RUTH DAY TWENTY EIGHT

• PAUSE

  [start with a moment to step out of your thoughts and life and into the presence of God]

  Lord, as I enter your presence now I take a moment to pause and to be still…. 

  ….to breath slowly and to re-centre my scattered thoughts and senses upon You.

  …. Speak to me I pray, and fill me with your Holy Spirit afresh this day. 

• REFLECT

  Take time to read through and reflect on the passage. Don’t rush it but be open to God speaking to you as you read.

  What did God say to you through this passage? Why don’t you pop it in the chat to encourage others?

  Devotional reflection: I recently read a commentators words on this passage of Ruth and I think it is a good summation for the book of Ruth as a whole. It says this: 

   "“Throughout the book the narrator has deliberately cast the characters as stellar models of hesed, of deep and sincere devotion to God and to one another, expressed in self-sacrificial acts of kindness toward one another. Into the plot he has also carefully woven markings of the providential hand of God, rewarding who rewards authentic piety with his fullness and care. The birth of Obed symbolizes the convergence of these two themes: piety and providence. But the narrator is aware that in the providence of God the implications of a person’s covenantal fidelity often extend far beyond the immediate story. In fact, the story of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz does not end with the birth of Obed. It simply signals a significant turn in the history of this family and the history of Israel, down a course that leads directly to King David.” (Block, Daniel I. Judges, Ruth. The New American Commentary series. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999.)

  What a beautiful end to this amazing book. Ruth with Obed in her arms. Thankful for the present but looking ahead to the future hope of Israel and God’s people. 

  Today I think about what God has done in my life. I am so grateful and thankful. I also look ahead to all that He is going to do and am expectant and eager. 

• ASK

  Prayerfully reflect how this passages applies to your life. Ask God to speak to you now

  GROW people prayer: 

  Holy Spirit thankful for all that you have done for me. Thanks for shaping my character, supporting me and leading me through tough times and good times. You are always with me. I am grateful for all you have done for me and look with eager expectation to all that is ahead for me.

  GO People prayer:

  Lord use my story I pray. Thanks for working in my life in amazing ways. Please use this to usher others into the kingdom of God. The highlights and the lowlights can be used by You. May it be for your glory and for the salvation of others. Use my testimony of Your work in my life for good.

• YIELD

  Take a look at the passage again. Take time to see if there is a word or phrase that the Holy Spirit reveals to you as a focus for your day today. 

  What has the Lord revealed to you? What will you take into your day today? What action is He asking you to take? Take a moment to pray a yielding prayer along these lines to the Lord today.

  Prayer for today: Lord, thank you for speaking to me to day. Give me courage to obey your word and yield to your Holy Spirit. I take seriously your leading today and seek to put your word into practice in my life through action today. Amen. 

RUTH DAY TWENTY SEVEN

• PAUSE

  [start with a moment to step out of your thoughts and life and into the presence of God]

  Lord, as I enter your presence now I take a moment to pause and to be still…. 

  ….to breath slowly and to re-centre my scattered thoughts and senses upon You.

  …. Speak to me I pray, and fill me with your Holy Spirit afresh this day. 

• REFLECT

  Take time to read through and reflect on the passage. Don’t rush it but be open to God speaking to you as you read.

  What did God say to you through this passage? Why don’t you pop it in the chat to encourage others?

  Devotional reflection: Ruth finishes with God getting all the glory. He has done the impossible. He has turned Naomi’s life around. He has given her a daughter-in-law that is better than seven sons and a grandchild that will renew Naomi’s life in old age. Wow! 

  Yet this is what Jesus does. In John 10 Jesus states that He has come to give us life in abundance. In John 4 Jesus meets with a lady at the well drawing water and states, "“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

  The birth of Ruth’s son gave her renewed life and strength in her old age. However, the birth of Jesus and what He accomplished through the cross gives us access to a relationship with God that gives us new life and strength through His Spirit. 

• ASK

  Prayerfully reflect how this passages applies to your life. Ask God to speak to you now

  GROW people prayer: 

  Holy Spirit, I am so grateful for your life. Today, would you fill me afresh with the life that comes from You.

  GO People prayer:

  Lord, I am reminded again of those in my world that don’t know You. Lord, continue to draw them to Yourself. May they one day experience the life that is found in You.

• YIELD

  Take a look at the passage again. Take time to see if there is a word or phrase that the Holy Spirit reveals to you as a focus for your day today. 

  What has the Lord revealed to you? What will you take into your day today? What action is He asking you to take? Take a moment to pray a yielding prayer along these lines to the Lord today.

  Prayer for today: Lord, thank you for speaking to me to day. Give me courage to obey your word and yield to your Holy Spirit. I take seriously your leading today and seek to put your word into practice in my life through action today. Amen. 

RUTH DAY TWENTY SIX

• PAUSE

  [start with a moment to step out of your thoughts and life and into the presence of God]

  Lord, as I enter your presence now I take a moment to pause and to be still…. 

  ….to breath slowly and to re-centre my scattered thoughts and senses upon You.

  …. Speak to me I pray, and fill me with your Holy Spirit afresh this day. 

• REFLECT

  Take time to read through and reflect on the passage. Don’t rush it but be open to God speaking to you as you read.

  What did God say to you through this passage? Why don’t you pop it in the chat to encourage others?

  Devotional reflection: The blessing from the people at the gate is significant. It ties Ruth and Boaz’s story into the history of Israel. Rachel and Leah were the woman that bore Jacob (Israel) sons that became the tribes of Israel. They literally, “built up the family of Israel”. Here Ruth’s story is likened to there’s. It is setting the stage for the Messiah to come and a people of God to be birthed.

  The other story of Perez is a little less known. It can be found in Genesis 38 and there are many parallels with Ruth’s story. Tamar (Perez’s mother) is also a foreigner who marries into Israel. She was a widow and required a redeemer. The story of Tamar and Judah is in contrast with Ruth and Boaz. Judah didn’t do what was right originally and it forced Tamar to take the initiative. She had to come up with a plan. Although the plan was quite shady she is seen as forcing Judah to do the right thing through wrong means. When Judah and Tamar come before a public tribunal they are put to shame and condemned. In contrast, Ruth’s plan with Boaz in the middle of the night is met with shows Boaz to be a willing participant in doing what is right. Ruth and Boaz are shown to be people of character. Where Judah and Tamar are put to shame by the people, Ruth and Boaz are blessed by the people. Interestingly enough both Ruth and Tamar bore sons that would be in the Messianic line. They both had risky plans, they both took the initiative, they both had great needs and they are both in the heritage of David and Jesus.

  Matthew 1 in the New Testament lists the genealogy of Jesus. In this genealogy five woman are mentioned - Rahab, Ruth, Tamar, Bathsheba and Mary. Amazing women of great courage and faith. All give birth to sons that are included in the line of the Messiah. Publicly all could be called out for questions of sexual ethics. Yet all are shown to take steps of faith and courage. All could be potential outsiders yet seek to be part of God’s people. All are important in the story of the Messiah.

  God is committed to working with a lost humanity even with our dysfunctions and sin. His heart is to include everyone in his story of salvation and all it takes is a person who is willing to open their heart to Jesus, repent and follow Him.

• ASK

  Prayerfully reflect how this passages applies to your life. Ask God to speak to you now

  GROW people prayer: 

  Lord Jesus, I am so grateful for your commitment to working with broken humanity. Thank You for your love for me and for accepting me, a sinner, into your family.

  GO People prayer:

  Lord, You move in ways I don’t always understand. There are people in my world that I think could never be part of Your family. But you don’t judge as I judge and you are always seeking for ways to include everyone as part of Your kingdom. I ask for forgiveness in not seeing others as You do and today pray and believe that you will draw people into your kingdom in ways that surprise me.

• YIELD

  Take a look at the passage again. Take time to see if there is a word or phrase that the Holy Spirit reveals to you as a focus for your day today. 

  What has the Lord revealed to you? What will you take into your day today? What action is He asking you to take? Take a moment to pray a yielding prayer along these lines to the Lord today.

  Prayer for today: Lord, thank you for speaking to me to day. Give me courage to obey your word and yield to your Holy Spirit. I take seriously your leading today and seek to put your word into practice in my life through action today. Amen. 

RUTH DAY TWENTY FIVE

• PAUSE

  [start with a moment to step out of your thoughts and life and into the presence of God]

  Lord, as I enter your presence now I take a moment to pause and to be still…. 

  ….to breath slowly and to re-centre my scattered thoughts and senses upon You.

  …. Speak to me I pray, and fill me with your Holy Spirit afresh this day. 

• REFLECT

  Take time to read through and reflect on the passage. Don’t rush it but be open to God speaking to you as you read.

  What did God say to you through this passage? Why don’t you pop it in the chat to encourage others?

  Devotional reflection: The book of Ruth shows us what loyal relationships look like. In Ruth 1, Orpah is contrasted with Ruth. Ruth chooses to sacrifice her friendships and hometown ties to be there to support Naomi. In the same moment, Naomi puts aside her own needs and encourages her daughter-in-law to put their own interests and potential to marry before her own support. Now, here in Ruth 4, Boaz has married Ruth and acquired land at a cost to himself and his family line. He prioritises Ruth’s needs above his own, and it costs him.

  For each of the characters in Ruth, loyalty is shown by wanting the best for others and putting their own needs second in order to see the best for someone else.

  Today, I am challenged to do the same. Who has God called me to be loyal to? What friends do I know He has put in my life for God-given purpose? Who are my destiny friends? People who I am called to be with in thick and thin no matter the cost. What does this look like for me today?

• ASK

  Prayerfully reflect how this passages applies to your life. Ask God to speak to you now

  GROW people prayer: 

  Firstly Lord, I want to thank You for Your loyalty to me. Your love for me is shown through to the cost of giving Your only son to die for me and you constantly have my best interests at heart. Help me today reflect who you are to others in my life.

  GO People prayer:

  Lord, today may people be awakened to your loyal love for them. Today I think of those that are away from You and don’t know You. Bring people in their lives that demonstrate your love for them. Show them that You can be trusted and that You love them and are there for them today.

• YIELD

  Take a look at the passage again. Take time to see if there is a word or phrase that the Holy Spirit reveals to you as a focus for your day today. 

  What has the Lord revealed to you? What will you take into your day today? What action is He asking you to take? Take a moment to pray a yielding prayer along these lines to the Lord today.

  Prayer for today: Lord, thank you for speaking to me to day. Give me courage to obey your word and yield to your Holy Spirit. I take seriously your leading today and seek to put your word into practice in my life through action today. Amen. 

RUTH DAY TWENTY FOUR

• PAUSE

  [start with a moment to step out of your thoughts and life and into the presence of God]

  Lord, as I enter your presence now I take a moment to pause and to be still…. 

  ….to breath slowly and to re-centre my scattered thoughts and senses upon You.

  …. Speak to me I pray, and fill me with your Holy Spirit afresh this day. 

• REFLECT

  Take time to read through and reflect on the passage. Don’t rush it but be open to God speaking to you as you read.

  What did God say to you through this passage? Why don’t you pop it in the chat to encourage others?

  Devotional reflection: The unknown guardian redeemer rejects the offer to buy the field and financially support Ruth and Naomi. He was in a position to financially do this but chose not to for the sake of his own estate.

  No doubt Boaz was in a similar position. This decision would also cost him. However, he was willing to pay the cost to do what was right.

  What decisions do I face today that demand a cost? Am I willing to pay the cost to do what is right?

  Character is forged in decisions made that cost us. It is easy to follow God in times of prosperity and ease. The question is whether I am willing to follow Him when it is costly. Today I am challenged to have a costly faith.

• ASK

  Prayerfully reflect how this passages applies to your life. Ask God to speak to you now

  GROW people prayer: 

  Holy Spirit, I want to be led by You today. There are times where this is costly to me personally. Help me to have courage to hear Your voice and obey. Strengthen me where I am weak and help me to honour You.

  GO People prayer:

  Lord, forgive me where I have put my own preferences above serving You. There is a world that does not know You and I don’t want to stand in the way of Your being in a relationship with them. Help me to see the cost for me is worth the eternal rewards in heaven.

• YIELD

  Take a look at the passage again. Take time to see if there is a word or phrase that the Holy Spirit reveals to you as a focus for your day today. 

  What has the Lord revealed to you? What will you take into your day today? What action is He asking you to take? Take a moment to pray a yielding prayer along these lines to the Lord today.

  Prayer for today: Lord, thank you for speaking to me to day. Give me courage to obey your word and yield to your Holy Spirit. I take seriously your leading today and seek to put your word into practice in my life through action today. Amen. 

RUTH DAY TWENTY THREE

• PAUSE

  [start with a moment to step out of your thoughts and life and into the presence of God]

  Lord, as I enter your presence now I take a moment to pause and to be still…. 

  ….to breath slowly and to re-centre my scattered thoughts and senses upon You.

  …. Speak to me I pray, and fill me with your Holy Spirit afresh this day. 

• REFLECT

  Take time to read through and reflect on the passage. Don’t rush it but be open to God speaking to you as you read.

  What did God say to you through this passage? Why don’t you pop it in the chat to encourage others?

  Devotional reflection: Ancient city gates are where people did important business deals. This is where legal matters were settled and people bought and sold things in the front of witnesses. The practice that Boaz engages in here is familiar to its time. In Mosaic law it doesn’t specify how many people but Boaz chooses a large amount. Ten people to oversee this transaction. This is smart on Boaz’s part. He knows that he needs some leverage and social pressure to make this transaction a success. Not only that he chooses elders of the town. This would have put pressure on the guardian-redeemer to do the right thing.

  I like that Boaz went above and beyond to do the right thing. Sometimes it is not just enough to do the right thing, but instead we are called to go beyond. In 1 Timothy 3:2, Paul tells Timothy that overseers of the church are to be “above reproach”. Jesus encourages His disciples to not just do what is required but to go the “second mile”. For us, it is not just ten elders watching on. It is the world around us. They are looking at our actions and judging our God. It is not just enough to do the right thing. The Bible says to Samuel of David in 1 Sam 16:7 “…The Lord does not look at the things people look at. The people look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” It is true that we must look at our heart and have it right before the Lord. However, let’s also keep in mind that we are called to reach people. The world judges by the outside appearance. We must keep our heart with all diligence AND at the same time deal with character and integrity with those in the world. It is this combination that God will use. Genuine Christianity both inside and out.

• ASK

  Prayerfully reflect how this passages applies to your life. Ask God to speak to you now

  GROW people prayer: 

  Holy Spirit, please reveal to me where my heart is out of line with You and give me the courage to change it. In the same way, please show me how my actions are seen by others. If there are areas of my life that I need to take my character to the next level, help me to change. I want to be close to You and effective in how I relate in my business and relationships with others that You may get all the glory.

  GO People prayer:

  Lord, thank you for using me to reach people for your kingdom today. Please take away anything of me that would hold people back from seeing You. Less of me and more of You, I pray. May my dealings and interactions with people leave them with a sense of your Spirit today.

• YIELD

  Take a look at the passage again. Take time to see if there is a word or phrase that the Holy Spirit reveals to you as a focus for your day today. 

  What has the Lord revealed to you? What will you take into your day today? What action is He asking you to take? Take a moment to pray a yielding prayer along these lines to the Lord today.

  Prayer for today: Lord, thank you for speaking to me to day. Give me courage to obey your word and yield to your Holy Spirit. I take seriously your leading today and seek to put your word into practice in my life through action today. Amen. 

RUTH DAY TWENTY TWO

• PAUSE

  [start with a moment to step out of your thoughts and life and into the presence of God]

  Lord, as I enter your presence now I take a moment to pause and to be still…. 

  ….to breath slowly and to re-centre my scattered thoughts and senses upon You.

  …. Speak to me I pray, and fill me with your Holy Spirit afresh this day. 

• REFLECT

  Take time to read through and reflect on the passage. Don’t rush it but be open to God speaking to you as you read.

  What did God say to you through this passage? Why don’t you pop it in the chat to encourage others?

  Devotional reflection: Names have been really important in this book so far. Elimelech meaning “God is king”; Naomi meaning “pleasant” ; Marra meaning “bitter"; Mahlong meaning “sickness”; Chilion meaning “wasting”; Ruth meaning “friend”; Boaz meaning “in him is strength”. 

  However, we get to Ruth 4 and the guardian-redeemer is not named. Here in the NIV it is translated as “friend”; however, in the Hebrew it is more ambiguous than that. A better way to translate it could be “so-and-so” or “no-name”. The literal Hebrew means “such and such” or “certain one”. 

  The author of Ruth has been so intentional with other names, but here a key person in the story is not named. Boaz certainly would have known his relative’s name, especially in such a small town, this person would not have been unknown. The point is, that this man passed on his redeemer duties. He decided that to marry Ruth would put at risk his own name being passed on and remembered. This is a poetic justice. Later in this chapter, we will see that the line of Ruth leads to David and ultimately Jesus. Ruth and Boaz’s names are recorded for all of history, and it starts with Boaz seeking to be a man of character and do the right thing. 

  Today, am I seeking to make a name for myself, or am I choosing to humble myself and do what is right? The kingdom of God shows that the way up is always down. 

  Philippians talks about how Jesus humbled himself for our sake to death on a cross. He was given the name above all names because of His actions. We are called to follow in His ways and remain humble servants of God for the glory of His name, not ours. 

• ASK

  Prayerfully reflect how this passages applies to your life. Ask God to speak to you now

  GROW people prayer: 

  Holy Spirit, it can be so easy to fall into the trap of pride. To not take action on things that are hard because of my own reputation. Please give me the courage today to remain humble. To put you front and centre. Help me to glorify Your name.

  GO People prayer:

  Lord, as I look at our world today I see much evidence of people making a name for themselves. Seeking to put their own desires for pleasure and power above Yours for this world. I pray today that You would humble the arrogant and elevate the humble that You may get the glory.

• YIELD

  Take a look at the passage again. Take time to see if there is a word or phrase that the Holy Spirit reveals to you as a focus for your day today. 

  What has the Lord revealed to you? What will you take into your day today? What action is He asking you to take? Take a moment to pray a yielding prayer along these lines to the Lord today.

  Prayer for today: Lord, thank you for speaking to me to day. Give me courage to obey your word and yield to your Holy Spirit. I take seriously your leading today and seek to put your word into practice in my life through action today. Amen. 

RUTH DAY TWENTYONE

• PAUSE

  [start with a moment to step out of your thoughts and life and into the presence of God]

  Lord, as I enter your presence now I take a moment to pause and to be still…. 

  ….to breath slowly and to re-centre my scattered thoughts and senses upon You.

  …. Speak to me I pray, and fill me with your Holy Spirit afresh this day. 

• REFLECT

  Take time to read through and reflect on the passage. Don’t rush it but be open to God speaking to you as you read.

  What did God say to you through this passage? Why don’t you pop it in the chat to encourage others?

  Devotional reflection: In this verse, Ruth must wait to see what God has for her. Meanwhile, Boaz does not rest until the matter is resolved.

  Wait vs. Do not rest.

  We’re all in different seasons in our walk with the Lord. For some, God is calling us to wait and rest. For others, it’s a season to act and make the most of opportunities. Life is not always about balance—it’s about knowing your season.

  Think of walking—it’s actually a constant imbalance from one leg to the other that propels us forward. If we’re too balanced, we stop moving.

  God gives us grace for the season we’re in. He wants us to keep walking with Him. It’s vital to hear whether He’s saying “wait” or “go.” Our posture in the waiting is very different from our posture in the going. Confusing the two leads to frustration.

  What season am I in? Waiting? Going?

  How do I make the most of the season I’m in? What is God asking of me right now?

• ASK

  Prayerfully reflect how this passages applies to your life. Ask God to speak to you now

  GROW people prayer: 

  Holy Spirit, speak to me. I want to know what season I’m in today. Help me not to force things when You are asking me to wait. And help me not to delay when You are calling me to act. Lead me clearly today.

  GO People prayer:

  Lord, I think of people in my life who are frustrated and struggling to understand their season. Speak to them, I pray. Help them know what You are asking of them in this season, even if they can’t see the full picture. Give them peace and clarity.

• YIELD

  Take a look at the passage again. Take time to see if there is a word or phrase that the Holy Spirit reveals to you as a focus for your day today. 

  What has the Lord revealed to you? What will you take into your day today? What action is He asking you to take? Take a moment to pray a yielding prayer along these lines to the Lord today.

  Prayer for today: Lord, thank you for speaking to me to day. Give me courage to obey your word and yield to your Holy Spirit. I take seriously your leading today and seek to put your word into practice in my life through action today. Amen. 

RUTH DAY TWENTY

• PAUSE

  [start with a moment to step out of your thoughts and life and into the presence of God]

  Lord, as I enter your presence now I take a moment to pause and to be still…. 

  ….to breath slowly and to re-centre my scattered thoughts and senses upon You.

  …. Speak to me I pray, and fill me with your Holy Spirit afresh this day. 

• REFLECT

  Take time to read through and reflect on the passage. Don’t rush it but be open to God speaking to you as you read.

  What did God say to you through this passage? Why don’t you pop it in the chat to encourage others?

  Devotional reflection: Boaz’s integrity and character are evident. He clearly has deep affection and respect for Ruth. He feels honored—perhaps even excited—about the idea of marrying her. Yet, he’s committed to doing things the right way.

  He doesn’t take advantage of Ruth. He treats her with dignity and is determined to act with righteousness.

  Sometimes I let emotions override wisdom. Opportunities can arise that are not simple right-versus-wrong choices—they are complex. Even good decisions, if made in the wrong way, can lead to bad outcomes. Timing, patience, communication, and process matter.

  What decisions are before me today? How can I approach them with wisdom and integrity?

• ASK

  Prayerfully reflect how this passages applies to your life. Ask God to speak to you now

  GROW people prayer: 

  Lord, help me grow in wisdom. I don’t want to rush into things just because I know what’s right. Give me sensitivity and discernment in every step I take today.

  GO People prayer:

  Lord, there is much brokenness in our world. I want to be part of making things right. Give me wisdom in how to live out Your purposes today. I pray for our church—grant us strategies to bring healing to our communities. Give us discernment to see Your kingdom come, for Your glory.

• YIELD

  Take a look at the passage again. Take time to see if there is a word or phrase that the Holy Spirit reveals to you as a focus for your day today. 

  What has the Lord revealed to you? What will you take into your day today? What action is He asking you to take? Take a moment to pray a yielding prayer along these lines to the Lord today.

  Prayer for today: Lord, thank you for speaking to me to day. Give me courage to obey your word and yield to your Holy Spirit. I take seriously your leading today and seek to put your word into practice in my life through action today. Amen. 

RUTH DAY NINETEEN

• PAUSE

  [start with a moment to step out of your thoughts and life and into the presence of God]

  Lord, as I enter your presence now I take a moment to pause and to be still…. 

  ….to breath slowly and to re-centre my scattered thoughts and senses upon You.

  …. Speak to me I pray, and fill me with your Holy Spirit afresh this day. 

• REFLECT

  Take time to read through and reflect on the passage. Don’t rush it but be open to God speaking to you as you read.

  What did God say to you through this passage? Why don’t you pop it in the chat to encourage others?

  Devotional reflection: Ruth’s character shines through. Her plan could have easily been misinterpreted by Boaz as dishonorable—turning up at the foot of his bed in the middle of the night. But Boaz praises her because of her known character.

  When Ruth and Naomi first entered the town in chapter 1, the whole town was stirred—they didn’t know Ruth or her intentions. But by chapter 3, Boaz can say that everyone knows Ruth as a woman of noble character.

  Character makes room for us. What we are known for is shaped in the small and big decisions we make each day. Every decision either moves us toward or away from our values.

  What decisions do I need to make today? How can I make choices that reflect Godly character?

• ASK

  Prayerfully reflect how this passages applies to your life. Ask God to speak to you now

  GROW people prayer: 

  Holy Spirit, show me clearly who You want me to be today. Help me make choices that align with that vision. I reflect now on the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Help me grow in these today.

  GO People prayer:

  Lord, help me live out Your values. I want my life to demonstrate the way You want us to live. May people see something different in me—and may it spark conversations about You. Let my actions speak volumes for the glory of Your kingdom.

• YIELD

  Take a look at the passage again. Take time to see if there is a word or phrase that the Holy Spirit reveals to you as a focus for your day today. 

  What has the Lord revealed to you? What will you take into your day today? What action is He asking you to take? Take a moment to pray a yielding prayer along these lines to the Lord today.

  Prayer for today: Lord, thank you for speaking to me to day. Give me courage to obey your word and yield to your Holy Spirit. I take seriously your leading today and seek to put your word into practice in my life through action today. Amen. 

RUTH DAY EIGHTEEN

• PAUSE

  [start with a moment to step out of your thoughts and life and into the presence of God]

  Lord, as I enter your presence now I take a moment to pause and to be still…. 

  ….to breath slowly and to re-centre my scattered thoughts and senses upon You.

  …. Speak to me I pray, and fill me with your Holy Spirit afresh this day. 

• REFLECT

  Take time to read through and reflect on the passage. Don’t rush it but be open to God speaking to you as you read.

  What did God say to you through this passage? Why don’t you pop it in the chat to encourage others?

  Devotional reflection: Nowhere else in the Bible do we see a custom like this. Ruth’s approach—turning up in the middle of the night and lying at Boaz’s feet—is unique. But unique problems often require unique solutions.

  Ruth was a foreigner, poor, and a widow living with her mother-in-law. The idea of her marrying Boaz—a wealthy, respected man—seemed like a long shot. Yet, this plan worked.

  What unique plans might God want to give me today? Nothing is impossible with Him.

• ASK

  Prayerfully reflect how this passages applies to your life. Ask God to speak to you now

  GROW people prayer: 

  Holy Spirit, guide my mind today. Your thoughts are higher than mine. Give me unique solutions to the unique problems I face—things I can’t figure out on my own. I quiet myself now to listen for Your voice and guidance.

  GO People prayer:

  Lord, I’m mindful of those around me who face tough situations. For some, it seems like there’s no way out. Please speak to them, Lord—or use me to share with them. Guide them with unique, God-given solutions.

• YIELD

  Take a look at the passage again. Take time to see if there is a word or phrase that the Holy Spirit reveals to you as a focus for your day today. 

  What has the Lord revealed to you? What will you take into your day today? What action is He asking you to take? Take a moment to pray a yielding prayer along these lines to the Lord today.

  Prayer for today: Lord, thank you for speaking to me to day. Give me courage to obey your word and yield to your Holy Spirit. I take seriously your leading today and seek to put your word into practice in my life through action today. Amen. 

RUTH DAY SEVENTEEN

• PAUSE

  [start with a moment to step out of your thoughts and life and into the presence of God]

  Lord, as I enter your presence now I take a moment to pause and to be still…. 

  ….to breath slowly and to re-centre my scattered thoughts and senses upon You.

  …. Speak to me I pray, and fill me with your Holy Spirit afresh this day. 

• REFLECT

  Take time to read through and reflect on the passage. Don’t rush it but be open to God speaking to you as you read.

  What did God say to you through this passage? Why don’t you pop it in the chat to encourage others?

  Devotional reflection: Ruth’s obedience and submission to her mother-in-law are striking—especially to modern readers. In Ruth 1, she declared her loyalty, saying Naomi’s people would be her people, and Naomi’s God would be her God. She put aside her own desires and submitted to Naomi.

  Ephesians 5:21 says, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” But what does healthy submission look like? The word "submission" can be broken into two parts: sub (under) and mission. Healthy submission is connected to a godly mission. What is God’s mission in our world, and how can we align with it?

  Ruth understood that God's plan for her life involved placing herself under Naomi’s godly leadership. Naomi wasn’t God, but God was using her. We aren’t called to blindly submit to every leader. People can fail us or have mixed motives. However, God does place people in our lives who can guide us. We must discern whether their direction aligns with God’s mission—then follow in obedience.

  Who has God placed in my life for this season? How can I align myself with His purposes? How do I choose healthy submission today?

• ASK

  Prayerfully reflect how this passages applies to your life. Ask God to speak to you now

  GROW people prayer: 

  Holy Spirit, please give me discernment today. I want to know Your mission for my life. Thank You for placing mentors, leaders, and friends around me who align with that mission. Help me to listen to them as You speak through them, and to have the courage to obey—even in the hard things.

  GO People prayer:

  God, awaken me afresh to Your mission today. Give me clarity of vision and purpose in all You’ve called me to do—for the benefit of Your kingdom.

• YIELD

  Take a look at the passage again. Take time to see if there is a word or phrase that the Holy Spirit reveals to you as a focus for your day today. 

  What has the Lord revealed to you? What will you take into your day today? What action is He asking you to take? Take a moment to pray a yielding prayer along these lines to the Lord today.

  Prayer for today: Lord, thank you for speaking to me to day. Give me courage to obey your word and yield to your Holy Spirit. I take seriously your leading today and seek to put your word into practice in my life through action today. Amen. 

RUTH DAY SIXTEEN

• PAUSE

  [start with a moment to step out of your thoughts and life and into the presence of God]

  Lord, as I enter your presence now I take a moment to pause and to be still…. 

  ….to breath slowly and to re-centre my scattered thoughts and senses upon You.

  …. Speak to me I pray, and fill me with your Holy Spirit afresh this day. 

• REFLECT

  Take time to read through and reflect on the passage. Don’t rush it but be open to God speaking to you as you read.

  What did God say to you through this passage? Why don’t you pop it in the chat to encourage others?

  Devotional reflection: Naomi is very strategic. She is not the type of person to sit back and let life just happen. Here, she encourages Ruth to take action and, through that action, see if God is in it. There is no mention of her praying or seeking God directly. Instead, she relies on the talents, wisdom, and giftings God has given her and moves forward.

  When seeking God’s plan for my life, I can be tempted to hold back. I sometimes use the excuse of needing more information or waiting on the Lord as a reason to avoid action. While it is good—and right—to seek God’s guidance, sometimes He wants us to use the initiative and wisdom He’s already given us.

  I’ve often found that it is in the going that God guides and leads. He has given us good minds and wisdom, and He intends for us to use them. As we step out, we must stay attentive to any redirection from Him. I often think God wants us to walkwith Him, not just sit with Him.

• ASK

  Prayerfully reflect how this passages applies to your life. Ask God to speak to you now

  GROW people prayer: 

  Holy Spirit, guide me today. I want to activate all You have placed within me. Help me to take bold steps of faith, knowing that I am not alone. I trust You to stop me if I’m going the wrong way or too fast, and to guide me if I stray. May I be attentive to Your voice and courageous as I walk with You today.

  GO People prayer:

  Lord, there is so much that can be done for Your kingdom. As I take a moment to pray, please direct my thoughts to a problem where I could be part of the solution today. Use me, Lord, as an instrument of change.

• YIELD

  Take a look at the passage again. Take time to see if there is a word or phrase that the Holy Spirit reveals to you as a focus for your day today. 

  What has the Lord revealed to you? What will you take into your day today? What action is He asking you to take? Take a moment to pray a yielding prayer along these lines to the Lord today.

  Prayer for today: Lord, thank you for speaking to me to day. Give me courage to obey your word and yield to your Holy Spirit. I take seriously your leading today and seek to put your word into practice in my life through action today. Amen. 

RUTH DAY FIFTEEN

• PAUSE

  [start with a moment to step out of your thoughts and life and into the presence of God]

  Lord, as I enter your presence now I take a moment to pause and to be still…. 

  ….to breath slowly and to re-centre my scattered thoughts and senses upon You.

  …. Speak to me I pray, and fill me with your Holy Spirit afresh this day. 

• REFLECT

  Take time to read through and reflect on the passage. Don’t rush it but be open to God speaking to you as you read.

  What did God say to you through this passage? Why don’t you pop it in the chat to encourage others?

  Devotional reflection: Naomi and Ruth have attained both food and safety. They have reached a level of security in their daily lives and are able to make ends meet. Things are no longer urgent.

  I imagine that at this point, a sense of relief was felt by both Naomi and Ruth. However, Naomi is not satisfied with just getting by. In this verse, she seeks to secure Ruth’s future. This is what Naomi had wished for her daughters-in-law back in Ruth 1, and now that her own needs are met, she doesn’t forget. She doesn’t get too comfortable or allow an opportunity for Ruth to pass by. Instead, she invests in the next generation and is concerned about legacy.

  How comfortable am I? Am I settled with just having my needs met and living a secure life? Or do I seek to set up the next generation for the future that lies ahead?

• ASK

  Prayerfully reflect how this passages applies to your life. Ask God to speak to you now

  GROW people prayer: 

  Lord, I am so grateful for all You have given me. Help me not to be someone who merely survives, but someone who is able to provide for others. In both tough and easy times, help me to maintain my focus on what is truly important—the lives of those around me.

  GO People prayer:

  Holy Spirit, today, place on my heart the people in my world whom I can help. May You equip me to support others in stepping into their God-given calling. Help me to see potential in people and be generous with the opportunities You’ve given me to set them up for success.

• YIELD

  Take a look at the passage again. Take time to see if there is a word or phrase that the Holy Spirit reveals to you as a focus for your day today. 

  What has the Lord revealed to you? What will you take into your day today? What action is He asking you to take? Take a moment to pray a yielding prayer along these lines to the Lord today.

  Prayer for today: Lord, thank you for speaking to me to day. Give me courage to obey your word and yield to your Holy Spirit. I take seriously your leading today and seek to put your word into practice in my life through action today. Amen. 

RUTH DAY FOURTEEN

• PAUSE

  [start with a moment to step out of your thoughts and life and into the presence of God]

  Lord, as I enter your presence now I take a moment to pause and to be still…. 

  ….to breath slowly and to re-centre my scattered thoughts and senses upon You.

  …. Speak to me I pray, and fill me with your Holy Spirit afresh this day. 

• REFLECT

  Take time to read through and reflect on the passage. Don’t rush it but be open to God speaking to you as you read.

  What did God say to you through this passage? Why don’t you pop it in the chat to encourage others?

  Devotional reflection: Naomi’s shift continues here - she is able to lift her eyes and bless the Lord for His kindness and provision. Naomi sees that God has not forgotten her or Ruth and that He is still writing their story - showing His steadfast, covenant love.

  This chapter ends with simple faithfulness. Ruth keeps showing up to work in the field, keeps doing the things that she knows to do. Sometimes God’s goodness is seen in outrageous provision or events but more often than not we see God’s goodness through steady trust and daily obedience as we keep doing the simple things and going about our lives. Don’t underestimate the power of a simple life of faithfulness. Keep doing the things and trusting that God sees and walks with us through each of our seasons.

• ASK

  Prayerfully reflect how this passages applies to your life. Ask God to speak to you now

  GROW people prayer: 

  Lord, thank you for your steadfast love and kindness that never ends or gives up on me. Help me to embrace simple faithfulness in my daily life, trusting that you see my obedience and remind me that you are walking with me today. Amen.

  GO People prayer:

  Father, I pray for my community, that they will continue in simple faithfulness. Help them to keep showing up and doing what they know to do, trusting that your goodness is evident even in the mundane. Remind them, today that you see them and are with them. Amen.

• YIELD

  Take a look at the passage again. Take time to see if there is a word or phrase that the Holy Spirit reveals to you as a focus for your day today. 

  What has the Lord revealed to you? What will you take into your day today? What action is He asking you to take? Take a moment to pray a yielding prayer along these lines to the Lord today.

  Prayer for today: Lord, thank you for speaking to me to day. Give me courage to obey your word and yield to your Holy Spirit. I take seriously your leading today and seek to put your word into practice in my life through action today. Amen. 

RUTH DAY THIRTEEN

• PAUSE

  [start with a moment to step out of your thoughts and life and into the presence of God]

  Lord, as I enter your presence now I take a moment to pause and to be still…. 

  ….to breath slowly and to re-centre my scattered thoughts and senses upon You.

  …. Speak to me I pray, and fill me with your Holy Spirit afresh this day. 

• REFLECT

  Take time to read through and reflect on the passage. Don’t rush it but be open to God speaking to you as you read.

  What did God say to you through this passage? Why don’t you pop it in the chat to encourage others?

  Devotional reflection: Today’s passage sees a shift in Naomi. In chapter 1 we see her pain poured out in renaming herself Mara, meaning bitterness. But now Naomi begins to see signs of God’s care for her and Ruth. We see a shift in her being able to bless, even in her pain.

  When we experience God’s unexpected provision it renews our hope. It reminds us that He has not forgotten us, that He sees us, even in seasons of grief or struggle. That’s why it’s so important for us to share our stories of provision. They remind us of God’s faithfulness, His provision and love for us. Where has God provided unexpectedly for you? Share this story today! We need your stories to encourage us in our faith.

• ASK

  Prayerfully reflect how this passages applies to your life. Ask God to speak to you now

  GROW people prayer: 

  Father, thank You for your unexpected provisions that renew my hope and remind me that you see me. Help me to boldly share my faith stories so that others will see your goodness and put their hope and trust in you. Amen.

  GO People prayer:

  Lord, I pray for those around me who are in seasons of grief or struggle or are feeling forgotten. I ask that you would surprise them with your kindness and provision, today. Give them the courage to share their faith stories to encourage those around them to hope in you. Amen.

• YIELD

  Take a look at the passage again. Take time to see if there is a word or phrase that the Holy Spirit reveals to you as a focus for your day today. 

  What has the Lord revealed to you? What will you take into your day today? What action is He asking you to take? Take a moment to pray a yielding prayer along these lines to the Lord today.

  Prayer for today: Lord, thank you for speaking to me to day. Give me courage to obey your word and yield to your Holy Spirit. I take seriously your leading today and seek to put your word into practice in my life through action today. Amen. 

RUTH DAY TWELVE

• PAUSE

  [start with a moment to step out of your thoughts and life and into the presence of God]

  Lord, as I enter your presence now I take a moment to pause and to be still…. 

  ….to breath slowly and to re-centre my scattered thoughts and senses upon You.

  …. Speak to me I pray, and fill me with your Holy Spirit afresh this day. 

• REFLECT

  Take time to read through and reflect on the passage. Don’t rush it but be open to God speaking to you as you read.

  What did God say to you through this passage? Why don’t you pop it in the chat to encourage others?

  Devotional reflection: Boaz again reveals that he is a man that honours and loves the Lord. He goes beyond reasonable provision and offers Ruth lavish generosity, ensuring that this generosity is extended to her from all his workers. Lavish generosity. Abundance.

  We serve the God who lavishly pours His generosity and abundance over our lives. He doesn’t give us just enough to get by but delights in providing us with more than enough, and richly pours out what we need and more. What is it that you need from the Lord today? Be specific - be bold in your asking. He is not a God who withholds but desires to pour out His steadfast love, grace and kindness over our lives. 

• ASK

  Prayerfully reflect how this passages applies to your life. Ask God to speak to you now

  GROW people prayer: 

  Father God, thank you for your lavish generosity and abundance in my life. I ask boldly today for my specific need… I thank you and trust that you delight in pouring out your steadfast love, grace, and kindness over me. Amen.

  GO People prayer:

  Lord, I pray for those in my community who are in need. I ask that you would show them your lavish generosity and empower them to ask boldly for what they need. May they experience your abundant provision, knowing you are a God who delights in giving good gifts. Amen.

• YIELD

  Take a look at the passage again. Take time to see if there is a word or phrase that the Holy Spirit reveals to you as a focus for your day today. 

  What has the Lord revealed to you? What will you take into your day today? What action is He asking you to take? Take a moment to pray a yielding prayer along these lines to the Lord today.

  Prayer for today: Lord, thank you for speaking to me to day. Give me courage to obey your word and yield to your Holy Spirit. I take seriously your leading today and seek to put your word into practice in my life through action today. Amen. 

RUTH DAY ELEVEN

• PAUSE

  [start with a moment to step out of your thoughts and life and into the presence of God]

  Lord, as I enter your presence now I take a moment to pause and to be still…. 

  ….to breath slowly and to re-centre my scattered thoughts and senses upon You.

  …. Speak to me I pray, and fill me with your Holy Spirit afresh this day. 

• REFLECT

  Take time to read through and reflect on the passage. Don’t rush it but be open to God speaking to you as you read.

  What did God say to you through this passage? Why don’t you pop it in the chat to encourage others?

  Devotional reflection: Proverbs 22:1 states, "A good name is more desirable than great riches; favour is better than silver or gold." Our reputation matters and makes a way for us. Ruth’s good name or her reputation spoke of her costly love to Naomi and her bold trust in God. She left everything that was familiar and sought refuge in the Lord. 

  When we take faith steps we, like Ruth, are saying “Lord, I don’t know the details, I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I choose to take a step towards you and trust that you will be my refuge”. Bold trust. I believe the Lord is pleased by our faith steps and that He sees them and will reward them. Like Ruth, we can trust that God is the One who provides for us, will bring security and a covering to us. That picture of the Lord providing refuge for us under His wings is a beautiful picture of our God, who is over all, yet tenderly cares for us.

• ASK

  Prayerfully reflect how this passages applies to your life. Ask God to speak to you now

  GROW people prayer: 

  Lord God, I choose to take a faith step today, trusting you with the unknown details of my life. I name them specifically now…Help me to understand what it is to take refuge under your wings. Amen.

  GO People prayer:

  Father, I pray for those I know who are facing uncertainty and need to take steps of faith. I name them and their details now…Give them the courage and boldness to trust you completely, knowing that you are their refuge and provider. Amen.

• YIELD

  Take a look at the passage again. Take time to see if there is a word or phrase that the Holy Spirit reveals to you as a focus for your day today. 

  What has the Lord revealed to you? What will you take into your day today? What action is He asking you to take? Take a moment to pray a yielding prayer along these lines to the Lord today.

  Prayer for today: Lord, thank you for speaking to me to day. Give me courage to obey your word and yield to your Holy Spirit. I take seriously your leading today and seek to put your word into practice in my life through action today. Amen. 

RUTH DAY TEN

• PAUSE

  [start with a moment to step out of your thoughts and life and into the presence of God]

  Lord, as I enter your presence now I take a moment to pause and to be still…. 

  ….to breath slowly and to re-centre my scattered thoughts and senses upon You.

  …. Speak to me I pray, and fill me with your Holy Spirit afresh this day. 

• REFLECT

  Take time to read through and reflect on the passage. Don’t rush it but be open to God speaking to you as you read.

  What did God say to you through this passage? Why don’t you pop it in the chat to encourage others?

  Devotional reflection: The passage today, again speaks of Boaz’s kindness and that he is a man of good character who follows the Lord. He offers Ruth protection and provision and Ruth’s response is humble wonder - that she would find favour, as a foreigner, amongst a people that were not her own. 

  We too can relate to Ruth’s response. We have been welcomed into God’s family - spiritual outsiders that have been welcomed in as God’s own people. Offered God’s protection and provision and accepted into the family of believers. Let’s live with this reminder today and think of someone that we can reach out to, to encourage them that they are seen and that they are a valuable member of the body of Christ.

• ASK

  Prayerfully reflect how this passages applies to your life. Ask God to speak to you now

  GROW people prayer: 

  Lord, I thank you for the way that have welcomed me into your family - that you call me your son or your daughter. Thank you for your protection and provision. Help me to live today knowing I am fully loved and fully accepted by you. Amen.

  GO People prayer:

  Father God, I pray for those in my life who may feel like outsiders or that they aren't seen. Show me who you would have me reach out to today and remind them that they are valued and an important part of our church family. Amen.

• YIELD

  Take a look at the passage again. Take time to see if there is a word or phrase that the Holy Spirit reveals to you as a focus for your day today. 

  What has the Lord revealed to you? What will you take into your day today? What action is He asking you to take? Take a moment to pray a yielding prayer along these lines to the Lord today.

  Prayer for today: Lord, thank you for speaking to me to day. Give me courage to obey your word and yield to your Holy Spirit. I take seriously your leading today and seek to put your word into practice in my life through action today. Amen. 

RUTH DAY NINE

• PAUSE

  [start with a moment to step out of your thoughts and life and into the presence of God]

  Lord, as I enter your presence now I take a moment to pause and to be still…. 

  ….to breath slowly and to re-centre my scattered thoughts and senses upon You.

  …. Speak to me I pray, and fill me with your Holy Spirit afresh this day. 

• REFLECT

  Take time to read through and reflect on the passage. Don’t rush it but be open to God speaking to you as you read.

  What did God say to you through this passage? Why don’t you pop it in the chat to encourage others?

  Devotional reflection: This passage reveals to us that Boaz is a man who follows the Lord and treats his workers with kindness and respect. The way he greets his workers and the way they respond reveals a workplace that is shaped by faith. When Boaz learns about Ruth, he discovers her hard work and devotion to Naomi. 

  As followers of Jesus, we can shape the environments we find ourselves in and be noticers of others. The Holy Spirit gives us insight into others’ situations and the things they are facing. Boaz noticed diligence and loyalty in Ruth. And Ruth’s work ethic and loyalty to her family stood out in a time when many did only what was right in their own eyes. Both Boaz and Ruth’s example encourages us to be people that understand what it is to carry the Lord’s presence into the places we find ourselves in, that the way we conduct ourselves matters and to be people that recognise and call out the good we see in others.

• ASK

  Prayerfully reflect how this passages applies to your life. Ask God to speak to you now

  GROW people prayer: 

  Holy Spirit, I ask that You would give me the discernment to notice others around me, just as Boaz noticed Ruth. Help me to carry your presence into every environment I enter and to bravely call out the good I see in others. Amen.

  GO People prayer:

  Father, I bring my friends and family before you now. Help them to be people who shape their environments with Your presence and kindness. Give them eyes to see the good in others and be people of encouragement. Let this point others to you, Lord Jesus. Amen.

• YIELD

  Take a look at the passage again. Take time to see if there is a word or phrase that the Holy Spirit reveals to you as a focus for your day today. 

  What has the Lord revealed to you? What will you take into your day today? What action is He asking you to take? Take a moment to pray a yielding prayer along these lines to the Lord today.

  Prayer for today: Lord, thank you for speaking to me to day. Give me courage to obey your word and yield to your Holy Spirit. I take seriously your leading today and seek to put your word into practice in my life through action today. Amen.