The story of Ruth starts out focused on Naomi who feels abandoned by God because of her own rebellious behavior. The story ends with God making a way to write her back into the story and redeem her while proving Himself faithful to Ruth and Boaz. It's a beautiful picture that reminds us there is more to love than we think.

While chapter 3 starts out with a Naomi trying to trick Boaz into marrying Ruth, Boaz (and God) have another plan. Unlike Naomi, Boaz trusts the story God is writing for him and we'll see if it pays off in chapter 4.

Ruth is busy trying to figure out how to survive as a stranger in Israel. But while she's struggling God is writing a pretty amazing story, but Ruth has to be wiling to give up what's present for what's promised. Not as easy as it sounds.

Ruth 2

To the Jewish reader the book of Ruth is an iconic love story, like Romeo and Juliet without all the suicide. But the book of Ruth is full of struggle, loss, spicy relationship stuff and most importantly a narrative of self-sacrifice.

Judas was one of the disciples who saw all the miracles and was part of every teaching moment of Jesus. But unlike the others He was not moved by Jesus' ministry, he was motivated by money.

Being a part of Jesus' Kingdom means more than serving Jesus, it means serving others like you serve Jesus. Being a part of the Kingdom means being a participant in the Kingdom. You can't serve the King and not serve in the Kingdom.

Jesus didn't "say" a whole lot to His disciples about serving one another. "They" would have a LOT to say about it in their later writings, but Jesus didn't say much. Instead, He modeled it. Serving the physical, emotional, spiritual and felt needs of the people He came in contact with. It wasn't until the night He was to be betrayed, when He washed the feet of Judas that He gave them the command, serve each other as I have served you. It's out command too.

In this message pastor Corey will be sharing some highlights from 2023, our 2024 budget, some thoughts on giving and an opportunity to take the 3 month tithe challenge.

Jesus, this King, wasn't born into splendor, He was born into suffering. A suffering world, nation, family and situation. Just like today. And just like back then, this baby born king still brings hope, our suffering isn't for nothing, it helps us look more like Jesus every day.

The story of Mary should encourage us all in our walk with God. So often we focus on our failures instead of our faith. So we miss that God isn't looking for perfect people, He's got the perfect part figured out, He's looking for partners. People who will walk through life with Him even when it doesn't make sense - and the story God wrote for Mary and for humanity, didn't make sense.