Introduction to Our Study
Introduction: The first time I seriously studied the book of Ruth I realized that God's love for me was much greater than I previously understood. Not surprisingly, Ruth also became one of my favorite people. Like Mary, the mother of Jesus, she was obedient and faithful. But, when Ruth “fell on her face, bowing to the ground” (Ruth 2:10 NASB) in gratitude and reverence before Boaz, she reminded me of Mary Magdalene. Moreover, she reminds me of myself, a woman, once without hope, now redeemed in the most unlikely way. I have confidence this love letter titled Ruth will take you on a similar journey where you will discover how much God loves you, too. As we step into this narrative we also step back […] Read more »
Living Love: Love Is Kind
February Series: Living Love Musing 4 of 4 - Love Is Kind But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. —Titus 3:4-7 NIV There’s a difference between being civil and being kind. Quite frankly, it’s much easier to be civil. Simply being courteous doesn’t require much more than a please or a thank you. Sometimes, it just means ignoring weird behavior […] Read more »
Living Love: Unfailing Love
February Series: Living Love Musing 3 of 4 - Unfailing Love “Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.” 1 Corinthians 13:8 NKJV One of the most poignant moments I’ve ever experienced was attending the sixtieth wedding anniversary of our dear friends, Bob and Bunny, who thoroughly loved and enjoyed life, the Lord, and each other. One of their greatest fears had always been to out-survive the other. Unbeknownst to the couple, their family had arranged for them to renew their vows at this celebration. Now beckoned forward by our pastor, frailed by the years, they slowly made their way across the lawn arm in arm. […] Read more »
Living Love: God Is Love
February Series: Living Love Musing 2 of 4 - God Is Love … God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. —1 John 4:16b NIV I have noticed how often love is misconstrued. I called it love when I saw my future husband, Marty, for the first time and there was “chemistry” between us. A feeling of giddiness and euphoria produced by endorphins and norepinephrine (also gifts from God) gave me the warm fuzzies, but it wasn’t love. Yes, it was fun, made me feel happy, and led to a loving relationship, but most people call that initial “feeling” love. But love defined by God is much greater than a feeling—it is a Person. 1 John 4:16b says, […] Read more »
Living Love: Love Is Patient
February Series: Living Love Musing 1 of 4 - Love Is Patient Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. —1 Corinthians 13: 4 NIV My father-in-law was bent over the tiny necklace with pliers in one hand and a magnifying glass propped up by the other. He had been focused on his task for at least an hour. I was amazed at his patience and perseverance as he slowly detangled the little-girl necklace loved by my daughter. Earlier, she had come to us in tears, crying because her favorite little necklace chain was knotted up beyond fixing. I certainly had agreed with her assessment and was ready to throw it away when Dad […] Read more »