Impact for Eternity!

Impact for Eternity!

Ruth 4:13-22

"The passage is given by Matthew word for word in the genealogy of Christ, that we may see that this history looks not so much to David as to Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed by all as the Saviour and Redeemer of the human race, and that we may learn with what wonderful compassion the Lord raises up the lowly and despised to the greatest glory and majesty" (Brentius).

Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament

As I read the conclusion to the Book of Ruth, I had to stop and think of the importance of Ruth and all that took place to get her where she needed to be to fully accomplish God's plan. 

I also think of Ruth's willingness to do the "right thing" and do it well, not even knowing the full significants her actions. Reminds me of others throughout Scripture that God used because they where willing to do the "right thing". 

As I look back over my life, I think of all God has done, and the people He used to supply my needs, bless me, and encourage me. People who were willing to do the right thing—the God honoring way—put themselves in the position to not only bless others, but to be used by God to fulfill His purpose and plan. 

Another aspect of doing the right thing, is that often we don't see the ripple effects it has on others or in years to come. There were many generations and years between the birth of Obed and the birth of Jesus Christ. God was able to use Ruth to accomplish His will over many generations. That's the exciting aspect of doing the right thing—the God honoring way. One can have an impact for eternity! 

When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), it makes me wiling and able to do the right thing—the God honoring way, and then in turn, bless others and have an impact for eternity! 

The Right Way—The God-Honoring Way

Ruth 4:5-8

The nearest kinsman had agreed to buy the land. Then Boaz, told him that if he buys the land, he must also buy Ruth and take her for his wife. 

The nearest kinsman wanted no part of that deal! He told Boaz that he could have the land and Ruth. Boaz was now free to buy the land, and take Ruth as  his wife in accordance to the law. And they sealed the deal—with a sandal, as was the custom. 

The right of redemption is fairly resigned to Boaz. If this nameless kinsman lost a good bargain, a good estate, and a good wife too, he may thank himself for not considering it better, and Boaz will thank him for making his way clear to that which he valued and desired above any thing. 

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible

Doing things the right way, is the God-honoring way. So, often people want to take shortcuts to get things they want or to get things done. However, those shortcuts often lead to problems. Boaz knew that he was not the nearest kinsman to Naomi, and that another had the right and obligation to choose to buy the land and marry Ruth. 

Doing things the right way, is the God-honoring way. And when things are done the right way, the God-honoring way, then God can bless what is done. 

When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31, MSG), then I'll know the God-honoring way, and be willing to take the necessary steps to make sure it is done the right way. 

Description

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

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.    

And with [him is] Onesimus, [our] faithful and beloved brother, who is [one] of yourselves. They will let you know everything that has taken place here [in Rome].

Aristarchus my fellow prisoner wishes to be remembered to you, as does Mark the relative of Barnabas. You received instructions concerning him; if he comes to you give him a [hearty] welcome.

And [greetings also from] Jesus, who is called Justus. These [Hebrew Christians] alone of the circumcision are among my fellow workers for [the extension of] God’s kingdom, and they have proved a relief and a comfort to me. Colossians 4:9-11 (AMP)

Paul continues with a list of friends and how they encourage and minister to him. The descriptions he uses are evident of each man living a God-honoring life. 

If someone was writing about me, what characteristics would they use? How would they describe me? Could they say that I'm faithful? Should others embrace me and welcome me, because I am living a God-honoring life? Do I encourage and comfort others? 

More importantly, if God was writing about me, what would He say? I wrote about this on Colossians 1:7, "What would be written about me?". 

Living a life that is godly is not only God-honoring, but has an impact on those around us. We are to be encouraging other believers, comforting them, and interacting with them. Just as we do this for believers, we are also to be doing it for unbelievers, so that they can see the love of God. 

Only when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God, will my life be described as faithful, encouraging, and God-honoring. 

No Excuses

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

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.   

Masters, [on your part] deal with your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that also you have a Master in heaven. Colossians 4:1 (AMP)

The Master or those in authority, also must act in accordance with God's Word and work ethic. For they too are "working to make the Boss look good". 

Looking back to Colossians 3:18 through 4:1, each and every individual has a responsibility to God honoring in all they do. For when each individual is honoring God with their actions, attitude, and words, then God is glorified. 

One thing that is missing from these verses are "excuses". How we conduct ourselves is NOT to be based on how others treat us or what they do or don't do. Rather we conduct ourselves to honor God, no matter what others do or say. No excuses to try to justify our lackadaisical attitude or actions. No excuses to justify our poor performance. No excuses. 

We have a MASTER in Heaven who not sees our actions, knows our thoughts, but also knows the motivation for what we are doing. 

Each and every day I need to evaluate what I'm doing. Is my work up to God's standards? Is my attitude God-pleasing? Am I working for the wages I'll receive here on earth; or am I working toward the Heavenly eternal rewards? And what is my motivation? 

In order to answer each of those questions with the proper response, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God. No excuses allowed. Only God-approved attitude and actions. 

How We Conduct Ourselves

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

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.   

Servants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not only when their eyes are on you as pleasers of men, but in simplicity of purpose [with all your heart] because of your reverence for the Lord and as a sincere expression of your devotion to Him.  Colossians 3:22 (AMP)

We've all been places where the service is poor, UNTIL the manager walks in, then all the employees start working extra hard. "Only when their eyes are upon you; pleasers of men." 

But as Christians we have a higher motivation and a higher "Boss"—God. No matter the task as hand, we are to conduct ourselves in such a way that brings honor and glory to God. 

Serve the Lord with joy; come before him with singing. Psalm 100:2 (EXB) 

As a matter of fact, do everything that way, heartily and freely to God’s glory. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (MSG) 

My post, "Make My Boss Look Good!", discusses making sure that I'm reflecting God in all that I do. 

Responsibility on how we conduct ourselves. First and foremost our responsibility is to God. And when we are representing God, we have a responsibility to have a higher standard of excellence than others. 

Showing up late for work, is not an acceptable representation of fearing God. 

And it doesn't matter the job. 

If your job is to clean toilets, then you are to clean them to the best of you ability—because you are not cleaning them for just your employer, you are cleaning them to honor God.

The motivation on how we conduct ourselves,  is because as a Christian, we fear God and He is watching everything we do, all the time.

Fearing God:

What servants do when their masters are absent from them, and to whom they are accountable; and a servant that fears God will make conscience of discharging his service faithfully, will not misspend his master's time, nor embezzle his goods, or waste his substance; but from a principle of reverential affection for God, and fear of him, with a concern for his name, and a view to his glory, will with all diligence, uprightness, faithfulness, and sincerity, do his duty, seek his master's good and interest, and cheerfully obey all his lawful commands. John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

And the only way to make sure that the job is completed in a God-honoring way, is to make sure the list from Colossians 3:1-17 is "put on". 

Having a heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God, will have a direct impact on how I conduct myself in all aspects of my life. For I am to be reflecting God in my actions, attitude, and words.