Scripture: Ruth 1-2.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Ruth 2:8-10 (NLT)

8 Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. 9 See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.”

10 Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.”

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

After the death of her husband, Ruth could have easily left her mother-in-law Naomi to fend for herself, while she go and fend for herself – but she didn’t. When Naomi decided to return to her homeland, Ruth had every reason to stay in her own land and be near to her family and her place of worship – but she didn’t. Ruth felt a God-given responsibility to care for her mother-in-law, and God blessed her immensely for that. Did God owe her anything? No, not really. However, because of her kindness and deliberate attempts to extend the hand of God in this way, God showered blessings on her. For it was no coincidence that she wound up in the field of Boaz. It was very much God’s direction to Boaz in accepting this woman in his fields and then providing her need for food for her and Naomi. We have these same forms of blessings each and every day friends. It is unfortunate that we attribute this to good luck, or happen chance. Instead of doing like Ruth did to Boaz, that we bow at the feet of Jesus and give Him thanks for each and every thing that He does for us. God knows our heart and our intentions and He will reward us in due time. Let’s be on the lookout for those blessings and be very careful to give God the glory for His faithfulness to us.

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Father I could very easily see all that Ruth did to show her love for her mother-in-law, and how she deserved your love and reward in return. I would only ask that You open my eyes to the needs around me, and give me the wisdom of how to best show Your love to those in need so that You may receive honor and glory. Thank You for Your faithfulness towards me in so many ways. Like Ruth, I can very easily ask “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” However, in spite of my question, I must say thank You for all that You do for me and provide for me. You are indeed my faithful and just Master!

 

àWords underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com.
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