Updated Version of Imagine

Imagine there's no Yahweh
Imagine if you can;
There'd be no earth or planets
No animals or man
Come on, imagine people, there'd be nothing here

Imagine there's no Jesus
If that's what ya wanna do;
Then what are our years for,
Christmas, Easter too?
Come on, imagine people, you would not celebrate

You
You may say  I'm a dreamer, 
But I'm not the only one
Cos millions of people
Believe in God's own Son

Imagine there's no religion
Life still wouldn't be fair
War would still rage around us 
People wouldn't care!
Come on, imagine people, you have to have belief

You
You may say  I'm a dreamer, 
But I'm not the only one
Cos millions of people
Believe in God's own Son


©Carolyn Davison 2011 (17th June 2011)

Imagine...

Imagine there's no Yahweh
Imagine if you can;
There'd be no earth or planets
No animals or man

Imagine there's no Jesus
If that's what you want to do;
Then what are our years for,
Christmas, Easter too?

Imagine there's no religion
Life still wouldn't be fair
War would still rage around us
People wouldn't care!


Written by me this morning (17th June 2011)

Progressions in Christ's miracles

In the Boat:

1st time - Jesus is in the boat with Peter
2nd time - the Lord is asleep in the boat
3rd time - Jesus not in the boat during the storm - ended with Peter walking on water

Took more faith each time!

Death:

1st - Jairus' daughter newly dead
2nd - widow's son - put on cart
3rd - Lazarus decomposing in the grave

Death gives way to Christ! Christ is 'Death of death and Hell's Destruction'

Christ repeats the same miracles time and again!

Greatest repeat is Christ:

He is Adam repeated - Man as man should be. Christians are joined to the perfect, ideal man. Are found sinless IN Him.

In Adam - Death
In Christ - Life, knowing God.

In Adam - Banishment
In Christ - Nearness to God

In Adam - Condemnation
In Christ - Vindication

In Adam - Curse
In Christ - Blessing

In Adam - Judgement
In Christ - Deliverance

In Adam - Shame
In Christ - Glory

In Adam - Poverty
In Christ - Riches of grace

In Adam - Defeat
In Christ - Victory

In Adam - Sorrow
In Christ - Joy

In Adam - Weakness
In Christ - His Strength

In Adam - Enmity
In Christ - Friendship

In Adam - Bondage
In Christ - Liberty

Suppose your Child was Dying

Suppose your child was dying

(James Smith, "Our Father and Comforter")

Surely, if parents realized the value of their children's souls; if they had a vivid sight of the danger to which they are exposed; if they felt that they must be saved by the Lord Jesus--or perish for ever--then they would act very differently toward them!

Could a parent, if he believed the Scriptural representation of hell, as a place of torment; and saw that his child hung over that ever-burning lake as by a thread--and might, at any moment, by some accident, be plunged into the bottomless abyss; I say, if he saw and believed this--could he let his child go on, day after day, and month after month, without the tender expostulation, the affectionate appeal, and the heart-felt prayer with him? I think not!

Alas! alas! We do not half believe . . .
in the horrors of hell,
in the danger of our children, and
in the absolute necessity of faith in Christ, in order to for them to be saved--or we could never live as we do!

What anxiety is manifested about their health and their education; and what indifference about their never-dying souls! One feels at times ready to conclude that many professing Christian parents must be half infidels, or wholly insane--to act as they do!

Reader, suppose your child was dying. His pulses are faint and few. He breathes short and hard. You approach his bedside. You take his hand in yours. He asks, "Father, did you believe I was a sinner? Did you know that it was possible I might die young? Were you aware that, without faith in Christ--I must perish forever? Did you, father?"

"I did, my child."

"Then how could you be so cruel, so hard-hearted, as to treat me in the way you have? You never took me aside to talk to me seriously. You never endeavored to impress upon my mind the importance of spiritual things. You never earnestly warned me to flee from the wrath to come. You never lovingly invited me to the Lord Jesus Christ. You never prayed with me as if you believed I was in danger of going to hell, and could only be saved by the grace of God. You were very earnest about temporal things--but indifferent about spiritual realities. You knew that I was going to hell--and you did not try to prevent it. Now I am lost! Lost for ever--and you are the cause of it! Or, at least, you are accessory to my everlasting damnation!"

Or, suppose you were before the Great White Throne, and the Judge seated thereon, and you meet your children there. One of them points to you, and says, "There is my mother! She showed great concern about my body--but she never showed anxiety about my soul. She never knelt by my side in prayer. I never heard her plead with God for my soul, nor did she ever, in downright earnest, plead with me. I charge her, before the Judge of all--with cruelty to my soul; and throughout eternity I shall curse the day that ever I had such a parent! No name will excite my enmity, or draw forth my bitter reproaches, like the name of my mother! I am lost, lost forever--and my mother never heartily tried to prevent it!"

Parents, how could you bear this? Parents, parents! By all the tender ties that unite you to your children, I beseech you to seek, first, principally, and most earnestly--the conversion of your children!

Feast on This

A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."

This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:

"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this... They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today.
Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!" When you are DOWN to nothing.... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!


--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"The best way to cheer yourself up:
Cheer everybody else up."
- Mark Twain

Helps from the Bible

For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has positive answers:

You say: "It's impossible."
God says: All things are possible. (Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired."
God says: I will give you rest. (Matt 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me."
God says: I love you. (John 3:16 & 13:34)

You say: "I can't go on."
God says: My grace is sufficient. (II Cor 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out."
God says: I will direct your steps. (Prov 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it."
God says: You can do all things. (Phil 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able."
God says: I am able. (II Cor 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it."
God says: It will be worth it. (Rom 8:28)

You say: "I can't forgive myself."
God says: I FORGIVE YOU. (I John 1:9 & Rom 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage."
God says: I will supply all your needs. (Phil 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid."
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear. (2 Tim 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated."
God says: Cast all your cares on ME. (I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I don't have enough faith."
God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith. (Rom 12:3)

You say: "I'm not smart enough."
God says: I give you wisdom. (I Cor 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone."
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you. (Heb 13:5)

My Personal Testimony

MY PERSONAL TESTIMONY

When someone says they are born again – what does it mean? When someone is saved from sin – what does that entail? I am going to share with you my personal testimony of the love of Christ and the grace and mercy of God in my life so far.

Whenever I have thought about my testimony, I have often pondered on the fact that it actually starts long before the world began, in the depths of heaven under the divine counsel of the Godhead. Ephesians 1:4 tells us that we were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. It amazes me, even before I was born, God set His love on me in Christ Jesus.

Well, my earthly testimony begins in Cardiff where I was born. My family didn’t go to church, but my sister and I were sent to Sunday School. I can’t remember much about what was taught there – I only remember a few songs which we learned. By the time I went to high school I’d lost interest in going and only went once a month, when the Guides had a parade service.

I have always been interested in religions and loved to learn about other people’s beliefs. I remember telling my sister that if I had to choose a religion I would become a Buddhist, but God had other plans for me.

When I was 17 I was chosen, as a Ranger Guide, to represent Wales in Thailand. What a brilliant opportunity it was to see how other people lived. I was to stay with five different families all over the country. One thing that struck me was the poverty. It was totally different to other countries I had visited, but despite the number of poor people, the temples and idols were covered with gold – copious quantities of it. Many of the idols were still worshipped even though their heads had fallen off – was this really the religion I was interested in? My illusions were shattered.

After coming home I finished off my college course and applied to be a nanny in the UK and also other countries. I went to work in London. By this time my sister had become a Christian and I remember when she told me, I was angry with God as I had been the one interested in religions, not her. Why her? Why not me? Hadn’t I been the one reading up on every religion I knew about? Little did I know that God doesn’t work like that!

My sister would talk to me about God and the love of Jesus, but I really wasn’t interested – I had my work, boyfriend, friends and a social life – why did I want (or need) God?

Across the road from where I lived in Dulwich, London, there was a friend (who I have lost contact with), called Debbie. She was a Christian and asked if I wanted to go to church one Sunday, so I went and got nothing out of it – I didn’t go to that church again!

Life drifted on (as it does) and after having a few jobs in the UK, I thought it would be a good idea to go abroad. So I applied for jobs in Germany, Sweden and Belgium – I got the job in Brussels, Belgium. While over there I was encouraged, by my employers, to see as much of the city as I could, but Sundays tended to be pretty quiet days so as I was looking through a magazine I saw an advert for a Baptist church in Wezembeek Oppem. As my sister went to a Baptist church I thought – why not, it will give me something to do! Little did I know that my ‘something to do’ would lead to a life-changing experience. The first Sunday I went I sat judging everyone, sad person I was! I was sitting next to a mother and daughter from Lebanon and one of them asked me how long I had been a Christian and for the first time in my life I admitted that I had no faith at all! I think admitting that was a break-through although not yet complete.

I went to that church every Sunday from then on and when I got home I started to read my Bible. My sister sent me tapes that her church had recorded – the series was on Hebrews. Amazing

My sister also recommended I read John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress – I was hooked. It really got me thinking that there was more to Christianity than just going to church every Sunday and judging people. I devoured it – loving every part! I felt more and more in need of a Saviour – but a Saviour from what? What was I being saved from? Why did I need to be saved? This was new to me - the person who had read about most religions!

As time went on I could see how much I had offended the One who had created me in His image. The life I had led and was still leading was one of rebellion against the One who gave His all for me! In the past I thought all Christians were crazy people, but now I was being drawn to Christ.

On 10th December 1990 after 3 months of searching, by reading my Bible and praying, I gave my life over to the Lord. I saw that only Jesus could bring me back into fellowship with my Heavenly Father. I saw that Christianity is more than a religion – it is a personal, intimate relationship with someone – not something! I remember that evening so clearly; I was praying and crying with such agony over the sins I had committed against God, I was asking Him to forgive me and I wanted to turn my life over to Him and turn my life around. At about 9pm it was as if a burden had fallen away from me and a glorious light had entered into my soul – such a relief! For a few weeks before that day I had felt as if I was being pulled in all directions! Now the struggle for salvation was over – but a new struggle was beginning!

Although I have been saved and brought into new life with Christ, I am still not perfect, I am a sinner but one who is saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I still do wrong things, but there is One who has a heart full of love and forgiveness.

Even though I have been forgiven that doesn’t mean I can do what I like because God will forgive me, peace is only given to those who trust and obey. There is no blessing for those who disobey God’s commands and do as they please.

Since being saved I have often thought of those who say they don’t want to go to church because it is full of hypocrites etc, well, yes churches are full of hypocrites and sinners, but mainly saved hypocrites and sinners! Our focus must always be on Christ – when we take our eyes off Jesus our relationship goes dry and becomes dull and mundane!


Someone said to me a few weeks before I wrote this, that he wasn’t good enough to be a Christian because he had led a debauched life, well dear reader, if you are someone who thinks like that, I want to encourage you by saying – Jesus came to save corrupt, debauched sinners! People who think they are too good never come to Christ because they think they can do just as well by themselves! Those who come to recognize they can’t ‘go it alone’ and their lives are so bad they need help are the ones Jesus came to save.

Being a Christian means that you have come into a personal relationship with someone who loves you despite your faults and failings. He cares tenderly for those He saves and promises to protect them and one day will welcome them into His presence in heaven.

Just by going to church doesn’t make you a Christian, just by saying a particular prayer also doesn’t make you a Christian or doing good works doesn’t either. We cannot buy or work our way to God. The only way to come is to bring Him nothing but your sins and failures and to cast them onto Christ.

To sum up in one sentence what being a Christian is – Christianity is all about the Spirit within us.

I cannot boast oh Lord,
Of the work you’ve done in me
The work was finished, completed
By Christ at Calvary

AMEN & AMEN

Since writing this testimony, I have been through many dark times in my Christian life, many dry times, much walking in the wilderness with little regard for God and His ways, but despite the darkness and the dryness, I feel that God has never been far away! Isaiah 42:3a  A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench; - He mends the bruised reeds and He puts a flame of love in the heart of those who are His own. That verse has brought much comfort to me in times of trouble, barrenness, sorrow, trial etc! 

People say - religion (or Christianity) is a crutch - well I'm pleased to say it isn't just a mere crutch - it's a life support system!

Jesus

Jesus, Lord, Redeemer,
Saviour, Brother, Friend,
Alpha and Omega,
Who had no beginning nor end

Emmanuel, Bright Morning Star,
David's Greater Son,
Lion of Judah, Jesse's Rod
Bridegroom of Your chosen ones

Written by me this morning (11th December 2009)

Just Remember...

The next time you feel like GOD can't use you, just remember...

Noah was a drunk

Abraham was too old

Isaac was a daydreamer

Jacob was a liar

Leah was ugly

Joseph was abused

Moses had a stuttering problem

Gideon was afraid

Samson had long hair and was a womanizer

Rahab was a prostitute

Jeremiah and Timothy were too young

David had an affair and was a murderer

Elijah was suicidal

Isaiah preached naked

Jonah ran from God

Naomi was a widow

Job went bankrupt

Peter denied Christ

The Disciples fell asleep while praying

Martha worried about everything

Mary Magdalene was, well you know

The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once

Zaccheus was too small

Paul was too religious

Timothy had an ulcer..AND

Lazarus was dead!

Now! No more excuses!
God can use you to your full potential.

Besides you aren't the message, you are just the
messenger.

In the Circle of God's love, God's waiting to use your
full potential.

The Devil's ABC

nything

ut

hrist

To Become a Christian you have to ACT

ccept

hrist

otally

Some Acronyms

F.R.O.G. - Fully Relying On God

P.U.S.H. - Pray Until Something Happens

W.W.J.D. - What Would Jesus Do

W.W.J.T - What Would Jesus Think

A.C.T. - Accept Christ Totally

B.I.B.L.E. - Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth

C.R.O.S.S. - Christ Redeems Ordinary Sinners' Souls

One Hundred Biblical Names for Christ

100 Biblical Names and Titles of Christ

Dan Corner

The whole Bible is filled with references to Jesus in one way or another. Beyond that, the primary message spread by the Lord Himself and his followers was to go directly to Jesus Himself, place a submissive-obedient faith and trust in him and continue [endure] to the end for salvation. It is very easy to see why we are directed by God to do this after noting the various ways the Lord Jesus is described by his many names and titles. Each refers to yet another important place or position that Jesus holds in God’s plan for man’s salvation. Please ponder how precious and preeminently important Jesus is for man’s salvation. The truth is: Jesus is the all-sufficient Savior. No other savior is needed besides Him or with Him. (Please know that the following is just a partial listing of the many Scriptural names and titles of the Lord. There are others not listed here.)

Advocate (1 John 2:1)
Almighty (Rev. 1:8; Mt. 28:18)
Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8; 22:13)
Amen (Rev. 3:14)
Apostle of our Profession (Heb. 3:1)
Atoning Sacrifice for our Sins (1 John 2:2)
Author of Life (Acts 3:15)
Author and Perfecter of our Faith (Heb. 12:2)
Author of Salvation (Heb. 2:10)
Beginning and End (Rev. 22:13)
Blessed and only Ruler (1 Tim. 6:15)
Bread of God (John 6:33)
Bread of Life (John 6:35; 6:48)
Capstone (Acts 4:11; 1 Pet. 2:7)
Chief Cornerstone (Eph. 2:20)
Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4)
Christ (1 John 2:22)
Creator (John 1:3)
Deliverer (Rom. 11:26)
Eternal Life (1 John 1:2; 5:20)
Everlasting Father (Isa. 9:6)
Gate (John 10:9)
Faithful and True (Rev. 19:11)
Faithful Witness (Rev. 1:5)
Faith and True Witness (Rev. 3:14)
First and Last (Rev. 1:17; 2:8; 22:13)
Firstborn From the Dead (Rev. 1:5)
God (John 1:1; 20:28; Heb. 1:8; Rom. 9:5; 2 Pet. 1:1;1 John 5:20; etc.)
Good Shepherd (John 10:11,14)
Great Shepherd (Heb. 13:20)
Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14)
Head of the Church (Eph. 1:22; 4:15; 5:23)
Heir of all things (Heb. 1:2)
High Priest (Heb. 2:17)
Holy and True (Rev. 3:7)
Holy One (Acts 3:14)
Hope (1 Tim. 1:1)
Hope of Glory (Col. 1:27)
Horn of Salvation (Luke 1:69)
I Am (John 8:58)
Image of God (2 Cor. 4:4)
King Eternal (1 Tim. 1:17)
King of Israel (John 1:49)
King of the Jews (Mt. 27:11)
King of kings (1 Tim 6:15; Rev. 19:16)
King of the Ages (Rev. 15:3)
Lamb (Rev. 13:8)
Lamb of God (John 1:29)
Lamb Without Blemish (1 Pet. 1:19)
Last Adam (1 Cor. 15:45)
Life (John 14:6; Col. 3:4)
Light of the World (John 8:12)
Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5)
Living One (Rev. 1:18)
Living Stone (1 Pet. 2:4)
Lord (2 Pet. 2:20)
Lord of All (Acts 10:36)
Lord of Glory (1 Cor. 2:8)
Lord of lords (Rev. 19:16)
LORD [YHWH] our Righteousness (Jer. 23:6)
Man from Heaven (1 Cor. 15:48)
Mediator of the New Covenant (Heb. 9:15)
Mighty God (Isa. 9:6)
Morning Star (Rev. 22:16)
Offspring of David (Rev. 22:16)
Only Begotten Son of God (John 1:18; 1 John 4:9)
Our Great God and Savior (Titus 2:13)
Our Holiness (1 Cor. 1:30)
Our Husband (2 Cor. 11:2)
Our Protection (2 Thess. 3:3)
Our Redemption (1 Cor. 1:30)
Our Righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30)
Our Sacrificed Passover Lamb (1 Cor. 5:7)
Power of God (1 Cor. 1:24)
Precious Cornerstone (1 Pet. 2:6)
Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6)
Prophet (Acts 3:22)
Resurrection and Life (John 11:25)
Righteous Branch (Jer. 23:5)
Righteous One (Acts 7:52; 1 John 2:1)
Rock (1 Cor. 10:4)
Root of David (Rev. 5:5; 22:16)
Ruler of God’s Creation (Rev. 3:14)
Ruler of the Kings of the Earth (Rev. 1:5)
Savior (Eph. 5:23; Titus 1:4; 3:6; 2 Pet. 2:20)
Son of David (Lk. 18:39)
Son of God (John 1:49; Heb. 4:14)
Son of Man (Mt. 8:20)
Son of the Most High God (Lk. 1:32)
Source of Eternal Salvation for all who obey him (Heb. 5:9)
The One Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5)
The Stone the builders rejected (Acts 4:11)
True Bread (John 6:32)
True Light (John 1:9)
True Vine (John 15:1)
Truth (John 1:14; 14:6)
Way (John 14:6)
Wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24)
Wonderful Counselor (Isa. 9:6)
Word (John 1:1)
Word of God (Rev. 19:13)

JESUS can be fully trusted and relied upon 100% for our personal salvation. There is no surer source of truth, for he himself is the truth and only way to God (John 14:6).

Some Christian One Liners

"Don't let your worries get the best of you. Remember, Moses started out as a basket case."

Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited--until you try to sit in their pews.

Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers.

It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.

When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.

People are funny; they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.

Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.

Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.

If the church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.

God Himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?

Some minds are like concrete: thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.

Peace starts with a smile.

I don't know why some people change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from?

A lot of church members who are singing "Standing on the Promises" are just sitting on the premises.

We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.

Be ye fishers of men. You catch them, God cleans them.

Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.

Don't put a question mark where God put a period.

Don't wait for six strong men to take you to church.

Forbidden fruits create many jams.

God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

God grades on the cross, not the curve.

God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over religious nuts!"

God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.

He who angers you, controls you!

If God is your Copilot, swap seats!

Prayer: Don't give God instructions--just report for duty!

The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.

The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.

We don't change the message; the message changes us.

You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.

The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:

1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given

The Gulf

There it is so vast and empty
Darkness covering such a span
No way over for the person
Massive gulf 'tween God and man

Sin destroyed the pure communion,
That God had, with His creation!
Gulf so dark, so vast, so empty
Separating God from every nation

There He stands in finest glory
The One to come and bridge the span
The One who descends from brightest Heaven
The one true God who comes as a Man.

Gulf so vast, so dark and empty
Created because of the awful Fall.
Look! There lies one to restore communion
Tiny Babe in animal stall

There it is so dark and empty,
No way to God; all seems lost
But on a hill outside the City
The God-Man nailed to a cross

The gulf so dark, lonely, empty
Is being bridged by this Man,
Dying to provide redemption,
Making a way across the span

There He hangs, dead on the tree.
God, who came from human womb,
Now the gulf is being covered
As He lies in darkest tomb.

Oh the cross, so evil, wicked,
God has used for redemption's plan,
The Sinless One - He now is risen,
Through His death we cross the span!

written by me 9 November 2009

Ruth Chapter 1 (25th October 2000)

These studies on Ruth were taken from notes I wrote when on a Carmarthen Evangelical Church holiday in Bryn-Y-Groes, Bala in the year 2000. The speaker was the Rev Graham Hind. As they are in notes form they are not as comprehensive as they could be, but I hope, reader, you get blessing from them.

The book is set during the time of the Judges - archaeologically not a lot is found during this time! The period of the Judges covers approximately 300 years - 1,200 years before Christ - about 3,200 years ago. There were ups and downs during this time. The people of God would slip into sinful ways and God would raise a judge - the people would turn from their wicked ways, but after a generation or so, they would slip back into their sinful ways and God would raise another judge and so on.

This book speaks to us because it tells of ordinary people - Naomi and her family. Christ shines through i this wonderful little book.

There was a famine in Bethlehem so Elimelech decided to take his family (Naomi, and their sons Mahlon and Chilion) to the other side of the Dead Sea and to Moab.

1). Elimelech's decision. He wanted to go, even if only for a little while, perhaps until the problems in Bethlehem had gone. But they stayed there (v2) - Elimelech and both his sons died there and were buried in Moab! Elimelech's name means God is King - a name he definitely didn't live up to! He took all the decisions and didn't leave anything to God. We see a parallel with Lot in Genesis - he made the decision on his own and didn't trust God.

Naomi means 'pleasant'. When she went back to Bethlehem she had nothing because of her husband's decision. He felt his decision was the best for his family even though he should have stayed in Bethlehem, with God's people, despite the hard times! What God says is important not what I think is best! (Psalm 73) Elimelech needed to pray (James 4:8). Going our own way leads to disaster. The consequences of his sons is shown in Elimelech's decision by them marrying pagan wives - this is forbidden in Scripture. If Elimelech stayed in Bethlehem, his sons would not have married Moabites.

Naomi lost her husband and her sons. Naomi was a woman of tremendous faith and not a moaner (v6). Perhaps she looked out for Israelites passing through Moab so that she could find out what was happening back in her homeland. She loved the Lord and she loved the news of His people! The love of God burned in her heart and she longed to go home!

2) Naomi's decision. Because of her faithfulness she would rather have been back in Bethlehem with God's people. She needed fellowship with them as we need fellowship with believers. God doesn't forget His people (Hebrews 13:5b).

Naomi probably didn't love Orpah less than Ruth because they were all close! Both of her daughters in law went to the border with her, but then she told them to go back to their land. Moabites were not welcome in Israel. If they went with Naomi they would have faced contemp and poverty. Naomi probably had their future in mind - they could find husbands amongst their own people! Orpah went back!

3) Ruth's decision. She was determined to turn her back on the world - she made a powerful and godly decision. She was joined to Naomi, not just as an in law but spiritually. She wanted Naomi's God. Her heart was moved and she wasn't bothered about her life. Ruth was willing to give up her pagan life in Moab - she was willing to leave her family, upbringing and religion behind even though she may have faced poverty and rejection in her new country! She would do anything to follow Naomi's God [Jehovah]. Ruth was being drawn. Naomi was amazed with Ruth's decision, but it was a work of God - Naomi was drawn and Ruth also was drawn. God loves lost sinners. Following Christ means turning ones back on the world and everything it holds dear. Repent means to turn around - we have to turn our backs on the world if we want to follow Christ! Turn from the world to draw closer to God and receive His blessings. He never turns away those who cry out to Him! Amen!

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Name meanings:

Elimelech - My God is King
Naomi - Pleasant
Mahlon - Sick
Chilion - Pining
Orpah - Gazelle
Ruth - Friendship

Bethlehem - House of Bread

Ruth Chapter 2 (26th October 2000)

This is an important chapter as it shows us the Sufficiency of Christ!

In Bethlehem [House of Bread] there was a barley harvest and everybody was involved as the harvest was precious to them. Even the lowest level of society was provided for by the poor people being allowed by law to glean what was left. Boaz, being a godly man, allowed the poor to glean from his fields. Ruth was 'at the bottom of the pile' as a foreigner (deuteronomy 23 esp. verse 3) - the Moabites were judged for not allowing the Israelites into the promised land. Ruth was not wanted in the worship of God! She is a picture of what we are by birth - alienated from the people of God because the Law of God is against us naturally.

Leviticus 11: ⁴⁴ For I am the LORD your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy. - we cannot be like this without Christ's sacrifice! We cannot work to be justified - the Law provides a barrier between God and man and we could never satisfy God with our works! Chapter 2 has great hope both for Ruth and sinners.

Ruh had nothing at all and was pleased to glean the barley. She would rather be with Naomi than back in idolatrous Moab. She didn't know Bethlehem that well and she happened upon a field - God was leading her to Boaz! God's hand is over us always and He works for His people! God's hand was also on Christ [Acts 2:23]

Psalm 107 - He guides them to their desired haven. Ruth was being led and guided. Boaz was wealthy but this wasn't the key issue (see v20). Boaz was placed by God and was very special because he could provide for Ruth - he could do something about the Law for Ruth and could help her settle her accounts. He was her kinsman redeemer - under the Law he could marry Ruth! She would become a person of God - Gods Law has to be dealt with properly!

In Boaz there was strength, he was someone Ruth could lean upon and find in him what she needed! The same is true regarding Christ and His people! We come to God through our Kinsman Redeemer. Christ is the delight of the Father (Proverbs 8). Christ took flesh to be like one of us, not just to be a Saviour, but to be a Relative - a Kinsman Redeemer!

A Kinsman Redeemer has to be able to pay but our problem isn't money - it is sin! Jesus ha paid our debts in full by His death on the cross. Christ is more than sufficient.

Is the Kinsman Redeemer willing? God didn't have to save. John 10: ¹⁷ “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again." Christ was willing to be our Saviour! Salvation is personal - Christ saved ME!

Ruth Chapter 3 (26th October 2000)

You can never exhaust Scripture! In Ruth 2:5, Boaz enquires after Ruth before she notices him - he is concerned and cares for her! While we were yet sinners Christ died for us, His people (Romans 5:6).

Boaz gave Ruth food and she found him satisfying. Christ is satisfying to the believer! In verses 15 and 16 we see Boaz iving more and more - Christ gives abundantly and everything is provided in Him!

[Chapter 3] How is Ruth going to come to Boaz? What is our attitude as we come to Christ? We must come carefully to Him!

Ruth wanted more than acceptance from people, she wanted God! Naomi points Ruth to Boaz - a picture of a believer pointing an unbeliever to Christ! Christians have a responsibility and duty to point people to Christ!

verse 3 - 3 things Ruth must do
1) Isaiah 1:16 - a sinner must realise the need to repent and be clean. Ruth could have been insulted but she wasn't - she had to be cleansed of the past! Repentance must be daily to gain a continuing refreshing.

2) Ruth has to humble herself to Boaz. She mustn't rush in on him because she must remember who she is approaching. God has to be approached in reverence and humility! cf the parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector - the TC recognised who He was before God and approached Him in great humility of spirit!

3) She is obedient (v4), and we have to be willing and obedient! We are approaching the Lord Jesus Christ - this is His full title! We have to be willing to obey and repent.

Ruth would have been atrractive so by going to Boaz she was risking everything - she was risking humiliation and being tarnished with a bad reputation! In verse 9 she speaks humbly to Boaz and she was willing to do what Boaz commanded! Boaz was her only hope - everything else was vain! All her hope and trust was on and in Boaz. Here we see her being transformed and is a picture of coming to Christ; coming to His feet and trusting in Him completely! We come to Him because He is our hope in eternity. The apostle Paul was subject to the will of God and he knew it!

In verse 11 we see that see was a virtuous woman and everyone knew it. Coming to Boaz as she did risked the reputation she had with people. When we come to Christ we need to forget our reputation and cast it aside - all must be sacrificed for Him because the Lord is willing to give!

Boaz gives her a promise which is precious. He does not rest until all is completed (v18). We have to go to Christ - He always keeps His promises. He will not break the bruised reed or quench the smoking flax [Isaiah 42:3]. What a promise God gives in Hosea 14: ⁴ I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.

We have a precious Saviour - let's drink of the richness of Christ. May the Lord draw us so others may see the beauty of Christ in us! Amen!

Ruth Chapter 4 (27th October 2000)

The book of Ruth is far more than a love story. It tells of God restoring us - He loves to have us back. Our salvation is not what I have done but is on what Christ has done.

Ruth was welcomed by Boaz - he didn't turn her away. None of us have anything to recommend us to Christ, but He never turns us away and He always accepts us!

In chapter 4 Ruth had already gone to Boaz, but there is more here in this chapter. We are being saved (1 Corinthians 1:18), it is a daily process. Christ continues to work in us. His love is new every morning. 1 John 1:3 tells us that it doesn't appear what we shall be yet, but when He appears we shall be like Him! Our Salvation is past present and future. The saving work of Christ will be declared

In this chapter things will be revealed - Boaz comes to the city gate, this was the most public place, and he makes a public declaration about Ruth! This is a picture of Christ's return. Who is the un-named relative? This is a picture of the law again! Christ will prove the vindication of His people. [2 Corinthians 5:10 - we must all appear before the judgement seat of God]

The Law is the perfect will of God, but we have all broken it in our sins. We are born in debt to the Law and we cannot meet the payments so we are in debt and as time goes on the 'interest' becomes greater and greater, but the account must be settled! Such a dilemma!

Boaz tells the un-named relative that he has prior claim on Ruth. At first he did want it, but he had to redeem her, but he couldn't do it! The Law can never save - 'by works of law none can be justified'. We try to do better but can never meet the demands of the Law! What the Law cannot do, Boaz can do it and he is willing to do it! Christ can redeem us (Romans 8:3). God sends His Son to meet the cost of the Law. In Scripture, the emphasis is on the resurrection of Christ. When we die ordinarily we are rightfully death's, but when Christ rose from the dead - death could not hold Him because He is perfect - He was not a debtor to the Law. He is the living proof that He can redeem sinners. At judgement the Law stands against us, but Christ paid the penalty and He will publicly declare it to all!

v5-10 Boaz paid the debt on behalf of Ruth, now he is claiming her - he is specific! Salvation is personal and specific! Hallelujah! The miracle is that any are saved. Christ chose a specific people [cf. Titus]. Christ desired me before the foundation of the world - that is grace!

Ruth was made willing to come to Boaz! We are all made willing by the work of the Holy Spirit! He draws us to Christ - there will come a day when all will bow!

There is no half-hearted salvation and there is no two-tier salvation. Ruth was nothing but she was bought into the line of the Lord, along with Rahab. We are precious in the sight of God. We are bought fully into God's people when we are redeemed by Christ's blood. We are fully joined to Christ and will eventually be like Him! Amen!

The Dying Daughter - a poem by me