by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year This morning read the Book of Ruth

Now That Is Devotion!

Ruth is the daughter-in-law of Naomi. Ruth is a Moabitess and Naomi is an Israelite. Naomi, her husband, and two sons had gone to live in Moab, and while there, the two sons marry women of Moab. Then something horrible happens, all three men die. Shortly thereafter, Naomi seeks to return to her homeland, but her daughters-in-law do not want her to leave. However, Ruth wants to be with her mother-in-law, regardless of where she lives, but Naomi tells Ruth to stay with her people and her gods in her land. Ruth will have none of that.

16 But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. 17 Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The LORD do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.”
(Rut. 1:16, 17).

Is that not something? Is not the heart that is behind it the heart that we ought to have toward fellow Christians, and especially toward Christ Jesus? While there are some specifics listed that may not apply to every person, but it is the point of being devoted to one another that matters. My wife and I used Ruth's words in our vows to one another.

How committed are you to your congregation and to the individual members of it?

Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year This evening read Luke 8:1--25

Providing for the Preacher

Luke lists some of the people who were following Jesus, including the twelve apostles, some women (Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna), and then Luke says,

3 ...and many others who provided for Him from their substance (Luk. 8:3b).

Have you questioned how Jesus was able to spend all His time preaching and teaching? He still had to have the things that you and I have. He was able to do it because people supported Him with either their money or their things or both. I know that some people have a problem with this, especially when they see abuses, but it is nevertheless, a biblical practice.

Are you supporting your home congregation and the preacher there?

Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100