Luke 12:49-50"I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled!  But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished!"...  Read More

The Joy Set Before UsAnd when they saw the star, they were so ecstatic that they shouted and celebrated with unrestrained joy. When they came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, they fell to the ground at his feet and worshiped him. Matthew 2:10-11a TPTJoy: the praise-filled assurance that God is in control and working everything out for our good and His glory.It can be d...  Read More

The Thrill of HopeImagine it’s a dark, silent night and you’re in a field surrounded by sheep. Suddenly, a host of angels appears and proclaims that after 400 years of waiting, the hope of the world has arrived­—a baby called Immanuel, “God with us.”It can be easy to focus on difficult circumstances or experiences, especially after the challenges of the past year. But Advent offers us an opportuni...  Read More

Anticipating ChristmasFor to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIVWhat are you looking for this Christmas? Maybe you’re trying to process a difficult decision, and you’re in need of a Wonderful Counselor. Perhaps you’re feeling like you’ve reac...  Read More

The story of Ruth is part of the grander story of God’s plan to bring redemption to the world. Through the lineage of Obed, Ruth’s son with Boaz, Christ was born of a virgin named Mary. Jesus is the greater Kinsman Redeemer who brought salvation from sin and death to all who put their faith in Him for forgiveness of sin.Our choice to obey God today will impact generations to come. Are we leaving a...  Read More

God poured out His blessings on Ruth and moved her from barrenness and loss to fruitfulness and abundance. He is always faithful to provide for His children, but we must trust in His timing and wait for Him to open the doors. Famine is but a season, and now feasting has come.Are you in God’s waiting room right now? Ask God to strengthen your resolve to continue to obey. His promises will never fai...  Read More

When Naomi left Moab, she encouraged Ruth to stay because she would not have another son to marry. But, God is not limited to meeting our needs in expected ways. Here the same people who witnessed Naomi and Ruth return through the city gates empty are present to observe firsthand God’s providential blessing.Maybe you are standing empty handed right now, and you cannot see how God will turn around ...  Read More

The redeemer who was first in line declined to step forward and perform the role because it did not serve his own interest. Caring for his personal needs superseded any generosity or sacrifice to serve the needy widow and her daughter-in-law. Rather than step forward, he passed on the responsibility to Boaz and lost the blessing God had in store for the husband of Ruth.When we see a need, are we m...  Read More

Boaz tells Ruth to lay at his feet, but he never touches her and protects her modesty by cautioning his servants to shield her from shame. Let’s be honest: Boaz shows extreme self-control that is rarely evident among wealthy, powerful men. Ruth was an easy target in a dark room full of men that night, but he championed her purity.Sexual purity is designed by God to protect us from brokenness of bo...  Read More

Luke 1:46-55And Mary said:"My soul exalts the Lord,And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.For the Mighty One has done great things for me;And holy is His name.And His mercy is upon generation after generationToward those who fear Him.He has done mighty deeds with His...  Read More

Boaz is a man of honor, and rather than rashly respond out of emotion, he makes a rational choice that protects Ruth and ensures she will be provided for as God intends. He understands that compromise and cutting corners will not be blessed by God, so he waits until morning and follows the protocols God has outlined for the kinsman redeemer.If we grow impatient with God’s timing and directives, we...  Read More

Ruth was a beautiful woman both in appearance and in character, and this did not escape the notice of Boaz. He commended her for being a woman of courage, strength, and moral integrity. Her reputation as a “good woman” was evident to everyone who had met her since her return with Naomi.When we choose to obey God and live a righteous life, those in our circle of influence will note how the leading ...  Read More