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How to Lead During Chaos and Catastrophe — 2 Chronicles 7:12-16

May 24, 2013 in 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, 2013 Journey, Fear, leadership, Prayer, Success, Tough Times with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  1 Kings 8:54-66; 2 Chronicles 7:1-10; 1 Kings 9:1-9; 2 Chronicles 7:11-22;1 Kings 9:10-14

Today was a great day in the life of Solomon.  He and the Israelites were coming to the end of a fourteen-day celebration to dedicate the Temple of the Lord.  He had waited for this day since his father ,David gave him the charge to build the Temple when he was just a boy.

The king and all of Israel brought thousands of animals to sacrifice on this special day.  After Solomon finished making prayers and petitions to the Lord he stood up and in a loud voice blessed the entire congregation of Israel.  And before they could start the fire to sacrifice the first animal God showed His pleasure by sending “heavenly” fire to burn up the sacrifices.

Can you imagine putting an animal on the altar and then “poof” fire comes out of the sky and instantly burns it to ashes?

Solomon was probably on cloud nine.  For God to display His approval meant he had successfully completed the job he was born to do.  While he was still enjoying his success the Lord appeared to him and told him three things:

  • I have heard your prayer and have chosen this Temple as the place for making sacrifices.
  • At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you.
  • Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place.  For I have chosen this Temple and set it apart to be holy—a place where my name will be honored forever.  I will always watch over it, for it is dear to my heart.   (2 Chronicles 7:12-16)

God encouraged Solomon with the promise that if His judgment (by drought, locusts, or a plague) should fall on the nation for their sins, then they need only to turn to the Lord in earnest humility and repentance and they would find forgiveness and restoration. God told Solomon exactly what to do if and when his kingdom what struck with chaos or catastrophe.

We may not have droughts, grasshoppers and plagues… but we do have volcanoes erupting, tsunamis, tornadoes and earthquakes, not to mention all of our man-made problems.  God’s promise to Solomon still holds true in 2013…

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.

Heavenly Father, our country and our world needs your healing.  This scripture is talking to US– Your people; those who profess to be Christians.  Help us as the church to live out this scripture daily. As Dr. Wayne Lee  said in a message to our church, “God expects his servants to lead amid catastrophic and chaotic changes in culture and societies.”  Help us Lord to humble ourselves, pray, seek Your face, and turn from our sin so that you can heal our land and use us for Your Glory in these challenging times.

In Jesus Name— Amen and Amen

 


 

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  2 Chronicles 8: 1-18; 1 Kings 9: 15 through 1 Kings 10: 13; 2 Chronicles 9: 1-12, 1 Kings 10: 14-29; 2 Chronicles 9: 13-28; 2 Chronicles 1: 14-17

How to Get Your Prayers Answered—Psalm 79:9

May 19, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Biblical Principles, Depression, Divorce, Failure, Family, Finances, Health, leadership, Marriage, Parenting, Prayer, Spiritual Disciplines, Tough Times, Trials, Workplace with 1 Comment

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Psalms 79 through 82

Do you struggle in knowing how to pray?

Do you question the discipline of prayer when your prayers aren’t answered?

Then I would encourage you to read Psalm 79 out loud.

As you read this imagine Asaph as a mediator between the Israelites and God. His way of talking to God in this psalm reminds me of Moses.

Asaph gives God the gory details of everything that is going on in “His” (God’s) land.  It’s the same old story:  complaint, prayer, and promise to be good next time (Does this sound familiar?)

But in verse nine it takes an interesting turn.  Here’s the prayer we can learn from Asaph—

Help us, O God of our salvation!

Help us for the glory of your name.

Save us and forgive our sins

For the honor of Your Name.

Psalm 78:9

What could happen–

–if–

the only thing we cared about was making sure our life glorified and honored the name of Jesus?

I know Asaph wanted God to go in and kill their enemies, so his motive may not have been entirely pure, but there’s still a lesson for us to learn.

This life is not about our glory.

It’s not about our leaders’ glory.

It’s not about our country’s glory.

It’s about pointing EVERYTHING and EVERYONE to Jesus so that He receives the glory and the honor.

What if our prayers sounded something like this…

  • when we prayed for finances– we prayed for God to intervene so that He would receive glory and honor
  • when we prayed for a spouse– we prayed for God to divinely place us with the person in whom He could get the most glory
  • when we prayed for a career change– we believed God for His Glory and Honor to be noticed is His career choice for us
  • when we prayed for our healing –we first asked God what we needed to do to facilitate the healing process and then we asked him to intervene in our health in a way that would bring His Kingdom the most glory

Friends, make no mistake, I am not here yet!

But I want to be; I’m moving toward this goal by “Knowing Him More.”

The bottom line: 

If every prayer we prayed asked God to work the circumstances so that He received the glory and the honor, ALL of our prayers would be answered!

 

To God Be The Glory!

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Psalm 83; 1 Chronicles 29:23-25; 2 Chronicles 1:1; 1 Kings 2: 13 through 3:4; 2 Chronicles 1: 2-6; 1 Kings 3: 5-15; 2 Chronicles 1:7-13

9 Things to Do When You Feel Hopeless–Psalm 143

May 15, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Believing God in the Hard Times, Choices, Depression, Failure, Fear, Health, Prayer, Tough Times, Trials, Trust with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 131, 133; Psalms 138-141, 143

Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die. –Psalms 143:7

Have you ever been in this place?

King David, “The man after God’s own heart,” who wrote these words knew about depression.  He probably didn’t call it depression. Depression is a term that has become a household word only in the last 40-50 years, but he certainly mentioned one of the common characteristics of depression–hopelessness:

What do you do when you’ve lost all hope?

God allowed David to go through times of depression and hopelessness. He also  had David journal these times in the Psalms so that you and I can make it through our times of hopelessness.

If you are severely depressed by all means seek medical help, but for many of us following David’s example could be the missing piece in our pursuit of hope.

Here’s what David did:

1. Go to God–Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea (Psalm 143:1).

2. Tell Him exactly how you feel-My enemy has chased me.  He has knocked me to the ground and forces me to lie in darkness like those in the grave.  I’m losing all hope; I’m paralyzed with fear (Psalms 143:3-4).

3. Remember–I remember the days of old, I ponder all Your great works and think about what You have done (Psalms 143:5).

4. Spend time worshiping God–I lift my hands to You in prayer.  I thirst for You as parched land thirsts for rain (Psalms 143:9).

5. Update God on your Progress–Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depressions deepens.  Don’t turn away from me, or I will die (Psalms 143:7).

6. Trust God for the outcome–Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting You (Psalms 143:8).

7. Ask for direction–Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you (Psalms 143:8b).  May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing (Psalm 143:10b).

8. Be teachable–Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God (Psalm 143:10).

9. Have the right motive–For the glory of Your name, O Lord, preserve my life.  Because of Your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress (Psalms 143:11).

Heavenly Father, I pray for my friends who feel hopeless tonight. Pursue them. Come close.  Lord, help them to know that Your Word is their lifeline. Holy Spirit, speak to them. Give them hope.  Heal their sadness.  Replace it with Your joy.  Lord, do it for the Glory of Your Name.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!



©2013, Dianne Guthmuller
 
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 144-145; Psalm 88-89

What If–Psalm 124

May 14, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Believing God in the Hard Times, Choices, Depression, Fear, Psalms, The Hurting World, Tough Times, Trust with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Psalm 103; Psalms 108 through 110; Psalms 122, 124

Do you ever play the “what-if” game?

What if I would have…

  • been born at a different time
  • lived in a different country
  • had a different set of parents
  • married a different person
  • been smarter, thinner, darker, lighter, etc…

King David played the what-if game too:

1 What if the Lord had not been on our side?
Let all Israel repeat:
2 What if the Lord had not been on our side
when people attacked us?
3 They would have swallowed us alive
in their burning anger.
4 The waters would have engulfed us;
a torrent would have overwhelmed us.
5 Yes, the raging waters of their fury
would have overwhelmed our very lives.

6 Praise the Lord,
who did not let their teeth tear us apart!
7 We escaped like a bird from a hunter’s trap.
The trap is broken, and we are free!
8 Our help is from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.

          Psalm 124

I can just see King David looking out over Jerusalem at sunset, rubbing his chin and saying these words and then pausing for a long time to think about what it would be like and then saying the words again.

What if the Lord had not been on your side?

Where would you be?

I’m serious when I say this, if the Lord had not been on my side I believe I would be in a psych hospital or dead.  I’m not trying to be a drama queen, but I cannot put into words the peace that Jesus Christ has brought into my life…peace in the midst of life’s storms.

I often wonder how people who don’t believe in Jesus cope with the day-to-day challenges of life.  Who do they turn to in the middle of the night when they’re scared to death?  Where do they go when life just doesn’t make sense?

These are tough times that we live in.  It’s really easy to ask questions like:

What if…

  • I lose my job
  • I lose my house
  • I get cancer
  • I lose my religious freedom

The list could go on and on—

As Christians we will always have a choice…

We can live in constant fear

Or we can say with David…

Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!

Amen and Amen!

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller
 

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 131, 133; Psalms 138 through 141; Psalm 143

 

Who Do You Know That’s Crying for Help? –Psalm 69

May 13, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Obedience, Prayer, The Hurting World, Tough Times with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Psalm 68 through 70; Psalm 86; Psalm 101

Many years ago I had a dear friend who made a one night mistake that wound up taking her life.

For years I didn’t know what was wrong; finally about ten months before she died she told me—she had A.I.D.S.  I knew she had been very sick, but the naïve person that I am would have never suspected that dreaded disease.

A few days following that life-changing conversation the Holy Spirit prompted me to write prayers from the scriptures everyday for my friend and mail them to her.

Not long after I began the daily prayers I came across Psalm 69.  The Lord used this Psalm to show me the pain, sadness, shame, loneliness and desperation my friend was going through.

Save me, O God,
for the floodwaters are up to my neck.
2 Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire;
I can’t find a foothold.
I am in deep water,
and the floods overwhelm me.
3 I am exhausted from crying for help;
my throat is parched.
My eyes are swollen with weeping,
waiting for my God to help me.
4 Those who hate me without cause
outnumber the hairs on my head.
Many enemies try to destroy me with lies,
demanding that I give back what I didn’t steal.

5 O God, you know how foolish I am;
my sins cannot be hidden from you.
6 Don’t let those who trust in you be ashamed because of me,
O Sovereign Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
Don’t let me cause them to be humiliated,
O God of Israel.
7 For I endure insults for your sake;
humiliation is written all over my face.
8 Even my own brothers pretend they don’t know me;
they treat me like a stranger.

9 Passion for your house has consumed me,
and the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.
10 When I weep and fast,
they scoff at me.
11 When I dress in burlap to show sorrow,
they make fun of me.
12 I am the favorite topic of town gossip,
and all the drunks sing about me.

13 But I keep praying to you, Lord,
hoping this time you will show me favor.
In your unfailing love, O God,
answer my prayer with your sure salvation.
14 Rescue me from the mud;
don’t let me sink any deeper!
Save me from those who hate me,
and pull me from these deep waters.
15 Don’t let the floods overwhelm me,
or the deep waters swallow me,
or the pit of death devour me.

16 Answer my prayers, O Lord,
for your unfailing love is wonderful.
Take care of me,
for your mercy is so plentiful.
17 Don’t hide from your servant;
answer me quickly, for I am in deep trouble!
18 Come and redeem me;
free me from my enemies.

19 You know of my shame, scorn, and disgrace.
You see all that my enemies are doing.
20 Their insults have broken my heart,
and I am in despair.
If only one person would show some pity;
if only one would turn and comfort me.
21 But instead, they give me poison[a] for food;
they offer me sour wine for my thirst.

I am suffering and in pain.
Rescue me, O God, by your saving power.

30 Then I will praise God’s name with singing,
and I will honor him with thanksgiving.
31 For this will please the Lord more than sacrificing cattle,
more than presenting a bull with its horns and hooves.
32 The humble will see their God at work and be glad.
Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged.
 33 For the Lord hears the cries of the needy;
he does not despise his imprisoned people.

Friends, someone you know is crying for help today!

No, my friend wasn’t healed of her sickness.

She went through tremendous physical and emotional suffering but at God’s perfect time she was rescued from it all; like David she praised God’s name with singing and honored Him with thanksgiving.  She told me of multiple “God moments” during her last days and wrote many beautiful songs that are still blessing others today.

There are many, many people suffering today and crying out for help.  You and I may be God’s answer to their prayers.  Yes, we feel helpless, but if we step out to help them God will make a way for us to know how they feel.

Thank you David for being obedient to God and opening up your heart to give us a glimpse your pain so that we may comfort others.

Lord, I pray that you will use us to help the hurting!  No, we can’t help everyone, but we can help someone.  Show us the “one”  Holy Spirit.   Help them to “Hold Fast, Help is on the Way.”  Use us Jesus, to be your hands to the hurting.

In Jesus Name, Amen and Amen!

YouTube Preview Image

 ”Hold Fast, Help is on the Way” by Mercy Me

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Psalm 103; Psalms 108 through 110; Psalms 122, 124

Have You Ever Felt Abandoned by God? –Psalm 22:1

May 8, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Believing God in the Hard Times, Depression, Divorce, Holiness, Parenting, Psalms, Rejection, Tough Times, Trials, Trust with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 22-26

At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock.  At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”  –Matthew 27:45-46

I’ve read and heard these words countless times over the years but today I saw them in Psalms 22 and I was surprised:

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
Why are you so far away when I groan for help?  
Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer.
Every night you hear my voice, but I find no relief.
Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them.
They cried out to you and were saved.
They trusted in you and were never disgraced.    –Psalms 22:2-5
 

Yes, David penned those words many years before Jesus shouted them on the cross.

Jesus AND David felt abandoned by God.

Have you ever felt abandoned by God?

Have you ever felt like God did not answer?

David used a word that we need to remember when we feel abandoned:

Yet

My paraphrase of Psalm 22:1-5

Lord, I feel like you’ve abandoned me.  I call you, but You do not answer.  I know You hear me, but you are sending me no relief.

Yet, 

You are still holy.  

You still deserved my praise.  

Our ancestors trusted You when they felt abandoned.  

They cried out to You and You saved them.  

They were never disgraced by trusting You.  

So I’m going to do the same.

Do you feel abandoned today?

Tell the Lord exactly how you feel and when you’ve said all you need to say, add this line:

Yet, You are Holy Lord.  I don’t understand but I praise You and I trust You.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 27-32

1 Possible Cause of My Tough Times? –2 Samuel 12:11-12

April 27, 2013 in 1 Chronicles, 2 Samuel, 2013 Journey, Choices, Depression, Divorce, Failure, Finances, Forgiveness, Health, Sin, Tough Times, Trials with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  2 Samuel 12: 26-31; 1 Chronicles 20: 2-3; 2 Samuel 13: 1 through 14:33

In yesterday’s reading Nathan spoke for the Lord and confronted David of his sin of murdering Uriah and sleeping with Uriah’s wife.  As we discussed yesterday David was sincerely repentant.

The Lord immediately forgave him

but

there were consequences to his actions that would go on throughout his life and into the next generation:

  • The child that he fathered with Bathsheba died
  • From that day forward David’s family would live by the sword
  • David’s household would rebel against him
  • David’s wives would be given to another man and  he will go to bed with them in public view
  • All these things would become public knowledge

As we move into today’s reading we begin to see these things come to pass.

I found an interesting article that helped me to understand how these hard things could happen to someone who was forgiven and set a part for God’s service.

Here is an excerpt from The Law of Sowing and Reaping  by Don Rousu:

In the Book of Genesis we find the expression of a seed principle that runs throughout the scriptures, and a principle that will endure as long as the earth. Chapter 8, verse 22 reads, “As long as the earth endures, seed-time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.” In other words, seed-time and harvest, that is “sowing and reaping”, will be as unchangeable and predictable as day and night.

Sowing and reaping is a law, like the law of gravity. The law of gravity always works the same way for everyone. So does the law of sowing and reaping. It’s a fixed principle that God built into his creation. In Galatians 6:7, we are told, “Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”

Essentially, this means that every action has a predictable consequence. If I sow corn, I’ll get corn, not potatoes. If I sow radishes, I’ll get radishes, not squash… It also works the same way in the spiritual realm. If I sow (give away) life to others, I will reap life myself.  If I sow provision for others, I will reap provision for myself. If I sow forgiveness toward others, I’ll reap forgiveness for myself…

And I’ll add to that…

If I sow hate for others, I will reap hate from for myself.

If I sow unforgiveness toward others, I’ll reap unforgiveness for myself.

Today the rebellion of David’s household begins:

  • The tragic rape of Tamar
  • David becomes angry but does nothing to address this family sin
  • Absalom determines to kill Amnon and conceals his intentions for two years
  • Absalom begs his father David to attend a feast at his house but for some reason he refuses
  • Amnon goes in David’s place; Absalom’s servants kill Amnon
  • David refuses to see his son for two years
  • Absalom forces Joab to intercede, and David welcomes Absalom home

There have been many times I tried to pray away Satan, the enemy of my soul, out of my life when in reality  I was reaping what I had sown.

Here are a few examples that come to mind:

  • Financial problems-trying to live beyond my means
  • Health Issues-Not treating my body as the temple of God
  • Scheduling Issues- Over-committing and wondering why I can’t get it all done
  • Bitterness-Lack of Forgiveness that was sucking the life out of me

I know that there are times God makes an exception and minimizes the reaping process but many times He does not.

As a disclaimer, I must say that there are many examples in the Bible where God’s people reap good AND bad things that they didn’t sow but when we go through tough times we must self-assess with the help of the Holy Spirit our responsibility to our circumstances.

As I look back on my life I may have made the same mistakes again if I had not had to do some reaping!

Heavenly Father, I don’t want to reap tough times and tough situations.  Help me to sow good things into my life and the lives of others.  Lord, when I make a mistake and sow the wrong thing, help me to learn from my mistakes and move through the reaping as quickly as possible.

In Jesus’ Name!  Amen and Amen!

 

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  2 Samuel 15:1 through 17:14

What Do Others Think About Your Life? –1 Samuel 25:23-28

April 17, 2013 in 1 Samuel, 2013 Journey, leadership, Tough Times, Trials with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 23:13-29; Psalm 54; 1 Samuel 24:1-25:44

What do people think when they see your life and your relationship with Jesus Christ?

Here’s what Abigail thought about David’s life:

“Even when you are chased by those who seek to kill you, your life is safe in the care of the Lord your God, secure in his treasure pouch! But the lives of your enemies will disappear like stones shot from a sling!” –1 Samuel 25:29

What does it mean to be secure in God’s treasure pouch?

I would love to say that being in God’s treasure pouch means that no harm will come to us, but David’s life is a perfect example to the contrary–He was running for his life, living in caves and scrounging for food.

When I think of a pouch full of treasure there would only be three reasons for the owner to pull out the treasure:

  1. To count it, polish it, or admire it
  2. To show it to someone else
  3. To use it to buy something more valuable

It seems to me that God has done all three with His treasures:

  • He had Moses count all the Israelite men over 20 years old.   –Numbers 1:1-3
  • He bragged to Satan about his servant Job.   –Job 1:8
  • He allowed His Son to die on the cross to buy eternal life for you and me.  –John 3:16

Friends, you and I are God’s treasures:

The Lord has declared today that you are his people, his own special treasure, just as he promised, and that you must obey all his commands. –Deuteronomy 26:18 (NLT)

If you feel like God has pulled you out of His treasure pouch, just know that He’s either admiring your growth, showing you off for His Glory, or using your pain to buy the salvation of someone who doesn’t know Him.  The only place that’s safer than God’s treasure pouch is His hands!

Heavenly Father, I pray that as others look at my life they will see me as one of Your treasures.  Use me for Your Glory.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

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©2013, Dianne Guthmuller


Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Samuel 26:1-27:7; 1 Chronicles 12:1-7; 1 Samuel 27:8-29:11; 1 Chronicles 12:19; Psalm 56

Your Heavenly Father’s Advice on Rejection–1 Samuel 8:4-8

April 10, 2013 in 1 Samuel, 2013 Journey, Depression, Divorce, Encouragement, Failure, Family, Tough Times with 0 Comments


Today’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 4:12-8:22

Rejection.  We all know what it feels like, but for some of us rejection defines us.  It’s the common thread in the tapestry of our lives.

Our Heavenly Father understands:

Finally, all the elders of Israel met at Ramah to discuss the matter with Samuel. “Look,” they told him, “you are now old, and your sons are not like you. Give us a king to judge us like all the other nations have.”

Samuel was displeased with their request and went to the Lord for guidance.  “Do everything they say to you,” the Lord replied, “for it is me they are rejecting, not you. They don’t want me to be their king any longer. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually abandoned me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment.  Do as they ask, but solemnly warn them about the way a king will reign over them.” –1 Samuel 8:4-8

Friends, do you hear the message?

Do you get it?

EVERYONE including the God of the universe gets rejected.

Your Heavenly Father understands your pain.  He’s felt it. He still feels it.  People are still rejecting Him.

Think about it, the cross is the perfect symbol of rejection.

Whether it’s rejection from a spouse, parent, family member, friend, employer, or church; God shows in 1 Samuel 8:4-8 the way to deal with it.

Here are two New Testament scriptures that expand on God’s message to Samuel:

If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. –Matthew 10:14

But if the husband or wife who isn’t a believer insists on leaving, let them go. In such cases the Christian husband or wife is no longer bound to the other, for God has called you to live in peace. –1 Corinthians 7:15

Friends, if someone doesn’t want you, let them go.

Open your heart, open your hands.  Release them.

Heavenly Father, I pray for my friends who are experiencing the pain of rejection.  Comfort them Lord.  Help them to release those who have rejected them.  Remind them that you understand. Guide and direct them.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller


Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 9:1-12:25

Don’t Settle –Ruth 1:1-4:12

April 7, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Believing God in the Hard Times, Biblical Principles, Choices, Christian Singles, Divorce, Giving Our Best to God, Goals, Issues Women Face, Ruth, Success, The Hurting World, The Promises of God, Tough Times, Trials, Trust with 1 Comment

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Ruth 1:1 through Ruth 4:12

In yesterday’s reading we saw what can happen when we do what’s “right” in our own eyes and in today’s scripture we see what happens when we do what’s “right” in God’s eyes.

I love the story of Ruth.

It’s a beautiful love story…

It’s  a beautiful picture of God’s provision for us

It’s a wonderful example of the blessings in doing the right thing.

Ruth’s pledge to Naomi is one of the most famous found in any literature, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back.  Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live.  Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.  Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried.  May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” –Ruth 1:16-17

Ruth is a shining example of what to do when trouble comes in our lives.

We have three choices when we’re faced with a time of crisis, we can either: endure it, escape it, or enlist it. If we only endure our trials, then trials become our master, and we have a tendency to become hard and bitter. If we try to escape our trials, then we will probably miss the purposes God wants to achieve in our lives. But if we learn to enlist our trials, they will become our servants instead of our masters and work for us; and God will work all things together for our good and His glory (Rom. 8:28).   Wiersbe, Warren W.: Be Committed. Wheaton, Ill. : Victor Books, 1996, c1993 (An Old Testament Study. Ruth and Esther), S. Ru 1:1

One of the things I find interesting is Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi was the first thing that Boaz “noticed” about her (2:11-12).  Here’s a huge message for Christian singles—do what’s right in God’s eyes and your testimony will be the very thing that attracts a godly mate.  Unfortunately, most singles do the opposite of Ruth… they put their relationship with God on the shelf and go out looking for another person to fill that place that only God can fill. When they find what they think is a suitable fit, they go and try to pick up with God where they left off and wonder why their marriage doesn’t work.  I’m sure Ruth wanted a man in her life and I’m sure she could have found “someone” but God had a plan; her kinsman redeemer.  Thank God she didn’t settle!

Our heavenly Father had a plan for a kinsman redeemer for us too!  Jesus Christ…he paid a high price for us.  Let’s not settle!

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller


Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Ruth 4:13 through Ruth 4:22, 1 Chronicles 2:9 through 1 Chronicles 2:55, 1 Chronicles 4:1 through 1 Chronicles 4:23, 1 Samuel 1:1 through 1 Samuel 1:8

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