Podcasts about Moabite

 In this episode of the Parsha Review Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discusses Parshas Pinchas, focusing on the story of Pinchas's zealous act against Zimri and Cosbi, who publicly defied God's will by engaging in illicit relations, as described in Numbers 25. Rabbi Wolbe highlights the danger of blurring moral lines, as Zimri attempted by bringing a Moabite woman into the Jewish community, comparing it to Rebecca's relief upon learning her conflicting womb movements were due to twins with distinct destinies, not a single confused child. He emphasizes that clarity in commitment to Torah and mitzvahs is crucial, drawing parallels to Haman's and Amalek's attempts to assimilate and confuse the Jewish people, urging listeners to avoid compromise in spiritual matters and to define their stance firmly on the side of holiness and light.Rabbi Wolbe encourages small, intentional steps toward observance without compromising core commitments, using examples like health goals to illustrate the importance of mental resolve even if actions lag. He stresses the need for wisdom to distinguish between holy and unholy, as recited in Havdalah and Talmudic prayers, to avoid confusion. A story of a newly observant Jew publicly affirming their identity as a religious Jew underscores how verbalizing commitment clarifies one's path. Rabbi Wolbe concludes by urging listeners to manifest their spiritual goals through clear identification with Torah values, fostering a deeper connection to God and a purposeful Shabbos._____________This episode (Ep 7.38) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Pinchas is dedicated in honor of our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Studios (C) to an online TORCHzoom.com audience on July 16, 2025, in Passaic, New Jersey.Released as Podcast on July 18, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Numbers, #Pinchas, #SpiritualGrowth, #Commitment, #Torah, #Mitzvot ★ Support this podcast ★

 In this episode of the Parsha Review Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discusses Parshas Pinchas, focusing on the story of Pinchas's zealous act against Zimri and Cosbi, who publicly defied God's will by engaging in illicit relations, as described in Numbers 25. Rabbi Wolbe highlights the danger of blurring moral lines, as Zimri attempted by bringing a Moabite woman into the Jewish community, comparing it to Rebecca's relief upon learning her conflicting womb movements were due to twins with distinct destinies, not a single confused child. He emphasizes that clarity in commitment to Torah and mitzvahs is crucial, drawing parallels to Haman's and Amalek's attempts to assimilate and confuse the Jewish people, urging listeners to avoid compromise in spiritual matters and to define their stance firmly on the side of holiness and light.Rabbi Wolbe encourages small, intentional steps toward observance without compromising core commitments, using examples like health goals to illustrate the importance of mental resolve even if actions lag. He stresses the need for wisdom to distinguish between holy and unholy, as recited in Havdalah and Talmudic prayers, to avoid confusion. A story of a newly observant Jew publicly affirming their identity as a religious Jew underscores how verbalizing commitment clarifies one's path. Rabbi Wolbe concludes by urging listeners to manifest their spiritual goals through clear identification with Torah values, fostering a deeper connection to God and a purposeful Shabbos._____________This episode (Ep 7.38) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Pinchas is dedicated in honor of our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Studios (C) to an online TORCHzoom.com audience on July 16, 2025, in Passaic, New Jersey.Released as Podcast on July 18, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Numbers, #Pinchas, #SpiritualGrowth, #Commitment, #Torah, #Mitzvot ★ Support this podcast ★

The whole Bible is about Jesus. So what does the Old Testament story of a Moabite girl gleaning in a barley field have to do with Christ? Discover God's hand in the ordinary events of ordinary men and women. Listen to Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. ----------------------------------------- • Click here and look for "FROM THE SERMON" to stream or read the full message. • This program is part of the series ‘A Study in Ruth' • Learn more about our current resource, request your copy with a donation of any amount. Helpful Resources - Learn about God's salvation plan - Read our most recent articles - Subscribe to our daily devotional Follow Us YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter This listener-funded program features the clear, relevant Bible teaching of Alistair Begg. Today's program and nearly 3,000 messages can be streamed and shared for free at tfl.org thanks to the generous giving from monthly donors called Truthpartners. Learn more about this Gospel-sharing team or become one today. Thanks for listening to Truth For Life!

The whole Bible is about Jesus. So what does the Old Testament story of a Moabite girl gleaning in a barley field have to do with Christ? Discover God's hand in the ordinary events of ordinary men and women. Listen to Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/163/29

The whole Bible is about Jesus. So what does the Old Testament story of a Moabite girl gleaning in a barley field have to do with Christ? Discover God's hand in the ordinary events of ordinary men and women. Listen to Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/163/29

Parashat Balak [Numbers 22:2-25:9] primarily tells the tale of Balaam the seer, who is commissioned to curse the Israelites, of whom Balak is deathly afraid. Balak's plan does not go as planned, as God has other plans for Balaam, one of which involves the famous talking donkey, a precursor to the perhaps more famous Mr. Ed. According to the rabbis, the mouth of the donkey was created on the eve of the first Shabbat, late in the 6th day of Creation, suggesting that already imbedded in Creation was this talking donkey in order to remove the donkey from the realm of the supernatural. Most of the parashah is taken up with Balaam's four oracles about Israel, concluding with three oracles against the nations. Of particular interest to synagogue goers is Numbers 24:5, which has been incorprorated into the liturgy as the Mah Tovu, the first verse of a paragraph recited upon entering the synagogue for prayer. It is quite striking that this line is uttered for the first time by a non-Jew. The Parashah concludes with the first half of the story about the apostasy at Baal Pe'or. The Israelite men are seduced by Moabite women, which occasions a plague on the Israelite population, which is only stayed when Pinchas, the grandson of Aaron the High Priest, kills one such couple [the man is identified as a member of the tribe of Simeon and the woman as a Midianite] in flagrante delicto. This story will be concluded at the beginning of next week's Parashah, which is Parashat Pinchas. We continue to be mindful of all the hostages who remain in Gaza, the dead and the living, may they be restored to their families immediately. We also keep in mind the soldiers defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm's way. Shabbat Shalom.

Pastoral intern Ben Phelps concludes his series in Ruth by focusing on Boaz, who in his role as redeemer gives us a beautiful picture of Christ the Redeemer. In this message we learn about the Redeemer's work that leads to the redeemed's welcome, and paving the way for a royal dynasty, all coming from the most unlikely of courses—a Moabite woman named Ruth.

Redemption E4 — During a dark time in ancient Israel, idolatry, injustice, and death ruled the land and its people. In the midst of a famine, a destitute widow tragically loses her husband and adult sons and is left alone with her immigrant daughter-in-law. It's a horrible situation, but God uses the faithful, loving, and generous acts of ordinary community members to redeem the widow's story. In this episode, Jon and Tim explore the cosmic redemption playing out in the short but profound story of Ruth.CHAPTERSRecap and Setup for Ruth (0:00-13:37)A Story Opening in Tragedy (13:37-27:26)In Comes the Redeemer (27:26-38:18)The Redeemer Redeems (38:18-53:43)Ordinary Acts of Love as Cosmic Redemption (53:43-1:04:40)OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPTView this episode's official transcript.REFERENCED RESOURCESYou can view annotations for this episode—plus our entire library of videos, podcasts, articles, and classes—in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Check out Tim's extensive collection of recommended books here.SHOW MUSICFour songs by Jackie Hill Perry“The Art of Joy”“Suffering Servant”“Ode To Lauryn”“Better”BibleProject theme song by TENTSSHOW CREDITSProduction of today's episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today's episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie.Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

In this Bible Story, we learn about the three kings battling against the Moabite rebellion. God honors Israel solely because they aligned themselves with Judah who remained faithful. This story is inspired by 2 King 3. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 2 Kings 3:16 from the King James Version.Episode 130: As the prophet Elisha was teaching in the towns of Israel, and caring for the people, he experienced miracle after miracle. God used him to help oversee the freeing of a widow and her sons, and the healing of a poisoned stew. And the miracles continued with the feeding of 100 men with only 20 loaves of bread, and the miraculous recovery of a sunken axe head. Each of these events showed how God cares about the everyday life and struggles of his people. Something you and I can take comfort in even today.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this sermon, we looked at how the story of Ruth is a profound portrait of redemption, belonging, and grace. As a Moabite woman, Ruth was an outsider to the covenant promises of Israel. After the loss of her husband, she was destined for a forgotten life without hope. Yet through her bold declaration of faith—"Your God will be my God"—she was adopted into God’s family. Then, through the kindness of Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, God restored what had been lost in Ruth's life, weaving her story into the very lineage of Jesus. As believers, this is our story as well. We were once far off, strangers to God's promises, but by faith in Christ, our true Redeemer, we have been brought near. Jesus takes those who are broken, wounded, or forgotten and invites us into His eternal plan of redemption.

We delve into the story of Balaam's wicked advice and the severe consequences of Israel's disobedience. We discuss how Balaam, a pagan prophet, devised a plan to seduce the Israelites into idolatry through Moabite and Midianite women, leading to God's wrath. The episode highlights the zealous actions of Phinehas, Aaron's grandson, who intervened to stop the plague that God had sent as punishment. God responded to Phinehas's decisive actions by granting him a covenant of perpetual priesthood.Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @biblelitTwitter: @bible_litFacebook: @biblelitEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out ou...

Now Boaz had gone up to the gate and sat down there. And behold, the redeemer, of whom Boaz had spoken, came by. So Boaz said, “Turn aside, friend; sit down here.” And he turned aside and sat down. 2 And he took ten men of the elders of the city and said, “Sit down here.” So they sat down. 3 Then he said to the redeemer, “Naomi, who has come back from the country of Moab, is selling the parcel of land that belonged to our relative Elimelech. 4 So I thought I would tell you of it and say, ‘Buy it in the presence of those sitting here and in the presence of the elders of my people.' If you will redeem it, redeem it. But if you[a] will not, tell me, that I may know, for there is no one besides you to redeem it, and I come after you.” And he said, “I will redeem it.” 5 Then Boaz said, “The day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you also acquire Ruth[b] the Moabite, the widow of the dead, in order to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance.” 6 Then the redeemer said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it.”

In this first episode of Rus the Moavite: Loyalty and Royalty, we begin the remarkable journey of Ruth, a Moabite woman whose unwavering devotion reshaped the future of the Jewish people. The podcast opens with an overview of the Book of Ruth, placing the story during the chaotic era of the Judges. We then explore Elimelech's controversial decision to flee Israel during a famine and settle in Moav—a choice that brings dire consequences. His premature death is followed by the marriages of his sons, Machlon and Kilyon, to Moabite women, which eventually ends in further tragedy.The narrative shifts to Noami's return to Israel after losing her husband and sons. In a deeply emotional moment, she urges her daughters-in-law to stay in Moav. Orpah ultimately turns back, and her path leads to an unexpected and dark legacy. Rus, on the other hand, clings to Noami with unparalleled loyalty, uttering the now-famous words of commitment. The episode concludes with Rus and Noami arriving in Israel, setting the stage for a story of redemption, faith, and the hidden roots of royalty.00:00 – Introduction to the Story of Ruth02:51 – When Did the Story Happen?04:49 – Elimelech Leaves Israel During Famine11:24 – Elimelech's Punishment12:07 – Machlon and Kilyon Marry Moabite Women15:16 – Machlon and Kilyon Die18:01 – Noami Prepares to Return to Israel24:29 – Noami Urges Daughters-in-Law to Leave Her29:53 – Orpah Turns Back. Her Story Explained37:53 – Rus Clings to Noami41:39 – Rus and Noami Arrive in Israel

The Book of Judges follows a repetitive cycle: Israelites worship idols, God allows enemies to oppress them, they cry out, and God raises a judge like Ehud to deliver them. Ehud, a left-handed man with a disabled right hand, kills the Moabite king Eglon, showing God uses unlikely heroes. God triumphs through our weakness, gives us salvation comes faith, overcomes opposition, and values availability over ability.

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Who was the grandmother of King David? A royal Moabite who left everything to follow G-d and believe in herself. Ruth teaches us that we all begin in the field uncertain, unpolished, uninvited. But when we choose connection over comfort, service over self-serving, we become vessels for redemption. That is how Mashiach comes—not just on a cosmic scale, but in the quiet moments when we align with truth, when we listen deeply, when we allow wonder in, when we say “yes” from the depths of our being. Listen to this excellent class on one of the most remarkable women in history, the grandmother of King David.

On the evening of June 1, a synagogue in Mississauga, Ont., will officially welcome nine new members of the Jewish faith, during Shavuot services. The conversion candidates have been studying for months, having undergone ritual baths and—in some cases—symbolic circumcisions, all to join the Tribe. The timing of the ceremony for these “Jews by choice” harkens back to the Biblical story we read on Shavuot about Ruth, a Moabite woman who joined the Israelites through marriage, and whose descendants included King David and Jesus Christ. For months, Canadian rabbis of all denominations have been reporting heightened levels of interest in conversions. Some candidates are looking to commit for their Jewish spouse; others proceeded solo on their own spiritual journeys. However, one thing many had in common: Oct. 7 has a lot to do with it. Why would anyone want to become Jewish, you ask, when antisemitism and anti-Zionism are becoming increasingly mainstream? We get answers on today's episode of The CJN Daily. Rabbis Taylor Baruchel of Holy Blossom Temple, the largest Reform congregation in Canada, and Stephen Wise, the spiritual leader of Shaarei-Beth El Congregation, in Oakville, join to explain the phenomenon. Related links Meet three Canadians who converted to Judaism after Oct. 7, despite everything, on The CJN Daily. Why Alexandria Fanjoy Silver converted twice, on The CJN Daily. Read more from Emily Caruso Parnell about the conversion process she underwent from both Orthodox and Reform pathways, in The CJN archives. Credits Host and writer: Ellin Bessner (@ebessner) Production team: Zachary Kauffman (senior producer), Andrea Varsany (producer), Michael Fraiman (executive producer) Music: Dov Beck-Levine Support our show Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to The CJN Daily (Not sure how? Click here)

Ruth the Moabite said she'd follow her mother-in-law, Naomi, anywhere. That blind devotion has since made her an enduring symbol of loyalty, faith and determination. And, just in time for Shavuot, we're playing a favourite episode of ours from the vault.Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and by signing up for our newsletter at israelstory.org/newsletter/. For more, head to our site or The Times of Israel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daily Dose of Hope May 19, 2025 Day 1 of Week 8   Scripture – Matthew 1   Prayer:  Almighty God, We come before you on this Monday, as we start a new week, with both humility and gratefulness.  You are so powerful, so holy, and so wise.  We need you.  We seek you.  We are desperate to hear a word from you today, Lord.  We also know that we have failed over and over again.  Lord, forgive us for our sins, for the ways we fall short.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, hear our prayers...Jesus, help us stay focused on you and your Word today.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back, everyone, to the Daily Dose of Hope, a Deep Dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we start the book of Matthew.  While the author does not identify himself, most scholars agree it was written by Matthew the tax collector.  He actually mentions himself a couple times in the Gospel.  The events in the book take place in the first 40 or so years of the first century.  It was actually written somewhere between 50 and 90AD.   Let's keep in mind that all the Gospel accounts were passed down and taught orally for about 30-40 years before they were written down.  Each Gospel author collected and arranged these accounts to highlight certain themes about Jesus.  Mark, who we just finished, emphasized Jesus' authority.  Matthew, on the other hand, very intentionally uses his Gospel to demonstrate the continuation and fulfillment of the whole Biblical story of God and the people of Israel.  Thus, he emphasizes how Jesus is the Messiah in the line of David, and he focuses on how Jesus is Immanuel (which means in Hebrew, God with us.) Matthew 1 starts with a genealogy.  Sometimes, our inclination is the brush over the genealogies, but this one is pretty unique.  First, we can see the connection between the Old Testament and the birth of Jesus. As we read through the names on the list, we get a picture of God's history of redemption for his people.  Abraham and David are highlights, as both were recipients of God's promises for the people of Israel, significant parts of redemptive history.  Another reason I love this genealogy is that five women are specifically mentioned. This was at a time when women were basically never mentioned in the history of patriarchal societies. And here we are, five very unique and interesting women–Tamar (who was quite tricky to achieve her purpose), Rahab (at one point a prostitute), Ruth (a Moabite), Uriah's wife (Bathsheba), and Mary.   The first four women were Gentiles or married to Gentiles, they were outsiders to a certain extent, and yet they had tenacious faith, the kind that would be critical for faith in Jesus.  This focus on Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba leads to the introduction of Mary.  It's like the author is saying, “Don't discount Mary!”  She may not be who you would expect to be the mother of the Savior of the world but God uses all kinds of people!  God lifts up all kinds of women, those who are proper and those who aren't. What a beautiful reminder that the Gospel is for ALL. Then, we have Joseph's story.  Joseph is probably the most underrated person in the Christmas story. He is like the father of the bride at the wedding. No one notices him yet he gets to help pay for the whole shin-dig. But Joseph is an example of faithful, unquestioning obedience in the middle of fearful, life-altering circumstances.   Scripture says that Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph.  Remember, Mary was a very young girl and was probably very poor.  Joseph would have been older than her.  We tend to think of Joseph as a carpenter but really it's more likely he was a general builder. He was from a kind of backwater, remote area of Palestine. He was probably illiterate (education was generally just for merchants and aristocrats at the time). Both Mary and Joseph were humble people from a very humble part of Israel.   Scripture continues, "before they came together, it was found that Mary was pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit." Joseph, being a righteous man, faithful to the law, didn't want her to be publicly disgraced so he had decided to divorce her quietly. At the time, when one became engaged, it was much more formal than it is today. Most likely, Joseph had made an agreement with Mary's father, perhaps years earlier, to take Mary as his wife. This would have been a binding agreement. In the eyes of the law, they were as good as married already, even though the relationship had not been consummated.   Mary was found to be pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit. Keep in mind that all Joseph knows at this time is that she is pregnant. His fiancé is pregnant and he knows the baby isn't his. We don't think much about Joseph's feelings. We focus a lot on Mary (and rightfully so) but Jospeh must have had all kinds of feelings too.  The whole thing must have been crushing for him. He had hopes and dreams. My guess is that he was hurt and betrayed. Despite that, he doesn't fly into an angry rage or have a desire to hurt Mary even though this would have amounted to adultery in their culture.   Joseph had compassion. He doesn't want to bring additional shame onto Mary if he can help it. Part of this could have been that Joseph was older than Mary. He might have known that a girl of that age didn't really have much control over her sexuality in that culture. Joseph is in a predicament. He wants to be faithful to the law, so he can no longer marry her, but yet he doesn't want to humiliate her either. So he decides to quietly divorce her, not make too much of a big deal about it. Regardless, Mary would face humiliation and be ostracized. That was the nature of the situation.   But before Joseph breaks off the engagement, he goes home and goes to sleep. It's always good to sleep on big decisions. While he is sleeping, an angel of the Lord appears to him in a dream and says, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” And here is the amazing thing. Scripture says that when he woke up, Joseph did what the angel told him and took Mary as his wife. If Joseph had doubts, they weren't recorded. If he made excuses, we certainly don't know about them. It appears he was simply obedient.    It's worth mentioning that the angel tells Joseph not to be afraid to marry Mary because the baby she is carrying was conceived by the Holy Spirit. We know that Mary was risking a lot, but Joseph was also taking big risks here. He also will make some pretty significant sacrifices. People are generally pretty good at counting and they would know that the baby was conceived before they got married. He also faces being ostracized and being an outcast in his community. It was scary! What would their lives look like? What would their families do? What would become of them? Joseph models for us that we can be obedient in spite of fear. He did what was commanded of him, even when it was hard.   Being obedient to God doesn't always look like we want it to look. Let's be real. We want being obedient to God to be a good job with a comfortable salary, a nice home, good schools for our kids, plenty of leisure time and fun activities, a fairly decent social standing, and occasional church attendance. For most of us, if we are honest, that's what we want obedience to God to look like the typical American dream.  But we learn from Joseph is that obedience to God might not always make sense, it might not be popular, and it might not be comfortable.   Obedience to God may also require sacrifice. In the case of Joseph, obedience may have cost him his reputation and his place in the community. We know that later it means he has to drop everything to go to Bethlehem for a census. Then, he has to go to Egypt to keep the baby safe from an evil king. This probably wasn't what Joseph envisioned for his young family.   When God calls us to something, there are often things we have to give up. Joseph gave up stability and safety. Think about what God has called you to. Maybe God has called you to minister to someone and give up your time. Maybe God has called you to share your faith with your neighbor, coworker, or that person at the gym and risk rejection. Maybe God has called you to volunteer in a specific area or give sacrificially to a mission partner. Maybe God has called you to go back to school, change jobs, reconcile with an estranged friend or family member. Maybe God has called you to full-time ministry. However God has called you (and I can guarantee he has called you in some way), it typically involves some kind of sacrifice, discomfort, and hard work. Being obedient to God doesn't always look like we want it to look.   The last thing I'll mention is that God calls us to obey even when we are fearful of the future. This is so hard but God calls us to obey through the fear. We trust that if God has called us to it, God will see us through it. What I've come to learn is that obedience and trust go hand in hand.   Have a wonderful Monday.  We will chat again tomorrow.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki        

Ruth 2:15-23 English Standard Version 15 When she rose to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. 16 And also pull out some from the bundles for her and leave it for her to glean, and do not rebuke her.” 17 So she gleaned in the field until evening. Then she beat out what she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah[a] of barley. 18 And she took it up and went into the city. Her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. She also brought out and gave her what food she had left over after being satisfied. 19 And her mother-in-law said to her, “Where did you glean today? And where have you worked? Blessed be the man who took notice of you.” So she told her mother-in-law with whom she had worked and said, “The man's name with whom I worked today is Boaz.” 20 And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the Lord, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!” Naomi also said to her, “The man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers.” 21 And Ruth the Moabite said, “Besides, he said to me, ‘You shall keep close by my young men until they have finished all my harvest.'” 22 And Naomi said to Ruth, her daughter-in-law, “It is good, my daughter, that you go out with his young women, lest in another field you be assaulted.” 23 So she kept close to the young women of Boaz, gleaning until the end of the barley and wheat harvests. And she lived with her mother-in-law.

An undocumented alien from a nearby country changes the course of history for an Israelite woman.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Becker will examine the life and love of a Moabite widow who left her own family and her own faith practices to care for a woman named Naomi. In the process, she came to worship the Lord God, married her "redeemer," and became an ancestor of Jesus.If you enjoy this podcast and make it a regular part of your week, would you consider helping us with your support? Thank you!

In this message, we will explore how God strategically places us to both care for others and be cared for, as seen in the book of Ruth. Ruth, a Moabite widow, finds herself in Bethlehem, where she receives provision through Boaz and becomes a blessing to Naomi. This story reminds us that we are never where we are by accident - God positions us with purpose. PRAYERText FATHOM to 97000 if you would like a member of our prayer team to pray with or for you.NEXT STEPSAre you ready to learn more about what it means to walk with Christ, get baptized, or get connected within the church body? Click here to complete our digital connect card: https://fathom.churchcenter.com/people/forms/31883GOT QUESTIONS?Learn more about Fathom Church at http://fathom.church/WE'RE HERE FOR YOU!If you are looking for more encouragement and biblical teaching throughout the week, we hope you'll follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or download the Churchcenter app: https://churchcenter.com/setupMORE WAYS TO LISTEN:Fathom Beyond Sunday Podcast - Takes the Sunday sermon a bit further in conversation and application - listen in on an engaging chat between leaders at Fathom discussing faith, life, and how we can carry the truth of the word taught on Sunday into our week Monday through Saturday.Fathom Family Podcast - Real talk on how to build a Godly marriage that is in it for the long haul while leading your kids toward their God-given potential and purpose in Christ.See all the ways to listen here: http://fathom.church/category/listen/

## Exploring the Legacy of Boaz: A Family Legend In the second episode of the "Family Legend" series, we delve into the story of Boaz from the Book of Ruth. This sermon explores the characteristics that define a family legend and how we can leave a God-honoring legacy for future generations. ### The Legend of Boaz and Ruth The story of Boaz, found in the Book of Ruth, is a tale of faith, providence, and legacy. During a time of famine, Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth return to Bethlehem after suffering great loss. Ruth, a Moabite, pledges her loyalty to Naomi, famously stating, "Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay" (**Ruth 1:16-17**). Upon their return, they encounter Boaz, a man of standing and integrity, who plays a pivotal role in their story. ### Characteristics of a Family Legend The sermon outlines four key characteristics that Boaz exemplified, which we can cultivate to become legends for our families: 1. **Prayerful**: Boaz's life was steeped in prayer, even in his greetings and interactions. His blessing upon his workers and his prayer for Ruth's well-being were sincere acts of faith. "May the Lord repay you for what you have done" (**Ruth 2:12**). 2. **Perceptive**: Boaz noticed Ruth, a foreigner, working in his fields. His awareness of her presence and situation highlights the importance of being perceptive and attentive to the needs around us. 3. **Protective**: Understanding the potential dangers Ruth faced, Boaz ensured her safety by instructing his men not to harm her and providing her with water. This reflects the protective nature legends must embody to safeguard their families. 4. **Provider**: Boaz empowered Ruth by allowing her to glean in his fields, respecting her dignity and encouraging her independence. He provided opportunities rather than handouts, fostering growth and faith in God. ### Lessons in Legacy The overarching message is that legends are those who fear God and prioritize the well-being of others over mere happiness. Boaz's actions were not just about meeting needs but about creating opportunities for Ruth to experience God's provision and grow in faith. His life serves as a template for how we can influence our families positively through: - **Prayer**: Inviting God into every aspect of life, trusting Him to work in the lives of those we love. - **Perception**: Being aware and attentive to the needs and situations of our family members. - **Protection**: Safeguarding our loved ones from harm and guiding them through life's challenges. - **Provision**: Empowering others to stand on their own, fostering independence and faith. ### Conclusion Boaz's story teaches us that a true family legend is someone who leaves a legacy of faith and integrity. By cultivating these characteristics, we can inspire our families to follow God and live lives of purpose and significance. As Boaz was to Ruth and Naomi, we too can be guiding lights, pointing our loved ones to the path of righteousness and God's enduring love. For more insights, you can explore the full story in the [Book of Ruth](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth+1-4&version=NIV).

Ruth 2:15-23 English Standard Version 15 When she rose to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. 16 And also pull out some from the bundles for her and leave it for her to glean, and do not rebuke her.” 17 So she gleaned in the field until evening. Then she beat out what she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah[a] of barley. 18 And she took it up and went into the city. Her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. She also brought out and gave her what food she had left over after being satisfied.19 And her mother-in-law said to her, “Where did you glean today? And where have you worked? Blessed be the man who took notice of you.” So she told her mother-in-law with whom she had worked and said, “The man's name with whom I worked today is Boaz.” 20 And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the Lord, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!” Naomi also said to her, “The man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers.” 21 And Ruth the Moabite said, “Besides, he said to me, ‘You shall keep close by my young men until they have finished all my harvest.'” 22 And Naomi said to Ruth, her daughter-in-law, “It is good, my daughter, that you go out with his young women, lest in another field you be assaulted.” 23 So she kept close to the young women of Boaz, gleaning until the end of the barley and wheat harvests. And she lived with her mother-in-law.

In the story of Ruth, we get to meet one of the most noble men in all of the Bible. There are not a large amount of verses dedicated to Boaz, but everything written of him is good. He stands as one of the clearest types of Christ in all of the Old Testament. In this message, Boaz is seen again as kind, caring, generous, and committed to providing for and protecting the Gentile widow named Ruth. In doing so, Boaz acts in such a way that Naomi recognizes that this kinsman of her deceased husband seems to be operating not only in kindness and generosity, but also in a way that points to a potential wedding to young Ruth. The future bridegroom of a destitute Moabite begins to take center stage. As he does so, we cannot help but to think of our own Kinsman redeemer, Jesus Christ.

In the story of Ruth, we get to meet one of the most noble men in all of the Bible. There are not a large amount of verses dedicated to Boaz, but everything written of him is good. He stands as one of the clearest types of Christ in all of the Old Testament. In this message, Boaz is seen again as kind, caring, generous, and committed to providing for and protecting the Gentile widow named Ruth. In doing so, Boaz acts in such a way that Naomi recognizes that this kinsman of her deceased husband seems to be operating not only in kindness and generosity, but also in a way that points to a potential wedding to young Ruth. The future bridegroom of a destitute Moabite begins to take center stage. As he does so, we cannot help but to think of our own Kinsman redeemer, Jesus Christ.

Hosts Pastor Robert Baltodano and Pastor Lloyd Pulley Question Timestamps: Linda, NJ (3:34) - What is the Q source for the gospels? Jennifer, email (6:51) - Why did God get mad at Balaam for going with the Moabite officials, when God told him to go the night before? Dave, email (8:54) - What Bible verses explain our time on Earth? Karen, UT (12:07) - What does the real God say about the interfaith day of prayer? Is there a scripture that says if you aren't praying to Him, He doesn't hear it? Is it good to go to these events and proclaim that Jesus is the only true God? Ricky, VA (19:54) - Am I an actual Christian when I still struggle with alcohol? Anonymous, email (25:55) - How much of mental illness is demonic? Lloyd, HI (33:41) - Why did Noah curse Cain after the flood? Kelly, MA (36:33) - Where did people go when they died before Jesus came? Thomas, email (40:28) - What are your thoughts on implementing “informed trauma care” into church ministries and overall ministry approach? John, MA (43:35) - Can you explain 1 Peter 3:19-22? Kie-Noah, HI (46:30) - What significance does a Labubu Doll have? Should I stop my son from buying it? Email (49:20) - Was Elihu correct in Job 32-37? Email (51:36) - My church keeps emphasizing the importance of prayer, but doesn't tell us how to pray. Are we just supposed to quote the Lord's Prayer? It feels wrong to just list off my requests consistently. Ask Your Question: 888-712-7434 Answers@bbtlive.org

“So the next morning Balaam got up, saddled his donkey, and started off with the Moabite officials. But God was angry that Balaam was going, so he sent the angel of the Lord to stand in the road to block his way. As Balaam and two servants were riding along, Balaam's donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand. The donkey bolted off the road into a field, but Balaam beat it and turned it back onto the road. Then the angel of the Lord stood at a place where the road narrowed between two vineyard walls. When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, it tried to squeeze by and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall. So Balaam beat the donkey again. Then the angel of the Lord moved farther down the road and stood in a place too narrow for the donkey to get by at all. This time when the donkey saw the angel, it lay down under Balaam. In a fit of rage Balaam beat the animal again with his staff. Then the Lord gave the donkey the ability to speak. “What have I done to you that deserves your beating me three times?” it asked Balaam. “You have made me look like a fool!” Balaam shouted. “If I had a sword with me, I would kill you!” “But I am the same donkey you have ridden all your life,” the donkey answered. “Have I ever done anything like this before?” “No,” Balaam admitted. Then the Lord opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the roadway with a drawn sword in his hand. Balaam bowed his head and fell face down on the ground before him. “Why did you beat your donkey those three times?” the angel of the Lord demanded. “Look, I have come to block your way because you are stubbornly resisting me. Three times the donkey saw me and shied away; otherwise, I would certainly have killed you by now and spared the donkey.” Then Balaam confessed to the angel of the Lord, “I have sinned. I didn't realize you were standing in the road to block my way. I will return home if you are against my going.” But the angel of the Lord told Balaam, “Go with these men, but say only what I tell you to say.” So Balaam went on with Balak's officials.” - ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭22‬:‭21‬-‭35‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When Life Gets Tough | RUTH 4:13-22 | Week 5God's eternal plan was for this Moabite woman to be in the line of Jesus. His plan is perfect. He is never late. His plan is going to get done.

More on Balaam, and how was truly just so wicked, at least in the rabbinic literature. How bad was he in the Torah? Plus, he was a true prophet, regardless of the fact that he was wicked. The Gemara than describes just how wicked Balaam was, according to his ideas to entrap Jews and turn them from worship of God -- into the defecation worship of the Baal-Peor. Plus, how young Balaam was at his death, and why. Also, shifting focus to Do'eg Ha-Edomi, from the book of Samuel - a bit of an enemy of King David. Where God seems more willing to let Do'eg have a future and moments of not-wickedness than David himself. He seems to have known some Torah, in any case. But what he did that was so bad seems to be worked into the biblical narrative about him.

Pastor Jeff shares today through the story of Ruth that God is in control of all things and provides for our needs in many ways. Ruth 2:2-3 2 And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” 3 So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek.

Ruth 1:1-19a The LORD moves a Moabite woman named Ruth to care for her widowed mother-in-law, even though it meant leaving her people, her country, and her way of life behind. The Foundation Preacher Podcast is provided to you by WELS Congregational Services. The Foundation resources were created to help churches allow the gospel message […]

Scholars have long debated the existence of the Moabites until the discovery of the Moabite stone in 1868. Frederick Klein, a travelling medical missionary, first made the discovery. It was then further investigated by a French archaeologist, Charles Clermont-Ganneau. The stele was inscribed with a message from King Mahesa of Moab, who is also mentioned in the biblical book of Kings. One of the most touching stories about a Moabite is found in the Book of Ruth. It's a story of heartbreak, inspiration, and restitution. Join us this week as we dig deeper into this fascinating story.

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Numbers 25 describes a significant event in Israel's history during their wilderness journey. It details how the Israelites, near the land of Moab, fell into idolatry and immorality, provoking God's anger and leading to severe judgment. The chapter also introduces Phinehas, a priest whose zeal for God's holiness played a key role in stopping a deadly plague. 1. The Sin of Israel (Numbers 25:1-3) “And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods. And Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel.” (Numbers 25:1-3, KJV) The Israelites were camped at Shittim, near Moab, before entering the Promised Land. While there, they engaged in sexual immorality with Moabite women, which led them to worship Baal-peor, a pagan god. Their idolatry and disobedience angered God, as they had broken their covenant with Him. 2. God's Judgment and the Plague (Numbers 25:4-9) “And the LORD said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel.” (Numbers 25:4) In response to Israel's sin, God commanded Moses to execute those who had participated in idolatry and immorality. A severe plague struck the nation as a divine punishment. While Israel mourned the destruction, an Israelite man named Zimri openly brought a Midianite woman named Cozbi into his tent in defiance of God's command. Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, acted decisively by taking a spear and killing both Zimri and Cozbi, stopping the plague. His swift action demonstrated his commitment to God's holiness. The plague ended after this, but by then, 24,000 Israelites had already died. 3. Phinehas' Reward (Numbers 25:10-13) “Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel… Wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace.” (Numbers 25:11-12) God commended Phinehas for his zeal and granted him a covenant of peace. This covenant ensured that his descendants would always serve as priests. His action symbolized Israel's return to righteousness by purging sin from the camp. 4. The Midianites Become Enemies (Numbers 25:14-18) “Vex the Midianites, and smite them: For they vex you with their wiles, wherewith they have beguiled you in the matter of Peor…” (Numbers 25:17-18) Zimri, the Israelite man, and Cozbi, the Midianite woman, were leaders in their communities. Because of their role in leading Israel into sin, God commanded Israel to attack the Midianites. This set the stage for later conflicts between Israel and Midian. Lessons from Numbers 25 The story highlights the dangers of compromise. Israel's downfall began with a small compromise—associating with pagan nations—which led to full idolatry and divine judgment. God's holiness and justice are emphasized, showing that He does not tolerate sin, especially when His people turn away from Him. The passage also illustrates the importance of zeal for righteousness. Phinehas demonstrated that taking a stand for God's truth can restore His favor. Lastly, the consequences of sin are evident, as seen in the severe plague that claimed 24,000 lives. Conclusion Numbers 25 is a warning against spiritual and moral compromise. It highlights how Israel fell into sin through idolatry and immorality, leading to divine judgment. However, it also shows that repentance and zeal for God's holiness can restore His favor. The legacy of Phinehas serves as an example of standing against unrighteousness in a world that constantly tempts God's people to stray.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.

Numbers 24 marks a pivotal moment in the story of Balaam, the enigmatic prophet hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse Israel. Despite Balak's persistent attempts, Balaam, under divine influence, speaks only blessings over Israel. This chapter concludes Balaam's series of oracles, affirming God's sovereign control over His people's destiny and foreshadowing Israel's future triumph. As Balaam looks out over the vast encampment of Israel, he falls into a prophetic trance. Unlike his earlier visions, which required sacrificial rituals, this time the Spirit of God takes over him spontaneously. His eyes are opened, and he delivers a powerful message about Israel's divine favor and future dominance. Themes and Symbolism in Numbers 24 One of the dominant themes in this chapter is God's sovereignty over human intentions. Balak's repeated efforts to manipulate Balaam into cursing Israel fail because God's plans cannot be overridden by human desires. The contrast between Balak's frustration and God's unwavering purpose highlights the futility of opposing divine will. Another theme is the power of divine revelation. Balaam's vision transcends his personal will; he is no longer an independent seer but a vessel for God's message. His words paint a picture of Israel's blessed and flourishing future, comparing them to lush gardens and towering trees planted by the Lord. Balaam's prophecy also introduces the concept of a future ruler, which is later seen as a messianic foreshadowing. In Numbers 24 verse 17, Balaam declares. “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.” This prophecy speaks of a coming leader who will bring victory to Israel. The star represents divine guidance and kingship, while the scepter symbolizes royal authority. Many biblical scholars and Christian theologians view this as an early reference to the coming Messiah, later associated with Jesus Christ. Symbolic Imagery in Balaam's Prophecy Balaam's vision is rich in powerful metaphors: • A Star Rising from Jacob – Symbolizing a future king or divine ruler, bringing victory and guidance to Israel. • A Scepter from Israel – Representing strength, sovereignty, and the authority to subdue Israel's enemies. • A Majestic Lion – Depicting Judah's power and the nation's eventual dominion over its adversaries. • Flourishing Gardens and Mighty Trees – Illustrating Israel's prosperity and divine favor. • Crushed Enemies – Signifying God's judgment on nations that oppose His chosen people. These images reinforce the prophecy's message: Israel is blessed, chosen, and destined for greatness, despite opposition. Balaam's Fate and the Aftermath Although Balaam speaks divine blessings over Israel, his story does not end on a righteous path. Later in the Book of Numbers, he is revealed to have played a role in leading Israel into sin through the seduction of Moabite women (Numbers 31:16). He ultimately meets his death when Israel conquers Midian. This serves as a cautionary tale: despite being used as a mouthpiece for God, Balaam's heart remained divided, and he succumbed to greed and manipulation. Conclusion Numbers 24 highlights God's ability to turn human schemes into opportunities for His glory. Balak's desire to curse Israel results in an overwhelming pronouncement of blessing, reaffirming that no earthly power can undo God's promises. Balaam's vision of a future ruler sets the stage for later biblical prophecies concerning the Messiah, reinforcing the theme of divine kingship. This chapter serves as a reminder that God's plans are unshakable, and His chosen people will always be under His protection. It also warns against spiritual compromise, as seen in Balaam's downfall. Ultimately, the story of Balaam is not just about prophecy, but about the greater truth that God's will prevails, regardless of human intent.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.

1 Now Naomi had a relative of her husband's, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. 2 And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.” 3 So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech. 4 And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem. And he said to the reapers, “The Lord be with you!” And they answered, “The Lord bless you.”5 Then Boaz said to his young man who was in charge of the reapers, “Whose young woman is this?” 6 And the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered, “She is the young Moabite woman, who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. 7 She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the reapers.' So she came, and she has continued from early morning until now, except for a short rest.”[a]

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Daily Dose of Hope March 3, 2025 Day 2 of Week 49     Scripture:  Ezra 7-10; Psalm 97; Revelation 4   Welcome back, friends, to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.   For our Old Testament Scripture, we head back to the book of Ezra.  In chapters 7 and 8, we read about Ezra returning to Jerusalem.  The king of Persia has given him and any Jews who want to return permission to do so.  But it's quite a journey.  Ezra records all that come with him.    One interesting thing about Ezra is that he was a leader who invested in his people. He didn't just tell the people what to do, he actually taught the people Scripture and how to interpret it. Thus, as we move into chapters 9 and 10, the people are now recognizing that what is going on among them is wrong. They see how the Jewish people are out of alignment with God's law and they decide to bring their concerns to Ezra.   What's the issue? Well, the people of God have been intermarrying with all the pagan nations and cultures around them. They have given their daughters in marriage to Canaanites and Hittites. They have accepted Moabite and Amorite men as husbands for their daughters. God asked them to be a holy, set-apart people and they have done anything but. There are certainly instances in the Old Testament when Jewish people have married foreigners(think Ruth the Moabite) and things have turned out well. But in those cases, the foreign spouse became dedicated to the one true God. In other instances, when things didn't turn out so well (think Solomon and all his wives), it was because the spouses remained pagan and brought their pagan gods into the home. It is hard to be holy and set apart when Pagan influences are at your kitchen table and in your bedroom.   As believers in Jesus, we are also to be set apart people. That doesn't mean we isolate ourselves from the world, but rather we live differently. Our values are different than the world's values. Our lifestyle should be different from the world's lifestyle. When it comes to marriage, the New Testament also implores believers to marry other believers. It isn't a command but it makes sense. When a person of one worldview covenants with the person of a totally different worldview, it can be really, really hard. When one spouse is committed to Jesus and the other isn't, there will be value clashes.   Think about your own relationships, maybe your marriage. How might your pray for those closest to you in regard to faith? We know that God isn't done with anyone yet. What relationship is heavy on your heart right now? Take a moment and pray.   Back to the Scripture - the people truly loved and respected Ezra and when they see how distraught he is, they also become distraught. Ezra really doesn't have to force the people to acknowledge their wrongdoing. They know their guilt before God is significant. They have intermarried with people who worship other gods. They have broken God's law and they know it. Now what is to be done?   Ezra as the leader guides the people but doesn't force them into any specific solution. It is the people themselves who decide that the foreign wives and their children should be banned from their fellowship. This is a hard one for me. Presumably, some of these are innocents. It wasn't their fault that their father decided to marry a foreign woman. And yet, they would be sent away. Sin always has consequences.   I think that is a hard lesson for us. Sin always has consequences. Sometimes, the consequences are more severe than others. In our case, we can receive forgiveness through Jesus Christ and be reconciled to God but that doesn't remove the consequences for ourselves and others. Sin always has consequences.   Now we head to our New Testament reading in Revelation. We've moved from the concerns of the churches to the heavenly realm in chapter 4. John describes heaven's throne room with God on the throne. Human words fail John at this moment and he can only describe God as having the appearance of jasper and ruby. I've tried to envision this. Jasper is a beautiful stone that can be either a deep red or dark green. Ruby is obviously a brilliant red. So God, in John's vision, includes the flashing radiance of reds and greens. Take a moment, close your eyes, and try to imagine what John is seeing.   The main throne is surrounded by twenty-four other thrones occupied by twenty-four elders. Scholars have debated for years as to who these elders might be but it probably isn't all that relevant. What is relevant is the majesty of it all. From that central throne, there are flashes of lightning and the sounds of thunder. There are seven blazing lamps around the throne, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. What is most interesting to me are the four creatures who surround the throne. They seem to serve as guardians of some kind. They are covered with eyes and they each have six wings. They are similar to the fantastic beings described in Ezekiel (chapters 1 and 10). And these beings never stop praising God. All the time, never-ending praise: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,' who was, and is, and is to come.”   When the four creatures give praise, the twenty-four elders do as well, falling down and worshiping God. Think of it–praise to God all the time; continuous, nonstop worship and praise. In heaven, God is being worshiped constantly without breaks or pauses. Why? Because he is God. Because he is creator, because he is sustainer, because he is Savior and Lord of all. Ceaseless praise.   How much time do we spend praising God in our lives on earth? Be honest. What's your praise level? How might we begin to worship and praise God on a continuous (or at least daily) basis? How might this change how we view God? How might this change how we view the world?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

19 So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?” 20 She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi;[a] call me Mara,[b] for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. 21 I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?” 22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabite her daughter-in-law with her, who returned from the country of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.

Daily Office - Wednesday in the Seventh Week After EpiphanyOpening Words:I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth. Isaiah 49:6bConfession:Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.  Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.  The InvitatoryLord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Alleluia.Psalm 95:1–7The Lord has shown forth his glory: Come let us adore him.Come, let us sing to the Lord; * let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving * and raise a loud shout to him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, * and a great King above all gods.In his hand are the caverns of the earth, * and the heights of the hills are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, * and his hands have molded the dry land.Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, * and kneel before the Lord our Maker. For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. * Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!The Lord has shown forth his glory: Come let us adore him. The PsalterPsalm 119:145-176 QophIcall with my whole heart; *answer me, O Lord, that I may keep your statutes.I call to you;oh, that you would save me! *I will keep your decrees.Early in the morning I cry out to you, *for in your word is my trust.My eyes are open in the night watches, *that I may meditate upon your promise.Hear my voice, O Lord, according to your loving-kindness; *according to your judgments, give me life.They draw near who in malice persecute me; *they are very far from your law.You, O Lord, are near at hand, *and all your commandments are true.Long have I known from your decrees *that you have established them for ever. Psalm 119: ReshBehold my affliction and deliver me, *for I do not forget your law.Plead my cause and redeem me; *according to your promise, give me life.Deliverance is far from the wicked, *for they do not study your statutes.Great is your compassion, O Lord; *preserve my life, according to your judgments.There are many who persecute and oppress me, *yet I have not swerved from your decrees.I look with loathing at the faithless, *for they have not kept your word.See how I love your commandments! *O Lord, in your mercy, preserve me.The heart of your word is truth; *all your righteous judgments endure for evermore. Psalm 119: ShinRulers have persecuted me without a cause, *but my heart stands in awe of your word.I am as glad because of your promise *as one who finds great spoils.As for lies, I hate and abhor them, *but your law is my love.Seven times a day do I praise you, *because of your righteous judgments.Great peace have they who love your law; *for them there is no stumbling block.I have hoped for your salvation, O Lord, *and have fulfilled your commandments.I have kept your decrees *and I have loved them deeply.I have kept your commandments and decrees, *for all my ways are before you. Psalm 119: TawLet my cry come before you, O Lord; *give me understanding, according to your word.Let my supplication come before you; *deliver me, according to your promise.My lips shall pour forth your praise, *when you teach me your statutes.My tongue shall sing of your promise, *for all your commandments are righteous.Let your hand be ready to help me, *for I have chosen your commandments.I long for your salvation, O Lord, *and your law is my delight.Let me live, and I will praise you, *and let your judgments help me.I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost; *search for your servant,for I do not forget your commandments.  Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.LessonsRuth 2:1-13Now Naomi had a kinsman on her husband's side, a prominent rich man, of the family of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, "Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain, behind someone in whose sight I may find favor." She said to her, "Go, my daughter." So she went. She came and gleaned in the field behind the reapers. As it happened, she came to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech. Just then Boaz came from Bethlehem. He said to the reapers, "The Lord be with you." They answered, "The Lord bless you." Then Boaz said to his servant who was in charge of the reapers, "To whom does this young woman belong?" The servant who was in charge of the reapers answered, "She is the Moabite who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. She said, 'Please, let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the reapers.' So she came, and she has been on her feet from early this morning until now, without resting even for a moment." Then Boaz said to Ruth, "Now listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. Keep your eyes on the field that is being reaped, and follow behind them. I have ordered the young men not to bother you. If you get thirsty, go to the vessels and drink from what the young men have drawn." Then she fell prostrate, with her face to the ground, and said to him, "Why have I found favor in your sight, that you should take notice of me, when I am a foreigner?" But Boaz answered her, "All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. 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!" Then she said, "May I continue to find favor in your sight, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, even though I am not one of your servants."The Word of the Lord. Thanks Be To God.Te Deum laudamusYou are God: we praise you;You are the Lord; we acclaim you;You are the eternal Father:All creation worships you.To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.The glorious company of apostles praise you.The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father.When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin's womb.You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.You are seated at God's right hand in glory.We believe that you will come and be our judge.Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.2 Cor. 1:23-2:17But I call on God as witness against me: it was to spare you that I did not come again to Corinth. I do not mean to imply that we lord it over your faith; rather, we are workers with you for your joy, because you stand firm in the faith. So I made up my mind not to make you another painful visit. For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained? And I wrote as I did, so that when I came, I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice; for I am confident about all of you, that my joy would be the joy of all of you. For I wrote you out of much distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain, but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you. But if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but to some extent-- not to exaggerate it-- to all of you. This punishment by the majority is enough for such a person; so now instead you should forgive and console him, so that he may not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I urge you to reaffirm your love for him. I wrote for this reason: to test you and to know whether you are obedient in everything. Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ. And we do this so that we may not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. When I came to Troas to proclaim the good news of Christ, a door was opened for me in the Lord; but my mind could not rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said farewell to them and went on to Macedonia. But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not peddlers of God's word like so many; but in Christ we speak as persons of sincerity, as persons sent from God and standing in his presence.The Word of the Lord.Thanks Be To God. Matt. 5:21-26“You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, 'You shall not murder' and 'whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, 'You fool,' you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.The Word of the Lord. Thanks Be To God. Benedictus Dominus Deus Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *he has come to his people and set them free.He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *born of the house of his servant David.Through his holy prophets he promised of old,that he would save us from our enemies, *from the hands of all who hate us.He promised to show mercy to our fathers *and to remember his holy covenant.This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, *to set us free from the hands of our enemies,Free to worship him without fear, *holy and righteous in his sightall the days of our life.You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, *for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,To give his people knowledge of salvation *by the forgiveness of their sins.In the tender compassion of our God *the dawn from on high shall break upon us,To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, *and to guide our feet into the way of peace.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.The Apostles CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.  The PrayersThe Lord be with you.And also with you. Let us pray.Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.  Suffrages BV. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance;R. Govern and uphold them, now and always.V. Day by day we bless you; R. We praise your name for ever.V. Lord, keep us from all sin today; R. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.V. Lord, show us your love and mercy; R. For we put our trust in you.V. In you, Lord, is our hope; R. And we shall never hope in vain.The CollectsCollect of the DayO Lord, you have taught us that without love whatever we do is worth nothing: Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts your greatest gift, which is love, the true bond of peace and of all virtue, without which whoever lives is accounted dead before you. Grant this for the sake of your only Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.Daily Collects: A Collect for PeaceO God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.A Collect for Grace O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that, guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Take a moment of silence at this time to reflect and pray for others.Collect of Saint Basil O Christ God, Who art worshipped and glorified at every place and time; Who art long-suffering, most merciful and compassionate; Who lovest the righteous and art merciful to sinners; Who callest all to salvation with the promise of good things to come: receive, Lord, the prayers we now offer, and direct our lives in the way of Thy commandments. Sanctify our souls, cleanse our bodies, correct our thoughts, purify our minds and deliver us from all affliction, evil and illness. Surround us with Thy holy angels, that guarded and instructed by their forces, we may reach unity of faith and the understanding of Thine unapproachable glory: for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. Amen.  A Prayer of St. John Chrysostom Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time, with one accord to make our common supplications to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will grant their requests: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.  DismissalLet us bless the LordThanks be to God!The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen

Moab rebelled against Israel, and Israel decided to take it back: King Jehoram is introduced Jehoshaphat goes to battle with Jehoram for some reason YHWH gives a prophecy to Elisha using music God performs a miracle for the Israelites  Israel completely defeats the Moabites The Moabite king sacrifices his oldest son to Chemosh   Be sure to click every link: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries  Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries  Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com  Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-6493869  Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk  Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop  YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle    Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee  https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40   This ministry is only made possible due to your generous support https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries

In this week's episode of Your Weekly Calling, Brad explores the powerful example of faithfulness and sacrifice found in the story of Ruth. He begins by reflecting on Ruth 1:16, where Ruth makes a bold and committed declaration: “Where you go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God, my God.”Brad takes us back to Ruth's context—she was a Moabite widow who, despite the immense loss of her husband, chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth's decision to remain with Naomi, rather than return to her own family, was an act of deep loyalty and love. This simple yet profound act of obedience set her on a path that would not only change her life but also reveal God's power to work through everyday faithfulness.Brad challenges listeners to reflect on their own lives and what everyday obedience looks like for them. For example, as we drive to work or engage with others, we can choose to be faithful and obedient in small, seemingly mundane moments. He breaks down Ruth's faithfulness into several key areas:Faithfulness in Relationships: Ruth's loyalty to Naomi was remarkable. Despite Naomi's bitterness and her urging for Ruth to return to her family, Ruth chose love and commitment, stepping into the unknown for the sake of those she cared about. Brad shares his own experience of moving to Minnesota, where his family didn't know anyone but trusted in God's plan despite the uncertainty. He encourages listeners to consider how they can show faithfulness and love to the people God has placed in their lives, even when it's difficult.Faithfulness in Small Steps: Ruth didn't know what her future held, but she took small steps of obedience—working in the fields to provide for Naomi and herself. These seemingly insignificant acts of gleaning grain placed her right where God needed her— in the fields of Boaz, a man of integrity who would later become her redeemer. Brad encourages us to be faithful in our ordinary routines, knowing that even the smallest acts of obedience can position us for God's greater plan. He asks, “How can you honor God today in your routine—at work, at home, or in school?”God's Provision: Through Ruth's faithfulness, God orchestrated a beautiful story of redemption. Ruth went on to become the great-grandmother of King David, placing her in the lineage of Christ. Brad reflects on the fact that God can take brokenness, loss, and the mundane and turn it into something extraordinary. He challenges listeners to consider areas in their own lives where they need to trust in God's provision, believing that God is always working behind the scenes for their good.Brad wraps up the episode with a call to action for listeners:Commitment: Reflect on your relationships. Is there a commitment God is calling you to deepen or a difficult decision you're facing that requires faithfulness?Ordinary Faithfulness: Look for ways to honor God in your small, everyday actions. Trust that He sees your efforts, even when they feel unnoticed.Trust in His Timing: Surrender your future to God, trusting that He can use the most ordinary circumstances for His glory. Take one step of obedience in an area where you feel uncertain this week, knowing that God can use even this step to lead you toward His greater purpose.In closing, Brad leads a prayer, asking God to help us be more faithful, just as Ruth was, in our relationships and in our everyday lives. He reminds us that even when the path ahead is unclear, God is always working for our good and His glory.If you were encouraged by Ruth's example of faithfulness, take a moment to reflect on how you can apply these lessons to your own life this week. Don't forget to subscribe and join us next week for more...

Ruth 1:1-5 English Standard Version Naomi Widowed 1 In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. 2 The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. 3 But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. 4 These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years, 5 and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.

This chapter highlights how a Moabite woman got from her hometown to Bethlehem.

In this Bible Story, Lot's daughters trick their father into sleeping with them in order to carry on the bloodline. These children would eventually become the Moabite and Ammonite nations. This story is inspired by Genesis 19:30-38. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year. Today's Bible verse is Genesis 19:30 from the King James Version. Episode 13: Lot and his daughters have escaped the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah by God's grace and kindness, but, as they hid in the cave at Zoar, wickedness was not far behind. Lot's daughter's longing for children, stuck in a cave, decided to get their father drunk enough that they could each take turns sleeping with him. Their plan worked, but the sons they bore became enemies of Abraham's descendants for generations to come. Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham. Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories. Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living. Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store. Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max Bard Producer: Ben Gammon Hosted by: Pastor Jack Graham Music by: Andrew Morgan Smith Bible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The story of Ruth and Naomi profoundly illustrates how God can work through ordinary people and circumstances to create extraordinary legacies. Nestled within Jesus' genealogy, Ruth's life underscores the significance of faith, loyalty, and divine providence in the lives of seemingly ordinary individuals. The Context of Ruth and Naomi's Story Naomi, a widow, returns to her hometown in a vulnerable state, having lost her husband and sons. In a society where women had limited rights and protections, Naomi's situation was dire. She was penniless and childless, leaving her without the means to secure her future. Ruth, her daughter-in-law, who was not from the Israelite community, chose to stay with Naomi despite the risks involved. This act of loyalty and love is a testament to Ruth's character and her willingness to embrace Naomi's people and God. The Power of Sacrificial Love Ruth's declaration to Naomi, "Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God," signifies a deep commitment that transcends cultural and familial boundaries. This covenantal relationship exemplifies sacrificial love, a recurring theme throughout the narrative. Ruth's choice to glean in the fields—a practice established by God to protect the vulnerable—demonstrates her determination to provide for both Naomi and herself. In a world that often prioritized power and conquest, Ruth's actions reflect a different kind of strength—one rooted in compassion and selflessness. This sacrificial love not only sustains Naomi but also sets the stage for God's redemptive plan to unfold. Divine Providence in Ordinary Circumstances The story also emphasizes how God orchestrates events in ordinary people's lives. Boaz, a distant relative of Naomi, becomes a key figure in their redemption. His willingness to act as a kinsman-redeemer illustrates the importance of community and the laws established to protect the vulnerable. The levirate law, which allowed widowed women to be cared for within their families, is a testament to God's concern for those in need. As Ruth and Naomi navigate their challenges, they remain faithful to one another and to God. Their story culminates in the birth of Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David, linking them to the lineage of Jesus. This extraordinary legacy emerges from their ordinary lives, showcasing how God can transform seemingly mundane circumstances into pivotal moments in history. The Legacy of Faith: What Ruth's Story Means for You and Me The legacy of Ruth and Naomi extends beyond their immediate circumstances. Their faithfulness and loyalty serve as a reminder that God values those who trust in Him, regardless of their background or status. The inclusion of Ruth, a Moabite woman, in Jesus' genealogy highlights God's desire to welcome all who seek Him, breaking down barriers and redefining community. In the context of the Christmas season, this story encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the legacies we are building. Just as Ruth and Naomi's faithfulness led to an extraordinary outcome, we, too, are called to live out our faith in ordinary ways. By expressing love, kindness, and sacrificial acts in our daily lives, we contribute to a legacy that honors God and impacts those around us. THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES: Help Us Partner with Samaritan’s Purse! Our goal is to raise $3000 as a How to Study the Bible community! samaritanspurse.org/study A free Christmas Eve liturgy for you and your family: nicoleunice.com/christmas Sign up for Nicole's newsletter and get regular encouragement straight to your inbox: https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk/ Help! My Bible is Alive! Nicole’s Newest Book: Not What I Signed Up For When you go to NicoleUnice.com/notwhatisignedupfor you'll get the intro, first chapter and a free prayer guide! Find all of Nicole's books and resources on Amazon or Barnes & Noble There is so much pain and hopelessness in our world. Men or women, young or old, rich or poor—pain doesn’t discriminate, and the problem of addiction is prevalent. It can feel like there’s no way out. Whether you are in a dark valley or walking with someone through theirs, the Bible can be your companion to recovery and restoration. Millions of people have chosen the Life Recovery Bible and have been led to the true source of recovery—God himself. Within its pages, you’ll find a powerful foundation for recovery with spiritual care, practical wisdom, and the life-changing Word of God. Guidance, support, and hope are here. The Life Recovery Bible is packed with practical notes, helps, and themes that are fully integrated with the twelve-step program and point you back to your Creator, who alone is the source of freedom, hope, and victory. Begin your journey today at LifeRecoveryBible.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.