THOUGHTS AFTER READING: Judges 20-21, Ruth 1-4, Luke 21-22

What is the greater crime? Sacrificing someone else to save one’s own skin or rape and mutilation? It is amazing the things people can rally about. They don’t have to know facts or details, but can be quick to form a posse based on the words of one person. What causes will I support without finding out information for myself?

THE WILDERNESS IS NOT A GOOD ESCAPE ROUTE.

If anyone is going to help the enemy regroup and regain strength, it can’t be me! I can’t allow a sense of compassion to cause me to forget that He is neither a friend, nor asset.

Elimelech (may kingship come my way; God is my king) was a wealthy man of the tribe of Judah who was married to Naomi (pleasant) and the father of Machlon (Yoash) Mechilon-sickness) and Chilyon (Saraph) decimation) Why would a wealthy man leave the House of Bread and take his family to an empty field? Was he even affected by the famine? How could he afford to travel? Did he have to leave home or was he getting away from an opportunity to help others less fortunate than he?

Ruth and Orpah (back of the head) both had an opportunity to walk into great blessing. Who will I emulate? Will I trust God and believe His word or turn back in disbelief and disappointment?

Is there a Bethlehem in my life? Is there a place where I will not be accepted or received because I’m considered a stranger? Who will encourage or discourage me? Who is giving me advice that seems rational but is not according to the will of God? What am I doing wherever I am that is not customary? What am I doing that is rubbing people the wrong way? What am I doing that is causing people to talk about me, but not prompting them to correct or assist me? Who is my Boaz? Who is covering me, looking out for me and dispensing wisdom? Am I missing something? Have I misunderstood the intentions of others? In the absence of my mother, who is my Naomi?

HOW DO I PERCEIVE WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN MY LIFE? IS IT THE WAY GOD WANTS ME TO? How does He want me to view disappointment?
What has God reserved for me that even one who deserves it will not be able to have? What has God determined belongs to me that requires me to demonstrate patience and adhere to wisdom?
I cannot allow anyone to name my baby! My baby has a name and a destiny!
My giving is between me and God. The covenant concerning my giving is between me and God. He participates in my giving. From the beginning He has been more concerned with the spirit of giving. I cannot afford to allow myself to be deceived in any way concerning the things of God. I cannot be so easily impressed by what man has to offer. I cannot be afraid to check what is said to me against the word of God. His word stands against anything that seeks to come against me. I can’t ever lose my love for it, my enthusiasm to hear it, my determination to obey it.
How will I emerge from a test? Do I even know when I am being tested? Do I have to know?