Heart Matters Blog

Journey along with the Heart Matters Gals

Sunday, 01 January 2012

Ruth's Reputation

2 minutes reading time (385 words)

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

Proverbs 3:4

If there is one thing that stands out to me as I read through Ruth chapter 2, it is Ruth's loyalty, care and kindness to her mother-in-law. Even folks living throughout Bethlehem were talking about it, according to verse 11. People couldn't help but stand up and take notice of this foreign woman. Ruth had willingly left her homeland and family behind, in order to be a loving helpmate to Naomi, when she had absolutely no obligation to do so.

Let's take some time now to dig a little deeper into this remarkable woman's life. But, before we do, make sure that you take a few minutes to quiet yourself before the Savior. Allow the cares and concerns in your life to drop away. Let the stillness of this moment prepare your heart to meet with God.

Ask the Holy Spirit to still any voices that might be clamoring for your attention and to give you ears to hear what is on His heart for you today.

Open your Bibles back up to Ruth 2. And as in times past, read the passage slowly - keeping Ruth in mind.

As you re-read the chapter once more, listen in on Ruth's conversations, observe her attitudes and actions. Although her culture may have been uniquely different from our own, try to imagine what she may have been thinking, feeling, hearing, tasting, smelling. With journal and pen in hand, jot down any thoughts that come to you.

While you sit with those thoughts, pay attention to the Spirit's nudging. What might He be trying to speak into your own life through the example of Ruth? Take some time to dialogue with the Savior about those things. Perhaps you might want to write them out in your journal.

When your time in Ruth 2 is coming to a close, spend a minute to two longer just enjoying the intimacy and presence of God with you. Then turn to meet your day in the strength and encouragement that this time with Him provides.

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About the author

Julie Miller

Julie has been inspiring children, youth, and women as a speaker, teacher, silent retreat leader, author and mentor for over 30 years. She was the Director of Women's Bible Studies at Eagle Brook Church, is a certified Spiritual Director and the owner of Heart Matters Publishing Company. She is an alumnus of Bethel University and Christos Center for Spiritual Formation.As an author she has written Bible Study Curriculum and Devotionals, including her latest collaboration, Whispers of God's Grace. Julie draws on her wide range of life experiences, humor and love of God's Word and His creation for her writing. When she is not writing, you will find her absorbed in a good book, puttering in her garden or dreaming of France.Julie and her husband, Rey, live in White Bear Lake, MN and are the parents of two grown sons, Erik and Kyle.

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Heart Matters Gals

Julie

Julie has been inspiring children, youth, and women as a speaker, teacher, silent retreat leader, author and mentor for over 30 years. She was the Director of Women's Bible Studies at Eagle Brook Church, is a certified Spiritual Director and the owner of Heart Matters Publishing Company. She is an alumnus of Bethel University and Christos Center for Spiritual Formation. As an author she has written Bible Study Curriculum and Devotionals, including her latest collaboration, Whispers of God's Grace. Julie draws on her wide range of life experiences, humor and love of God's Word and His creation for her writing. When she is not writing, you will find her absorbed in a good book, puttering in her garden or dreaming of France. Julie and her husband, Rey, live in White Bear Lake, MN and are the parents of two grown sons, Erik and Kyle.

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