Day 9 - Ruth 4:1-6 Opening Prayer: LORD, You also went to great lengths to redeem Your bride. Like Boaz, You are devoted, loving and faithful to fulfill your promises! Read: Ruth 4:1–6 In your 4R journal: Record: After reading this short story, what verse stood out to you? Respond: Write a short prayer of praise in response to what God has shown you. Like Jesus, Boaz was compelled by love and would not rest “until the matter was settled.” That very day Boaz orchestrated an impromptu business meeting at the city gate with the “other” close relative. After calling him “friend” Boaz asked him to come and sit with him. Most likely, he suspected something serious was about to take place when ten elders […] Read more »

Day 8 - Ruth 3:10-18 Opening Prayer: Father, may I be as bold as Ruth when it comes to prayer and receive Your blessing as Your precious, beloved daughter. Read: Ruth 3:10-18 In your 4R journal: Record: After reading this short story, what verse stood out to you? Respond: Write a short prayer of praise in response to what God has shown you. As startled as Boaz must have been to find a woman at his feet, he didn’t seem surprised by Ruth’s proposal. In fact, Boaz did his homework and already knew that he wasn’t the closest relative. Talk about a cliffhanger! Can you imagine how Ruth felt when she heard this? Uh…What? That was not part of the plan! Reflection: Share about a […] Read more »

Day 7 - Ruth 3:1-9 Opening Prayer: Father, may I always seek Your covering and remain at Your feet in close communion with You. Read: Ruth 3:1-9 In your 4R journal: Record: After reading this short story, what verse stood out to you? Respond: Write a short prayer of praise in response to what God has shown you. It’s amusing to discover how many times the Old Testament depicts a mother who has a plan. Of course, Naomi’s intentions were good, nevertheless, she had a definite strategy to secure the future of her daughter-in-law. “Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes” (Ruth 3:3 NIV). In other words, Naomi told Ruth to get gussied up and make herself known. In fact, why don’t you […] Read more »

Day 6 - Ruth 2:14-23 Opening Prayer: Abba, Father, may I be satisfied with You as I eat the bread of life and drink Your living water.  Read: Ruth 2:14-23 In your 4R journal: Record: After reading this short story, what verse stood out to you? Respond: Write a short prayer of praise in response to what God has shown you. Verse fourteen opens with Boaz orchestrating their first date, although they did eat with the harvesters. He offers Naomi some bread dipped in wine vinegar. Imagine Ruth, sitting among the reapers with the smell of sweat and roasted grain surrounding her. With stolen glances she tries to understand Boaz’s intentions. He passes her some grain and, for a moment, their hands touch. She quickly […] Read more »

Day 5 - Ruth 2:1-13 Opening Prayer: Father, help me to see the things that “just so happen” as providential. You are always working in the lives of your children! Read: Ruth 2:1-13 In your 4R journal: Record: After reading this short story, what verse stood out to you? Respond: Write a short prayer of praise in response to what God has shown you. Chapter two opens like the second act of a play. They are back in Bethlehem. Ruth and Naomi found a place to live but it’s unclear where they’re staying. Also, the Bible tells us that they arrive at the beginning of the Barley Harvest (See Leviticus 23:9-13). Then, faithful Ruth asks Naomi, “Please let me go to the field and glean […] Read more »

Day 4 - Ruth 1:14-22  Opening Prayer: Father, make me a loyal follower of Christ. Give me the same heart for Jesus that Ruth had for Naomi. Read: Ruth 1:14-22 In your 4R journal: Record: After reading this short story, what verse stood out to you? Respond: Write a short prayer of praise in response to what God has shown you. What a beautiful love relationship Ruth had with her daughters-in-law! Ruth turned to the young women and prayed over them, “Go back,” She pleads. Ruth thought she had nothing to offer them that they couldn’t receive from their own mothers. But she did have something to offer––her love and her God. And she gave it in the blessing, “May the Lord show you kindness, as you have […] Read more »

Day 3 - Ruth 1:6-13 Opening Prayer: Father, when I am grief-stricken, teach me to return to you. Thank you for making a way, even in our darkest days. Read: Ruth 1:6-13 In your 4R journal: Record: After reading this short story, what verse stood out to you? Respond: Write a short prayer of praise in response to what God has shown you. After the loss of her two sons Naomi decided to return home to Bethlehem. (If you read closely, you will see some form of the word “return” over and over in chapter one, which is a picture of repentance or returning to God.) At first both daughters-in-law followed her. Nevertheless, Naomi urged them to return home as she blessed them. Reflection: Have […] Read more »

Day 2- Ruth 1:1-5 Opening Prayer: Father, help us to see your hand in suffering as we read about Naomi’s loss.  Read: Ruth 1:1-5 In your 4R journal: Record: After reading this short story, what verse stood out to you? Respond: Write a short prayer of praise in response to what God has shown you.   Is there anything more unsettling to a wife and mother than moving to a new home, especially in a town or country where you may not be accepted? Ironically, death, the very thing Elimelech tried to avoid in Bethlehem, came upon him in Moab. Afterward, Chilion and Mahlon, Naomi’s sons, wed Moabite women. Reflection: Have you ever made a hasty decision because you thought it was the only way? […] Read more »

Day 1 - Ruth 1-4 Opening Prayer: Lord, please bless my time in Your Word today. Reveal Your truth and draw me closer to You. Are you ready for an adventure? Okay! Read through the entire book of Ruth. (Yes, all four chapters.) It should take all of ten minutes. Afterword, you can say you read through a whole book of the Bible in one sitting! More importantly, you’ll see God’s providence and planned redemption from beginning to end. Go ahead, I’ll wait… Wasn’t that amazing! In your 4R journal: Record: After reading this short story, what verse stood out to you? Respond: Write a short prayer of praise in response to what God has shown you. My Verse: Ruth 4:14, “Then the women of […] Read more »