Advice

Ruth 3:1-3

When one first reads these verses, it seems strange that a virtuous woman would suggest what Naomi advised Ruth to do. However, it's based on the law (Deuteronomy 25:5). 

Ruth had been working hard in the fields gathering grain. Now that the harvest time was over, Naomi, knew that Ruth needed a home where she would be cared for, and not have to work in the fields. Ruth had been working in the fields belonging to Boaz. And since Boaz was a kinsman, Naomi thought it was the right thing that Ruth present herself to Boaz. 

Boaz even though he was wealthy and had field of grain, he worked himself at the winnowing the barley. Winnowing is removing the chaff, usually by allowing the wind to blow through the harvested grain. The chat which is light will blow away, while the heavier falls to the ground. 

Naomi, then tells Ruth to make herself presentable. Some commentators suggest that she not wear her mourning clothes (from losing her husband); other suggest that she simply put on her "Sunday best" rather than the clothes she wore to work in the fields. Either way, she was to make herself presentable to Boaz. 

Ruth was not to run into the place where Boaz was, nor was she to make a scene. Rather, she was to privately wait and keep herself from being known. Ruth remained humble and followed Naomi's instruction. 

Ruth's character did not change in these verses. Ruth remained obedient, humble, and willing to listen to Naomi's advice. Ruth trusted Naomi and Naomi knew that Ruth would do what she advised. 

Advice. It can be a good thing. But coming from the wrong people with the wrong motive, it can be dangerous. It's key that the source of the advise have wisdom and integrity. It is also key that when the advice is solid and godly advise, that all of it be followed. You don't just follow the parts you like, it all must be obeyed. 

How does one know if advise is godly? Compare it to God's Word. If the advice goes against what God says, then it's NOT good advice. Also, consider the source of the advice. Has that person been trustworthy in the past? Is that person one of integrity? 

With a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), it's easier to discern when advise is good. And when my heart is ready to accept good advise, it's much easier to follow through on the advice. 

God blesses. I am to bless.

Ruth 2:18-23

After a day of hard work, Ruth returned home to Namoi and shared all that had happened. I love Naomi's responses. First, she blessed the man who noticed Ruth, and was kind to her. Then she said,  "Blessed be he of the Lord who has not ceased his kindness." Then she asked where Ruth had gleaned. 

I wonder the look of astonishment on Naomi's face. Boaz, the nearest kinsman, who rightfully was to care for Naomi and her family. Out of all the fields, Ruth could have ended up in—she was in one that belonged to Boaz. That was not by luck, rather it was purely designed by God. 

As I look back over my life, I am so thankful for God's leading and direction. He made sure that I was in the "right place" at the "right time". I'm so thankful for the people He introduced me to, that have blessed me along the way. And I'm so thankful that those people acted in accordance with God's will. 

I have been blessed by God, by people who have been wiling to be blessings.

It makes me stop and think:

• Am I willing to be used by God to bless others?

• Am I acting on those promptings from God, when He wants me to help or encourage someone?

• Am I first of all thanking God for His goodness, and then thanking those who are sharing God's blessing with me? 

God blesses. We in turn are to bless others. We are to be thankful to God, for His blessings. We are to be thankful to those who bless us. 

When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), I will be ready to accept God's blessings, and in turn I'll be ready to share those blessings with others. My prayer is that I'll be a blessing and encouragement and that I'll never take for granted the blessings God has given me. 

Words. Actions. Beyond Measure.

Ruth 2:13-17

Words. Actions. Beyond measure. 

Boaz spoke kindly to Ruth. Then he went further and put that kindness into action. Then even went further than expected and blessed Ruth. 

Words. Actions. Beyond measure.

Ruth responded with humility and thanksgiving. She continued to work hard. She accepted the blessings that she was given, and "paid it forward" by sharing with Naomi. 

Words. 

Words can encourage or cause discouragement. Words can convey kindness. But often if we stop at just words, and don't add actions, our words can be meaningless. 

Actions.

Actions should be an extension of our words. If we say we will do something—do it. Actions continue to convey the meaning of our words.  

Beyond measure. 

Word and actions shouldn't stop short of sharing God's love. It's not just the "least we can do", rather it's "all out"! Beyond measure, that extra step, that unexpected blessing. 

Boaz didn't just speak kindly to Ruth, he also shared his food with her. And notice what Ruth did—she ate until she was full and kept the extra so Naomi would have food to eat as well. Ruth was not caught up in the treatment she was receiving. She was not selfish, as she continued to remember and want to care for Naomi. 

Boaz didn't just tell Ruth to glean in his fields, he made sure that she'd be able to gather more than enough grain. He told his workers to leave extra laying around so that she would be sure to have more than she needs. Ruth didn't just stand around and expect to be handed the grain, rather she continue to work in the fields. At the end of the day, when she was tired, she continue to work to "beat out the grain". Her actions continue to display solid work ethic. 

Due to the kindness of Boaz and his willingness to go 'beyond', Ruth not only had food to eat, and extra for Naomi, she also had a profitable day gleaning—enough for about 5 days worth of food! That was a huge amount considering she was gleaning behind the workers. But because Boaz went "beyond", Ruth ended up with "beyond" what she needed for the day. 

Words. Actions. Beyond Measure. 

When my heart is permeated with a deeps sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), not only will my words be kind and truthful, my words will be put into action, and I'll be willing to go "beyond" to encourage and show God's love to others.

Right Thing = Reward

Ruth 2:8-12

These few verses are packed with so much — the kindness of Boaz to a stranger in the land, Ruth. Boaz made sure that Ruth would be well taken care of as she continue to gather food for her and Naomi. 

Ruth remains humble and realizes the graciousness of Boaz. She asks Boaz, why he is being so kind to her. 

Boaz's answer shows how important doing the RIGHT THING is—simply because it is the right thing! Boaz HEARD of what Ruth did for Naomi. 

I have been made fully aware of all you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and mother and the land of your birth and have come to a people unknown to you before. Ruth 2:11 (AMP)

People are watching. People are talking. What are they learning and saying about me? What reputation is being spread about me? Makes one stop and think, or at least it should. But even more importantly, what does God think of what I'm doing? 

The Lord recompense you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under Whose wings you have come to take refuge! Ruth 2:12 (AMP)

Boaz knows that he can only do so much for Ruth (and he's blessing her by making sure that she'll be able to get enough food for her and Naomi). But Boaz knows that true blessings and rewards come from God. Ruth was doing the right thing, and it was noticed not just by the people in Bethlehem and Boaz, but by GOD! 

Doing the right thing, no matter how difficult it is, no matter how lonely it is, no matter the 'pay' isn't enough..... no matter. Doing the right thing — is the RIGHT thing because God is the One who will recompense and give the reward—maybe not on Earth, but in Heaven for sure! 

Do not gather and heap up and store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust and worm consume and destroy, and where thieves break through and steal. But gather and heap up and store for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust nor worm consume and destroy, and where thieves do not break through and steal; For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:19-21 (AMP)

If I want my motivation for doing the right thing to be on target (pleasing and honoring God), then my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG).  

Right Thing

The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you, The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually). Numbers 6:24-26 (AMP)

Ruth 2:4-7

How do you feel when you see the Boss coming? How awesome to be greeted with "The Lord be with you!" And the response of the workers, was " The Lord bless you!" That is an encouraging greeting. 

Yesterday, the post was on how God designs and works His plan to accomplish His purpose. In Ruth 2:4-7, we continue to see God's attention to details. 

As Boaz came to inspect his fields, Ruth caught his eye. He noticed her among the others gleaning the leftovers. He learned that she was Ruth, the daughter-in-law of Naomi.

Notice the description given of Ruth. She did not demand that she be able to glean in his fields. She did not demand anything. Rather, she humbly asked if she could glean in his fields collecting the leftovers. And she worked tirelessly from early morning, resting just a bit. Her work ethic spoke volumes about her. She was willing to work hard long hours to provided food for her and Naomi. Ruth was doing the right thing and doing it well! 

Now, remember, Ruth could have stayed back in Moab with her family. Yet, she left and went with Naomi to a strange land. And now, she was working hard to provide food. Her attitude was noticed by those in the field and in turn, by Boaz. 

Often the things we do, go unnoticed by most. Yet, we are to be doing our best not to gain attention or fame, rather we are to be doing the right thing to the best of our ability because we are doing it unto the Lord. No matter the task. No matter how difficult. No matter..... no excuses. Just do the work for the glory of God. 

When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then I'll be ready and willing to do the right thing no matter how difficult it may be—knowing that I'm doing it for the glory of God!

Luck

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

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This post is the continuation of my study of Ruth. 

When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, don’t ·pick the vines a second time [glean what is left]. Leave what is left for foreigners [resident aliens], orphans, and widows. Deuteronomy 24:21 (EXB)

Ruth 2:1-3.

Naomi and Ruth are now in Bethlehem. For food, Ruth goes to the fields to glean behind the workers.   Ruth "just happened" to pick the field belonging to Boaz. However, knowing the rest of the story, we know for certain that this was designed by God. 

We know from Ruth 2:1, that Boaz was wealthy and related to Naomi's husband, Elimelech. Again out of all the fields Ruth could have ended up, she was exactly where God wanted her to be. 

Luck. Just happened. Providence of God. 

Often we attribute circumstance to just luck. However, God Almighty is working and planning to carry out His perfect plan. We often don't realize all that God is doing on our behalf. 

Ruth, knew that she should be out gathering food for her and Namoi. And because God had set a plan for how the widows and orphans were to gather food (Deut 24:21), Ruth could go to the fields and work to supply what they needed. 

It was important too that Boaz followed the laws of God. Boaz was a wealthy man, he knew that leaving grain behind would cost him money. However, he chose to follow God's laws and allow those in need to glean and gather food. 

Looking at my life, I can seem MANY circumstances that at the time, I might not have realized it, but God was working. It's exciting to see God's providential hand working things out in my life. The details He takes care of are so amazing. It's exciting to know that "He's got it all under control." 

When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), I am right where I need to be so that God can continue to lead and guide me. I don't have to depend on LUCK, for I have the One who controls the Universe watching out for me! 

Positive Names

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my study of Ruth.

Ruth 1:20-22 Naomi and Ruth reach Bethlehem, Naomi's home. As the people greet them, they are excited that Naomi is back home. However, Naomi says, "Do not call me Naomi, rather call me Mara for the Lord has dealt bitterly with me." The name Mara means bitter. 

I have always liked to learn the meaning of names. My name means strong and powerful. That can be good or bad. Being strong in some areas is a virtue, but being strong-will and stubborn—is not a good thing. I all too often have a "do it myself" mentality. Yes, that of a 2-year-old. I want to do it myself, my way—and sometimes God lets me so that I'll learn that I do not know best. Other times, He in His graciousness stops me quickly, reminding me to allow Him to have control. 

God gave me a great object lesson. My computer has been crashing. And I did all the recommended things to fix it, but it still keeps crashing. Yesterday it crashed and no matter what I did, the computer would NOT turn on. This morning, I tried again. Nothing. I read Ruth and thought about names. 

As much as I am "powerful", I lacked the power to fix my computer. It was/is totally out of my control. 

After reading Ruth and thinking through the meaning of names, I tried again—the computer turned on! It then crashed again. But then once again, it came back on. I have NO control over the computer and do not know what is wrong with it. I have NO POWER over getting it to work—Powerless.

As I thought of Naomi and her changing her name to Mara, as a statement of how she viewed her life, I wonder what name I would pick to represent how God has and is dealing with me. 

First off, I'd say a very positive name would be "Blessed". For God has and is blessing me abundantly. 

"Rookie" comes to mind, as I have much to learn in trusting God and giving Him complete control. Thankful, that God continues to train and teach me. 

I think I'm going to continue thinking of names that represent how God has and is dealing with me. But no matter what name I choose, I know that the greatest is "Child of God", for that depicts my relationship with Him. I am His Princess! And that is an amazing name—a Princess of the King of kings! 

If I want to continue to have "positive names", then my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG).