Ruth = (H)"friendship" - daughter-in-law of Naomi, wife of Boaz, and grandmother of David

The book of Ruth is the most perfect example of the Lord's love and care for the individual.  It is an inexhaustible study of His character, compassion and care for His people.  For this entry I would like to focus on Boaz as a type of our "kinsmen Redeemer."
Although my title describes the meaning of the name Ruth, it is also revealing of the Lord's character toward His people.

1. Boaz came (from Bethlehem/house of bread) 2.4
2. Boaz commanded 2.8
3. Boaz cared 2.9
4. Boaz considered (her faith) 2.11,12
5. Boaz comforted 2.13,14
6. Boaz continued (His care for her) 2.16
7. Boaz character (revealed and praised) 2.20

1.  When He "came," how is it He "came" to such a lowly one as Ruth?  He spied her and what did He see that drew His attention?  Surely it wasn't the outward appearance only. He was a wealthy, powerful man in His time.  He would have injured a good reputation by even acknowledging such an one. (I Pet 1.2, Rom 8.30)

ELECTION

2.  But He did see her and knew she needed His watchcare, whether she realized that fact or not.  So, He "commanded" the way she was to go.  (Rom. 8.29)

SOVEREIGNTY

3.  From the beginning, He proved His love by His care for her.  He knew the dangers, although she could not see them. (Jn. 13.1)

COMPASSION

4.  Why would such a rich, powerful, influential man give a care about such a lowly creature?    Boaz made it His business to know all about this woman.  Why?  Ruth never sought the limelight, she was humble as befitted her station but more as befitted her heart.  God honors such a spirit.  (Mt. 6.4, 6, 18)"He that seeth the in secret shall reward thee openly."

COMFORTER

5.  He knew she would have need of nourishment, whether she had considered her need or not.  Often, we get so "busy," we are "too busy for God."  Resting along life's way is every bit as important as doing the Lord's business.  We fail to remember, He was here before we were!  He has never needed us but for reason's known only to Him He "desired/willed" our lives...  He is not a hard taskmaster.

OMNISCIENT

6.  "There shall be showers of blessings...." It is of His good will" He does this or that.  If He chooses to drop us a "few handfuls on purpose." Amen!  Eph.1.5, 9; Phil 2.13

7.  It seems clear that Naomi could see all there was to see and know about this "Kinsman Redeemer."  The aged woman, who had lived through death, bitterness, heartache, trial and sorrow could clearly understand all this Man would benefit them.  Much like the Holy Ghost, who is our Paraclete/called alongside to help, knows all the benefits, blessings and wonderment of adoring and praising the Lord Jesus Christ and the Father.  The Holy Ghost, like Naomi, who will teach, guide and direct us if we only but yield, submit and of course, ask.

Conclusion of this brief study?  Just as the name "Ruth" means "friend," so, the Lord Jesus is One whom we can trust in every part of our lives.  He is after all, "the Alpha and Omega, Beginning and Ending, Bright and Morning Star, Ancient of Days, and a "Friend that sticketh closer than a brother."

 

Why didn't Jonah drown?!

So, I'm reading about Jonah for tonight's class.  The lesson is entitled "correct."  Obviously, the children are to be taught about the consequences of disobedience.  The thought that leaps out at me is this; Why didn't Jonah drown!

Ah, my  favorite doctrine, Sovereignty!

• God commanded (not suggested), "Arise, go to Nineveh..."  

The Lord even told Jonah why He told him to go; "their wickedness is come up before me."  God does not owe any of us an explanation for His commands but in this case, the preacher had a "need to know."

• As you all know, of course, this believer, "went the other way!"

Also, as you all know, Jonah's actions caused others grief.  You know, "the great wind...and mighty tempest in the sea..." that would have sank the ship, in a hurry!
So, "the mariners...knowing only 'a god' could cause such a thing, 'cast lots.'"

• Guess who got the shortest straw?  Yep, right again, Jonah!

Jonah accepted responsibility for this mess and said "cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm..."
Moral men that they were, they tried a few other things; like rowing harder.  Of course, that didn't work, so, in the end they did as Jonah said.
Now, the interesting part, we know, because the bible said so, that the Lord "had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah..."

• We know the rest of the story - 3 days/nights, the fish regurgitating one baptist preacher....

•  Still, the thought I  cannot get away from is "Why didn't Jonah drown?"

• Because, dear christian/reader, God had a purpose.   

God always has a purpose.  He makes no move without one.  Why?  "He has mercy on whom He will." (Jn 5.21, Rom 5.18, Mal 3.16) The Lord purposed to save Nineveh from destruction at this time and determined to use a Baptist preacher to do it despite that preachers objections!

• So, no matter how deep or how long He had to stay under, Jonah COULDN'T drown!  

What a blessed thought, even when I am stiffnecked concerning His will, He will effects events in such a way as to bring me into compliance.  I can not drown!  However, just like Jonah was in the belly of the smelly fish, one can make things harder on oneself if  we don't submit to His will.
You are welcome, have a blessed day!:)

Holding back - Spiritual death for the believer!

Joshua 7 records the story of how one man caused defeat for the whole camp.  The conquest of Jericho was ended in chapter 6.  This Achan must have felt victorious.  He must have also felt proud.  We learn in the OT that "pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Prov. 16.18) 
It seems reasonable and clear that this Achan thought with "God on our side, how can we fail?"  He failed to remember one little thing; all material spoils should have gone to the "house of the Lord," not in his private "kitty." 
God rewards faithfulness but to His glory, not personal gain.  (I Cor. 10.31)
For this act of greed and pride, this man was stoned along with all his family.
Pride and greed have no part in the life of a believer.  It is certain spiritual death!  Deal with covetousness.  Confess prideful thoughts and behaviors.  Then, one may "live and dwell" in Canaan.

...the blessing and the curse...

Deuteronomy 30.1
What is meant by "calling to mind the blessing and the curse?"  It seems one would desire to forget about any evil brought to one's life. 
Here is what the Lord impressed on my heart;
This verse is about being a witness of all God has done, the good and bad.  The writer said "when,"  you call them to mind "among the nations," not if you speak of Him.  When a christian begins to tell, on unction of the Holy Ghost, of the things God has done, it is as natural as breathing to recall what one has been delivered from as well as the blessings and benefits. 
It has been said only one truly guilty can appreciate a pardon.
The Psalmist wrote, "the judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether." (Ps. 19.9)

With the above thought, Bro. Spurgeon had a great meditation this day regarding "the Light." See the link below.   It is my desire to stay in His light and speak of "all His judgements."

http://www.spurgeon.org/fcb/fcb.cgi

Why can't I associate with these people?

It's been a while since my last post.  However, the day is getting busier by the moment.  So, I will just stop and see what is in recent devotions.  I have moved on, slowly, in the book of Deuteronomy.  In reviewing recent notes, Deuteronomy 23.1-8 strikes me.  When reading this passage, my mind asked the question, "Who is restricted from entering 'the congregation of the Lord?'"
The answers I found are as follows:

• v1 - the eunch
• v2 - an illegitimate individual
• v3 - those of a different faith or persuasion

The obvious next question is, "why?"  Why would anyone not be welcome in the "congregation of the Lord."  "The congregation..."  God's people were forbidden to associate with the three groups labeled above.  Politically correct?  No, of course not!  Right with God in doing so?  Absolutely!

So, why are the three groups unable to "mix and mingle" with God's people, "the congregation of the Lord?"

Deuteronomy 23.14 reads, "For the Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy:  that He see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee."
I see three things to answer today's question;

1. to deliver thee
2. to give up (destroy) thine enemies
3. be holy

The last point, being the most important to the other two, is key.
He says, "be ye holy, for I am holy." (I Pet 1.16, Lev 11, 19 & 20).  This is not a suggestion, it is a command from the OT & NT!  Logically speaking, "how can one be holy when mixing with unholy things?"
God called Himself an earthly people and a spiritual people.  Jew and Gentile.   If one is "of either group,"  there  is no excuse for being "unequally yoked" with unbelievers or believers (so-called), who practice in any way the characteristics of the three groups mentioned.

Rather than go into lengthy discussions about each group, it is my prayer, that anyone taking the time to read this post, will search out the matter.  The truth is from 2 Cor. 6.17, we are to live "separate" from this present world.  We are not "better than them," but we are to be separate and unspotted (Jms 1.27) from them.  Is it categorically, "us and them?"  Yes.  However, on further meditation, by grace we are in the category, "of some have compassion, making a difference." (Jude v22)

God bless you and keep you as you continue to "work out your own salvation (the way that you live) in fear and trembling." (Phil 2.12)