S: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth%201:1-14&version=31
O: My first thoughts or pondering on this set of verse is wondering what life was like for a woman during this time and place on the earth. In someways I wonder to myself if Ruth was full of adventure, a strong, energy filled, independent natured individual or if there was something truly different about her. One thing that seems clear to me at this passage is that Ruth cared for Naomi enough to give up whatever life had to offer so that she could stay with her. I also love how Naomi's heart was there for both her daughter-in-laws. I love how she unselfishly asked them to go back to their homeland, seek shelter and find another husband... another life. To me, this means that Naomi was willing to sever her life with these two women for their own well being. This had to be difficult for her in this day and age where her age meant that she may not have anyone... at least anyone good... take care of her for the rest of her life. Truly a reflection of Gods love for us.
A: My application on this verse would be to refine what I have already been doing in my life.
(a) Caring for someone enough to give up whatever life could offer... knowing that there is many more riches in caring for someone vs. seeking your own wealth, riches, and comfort. (b) Loving someone enough to let them go to a better life. Letting go of someone when you know that there is something better for them not necessarily of this world, but in Gods plan.
-In refining "a" I will continue to work on the things in my life that bring in selfishness and greed. Things that consume my time with no outcome... or even negative outcome. I need to rid myself of the desire to use, play, experience the newest, latest technological gadget or see the newest movie. I will continue to focus my attention to the hearts and souls of Gods children.
- In refining "b" I will spend more time in the word... to fill my soul with God. I too often focus most or all of my time and energy here on my family, friends, loved ones... whoever. I know that my focus on thee people is more than a desire to help them but also a desire to be filled myself. This has been a reoccurring train wreck in my relationships with women. I find someone I relate to, someone I like and enjoy being around. Someone with a big heart... I tend to ignore the big things that are in conflict between me and the other individual and ignore the whisperings of God telling me "this is not the one, let go, turn to me child, I will be your comfort, your peace, your love." I truly believe that God is working in this area of my life. Giving up pornography and sexual sin was easy for the most part... but becoming the man of God that I need to be... becoming the husband that God wants me to be... is the difficult part. So with that said... onto the prayer...
P: Dear God, thank you for loving me. Thank you for continuing to love me even when I don't come to you, spend time with you, or talk with you. There is a difference, I have found, between having you in my heart always, and actually spending time with you. I know it's not easy since I can't mingle with you in this world that way I can mingle with others, but I do know that when I am truly with you... it's enough.. and I am at peace. Thank you God. My prayer is that I am given the focus to see what my role is in your plan and that I gain that desire and energy to quickly let go and remove anything in my life that stands in the way of reaching that goal so that I can better love you, and I can better love your children. I ask for continued help in healing from my brokenness in relationships in this life. I ask for wisdom in seeing how I ended up becoming this way so that I can take steps to heal from it. You God, have gifted me with passion... a high intensity passion that burns fast and furious... please help me to understand this gifting and see where I can use it to better serve you. As your nature is revealed to me in your word... I see bits and pieces of my own puzzle... and I ask for a blessing on my fellow traveler for taking the time to travel your road with me. Thank you for giving me a safe relationship in my life that I can turn to. I pray this in the name of your son, Jesus, amen.
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1 comment:
Wow, Carlos, you're going deep. Bravo. I love your insights into Naomi's unselfishness - & I respect the realization that sometimes you (as we all are apt to do) give to others in order to fill something in you. That's one of the things that Christ longs to do in us - fill that God-shaped hole/vacuum within us that we are constantly trying to fill with other things - even other good things. He will meet you in your vulnerability and be everything you need. I love you, friend.
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