In the western, corporate world, a common axiom is... "Hire slowly; fire quickly." This is a phrase that is easily said but very nuanced (and a bit of legal pickle these days).

No doubt, new hires and potential partnerships should never be taken too lightly. One must take into consideration an applicant's competence, capacity, chemistry and most importantly... character. Conversely, if there are destructive patterns that are undermining the organization and people within, swift intervention is almost entirely necessary.

Interesting question... Could this "hire/ fire" maxim work with non-working relationships? Ie. Friendships? Dating? Marriage? On the "hire" side, there are certain similarities. However, on the "fire" side, there is a singularity that is often missed in the HR seminar: faithfulness.

Join us this Palm Sunday as we discuss becoming the kind of partner others want/ desire/ need as we conclude our Lenten series Crossing Lines: Ruth’s Road to Finding her People. To prepare, Read: Ruth 3.

What practices from the ancient culture of God’s people may W.E. appreciate?

1) Having a greater tribe/ extended family to surround your immediate family (Ruth 4:2, 9, 11-12).

2) Including other cultures who love the Lord (Ruth 4:5, 8-10).

3) Honoring the faith of women as well as men (Ruth 4:11-15).

4) Blessing Christlike parents for the tireless service of raising children (Ruth. 4:18-22).

... that and much more.

What does it mean to be a protector?

1) Protectors practice the ministry of presence. Ruth 2:4-6.

2) Protectors uphold physical safety, especially sexual boundaries. Ruth 2:8-9.

3) Protectors provide covering for others with words AND actions. Ruth 2:10-13.

4) Protectors stand in the gap between the weak and the strong. Ruth 2:14-16.

Most importantly...

5) Protectors publicly elevate the strength of others. Ruth 2:17-18.

We learn kingdom-mission through our care for one another. As our Lord stated, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Jn. 13:35

As we reflect upon Ruth again, perhaps, the Kingdom Mission will also teach us about how to better care for one another.

What is a "friend"? We all long to know and be known. What are the types of friends we long to have? ... and long to be?

Continue Lent with us as W.E. reflect on Ruth's friendship with Naomi.

Lent is unabashedly about repentance, giving up our own selfish agenda to pursue God's path. As we consider this, this is the question I have been sitting with… "How do we get stuck in our agendas?" Ie. Why do we fall back into the patterns of “what is right in our own eyes”? (Judges 21:25).

Written also during the time of Judges, let's read Ruth together and find the way to sacrificial, faithful love.

BTW, here is the link to the Bible Project Video overview on Ruth: https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/ruth/

To “finish well” in the end, we have to begin now. Finishing the final chapter well means we fittingly finish each prior chapter. That is, W.E prayerfully close each chapter...

... with a clear conscience,

... understanding and owning our flaws and

... loving well those we may be leaving behind

... before we move on to the next.

Begin finishing well today.

As the bible makes clear, W.E. are a forgetful people and we need to be reminded of the foundations of our lives. Moreover, when W.E. know the foundations more deeply, we are able to share it more freely.

Join us for a poignant conversation about God's Word, Jesus's ressurection and our hope, which brings life to us... and others.

Any submission to a spiritual leader(s) is a response to the proven willingness of the leader to sacrifice for the sake of the community. In short, W.E. submit to leadership that sacrifices for the community.

Yet... What (else) qualifies someone to lead within the Church community?

In light of us...

Despite us...

The word of God continues to spread and flourish. Nothing can hinder the Gospel, not the martyrdom of our leaders, not the imprisonment of the church, no prideful powers, not our failings, unbelief or our fallen moments when our faith wanes.

Our journey of faith is imperfect. Yet, this faith is grounded in a perfect God.

Let’s create space for Peter’s faith journey and our own in order to explore the ways God can grow us in trusting Him.