Re: Verse reading–Ruth 1:1-19a (day one)
When Jesus said “Blessed are the poor in spirit”, (Matthew 5:3) He pointed to an essential moment in spiritual life. The moment when we realize how impoverished we are in spiritual insight and power. “I once was blind” was John Newton’s description. How else can we come to the grace of God until we realize our desperate need? It was happening in Ruth’s heart when she verbalized her famous words to Naomi. Naomi had been the truest friend she had ever had. Naomi’s God was a huge factor in Ruth’s hunger to hang on. Imagine if people said the same to us! “Do not press me to leave you or turn back from following you. Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people will be my people, and your God my God.” (v 16) Desperate for God is good. Leaves us hungry and hanging on, searching for more.
Your sermon from Sunday touched me deeply. What was the difference? Could it be that the old you is back?…. or the new you that God is brining to Life increasingly day by day? I happened to be in front of a mirror as I contemplated this. Looking up I saw the strange mix of a smile on my face and tears in my eyes.
God Bless you Pastor. I began this day rejoicing in the Lord for all He is doing in your life. His faithfulness is AMAZING!