RUTH DAY FIVE
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[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.
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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: Perhaps this is one of the most well known verses in the book of Ruth. This statement of absolute dedication and loyalty to Naomi from Ruth is definitely admirable. Ruth has realised that Naomi is someone God has called her to do life with and she is committing to giving up marriage prospects, other friendships, her home and her people to stay with Naomi. She is determined to stay close to Naomi no matter what happens.
The statement “May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely…” is a phrase that is used often in the Old Testament. It is the language of an oath before God and before others. It is more than a promise. It is commitment that Ruth wholeheartedly dedicates herself to.
Who are the people in my life that God has called me to commit wholeheartedly to?
What does this require of me today?
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Prayerfully reflect how this passages applies to your life. Ask God to speak to you now
GROW people prayer:
Lord, thank you for the community of people you have placed me in. You have given me a church, a family and many friends. I don’t take it lightly. Please highlight to me today in which ways I should whole-heartly commit to these relationships. Give me the courage and determination to make sacrifices where needed and invest into those around me.
GO People prayer:
Lord there are people in my world that are not always easy to stay connected to. It requires a lot of me. Help me today to be filled with determination even when relationships are hard knowing that you have called me to be in their lives. Give me wisdom and courage to navigate these relationships.
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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.