I need in my life right now, a group of single men. Followed by, “Joe is REALLY gonna owe me for working his weekend shift. (I had broken up with a guy a few weeks prior and was determined to “stay single” for awhile longer).
As the evening went on, I cannot tell you how many guys came up to the desk. (Especially, since I was not the only female working that evening). Toward the end of my shift, I began to think to myself how much these guys had going for them. Lots would be pilots…all would be commissioned as officers in the military. Almost immediately after I told myself that these guys were way out of my “league”–up walks this nice young man who blurted out, “Hi my name is Benj, what’s yours?”. After looking down towards my nametag I said, “Donna”. đ
That was almost 23 years ago now. We’ve been married 22 plus years, have 3 lovely daughters, and have had the oppourtunity to live from Florida to Hawaii and ALaska and places in between. What an adventure we’ve had so far! So, I thank the Lord, (and Joe), for putting me in that spot at that time, to meet the man God had intended for me to marry!
3. Our youngest daughter, Hope, was diagnosed with a seizure disorder at 6 weeks of age. We were told at the time that if she survived, she could be severely disabled. We got her all the interventions to help her thrive. But mostly we prayed…personally I bargained with God that I could deal with anything, except Him taking her home at such a young age. Well, 11 1/2 years later, Hope is not only surviving, but thriving! A child who wasn’t supposed to be here, is. A little girl who wasn’t supposed to talk, walk, or thrive–does! She is the most loving and passionat little girl. While she still has some speech/language, auditory processing, and developmental coordination challenges. She is a true miracle. Praise Jesus!
4. “Could anyone be as wonderful a Boaz? And make me feel so cared for. He respects me and makes me feel so safe here”.
5. Did I mention that we’re in the midst of moving? During the past 4 years, we’ve lost 4 close family members. Doing this study in the midst of moving, gives me a front row seat into how much God was involved with Ruth’s destiny and I find it comforting to know that even today, He is busy working out the details of mine. Everyday, I throw the net of faith out, and everytime I cast it to the Lord, He provides my comfort and safety…even when the storms rage and the water’s get rough.
In His Agape Love…
I just loved your responses. From the kindness of your pastor to the knowledge that knowing God is busy working out the details of your destiny.
Plus, who doesn’t love a good ‘God had us somewhere we wouldn’t normally be and I met my spouse/life-long best friend/whatever’ story?? Loved yours đ And I love how you remember the exact date. It gives me chills thinking about it. đ
Donna, Don’t you love how God orchestrates our locations! I’m sorry for your loses-it’s so hard when you live so far from home. My husband was a pilot in the Air Force for 22 years and moved MANY times, including all the extended TDYs! Even when we move all over this country and even the world, God is always where we are! I used to wonder if He ever got tired following us!! I’ll be praying for you and your family as you say farewell to your AF friends and for safe travel to your next assignment. You have many to lives to touch and memories to make in your new home.
Many blessings!
Rebekah–how I met my husband still takes my breath away, makes me fall head over heels in love for him again, every single time.
Bobbie, I wonder if our paths have ever crossed? What type of aircraft did your husband fly? I feel like a missionary at times, with all the places we’ve lived. I truly love meeting new people, but I absolutely hate saying good-bye.
One more day of packing, then another to load. WooHoo! đ
Bobbie, Just curious what are some of the places you have lived? My dad was an airplane pilot in the AF he flew an HU-16 and then a C-130 years later. He was stationed in Okinawa, Elgin AFB in Florida and Tinker AFB in Oklahoma. He retired in Warner Robbins, Georgia.
My husband was in the Army so we were in Germany, Georgia and Oklahoma.
Hope the move it going well–keep smiling! We’ll miss y’all!!!
We’ll miss you all to Karen–you know you have an open invite to visit ANYTIME!!!
What a wonderful love story!
This was a wonderful story Donna!
Michele
Liverpool, NY
Solo
I didnât resonate with some of your questions, but God was speaking to me in some other ways, so Iâm going to skip a few and add my own, hope thatâs okay.
2. Godâs calling of me is a cool story, but Iâll try to keep it short â I was depressed/suicidal for many years, heavy alcohol/drugs, didnât know God. Mentioned suicide to a friend who gave me his counselor appt, the counselor gave me a pastorâs card. I went to that church, terrified, didnât know anyone. After service, I stood in the lobby, alone in the midst of a crowd, and threatened God that if he was real and wanted me there, he had better make it clear or I was leaving and never coming back (already planning the next suicide attempt in my head). I looked around once more, nothing. âFine!â I turned to leave and there in front of me was one of my sorority sisters from college who I hadnât seen in over 12 yrs. She threw her arms around me and invited me to Bible study at her house, where I met the pastorâs wife, a godly woman who took me under her wing for the next few years. Only God could have orchestrated that friend-counselor-church-sister-mentor path.
The part of the study that really spoke to me was regarding the season of unnoticed hard work, hardship & humbling (p. 69-72). My sweet 16 year old dog Cindy requires a lot of care. I help her on the stairs, encourage her to eat, puppy-proof the house to protect her from getting hurt, and constantly clean (the carpets and her). I havenât slept through the night in a year. Sometimes it wears on me, but I canât vent because no one wants to hear about the gross stuff I have my hands on every day. One time my friend questioned how I put up with it. My answer â weâve been together since she was six weeks old, she still has a good quality of life, and I canât have her killed just because itâs inconvenient for me.
Iâve been unemployed almost 2 years and feel like at this point, I canât go get a regular job because I donât know of anyone who is both willing and able to care for Cindy. Sometimes I start to feel trapped, but then I wonder if this is the way God is keeping me here, resting/healing for now. I do love that sweet pup, and I love caring for her. Not the gross stuff, but when she is clean, fed, & comfortable, I just sit on the floor with her and love on her. So sometimes I wonder if this is kind of like the original âKarate Kidâ -wax on, wax off, mundane, humbling things for now while God is working in me and in the circumstances, preparing for good things to come.
Just last night as I walked Cindy, a vision flashed through my mind where we are reunited in heaven and she is running and playing again. I have never found any Scriptural support for whether dogs go to heaven, but I hope that is true. I hope that that vision was God telling me that he and Cindy both know what I do for her and that itâs worth it.
And on p. 80 â God will provide everything we need. Right now I have no income, but I have a peace about it. Not just because I still have savings and things I could sell, etc., but because I know God has a plan, he is in complete control, and he will provide.
5. Ruth 2:19 â Ruth said, âThe man I worked with.â With, not for. It was Boazâs field, a Moabite has no standing, but she said she worked with Boaz, not for him. Jesus is our Redeemer, our Provider, our Savior, yet he doesnât want a slave, he wants us to partner with him. To share in the inheritance, to be part of his family, that he might be the firstborn of many Siestas.
Thank you MamaBeth, love to you
p.s. – Happy Birthday Melissa!! Have a blessed day! đ
Michele, I am praying for you. God has a special plan for your life, girl __Hang in there! God is working! in Christ
Thanks Siestas, I was pretty down today and needed some connection. Thanks for being there and all the words of comfort.
You’re only the fourth comment but I absolutely LOVE going through here reading how God orchestrated paths to cross (your friend-counselor-church-sister-mentor path story). It shows us how much He really cares for us even though it may be sometime after the paths crossing that we realize it was God.
I also love your answer to number 5. Jesus wants to partner with us not to boss us around. (Though you said it much better). đ Somewhere in Romans it talks about how we’re no longer slaves but called sons (and daughters) because of His adoption of us. What an awesome thought!
Blessings!!
Michele, I read a study Heaven by Randy Alcorn…Beth we need you to do a study on Heaven! Anyway, in the Bible there is a donkey that talks, and horses come and even take people away…so I think there will be animals in heaven. And I know this sounds like I have gone and lost it, but I had a dream I went to heaven and met Jesus. (I know what you’re thinking). When I woke up I said Thank You God that was so cool. When I met Jesus He was laughing at everything we said because “humans” just thought things were one way and they were the opposite. For instance in my dream I dreamed Jesus said follow me and we are all going to take a nap. I said, I thought there was no night here, and Jesus said do you like to sleep? and I said yes, and He just laughed and laughed. So even though there is no night didn’t mean we didn’t sleep. Jesus said whatever you like to do here is heaven, and he just laughed and laughed. My dream had nothing to do with the Heaven study it was probably 6-7yrs after I had read that book I had the dream. Jesus was handsome by the way, and when another “soul” mentioned to another “why He’s handsome” Jesus “overheard” the comment and He just laughed and laughed and said Why everyone is handsome in Heaven. He thought we were so funny what we had in our heads so if you want animals, I think there will be animals, and they may even speak to you. đ
Thanks Yanna. I like the vision of Jesus laughing. All the things described in the Bible, you never read of Jesus ROFL. I wonder why…
Michele, your whole comment was very moving and encouraging. So I hope this won’t seem silly, but you and Cindy have been on my mind much today. I’ve gone back ‘n forth whether or not to share this with you, but here goes a try:
We lost our family dog of 13yrs last fall and as you can imagine it was difficult. And by that I mean I was a basket case. Please allow a needed disclaimer here that I by no means put this on par with some of the tremendous heartaches and losses siestas have honored us by sharing on this site. I was just brokenhearted in a way I didn’t anticipate. You’re thinkin’ “Wow, this totally not helpful.” Please just give me another minute.
After a couple of days where I could hardly stop crying, I finally told the Lord that since He’d taught me over the years to survive on scripture, I was just simply going to need a word from Him. Over the next day or so He whispered (not audibly), several scriptures in my heart that were exactly the medicine I needed: I believe He said that animals mean so much to Him that He actually identifies Himself by their very names: Lion of Judah & Lamb of God. And since we know that our Prince arrives on a white horse in Revelation, I asked if He couldn’t also use a darling gray dog. I also believe God helped me understand that the groaning going on in my soul was His creation groaning, knowing that this was not how it was supposed to be. That death is somehow very fundamentally wrong. And that He most deliberately set eternity in our hearts.
And just to seal the deal and let me know that, no, I hadn’t just imagined this all in my own head (do y’all ever think that?) I got to hear Beth teach in Memphis that very weekend. During her last session on Sat, she mentioned all four scriptures that had been such balm to my heart. As I live and breath. I sobbed. That Almighty God on high had stooped down, saw my bruised little soul, and said not only that I mattered, but He knew all about my little Shady dog. How can I not be crazy in love with this Lord?
Now, I won’t go preaching any sermons on that, but I do feel we’ve got some scrips that can offer comfort, and I believe, hope. Sorry to be criminally long-winded, but felt perhaps God wanted me to share this.
Blessings to you and Cindy.
Thanks for sharing, Kathy, I appreciate it. I did start tearing up a bit, but the point is important. Our God of all comfort is helping me through all this.
Love the fact that she felt like Boaz had allowed her to be on equal footing with him… just like us… because of Christ’s redemption, we will reign with Him!
Prayers for you and your “puppy”! (just like my 7 year old is still my “baby”)
Marion, KS, solo
Am LOVING this study and can’t believe that Kelly made us wait until next week to come down off this cliff hanger!!!
1. My husband shows me so much kindness that it’s become expected . . . am I spoiled or what? A ‘unexpected kindness’ that really stands out would be in a conversation we had. I was going through a sifting season, trying to keep it together and not tell anyone or ask for prayer or anything . . . can you believe God’s getting rid of pride in my life!?!?! Anyway, I was telling my husband about it all and he was the most amazing recipient and counselor. He gave the most simple, Godly advice and I have been blessed knowing that no matter what I’m going through or how low I get, he will be there to comfort me and be a rock for me.
2. My God appointed ‘collision’ would be how I met my husband. Everything about our meeting was ‘out of the ordinary’ for us both. Without my husband entering into marriage unequally yoked, and leading us to seek a solid Bible teaching church, I would not be a Christian. He has been such a wonderful Christian leader in our marriage, even when I wasn’t very cooperative! đ I thank God every day for my wonderful man!
3. My husband and I are having our faith proved genuine through infertility. In 2006, we did IVF and throughout the whole process I felt like I just did what others told me and had to wait until the next bits of instruction. We then had to wait two (eternally long) weeks to find out if it worked . . . we have a beautiful three year old now. Then again in 2009, we decided to do it again. This time it resulted in miscarriage and again I am waiting upon the Lord to show me His plans and will for my family. Amazingly enough, this has been the worst, best thing that has happened to me. God has shown His faithfulness to me and has been molding me to grow in Him. My faith has exploded since that time. I’M BELIEVIN’ GOD!!! (Am doing the hand motions right now) đ
4. Question 1: Boaz would marry Ruth. Question 2: If I was Ruth I wouldn’t have slept a wink. Ruth chose Boaz and he chose her. Just thinking about the ‘other’ man and the possibility of marrying a man you know nothing about other than that he was ‘family’ would be terrifying and questions would be rolling around my head all night. I think the relief in the situation came in the fact that Boaz responded with affection and care, she knew their feelings were mutual.
5. My relevation came out of Session 3, Day 3. When Kelly wrote ” . . . move across your own threshing floor to the feet of Christ so you can freely lie down.” (p.104) What a visual! I was in tears thinking about walking ACROSS the challenge of life, then peacefully lying down at the feet of Jesus, and asking Him to take me under His wing. Then to hear my God say, “Blessed are you of the LORD, my daughter!” (v.3:10) Our God is so good!
Hey Sarah! I’m so glad that God orchestrated your ‘collision’ because I’m guessing if you weren’t a Christian, you probably wouldn’t read this blog and then I would never have ‘met’ you and we wouldn’t have got to talk about how awesome Believing God is and all that stuff…you know? (I totally imagined some lady doing the motions when I read that btw! Ha!)
I’m so glad God’s revealing himself to you! Blessings!!
AMEN! I thank Him everyday for the people and places he’s taken me to collide with others. In every way, they have been an abundant blessing. I always enjoy reading your responses. I can imagine the blessing you are to your group! I know you are an encouragement to me. Taking the time to read and respond to people’s comments is really a encouraging!
I forgot to include that prior to being a Christian, I was a pharasee, I knew about God, but didn’t know God and OH how I used it and abused it!!! Believing God is one of the best studies I’ve done, just outside Living Beyond Yourself, Daniel and every other Beth Moore study I’ve done. đ It’s amazing how He draws us closer to Him as we seek Him in His Word and often times we don’t even realize it until we look back from our present location and see where we started.
I’M BELIEVIN’ GOD! đ
Tamara Ward
Alexandria, VA
In my office
Grace and Peace ladies!!
This study is just awesome! I found myself ‘sneaking’ and doing two lessons a day sometimes just because I didn’t want to wait until the next morning during my devotional time (laughing). It’s been THAT good! I moved into a new place last week, and I’m deploying for a couple of weeks to the gulf (of Mexico) tomorrow, and that still hasn’t stopped me from my study of Ruth. GOD is GOOD, even in the midst of packing, boxes and relocating. Whew, okay, I could go on forever, but I’ll get to the questions at hand.
1) The summer before my senior year in high school, I worked at Popeye’s Chicken. It was an army base, so a lot of young GI’s of 21-25 worked there too and some serious statutory rape was going on. I was too scared of my mother to even think about looking at a soldier, but I did develop a friendship with one of them and he was 23. Everyone tried to say something funny was going on, but he never came on to me in any kind of way. One day, IRRESPONSIBLE me had cashed my paycheck and put all the cash in my jacket pocket in the employee lounge and of course, it was stolen before the day was out. I was devastated; that $150 dollars meant the world to me at the time, and the next morning, ‘he’ gave it all to me. He took it out of his own account and gave me a lecture on being more responsible with my money. I couldn’t believe he did that, and despite the fact that I took it, it took me forever to spend it. He got married a few months later, and I lost touch with him, but I’ll never forget that.
2) I think anytime I’ve become close friends with someone quickly, and we both can say only God knew you would be able to pour into my life this way or sharpen me that way, itâs always an amazing revelation to me.
3) This question makes me think of work project ideas that I have and put together and have to wait for answers to. You put a lot of time and effort into something and hope that those that review it can see that and take it into consideration.
4) As a modern woman, I have to be honest, this ‘passing from man to man’ didn’t sit very well with me. I know there was more to the story than that, but that’s the way I saw it. There’s a part of me that my pride would have been a little hurt and rejected by this statement.
5) Sometimes you get a brand new insight, and sometimes, something you already knew sinks in even more when you look at it a new way. That’s what’s happened to me. I have called Jesus my redeemer for years, but this story has really illuminated to me what that really means.
I agree with you about how good this study is, Tamara. As familiar as I am with the book of Ruth (and knowing how the story ends), I still found myself “sneaking” in an extra day of study to find out what Kelly had to say.
We’ll be meeting Thursday eve – can’t wait!
OK- so I’m not doing this bible study but just had to comment that I heard the first commercial this morning on klove about LPL event in Lexington, KY. I CAN’T WAIT. Getting sooooo excited. And let me tell you that the women doing the groundwork in Lexington are doing an AMAZING job. I haven’t gotten to be involved due to schedule but still getting emails and info. They are letting themselves be covered by the Spirit and serving so humbly. You would be proud siesta mama.
Hey fellow siestas,
Just a quick recommendation for you as you continue with the Ruth study!
I recently read John Piper’s book “A Sweet and Bitter Providence”. Its a short book on Ruth and I highly recommend it gals!
Am loving Kelly’s study…well, I just plain love God’s word đ and Ruth has been so rich with the truths of the Lord.
Thank you, Amy. I’m going to go look this up. May I also recommend Francine River’s little novella on Ruth called “Unshaken” and a novel actually called “Ruth” by Lois T Henderson. They are both Biblical fiction or fictional accounts based on the Biblical record as well as research and imagination. I love the way they expand my thinking about everyone in this true story.
Is this my Costa Rica-mission-trip-buddy Amy? Thanks for the recommendation. I have heard of the book but have yet to read it. I am sure it will be encouraging and challenging like Mr. Piper’s other books.
I wonder if even though I’m not doing the study if y’all would let me share this story.
I had to do a project for creative writing for school. I was at booksamillion looking for a poetry book to describe my topic. My mom didn’t have a lot of money at that time. So we were pretty much in the clearance section.
But I was looking through an aisle, and an old man came up next to me. He looked like he had come off the street. He looked like santa clause with a torn tanktop, shorts and flipflops. Also carried a tiny backpack. He also had an unbelievable stench. He said hello to me, I say hi back and then went back closer to mom. He came back over and asked me what I was looking for. I told him I needed a poetry book for class. I then went and stood next to my mom. He came over to both of us a couple minutes later. He handed me a W.B Yeats poetry collection and $20 and said, ” I think you should buy this one.” and then he walked away. I asked the cashier about him, and she said she never even saw him. I love the fact that he didn’t even know whether or not I got the book, he gave me the choice. Of course I did get it, and still have it:)
Julie, Raleigh, NC
1. I was recently at the grocery store with a friend of mine and her three year-old daughter. We are both on a pretty tight budget, but I’ll splurge, whereas she debates every purchase she makes. She saw an older gentleman who worked there carrying a watermelon and asked where they were. He showed us, and after evaluating the price she told him “no thank you”. We then went to check out and he met us at the cash register with a watermelon and told us to consider it a sample. It was so incredibly nice and she was so incredibly grateful! When someone acts like that, it is so inspiring and makes you want to “pass it on”.
2. God really put the people I needed in my path when I moved to North Carolina almost three years ago. I moved up here from Dallas, TX… it was just me and my dog. I had some interviews lined up and a place to stay until I got on my feet. We drove two days and met up with the person I was going to be staying with. It was not a good or safe situation, and we stayed one night and took off the next morning. I had no idea where anything was & my cell phone was almost dead. We checked into a hotel where I drained my checking account and then some. Within that week, I found a job and a roommate, and within the month I had met the man I am still with today. Only God could have made all of that possible, which is why I truly believe that this is where He wants me to be!
3. In my current relationship marriage has been a big issue. I am 28, never been married, but had always hoped that I would find the right person. I think I’ve found him. He has been married previously, it ended very badly and he was very hurt in the process. He doesn’t see the point in marriage. We have been together almost three years and I have tried to show him unconditional love, understanding, and most of all that I’m here for him. So now I wait and hope that eventually he will understand that marriage might feel scary, but it can also be a wonderful thing!
4. She was probably attached to Boaz at this point and hoping that he would be her redeemer. She was probably giddy and excited at how he excepted her and the love he had shown toward her. She was probably also nervous about what might happen with whoever this man he spoke of and crossing her fingers that he would want no part in this.
5. I think that thus far it has really impressed some things more deeply on me at a very personal level. He is with me. He loves me. He knows my needs, and if I let Him, He will fulfill them. He is my safe place.
#4 : *accepted, not excepted (apparently my brain isn’t completely awake this morning!)
I started a home repair ministry in 1992 – Backyard Mission. For the first ten years I worked whatever job would pay the bills while the ministry grew. After 10 years, I began talking to God about the ministry supporting me, as it was getting harder and harder to juggle both.
I had the opportunity to speak to a local home builder about Backyard Mission, and asked if they would want to be involved. I thought with their skills, they would be great at helping with home repairs.
The wife called me the next day and said that they had prayed about it, and while they were too busy building homes right now to help with our repairs, they felt the Lord leading them to give towards my salary.
Get out of town!!! Totally blew me away, because God was the only one I had had that conversation with, and it was nothing I discussed with them.
I knew God had spoken to them about my private conversation with Him, and so began my transition into full-time Director of Backyard Mission.
Lubbock, TX
Hey from Houston!
1) It’s interesting that coffee comes up…I am so grateful to be back in Texas where the men open doors for you with a smile, and don’t slam them in your face or run over you to get somewhere before you, like the men in other places do! But, I remember the day I returned to work at a hospital (another town) & a doctor I highly respected approached me & offered to buy my coffee (chai tea actually). It surprised me because he went on & on about how glad everyone was to have me back & we ended up being best buddies. When we were to move here, he was the first to offer a letter of recommendation for me! It was a great honor…both events!
2) The GOD “Wow!” factor…in the early 90’s I carried a vision for a particular prayer ministry. It was unique and I had not shared it with anyone. I attended a Bible study led by a friend and wonderful teacher & one day met a woman there. We were instantly drawn to one another (it was a spiritual thing) and turns out that we had both been friends of our leader for many years , but never met before. As we met for lunch, we discovered that we both carried the exact same vision, and knew that we were soon to meet other women of like heart and mind. It was totally a GOD-thing, as only He could orchestrate, as neither of us had said a word to anyone about our heart desire. It was fascinating to watch Him lead us to the others who would become the leaders of the ministry that evolved. We all turned out to be true covenant friends, like David and Jonathan. It was truly a “divinely ordained collision!”
3) This takes me back to the years of musical competitions…you work, sweat blood and tears, dream about it, “angst” about it, and then the day comes when you stand in front of the judges and pour out your soul in front of them. Then, you stand there, thank them, and walk out those doors to await their “verdict” of your performance. Am I worthy of the Met? Am I worthy of a “1” rating? Am I worthy of their notice in a kind way? Will any of this matter tomorrow or in 10 or 20 years? Really??
Then their answer comes, and the sun shines once again. Very interesting times indeed!
4) I actually did have a somewhat of a kinsman redeemer situation…my brother-in-law stepped in to act as the representative of the family for my first two children who were literally abandoned by their father. He became, for them, the “kinsman redeemer” of that family line. That has been lovely for them.
5) Christ Jesus, our Redeemer…this actually struck me the other morning as I was driving to work listening to a lovely song on the radio…the reality of Jesus subjecting Himself to death jolted me. The Author and Creator of life, let Himself be torn away from life like that. This past year the truth of how death literally shears away at oour souls as it divides us from loved ones. Death was never meant to be; it is unnatural and part of the curse of the fall of mankind, and it has been redeemed by the death of our LORD, but the substance of that reality will only be experienced when He does return to claim His Bride. Wow!
Bless all ya’ll darlings out there!
Sharoni đ
from Cyril, Oklahoma
1. An unexpected kindness that I remember accured when my twin boys were born. My best friend Patty cleaned my house, made a birthday cake and made signs that said “Welcome Home”, of course my sweet husband helped also.
2. A big change in my life happened after my mother died of cancer and I stayed home to tend to my Dad for two years. Later, I felt the Lord wanted me to go into the army (which I thought at the time_ Lord, this is crazy), but I ask God for help and agreed to tell others about Christ. God answered my prayers. Not only did I get an office job, He had a Christian husband who was in the army waiting for me in Germany. God spoke to my heart as I read His Word__ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6.
We were able to tell others about Christ and after we married we went to Ft. Stewart, Georgia where we worked at a Servicemen Center. God is so faithful and more than I ever dreamed of. One year later, I was out of the army and we returned to Germany where I had my twin boys__talk about UNEXPECTED KINDNESS, God surprised me!
3. Waiting until I was 30 years old was God preparing me and my future husband. We both waited for God’s timing and His will for our lives.
4. Jesus saved me from a life of selfishness, loneliness, and Jesus changed my heart. He is my Redeemer.
He is my Hope, my Joy and my all!
Lawan, Lawton OK
1. The only man that has ever shown me this type of kindness is my husband. I am continually overwhelmed by his kindness.
2. I could not think of anything from my own experience but wanted to share one I heard a couple of weeks ago. It is on the podcast of Miles McPherson of the Rock Church in San Diego. The message is called The Royal-Book One: Warriors (Week 4) June 27th. The reason I share this is because it is exactly what is being discussed here. Only God could have done this. It is an inspiring story of hope and restoration. I encourage you to watch the podcast.
3. Actually on this one I am currently waiting. I attempted to share the gospel with a young teenage girl. After we had talked for a while and peeled back the layers I discovered she does not believe in God. So I told her to spend some time praying and asking God to reveal Himself to her.
4. Ruth already knew what kind of man Boaz was. What type of character he had. Then comes the news that it could be someone else. She might have to marry and live the rest of her life with someone she knew nothing about. She was probably scared and nervous. Would he be as kind as Boaz? Would he treat her with respect and love her?
5. I have read Ruth many times and heard sermons as well but I guess it was the way Kelly wrote this, the way she showed the paralles between Boaz and Jesus. It is amazing the way God shows us Jesus throughout the Old Testament. I love it!
1.- I have 2 instances, one from each of the men in my life. The first was with my husband, although we were not married at the time. I had moved into an apartment, after living with my parents for a season and I did not have a bed for my son yet. My not-yet-husband came by and I looked out the window and saw a new bed in the back of his truck. Who could not fall in love with a man this precious?
The second example, was my Dad. I had a large bill I owed and I recieved a reciept in the mail that it was paid. It was paid on my birthday.
2. I needed my daughter to be in a certian classroom situation and it worked out not only the way we needed it, but with a bonus blessing.
3.I cannot exactly think of one situation, but do remember what I have been taugt- when you have done all you can, you stand. “Stand ye still and see the salvation of the Lord”. 2 Chronicles 20:17
4. If I had been in Ruth’s situation, being the over-analyzer I am, my mind would have been flying 90 miles an hour. Relief, Elation that Boaz wanted to take her for his wife, fear of the unknown- what would happen? Who would she end up with? This unknown relative, would he be kind to her? Harsh? I believe Ruth did alot of crying out to the Lord that night.
5. A new insight…always before, I had thought of Christ as my Savior, my Lord, but not as my Reedemer- it was a new thought and a thought that made me reflect on the love story of Christ and His church.
Our group won’t be meeting until Friday or next Tuesday due to so many of us helping out with Vacation Bible School at our church this week but I CAN. NOT. WAIT. to hear some of their stories because I know they have them.
Reading through these comments and seeing how God showed Himself faithful and worked the tiniest of details out in our lives is so encouraging to me. It builds my faith to hear the testimony of His faithfulness to others. I love it.
Your story about your Dad paying off the bill made me smile. My Papaw has always been so giving, and would always “loan” me money for school clothes, gas, etc. when I was a teenager. Two Christmases in a row, I recieved a card wrapped up that stated “From the Griffith Bank… your loan has been paid up and you are starting the new year debt free”… Gotta love those Daddies and Papaws! =)
Winnipeg, Canada, single mother of 3 girls, solo
1. A friend of ours was asked to do a roofing job, and he got some men from our church together and they did the job, but whatever they were paid, they gave to us for my oldest daughter’s university tuition. I was so blown away that they had thought about us and I’ll never forget this kindness (hesed) as long as I’ll live. And, can you believe this?, it was the exact amount that was still missing to pay the tuition!!!! Our God is an awesome God, is He not?
2. When we returned to Winnipeg in 2002, I was looking for a job. I got one downtown, I had to take the bus to get there, and it took a lot of time out of my day just to get there and back. Also, if one of my kids were sick or needed to be picked up from school, I could never do that. So I started looking for a different job, closer to where I lived. A caregivers couple from our church heard about my dilemma and they came and told me that a position in a different church had oppened up and suggested that I apply there. So I did and I got the job. It’s been such a blessing and privilege to work there and serve the Lord in that capacity. I’m in my 8th year working there. I praise You, Father!!! This changed my life and the lives of my family!
3. When I had applied at the Canadian Embassy in Berlin for a “returning permit” to move back to Winnipeg, I had done all the paperwork, gone to an interview with the embassy officer, but then had to sit back and wait until the answer came. The waiting was a lot harder than the “doing”.
4. If I was Ruth, I would have probably prayed that the other guy would decline, so that Boaz would be mine!
5. I liked what Kelly wrote on p. 111 that “our supply from God isn’t always as tangible as a bag of grain… but many times it’s a supply of patience, forgiveness, love, wisdon, or comfort that we desperately need from Him so we can pour it out on someone else.” Our heavenly Father really does know exactly what I need! And I’m so grateful I can trust Him to have the best for me in mind.
And at the end of the last paragraph on p 111, Kelly writes “… both settings are pictures of the cost of redemption.” I don’t want to ever forget the cost of my redemption, to God the Father and His son Jesus! He is my “ultimate Redeemer – the One who not only wanted to spread His wings over us but gave His life so He could.” Oh how I praise you, Jesus, for redeeming me! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
Meggie, I don’t want to forget the cost of His Redemption either…you touched my heart just the thought of what Jesus did for us is overwhelming.
I am just having a wonderful summer delving into Ruth!!
God orchestrated an experience one fall when I was attending a bible study in a new church and everyone was extremely sad because the minister’s wife was dying of cancer. I did not know most of the people or the minister or his wife. One morning I prayed to God to let me know how the people were feeling and an overwhelming sadness came over me and I just sobbed. I thanked God for that experience and knew I then had a special connection with the church members.
Boaz extended kindness over and over to Ruth. She knew he was a man of integrity but another man do the same? I am sure her heart was pounding in the hope that Boaz would be the one.
If I sometimes doubted my Redeemer was always with me, directing my steps, I know He is with me always working everything to my good!! I know my
Christ is the One.
Going it solo from FLW, MO
1. When my husband took on the role of father to my daughter who was just like 2 months old. She was from my previous marriage. It truly takes a REAL MAN to step up and do that. After we got married he went and adopted her. She was able to have her Birth Certificate changed to have his info on it….BLESS HIM!!!!
2. I am honestly struggling right now to think of something. I mean I know that there has been times in my life when God has shown himself in this kind of way but for the life of me I cant think of anything at this moment and I feel like an idiot cause of it.
3. There is actually 2 experiences that I can name. 1. We had spent sometime in prayer and seeking close strong Christian friends of ours about my husband’s parents. After seeking him for about 4 months or so we had finally decided that there was things that needed to be said and we wrote them a letter and sent it out to them. We basically had to walk away from them and cut that communication. It has been 4 going on 5 years now. Its been tough but we really needed to focus on our marriage and the issues that we were having and we felt we couldnt do that with then adding more problems to the mix. 2. We waited on the Lord to see what he was going to do about us moving. It was hilarious cause my Husband got deployment orders, orders to come to FLW and another set and it was all at the sametime but it was awesome to just sit back and see the Lord move in that situation.
4. Boaz is such a man of God. He makes my heart flutter….He promised to “redeem” her if the nearer Kinsman redeemer didnt want to. I know that that had to make her feel loved at least to know that the man she “offered” herself to actually wanted her back. I know from personal experience that that had to be tough for her.
5. I am learning so much from this study. It has had me soo excited and on the edge of my seat. I have been wanting soo badly to just keep on reading but I have had to fight back the urge and take it one day at a time. I have even out loud told God that Chapter 3 from the book of Ruth was more like a very sexual novel and its just cracked me up at times.I honestly never really viewed the Bible in that aspect before. I enjoy seeing how both Boaz and our God are really alike in so many aspects especially with us as his children. There has been so many times that the Lord has redeemed me when I didnt deserve it. For that I am greatful. I have been making it my prayer to be more like Ruth. I want her drive, and passion in areas of my life. I cant WAIT to read more and dive deeper into the study. I could only imagine how more awesome it is actually doing this study as a group…
Solo in Alabama!
1. I was called upon to help out in our school office for awhile until funding became available to hire a full time receptionist. Now, mind you, I am a media specialist assistant so I had to learn the morning office routine, how to use the complicated phone, deal with all kinds of student and parent situations, and other various and sundry things. Needless to say, the office is quite a busy and sometimes loud place, something the library is not. Our principal showed his appreciation by giving me an unexpected gift. It was a sweet bracelet…just because.
2. God’s orchestrated encounter for me was JUST THIS WEEK! Our church had been in prayer and seeking a much needed Children’s Ministry co-ordinator. Upon hiring a wonderful, Godly woman, I began to feel that God wanted me involved somehow. You see, my daughter-in-law was the Children’s Ministry co-ordinator at her church without some of the support that she desperately needed. She shared with me many times her concerns about this. All of this meant that my precious grandchild was possibly not receiving the nurturing she needed from her church. Those concerns opened my eyes to realize how important people are to a Children’s Ministry. So I prayed about it and talked to my husband about it, “God, what do you want me to do?” Then it happened! I opened a message from our new Children’s Ministry co-ordinator on Facebook, of all places. She told me that God had placed me on her heart and would I consider helping with the K4-K5 Sunday School Class. I START NEXT MONTH! It was totally a God thing.
3. Waiting for call backs from job interviews…mine and others.
4. I’m thinking that Ruth had to wonder about this “other” kinsman: what was he like, was he kind, would he take care of her like Boaz did, would Naomi approve, would he love her, a Moabite?
5. Christ is here waiting for us. He wants us to “lay at His feet”. He moves through us and places us where he wants us to be. He is our “knight in shining armor”. He is our Boaz. He will redeem us like no one else can.
Rachel in Tucson, AZ
More than anything, I think God has been trying to show me over the past couple of weeks that I need to trust him more. Rely on him for everything. Even when it’s scary and the thought of letting go means giving up on trying to control and choose what I want for me. What God wants for me has to be so much better.
2. Recently there were 2 positions that became available in my workplace (both promotions for me). My husband is experiencing depression and I am hanging on by a thread with God’s amazing strength to a marriage that was once wonderful but is now so uncertain. I had a thought pop into my head about these jobs, that maybe I should just “throw” myself into work because home is so discouraging. I talked to my mom about these opportunities but never voiced this one thought. Then, my current boss came to me and he said “We tend to throw ourselves into things we are good at, things we find success at, things that make us feel better, expecially when something is going badly in one area of our life. Don’t do it, Deborah, I’m urging you, don’t do it. Family is too important.”
How did he know??? No one knew that I was thinking that.
That my God would care enough about me to give me that message so directly just brings me to tears even today.
Wow… I needed to hear that… these past few weeks I have really been struggling… I tend to be the “depressed” one in my relationship and I know that I do stupid things to make my husband miserable. I am really trying to STOP it as I know God it holding that red sign in front of my face, but sometimes I find myself “weeping backward”… Seeing it from the other person’s eyes… thank you!
1. I have a coworker who consistently overcomes me with his kindness. He is always looking out for me at work, in big things and little things – for instance last week I was struggling with a rolling rack full of clothes on the elevator, and he was in a meeting at the table just off the hallway where the elevator is. (It’s a small residential elevator, like a “single stall”.) He knew I was bringing the clothes down, so when he heard the elevator land he opened the door for me and took the luggage I was carrying so I could have both hands free to roll the garment rack out. I had just been thinking on my way down “how am I going to get the door open with all this?” and it was like he read my mind. Left the meeting to help me and everything. He does stuff like this all the time.
2. This one is huge for me – I am not sure I have the time or space to fully explain what is happening in my life that “only God could have known” about. The biggest one has yet to be totally fulfilled, but I am confident in God’s promise to me. đ It started out like this – my husband and I just this year recommitted our lives to Christ. Me first, as a last ditch effort to save my life from total internal combustion. My husband just committed his life to Christ “for real” as he puts it, on July 4. In early June, before my husband turned his life back to Christ, I was listening to Travis COTtrell’s Christmas album in my car on a lengthy commute (I always get in the Christmas mood in June. I’m weird.) and the third track is “In The First Light” which he sang at LPL in Grand Rapids in May. As I was listening to this I was crying and thinking about how beautifully my husband can sing and how his vocal range and style is the same as Travis’, and how awesome it would be to hear Bill (husband) sing this song in church at Christmastime. (Bill has continuously refused to sing in church. With a capital “R”) so I said to God in the car that day “I don’t think Bill will ever sing this song in church, especially not before Christmas… I don’t think you can change his heart that fast.” To which I felt God say to me “Oh really? You don’t? We shall see about that!”
Two weeks later Bill gives his life to Christ and has had a total 180 change… so much stuff I can’t even go into detail! God has changed his heart in a HUGE way, and very quickly. I was quite wrong about God’s ablity to change a heart fast. đ
But coming back to the singing – my best girl friend ever is getting married in our new church and they asked Bill and I to stand up with them in their wedding. (Before Bill’s July 4 conversion.) Bill agreed to do it “for me” though he said he would never want to do it on his own, he knows it would mean a lot to me and Lydia, so he would do it. A few days after that conversation Bill comes home from work and says “You know, instead of just standing up in Lydia’s wedding, I should offer to sing at her wedding – that would just shock her, wouldn’t it?”
ONLY GOD knew about His and my conversation regarding Bill’s gift of singing and my heart’s desire that he would sing in church someday. I DIDN’T TELL ANYONE. ONLY GOD would know that Bill’s comment would show me that GOD was working on Bill’s heart. I just about died laughing when Bill said that… ONLY GOD can change hearts, and HE DOES. It was only about 10 days later that Bill responded to God’s call and committed his life to Him.
SO… Lydia has yet to get married and Bill has yet to sing in church, but I will not be surprised at all when he sings “In The First Light” on Christmas Eve this year. That will be such a God thing and only a God thing that you better believe everyone I know will be there to see what God has done in the lives of His children – because if God can change Bill’s heart, he can do ANYTHING! To Him be all glory!!!!!!!
3. Easy – my best girl friend Lydia and her fiance. I knew some time ago that they were meant to be together, so while God was working on Lydia (she became a born again Christian this past Easter) I had put her fiance in touch with her on Facebook… and they were emailing long distance while he was away at school… so I did what God called me to do in discipling Lydia and suggesting Adam “friend” her on FB, and then it was up to God and them to “define the relationship” as we called it. đ And He did!
4. Oh my… Ruth must have felt crazed with relief and anticipation and dread all at the same time. Boaz wanted to redeem her! Boaz might not get to redeem her! She wanted to be redeemed but she already knew Boaz was a kind and good man… what if the first redeemer wasn’t?! I would think that Ruth had already developed a little crush on Boaz because of his extreme kindness to her, so she was probably a nearly devastated to know that he wanted to redeem her but she might not get the chance to be redeemed by him… wow… I wonder if they stayed up all night whispering together? Could Boaz have had feelings for her too? He already knew she was a worthy woman! Was Boaz wanting?? I’ll bet he was. And I’ll bet she knew it too. Wow.
5. I’m not sure I can really formulate my thoughts into words for this one yet, so, since I’ve already said enough today I’ll just think about this one for now. đ
Love you!
Hilary
Hilary, Love your testimony about your husband singing and your friend getting married. Wow! God works in mysterious ways.
Thank you for sharing your story. God can and DOES change hearts in every way!
Kim Safina
Solo
Coast of California
Still pondering & answering the questions but wanted to share this ~~~~
HAPPY “28” BIRTHDAY TO BEAUTIFUL MELISSA !!!!!
Dear Siestas,
I have LOVED this Ruth study! I love Kelly Minter’s writing style (she reminds me of our Siesta Mama!!) I’m doing it on my own, so I can stay in the Word this summer.
I will share briefly (because of its confidential nature) my “God knew” circumstance. Let’s just say that my husband and I left our church quietly (as quietly as someone on the staff can leave), without revealing much of the reasons why, except to say that God had led us OUT. We grieved (especially me — my husband didn’t get it, because all he was feeling was gratitude to be moving on.) Now, a year and a half later, we are getting encouraging calls and e-mails from folks who “suddenly” understand and are so affirming and compassionate. We didn’t ask for that, but God graciously provided it when we needed it.
Let me also say I was very convicted when Kelly talked about needing to take off our mourning clothes and MOVE ON!! I have told myself and others that I’m through mourning the loss of that church family, but I know in my heart I’m still wearing those mourning clothes. I was convicted AGAIN to put off the old, put on the new, get a NEW ATTITUDE!! I want to be EXCITED by the adventure of starting in a new (wonderful!)church and see what God has for us to do there! And then to top it all off (we all love that cherry on top!), Kelly quoted my husband’s and my verse that God gave us before we left the church — Isaiah 43:18-19. GOD KNEW!!!! He meant it for our good! We have grown so much, because we’ve had to rely solely on Him. Praise God that He knows and is always there.
Dancing in my new clothes,
Pat in Olathe
Jan Rockwall, TX Solo
1. Back in the summer 0f 1977 I was traveling by myself to my first church youth director position. My old 68 Olds was loaded down with all my stuff I needed for the summer. There I was on a not so heavily travelled road when I had a flat. My dad had been a car dealer all my life and so my knowledge of cars was limited. I mean I knew where the gas went (though I never put it in myself). My car started shaking and making a noise. I had a flat tire and no idea what to do (this was before cell phones). An elderly gentleman stopped and didn’t just change my tire, he taught me how to change it right there on the side of the road. Will never forget that act of kindness.
2. Just recently I had been praying about a directional change in my life. I had a friend who told me to check out this web site about an alternate certification program. I did and am now working on becoming a certified teacher. I had not shared that with anyone.
3. Waiting for a response to a job application. I did everything I could and then had to wait and wait. I knew though that God was working and opening doors where they needed to be opened and keeping the ones closed that needed to be closed.
4. He promised to marry her if the nearer relative wouldn’t. I thought it was so cool that he was protecting her from the embarrassment if the other redeemer chose not to. If I had been Ruth, I would have been so afraid that the other guy may not have been so kind as Boaz. Maybe he only did it because he had to. Ruth had to be one of the strongest women I know (other than my ganny).
5. What really became clear to me is the choice Christ made to redeem me. He could have said you are not worth it. You have sinned way too much. He didn’t. It was for my sin, he died.
So good, Jan! Thanks for participating!
Hadn’t thought about Boaz protecting her from embarrassment, what a great insight. Thanks for sharing!
Laura & Joan
Portage, MI
1. My examples both came from my Texas trip in January,2010. My husband wasn’t thrilled that I was going to the SSMT Celebration, but still took the time to drive me to and from the airport. I wasn’t expecting him to do that. Also, after I got my rental car and plugged in the Garmin, I started freaking out because the Garmin said I had like an hour & a half drive!(Now I know that it doesn’t automatically switch timezones,didn’t back then.) I stopped at a gas station to clarify whether or not I was on the right track, and the woman working in the station was less that hospitable. She told me to ask customer outside for directions.Well, a VERY nice young man looked it up on his phone for me and reassured that I was almost there. I was so grateful!
2. I am adopted. When I was 23 years old, I gave my cousin one of my kidneys to my cousin. I was amazed that, though not blood-related, I was a 4 out of 6 factor match! It isn’t so uncommon now a days, but it was a big deal back then. I felt like that was one of the reasons my parents had chosen to adopt me. God is SO good!
3. Our examples came from having to apologize for something(for me it would be something I said), and having to wait for the other person to forgive or what their reaction would be. Also, I worked in a grocery store and got into a debate with a co-worker. She didn’t believe in the Trinity(I don’t know which church she went to). We brought our Bibles to work to show examples to support our views. Realizing that we weren’t going to agree, I dropped the matter. About a month later, she came up to me and said,”You were right!” (She had to clarify,as I had forgotten what it was I might’ve been right about.) She then proceeded to tell me that she couldn’t quit thinking about our discussions and one night she read John 1 and it all made sense to her.
*I don’t know if that one really qualifies because I was no longer thinking about it.*
4. I would be so relieved that “the plan” had worked. It probably would bolster my faith in my new God. I would be a little apprehensive about this other, closer guy, & wonder why Naomi hadn’t mentioned him before! But I would remember God’s faithfulness to me in the past and trust Him in this as well.
5. For this question, we thought of things/people we may have thought would “save” us, and the “if onlys” instead of trusting God to provide for and save us.
Karlys, La Place, LA, solo
1. Recently, my husband told me that he has seen the change in me in gaining a servant’s heart since I started studying HIS Word in depth. I walked on clouds for days because he confirmed what I knew God was doing in my life.
2. During this season of reunions, (high school & family), HE gave me “So Long, Insecurity”. His timing is perfect. Before I read that book I would never consider catching up with high school friends.
3. Right now I feel God’s tug toward a new involvement, volunteer work in my community.
4. What a thrill to finally learn that he wants me! If I were Ruth, I don’t know that I could have slept that night. What a thrill!
5. Jesus saves. Jesus saves us for eternity to praise HIM. Jesus saves every smile, every tear, every thrill, every heartache. Jesus saves. In this season, HE is pushing me to trust HIM more. HE keeps finding new areas of my heart that are not completely surrendered. It still thrills me that HE is not done with me.
Thank you. This study would have escaped me without this blog. May HE continue to bless you profoundly.
Karlys, that’s the best confirmation you can get! Right there in your own home where people know if it’s real or bull. Praise God for you!
Beth you are so down to earth! What I love about you! Your reply to Karlys was so funny “where people know if it’s real or bull”. lol
Hello Everyone, Hope you’re having a great week.
1. I recently moved into an apartment. I had no air conditioning. The maintenance man, a total stranger to me, went out of his way to go to other property to get all the parts needed to fix my air. It took all day and he stayed with it, showed me how to use the new thermostat, and changed my air filter. He was patient and so kind about getting me taken care of. I know it’s his job, but it was his whole attitude, esp. since he wasn’t the “usual” maintenance man for this property. I SO appreciated his efforts.
2. I have 2 different examples from just today and think how awesome our God is that He truly cares about ALL kinds of details in our lives. I went back to my eye doctor’s office today to pick out frame for my glasses. This is not a life altering decision but it is a thing of “beauty” for us women. So, I asked Jesus to come along and help me out. It “so happened” a frames sales representative was there selling mens frames. He and my friend, the owner’s wife, saw me trying on. He handed me a couple of frames to try and one of them was just perfect, and one I would have never thought to pick up. Only Jesus knew I chose the right day to go.
In a more life altering picture, I came home to get online to answer these questions when Yahoo News presented a story of two college girls who have a developed a blood centrifuge (analyzing blood diseases like Hiv/Aids) from a salad spinner. It will make taking and analyzing blood in third world countries very inexpensive and a lot less time consuming which in turn will save many lives in those countries. Only God knew these two students would come together in this class with this particular assignment to create something and come up with a gadget that WILL change the course of health care in many areas of the world. WOW!
3. I had a situation in the spring that I won’t go into for this blog, but the answer would greatly affect my future. I did all I could on my part. It was then left in the hands of another person to handle from there. I just kept praying daily that if this was the person God wanted to use to handle it, he would be free to do so. In the end, this was the person God used, and the matter was settled. It was hard to wait, but I’m so glad I didn’t try to handle it on my own.
4. I would have felt giddy, and excited and relieved to know Boaz really had feelings for me and “wanted” me. But
I also would have felt scared and anxious to think I might could end up with some strange man I would have to be a wife to in all ways. oh my! It would be almost impossible to sleep unless God put me asleep himself.
5. This is interesting that you asked this question this way about Christ being my Redeemer. Just because it’s one I just journaled about last week. My birthday is tomorrow, so of course, you always think about your life more during those days than even others. I’ve sort of felt that I hadn’t really “gotten anywhere” as it appeared to me. But Jesus spoke softly to me and showed me that though it takes painstakingly long amounts of time, He WAS changing me and redeeming the very things in my life I’ve prayed over so very much. It honestly was a revelation, because I’d been looking in only one way for my redemption and He’s been doing it a different way. Thank you Jesus for your patience and love.
Janae, Riverside,PA
solo
1. My dad always comes up with unexpected kindness…a cup of coffee delivered to my door, a snowman to add to my collection, produce from the local farmers market, some cash for a manicure…..
2.During our adoption journey, we crossed paths with someone after moving from NC to PA and she knew of a birth mom giving up her baby with the due date being the exact due date I had had 13 years earlier when I miscarried a precious baby.
3. After adopting our daughter and doing all we could legally, we still had to wait for 13 months to finalize it.
4. I keep coming back to the fact that Ruth must have been relieved that someone was available to provide for her needs. In her uncertainty, I think she would have wondered what the other man looked like and what means he had to provide for her and Naomi.
5.I stand amazed at the fact that Ruth needed to do nothing to be redeemed, just like I can do nothing to earn my redemption…He redeems me because of His Love for me…..powerful
He redeems us because He loves us. That IS powerful! This may sound silly, but thanks for the reminder đ
Wow on your God story! What a blessed adoption story!
1) I was rescued in sub-zero weather on the side of the road with a flat tire. The man tried to change my tire while I sat in his warm car, however, the lug-nuts were frozen. He offered to take me home, I hesitated, but since my only alternative was freezing to death, I agreed. I made it home safe and sound. Don’t know who he was, but he went way out of his way to be kind to me.
2) Can’t think of anything obvious, but I know that HE has orchestrated so many things in my life to provide for just what I needed at the time.
3) Recently, a friendship became awkward. I reached out and have invited my friend to church, retreats, lunch…she continues to be polite, but not interested in getting together with me. So now I wait…
4) Ohhh, to know you are chosen! When this world beats us down and makes us feel unworthy, unwanted, and unloved. To know we are chosen and redeemed is such blessed assurance.
5) “I know my redeember liveth”
Tami, hearing your flat tire story reminded me of a time when my husband and I lived in Georgia. We had picked up his Volkswagan van that was shipped over from Germany, because my husband was in the army. Well, we got on the road and it broke down.
Some Senior Citizen Ladies in a Cadillac drove by and ask us if we needed a ride to the nearest gas station.
We laughed the whole way_they were so nice. They had seen us walking then turned around to go pick us up.
There was about four ladies in that car from up North and they were going to Floridia for the summer. Not only that we ended up taking in Seniors at our home in Georgia from our church after that episode. Funny, how God works!
Macon, Ga.
solo
I am so enjoying this Bible study!! And I am learning so many things….even though I’ve studied the book of Ruth before!
I know this isn’t answering the questions, but I really have to share. (You understand)
Once in Sunday School (adult class) when the lesson was on Naomi telling Ruth to go and lay at Boaz’s feet, a guy commented, “I know I’m strange, but that sounds like ‘Here’s your one chance Fancy don’t let me down!'” (Reba McEntire). We cracked up!! Now I can’t ever read the book of Ruth without thinking about “Fancy”. đ
LOL! Oh goodness. That’s definitely one way to look at it! đ Ha!! đ
TOO FUNNY!!!!! It does kind of fit! đ Thanks for sharing!
I so agree……..how funny!
I am absolutely loving this study! This is my first indepth study of a book in the bible and I can not wait to start my next one!
1. My husband shows me kindness, patience, and love to me every day and I am not always the easiest person to live with. Just last week I was feeling anxious and depressed and he was there with me every night talking me through it, holding my hand, praying for us and also suggested that we meet with one of our pastors that we both dearly love and trust to get some more cousel. I could not have asked for a more supportive and loving husband.
2. Almost 4 years ago, I had just started at a new job and my small group (girls) was making dinner for another small group (guys). The girls all had to make something to eat and since I had just started a new job I didn’t really have the energy to make anything. But I ended up making my mom’s famous mac and cheese. When I got to my friends house that was hosting everything I immediately saw Nick and just thought he was so cute. We ended up talking and found out we had so much in common. Nothing really happened that night but a mutual friend of ours told us both separately that he thought we would be so great together- definately putting a bug in each of our ears. The next weekend we were at the same party and hung out the whole time. That night he called to make sure I got home okay and later that week asked me on a date. Thinking of this now, just brings a smile to my face and shows me how faithful god is.
3. We are definately in a period of waiting right now, our condo has been on the market since March and we have not had any offers on it. We are doing everything we can with our real estate agent, pricing it right, and making our place look great for showings. It is all in Gods timing and I know at the perfect time we will sell it.
4. I would be so excited that boaz wanted me, but I would also be worried and think the worst (I have a tendency to do that sometimes).
5. I am so hard on my self and have been especially this past week. This study of Ruth is a perfect example that God has redeemed me as I am just as he did with Ruth.
Becky, your first in-depth study! I’m so pumped! Welcome to the wild world of deep Bible study. May Christ continue to show you His love (and also sell your condo)!
I am always amazed after all the studies and practices I have participated in over the past 40 years- when a study like this is a miraculous gift filled with profound words-thank you for taking the time to offer Kelly’s study with us this summer
1. When I had surgery to remove what was thought to be a malignant breast tumor- my surgeon was that man- he woke me up telling me I was OK- I believe this man of God had been praying for me
2. God Orchestrated coincidence-I was in South Carolina at a health institute and drove to Jacksonville Florida to visit one of my spiritual mentors, then about 75 years old. She had been widowed twice. She told me she longed to be married again. I returned to the health retreat and spotted a man that I thought might like to take her to dinner if he “happened” to ever be in Jacksonville- people from all over the US and internationally attend this health institute. Well, just so happened he was from Jacksonville and lived about a mile from my friend. They ended up married and he died from an unknown cancer . My friend was able to minister to him about our Lord and he died knowing he was going home with Christ- no way, a gal from Texas could have introduced them without a divine encounter-
3. I am in that holding pattern now
4. Oh, Sweet sleep when all is well and just the opposite when life is in anguish
5. Page 99 is so convicting( I am typing this to imprint this in my soul)- How long do we mourn the old with “should ofs, could ofs, would ofs”- Kelly’s quote “When we’re wrapped in garments of mourning, we’re unavailable for whatever else God has for us” and “”clinging to the past, hanging on to the last ragged edges of something He had worked hard to move me on from”
Sometimes it feels as if the mourning or regrets or sorrow are punishments for the “should ofs”-Somehow I want to “go back” and get another chance or see if I can make it right now- are brave enough to give the mourning garments to Christ?- “I do sense God is asking me to throw off some weighty garments as unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, discontentment, jealousy, mourning or anything else that might be keeping me in a stagnant place.” The waiting period is often that dark dark night when God appears to be silent-
I do want to hand Christ my old garments and receive the NEW garments from Christ himself. I pray I will know that these are my garments and put them on this weary mind, body and soul- Lots of blessings- Thank you agai
Solo, age 61
Laura, solo in Little Rock
1. The thought that first came to mind when I read this question is how cynically I regard any kindness from a man other than my husband or my father. My first assumption is that they are somehow trying to take advantage of me. The kindness that came to mind was a gentleman who sat across from me on a train from Santa Barbara to San Diego. It was the spring of my junior year in college and I was trying to figure out what I was going to do after graduation. He started up a conversation with me because of a journal I was writing in for one of my classes. Somehow this led to him sharing that he was an attorney, which then led to him telling me that I could work with kids in the legal arena. That simple conversation changed the course of my life. I went from simply a pysch major to deciding to attend law school and stepping into an internship with the Santa Barbara District Attorney’s office working with the juvenile prosecutor. That gentleman’s kindness and openness led to a lifelong passion to work with at-risk kids. I might have gotten his card, but I honestly don’t remember. But I have him to thank for getting me headed in a direction I will never regret. Especially since I met my husband in law school and we are celebrating 14 years of marriage today!
2. An event that only God could have orchestrated was me reconnecting with a classmate from high school on, where else? Facebook. We were trying to locate everyone for our 20th reunion and there was one person we did not find for our 10th and we had not yet found her for our 20th. I was relatively new on FB and one day a picture of a girl popped up on the sidebar asking if I might know her. Her first name was the name of the girl we couldn’t find, but of course her last name was different. So I did something I would never have normally done…I contacted her and asked if she was in fact the girl we were looking for? Her grateful response began a friendship that had not really even existed in high school. We ran in different circles and she only attended our school our senior year. Now I count her as one of my dearest friends. God has used her to encourage me in my writing and I have been there to help her walk through some dark valleys. Who knew God would use Facebook to orchestrate such a beautiful friendship?
3. The time that comes to mind (other than waiting to have someone buy our home which is taking FOREVER) in which I had to wait for someone’s else response (in this case, God’s) was when we were trying to get pregnant again after a miscarriage. We were blessed and only had to wait five months, but for me it was a very long five months. What still amazes me is that right after I finally surrendered it all to God and accepted whatever He had planned for me-the next month we were pregnant. But learning to rest in Him-well that is not always an easy lesson is it?
4. Ruth must have first felt utter relief that Boaz had not rejected her. In fact, he wanted to redeem her and marry her. Her heart must have been leaping with joy…right up to the point when he mentioned the “other” kinsman-redeemer. I am guessing her stomach did that little somersault and she probably felt a little ill. Uncertainity does that to us. Uncertainity always ruins a perfectly good moment. Joy tempered by the unknown or uncertainity is not complete joy. Ruth had to figure out how to rest in God’s plan, but she may have found that very difficult with her dreams so close to being realized, or so close to being crushed. Yes, Ruth felt joy because Boaz wanted to redeem her, but fear because it was uncertain if he would be able to redeem her.
5. Day five of Session Four was my favorite. I loved how Kelly compared Ruth resting with Boaz to the disciples being with Jesus in the Garden. How Ruth was to quietly wait and lean on her redeemer, and how the disciples were supposed to persist in prayer and be alert for whatever was to happen next. Of course, Ruth did a better job than the disciples. I loved how Kelly summed up the two stories with that “we are always to stay close to our Redeemer.” Oh so very true.
Laura–happy 14 years and ONE day anniversary!
(I love reuniting with friends and even long lost family members on Facebook–what is so neat, is most of the time, we pick up right where we left off, only we are all a little wiser and experienced, but certainly not older ;), than our earlier years) :).
Have a blessed day!
Oh Beth! The busy schedules in my group just reached critical mass…we will go at our own pace and come back for the next two gatherings in mid-August. We are LOVING Ruth together and week 4 is by far my favorite, too. Love you much!! Praying for you, too!
1. A young man held the door for me and my daughter when we were at least 30 feet away. I was struck by his kindness and told him so, which embarrassed my daughter. But men donât do that anymore so I wanted to encourage this young man that it hadnât gone unnoticed and unappreciated.
2. The biggest, most obvious time is when I was grieving over the death of my baby and prayed for God to show me if He was real and if He was really a âgoodâ shepherd. Seconds later a lady from my church showed up on my doorstep, humbly telling me the Holy Spirit sent her. She had been praying the âshepherdâsâ psalm over me that morning around 4am, and proceeded to tell me how/why He is MY good shepherd, all the while having no idea what I just prayed. She was on her way to my house, and probably in my driveway, before I ever uttered the prayer.
3. Right now, I’m waiting on my extended family to believe the Truth of Godâs Word, accept Jesus as the only way to the Father, and to be reconciled to Him and to one another.
4. Boaz would redeem her.
If I were Ruth, I would feel relief that he was willing to redeem me, fear that someone I didnât know might end up being my redeemer instead of this kind gentleman I had grown to respect, and I would choose to trust that all these things werenât coincidental and surely God would work it all out for my good and His glory.
5. I just really see Him right now as a kind, loving, provider/redeemer. Everything I need physically is provided for but itâs not just that. He provides everything I need spiritually! The work of redemption is complete, and I am completely forgiven and completely redeemed.
Kelly Minter has done a fabulous job revealing Christ as Redeemer through this study. I especially loved week 3, day 3, about being invited to the table!
PS I am reformatting The Siesta Fiesta Cookbook and about to make it available in a magazine WordPress format that can be downloaded for free (with a recommended donation of $5 to LOI for wells). It should be ready tomorrow. Today I am enjoying looking back through it and smiling at the fun-ness of you all!!
Ooooh can’t wait to get a copy! Blessings Holly!
What is this and can you share the link to check it out?
Michele ~ Kenosha, WI
Going solo
I am totally enjoying this study and God is speaking to me all through it (even though I couldn’t get on last time to answer questions (It was a doosey of a two weeks!!!) but know that I was still here doing homework and being blessed right along with the rest of you!)
1.) First I thought of my wonderful husband. He is so,so kind to me. Been sick quite a bit since we have been married and serves me in such a way, sometimes, that blows me away.
My Dad is also who I thought of…when I was in Jr. High and High School my dad would go to the store in an emergency, (aka, my “ladies days”) and get the aforementioned “ladies days” neccessities, which also included a bag of Combos and a Peach Clearly Candian. He knew exactly what I needed (which also included NOT having to go to the store as a young teenager and buy ‘feminie items’ myself, bless his heart! Like its better for a fourty year old man to go in and buy them! :0)
2.) I would say meeting my sister Ayan. We decided, (the church I was going to at the time) to ‘take on’ “adopting” two Sudanese refugee, young women to come to our church and sponser them to live here with us and help them get started in living in America. God has always given me a soft heart for Africa, even as a child. I had longed to go and even planned a trip with a missionary family my first year of college, but God had other plans. So, here came our two new “additions” to our family without speaking a lick of English! God drew me and my sister, Ayan, right away. The first time I met her we spent an entire day talking and getting to know one another and I didn’t speak a word of Dinca or Arabic and she didn’t speak a word of English. We knew it was totally God and we are like family. I call her my sister as much as my biological sisters and she does the same! (I am even “Auntie Chel” to her three beautiful little Sudanese princesses) There’s so much to this story, but we both thank God because we knew HE put us together. Worlds apart, made us sisters!!
3.)Well, I would say moving away from all our family for my husband to finish his schooling. We had done everything to move in that direction and had to wait on God to miracuously sell our house and find one for us. (My husband was already working in WI and travelling back to KY on the weekends, that is, until he broke his foot!)Also for God to lead us to a church. And for God to ‘work out’ working and fitting classes together. We are still waiting for a few of these things to be ‘worked out’ and sometimes we struggle with the waiting and the trusting. This study is really encouraging us, both!
4.) I think I would have struggled with “Now what?! Some other kinsman redeemer? You have got to be kidding me!” I would be relieved that Boaz wanted me, glad, and scared that I might have to marry this other unknown person.
5.)I have been keenly aware of God’s protection and His covering me with His feathery wings. He is so sweet to tenderly love on His daughter and shelter her from so many things that have potential to harm and destroy. He has taken up so much that is lacking in relationships (broken or just imperfect) to make me feel loved, wanted and cared for. Even though God is much more and consitently does more than those things in our lives, I think that’s what He has given me, lately, in doing this study.
Hi Michele! I’m solo in Wisconsin too! The other side in Menomonie, but hey (or is it der hey?). Welcome!
Hi, Lisa! I am not sure where Menomonie is…we moved here from Kentucky almost two years ago and I am still trying to get to know everything. So glad to hear from someone, here, though…where is Menomonie…is it even close to Kenosha?
Where did you live in KY?
Hi, Lauren!
We lived near Cincinnati, Ohio. I lived in Latonia/Covington growing up for some time and after Brian and I got married we lived in Walton, KY before moving here to Kenosha (WI). Why do you ask? Do you know KY? :0)
Hey Lisa!
You weren’t where all that bad weather was last week, were you?
Thank you for the clarification on the recipe! I was baffled!
College Station, Texas, I once was solo now I am studying with the Holy Spirit sitting beside me, as well as all my blog Siesta’s. First off Beth, thank you for the written instructions today. My volume would not work and until the “kindness of my husband” comes home I am dependent upon your written words. Siesta’s who have commented before me, I am so touched by all of you, words just aren’t enough. Thank you for including me in your hearts, and thoughts. I join you in giving Him glory.
1. Currently the “man” I am most touched by his kindness is my 17 year old son Brent. Nothing really can compare to when he is thoughtful without being asked, when he asks to “pray” with me, when I am studying Ruth and he listens to what the eyes of my heart are seeing. It is truly a gift of kindness from God “hesed”
2. Not too long ago I received a jury summons in the mail. I was able to go online and select the dates I did not want to serve (my birthday, every other Monday etc) then I received the dates to appear at court. To my dismay I was asked to come and be prepared to stay a week or more. I thought; I had random enough don’t want to serve dates, as well as early reply I would get a small claims court for a day. No such luck. Over two months later I get to the local courthouse, and am in line to sign in. A gentleman comes up in line behind me (over 300 there) and I knew him from church. I said oh you were summoned too? He replied, did you not know it is my wife’s trial. I was shocked. I told him to go tell her she will know God is in this place (we went to church together). He said they already knew I was coming. Then left. I am seated as #4 juror right behind my friend the accused. I had my Bible and kept pointing to it so she would know I was praying. I could not believe I was there. In my head all I heard was “Pray” “You are just here to pray”. My mind was going a mile a minute, the only people there I knew were the accused and her husband, and the circumstances. So I am asking God why me, I felt sooo like Moses. There are other people at our church more worthy and better prayers. Why me? “Just pray” so I prayed. I prayed for everyone in that room over and over and over. Then the questions started and I raised my hand every chance I got I wanted out of there! God just kept saying “You are here to pray just pray” more ??? “you are here to pray just pray” I did not want a mistrial because of me. The judge calls a lunch break I’m thinking surely I will be dismissed. Nope. So at lunch break I avoided everyone. I prayed and prayed, couldn’t eat a bite. Finally at 3pm I was the only potential juror dismissed. I prayed from 8am-3pm most I’ve ever spent praying when I didn’t really want to! ha ha Long story shortened I returned for the next week and 1/2 in the audience along with many many church members and we prayed like never before. Of course my friend was acquited and I knew it all along. Later I found out the defense lawyer was given a potential juror list of names and they knew I was on it long before I ever received the jury summons in the mail, they knew why I was there. To just pray. Still amazes me, and thankfully it answers #3 question. I learned a very important lesson, never question God when He keeps repeating Himself and He is so very patient. I think He said just pray from 8am-3pm that day! I am truly sorry Lord, I won’t do that again.
I’m skipping #5 my 2,3 so long. But I wanted to say for #6 I loved the quote on pg 111 “Our ultimate Redeemer not only wanted to spread His wings over us but gave His life so He could”. Especially after Beth’s study A Woman’s Heart God’s Dwelling Place and the meaning of God’s wings. In the study I memorized a scripture reference Psalm 91:4 to think He gave His life so He could…”He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” He gave His life to do this!
Love your perspective of being with the Holy Spirit, not solo.
My group and I so love this study. We all cried as we did our work in week 3 and we teared up again discussing it last night.
Shattuck, Ok
8 of us meeting in a home.
1. Two widows in the group had examples of kindness from the husband of one of the other members in our group.
2. Several had examples of when they met their husbands.
3. One response was “if you are married you have to wait.”
Also it a work situation after doing your work having to wait for your boss to take the next step.
4. We had some of the same answers as some of the posts plus wondering if he really like Ruth since he brought up the other man.
5. Being redeemed even when we are poor and a foreigner.
Shattuck, OK!!! Is Mary Schoenhals in your group, by any chance??? If so, please tell her Adrienne Hudson says “Hi”! My husband and I are friends of her son, John.
I know it’s me again…I just wanted to add to the jury story there is absolutely no way that was not God’s doing all of it. If I had even read in the paper or heard I would have called and said I am not coming I know this person give me another summons another day. I had not been in contact with my friend, and no one at church mentioned the trial was scheduled, and it had been over a year from the date of the circumstance that had her on trial. We are a fairly small town, but this was too much a God thing. Best day of my life I might add, and Father I want to serve You like that again. This time I will not question You. đ
Sherry
Meeker, OK
Going Solo
1. Not much can compare to the âbeautyâ of a manâs heart-felt giving. My husband is very thoughtful and seems to enjoy surprising me with creative and unexpected kindnesses. However, I would like to share about the time his father gave me an unexpected kindness when I was a little girl. I had spent a Sunday afternoon playing at the home of a girlfriend. Her parents had an early evening appointment and were not able to attend the P.M. service. Because I lived 15 miles away, they dropped me off at the church â alone â to sit on the front steps until the first persons arrived for the evening service. Eventually, the pastor (who years later became my father-in-law ) and his family were the first to arrive. I later learned that when he discovered how I happened to be there, he was upset at my having been left alone. He asked if I had eaten dinner. When I told him that I had not, he drove to a small grocery store and purchased something for me to eat. Finances were tight for him and his family of seven, so this act of kindness had been a sacrifice on his part. I will always remember his thoughtfulness.
2. I am a Senior Pastorâs wife, which doesnât afford me very many close girlfriends. However, on two occasions, God has surprised me with precious friends that were definitely provided by Him. While attending a book signing at a Christian store, I struck up a conversation with a lady in line and discovered that our homes were only 15 minutes apart. Before our books were ever signed, we became good friends. That has been 12 years ago and even though she has moved away, we still keep in close touch my phone, email and visits to each others home. We call ourselves the âappointed friendsâ â God most surely appointed this friendship.
The other friendship developed more recently. It was through the LPM blog!! After the Siesta Fiesta, I read a comment from a lady that was from Oklahoma, too. I emailed her and discovered that we live a short 10 miles from each other. We have become very good friends. We share something that I have rarely found; we both understand ministry; sheâs a Pastorâs daughter. She and I both needed a friend outside of our respective churches. This friendship comes with a bonus; we both understand living in a ministry family and in a church parsonage. We flew down to Houston together for the SSMT Celebration. We telephone, email and text each other and go to lunch as often as our schedules will allow. Only God knew how to orchestrate these friendships.
3. A three years ago my husband and I were house hunting. We found what seemed to be the perfect house in size, location and price. However, the deal just was not coming together. The house was in the beginning stages of going through foreclosure. After our negotiations with the ownerâs bank, we were only $5000 apart. They wouldnât budge and we didnât want to exceed our budget. We prayed that the Lord would show us His perfect plan. We left our offer âon the tableâ and continued looking elsewhere. Shortly we found an awesome house â another foreclosure. This house was two story, bigger, in a more prestigious neighborhood, in good condition, in a different city and less money than the previous house. As we did our walk through and inspection, we knew this was the one God had for us. We immediately put in an offer. As soon as we did, there were 5 other offers that came behind us. The broker held off the other offers and immediately put ours through saying, âI believe this is for Mr. and Mrs. P. . . . .â — and it was! Our first and only offer was quickly accepted and the speed of closing was near miraculous. Godâs timing is always perfect and the waiting was so worth it. Itâs important to not jump ahead of God and âmake thingsâ happen on your own. Isaiah 55:9 tells us that Godâs ways and thoughts are higher than ours. In other words, Heâs a very smart God and we should listen and do as he says! He always has the best idea! ï
4. My first thought would have probably been, âWhat does this other guy look like and how old is HE!â It seems that Boaz may have been quite a bit older than Ruth (3:10) and the other kinsman-redeemer would have most likely been older than Boaz. Next I would be wondering if the other kinsman-redeemer was as kind and thoughtful as Boaz. I can only imagine how I might feel if I were to find myself in a foreign country and knew that there was a great possibility that I was going to marry a man Iâd never seen?!?
I donât know what the Moabite customs and cultural rituals for marriage were, but we know it was not what she was accustom to because Naomi had to tell her what to do (Ruth 3:1-5).
5. Iâve often heard the phrase âsitting at the feet of Jesusâ. However, I believe lying at the feet of our Redeemer takes a little more courage and commitment. We must be like Ruth and be aware of our surroundings, be sensitive and listen to His instructions so we will ready to make an exit with Him!
I was unable to log in on the first two sessions two weeks ago, but I guess I made up for it in words this time đ I have been keeping up with the study and the homework. I love studying Godâs Word!!!!!
Your answer to number 5 made me think. Lying down involves a lot more surrender (to me). You’re more defenseless if you’re lying down as opposed to sitting down. Does that make sense? When I want to just ‘sit’ at Jesus’ feet, I think we’re called to go deeper and just lay down right there at them instead!
Maybe that made a little sense. If not…at least I learned something. đ
Blessings Sherry!
I enjoyed your answers and was so touched by the way your pastor/father-in-law cared about you when you were young!
I hadn’t ever thought about lying down and surrendering… esp. in the dark… you would be completely at someone else’s mercy! Excellent point!
Huntsville, AL
1. I know almost NOTHING about cars. My poor Dad tried, but it did not stick. I am the girl that walks into an auto shop and the workers immediately think cha-ching! So my freshman year of college I was driving a group of my girlfriends out to a concert and we realized I had a flat tire. We were clueless as to what to do. (I know to most people with common sense this does not seem like a big deal, but to 5 girls who suddenly couldnât just call Dad we were dumbfounded.) Almost as soon as we realized what was wrong it began to pour down rain. Lucky for us a friendâs brother drove by and stopped to help. Bless his heart, he changed our tire and got drenched in the process. But that moment of kindness stood out to me! No doubt he could have just driven on by!
2. When I read this question a very recent event jumped to mind. I was moving to north Alabama and was not very familiar with the town. My mom and I drove up to spend the day looking for me a place to live. It was rather frustrating and we got lost more than once. While eating lunch we pulled out all our maps and apartment guides on the table trying to rank what we had just seen, and decide where to go next. A lady at the table across from us struck up a conversation (she probably took pity on two âout of townersâ) and began offering up advice on good and bad areas of town. Out of nowhere she named the complex that we had just come from. It had been our favorite place by far. The lady was very adamant about not living there because it tended to be a place (ok, I want to be careful how I word this) where adults who had gotten in trouble with the law due to inappropriate relations with children moved to. I would have had NO idea about that had this lady not offered up the info! It had seemed like such a nice place! And while Iâm sure some very nice people live there it did not seem like a somewhere a single girl should move into. I firmly believe that God put that woman in front of us to help guide my decisions on apartments. So grateful that He is ALWAYS watching out for me!
3. Applying to graduate school. Once you send in your application it is a waiting game! And those people were deciding my future for me. I couldnât make any plans for my future until I heard from them first.
4. If in Ruthâs situation I would have been most nervous about the other kinsman redeemer. Ruth already knew Boaz and had experienced firsthand his hesed. But what is the other man did not have integrity like Boaz? Is that someone she really wanted to marry? The unknown is always scary.
Victoria, BC, CANADA; 2 of us Ks (Karina and Kristi)
We giggled through your video, Beth! LOVED it. Especially you looking out for us is making the dessert!
We cannot believe how fast this study is going. Next gathering is the last?! WOW. We are SO enjoying it, we are talking about starting another in depth Bible study group in the fall already đ AND we will definitely make that dessert for the next gathering đ
We both caught up to session 4 now (the delay caused by the lateness in getting the book), so we did the questions/discussions for session 2-4 today.
Oh~, and I HAVE to mention this. I (Karina) was SO needing my Starbucks this morning, but my baby fell asleep for his morning nap right around the time we were meeting (thankfully at my place) I was consoling myself that I’ll talk K2 into going there after we meet, and wouldn’t you know it? She showed up with a cup of chai-latte for me! She usually doesn’t do this, and felt strongly that she and I needed that cup she swung by Starbucks on the way here! We both felt the Lord’s loving hand! YAY
Session 2 Questions:
– Karina: “Will the circle be unbroken?”
Kristi: “Are we there, yet?”
– Ps. 126 sowing in tears: putting our hope in Him, acknowledging His presence during the time of hardship; remembering to be thankful in the lean season; assisting others.
Session 3 Questions:
– Kindness by men:
When Kristi was little and was crying outside over a toppled toy she was pulling, a 6th grade teacher known as “Sir” who was not yet her teacher took the time to cheer her up and wipe off her tears. He knelt on one knee to come to her level and talked to her gently, slathering on a Chapstick before kissing it better and making her laugh. He was a very popular teacher, the kind that everyone looks forward to having. She had to move before she gotten into his class but they corresponded. He really was her hero and the reason she became a teacher.
Karina thought of instances that God used father figures that restored her image of “father.” One of which was her host-father during her stay in the States as an exchange student. On a long drive out to the holiday destination, he never once grumbled nor frowned to make a potty break for us girls (there were five of us). That was huge.
-God’s orchestrated encounters:
Kristi: the amazing sunset she watched from a breakwater during the time she was going through a hard time. The icing on the cake was watching a pod of killer whales passing by!
Here is where we giggled like school girls over all the “kisses from Jesus” we receive – like this morning’s latte!
Karina: a seemingly innocent encounter where I just happened to greet a new comer to our church years back, and she turned out to stay and bless hundreds of service men by starting a Christmas card ministry at our church where they get access to Christmas cards to send back home (something that they don’t have access to when serving in Islamic countries). Unbeknownst to me, she was at the end of her rope in finding a church and that morning was the last try she gave the Lord. Apparently, my welcoming her sealed the deal. We are great friends now, and her husband who was a staunch atheist came so far to admit there is a God, too! We are loving him into the Kingdom!!!
We talked of being faithful in the chain of God’s orchestrated work in each others lives.
Session 4 Questions:
– The “waiting”: We both laughed, because we both answered with resounding “NOW!”
– Imagining Ruth’s heart: Kristi identified with Ruth a lot, because she’s also waiting for her boyfriend to make the move.
We talked about the beginning part of session 4, where Kelly tells her friend to go there with the Lord and not avoiding. Kristi was sharing that she’s learned to think of what IS more than what IFs in this season of waiting, so she imagined that Ruth must’ve been doing that, too.
Karina imagined Ruth having some sort of relief in knowing the ball was now not in her court (she’s done all she can do), an excitement that Boaz was more than favorable to the idea, and perhaps even admiration for Boaz’s honorable actions (keeping his hand to himself, wanting to do things right, etc). Even though Ruth must’ve been somewhat unnerved that there was another possible candidate, Karina felt that she probably didn’t entertain too much of what IFs but chose to admit and entrust those to the Lord.
The Question 5: “Redeemer”
Karina (me) is going through some tough season in parenting her second son, a child so energetic, strong-willed, kind-hearted, and rambunctious. We’ve been butting heads for a while and I was very near despairing when we started this study. Earlier in the study (p.41), I felt like a deer staring at headlights. Talking of Naomi’s harsh words to God, Kelly said “many Christian women are not nearly this honest with God or themselves… we never let ourselves stop long enough to address our feelings with Him… Perhaps we’re afraid of what we’ll experience when we get there… But God doesn’t want our ‘right answers’; He wants our hearts…even if they’re a little explosive like Naomi’s.” I’ve been afraid to admit and own up that I’ve let my Second’s slowness to obey being my overlooking for too long. Somehow, I had believed that I would be stuck if I did. The Lord graciously pointed out that I can do all things through Christ (Ph 4:13), He lives in me, my hope of glory (Col.1:27); the problem was my unbelief. I’ve repented then and there and asked Him to change that. Some days I revert back into despairing, but He’s brought so many resources, I know I’m in the process. But I now know that He is redeeming this tired mother to provide the mother that my Second needs to display His splendour!
Oh oh oh, I forgot to mention how the Proverb verses and Jeremiah on p.96 really encouraged us, as well as learning that God asks us to do different thing in our seasons of waiting. Knowing these verses (God guides our steps; plans of our hearts we need to confess with our mouth) propels us to continue investing our time in the Word for a long term gain, and fills us with hope!
Judy from Littleton,NC and my sister, Carolyn from Oceanside, CA
met via Skype and chatted for 2 hrs! (We’re really into Bible Study!)
1. The kindness shown to me by a man was when my dad’s boss paid for my entire college education because he knew on my dad’s salary with 6 kids he couldn’t afford to send me.
2. A God orchestrated collision of events happened one time when we were getting ready to book a ticket to Hong Kong on business and came home and there was a computer part delivered to us by UPS that day and it said we were to take it to missionaries in Papaua New Guinea. Two weeks later we got the letter from the missionaries asking if we could drop it off to them on our way to Hong Kong. Had we not gotten the pkg that day 2wks before, we would have already booked a cheaper shorter route and would not have known God wanted us to deliver something that would print his word!
3. We skipped the waiting question…still waitng to think of our answer. (grin)
4.We think Ruth might have wondered if the nearer kinsman was as cute and kind as Boaz and besides she had grown to love this man and didn’t want to have to be redeemed by another unknown relative. Maybe she wanted to skirt this one thing in Hebrew law if it meant taking away her man!
5. We love the forshadowing of our REAL Kinsman Redeemer
who loves us, is kind to us, and covers us, buying us back from our past lives and giving us a future and a hope.
Cheryl H., Huntington, WV, Solo
1. I was overcome by the kindness of a few of my male bosses throughout the illness and death of my husband.
2. So many times a phone call, or an appropriate word at just the right time, that only God could’ve known.
3. Many times you’ve done all you can do for someone and prayed, and they have to make a choice.
4. Boaz promised to redeem Ruth (marry her). I imagine she was thrilled at the prospect of him marrying her since she had obviously developed much respect for his character. I also imagine it was frightening to think that some stranger could marry her instead. Someone she knew nothing about. I doubt she actually rested that night.
5. I thought about how Jesus has done everything He can to redeem us, and yet he has to wait until we accept Him.
I love this study. I’m doing “Breaking Free” at the same time, and it’s amazing how at certain times, the lessons seem to reinforce each other.
Your answer to #5 really struck me today….thanks for sharing.
Girls (Beth and Michelle), you are a hoot. I’ve enjoyed these two weeks of Bible study so much — the best yet! But I just can’t let you off the hook. Banoffi is pronounced with the accent on the second syllable! It’s the combination of banana and toffee — thus banOFfi! Laughing WITH you!