Jesus asks, “Why do you worry?” Worry reveals where our trust and devotion are placed. Instead of looking to money, circumstances, or the future for security, Jesus calls us to seek God first and trust that He cares for our needs. Worry cannot change tomorrow; it only steals strength from today. Because God has been faithful to save and sustain us, we can trust Him with whatever tomorrow brings.

Jesus asks Peter, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter declares Jesus to be the Messiah and Son of God, showing that truly knowing Jesus, not simply knowing about Him, changes everything. When we understand who Jesus is, He becomes the foundation for our identity, direction, and purpose.

How do we know that we truly know Jesus? John points to the evidence of a changed life: we obey His Word and walk as Jesus walked. This isn’t about perfection or earning God’s love; it’s about the ongoing direction of our lives. And when we fail, we don’t run away from Jesus; we run to Him. He is our Advocate, whose grace restores us and empowers us to keep walking faithfully.

Obadiah reminds us that God sees pride and injustice, even when it seems like evil is winning. Edom trusted in its strength and security, celebrated Judah’s suffering, and ultimately faced God’s judgment. Yet God promised restoration for His people. The book points us toward Jesus, the true King, and the hope that evil, suffering, and injustice will not have the final word because “the kingdom shall be the LORD’s.”

The choices of people like Elimelech, Orpah, Ruth, and Boaz had very different consequences, and that the story ultimately led to a legacy far bigger than any of them could have imagined.

Boaz overcomes the obstacle of a closer relative who has the first right to redeem Naomi’s land and marry Ruth. When the man declines, Boaz willingly takes on the cost and responsibility. Their story reminds us of God’s providence and the importance of living faithfully and preparing for the responsibilities He gives us. Ultimately, Boaz points us to Jesus, our Redeemer—willing and able to save us, paying the full price for our redemption as a gift of grace. Like Ruth, we are called to trust our Redeemer and live faithfully in response to His grace.

Ruth takes a courageous step of faith, trusting both God's providence and Boaz's integrity. Ruth chapter 3 explores faithful risk, godly character, and how Boaz's role as redeemer ultimately points us to Jesus, our perfect Redeemer.

Ruth 2 reveals God's providence through what appears to be coincidence as Ruth "happens" to glean in Boaz's field. Boaz extends grace, protection, and generosity to Ruth, foreshadowing Christ's redeeming love for us. The chapter reminds us that God is always at work behind the scenes and calls us to reflect His grace by generously caring for others.

This week we begin our journey through the book of Ruth—a story that starts with heartbreak, loss, and uncertainty but reveals the steady, unseen hand of God's providence. As we meet Naomi and Ruth, we'll discover that even when life doesn't make sense, God is still at work, inviting us to trust Him, run to Him, and find hope in His faithfulness.

Isaiah's vision of God's holiness in Isaiah 6 reminds us that everything begins by seeking Him first. When we encounter God's greatness, we recognize our own sin, receive His grace through forgiveness, and are called to live with purpose for His glory. Like Isaiah, our response should be, "Here I am! Send me," choosing each day to seek God, trust His grace, and faithfully serve wherever He leads.