Ruth taking initiative- It would have been easy for Naomi and Ruth to adopt a victim's mentality when they returned to Israel with nothing. Instead, Ruth decided to go find work so they could buy food. God is a generous and gracious provider for His children.

Blessing and affliction- Naomi left Israel with her family because there was a famine. Ruth made the decision to follow Naomi back to Israel because she knew they served the one true God. Sometimes God lovingly brings affliction in our lives to drive us back to Him.

The book of Ruth- The book of Ruth is a story of love and redemption. Ruth was a woman who displayed faithfulness to God during a time of faithlessness despite her gentile heritage. Her life shows us that God is willing and able to use anyone who will abandon the ways of the world and serve Him.

A beloved friend- In his final words and greetings, Paul acknowledged some of his most faithful friends in ministry. If we want strong, Godly friendships, we need to be loving and faithful towards others.

Paul's prayer request- As Paul began to conclude his letter to the church at Colossae, he reminded them that their prayers were extremely valuable and asked that they would remain seriously committed to praying for an open door to continue spreading the gospel.

Christ in the home- Paul's exhortations to "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly," and to "do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks" should be demonstrated in our everyday lives as husbands, wives, parents, children, employees, and employers.

Put off and put on- Paul reminded the Colossians that the Christian life is not just about what you don't do. We are called to put off the works of the flesh and put on "the new man." Therefore, Paul explained what actions are to characterize this new life in Christ.

Raised with Christ- If our eternal destiny is to be with Christ in glory, Paul said we should not be living carnally but constantly seeking "things which are above." Paul explained that this new freedom of life in Christ no longer requires any Jew to hold to the requirements of the law.

Victory in Christ- It is because of the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross that we can walk and live in His victory. Our love for Jesus and His Spirit working in us should be our motivation for serving God, not religious tradition or the philosophies of man.

Christ in you- Paul warned the church at Colossae not to get swept away by the philosophies of man that were trying to add to the power and simplicity of the gospel. We are saved through Christ, and we live and walk according to the power of Christ working in us.