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.