It’s Who You Know
Sunday, November 10
Psalm 127:1-2
Have you built or dreamed of the perfect house? Mine would have lots of land and pine trees. It would have plenty of room for my family to come visit.
But does a dream home bring you peace? Can someone own mansions and still live with loneliness and sorrow, chaos, and strife? Yes, we know this is true.
I met a young man named Daniel from Thailand. He lived in a one-room bamboo hut with nine others. His joyful face shined with the love of the Lord. His actions showed peace.
We can work ourselves to a frazzle while protecting what we have—desperately working for food and needing sleep. Without the peace and love of God, we might as well be living in a shack. Let us not get caught up in the struggles of life and forget we have a loving God who is here to see us through anything.
Lord, thank you for the things you’ve given me. Help me to keep my eyes on you. Because it’s not about the possessions I own; it’s who I know. AMEN.
Strongest Love
Monday, November 11
Ruth 1
Naomi had it made. Being a member of the MOB (Mother of Boys) in those days was a great honor. As a mom of two sons, I am also a member of this elite group.
But tragedy struck, and Naomi, whose name meant “pleasant,” turned bitter and she became Mara. Her husband passed away, and her two sons also died. Can you imagine such sorrow? Those losses took away all her social and financial standing. Yet through her fearful worries and heartfelt grief, God sustained her. Inside she felt bitterness, but her daughters-in-law received her attentive and loving care. Why else would they leave their homeland to follow Naomi? Orpah did return with great sorrow. Ruth saw how God gave her mother-in-law strength to keep loving. Naomi sacrificed her own well-being and urged Ruth to go back as well. Ruth replied with great passion, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God” (v. 16, NIV).
Lord, give us the courage we need when going through the hardest of times. Show us how to love as Naomi did. Amen.
Kindness Of Boaz
Tuesday, November 12
Ruth 2
Here is Boaz, a wealthy bachelor, probably thinking he will remain so. He isn’t as young as other available men. Overseeing his fields one day he notices a new woman. In curiosity, he asks his workers about her. He hears a story of great loyalty and sacrifice. It’s a tale of two women traveling alone to a foreign land. One is a Moabite. The other is her Jewish mother-in-law. The Moabite woman lowers herself for her mother-in-law to scavenge for leftovers in his fields. He is struck by her loyalty and humility. He hears of her working from morning to the end of the day for food, with little rest. He decides she deserves help, and we see his true nature. Boaz makes certain she is not hurt by the men working in his field. He asks them to leave extra shafts of wheat out for her. He provides water and food for her. Little does he know how much these caring acts will affect his own life and his nation.
Lord, help us to be kind. We never know how you will use even the smallest act. Bless us with the ability to bless others. Amen.
Triangle Of Trust
Wednesday, November 13
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
Naomi continues to show her love and concern for Ruth. She wants her to have a safe home and a husband. Realizing Boaz is a kinsmen-redeemer to Ruth, she acts as a matchmaker. She instructs Ruth to bathe and put on perfume. When Boaz is sleeping, she is to lie down at his feet and uncover them. In this way, she is asking him to marry her. In Joshua 1 God tells Joshua he possesses “every place where you set your foot” (v. 3, NIV). So the sole of the feet stepping on something meant (in that culture) “taking possession” of it. Ruth obeyed, and after making certain no other relative wanted to step in, Boaz accepted.
Naomi saw the opportunity God presented. She trusted him and stepped up. Not knowing the culture, Ruth trusted Naomi and her God. Boaz completed this triangle of trust when he married Ruth. Soon a child was born. Naomi again had a family and a safe place to lay her head. The child, Obed, was the father of Jesse, the father of David.
Lord, please teach me to listen like Naomi, trust like Ruth, and have the courage to step into new opportunities like Boaz. Amen. .
Kardashian Christians
Thursday, November 14
Mark 12:38-44
Have you seen the rich and famous strut on television? How about in the Christian world—those who make sure everyone hears their long and wordy prayers? They delight in rooting out people who are deemed not good enough. They demand that their voice be heard in meetings. They make sure every dramatic deed is seen. Their talent, money, and self-promoting wisdom follow them down the aisles. They have plenty to give away without any true sacrifice or real humility. How about the quiet giver who doesn’t feel their gift is good enough? I’m not a best-selling author, but I love to write. I’m an artist but I don’t sell my paintings in a gallery. My gift may not be big or exciting, but I know my words can touch at least a few lives. My drawings may bring a chuckle or a tear now and then. My few coins may not seem worthy, but they are all I have, and I am determined to use every bit for God.
Lord, make my small giving big. Help me to give sacrificially. Use my money, talents, and time to bless others and show your love. AMEN.
Focus!
Friday, November 15
Mark 14:1-9
I was a part of a startup church, and over the years we assembled in various school gymnasiums. Once we were worshiping in a strip mall next to a sports bar that played very loud music. Finally, we were able to build our own building. Everything was new. Our church children felt the excitement, but soon we heard grumblings. Slow down! Don’t climb on that! Stop running your dirty hands on the walls! The adults were worried about the cost of repairing. Instead of rejoicing and celebrating, some were concerned about the bottom line. But we had children in our church! Kids can make it hard to have nice things (just ask any parent), but having their presence in our church was priceless.
The disciples focused on the cost of the perfume. It wasn’t even their perfume! Jesus appreciated the outpouring of love the woman showed him. “Why are you bothering her?” he asked. He knew he wouldn’t be with them long. He cared more about her sacrificial heart. Priceless.
O Father, help me to see with your eyes. Help me to remember that things are never as important as people. Amen.
Strong Tower
Saturday, November 16
Psalm 61:1-5
Refuge. Not a place to live in, but a place to run to. For King David, that meant running from death threats and raging emotional turmoil. Here is what the thesaurus says for refuge: peace, safety, haven, hideaway, hiding place, protection, resort, retreat, sanctuary, security, shelter.
When I think about those who need refuge, I imagine war-torn countries and children enduring abuse. I also see moms inundated
with activities and the strain of holding safe the hearts of their children.
I see men struggling to be great dads and to be good at their jobs.
I see singles holding the load alone, pushing forward in a stressful world.
Maybe the refuge is from worry and self-doubt, the effort to keep going in life when the road ahead seems blank and empty. My refuge is when I take time to meditate on God’s Word and lose myself in prayer.
I feel a shelter taking me out of harsh plops of rain and being suddenly dry. Safe. Relaxed. Refuge for me is when hope returns.
Lord, lead me to the rock that is higher than I am, to the strong tower. Amen.
