A.S.K. GOD INTO YOUR THANKSGIVING

Matthew 7:7

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."(NLT)

Have you read the book of Ruth in the Old Testament lately? This book has four short chapters and would only take less than THIRTY MINUTES to read. Can you spare thirty minutes? Of course, you can. 

Grab your Bible and let's get started! You will be amazed at the inspiration and insight into the character of God as you read this book. If you are new to the Scriptures I have a few summary statements and questions to help you observe and apply the Word of God to your life as you read. If you have been a Christian for any period of time but need a new passion while reading the Scriptures, I want to invite you to read the summary statements and questions as well. 

Chapter 1: There has been a famine in Bethlehem so Elimelech moves his family to a foreign land without asking God first. While they are there the sons get married and then eventually all the men die leaving the women alone and barely surviving.
           Have you ever made a major decision for yourself or your family without asking      
           God first?  What were the results?
Reread verse 20 as Naomi comes to a major turning point in her life:
"Don't call me Naomi," she told them. "Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life bitter."
You see at this point, Naomi can only see her life in chapter one from her perspective. She has not tried to look at her circumstances from God's perspective. She does not know she has victory and blessings coming in chapter four.
            How about you? Do you look at things in your life from your perspective or 
            do you try to look at things from God's perspective?

Chapter 2: Naomi and Ruth have traveled alone and returned to Bethlehem. The two women have no way to pay for food so Ruth chooses to go out to the fields and glean them for leftovers. Don't miss this or overlook this event, this is where God shows up. Out of all the fields in the countryside God directs Ruth to a field that is owned by Boaz, a distant relative of Elimelech. Ruth is obedient and then God blesses her. Read verses 12-14. 
             This is a good reminder, God shows up in our lives only after we are obedient with a    
             submissive spirit to his call and plan for our lives.

Chapter 3 and 4: In the last two chapters we see how God orders the steps and lives of Ruth and Naomi. God uses Boaz to complete and bless their lives and places Ruth in the line of David. In chapter 4 we see Naomi is holding her grandson, who will eventually be in the line of David who is in the line of Jesus. Another reminder, you may think your own life (your chapter one) is "bitter" and "discouraging" but never forget, God has a wonderful chapter 4 for you and for me, just like Naomi. 
              Are you living in a bitter state of mind right now or are you willing to trust God and 
              live with a joyful attitude? 

May I encourage you to A.S.K. God into your thanksgiving this week and this year.

Ask God

Seek His Plan

Keep your eyes on Jesus with Thanksgiving!