RUTH DAY SIXTEEN

  • [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. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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. 

Ben CochraneComment