Wrap Yourself in Joy Podcast

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Wrap Yourself in Joy Podcast episodes

December 14, 2024A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy
The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth painting by Philippe de Champaigne, 1643-1648
The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy
Do you need more joy in your life? Today, Mary and Elizabeth will show you how to share and receive more joy. Join the podcast as we travel with Mary 90 miles to visit Elizabeth and experience their overflowing joy and delight. They truly show us the power of sharing joy as we drop in on the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth.
Welcome to A JOY-Filled Advent Podcast #3, based on my book The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events, and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ. Previously, we read that God supernaturally begot His Son Jesus in the Virgin Mary and gave a child to an old woman, Elizabeth. “For nothing is impossible with God!”
Advent JOY in the Hill Country
Today, we travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country of Judea, near Jerusalem. Mary visits her old cousin Elizabeth. Both women are expecting, rejoicing over the births to come, and thrilled to see each other. We will cover these exciting points:
The Visitation – Leaping for JOY (Luke 1: 39-45)
John the Baptist leaps for Joy
Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaims words of JOY.
Mary praises and skips with JOY.
Jesus is always joy-filled—even in the womb!
The JOY of Sharing Fellowship – God Knows Our Need (Luke 1: 31-33)
Fellowship in the Scriptures is translated from New Testament Greek Koinonia, occurring 20 times in the New Testament.
Elizabeth brought out Mary’s JOY, and Mary brought out Elizabeth’s JOY. True fellowship strengthens and encourages faith.
The Holy Spirit reveals the presence of Jesus in Mary’s womb to Elizabeth as John leaps for joy.
The Magnificat – Mary’s Song of Praise (Luke 1: 46-56)
First, Magnificat was the first word in Luke 1: 46 found in St. Jerome’s Latin translation of the Bible (4th-century common language of the people) and it means “my soul magnifies.”
Second, Canticles are liturgical songs from a Biblical text.
Third, Mary’s Song shows Mary’s love for Scripture. She knew the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) well.
Finally, Mary’s Canticle reflects themes from many Old Testament Scriptures, including the powerful arm of God, His mercy to all, His justice and faithfulness, and His care for the poor and afflicted (e.g., 1 Samuel 2:1-10 and Psalm 34:2, 35: 9, 103: 17, 107: 9, 132: 11, 138: 6).
Three Months of Sharing Hearts
We can only imagine the comfort Mary and Elizabeth must have been to each other.
For example, the two talked of the Scriptures to be fulfilled because they knew well the promises regarding the Messiah and the one who would precede Him.
Also, lingering over the stories about Gabriel, both knew he changed their lives forever.
Advent Application
We can respond to these verses of JOY shared between Mary and Elizabeth by taking these actions:
1) New JOY. Ask Jesus to open your heart to receive HIS new joy every day this Advent.
2) Rejoice in the Lord. Make it your goal to thank the Lord every day for all he has done for you and praise Him for his greatness. Remember, gratitude often precedes genuine joyfulness.
3) Quiet Prayer Time. Jesus is near to you, and He wants to be even nearer. Try to spend at least 5 minutes alone and in quiet with Jesus every day? You will notice the difference.
4) Share the Joy. Are you sharing your joys and encouraging others? Ask God, who needs your uplifting and strengthen the one who comes to mind.
God has JOY for YOU and wants to share His JOY through you.
Links
Six-Part Series ~ A Joyful Advent Journey
Part 1
Part 2
Cup of JOY & Free Materials
A Cup of Joy small group study accompanies each podcast series. All materials are FREE. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.
For bookmarks of prayer points from A Joy-filled Advent Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here to find the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
The post A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
16 min
December 10, 2024A Joyful Advent Journey #2 ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God
Painting -The Annunciation by Beccafumi, 1545, USA.
The Annunciation and Nothing is Impossible with God
With God, nothing is impossible! The Annunciation should remind you of that. If God can supernaturally conceive the Son of God in a virgin and grant a child to an elderly couple, then He can make your impossible become POSSIBLE too. Join us today as we travel to Nazareth. We will hear the Great Annunciation of JOY to Mary and learn about Elizabeth’s miraculous pregnancy—because nothing is impossible with God. The episode is based on a chapter from my book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ. Today, we will cover these points:
Gabriel’s First Annunciation (Luke 1: 1-25)
After 430 years of silence from heaven, the Archangel Gabriel appeared with an annunciation to Zechariah in Luke 1: 1-25.
Zechariah just couldn’t believe he and Elizabeth could have a baby. After all, they were to old, past the time of child-bearing. It seemed impossible.
Gabriel gave Zechariah a 9-month silent retreat to ponder the annunciation of what looked impossible.
Next, Luke 1: 26 takes us to a small town in Galilee, the hometown of Mary and Joseph. Gabriel’s message here is what we call, The Annunciation.
Another Message from Gabriel (Luke 1: 26-30)
The powerful Archangel Gabriel brings the second annunciation– this time to a young girl in Nazareth.
This most important heavenly announcement comes to a girl in a remote village. It’s where you might least expect it to occur.
BUT God causes miracles to happen in the most unlikely and even ungodly places when people are open to Him.
Mary is the recipient of this great Annunciation. She is a virgin and teenager who is engaged to Joseph. Joseph is in the lineage of David, which points to the Old Testament prophesies soon to be fulfilled.
Jesus Name by His Heavenly Father (Luke 1: 31-33)
The Baby would be named Jesus, which is Yeshua in Hebrew. Jesus is derived from Yahweh – the Most Holy Name of God in the Old Testament. The message is clear: Yahweh God would name His son Yeshua after Himself.
Truly, Jesus would be the Son of God and fulfill Isaiah 7: 14. Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel (God with us).
Mary’s Fiat (Luke 1: 34-38)
“Fiat” is the first word of Luke 1: 38 in the early Latin Bible translation and it means “let it be.” This was Mary’s “YES.”
Mary received the Word of God, surrendered, and entrusted herself and her life to God’s will.
God’s Power
Some may find it hard to believe in the virgin birth. But the virgin birth and incarnation are essential parts of our Christian faith.
The incarnation means God became man, reaching out to mankind. In no other religion does God “become flesh” (John 1: 14), “accept the limitations of humanity,” come to earth to show His love, and then die for the sins of all (Fulton Sheen, 1958, Life of Christ, p. 19). St. Augustine says that when we cannot understand this miracle, “Let us grant that God can do something which we confess we cannot fathom. God is the God of the impossible!” (John Willis, 2002, Teachings of the Church Fathers).
Personal Reflection for Advent
Prayerfully meditate on the marvelous encounter between the Angel Gabriel and Mary in “The Annunciation.”
Picture yourself in the scene with Mary. How would she feel when she hears she will be the mother of the long-awaited Savior? How will she contain the joy? Mary gives us this example of how to seek and accept God’s will: Listen, Dialogue with God, and Surrender.
Application & Prayer Points
Mary gives us this example of how to seek and accept God’s will: Listen, Dialogue with God, and Surrender. Imagine yourself as a humble one, like Mary—living in the obscurity of a town like Nazareth. Yet, you are open to all the ways of God. God shares His joy with you.
Listen to the message God speaks to you. YOUR SAVIOR IS COME. Your joy overflows.
Dialogue with Jesus about the Good News He is announcing. Share any doubts with Him. God became man to show his Love for you. Jesus died for your sins. God is with you! He loves you. Receive His joy.
Surrender your heart. Jesus wants to come more deeply into your life. Trust the Lord! Join Mary in her YES to God, “Let it be with me according to your Word.” I surrender my life to you. I trust you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I give you the control of my life.
Related Posts – The Seven-Part Series ~ A Joyful Advent Journey
A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin and…
A Joyful Advent Journey #2 ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God. Join Gabriel as He visits Mary and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God…
A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy We travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country…
A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born;his muteness leaves and he sings the joyous Benedictus prayer.
A Joyful Advent Journey #5 ~ Joseph Takes Mary for His Wife & Joyously Accepts God’s Plans! Joseph shows us how God can help us most when we exchange our plans for His!
A Joyful Advent Journey #6~ Jesus Christ is Born – Join the Chorus of Angels & Shepherds You will receive more joy and peace as you too worship the Savior.
A Joyful Advent Journey #7 ~ The Presentation: Anna & Simeon Show the Way to Consolation & Joy Recognize the Savior, praise Him and receive His Joy and consolation.
Links
Cup of JOY & Free Materials. A Cup of Joy small group study accompanies each podcast series. All materials are FREE. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.
For bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here for the Advent book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
Other Joy Books by Karen.

The post A Joyful Advent Journey #2 ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
15 min
December 03, 2024A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer
The JOY of Zechariah – Angel Gabriel Brings an Annunciation
A Joyful Advent Journey: Meet the People, Prayers, and Events of Advent
Are you hoping for a Joyful Advent Journey this year? Join this podcast series to discover the joy of the people, prayers, and events so important to Jesus’ first coming. You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, the Angels, the Shepherds, Simeon, Anna, and the Magi. It’s as if you will travel with them via Scripture and partake in the most meaningful events in their lives.
Episode #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer
Are you waiting for an answer to prayer? Stay hopeful this Advent! Please listen today as we start our Advent Journey Episode #1 with the JOY of Zechariah. He will teach us this lesson in an unusual way: Don’t give up hope – God hears & God answers prayer. We will cover these points today;
Advent Celebrates Hope and the Coming of Christ
The celebration of ADVENT often surprises us because it comes so quickly.
It’s easy to miss it. It was just fall, then Thanksgiving, and then within a few weeks, it’s Christmas.
Advent helps us prepare our mind and heart to celebrate Christ’s coming anew this Christmas.
The Meaning of Advent
Advent comes from the Latin word “adventus, ” which means “coming.”
The Advent season focuses on the present coming of Jesus in our lives and on increasing our desire for His presence every day.
The First of Two Annunciations (Luke 1: 1-7)
For 430 years prior to the birth of Jesus Christ, God had stopped speaking to His people because they had stopped listening to His prophets. Fast forward 430 years and we will drop in on the “first annunciation” in Luke 1. The term “annunciation” in Latin means announcement.
When God began speaking again, He sent announcements through His most important heavenly messenger – the Archangel Gabriel.
In Luke 1, Gabriel brings the first announcement to Zechariah. He and his wife Elizabeth served God, trusted him for everything, while they waited and prayed for children, which overtime seemed more impossible (Luke 1: 5-7).
Gabriel, The Might of God and No Puny Angel (Luke 1: 12-23)
Zechariah just couldn’t believe he would have a miracle with joy and gladness after all those years of waiting. He said, “how can this be, we are old!”
Poor Zechariah—the Archangel Gabriel just couldn’t take his unbelief so with one look he muted Zechariah for the next nine months.
Gabriel is no puny angel – “Gabriel” in New Testament Greek means “the Might of God,” but we will soon see he has a gentle side.
Personal Reflection
After listening to the podcast, please reflect on the powerful message of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and us in the first part of Luke 1: God hears. God answers. Don’t give up on God.
Have you ever prayed for something so long that you gave up? Have you ever received more than you expected – just as you were about to give up?
St. Jerome wrote about Zechariah: “Your prayer is heard…that is to say you are given more than you asked for. You prayed for the salvation of the people and you have been given the Precursor” [John the Baptist] (Souvay, 1910, The Catholic Encyclopedia – Zacharias).
While Zechariah was praying and waiting and giving up on prayer all those years, he did not know that God was preparing Joseph and Mary and so, he had to wait just a little longer.
Application and Prayer Points
Consider these prayer points because Jesus wants to share His joy while you wait for His answers:
(a) Ask Jesus for a new and fresh prayer encounter with Him. Ask for new joy and to experience His presence while you look for everyday miracles.
(b) Take Time. Make a point to take some quiet time every day to listen to the Lord, read LUKE 1, and stay connected to the joy of the Lord
(c) Converse. Share with Jesus what you are waiting for. Then keep an open attitude to receive heavenly surprises JOY. (For example, you could pray: Jesus, I have given up on… Please give me new insight. Show me the little places where I see your hand at work.)
(d) Start an ADVENT PRAYER Journal. Why not record your prayer and conversation with Jesus this Advent? You may be surprised at the transformation to JOY you receive and will want to record during Advent.
(e) Thank God. Let the Lord know that you trust your life and circumstances to Him.
Links
You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from the Advent JOY Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.
Check out more podcasts here!
Click here to find the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
The post A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
16 min
September 05, 2024Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Transformed By God's Grace ~ Ruth #7
If your life needs transformation, consider reading the Book of Ruth, where God powerfully transforms each character and wants to do the same for you. God’s faithfulness can bring triumph out of tragedies, restoration from waywardness, and blessing out of loss. Join us oday as we conclude our series on the Book of Ruth..
Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Transformed by God’s Grace Episode #7
Finding Joy in Tough Times is a seven-part series. Today, we will cover these points.
The Family
The beautiful, gracious, and even joyous Naomi, according to the meaning of her name suffers great loss. (Ruth 1-3)
Elimelech and family left Bethlehem, meaning house of bread to find more bread during the famine.
Naomi’s husband died and the two sons married Moabite wives – Orpah and Ruth.
They lived in Moab about ten years, and both sons died.
In Ruth 1:16, Ruth made a declaration of loyalty to Naomi and the God of Israel -it changed her life forever.
Naomi Becomes Mara but returns to Naomi
Naomi said, “Do not call me Naomi [pleasant, gracious, joyous]. Call me Mara [bitter], for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. 21 I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty…the Lord has afflicted me, and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?” (Ruth 1: 19)
Ruth returned home after gleaning in Boaz’ fields with 30 pounds of grain.
Naomi praises and blesses the Lord again; joy returns.
Naomi sees God’s footsteps in their lives: Boaz to become the kinsman redeemer and agrees to marry Ruth and become her kinsman redeemer.
Boaz, a Messianic Type of Christ
Boaz’s loving-kindness shadows God’s love sent to us in Jesus Christ.
As the kinsman redeemer, Boaz was a Christ-like figure.
Ruth, the “Worthy Woman”
Boaz described Ruth as one known as a “worthy woman” among the people. (Ruth 3:11)
These exact words appear in Proverbs 31: 10-31.
She is foremost “a woman who fears the Lord” and “to be praised” (v. 30).
Boaz, her husband, was “known in the city gates when he sits among the elders in the land” (v. 23).
“Her children rise and bless her; her husband too, her husband also, he praises her” (v. 28), as seen in the record of Matthew 1: 5 where she will be praised and remembered forever as a great-grandmother of King David and member of Christ’s lineage.
The Marriage, the Lineage of David and Jesus Christ
JOY multiplies for Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz as the town’s women pray a blessing over their lives and new life Obed (Ruth 4).
Boaz and Ruth are in the lineage of David (Ruth 4: 18-22) and of Jesus (Matthew 1).
Once a prostitute and Canaanite, Boaz’s mother was Rahab, who helped Joshua’s spies.
Blessings
Blessing Prayers are themes of Ruth, and there are seven recorded blessings.
Blessings are one of five types of prayer : 1) blessing or adoration, 2) petition, 3) intercession, 4) thanksgiving, and 5) praise .
A blessing for another proclaims God’s goodness, kindness, and power and it includes a petition asking God to share His goodness, power, compassion, and favor to change a situation.
Ruth includes blessings of Naomi praising God and asking for the daughters-in-law, Boaz blessing and praying for Ruth, the neighbors blessing and praying for Naomi, Ruth Boaz and Obed (Ruth 1: 17, 2:4, 12; 2:19–20; 3:10, 4:11-12, 14).
God is the HERO of RUTH!
Ultimately, God is the hero of the Book of Ruth.
God directs each detail and composes everything according to His divine purpose.
God’s grace leads us beyond the short span of our lives- He blesses us in our earthly lives and uses us to impact our immediate sphere and generation, as well as those in the generations to come.
Let’s remember to look to God in impossible situations and allow him to impact the next generation through our witness and loving-kindness.
Links
Seven Part Series Finding Joy In Tough Times
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7 (This podcast)

Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study accompanying each podcast series: 1) Esther for This Time, 2) Seek & Find Joy, 3) Joyful & Battle-ready (Dressing in the Armor of God), 4)Nehemiah0 Rebuilding Hope & Joy, 5) Ruth – Finding Joy in Tough Times and 6) A Joyous Advent. Read more (here) on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the one-hour discussion and study.
CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.
Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: com
Check out more podcasts here!
Find my books:
Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
The post Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Transformed By God’s Grace ~ Ruth #7 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
19 min
August 24, 2024Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Final Blessings and Reversals ~ Ruth #6
Boaz Marries Ruth
Do you need restoration or turnarounds in pain, sorrow, or emptiness, look to the Book of Ruth. Join the podcast today as the Book of Ruth reveals how God offers to rescue, deliver, and restore you.
Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Final Blessings and Reversals Episode #6
Finding Joy in Tough Times is a seven-part series. Today we cover these points:
Problem: Another Redeemer
Ruth asked Boaz to initiate the Levirate Marriage legal procedure and become her husband.
In reply, Boaz blessed Ruth and told her he would all that she asked
Another was closer kin and had the right to redeem her.
The City Gate (Ruth 4: 1-6)
The City Gate (Ruth 4:1) was the business district in ancient Israel
.Boaz was wise in his approach with the possible other kin and “goel”
The goel refused when he heard the stipulation that he must marry Ruth the Moabitess.
He turned his right over to Boaz.
The Legal Transaction (Ruth 4: 7-10)
Boaz chose 10 men to witness his conversation and exchange of a sandal.
Boaz agrees to marry Ruth and claim the land to maintain the Elimelech – Mahlon name on the inheritance.
Elimelech’s family name is alive in the community for all generations.
The Blessings (Ruth 4: 11-14)
The sixth blessing is a powerful prayer spoken by the elders for Boaz and Ruth – from the Bible.
Rachel and Leah were the mothers to the twelve sons or leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Tamar has a levirate marriage too; the witnesses prayed for Ruth to have a son and be famous in Israel.
In the final blessing, Naomi receives kin and a grandson.
Personal Application
What impacts you most from Ruth 4?
God is a God of Reversals. He can do miracles. You too can have a reversal in circumstances. If you need one, ask the Lord in prayer, Stay faithful. Remember his promises, especially Ephesians 3:20
God is a Redeemer. He not only reverses situations, but He redeems them. A redeemer is one who rescues, saves, restores and delivers. Elimelech’s name has been redeemed. His land has been redeemed; the family name has been restored in Bethlehem. Ruth is no longer called a widowed Moabitess from a pagan culture, she is has become the wife of Boaz. She is no longer a barren woman, she is a mother. So if you need a redeemer for your life, call on Jesus. He will rescue, deliver and restore you. Remember: Jeremiah 30:17 and Colossians 1: 13-14.
Links
Seven Part Series Ruth: Finding Joy In Tough Times
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one. Read more (here) on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the one-hour discussion and study.
CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.
Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com
Check out more podcasts here!
Find my books:
Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
The post Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Final Blessings and Reversals ~ Ruth #6 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
15 min
August 16, 2024Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Waiting in Peace ~ Ruth #5
Ruth #5-Finding Joy in Tough Times-Waiting in Peace
Is waiting in peace for God to answer a prayer difficult? It can be challenging for every Christian. Join the podcast today as the Book of Ruth shows us that God is at work even when we don’t see the answers yet, so we can His rest in peace.
Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Waiting in Peace Episode #5
Finding Joy in Tough Times is a seven-part series. Today, we will cover these points:
Wait Time
Time has passed between Chapters two and Chapter three of Ruth—between two and three months.
Waiting often prepares our hearts to what’s ahead in life.
Time and love prepared Naomi and Ruth for God’s blessing and challenges that were about to come.
Wash and Anoint Yourself (Ruth 3: 1-5)
Naomi wants a husband and home life for Ruth.
She reminds Ruth that Boaz is the kinsman and landowner who just happens to be winnowing barley that night.
Naomi gives Ruth four instructions and Ruth obeys.
Uncovering his feet, was signaling Ruth wants to be his wife and he, her kinsman redeemer!
Boaz was Startled! (Ruth 3: 6-13)
Boaz was startled to find a woman lying at his feet.
By asking him to spread his cloak over her, Ruth was repeating Boaz’s words of Ruth 2 when he blessed her for seeking refuge under the wings or cloak of God.
In Ezekiel 16:8, God even uses the same phrase saying he will spread his cloak over Israel in covenant love to protect the nation and make the nation his forever just like the covenant commitment in a marriage.
Boaz says he will marry her and spread his cloak (meaning provision, protection and warmth) over her; everyone in the village knows she is a worthy woman (in Hebrew word haill) which means honorable, noble and excellent.
Problem: Another Redeemer
Boaz agrees to marry Ruth but says a closer kinsmen exists who legally has the first opportunity to marry her and claim the land of Elimelech that might have gone to Mahlon.
Boaz likely had been considering his obligation – he knew he was in line to be the kinsman-redeemer.
Provision and More
Boaz, in his display of hesed love, gives Ruth 60 pounds of Barley to take back to Naomi.
Naomi would understand the gift of barley to mean Boaz was giving his word in agreement with God’s laws.
She said to Ruth, wait my daughter, let your heart be peaceful, you can count on Boaz to work this out.
Personal Application
What impacts you most from Ruth 3?
Surrender & Trust. At one point on the threshing floor, Ruth came to complete trust and complete surrender to God and his laws. She did everything she knew to do and now would trust the rest to God. Proverbs 3: 5-6 reminds of the same: Proverbs 3: 5-6 reminds us we can count on God. Surrender you needs to him and trust he is leading you as you walk forward.
Wait in Peace, God is at Work. Remember that while waiting for God to answer but not seeing answers yet, God is still at work. We can pray with Psalm 27: 13-14 that reminds us God will answer, He is at work while we wait. Our Savior Jesus will “settle the matter for us” always. Even if you feel empty like Naomi did, wait on God and His son Jesus. You will see that He will settle the matters for you. Proverbs 16: 3 also assures us of this. Repeat these Scriptures daily, declare them to yourself and pray them.
Links
Seven Part Series Finding Joy In Tough Times
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies each podcast series, especially this one. Read more (here) on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group. It’s free, and I will send you the materials you need for the one-hour discussion and study.
CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.
Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com
Check out more podcasts here!
Find my books:
Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
The post Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Waiting in Peace ~ Ruth #5 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
8 min
August 09, 2024Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Starting Over & Noticing God’s Footsteps ~ Ruth #4
Ruth Gleaning in the Fields. Painting by James Tissot, 1896
Are you starting over? Is it a new job, a new home or hometown, a new relationship, or a new phase in life? We all face times of change and even upheaval, but it’s a perfect time to return to God and prayer, forgive the past, and look for God to go before you. Join the podcast today as the Book of Ruth shows how to start over and notice God’s footsteps walking ahead of you.
Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Starting Over & Noticing God’s Footsteps Episode #4
Finding Joy in Tough Times is a seven-part series. Today, we will cover these points:
Ruth Gleans Forward (Ruth 2: 14-16)
Working in the fields was strenuous and hazardous(v. 9) but Ruth gleaned forward.
Ruth did not look back or hold on to the past. She gleaned forward.
She was not stymied by bitterness or self-pity.
With Boaz’s instructions, Ruth’s first day of gleaning was very successful!
Naomi’s Surprise & Bitterness Surrendered (Ruth 2: 17-19)
Ruth beat out an ephah (eefuh) of barley– hard work!
Ruth showed Naomi 30 pounds (5 ½ gallons) of Barley
Naomi notices God’s Footprints of guidance and blessings.
Changed Outlook – Our Nearest Kin (Ruth 2: 20-23)
Now Naomi has a change of mind and heart.
She is confident God has not forsaken them.
Boaz is the Goel (Deuteronomy 25: 5-10) – the closest male relative, the kinsman redeemer
Ruth Gleans for Three Months (Ruth 2: 23)
Ruth gleaned in Boaz’s fields for Barley & Wheat Harvest, which lasted three months.
A blessing can be a simple prayer asking God to share his loving kindness, guidance, and favor on another.
The Jewish Midrash “A widow or a female convert must wait three months before marrying to make sure she was not pregnant.”I Will Go Where You Go
Personal Reflection & Application
What impacts you most from Ruth 2: 14-23?
Start Over & Give God Your Bitterness & Receive His Joy. Do you feel bitter about anything? If left to fester, disappointment, grief, unforgiveness, and unresolved anger can lead to bitterness. Bitterness is a joy-zapper and will stop any new beginning. When life seems unfair, we are prone to turn from God and allow bitterness to take hold. Instead, ask the Lord where you have any bitterness or unforgiveness, then confess it and ask the Lord for his glorious grace to dispense bitterness and start over. (You likely need to forgive yourself or another person or God). Only by God’s glorious grace can you go forward. Naomi told her friends to call her Mara – the Bitter one. But she returned to God and the faith community. Declaring her bitterness was a confession at this time. She started over. Now, she notices God’s footsteps and you can sense the joy that come across her face. Remember Ephesians 4: 31-32 and pray Psalm 51:10.
Look for God’s Footsteps. God is with you. He is for you. He is guiding you. In Ruth 1: 20, she said that God made her life bitter and sent her trouble. But in Ruth 2: 20, she notices God’s footsteps ahead of them and how he provided abundantly for them via Boaz, so she exclaimed. “The Lord always keeps his promises to the living and the dead.” (Good News Translation). Do you need a change of heart? Ask God to help you see his footsteps in your life. He will show you how HE is guiding you and showering you with his loving kindness. Memorize and pray Lamentations 3:22-23.
Links
Seven Part Series Finding Joy In Tough Times
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with your friends. It’s free, and I will send you a study guide for discussion and Scripture reflection that accompanies each podcast.
Click here to read about hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.
Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com
Check out more podcasts here!
Find my books:
Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
The post Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Starting Over & Noticing God’s Footsteps ~ Ruth #4 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
9 min
July 26, 2024Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ New Hope, New Direction & Blessing Prayers ~ Ruth #3
Ruth Gleans and Boaz Prays a Blessing Prayer for Her.
Do you find yourself losing hope? We all face times of discouragement and sadness but that’s when we need to turn to God. Join the podcast today as the Book of Ruth shows us new hope in tragedy, new directions for the future and how to pray blessing prayers.
Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ New Hope, New Direction & Blessing Prayers Episode #3
Ruth: Finding Joy in Tough Times is a seven-part series. Today, we will cover these points:
Return to Jerusalem
Previously, we accompanied Elimelech, Naomi, and the family en route from Bethlehem to Moab to escape a famine. Disaster hits the family—Elimelech dies, the two sons marry Moabite women, and then, after ten years, the sons die. In grief, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem with her two daughters-in-law and then begs the women to return to their Moabite mothers and culture. Three essential details from the Book of Ruth emerge, including 1) Blessings-Naomi blessed her daughters-in-law, 2) Hesed (Hebrew for loving-kindness) – she prayed for God’s loving-kindness on the women, and 3) She remembers God but says she is bitter against God. How could Naomi be bitter against God for what happened yet still pray for the Lord’s loving-kindness? The answer is related to the opening verse of Ruth 1: In the days the judges ruled. Today, we cover the following points.
Mara (Ruth 1: 19-22)
Naomi is aware of the cycle when her nation fell into sin, servitude, supplication, and salvation stages from Judges.
Her return signifies her repentance.
She asks to be called Mara, meaning bitter, but in the Book of Ruth, no one ever calls her that.
New Hope (Ruth 2: 1-3)
Ruth gleans to support Naomi, and herself-it’s the barley harvest.
Gleaning provides for the poor ((see Deuteronomy 24:19 and Leviticus 19: 9-10).
Ruth” happens to” end up on a field owned by Boaz, who turns out to be a kinsman of Elimelech.
Divine Providence (Ruth 2: 4-13)
Ruth happened to glean in part of Boaz’s field. Boaz was Elimelech’s relative and a man of great wealth. Unlike Elimelech, he had stayed in Bethlehem during the famine, and God had taken care of him.
Divine Providence means God “watches over and governs all the things that He made, reaching from end to end with might and disposing of all things with gentleness” [The First Vatican Council (1869-70, Denziner, p. 3003) and “all events, even the most personal decisions of human beings, are part of God’s eternal plan” (Hardon, 1999, p. 448).
Hesed
HESED (loving-kindness and covenant faithfulness) becomes more apparent
Divine Providence means God “watches over and governs all the things that He made, reaching from end to end with might and disposing of all things with gentleness” [The First Vatican Council (1869-70, Denziner, p. 3003) and “all events, even the most personal decisions of human beings, are part of God’s eternal plan” (Hardon, 1999, p. 448).
God gave Ruth favor, and Boaz demonstrated favor and loving-kindness to protect Ruth.
The Blessings
Boaz speaks and prays the language of blessing: When Boaz came from Bethlehem, he said to the reapers, “The Lord be with you!”
He prayed over Ruth: 12 May the Lord reward you for your deeds, and may you have a full reward from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge!”
A blessing can be a simple prayer asking God to share his loving kindness, guidance, and favor on another.
Personal Reflection & Application
What impacts you most from Ruth 1: 19 – 2: 13?
Look for God’s providence, hope, and care in small ways. Naomi and Ruth approached Bethlehem at the start of the barley harvest, which meant food was plentiful again – new hope. Ruth just happened to land in Boaz’s field to glean, and he gave her favor—a sign of hope. Rely on 2 Corinthians 9:8-10.
Pray Blessings Over Your Friends and Family Today. Consider praying a blessing over another. Try to include 1) PROCLAIM GOD’S GOODNESS. Speak God’s goodness, kindness, and His power to change a situation, 2) ASK GOD’S BLESSING OVER A PERSON. Ask God to share this goodness, kindness, strength, favor, and joy with the person, and 3) DESCRIBE THE NEED. Pray what and why the person needs blessing. Why not share the blessing in a note, text, or email? They will be blessed.
Links
Seven Part Series Finding Joy In Tough Times
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with your friends. It’s free, and I will send you a study guide for discussion and Scripture reflection accompanying each podcast.
Click here to read about hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.
Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com
Check out more podcasts here!
Find my books:
Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
The post Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ New Hope, New Direction & Blessing Prayers ~ Ruth #3 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
16 min
July 19, 2024Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Weeping Forward, I Will Go Where You Go~ Ruth #2
Ruth and Naomi Weep Forward to Bethlehem
Are you weeping forward or backward? Sometimes, we must weep, but we must also go forward trusting God is leading us. Join the podcast today, where we focus on Naomi’s blessing and Ruth’s words, “I will go where you go, and your God will be my God,” as the two weep forward.
Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Weeping Forward, I Will Go Where You Go #2
Finding Joy in Tough Times is a seven-part series. Today, we will cover these points:
From Moab to Bethlehem
Last week, we met the family – Elimelech, Naomi, sons Mahlon and Chilion who made the decision to leave Bethlehem to escape a famine. They left their faith community and their family and even overlooked God’s warning about living among those who worshiped idols. Soon, Elimelech died. The sons married Moabite women, and within ten years, they also died. So Naomi was left with the two daughters-in-law in Moab and they wept forward to Bethlehem. Today, we cover the following points:
Who are Moabites?
So, who are the Moabites?
All Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham’s nephew.
In Genesis 18, Abraham asks God to refrain from destroying Sodom and Gomorrah.
God heard Abraham’s prayer and brought out Lot and his family before any destruction.
Lot’s daughters became convinced they would never marry and have children.
So, after getting Lot drunk, they seduced their father, and the relationship produced a son Moab and another son named Ammi.
God Remembers the Prayers
Moab became the father of the Moabite nation and Ammi the father of the Ammonite nation; both nations soon worshiped other gods that even required child sacrifice.
God remembered the prayers and, in His providence, brought one of Lot’s descendants—Ruth—into the ancestral line of David, the line of Christ.
The Journey Home to Bethlehem (Ruth 1: 6-11)
Somewhere en route, Naomi’s thoughts turned to what problems the daughter-in-laws would face in Bethlehem. The levirate law would provide them NO security or future..
This law assured a widow that a brother or relative of her dead husband would marry her and raise up children in her husband’s name and for his estate.
Naomi realized it was too late for her to marry again and have more sons. She begged them to return.
The Blessing (Ruth 1: 8-9)
Naomi blessed the women with the words in v 8-9, the first of seven blessings in Ruth, where blessing becomes a strong theme.
A blessing can be a simple prayer asking God to share his loving kindness, guidance, and favor on another.
Naomi asked the Lord to “deal kindly with them.” Kindly in the original Hebrew is “hesed.”
Hesed involves kindness, covenant-type love, faithfulness, and mercy – a deep commitment, devotion, and care. God himself, throughout Scripture, is the model for hesed.
God’s loving-kindness was sent to us through his Only Son, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins.
I Will Go Where You Go (Ruth 1: 17-18).
Orpah returned to Moab, but Ruth clung to Naomi
Ruth showed hesed “Don’t ask me to leave you! Let me go with you. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and that is where I will be buried. May the Lord’s worst punishment come upon me if I let anything but death separate me from you” (v. 16-17, Good News translation).
Ruth used Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel in Hebrew, which means “I am who I am,”
Her profession of faith put her story in the Bible and give her a place in salvation history forever.
Together, they wept and walked forward to Bethlehem.
Personal Reflection & Application
What impacts you most from Ruth 1: 6-18?
Weep & Walk Forward. Sometimes, we must weep, even cry our eyes out over loss and disappointment. Share your tears with trusted friends and family and keep going forward. Keep looking for God to open doors. Psalm 56: 8-9 is a comfort: “O God, You have kept count of my tossings [wonderings]; [you] put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your record? … This I know, that God is for me.“God sees and remembers all your tears and the sufferings you. Rely on Isaiah 41: 10.
Speak Blessings. The Hebrew word for deep devotion and compassion is hesed, Even in great trial and pain, we can pray a blessing of God of God’s loving kindness for others. Naomi blessed her daughters-in-law simply by asking God to show his kindness, guiding love, and favor to them. For example, you can bless with others Numbers 6: 24-26 and bless the Lord with Psalm 104.
Links
Seven Part Series Ruth: Finding Joy In Tough Times
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with your friends, It’s free and I will send you a study guide for discussion and Scripture reflection that accompanies each podcast.
Click here to read about hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.
Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com
Check out more podcasts here!
Find my books:
Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
[1] Pope Francis:
The post Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Weeping Forward, I Will Go Where You Go~ Ruth #2 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
8 min
July 10, 2024Finding JOY in Tough Times ~ Decision Making & Turnarounds ~ Ruth #1
Ruth Makes an Important Decision
Do you regret a decision you made? God can help you find a turnaround. The Book of Ruth is about turnarounds and finding new joy and purpose in difficult circumstances. Join the podcast and uncover how a book written over 3000 years ago can speak to you today.
Then and Now
Welcome to Ruth-Finding Joy in Tough Times and Trusting in God’s Goodness Episode #1. The Book of Ruth reveals God’s goodness, God’s God’s providence and Godly relationships. Most importantly, it shows how God uses faithful women in Salvation history, especially Ruth, a refugee and convert who ended up in the lineage of Jesus Christ. God’s Word is always alive and fresh (Hebrews 4: 12) and will speak to our hearts by the Holy Spirit and in this case, through the Book of Ruth.
Finding Joy in Tough Times ~ Decision Making & Turnarounds Episode #1
Ruth” Finding Joy in Tough Times is a seven-part series. You will be inspired. Today, we cover these points.

My Journey
My journey with Ruth started when Pope Benedict XV1, in the summer of August 2011, encouraged the faithful to read the Book of Ruth. So I did and invited others to join me. Then, in 2022, Pope Francis called the faithful to study Ruth.[1] Others joined me again. We had fresh insights both times, and God spoke to our hearts in amazing ways, filling us with joy. So, even if you have read Ruth before, let’s read it again with a new heart and open mind to hear what the Holy Spirit may teach us. Today, we cover the following points.
Background for the Book of Ruth
Ruth is one of five Old Testament books (with Esther, Song of Songs, Lamentations, and Ecclesiastes) that make up the Megillah; each is read in the synagogue during a specific Jewish festival.
Ruth is about 1/4th of the way into the pages of your Bible, between Judges and 1 Samuel.
Ruth is among the historical books in the Old Testament; with the time period, “In the days that the judges ruled (v. 1),” which is about 1380 BC to 1050 BC.
It was a dismal time for Israel; the people would not listen to the judges God sent, turned away from God, and fell into idolatry and immorality (Judges 2: 16-17).
Elimelech, Naomi, Mahlon & Chilion Move to Moab (Ruth 1: 1-2)
The family moved from Bethlehem to Moab because of famine, but problems arose from that decision.
Elimelech’s name in Hebrew means My God is King, but Elimelech did not look to God, just wanting out of the famine.
The family were Ephrathites. Ephratha is the former name of Bethlehem in Scripture and is about five miles south of Jerusalem.
God cautioned the Israelites about associating with their enemies, especially the Moabites because they hated Israel and led them to worship their idols.
God always gives his people choices (Deuteronomy 30: 19).
Ten Years Later & Great Loss (Ruth 1: 3-6).
Elimelech died, the boys married Moabite women, and after ten years, both sons died.
Naomi suffered emotionally, plus knowing legally, the family name and inheritance would be gone.
She was left ONLY with two daughters-in-law in a foreign country,. BUT GOD!!
Psalm 146: 9: “The Lord watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow.”
The Turnaround (Ruth 1: 6).
Grief-stricken, Naomi heard in Moab that the LORD came to help his people with food in Bethlehem.
Naomi rose and, with the daughters-in-law, started the return to her people, her faith community, and her God.
Personal Reflection & Application
What impacts you most from these first six verses of Ruth?
Arise. Have you made a choice you regret? God will lead you forward. Arise. Don’t look back or stay in despair.
Remember. Do you feel like God has forsaken you? Are you bereaved or lonely? Naomi remembered the Lord. Do you remember God’s goodness? Start today thanking God for how he has blessed and helped you, even in the smallest matters.
Listen for him to speak to you, especially in the Scriptures.
God is with you always. God has a plan that can change devastation to joy.
Prayer Response
Read, memorize, and pray these verses:
John 6:37. Jesus said, “I will never turn away anyone who comes to me.” (Good News)
Hebrews 13: 5. The Lord God says, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (NRSVCE)
Jeremiah 29: 11.“I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope.” (Good News)
Links
Seven Part Series Ruth: Finding Joy In Tough Times
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study with your friends, It’s free and I will send you a study guide for discussion and Scripture reflection that accompanies each podcast.
Click here to read about hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Gathering small group and to sign up.
Download Bookmarks from the podcasts: WrapYourselfinJOY.com
Check out more podcasts here!
Find my books:
Wrap Yourself in JOY: Find the Joy and Fight the Fear
Esther for Such a Time as This: Prayer, Reversals & Joy
Nehemiah: Rebuilding Hope & Joy in Your Life
[1] Pope Francis:

The post Finding JOY in Tough Times ~ Decision Making & Turnarounds ~ Ruth #1 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.
17 min

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Join award-winning speaker, teacher, and author Karen Dwyer as we search for joy. We will explore how to find true JOY, awaken JOY, defeat JOY Busters, and create a JOY-filled prayer life – from a…

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