Arise and Abide

Reading Psalms 66:1-20 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. David calls on all people to shout God’s praises, not just praise the LORD but also point others to God. The call to declare and share. Speak to God directly and tell the whole world. God keeps our feet from stumbling and purifies us like silver. Purifying sliver takes extreme heat. Purification process in our lives, God allows us to experience the consequences of our judgments so that we might surrender our judgments and embrace God’s Word of truth. The unfailing love of God is for all people, He sends rain on the righteous and unrighteous alike. God loves it when his children recognize their need for Him. Praising God as we cry out for help.

Reading Ruth 3:1-18 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. God’s hand and work in Naomi’s and Ruth’s lives. Ruth following Naomi’s instructions to be redeemed. Boaz responds with praise and favor towards Ruth. Boaz not acting like he’s doing Naomi a favor. The story shows examples of surrender, humility, and love. There was no scheming on Ruth’s part. Boaz concerned for Ruth’s reputation. Trying to relate to wheat harvests, threshing floors, and uncovering feet is difficult for Curtis. Letting go our own schemes, plans, and ideas, for God’s perfect will be done. God fully grafts us into His family. Jesus redeems us and all who believe in Him and the power of His sacrifice. Ephesians 1:7, Paul speaks to God’s plan to redeem all people showering us with kindness.

Reading Ruth 2:1-23 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Ruth is compelled to go out and try to work for some food for her and Naomi to eat. Ruth was humble. Boaz, sees ruth, hears her, provides for her, protects her, and givers her a place at the table. God shows up to meet her needs as she humbly tries to help. You can see God at work in Ruth’s story, it was “a God thing” that Ruth ended up in Boaz’s field. God using Boaz to provide for Ruth. Ruth finding her place. Ruth laid down everything and let go of her life. If can seem so challenging but, is so freeing.

Reading Ruth 1:1-22 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Leaving Judges into Ruth. Naomi left Bethlehem for Moab with a husband and two sons and now has only Ruth, her daughter-in-law with her.  God drawing Naomi home. Ruth is all in. God uses even His flawed children to bring people to Himself. Once you experience the goodness of the presence of God, wandering is undesirable. Ruth’s oath is not unlike a marriage vow. To cling tightly.  God doesn’t care where your from or where you’ve been, God just wants your heart.

Reading Judges 18:1-31 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  Dan looking for easier land to conquer. Moses’ grandson being reviled as the apostate Levite. It doesn’t matter what family you are from; you need your own personal relationship with the LORD. We set our hearts on the things we love, when we should be setting our hearts on God. Micha had put his hope in things that could be easily taken away. It was better for Micha that the idols were taken from his life. Short tempered men literally translated bitter of soul, people whose bitter disappointment with life has made their actions unpredictable. Letting our actions reflect our circumstances vs letting our actions reflect God’s love. The call to love others as God has loved us. We can have our hearts set on God and then get distracted by our circumstance, so keep your heart set on God and seek Jesus’ response in every situation.

Reading Judges 17:1-13 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  Micha returns the money because he heard about the curse his mother placed on the one who stole it, not because he felt it was wrong.  Micha doing all he can (and thinks he should do) to ensure the curse doesn’t rest on him so his life can be lived with good fortune. Trying to cover all his bases. When we are not surrendered to the Holy Spirit, we go around doing whatever seems right in our own eyes. Following our own heart sounds like a good idea but it will lead people astray. Eve and Adam when they ate the fruit. The song from the Lorax “how bad can I be, I’m just doing what comes naturally”. We put up walls, blocking out the Word of God when we make our judgments and decide it cannot be any other way. When we set our heart on God, He leads us in truth.

Reading Judges 16:18-31 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Samsons faith journey and his eyes being opened to the truth that God is Samson’s strength, Judges 15:18, 16:17. Samson lacks awareness of the calling on his life, distracted by his circumstance and what he wants out of life. God is still faithful to Samson and still uses Samson for God’s purpose. The connection to his hair, the vow, and the presence of God. Samson traded his special relationship with God for his relationship with Delilah. Samson believed there was something about himself that was strong and had to go on a journey to learn that the LORD is the source of strength. Put your relationship with God first and give Him all honor and glory.  

Reading Psalms 65:1-13 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The River of God has plenty of water, it provides a bountiful harvest, Living water, John 7:37, Isaiah 55:1. The imagery of God’s abundant provision.  Overwhelmed by our sins touches on the heart matter of sin. Though we are sinners, God draws us to Himself and forgives our sins.    

Reading Judges 16:1-17 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Samson is lonely and falls in love with a woman named Delilah. His desire to be loved by her is his undoing. His hair was part of his vow, his strength came from the LORD, but did he understand? Though he has a call on his life Samson put his trust in Delilah. Though the whole story of the child who the LORD would use to begin to rescue Israel from the Philistines, we wait to see Samson get started but he never steps into the call, and never goes to God. Look to God for your love, acceptance, approval, provision, for everything you need, for your identity. 

Reading Judges 15:1-20 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Samson returns to his wife after he cools off and finds she is married to someone else. Samson takes his revenge through arson, the Philistines try to take revenge for Samson but only anger him more. Samson reactionary to his circumstances and not looking to lead Israel to be set free from the Philistines. The people of Israel do not see the opportunity to fight back, they turn Samson over and the Holy Spirit gives Samson a small victory over the Philistines. Taking threats seriously, being in a place of humility, seeking help. There is no humility when we just react, we need humility to submit everything to God, surrender to God’s Holy Spirit and respond in His truth and love.