Month: July 2025

Too often, we encounter individuals who claim to be followers of Christ, yet their lifestyle reflects their old nature. Still, we often overlook this and accept their claims without examining their fruit. The goal is not to “doubt or question their faith.” Instead, it is to hold one another accountable as we walk out our Salvation. By pursuing Him, we can journey together with Him and fellow believers, which helps prevent us from becoming isolated. This companionship enables us to notice when we start to drift away from His path. Thus, accountability and discipleship play a crucial role in our journey in following Christ.

Tradition leads us to believe that Salvation is merely a result of our familial ties, good works, or inherited beliefs. Some believe that Salvation can be attained by memorizing scripture or by acting as an ‘armchair expert.’ Some view their family’s church as their path to Salvation. Others rely on their church membership. Meanwhile, some imitate someone who embodies their faith. When we care for others’ spiritual journey, we want them to find their place in the kingdom of God. This desire is based on the “unique individual” God created each of us to be! ( Jeremiah. 1:5) A longing for you to be a follower and not a pursuer of a false gospel.

The world claims this decision will damage your pride and reputation, but in reality, it’s quite the opposite. Purpose is revealed in a manner that the world cannot satisfy. A veil is lifted from our eyes and allows us to see ( 2 Cor. 3:16-18).

Think about your walk and ask, “Are my actions clear that I am a follower of Christ? How about the way I talk, walk, act, and respond? Is my commitment obvious? Do others want to follow me because of ‘Who’ I reflect?” Remember, this question isn’t about adhering to religious obligations or customs. Rather, it focuses on a dedicated, evolving relationship! This shows the closeness of seeking Christ at a deeper level every day. If you find yourself uncertain, think about deciding to leave everything behind and choose to follow Him. If you haven’t done so already, begin your journey requires accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Here is a sample Salvation prayer. Recite this prayer aloud so you can hear it, visualize it, and articulate it. This ensures it becomes imprinted in your heart.

Salvation Prayer: “Heavenly Father, I come to you in the mighty name of Jesus. I confess that I am a sinner, and I repent of all my sins… Thank you for cleansing me through the blood of Jesus Christ. I believe that Jesus is your Son. He died on the cross for my sins. He rose again. I ask you to forgive me of all my sins, and I invite you to dwell in my life. I accept you as my Lord and Savior and commit to following you all the days of my life. I choose to follow you from this day forth. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for choosing me. Thank you for adopting me as your (son or daughter). In Jesus’ name, Amen!

If you stated this prayer, I challenge you to tell someone. It’s by the confession of your mouth that you confirm to your heart, mind, and flesh. You are in Christ now, a new creation. Your old nature has passed away! A few scriptures to support the Salvation prayer: Acts 2:21, Romans 10:9-10, and Ephesians 1:13

Invite the Holy Spirit into your heart. Pray: “Heavenly Father, I open my heart to you. I invite your Spirit to dwell in my life and fill every part of me. Guide me, renew my mind, and empower me to live, see, and hear according to your will. I give you all access to lead me in the way you want me to go. Teach me how to use the tools you’ve given me to finish your work here on earth. Help me to be patient, kind, and filled with your love, the fruits of your spirit and wisdom. I surrender all of me, and I submit to your Spirit. I thank you for the gift of Your Spirit, Your discernment, and Your power. All for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A few Scriptures to support inviting the Holy Spirit into your heart: Acts 1:8, 2 Corinthians. 1:21-22, Romans 8:9, and John 14:16-17.

As believers in Christ, it is crucial to recognize and embrace your identity and role within the kingdom of Heaven. When we wholeheartedly understand that we are genuinely a child of God, obeying Him becomes a lifelong adventure. Although it is not always easy, there exists a fulfilling purpose!

“O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good;
How blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who takes refuge in Him.” Psalm 34:8

The essence of taste influences what we crave, and that craving is the Word of God. God’s word nourishes our souls. It enhances our desire for Him. This happens through a process of engaging with His word, presence, and action in our lives. It involves actively pursuing Him and allowing His goodness to fill our heart, mind, soul and spirit. Consider this: when we follow Christ, the veil that obscured our vision is lifted. This revelation enables us to see and appreciate the goodness of God. As we connect with Christ, we start to grasp His character, attributes, and faithfulness in a real and meaningful way. The Lord is good: this encapsulates His fundamental message. He wants us to know and experience His goodness and to trust Him, especially in challenging times. For He is our refuge and strength. We should deepen our understanding of God. We also need to actively seek and experience His presence and goodness in our lives. Don’t focus on religion, church politics, protocol, law, or control. It’s about tasting, experiencing, seeing, duplicating, and manifesting the goodness of God. I challenge you to set aside any religious spirit or traditions. Exchange it all by taking up His cross. Follow Him!

“…But Ruth clung to her. Then Naomi said, “ Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; turn back and follow your sister-in-law… When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said nothing.” (vs. 14-15,18)

Ruth (1:15:18)

Ruth was unaware that Naomi’s advice could have been seen as blasphemy. Yet, her actions say otherwise. Ruth felt compelled to cling to Naomi, believing it was essential. Sometimes, our heartfelt obedience may not seem logical at first, but our response is crucial. We all encounter tough choices that may not resonate with those around us. Be cautious of others who often try to influence our decisions. They may not fully understand what God is personally doing in our hearts and lives. Ruth chose to remain with Naomi. Her connection extended beyond Naomi; it was also with Jehovah God. She recognized that Naomi was guiding them both toward their redeemer, even though she couldn’t recognize it at the time. Ruth had to look past Naomi’s bitterness and blasphemy. How did Ruth achieve this? Through Faith, Belief, and Obedience! Naomi urged Ruth to return to her hometown, just like Orpah, because she thought God was punishing her. At the same time, Ruth was ready to give up everything she was. She was willing to forsake everything she wasn’t. She wanted to draw near to the father and cling tight. She took a leap of faith to encounter Christ. What are you holding on tight too? Blasphemy or Reverence with God!

According to Merriam-Webster, blasphemy is defined as “A profound disrespect directed towards God or something sacred, or actions or words that demonstrate such disrespect; the act of insulting or showing disdain or lack of reverence for God.”

Ruth managed to hold on to Naomi because she was open to seeing past her struggles and difficulties. Despite the adverse impact of her defiant mother-in-law, Ruth had experienced a glimpse of the “Goodness of God.” She yearned to be with Him. She wanted to belong to His people. Ruth desired to live in His land, no matter the cost! Even if it required leaving behind everything she knew. The initial cost was significant for Ruth, but ultimately, it proved to be worthwhile! She refused to blame God for her unfortunate circumstances. Instead, she decided to place her trust in Him. Ruth confidently declared her faith. The cost requires us to deny ourselves and follow him! (Matthew 16:24-26)

Upon examining this narrative, Ruth decides not to leave. She held on to the very person who was pushing her away. Why is that? She was ALL IN!

Ruth’s background

We see that Ruth’s origins posed a disadvantage. Her people, the Moabites, worshiped the god Chemosh. (Numbers 21:29) They also practiced human sacrifices (2 Kings 3:26-27) and promoted immorality. (Numbers 25) All her circumstances were stacked against her. She faced the death of her father-in-law, her husband, and her brother-in-law. She was left a widow without any resources or support. Everything around her was going wrong in her life. Still, she holds on to a belief even though, traditionally, it was impossible due to her lineage. Yet, she still chose to surrender by clinging to Naomi. Everything mentioned could have caused her to feel bitterness towards God, but she chose to surrender and cling instead.

God intervened and graciously (Eph. 2:9-10) rescued Ruth despite all these hurdles in her life. Christ delights in extending mercy. He often offers it to the most unlikely individuals in unexpected circumstances, especially when we are a willing vessel. This story regarding Ruth exemplifies the sovereign grace of God. “He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we have done, but because of His own compassion and mercy, by the cleansing of the new birth (spiritual transformation, regeneration) and renewing by the Holy Spirit,” Titus 3:5

Ruth’s Famous Confession

“But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people will be my people, and your God, my God. ¹⁷ Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord do the same to me [as He has done to you], and more also, if anything but death separates me from you.” Ruth 1:16-17

This passage contains one of the most extraordinary confessions found in Scripture. She openly declared her love for Naomi and her wish to remain with her, even unto death. She professed her faith in the one true and living God and made the choice to worship Him exclusively. She was prepared to abandon “all she was” to follow Naomi to the God of her people. Her resolve was unwavering. She was ready to leave everything behind. This included her heritage, familiar surroundings, inheritance, promises, and her pride, to pursue Jesus! She undertook this journey fully aware of the divine law stating her possible rejection.

 “Ammonite or Moabites shall not enter the congregation of the Lord; even to the tenth generation none of his descendants shall enter the Lord forever.”  (Deut. 23:3)

This indicated a permanent exclusion. She grasped a truth that many still overlook today. The law may exclude us from God’s family. However, grace welcomes us if we place our faith in Jesus Christ. So, what’s our excuse! If God can do this for Ruth, why wouldn’t he do the same for you? All He requires of us is to surrender all that we think we are or aren’t and follow Him.

So how is it possible that she managed to become part of the Messiah’s family? She relied on God’s grace and completely surrendered to His mercy. It is through the sovereign grace and mercy of God that we find acceptance. God is: “longsuffering towards us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9).

Are you dismissing the influence of hearing and uttering blasphemous words?

What’s stopping you from clinging to the Father for everything you need? Ruth’s background should have disqualified her, but it didn’t. During your prayer time, ask the Holy Spirit if you’ve ever uttered blasphemy. Reflect on whether you’ve tolerated it. Consider if you’ve learned how to confront it. Are you a runner or a clinger? All these questions allow us to recognize who we are rejecting and who we are listening to.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blasphemy

“Continually pursue peace with everyone, and the sanctification without which no one will [ever] see the Lord. ¹⁵ See to it that no one falls short of God’s grace; that no root of resentment springs up and causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;” Hebrews 12:14-15

As we pursue cultivating good fruit in our lives, we must be cautious. Our internal root system shouldn’t be infected with fungi (bitterness). In the Bible, bitterness is portrayed as a profound resentment or unforgiveness. It also includes pride, rebellion, or anger. These emotions can adversely affect an individual’s spiritual well-being and relationships. These forms of bitterness listed above will, over time, poison your roots in your spiritual and then physical life. This makes it impossible for us to experience internal peace, let alone pursue peace with everyone, as scripture states.

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor [perpetual animosity, resentment, strife, fault-finding] and slander be put away from you, along with every kind of malice [all spitefulness, verbal abuse, malevolence]. ³² Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.” Eph. 4:31-32

Let’s examine the contrast between Fungi in the tree and the spiritual bitterness that resides in our hearts.

Fungi and bitterness share similarities due to their inherent characteristics, growth patterns, and possible impacts. Spiritual bitterness quietly takes root in the heart, gradually tainting one’s spirit. In a like manner, fungi within a tree thrive out of sight, often remaining undetected until their consequences are revealed. In both cases, the indicators are not readily apparent. Yet, they can emerge through their manifestation. They can also emerge through their conduct and physical results.

Spiritual bitterness thrives on old wounds. It feeds on feelings of injustice and negative thinking. This leads to an obsession with grievances and perpetuates resentment. Similarly, fungi on a tree serve as decomposes, flourishing on rotting roots and decomposing organic material.

Spiritual bitterness leads to harmful behaviors such as anger, malice, and slander. These behaviors impact not just the person but also their connections with others. This negativity creates a hardened heart that hinders their spirit. Similarly, fungi on a tree are recognized for their destructive nature and can cause diseases. The proliferation of these fungal infections can severely harm the root system.

Overcoming bitterness through our strength can be quite difficult. It demands a deliberate choice to forgive, release, and pursue healing.  This journey requires the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Similarly, just like a tree suffering from stubborn fungal infections, it requires external intervention. The infections are tough to eradicate and often need a steady and focused approach.

Cultivating harmony with others requires a mindset that is always prepared to forgive. Living a life of holiness before the Lord demands this mindset too. Although this is not an easy task, it is crucial. This requires obedience. It enables us to be open. We must be willing to accept correction. We should be obedient to the Holy Spirit. We also need to be attentive to God’s guidance. We can achieve this by choosing to see others through Christ’s perspective. This viewpoint empowers us to “bear” the fruit of peace. It guides us toward a life of righteousness (being in right standing with God). While it may not be straightforward, it is our responsibility to keep the roots far from us.

Christ desires for us to remove all traces of past and current bitterness or resentment. Traits of bitterness can be passed down from our lineage. During our formative years, we absorb our family’s customs and belief frameworks. We take in their views on others. We often adopt critical or judgmental attitudes. These suggest we are superior or better than others. This comes along with a sense of Pride.  If this holds true, we need to uncover the root “familiar spirit” in our lives. It ensnares us and pulls us back into our cycle of chaos. This occurrence is commonly known as a generational curse. Nevertheless, Christ aims to dig deep into the roots of our hearts and eradicate them entirely.

When we focus on Him, the Holy Spirit intervenes. He starts addressing the core of our hearts’ bitterness. This intervention leads us to freedom. Once revealed, we must be obedient throughout the process. With His help, this journey becomes possible to forgive and repent. We must allow Him to prune and mend our roots and hearts. Forgiveness and repentance are crucial for our complete healing and restoration. When we permit Christ to reach the root of our fruit, He cleanses it from its source. If we ignore this, the bitter fruit will continue to grow. We will spiritually decay before we know it. This is what robs us of our peace! Today, decide to no longer allow our bitterness to defile our fruits. Choose to embrace forgiveness and experience His genuine peace. Pause and Pray..

“Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” John 14:27

https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_and_General_Biology/General_Biology_1e_(OpenStax)/5%3A_Biological_Diversity/24%3A_Fungi/24.1%3A_Characteristics_of_Fungi#:~:text=Fungi%20thrive%20in%20environments%20that,in%20wine%20and%20beer%20production.

Orpah

“Then they wept aloud again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law [goodbye], but Ruth clung to her.” Ruth 1:14a

In Chapter One of Ruth’s story, we encounter three distinct types of women. Today, we will concentrate on Orpah. Naomi delivered her heartfelt speech urging them to return home in verses 8-13. After this, we see Orpah bid farewell to her mother-in-law. She chooses to leave, but why did she give up? Why did she give in?

Before we address this question, I find it intriguing that Naomi prayed for them. (v. 8-9) She asked the Lord to show them kindness, find them new husbands, and grant them peace after their hardship. Yet, just a few verses earlier, she harbored bitterness in her heart towards God for her circumstances. What significance do our prayers hold when they lack the healing essences of Repentance? The gift of Salvation, and disregarding God’s will, focusing solely on Naomi’s desires for their future? Be cautious of religious (empty prayer) that can mislead you from His true path and purpose for your life. Make sure that you are pursuing God’s will rather than human intentions.

“If I regard sin and baseness in my heart [that is, if I know it is there and do nothing about it], The Lord will not hear [me];” Psalm 66:18

When we read about Orpah in this narrative. It’s tempting to conclude that she was easily influenced. Another possibility is that her heart was never genuinely devoted in the first place. Naomi had urged her to return home on three separate occasions. At this point, we can see her as being obedient to Naomi’s wishes. One suggests that she yearned for home after being persistently urged to find a new husband.  Alternatively, why didn’t she cling to Naomi as Ruth did?

This serves as a reminder to Resist the urge to give in!  Our confidence in our identity shapes the subtle shifts in our behavior. The beliefs we hold about ourselves influence our reactions. This clarifies why Naomi asked three times, seeking to see if she can cause her to change her mind. We sometimes forget that there are strongholds linked to ungodly influences. These influences manipulate us. They cause us to become tolerant of their requests. Ultimately, they suggest that we give up. This viewpoint is malevolent and contradicts a biblical viewpoint as well as the principle of the Kingdom of God.

Let’s take a moment to consider this question about our own lives. When challenges arise and we face some form of hardship. If someone offers us an “easy way out,” what would we choose? Is it truly an escape or merely a trap? I would pose these questions: “What are you unconditionally committed to, regardless of the circumstances? What are your non-negotiable? And where does your loyalty reside? If we struggle to answer these questions with certainty. It’s essential to pause and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit to set these boundaries so we can recognize deception. Otherwise, our indecision leads us to be influenced by someone or something that contradicts our initial intention.

Orpah served as a reminder. She signified Naomi’s decision to allow her son to wed a woman from outside their covenant nation. Naomi was attempting to conceal her disobedience, as her family had violated the Law of Moses.

“He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
But whoever confesses and turns away from his sins will find compassion and mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

We should be cautious when someone persuades us to behave in a way that conceals their wrongdoing. This often leads us to make hasty choices. We need to be on alert! Even if we are oblivious to their genuine motives and actions. This should serve as a strong sign that there’s something not right.  That’s the moment we should take a step back. We should seek guidance from the Holy Spirit in prayer. We should find out what He desires for us to do!

So, what caused her to give up? Orpah found herself at an unfamiliar crossroads because she, “…was not far from her Kingdom.” (Mark 12:30- 34) This indicates she was close to home. She was also near the kingdom of God. Yet, she had to make a choice. Making choices can be challenging when you’re unsure of your identity and purpose in life! This uncertainty is what leads to the temptation to give up! Sometimes, it seems reasonable to return to what is familiar. But I challenge you to hold on to the promises of God. Follow His lead, even if it’s contrary to the norm or doesn’t make sense. The key is obedience to Christ, not man! The unknown can be frightening, but going back would mean returning to a place of despair. Unfortunately, she made the wrong choice, exited the story, and is never mentioned again in scripture. 

If Naomi had been in fellowship with the Lord, she would have urged Orpah to continue. They would have proceeded on their journey to Bethlehem. I can’t assert that Orpah would have gone, but we must never take someone’s Salvation lightly. Naomi has the potential to lead two souls into the Kingdom of Heaven. Nonetheless, she was unwilling to confront or deal with the state of her heart. Thus, Orpah chose to return home.

I encourage you to pause for a moment and think about the condition of your heart while reviewing these questions.

• Have you ever dismissed someone because they expose your sin?
• Have you face rejection because an individual you were following preferred not to deal with their sin?
• Have you established boundaries and are you aware of your non-negotiable?
• Do you recognize when you are being deceived?
• What have you given up on?
• What have you given in to, due to a lack of self-confidence?

This challenge goes beyond simply recognizing our flaws. It requires us to muster the courage to confront our struggles when we face overwhelming temptations. Allow Him to restore our territory, dreams, and commitments. In our quiet moments with the Lord, take time to repent. Think about any instances when you mirrored the traits of Naomi and Orpah instead of aiming to mirror Christ. This gesture serves as a powerful reminder that we are all flawed, yet Christ is not in search of perfection. He desires our OBEDIENCE!

Now, early in the morning, as Jesus was coming back to the city, He was hungry. Seeing a lone fig tree at the roadside, He went to it and found nothing but leaves on it; and He said to it, “Never again will fruit come from you.” And at once the fig tree withered.…” Mark 21:18-22

The barren Fig Tree appeared to bear fruit but was empty of anything valuable. Jesus warns us not to be misled by appearances but to focus on “The fruit.” When the disciples saw the tree’s leaves, they assumed it would yield fruit during its due season.

The purpose of the leaves is to generate nourishment and safeguard the seed as it matures into quality fruit. The barren tree seemed promising due to its beautiful leaves. This led us to believe it was fruitful, yet behind those leaves, no flowers were forming, nor was fruit being produced.

As Jesus approached to examine the tree, He found no signs of any forthcoming fruit. This serves as a caution; do not let the deceptive nature of appearances lead you astray, so He cursed the tree. Why? We often forget that our fruit (gifts) isn’t intended for us. It’s actually intended for those passing by.

Similar to the way this tree looks, we must take a closer look before allowing someone to influence our lives. Is thier “fruit good” or do thier leaves appear appealing? Have you thought about whether this is a fruit you would like to consume and reproduce? This calls for us to stop and observe their life, how they interact with others, thier character and qualities, and whether they possess the fruits of the Spirit. If they don’t reflect Christ, overlooking these indicators may result in us being misled, hurt, and deceived.

Many of us can be deceived, much like this fig tree. Why does this happen? We need to constantly assess the state of our hearts and desires ( what we crave). If we focus on a “fig tree” that looks like what we desire rather than the “One” we genuinely need, we must be cautious! This scenario occurs when we neglect to let the Holy Spirit, through the scripture, feed our body, soul, mind, and spirit. When we turn our gaze towards Him, it strengthens our faith and allows us to perceive beyond the physical world.

If we articulate our beliefs and possess a solid understanding of scripture, yet remain unfruitful, we are no different from this fig tree. Why is this the case? Being religious doesn’t necessitate faith! What it truly requires is faith (a personal trust and confidence in Him). When we live by faith, the scripture tells us,“…you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain,’ be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask for in prayer, believing, you will receive.”  This occurs when we cultivate intimacy with Christ by dedicating time to reflect, draw near, and allow Him to reveal and eliminate any aspects that contradict His nature.

I challenge you to take a moment and consider whether you tend to follow mere appearances or seek genuine fruit. This is especially crucial if we are hesitant to confront our issues of the heart. By reflecting on our hearts, we can avoid becoming false prophets, much like the “Barren Fig Tree,” and protect ourselves from being misled or misleading others.

Keep in mind, you will reflect what we choose to follow (the fruit you eat)! Who are you following: appearances or Jesus Christ?

Naomi  (Ruth 1:6-13)

When any form of famine affects our husband or our family. As wives, it’s our responsibility to pray and intercede for our husbands. We achieve this by uplifting and supporting them by heeding the voice of the Lord. We must avoid nagging, manipulating, or forcing our interpretation of what we think the Lord is saying. Instead, we should give him the time and space he needs to hear from the Lord clearly, without clouding his judgment. Even if our spouse makes errors, Christ honors our role as their helpmate. Be cautious about coming into agreement if he decides to lead towards rebellion, wrongdoing, or disobedience. Complicit remains valid, even if we do not face the same consequences as the head of our household.

In this story, we observe how Elimelech’s decisions led to his and his son’s demise. Now, Neomi stands at a crucial crossroads: will she choose to repent and address any rebellion in her heart, or will she embrace her husband’s legacy and carry on? The decision she makes at this moment will impact her and her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth.

“Then she set out with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in Moab how the Lord had taken care of His people [of Judah] in giving them food. So she left the place where she was living, her two daughters-in-law with her, and they started on the way back to the land of Judah. (vs. 6-7)

From the very beginning of these verses, we observe God guiding Naomi’s decision. The scripture indicates that she suddenly recalled the discussions in Moab about the abundance and support found in her hometown of Judah. It was mentioned that God visited His loyal followers in Bethlehem, but not His disobedient daughter in Moab. We often forget that even in our times of disobedience or rebellion, Christ still calls us His daughter. Why is this the case? Because He has chosen us, even when we do not always choose Him. The famine had ended, and unfortunately, during this time, she was only hearing about God’s blessing without experiencing it for herself. She wasn’t positioned in a place where God could bless her.

Have you ever made a choice based on the outward appearances that ultimately led you to miss out on the outpouring of the Holy Spirit due to our unbelief and disobedience in our hearts? We hold God accountable while simultaneously choosing to make choices rooted in our lack of faith. Whenever we stray from the Lord’s path and fail to follow His will, it is essential to confess our sins and reposition ourselves to the place of blessing.

Neomi decided they would leave Moab and travel to Judah. While Neomi’s choice to return was certainly the correct one, her motivations were not aligned. She prioritized her need for sustenance over cultivating a relationship with God. There is no indication of her seeking God’s forgiveness; rather, her wish was to go back to her native land, not to her Lord.

 What drives your interest in Christ? Are you pursuing His blessing or the Lord’s presence-Himself?

As they traveled, I could picture Neomi recounting stories of her hometown to her daughter-in-law. Deep in their discussion, she reflected on her friends, family, cherished locations, and the provision of the land. She must have felt thrilled, realizing that there was enough provision waiting for them upon thier arrival. So, what triggered the transition from verses 6 and 7 to verse 8? How long and how far did they travel before the events detailed in verses 8-13 began to unfold?

 ⁸ But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you return to your mother’s house. May the Lord show kindness to you as you have shown kindness to the dead and to me. ⁹ May the Lord grant that you find rest, each one in the home of her husband.” Then she kissed them [goodbye], and they wept aloud. ¹⁰ And they said to her, “No, we will go with you to your people [in Judah].” ¹¹ But Naomi said, “Go back, my daughters, why should you go with me? Do I still have sons in my womb that may become your husbands? ¹² Go back, my daughters, go, for I am too old to have a husband. If I said I have hope, and if I actually had a husband tonight and even gave birth to sons, ¹³ would you wait until they were grown? Would you go without marrying? No, my daughters, for it is much more difficult for me than for you, because the Lord’s hand has gone against me.” Ruth 1:8-13

Have you ever wondered why Neomi changed her mind about taking her two daughters-in-law with her after they had already begun their journey?

Neomi was hesitant to bring Orpah and Ruth to Bethlehem because they represented the reality of her family’s rebellion. What caused her to hesitate: the fear of being rejection, exposing her own mistakes, the unpredictability of her future, unwillingness to repent or simply selfishness? When disobedience creeps into our lives, the adversary begins to sow doubts about how others may respond and potentially reject her, yet we hear nothing about her “God of Israel”-only His provision. Her fear caused her to hide her disobedience, which ultimately required her to distance herself from her daughters-in-law. I’m certain she didn’t wish to send them away, but our hidden sins, acts of rebellion, and disobedience can cause us to alienate others due to the fear of being uncovered, rather than seeking refuge in the Father.

The enemy’s proposal indicated that if she went back to Bethlehem by herself, no one would know that the family had broken the Law of Moses. “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”(Prov. 28:13) When we attempt to conceal our wrongdoing, it shows that we have not faced them honestly and assessed them according to God’s word. True repentance demands heartfelt confession and a deep sense of remorse. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” (Ps. 51:17)

Instead of experiencing brokenness, Naomi was consumed by bitterness. Why was that? Because she cherished God’s provision more than Christ Himself. This explains why the scriptures do not portray her view of the “God of Israel” positively to her daughter-in-law. In verse 13, she suggested that God was to blame for the grief and suffering she had faced. She became a victim of her rebellion. Had Neomi maintained a closed relationship with the Lord, she could have guided Orpah to faith, bringing two rewards of grace back to Bethlehem. Instead, she chose to hide her sin, jeopardizing her daughter-in-law’s salvation.

Is your heart set on guiding others toward redemption? Remember, you can only lead others as far as you are willing to “surrender to Christ,” just as we observe in Naomi’s life. What kind of legacy do you aspire to reflect, because our story is not finished yet!

In this chapter, Naomi’s name and legacy were marked by rebellion and disobedience. My challenge for you today is this: what does God say about your name and legacy right now? Are you mirroring Him or merely yourself? Are you pursing Him or His provision and blessing? When you discuss the “Goodness of God”, what is your focus point? Ask yourself, “Do you genuinely, profoundly, and desperately love Christ (intimately) with all your heart, mind, will and strength or do you only cherish his provision and promises? Beware of living the Christian life that prioritized our need for sustenance over cultivating a relationship with God! This leads to a heart of rebellion, disobedience, compromise, unbelief, and missing the essence of Who God is!