You can find the first recording of these special services here: September 27 Revival with Morris Gleiser. You will find several others services with Evangelist Morris Gleiser on the same YouTube channel — Reset 2 Reach. You may find clicking on this YouTube channel’s playlists and finding the “Evangelist Ministry” playlist an easier way to find all the messages from this revival. This playlist includes our time with Evangelist Jeremy Frazor and Morris Gleiser.
My Redeemer: 3 Things My Redeemer Must Be
David Harrell wrote a book telling the story of his father, Edgar Harrell. Edgar was one of the survivors of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, the last US ship sunk by enemy contact in WW2. 600 men were stranded in the water for five days - many with only a life vest - all facing thirst, hunger, injuries, dehydration and sharks. They all came face to face with fear and their own mortality. Edgar testifies of those days alone in the ocean, "Clearly there were no atheists in the water that day. Gone was that attitude of pride that deceives men into thinking that there is no God, or if there is, they don't need Him. When a man is confronted with death, it is the face of Almighty God he sees, not his own. We were all acutely aware of our Creator during those days and nights." (Source: David Harrell, “Out of the Depths,” Xulon Press, 2005, 112-113).
On that horrible day, no one could save his fellow soldier...no one could even save themselves! They were all in the same position – helpless. They all needed someone to save them. We all need a kinsman redeemer…but there is only one that will do!
Boaz now buys back (redeems) Elimelech’s property and his son’s family line in marrying Ruth.
We end this account of hardship, loss, poverty, and waiting -- with this incredible account of redemption! Ruth’s property is redeemed. Ruth’s husband’s family line is redeemed. Then there is this: The Lord lifts Ruth up and includes her in the line of the Messiah (James 4:10)! Ruth becomes the great-grandmother of David. Ruth & Boaz’s son was Obed. Obed’s son was Jesse. Jesse’s son was David. Ruth 4:21-22.
Consider this – the outcast Moabite widow, Ruth, is in the Messianic genealogy! Matthew 1:5. Everything changes with redemption! Redemption means to deliver by paying a price, to free from bondage. Take a look at the theme of redemption and Jesus Christ:
Matthew 20:28 - The death of Jesus Christ is the payment of the ransom for the one in bondage.
Col. 1:14 – Christ’s work on the cross is stated as redemption
Luke 2:30, 38 – (Simeon & Anna) Christ was looked to for redemption
Heb. 9:12 – Christ obtained redemption for us
Redemption is key to God’s eternal purposes for mankind.
Psalm 103:4, “He "redeemeth thy life from destruction." This theme of REDEMPTION is dealt within the OT and NT over 150 times! Redemption’s teaching in short:
Mankind is hopelessly enslaved to sin…needing another to pay the price for our freedom.
Christ paid mankind’s ransom with His blood
Ransom was paid to God, not Satan. Satan does not have a legal claim against the sinner.
God’s mercy & love ransoms man from God’s justice!
How important is this “redemption plan” to God?
The goal of Christ’s incarnation was the redemption of man (Gal. 4:4, 5).
He "gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity." (Titus 2:14).
It carried life and death consequences! …for Christ and mankind!!
The outcome of redemption: The price for our eternal freedom was huge. It could never be repaid. It was literally priceless! So, glorify God with everything you have and everything you are. (I Cor. 6:20)
The end picture of Redemption: Heaven. Face to face with our Redeemer for all eternity. We will have new bodies in heaven. Our human bodies are described in the Bible as perishable, dishonorable, and weak – all due to sin (I Cor. 15:42-53). Our glorified bodies will be the opposite: imperishable, honorable, and powerful. Our bodies will no longer be “natural” bodies, but they will be “spiritual” bodies. They will be like that of Jesus’ resurrected body (John 20:19, 26; Lk. 24:39; 40-43). With that said, our bodies will no longer suffer from sickness, death, cold, heat, thirst, or hunger. Praise God for His mighty redemption!
Do you know your kinsman redeemer?
3 things your kinsman redeemer must be to be the real deal:
The Kinsman Redeemer must be a near kinsman
Gal. 4:4-5 (Jesus is your kinsman redeemer)
“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”
The Kinsman Redeemer must be willing to redeem
John 3:16; I Tim. 2:4, “Who will have all men to saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”
II Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
Nepalese fighters in Borneo known as Gurkhas were asked if they would be willing to jump from airplanes into combat against the Indonesians. The Gurkhas didn’t clearly understand what was involved, but they bravely said they would do it, asking only that the plane fly slowly over a swampy area and no higher than 100 feet. When they were told that the parachutes would not have time to open at that height, the Gurkhas replied, “Oh, you didn’t mention parachutes before!” (Source: One Crowded Hour, Tim Bowden)
No matter our resources, no matter how poor, or sinful, or rebellious we are before God…He was willing to die in our place!
Kinsman Redeemer must be able to redeem
II Cor. 5:21, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
A man in Ireland was convicted of his sin and was on the verge of trusting Christ when the devil raised the oft-repeated objection: “If you believe, it won’t last. What about tomorrow?” The worker dealing with him pointed to a water mill nearby. “What turns that wheel today?”
“The stream.”
“What will turn it tomorrow?”
“The stream.”
“And the days after?”
“The stream.” The man was led to see that there was abundant grace to save, keep, and meet all his needs.
“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 (Source: Will’s Commentary on the New Testament, Volume 10: Hebrews - James, Harold E. Will)
He is able to deliver thee, He is able to deliver thee. Tho by sin oppressed, come to Him for rest. My God is able to deliver thee.
Have you accepted your kinsman Redeemer’s offer? Then praise God for the One who saved you from hopelessness and helplessness! Have you not yet found your kinsman Redeemer? Then call out to Him today. He is waiting for you...His gift of redemption is still offered to you today!
Redemption: 3 Life Changing Truths to Never Forget
One of the first explorers who sailed to South America went around a cape on a stormy sea. His ship threatened to go to pieces; so he called the place the Cape of Storms. But Vasco da Gama, who came later, changed the name to the Cape of Good Hope, for he saw ahead of him the jewels and treasures of India. You can call this a life of storms if you wish. But if you can see the glorious redemption of eternity ahead of you, you can call it what it is only in Christ—a life of good hope. (Source: the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College).
Only Jesus Christ can redeem you. Rejoice in the glorious hope we have in Jesus!
Opportunities
The gate – Boaz has gone to where the action is. It is also harvest season, so the other kinsman would be passing by; this was also where the court house was located. So, Boaz has now seen right where he needs to be to take actions just as he promised.
“Ho such an one” & get the leaders as well to sit. This would indicate 10 elders would also be at this meeting. It was a very busy harvest time, but this request for a meeting is communication to the leaders that something else important has come up.
In a Berlin art gallery is a painting by German painter Adolf Menzel (1815-1905). However, it was only partially finished. Menzel intended to show Fredrick the Great speaking with some of his generals. So, Menzel painted generals and the background and chose to leave the king until last. Menzel was able to develop an outline of Fredrick in charcoal, but he died prior to finishing.
Many Christians come to end of life without ever having put Christ into his proper place...on the throne in their hearts. (Source: Karl Laney, Marching Orders, p. 45.)
Boaz was in a busy harvest season; however, the business of kinsman redeemer is a higher priority for him. Where do your priorities lie? Do they lie with your busy schedule, your long “to-do” list? Or do they lie first with the business of redemption?
Choices
Boaz presents the choice of land needing to be redeemed (curious these men haven’t come to this need earlier. Boaz brings this to their attention. Boaz’s Uncle says yes to redeem the land.
Boaz presents the choice of redeeming Ruth as well. This additional piece of information exposes where the Uncle’s true priorities lay. the Uncle says no, because it would jeopardize his own children’s inheritance.
Think of the Uncle in this account as the one who represents the “law”. The law cannot save us. We can also think of Boaz as the true redeemer. Only the true redeemer is willing and able to save! Only the true redeemer can:
…save from the penalty, power, and presence of sin!
…save you from your sin because He knows all about your sin and still cannot love you any more than He does right now!
…take your judgement in your place
…die in your place
…defeat sin, death, and hell in one bold move and rise from the dead
Reject the counterfeit gospel of good works (Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5)! Come to Jesus and LIVE!!
Excitement
Boaz accepts the position of the kinsman redeemer.
“The Old Testament law provided a way through which an inheritance that had been lost could be redeemed through a kinsman-redeemer. If a man through poverty was forced to mortgage his property, and then was unable to meet the payment on the date of maturity of the mortgage, then the man holding the mortgage could hold the land until the year of jubilee (which came every fifty years), at which time it reverted automatically to its former owner. But before this date a kinsman-redeemer, the nearest male blood relation could go into the civil court and by payment, recover the land for his relative. If the relation had died without an heir, then it became the duty of the kinsman-redeemer to marry his widow, and raise up the name of his brother.
In completing the transaction whereby the inheritance was redeemed and Ruth became his wife, an interesting old custom was observed. The account says: "Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbor: and this was a testimony in Israel. Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe" (Ruth 4:1, 8). Boaz took off his sandal and gave it to the owner of the mortgage as evidence of completing his act of redemption. This custom was usual in the transfer of inheritances. (Source: Background Info from Customs and Bible Manners)
Boaz gives his shoe for the business transaction.
Remember, the Uncle represents the law. The law will never get us into heaven. Nothing is wrong with the law…something is wrong with mankind!
Boaz has to take off his shoe because he will redeem the land and the young foreign widow. The law will never enable us to walk all over heaven…we need the one true redeemer!
Can you imagine the excitement of Boaz at this point? Can you imagine Ruth’s last instruction (”sit still”) waiting for this uncertain situation to play out in real time? There was no shortage of excitement that day for the kinsman redeemer redeemed the land and the young woman Ruth! I’m sure that was a story they told their children and grandchildren the rest of their lives… “the day of redemption.”
Take time to rejoice in your day of redemption and share with someone this week!
3 Life Changing Truths to Never Forget
1. Never Forget WHO saved you.
It was God that sent HIS son for you (Jn. 3:16-18). It was God who loved you. It was God that showed His love for you while you were still an unforgiven, dirty, rotten sinner (Rms. 5:8; I. Jn. 4:10). It was God with which you were enemies (Rms. 8:7-8)! It was Jesus who suffered for you (Jn. 19; I Pet. 2:21; I Jn. 3:16).
2. Never Forget WHY He saved you
God saved you from everlasting judgment in hell because He is love (I Jn. 4:8)!
God saved you from everlasting judgment in hell because He needed to satisfy His own perfect justice and continue to show His love for you.
God saved you to offer forgiveness of sin…making possible a home in heaven through His sacrifice for you! Simply stated? God. Loves You. Even after all you have done, thought, and said – Jesus loves YOU! (Rms. 5:8; I Jn. 4:19)
3. Never forget FROM WHAT He saved you.
God saved you from everlasting fire (Matt. 13:42; 18:8).
God saved you from weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 13:41-42).
God saved you from complete darkness (Matt. 8:12).
God saved you from a lake of burning sulfur (Rev. 19:20).
God saved you from eternal punishment (Matt. 25:46).
You do not deserve your sin debt to be paid in full. You and I deserve this horrible judgment for our rebellion against God; HOWEVER, God intervened and sent His son, Jesus!
Never lose the joy of, the thankfulness for, & the motivation of your salvation – God loves you more than you can imagine.
God's Waiting Room: 3 Goals While Waiting on God
The waiting room of a doctor’s office or emergency room is usually not a place where most of us want to be spending time. We all understand the reasons too! First of all, we don’t like the waiting room because we are not feeling well (or a loved one is not feeling well). No one likes to be sick. Second of all, we don’t like the waiting room because we are anxious to hear the diagnosis and the prescribed solution. We do not want to wait to start feeling better! We want solutions…now! Waiting. Is. Hard.
When I was a teenager, my family was in a car accident and we all had to go to the ER. When we arrived, we signed in and were told to take a seat in the beloved waiting room. We were sore, my brother had a large laceration on his back, some had stiff necks, and we were all a little shook up…but nonetheless, we waited – and waited – for our turn with a doctor.
While we waited two elderly women came into the waiting room. One of them told the woman behind the desk that their doctor thought her sister was having a heart attack and they needed to head off to the ER immediately. The woman behind the desk received the information unphased. She then pushed the clipboard towards them, asked them to sign in and have a seat in the waiting room. After those ladies sat down, a teenage boy came through the doors with his father. The boy was bleeding and looked like he was in significant pain. The woman once again recited her mantra like a person working at an amusement park as a tour guide…mindlessly directing the crowds.
Outrageous! Right? We sometimes feel like that when we are waiting for God to work, don’t we?! Frustrated. Maybe resentful or angry. Sometimes depressed or mournful…and sometimes even in pain! We ask ourselves -- what is taking so long?! The reality is, we truly don’t know what to do while waiting…and that is what drives us to do what we shouldn’t, while waiting on God. Disciples of Jesus, we must understand that God’s best intentions & actions are at work – and He deserves His people to actively wait on Him.
Ruth now had the hard job… “sit still!” Naomi assures Ruth that Boaz will not stop until he has completed the job. Ruth’s whole direction of life is in the balance – and she now has to wait to hear what the outcomes of Boaz’s conversation with a closer relative will be. Hours will feel like days…and a day will feel like weeks!
Don’t miss this…Ruth’s waiting must be understood as active trust! She cannot sit around and embrace anxiety over something she has absolutely no control over. That would drive her crazy! She must now trust the one true God!
Ruth must trust the same God that led her to Naomi back in Moab…
The same God whom she declared would be her God…
The same God who provided for her needs with gleaning laws that were well established well before she came on the scene…
The same God who brought her to the fields of a near kinsman without her knowing it…
…and the same God who stirred Boaz’s heart to love her --- is the same God she continues to actively trust right now.
Ruth has a rich, brief history of trusting the God of Israel. This will comfort her heart to actively trust God yet again.
Disciples of Jesus — consider the history you have with the one true God. In times of waiting on Him, rehearse His faithfulness to you. Go back to the beginning of your “God relationship timeline” …rehearse in detail the gospel. Rehearse the day you accepted God’s saving grace…be specific!
Amy Carmichael, missionary to India wrote, “Blessed are the single-hearted, for they shall enjoy much peace…If you refuse to be hurried and pressed, if you stay your soul on God, nothing can keep you from that clearness of spirit which is life and peace. In that stillness you know what His will is.” (Ps. 46:10)
We live in an impatient society.
“Waiting for God is not laziness. Waiting for God is not going to sleep. Waiting for God is not the abandonment of effort.” G. Campbell Morgan explains what waiting for God means? (Source: The Westminster Pulpit, G. Campbell Morgan)
3 Goals for Those Waiting on the Lord
ACTIVITY:
Waiting for God means, first, activity under command. Stay busy doing what you know God wants you to do! Stay on mission! The following Bible verses remind us of our mission; like, gospel giving, gospel living, gospel investing, loving others, sacrificing for others, living holy lives, and doing it all for the glory of God. Matt. 28:19-20; I Jn. 3:16; 4:11; I Pet. 1:15; I Cor. 10:31
READY TO GO:
This is a readiness for any new command that may come. Do not put your stakes too deep in the ground…always be ready to move when God makes it clear that the waiting is over. This requires a teachable spirit & a simple trust in God! (Ps. 119:66; Ps. 121:1-2; Prov. 29:25)
DISCIPLINE:
This is the ability to do nothing until the command is given. Do not take over the Holy Spirit’s position of guide. The temptation is strong to say, “This is taking too long! Forget this – I’ll just do it my way!!” Stay disciplined and wait for God. You will never regret waiting on God…His timing is impeccable! Remember during your time of chaos that God has thoughts of peace for you! (Jer. 29:11; I Cor. 14:33)
We must trust the Lord and stand our ground when all is quiet. The Lord is working behind the scenes!
“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” Psalm 27:14
Stay on Mission
Be Ready to Move
Don’t rush ahead of God
Good Intentions: 3 Choices that Lead Good Intentions to Action
Good intentions. We all have them. Right?
We will tell the boss, “I intended to get the project done yesterday.”
We will tell our children, “I intended to come to your game.”
We will tell the police officer, “I never intended to go that fast!”
We all have good intentions…but do our good intentions always translate to right actions? The answer is no. So, what happens? Where does it all go wrong? What keeps our good intentions from becoming good actions – and thus we miss the project deadline, we miss our child’s baseball game, and we get a ticket for speeding? How do good intentions get derailed? How do good intentions get replaced with wrong intentions?
The answer is -- good intentions are not enough.
We must align our intentions with scripture…that is at the foundation. Then we must build on that foundation with right thinking that fuels right actions. After that, we must trust the sovereignty of God. Sometimes the best intentions, thinking, and actions will not enable you to overcome a flat tire and traffic jam on the way to your child’s game or a 10 hour power outage that makes your laptop & internet useable for work.
However, we really need to start with this: what are my intentions when it comes to my relationship with God and others?
Boaz wants Ruth and Naomi to be certain of his intentions. His intentions were very favorable towards Ruth. He is even honored that she asked him. His intentions also line up directly with the Law of Moses. In other words, his intentions line up with the Lord! We can have good intentions, however, if they are contrary to God’s Word, then we are moving in rebellion to God’s Word – and that is not a good place to be! Proverbs 3:7; 14:12.
Benjamin Spock led the way among child rearing professionals in instructing parents not to discipline their children. He said that doing so would damage a child’s ego. Later in his life he realized that he had made a mistake and said:
“We have reared a generation of brats. Parents aren’t firm enough with their children for fear of losing their love or incurring their resentment. This is a cruel deprivation that we professionals have imposed on mothers and fathers. Of course, we did it with the best of intentions. We didn’t realize until it was too late how our know-it-all attitude was undermining the self-assurance of parents.” (Source: Baptist Press, November, 6, 2007)
Dr. Spock states his intentions were good, but they fell short! Isn’t it so encouraging to know that God’s intentions and actions are forever connected without contradiction – and they are always viewed through His goodness?!
So, where do your true intentions lie? Here’s a good starting point: are my intentions in line with scripture? As with Dr. Spock, we can propagate seemingly “good meaning things” (like a job, family time, necessary possessions) but they lead us away from God’s path for our lives. Then it becomes easy for us to critically judge the actions of others, but insist others judge our intentions with broad understanding.
Hidden truth: We will often judge others by their actions and ourselves by our intentions.
(source: Unknown)
Think about…
Peter’s intentions were to follow Jesus – he specifically stated as much, “I will never deny you!” However, Peter’s actions actually heard him denying Jesus. Do we think of Peter’s intentions or his actions when we size up Peter’s denial of Christ? We think of his actions, don’t we?
Achan’s intentions were to follow God and serve in Israel’s army against the enemy. However, Achan’s actions fully disobeyed God’s specific instructions. Do we consider Achan’s actions or intentions when we study Joshua 6-7? Once again, the average believer thinks of his actions.
But what about us? We have the very sincere intention of loving God and serving Him. We have the motto of “godly disciple of Jesus Christ” as our mantra. Our church’s theme is “God Focused. Others Minded.” We intend to study the Bible, communicate much with Jesus through prayer, and develop a relationship with Jesus. However, when we are caught lying, stealing, cheating, gossiping, or throwing a temper tantrum – do we first point to our sinful actions or do we often think (or say out loud) – that was not my intention! I did not purposefully set out to do these sinful things!! You see, we want our actions to be examined in the light of our intentions.
So, disciple of Jesus, your intentions will only be seen as far as your actions. Remember these three things:
Consider showing mercy
…as God has shown you mercy. Show mercy to those whose actions were not as they intended. (Lk. 6:36) Thankfully, Boaz’s intentions are seen in his actions! Praise God! However, when someone’s actions are not indications of righteous intentions, what is your response?
Your intentions will lead you to specific & swift actions.
Boaz intends to marry Ruth. He is taking steps to make those intentions a reality. Whether your intentions are good or evil, your intentions will eventually lead you to specific actions.
Your intentions may not be seen in your actions.
Boaz intends to marry Ruth, but the law might prohibit him from doing so…no matter how genuine his intentions may be, he may not be able to make good on his intentions. Sometimes…it is completely out of our control — but remember, everything is ALWAYS under God’s control.
A man tells the following story: “At their school carnival, our kids won four free goldfish (lucky us!), so out I went Saturday morning to find an aquarium. The first few I priced ranged from $40 to $70. Then I spotted it--right in the aisle: a discarded 10-gallon display tank, complete with gravel and filter--for a mere five bucks. Sold! Of course, it was nasty dirty, but the savings made the two hours of clean-up a breeze.
Those four new fish looked great in their new home, at least for the first day. But by Sunday one had died. Too bad, but three remained. Monday morning revealed a second casualty, and by Monday night a third goldfish had gone belly up.
We called in an expert, a member of our church who has a 30-gallon tank. It didn't take him long to discover the problem: I had washed the tank with soap, an absolute no-no. My uninformed efforts had destroyed the very lives I was trying to protect.” (Source: Richard L. Dunagin.)
I cannot control life and thus be certain my intentions will always be seen in my actions. However, I can live in a way that aims for that target. So, what do I do to see my actions line up with my intentions?
POSITION
Place your intentions solidly on the word of God – and cling to the cross. Remember that day you first came to the cross? Titus 2:11. Do not overlook it too quickly. Rehearse it right now. You were lost and broken – damaged goods. No doubt, you completely deserved punishment…but you cried out to Jesus for forgiveness. Jesus is just. How could He just “forgive you?” Would He simply look the other way and give you a “pass?” No. He could not. He did something far more amazing. Jesus took your punishment on Himself because He loves you. God. Loves. You! The Lord Jesus took your excruciating judgment and then offered forgiveness of your sin as His personal gift to you. It was all there for you…beautifully wrapped. All you had to do was accept His gift. Remember that day? Remember how desperate you were…how humble you were…how needy you felt? Take that humility and desperation – and now as a follower of Jesus – cling to the cross. Cling to who you are as a disciple of Jesus Christ…because of Jesus Christ!!
Perhaps you need to take time today to regain that position, that mindset of clinging to the cross of Jesus.
2. FAITH
Access His grace by faith. We need God’s grace! It is grace that enables me to do what God calls me to do. It is grace that will move one to mercy, love, kindness, patience, and much more. These traits will lead one to Jesus…and not push one away from Jesus. Grace is accessed by faith and prayer (Rm. 5:2; Heb. 4:16). Receiving God’s grace requires humility (Jas. 4:6). Grace is vital for any disciple’s daily life (II Cor. 12:9).
3. ACTION
Follow Him by His grace. This is where the intention becomes the action. It is His grace that teaches us (Titus 2:12) changes our view (Titus 2:13) and reminds us of the price for our freedom (Titus 2:14). This is Romans 6:13-14, 16 in real life. This is grace enabled surrender.
o Are you looking for strength to surrender to God’s call to ministry? You need His grace.
o Are you looking for ability to overcome a sinful habit? You need His grace.
o Are you looking for ability to fulfill your God-given roles? You need His grace.
Are your daily intentions solidly on the Word of God?
Are there any choices you are making that could derail your godly intentions?
Disciple of Jesus Christ, align your intentions with God’s Word…access God’s grace for actions that do not disappoint…and follow God by faith.
Behind the Scenes: 4 Appearances to Guard
China’s best-known monument is the Great Wall that surrounded the country during the Ming Dynasty. At four thousand miles long and over twenty feet tall, the wall was designed to be an impenetrable obstacle to invading armies. The idea was a good one, and it would have worked well—except that the enemy was able to bribe the gatekeeper. With the compromise of one guard, an impenetrable wall was rendered useless.
Have you felt God’s refuge was impenetrable…until recently? Have circumstances changed (COVID, finances, relationships) and answers to prayer have dried up? We must trust the Lord and stand our ground when all is quiet. However, when God seems silent…when prayers continue without answers…when struggles are too hard for too long – it is time to trust! NEVER FORGET -- The Lord is working behind the scenes!
Guarding Her Testimony (Ruth 3:14)
Ruth had done nothing wrong and Boaz wanted to be certain no one thought otherwise. So, “before one could know another” — or while it was yet so dark a person could not discern another – Boaz sends Ruth home with a caution that it should not be known she was on his threshing floor that night. Did Boaz say these words directly to Ruth, or to his servants, or was this merely the inner thoughts of his heart? Well, we do not believe it was stated to his servants as the whole tenor of this passage seems to indicate he was alone. Yet, whether it was said in his thoughts or directly to Ruth, does not matter. The revelation of Boaz’s desire to guard their testimony is what is important to understand here.
Boaz was concerned about appearances. Isn’t that interesting? Boaz knew how people talked…especially about the Moabite woman! He was concerned about Ruth’s testimony and his own. PLEASE NOTE – this does not say he is selfish or does not love her. It is just the opposite!! Because Boaz loves Ruth, he wants to protect her reputation and not allow lies to be spoken of her. Love wants what is best for the other. Boaz wants what is best for Ruth.
A friend told Plato of a terrible charge that had been leveled against the famous philosopher. Knowing it was not true, his friend said, "What are we going to do?" Plato replied, "We must simply live in such a way that all people will know it is false." (Source: Unknown)
Paul wrote in I Thessalonians 5:22 that all Christians ought to abstain from every appearance of evil. Guard your testimony…make certain your appearances show others you are doing right! Consider these 4 areas to guard our appearances.
YOUR GAZE.
Be careful what direction your gaze turns in the grocery lanes or on the internet! (Ps. 101:3) Be purposeful with your gaze.
YOUR CONSENT.
Pay attention to what co-workers are saying so you don’t laugh just to be nice – though you weren’t listening. (Eph. 5:3-4) That said, God loves a cheerful heart and laughter. The godly disciple of Jesus Christ knows how to laugh heartily (Prov. 17:22); however, he responds to sin with mourning (Jas. 4:8-10) not laughter! Illustration: Gram laughing
YOUR OBEDIENCE.
Be careful to purposely choose to obey the law as long as the law doesn’t require you to disobey God. (Rm. 13:1-2) Remember, this passage was written during the times of Nero’s rule – the church is not above the law. Examples: obey the speed limit, pay your taxes, respect police officers & property of others.
YOUR TONGUE.
Hold your tongue. Talking just to fill in the silence can be dangerous and is often filled with complaint, whining, gossip, and slander. Be careful! (Ps. 139:4; Jas. 3:2, 5)
Talking negatively about your spouse or others, behind their back, is a habit for some. If you are seeking counsel from a godly disciple of Jesus Christ regarding your marriage or another relationship, and you are not going around to “many godly disciples of Jesus” to talk about the faults of others, then that is a different situation. However, you still need to be guarded and careful. Always talk about your spouse, children, or others with this thought – if the person I am talking about would over hear me right now (or it would be reported back to them), I wouldn’t be embarrassed or have to apologize for what I am revealing or saying right now. Consider a few questions:
o Am I breaking a trust by saying this right now?
o Have I said, “they told me not to say anything, so don’t tell anyone I told you?” (unethical and dishonest)
o Do I include things like, “I don’t mean to be critical, but…?” -- and then critically assess others in a way I do not like others assessing me?
o Do I know this negative information firsthand or did I hear it from someone else? Although the source may be a friend, they may have gotten the information wrong or included exaggeration to paint a more shocking picture. The truth is, at that point, you do not know if they did include exaggeration. So, if you share that information, you could be spreading gossip.
In 1884 a young man died, and after the funeral his grieving parents decided to establish a memorial to him. With that in mind they met with Charles Eliot, president of Harvard University. Eliot received the unpretentious couple into his office and asked what he could do. After they expressed their desire to fund a memorial, Eliot impatiently said, "Perhaps you have in mind a scholarship." "We were thinking of something more substantial than that... perhaps a building," the woman replied. In a patronizing tone, Eliot brushed aside the idea as being too expensive and the couple departed. The next year, Eliot learned that this plain pair had gone elsewhere and established a $26 million memorial named Leland Stanford Junior University, better known today as Stanford! (Today in the Word, June 11, 1992.)
As the old saying goes, appearances can be deceiving…so, be on your guard!
Be careful of your appearances…your testimony is easily broken but painfully hard to repair.
4 Ways to Actively Trust God through Unwanted Surprises
Today’s Passage is Ruth 3:6-12.
A frontier preacher was preaching against hatred, he asked all those who had overcome the sin of hatred to stand. He was shocked when one older man rose to his feet. The preacher asked him how this could be and he said, “All the skunks who done me dirt, all them scoundrels I hated—they're all dead.” (Source: Bible in Pocket, Gun in Hand, Ross Pahres)
Victory isn’t found in the removal of trials. Victory is seen in the building of our faith amid the trials.
“God delights to increase the faith of His children. We ought, instead of wanting no trials before victory, no exercise for patience, to be willing to take them from God’s hand as a means. I say—and say it deliberately—trials, obstacles, difficulties, and sometimes defeats, are the very food of faith.” —George Mueller
We must trust the Lord in the surprises along life’s path.
Following Good Counsel (Ruth 3:6)
Ruth not only receives good counsel…she also follows it!
When a couple asked a pastor if he would perform their marriage ceremony, he proceeded to tell them that he likes to give several sessions of premarital counseling before performing weddings. To which they replied, “We don’t need counseling. We’ve both been married several times before.” (Source: Reader’s Digest, May, 2009)
We all need good counsel…but we all aren’t always willing to seek it -- or listen to it -- or heed to it. So, what makes the counsel in Ruth 3:6 “good counsel?”
It was good because it was according to the Word of God. This was the law of the Jews.
It was good because Naomi’s God was the One true God.
It was good because Naomi was following God and Naomi was Ruth’s leadership.
5 Ways to Receive “GOOD COUNSEL” –
Seek someone who is known as a disciple of Jesus. (Psalm 1:1; II Tim. 3:14)
Listen to understand…not to respond. (Prov. 18:13)
Bring humility to the table. (Prov. 16:18-19; James 4:6) Here’s the mindset — I am not perfect. I have room to grow. In fact, I must grow! I cannot keep doing the same thing if I want different results!
Approach with a learner’s mindset (what could I do different from what I am doing right now – that would bring me closer to God?). (II Peter 3:18; Ps. 86:11)
Pray over the counsel. Be careful not to swiftly dismiss counsel. Swiftly dismissing counsel, often happens when it was not the counsel you predetermined that you wanted to hear. Bath it in prayer. Ask the Lord to guide you through the counsel as you continue studying His Word. (Proverbs 11:14; 24:6)
The church needs to be the Gospel Counsellor everyone needs!
o Be the godly disciple of Jesus other souls need
o Listen to the lost to understand their need for Jesus
o Embrace humility and put yourself last – Jesus, Others, You.
o Take a learner’s view of the gospel. Get better at witnessing.
o Pray others will understand: God’s holiness, justice, love, & gift
Taking Careful Steps (3:7-9)
The story is told of a young father-to-be who was pacing back and forth, nervously wringing his hands in the hospital waiting room while his wife was in labor. Finally, a nurse opened the door and said, “Well, sir, you have a little girl.”
He heaved a sigh of relief and said, “I’m glad it’s a girl. She’ll never have to go through the agony I’ve gone through tonight!” Source: Unknown
Waiting never seems easy…it always seems too long…and it seems harder for me than anyone else. Look at the waiting in this passage:
a. Ruth waited until he had eaten (3:3)
b. Ruth uncovered his feet (3:4)
Men would lie with their head by the grain to protect it from thieves and keep it safe
Then, and only then, does she claim him as her kinsman redeemer (she could have brought him into court…this was her right in the law of Moses)
c. Ruth waited, just as she was instructed (3:4)
d. Ruth’s presence (on the threshing floor) and position (desiring a kinsman redeemer) was not revealed immediately (3:9)
We will benefit from waiting on God and following Him
Rejoicing in God’s Way (3:10-13)
Ruth received more favor than expected (3:10)
Ruth received more assurance than expected (3:11)
Ruth received more surprises than expected (3:12-13)
We all experience unwanted / undesirable surprises. The surprise of bills or health problems, of a layoff, of gossip, surprise of miscommunication, of hurt feelings, of broken trust, and the surprise of a less favorable way may be some examples of surprises that have crossed your path. But how do you deal with …surprises?
On July 6, 2011, a hiker, Brian Matayoshi, was attacked by a female grizzly bear near the Wapiti Lake trail in Yellowstone National Park. He and his wife were visiting the park as hundreds of thousands do each year. Apparently they surprised the mother grizzly and her cubs. The National Park Service issued a statement saying, “In an attempt to defend a perceived threat to her cubs, the bear attacked and fatally wounded the man.” Though the man did not intend to harm the bear or her cubs, she did not know that and responded according to her nature—with fatal results. (Source: Chicagotribune.com, July 8, 2011)
We don’t tend to like surprises…and we can often react like a grizzly bear trying to protect our territory. There are no surprises to the Lord…we must trust Him even when the surprise seems threatening.
4 Ways to Actively Trust God when Surprises Cross our Path:
1. Gratitude. (James 1:2; 4:4)
2. Promises. Rehearse His promises. (II Cor. 1:20)
3. Increased comfort… from other disciples and from His Word. (I Thess. 5:11)
4. More of the same…read more of the Word, pray — more, go to church — more, pursue Jesus — more…don’t give up!
Most of us don’t like unwelcomed surprises … don’t forget, while your circumstances may have surprisingly changed, your God has not changed at all! Choose to actively trust God…even when surprises cross your path.
JESUS IS THE STILL THE ANSWER
Jesus Prepared the Way (Matthew 21:1-4)
This is now the last week of the Lord’s life on earth. Matthew 20:29 tells us that they were coming from Jericho as they made their way to Jerusalem. This would have been a 19-mile journey in an area that was mostly desert, rocks, and caves. It would have been an area that was a common place for robbers. The mount of Olives is on the east side of Jerusalem. Between this mount and Jerusalem runs a small stream called Kidron. On the west side of the mount was the garden of Gethsemane. On the eastern decline of the mount were Bethphage and Bethany (Mark 14:32 and Luke 22:39 say Jesus came near to both cities). It seems the Lord spent the night in Bethany and most likely spent the Sabbath with friends (Matthew 26:6; John 12:1, 9-11). Bethany is where Lazarus lived, died, and lived again (John 11). Mary and Martha also lived in Bethany. (Source: Barnes Notes Commentary)
The Mount of Olives is about 1 mile in length, 700 feet in height, has 3 peaks with the center peak being the highest. This would provide an excellent overlook of Jerusalem. Quite the view!
It is from this vantage point that instructions are now given to go get a colt and to be certain the owner has knowledge of the situation.
Jesus Fulfilled His Word (Matthew 21:5)
Zechariah 9:9 prophesied this event of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a colt. When Christ appeared in Jerusalem, it was in meekness – not majesty. It was in mercy to provide salvation. Jesus did not even use the colt brought for His use without the owner’s consent.
Meekness and mercy marked the way of Zion’s King. How wrong covetousness, pride, and ambition ought be among Zion’s citizens!
Jesus Led to Obedience (Matthew 21:6-7)
After the triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the chief priests and elders joined the mobs who would crucify Him; however, none of them joined those who honored Jesus.
Those who claim Christ as their King must lay down their all at His altar.
Jesus Inspired Praise (Matthew 21:8-11)
The crowds applaud Jesus. Have you ever noticed how the the cry of the people changes with the cry of the day? Within one week the cry of people changes from “Hosanna in the highest!” to “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”
Many in today’s culture seem to approve the gospel, yet few become consistent disciples...living out the gospel. Are you living out the gospel day after day?
What a difference a week makes! The week starts with high praise and ends in death.
Consider the events that followed His entry into Jerusalem:
He drives the buyers and sellers out of the temple (Matt. 21:12-14)
A woman anoints Jesus
The Last Supper with his disciples, final instructions are given, & He predicts His betrayal
He tells Peter he will deny Christ 3 times before the cock crows
He prays in the garden
Judas arrives in the garden to betray Him
Peter cuts off the ear of the High Priest’s servant with a sword
All the disciples run away…and Jesus is arrested
Jesus is mocked, beaten, stripped, and nailed to a cross
Jesus says 7 things on the cross – but ends with “It is finished!”
A soldier runs a sword through Jesus’ side
Jesus is buried…and 3 days later – He is alive!
He appears to many --- after His resurrection
The disciples have turned from fearful fishermen who ran away at His arrest to bold preachers of – “Jesus is the promised Messiah!”
Jesus Saves! Jesus Lives! Jesus is the answer you seek…and He is still the answer today!! Things were great – but then they got really hard…then they stayed hard – but were now amazing!
Jesus was the answer for the nobleman’s son
Jesus was the answer for a dead man named Lazarus
Jesus was the answer for money changers in the temple
Jesus was the answer for Peter at the Lord’s trial
Jesus was the answer for Saul on the road to Damascus
Jesus was the answer for a persecuted church
…but then He died…but THEN He rose from the dead!!
Jesus is still the answer…He still saves! He lives!
Jesus is still the answer for the one searching for peace
Jesus is still the answer for the one needing provision
Jesus is still the answer for the desperate wanting forgiveness
Jesus is still the answer for the confidence of eternal hope
In the hardest of times…in the most devastating of circumstances…Jesus is still the answer today!
Rejoice! Jesus Saves!!
The New Plan- Part 2: 5 Steps Every Believer Should Take
On December 22, 1899, the evangelist D. L. Moody lay dying. His first job had been as a shoe clerk in Boston, gathering eighteen ragged boys off the street to organize a Sunday school class. In two years the class had grown to fifteen hundred. In his lifetime Moody was to take two continents in his hands and shake them for God. As he died, he left this epitaph written on the flyleaf of his Bible, “If God be your partner, make your plans large.” Source: Peloubet's Select Notes on the International Lessons, Adolphus Frederick Schauffler
What is your plan to follow God?
Is it to go to church, read your Bible more than not through the average week and see what happens?
Is your plan to work your job and come to church to do the right thing?
Is your plan to fulfill a spiritual “to-do” list? Or just keep ‘status quo?’
Or maybe your plan is to memorize & study scripture, and pray, and surround yourself with God’s people and to hear much preaching of God’s Word and by the grace of God be a bold witness for Him and be found faithful in the daily activities of your life?
We must make a plan to follow God!
“Failing to plan is planning to fail.”
Planning to do Right (3:2b-4)
The Reasoning.
“Is not Boaz of our kindred” – Ruth 2:20 revealed this new information.
“with whose maiden thou wast” – why is she still there?
Ruth 2:8 reminds us that Boaz told her not to go anywhere else for gleaning.
Ruth 2:23 reminds us that Ruth continued in Boaz’s fields because Naomi told her to do so. Both good counsel based on the Bible!
The plan had to do with their routine. It is probable that the “winnowing of grain” was effected by taking up a portion of the corn in a sieve, and letting it down slowly in the wind; thus the grain would, by its own weight, fall in one place, while the chaff, etc., would be carried a distance by the wind. It is said here that this was done at night; probably what was threshed out in the day was winnowed in the evening, when the sea breeze set in, which was common in Palestine.
The plan wasn’t inappropriate. Naomi wouldn’t have suggested a wicked or immoral plan. Instead, this plan had much to do with the customs and laws of the time and culture.
Here’s the plan. Can you see the comparison to Christ!?
Wash Yourself. We need the washing of regeneration and to be sanctified by the Word
Anoint Yourself (perfume). We need the anointing of the Holy Spirit to enable us to do His will.
Put on nice clothes. Get rid of the widow clothes. The mourning is over. Christ has a robe of righteousness for those He saves. He takes our beggar rags and credits His righteousness to our account! Jesus transforms us from enemies with God (Rom. 8:7) to righteous because of Jesus (II Cor. 5:21).
Get down to the floor and let the man know you want him to be your kinsman redeemer. Have you ever told the Lord Jesus you love Him and want to be His?
Hear the gospel clear and plain! Jesus is waiting for YOU! His arms are stretched out wide for YOU! His eyes are fixed on YOU! He alone has paid your sin debts. He alone has satisfied God’s judgment for YOUR sin. He cannot love you anymore than He does right now (Jer. 31:3).
Come to Jesus and accept His gift of salvation (Rom. 10:13).
Christian, come to Jesus and know you are still loved by almighty God – even though you struggle with sin (Rom. 5:8).
Come to Jesus and seek His mercy to pour over you (Psalm 86:5).
Come to Jesus and find His grace by faith to live the gospel you received from Him years ago (Rom. 5:1-2)!
Come to Jesus and lay down your life for others (I Jn. 3:16).
Boaz wasn’t making a move, but he was the Kinsman Redeemer! Naomi tells Ruth to go claim him as the Kinsman Redeemer. Christ died for you, but you and I need to claim Him as our own…claim Him in salvation and sanctification.
“When she had thus made her claim, Boaz, who was more learned in the laws, would tell her what she must do. Thus must we lay ourselves at the feet of our Redeemer, to receive from him our instruction. Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” (Matthew Henry)
When we came to the Lord and yielded our way to Him…it was at that time we needed to begin looking to Him for instruction. Disciples of Jesus – stand up and seek out the Lord’s way!
Instruction from Him for how to grow closer to Him
Instruction from Him for what to say AND what not to say
Instruction from Him for the next person to give the gospel to
Instruction from Him for the order of our priorities
Ruth 3:5. Ruth didn’t know how this was going to all turn out. Naomi understood the law better than Ruth, but even Naomi was depending on Boaz to tell Ruth what to do next! However, Ruth did have some comfort:
She had comfort in knowing Naomi wanted the best for her
She had comfort in knowing this was the law of God
She had the comfort in knowing Boaz’s kind treatment in the past
Look how good the Lord is to Ruth. All she needed was the Mosaic Law to act, but God gave her Naomi and Boaz to encourage the next step of faith. The Lord continually gives good gifts to those who walk uprightly (Ps. 84:11-12).
You may say, “this seems too basic – ‘just follow the Word of God and He will bless.’” Sometimes we need to go back to the basics to become more advanced. Pro Golfer Jack Nicklaus relates the story of the year his game was way off. He didn’t win any tournaments or even place in the top positions. He went back home and looked up his old coach and asked him to take him back to square one. He asked his coach to teach him how to swing again…how to stand again…and he didn’t want that coach to assume anything just because he was a professional golfer.
What is the next step God has for you to take you to your next level in a relationship with Jesus?
5 Steps Every Believer Should Take
Study the Word. Am I in the Word daily? What kind of understanding do I have of Bible doctrine? Am I a “shallow waters” believer? Do I know the Word well enough that I memorize it? (Prov. 30:5-6; II Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17)
Vibrant Prayer Life. How can my communication with Jesus improve? Do I only talk to Jesus when I want something? Do I look forward to time with Him or is it a chore? (Matt. 7:7-8; 26:41; Lk. 18:1)
First steps to take. Have I been baptized since I trusted Jesus as my Savior? Have a joined a local church family? What keeps me from taking these first steps? (Acts 2:41; I Cor. 3:1-4)
Forgiven & Forgive. Jesus forgave me…do I forgive others? Is there someone that comes to mind that I need to ask someone for forgiveness? Am I holding bitterness against another person? (Matt. 6:14; Lk. 17:3-4; Eph. 4:32)
Growth. Am I in the same place (spiritually) as I was last year? Am I making choices this year that lead me to a closer walk with Jesus? What are those choices? (Phil. 1:9; I Tim. 4:15; II Pet. 3:18)
What is your plan to follow God? Seeking the Lord and being faithful in the small steps (even what we don’t want to do, but we know we ought to do), is great preparation for the big steps of faith to come.
Disciples of Jesus – are you learning at His feet? Are you growing closer to the One you declare you follow? Are you helping others to do the same?
The New Plan: 4 Choices for Gospel Living
Rehab therapy is usually VERY challenging. I have heard many say a person’s relationship with their rehab therapist is a love/hate relationship…because they usually want you to do things you don’t want to do! However, the therapist knows if you don’t do those things that are hard to do or are painful -- you will not fully recover. So, the therapy seems hard and full of pressure – but to get where I want to be, I need to do what my therapist has told me to do.
We will experience those kinds of pressure points in daily living all the time! Our response is often looking for relief from the pressure point – any way possible; however, to get relief from the pressure point we usually need to do what we don’t want to do. When experiencing pressure points, we must continue walking in the light!
Walking in the Light (3:1-2)
Ruth 3:1 uses the phrase “shall I not.” Naomi tells Ruth that she wants to seek rest for her. Naomi wants to find Ruth a husband … specifically, their kinsman Boaz – who has shown himself attentive to Ruth and her needs – would make a great hubby!
Naomi’s original wish…Ruth 1:9 – “The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept.”
God’s Specific Instruction…I Tim. 5:8 – “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
God’s Stated Will…I Tim. 5:14 – “I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.”
Some have come to me through the years panic stricken because they were not married yet, and the clock was ticking! They were so burdened and VERY serious. They had been looking for a mate everywhere they could think of and nothing was working. Everything was motivated by “I must get married!”
Naomi was not just “wedding crazy.” Naomi wasn’t just wanting to get rid of Ruth. Naomi was wanting to do right…her motive was pure!
We can do spiritual things for the wrong reasons. We must be certain our motive is right before God – just as much as we must be certain our actions are right before God!
The next phrase that Ruth 3:1 uses is “may be well with thee.” The Bible speaks of this same phrase in application to several things. Consider these:
Obedience = “well with thee”
Deut. 4:40 – “Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, forever.”
Hard Work = “well with thee”
Psa. 128:2 – “For thou shalt eat the labor of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.”
Discerning Judgment = “well with thee”
Jer. 22:16 – “He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? saith the LORD.”
Ruth has shown obedience to God in going to glean in the fields. Ruth has delivered much hard work. Ruth has shown good judgment in coming to the fields, good judgment with Boaz in the fields, and good judgment in following her mother-in-law.
Naomi wants a more permanent “well with thee” for Ruth; however, Ruth couldn’t have come to this time of decision without prior decisions of obedience, hard work, and good judgment!
The longer lasting “well with thee” solutions that we all want usually come with the smaller “well with thee” choices we make each day! We often want the more permanent solution; however, the Lord wants faithfulness and trusting Him in the smaller areas before He brings us to the bigger answers of prayer.
Here is the gospel! God gave the eternal “well with thee” solution – forgiveness of sin and a home in heaven by Jesus taking the punishment I deserve. God also gave the temporary “well with thee” solutions all throughout His word: obeying the will of the Father, the incredible labor of earthly ministry, and the good judgment during strong temptation in the wilderness (to name a few). Have you received the gospel? Are you living the gospel? Gospel receiving must be followed by gospel living!
4 Daily Choices of Gospel Living
…take a look at these daily choices you are already making. They are more important than you think!
1. Treating all humans as God’s creation.
The Lord created he and she. He didn’t create a white race first, then other races as inferior. We are all equal at the cross. We are all sinners in need of forgiveness. The reality is – we are all the same race…just different shades of the same color! For those who are still trying to wrap their minds around this very hot issue…what shade of your color do you think Jesus was when he came to this earth? Clue: it most likely wasn’t “white,” but more likely a much darker skin tone, given the region He was born (Gen. 1:26-17; Col. 3:10; Jn. 15:12).
2. Good interpersonal relationships begin at home.
If you treat family like seconds, and friends or even strangers like kings and queens, you have missed the target. Study Ephesians 5:18-6:4 to understand the roles God assigned to the family unit.
3. Hard work applies to spiritual disciplines as well as physical labor.
The efforts you put in here is spiritual work and has great dividends! Consider these examples:
o My thought life isn’t an accident (Phil. 4:8)
o My words are the reality of my thoughts (Prov. 18:21; James 3:5-10)
o My prayer life is the mirror of my trusting God (Matt. 21:22)
o My time in the Word of God is an indicator of my true love for the One who wrote it.
4. Living with good judgment as a reality.
Good judgment is lived as I understand truth from the Bible; however, good (or right) judgment will be received from the One who is truth. (Rom. 2:1-5; 14:12; II Cor. 5:10).
Are you waiting for God to bring forward the big solution – the longer lasting “well with thee?” You see, we want God to change our situations, but God wants to change our heart.
Gospel receivers must grow up to be gospel living! Perhaps God is waiting for you to walk with Him in the everyday “well with thee” exhortations… before He reveals the longer lasting “well with thee” solutions. This is what He saved you to do while still on this earth! He freed you from sin through His shed blood. He demonstrated real love…sacrificial love…extravagant love – For. You. – For Me.
How do you respond to His love?