Let's Be Real

Let's jump into chapter one, and look at the two scenes set before us. We will look at the 'Emptying of Naomi' and the 'Interpretation of her Emptying' - while seeing a picture of true covenant/biblical love - Aheb - in the actions of Ruth.

Join me as we talk about some important background information for the Book of Ruth, before we jump into the book and it's important lessons over the next few weeks. This is a class I am teaching in person and am recording for you as well, so I have included the classes slides HERE for you if you would like to follow along.
In this episode I refer to Gideon and Jonah; both of which I have previously recorded episodes on. If you would like to go back to those, Gideon is episode 3 and Jonah is a short series of episodes 50, 51, 52, 53, and 54.

I have 'priorities' that I value and hold in high esteem in my head and heart, but don't always show that value in my day to day life. What are some priorities that you really hold dear to your heart? Do they align with God's priorities for your life? Let's pray today and ask God to search our hearts.

The Middle Eastern way of thinking is very different from Western thought, and that applies to how we read the scriptures as well. Reading the scripture in context can be challenging and can add great understanding to the things we have already learned.
Kristi McClelland and her study "Jesus and Women" does an amazing job showing us these differences and walking you through how Jesus interacts with women in his life on earth. If you haven't done that study - I know you will love it.

How do you handle a change in plans? I'm not necessarily talking about BIG life challenges and hurts, I'm talking our daily plans. Do they throw you into a bad mood for the rest of the day? Or do you roll with it? I, honestly, can do either...it really depends. And today, I'm needing to renew my mind so that I can roll with it, with a godly perspective.

I at times wrestle with the purpose of prayer, and whether or not I should even ask for things, even though scripture says I can. Am I asking for the right things? I'm sure many of you have had the same questions.
This week I was working through The Weekly Prayer Project Journal (affiliate link - I think) and week 4 got me thinking about prayer and what peace comes through knowing that you have been "Heard".

Let's read some scripture together today, and let it speak to us, meditate on it and pray over it.

We are exposed to all sorts of things, good and bad, all day & everyday. We also expose others to both good and bad, every day - through our influence. How are you influenced? And how do you influence those around you?

Let's talk about it...    Why is it so hard sometimes? Why don't we always use them well?  How do we use our words?!

The New Year is always a time to set goals for ourselves, buy the new calendar, and be really motivated for a time. Let's take a look at those goals through the story of Joseph and God's sovereignty, providence and promise keeping that he shows us in Genesis 37-50.