Ruth, Naomi and Boaz see the Lord's kindness, presence, provision and protection. How they live their lives is their response to that.

Ruth is a fitting book for Advent, because it’s a story of expectation and hope. Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz show us how to pray and act with confidence in God’s steadfast love and faithfulness.

Paul’s updates and greetings from various people in these final verses of Colossians presents us with a portrait of our fellowship in the Lord, which is a fellowship of love and faithful service.

This passage gives us two simple commands: persist in prayer; and walk in wisdom towards outsiders.

Paul encourages people in servitude to work hard from the heart, not to please men, but to please God because we all serve Lord Christ.

Paul puts the spotlight on the homes and families of the Colossians

When we are raised with Christ our clothes change and the old way of thinking and living no longer fits with our new moral attire

Paul writes that we’re being renewed in knowledge after the image of Christ and that renewal requires putting off sinful passions and practices.

The Apostle Paul exhorts us to avoid false religion, which is mystical and legalistic, and which judges people based on man-made regulations.

The Apostle Paul reminds us that the fullness of God dwells in Christ and we have been filled Christ, so we don’t need religious or philosophical supplements. We have fullness of life and liberty in Christ.