Scripture Union Daily Guide 2 September 2022 Devotional Message for Friday– Loyalty in Relationships

Scripture Union Daily Guide 2 September 2022 Devotional for Friday

TOPIC: Loyalty in Relationships

OPENING PRAYER: Lord, let the light of your word shine into my life as I meditate on your word.

INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF RUTH
Here is a beautiful story about an ordinary family facing tragic events. The story took place during the time of the Judges, when “everyone did as he saw fit” (Judges 21:25). It was a period characterized by idolatry, immorality, battles, lust and misery. This little book, however, tells of the grace of God at work in the life of this ordinary family. The book also shows that God is ready to use anyone who dares commit himself or herself wholly to Him.

SCRIPTURE: Ruth 1: 1‐22

Scripture Union Daily Guide 2 September 2022 MESSAGE

When times are hard economically for a nation, its citizens have a high tendency to be disobedient, idolatrous and violent. Such is the setting for the story of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz. What, according to vs.3‐5, is the condition in which Naomi (a widow) and her two widowed daughters‐in‐law find themselves? Being a widow never makes Naomi less loving. Read vs.7‐13 again.

What lessons can we learn from Naomi’s decision to return to her home country and how she treats her young, childless daughters‐in‐law of a foreign nation? Only death separates marriage, but re‐marriage is allowed for surviving parties if they so wish (1 Corinthians 7:39; 1 Timothy 5:14).

What does Ruth’s statement in vs.16‐17 suggest regarding the influence of Naomi on her? Conversion of the Moabitess to the God of Israel is enhanced by the shining godly lifestyle of a mother‐in‐law. Ruth becomes loyal and commits herself to share in the suffering of her mother‐in‐law.

Naomi did not keep her frustrations to herself but expressed it (v.20). It is neither unchristian nor necessarily rebellion against God to tell Him exactly how you feel. See Jeremiah 20:7 and find time to read the book of Habakkuk. Many psalmists teach us to express our feelings freely. It helps to hasten the healing process, as we shall see tomorrow.

Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?

• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?

Closing Prayer
• Help me, dear Lord, to live a shining life to witness Christ to unbelieving relatives, despite my difficult experiences.

Offer a prayer of faith in line with Ephesians 1:18

One Year Bible Reading Plan
Ezekiel 10‐12.

NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN

Fri, 02-Sep-2022

PRAYER FOCUS

TRUE REPRESENTATIVES OF GOD
Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ…
2 Corinthians 5:20

THANK GOD FOR:
☀ Making us His ambassadors who go around encouraging people to be reconciled to Christ.
☀ Teaching us to walk in love as it is proper among saints.

PRAY FOR:
☛ Grace to keep knowing what our true conduct should be among all, as royal priests, holy nation and as people of God.
☛ Deliberate decision to always walk in the manner worthy of the call of God upon our lives.
☛ Humility, gentleness and patience as we bear with one another in love.

PRAY AGAINST:
⚠ Acting in such a way as to disrupt the unity of the Spirit in our families, businesses, churches and fellowships.
⚠ Failing to do good works as directed by God and His Spirit.

Scripture Union Daily Guide 2 September 2022. Scripture Union is an international, interdenominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God. Scripture Union Daily Guide 2 September 2022