Series: Lessons from Ruth chapter 4

Hey BCU family!

Please enjoy the condensed podcast (click on the icon below and hear a special friend of mine kick off the podcast), read through the notes, or do both! Be encouraged in the Lord!

Ruth Chapter 3 takeaways:

God wants us to REST on His word, His promises and in Him. We DO not want to miss any blessings, promises or more importantly Heaven because of practiced disobedience, fear and unbelief. 

Without faith it is impossible to please Him. We must believe that He is and a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. 

Wheat (what’s on the inside) is more valuable than chaff (what’s on the outside). Cherish your Holy Ghost and nourish your insides with the Word of God, so we won’t be blown away or burned with the chaff. 

God is NOT interested in us staying broken. He is a healer and desires to make us whole–In John  5:6,  Jesus asked the impotent man lying by the healing pool of Bethesda “would thou be made whole?” Rather than directly answer, the man told why he couldn’t get to the pool, unaware that Jesus was right there, willing and able to heal. Will we accept His offer?

Follow God’s specific directions. He knows what He’s doing. 

God is our kinsman-redeemer. Stay under his covering. 

Ladies, keep your reputation intact and menfolk, do what you can to protect a lady’s and your own integrity.  I Thessalonians 5:22 states to avoid or abstain from the very appearance of evil. 

 

So we’re coming to the exciting conclusion of Ruth’s story!  It’s best to start at the beginning of the series, so you’ll have a full understanding of everything we covered. Let’s look at the highlights:

Elimelech, his wife Naomi and their sons Mahlon and Chilion move from Bethlehem to former arch-enemy, Moab due to a famine. Elimelech passes away and the young men marry Moab natives Ruth and Orpah.

Naomi’s sons then pass away leaving these three women in dire straits, as they had no way to provide for themselves. Naomi decides to move back home to Bethlehem, urging her daughters-in-law to move back to their parents and “find rest, each of them with thier husbands (remarry–Ruth 1:9).  Orpah leaves, Ruth stays, takes Naomi as family and starts serving God.

Because it’s harvest time, Ruth decides to glean for grain and “happens” to lands in Boaz’s field. Boaz notices Ruth’s integrity, dedication to Naomi and hard work and he rewards her with special protection, favor during a mealtime and extra grain.

Naomi realizes Boaz was a kinsman-redeemer–someone who could give Ruth the rest Naomi mentioned in chapter 1, and starts on a plan to arrange a marriage. After following Naomi’s instructions, Ruth and Boaz are almost set to marry–but there is another kinsman-redeemer in line ahead of Boaz. And this is where we being chapter 4.

4:1-2–So Boaz got busy right away and went to the gate to look for his relative. The city gate was a bustling hub where all people entered, exited and also served as the city hall, where business was conducted–hence this was the place to take care of his transaction and secure witnesses. After getting his relative, Boaz pulled ten elders of the city to witness this conversation with the relative.   What’s interesting about that is along with the numbers that represent completion and perfection,  (three– divine perfection, seven–spiritual perfection) and twelve–governmental perfection there are 12 people on a jury),  the number ten denotes perfection or completion of “God’s divine order”, or His authority/governmental rule over the affairs of mankind. Here are a few examples:

  • There were ten commandments (five dealing with our relationship with God and five relationship with people and man’s responsibility of obedience to God’s law.
  • Ten starts a new set of numbers and rounds out the numbers that come before it.
  • We tithe ten percent of our income–what is due to God.
  • There were ten generations that lived up to the flood
  • And to top it off,  unlike three, seven or twelve, God’s divine order (ten) is “built-in” to as humans –we have ten fingers and ten toes to do the work of God.

4:3-5–Boaz presents his case regarding that Naomi has come back to sell land that belonged to Elimelech and since the unnamed kinsman was next in line, Boaz was offering it up before he (Boaz) redeemed it. Unnamed kinsman said he’d buy it. Then Boaz brings in the facet that mystery redeemer must also “buy” or marry Ruth to raise up the family name and get the inheritance “back in the family”.  Let’s stop here and sketch out how this whole things works.

When land was sold in Israel, it was more like a lease since all land reverted to the original owner in the year of Jubilee, every 50th year, so the original owner and his family still possessed title to the land. Elimelech sold his land due to the probably due to famine and it was redeemable by Elimelech’s family through paying the balance owed to the current occupant. According to the law, the title would have passed to Elimelech’s sons and on down to the nearest of kin. Recall our previous lesson that widows were not listed in the line of inheritance (Numbers 27:8-11), so although it would seem the nearest relative aka kinsman-redeemer would be “willed” the property automatically, he still needed to purchase it from the widow.

It seems that there was not a clear law established for property distribution for Israelites who died childless–in this case, Mahlon and Chilion. So local custom prevailed and the widow, in this case, Naomi owned the property  as long as she lived and could sell as needful. And…Ruth has a share in this transaction as the widow of Mahlon. So, with Naomi selling the land because she has no other means to support herself, a relative could come in and redeem that land. In the redemption process, the kinsman was  also contracted to take care of the widow and depending on her age, marry her and have children (namely a son) so the first born son could properly inherit the property, and carry on the family of the deceased name.

All of the sudden now, mystery kinsman now does not want to redeem the property, because it would “mar his own inheritance” and tells Boaz to redeem the property for himself. (v6) Scripture is unclear as to why the mystery kinsman reneged, but it reveals a couple of points. While the business part in these verses is what had to be done, the fact was Boaz truly loved Ruth. Boaz was very aware once they married and had a son, the property belonged to his son and his son’s children after that–there was no long-term monetary gain for him. Yet he was willing to pay for the land and redeem his future bride. ALL FOR LOVE and in return for HER LOVE.

Are ya’ll connecting the dots?!

Since the law could not redeem us, Jesus, OUR kinsman-redeemer was willing to pay the price–for all of us–you, me, us, like him or not, the President, the thief, the murderer, the liar,  clerk who was mean to you, the guy that dumped you, the “good” sinner (you know, the ones who didn’t drink, party, swear, et cetera) all in the name of LOVE and wants is to LOVE Him and keep His commandments (John 14:15). Glory!!!!

4:7-9–The mystery kinsman told Boaz to “buy it for yourself” (v 8) and the deal was sealed by the shoe LITERALLY given to the neighbor as a testimony in Israel. In other words, this man would prefer to go home without a shoe, rather than go back on his word.  This is ancient Israel and my thought is, folks did not have a closet full of shoes like we do today to be giving away–and ONE shoe? What could he do with one shoe?  This signified serious business! Boaz declared that the elders and people gathered were witnesses to the land purchase and he would now take Ruth to be his wife in order to raise up the name of Elimelech and keep the inheritance in the family, and the witnesses agreed. Similar to a wedding ceremony–there are always witnesses.

4:11–The witnesses “spoke life” that Ruth would be like Rachel and Leah who built the house of Israel. This goes back to Genesis 35 where Jacob’s wives children were among the twelve tribes of Israel started, so they wanted Ruth to be fruitful child wise. Additionally, they spoke that he do worthily in Ephratah (meaning a place of fruitfulness) and be famous on Bethlehem. Boaz was already known for his wealth and character, so they blessed him even more so with his new family coming aboard. Regarding the house of Pharez, (Genesis 38),  he was a twin whose mom was Tamar and dad was Judah–and as you’ll see coming up is a part of Boaz’s and eventually Jesus’ family line.

In ancient times, people referenced historical people as they spoke life or a blessing over someone. What a honor for the witnesses and to Boaz to hear wonderful words of blessing and encouragement. Are we aware of what we can speak over someone’s life–especially those of us who have Christ down on the inside? I recall a story from a deacon who said a woman called one son “Doctor so and so”, and her other son “attorney so and so “and that’s exactly what they became. Death and life are in the power of the tongue and they that love its fruit shall eat of it (Proverbs 18:21).

4:12-15 So the two marry and the Lord gave her conception–He is the giver of life and Obed was born. The women circled back to Naomi saying blessed be the Lord who has not left the without a kinsman-redeemer, that his name would be famous in Israel. Notice this is the second reference to famousness in the area–this is a reference to Jesus! The other significant remark is that the redeemer was a restorer of life and nourisher in Naomi’s old age, since Ruth love for her was better than seven sons.  That’s significant because, seven comes from a Hebrew word meaning to be full, satisfied, to have enough–it represents a complete cycle. While it is other places in the Bible, read Joshua 6:1-20 and take note on the use of the number seven. Finally, regarding us, Jesus us a restorer of life–for those of us who are saved, we were the walking dead with a one-way ticket to Hell! Oh, but heeding His call, Jesus cancelled that reservation! GLORY!! Get on board for this train bound for glory! Start with Acts 2:38-39 and go from there–contact me on BlenCouragesU.com for more info!

And finally, we see that Obed was the father of Jesse which begat King David.  Further, Ruth’s author recalls the genealogy back from Pharez to David–which happens to be 10 generations–God’s divine order.

Takeaways: Boaz took care of business–and did not delay. The kinsman even went shoeless to illustrate the seriousness of keeping a promise.  All through this series, God has constantly brought up integrity and keeping your word. This extends to our obligations to God, our responsibilities, family, paying bills–even as small as not leaving that meat you decided not to buy in the cereal section to go bad.  Throwing paper out of the car window or cleaning up behind yourself. A co-worker and were in the cafe one day and he left his garbage claiming “that’s why we pay people here to clean that up”. No, that’s not how that works! I am not saying that dropping a paper on the ground is a heaven/hell issue, it’s more about the fact that as saints we are set apart and called to be examples of light in this dark world. If I’m not keeping my word with the Lord’s help then how am I a good witness to others. People pay attention, even you don’t think they are looking. God, of course is looking all the time. Would you leave that meat in the bread if God was shopping with you? Provide all things honest in the sight of all men (Romans 12:17b). Providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but in the sight of all men (2 Corinthians 8:21).

Also notice that Ruth was home waiting and resting!!! She had no idea what was happening with the Boaz and the kinsman. There is no record of her running to the gate to see what was going on or sending folks to the gate for an update. Rather she apparently she trusted that Boaz would do what he said. Isn’t that a good reminder for us with Jesus? If He said He is going to do something, we don’t have keep checking up, laboring and “wrasslin” with it, just REST (lesson 3) on His word. Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not a man, that He should lie, neither the son of man, that He should repent. Has He said and shall not do it? Or has He spoken and shall he not make it [His word] good?”

Boaz loved this woman–it was not an issue that he would not inherit anything once his son was born..he was buying the field to get the treasure that was in it–RUTH!! Similarly, Jesus told the parable of the man who found a pearl in Matthew 13:45-46.  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Positive speaking–Let’s be aware of how we speak to people and ourselves. We can be such a blessing to someone else, if we allow the Lord to speak through us. Proverbs 25:11 says, “a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Imagine what a beautiful picture that is–would it not be amazing to speak that way? It’s possible when we let God have His way.

What’s interesting about the lineage through which Christ came through, there some faithful ones, like Ruth, shady ones, like Tamar, outstanding ones, like Boaz and just ordinary ones like Salmon, yet no perfect ones. God can use you regardless of your background, past, struggle or situation. We just have to yield to Him.

Well family, that concludes our class and study of Ruth. God has blessed us and we have been challenged, healed and delivered! Stay tuned for our next study and topic..and please…do not keep this all to yourselves–tell a friend!

God bless and make His face to shine upon you, and give you peace in Jesus name!

 

Until next time….#StayOnTheWall

 

Love,

BCU

BlenCouragesU3 Comments

Series: Lessons from Ruth chapter 2

Hi BCU Family!

Even if you saw the Periscope broadcast, review is a good thing! Please enjoy the podcast by clicking on the logo below or you can read through the written account at your leisure. We trust either format will be a blessing to you!

Okay, last time when we left off in Ruth  chapter 1, Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi had safely journeyed back to Bethlehem, just in time for the spring barley harvest.

2:1-3 Chapter 2 opens and unbeknownst to Naomi,  her late husband, Elimelich had a kinsman or relative named Boaz (meaning in him is strength) who wasn’t just an ordinary man, he was a MIGHTY man of wealth (we’ll get back to that).

Background: Rather than expect Naomi to provide, Ruth asked  for and received “permission” from Naomi  to go out and work in the fields gleaning. Let’s stop right here. Bethlehem had a very moderate climate and was full of lush fields, olive groves and farms, so there was plenty of work to be had at harvest time for reapers and gleaners.

Reapers were paid to cut down and bundle the wheat and barley stalks, but to leave the corners of the fields untouched and to NOT go back and pick up any harvest (olives, grain, etc.) that was missed. The Lord commanded so in  Leviticus 19:9-10 and  Deuteronomy 24:19-22 that the leftover grains and such were for the poor, stranger, fatherless and the widow–in other words the gleaners. In addition to helping the gleaners provide food for themselves,  God promised to bless the work of the harvesters hands, and this also served as a reminder of the Israelites when they were  bondsmen in Egypt–they were unable to plant and harvest at will and were now free to do so.

So spiritual gut check–are we leaving anything behind for the “gleaners?” In other words, how are we being a blessing to someone (as God leads us) who cannot bless us back? Remember then YOU were enslaved to sin, the creditors, a stronghold and God set you free?! GLORRAYYYY! Everyone has a little something they can give, even with the smallest salary.  Maybe you are having a hard time financially or on a limited income…can you offer to babysit, sit with someone, cook a meal, buy a coffee, make a call to encourage someone,  visit, buy/make a greeting card that says “I was thinking about/praying for you?” God can bless us with creative ways to share our harvest!

2:4-6.  Ruth’s initiative landed her in the field belonging to Boaz– And while I’m sure he had substance, notice how he greeted his staff “the Lord be with you!”and they answer back “the Lord bless you.” This was a godly and well-respected man and that kind of character is worth MUCH more than money (that wealth mentioned in verse 1). Trust me, I have been close to people with money and the dispositions was “bowling shoe ugly” as my brother would say. Money comes and goes, but how you conduct yourself tells who you are. Proverbs 22:1 says “a good name is rather to be chosen that great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold”.

2:6-9. Getting back to Ruth, the Word says her hap (or destiny) was to glean in Boaz’s field. He noticed this foreign woman and after some inquiry found out  who Ruth was, how she asked to glean AND the fact had been gleaning all day–just resting a little. In turn, Boaz approached Ruth and instructed her to 1) stay in his field 2) go with his maidens 3) the young men would not bother her AND 4) they would get her water when she was thirsty.  Closer look time–this speaks to Boaz’s character once again.

Single ladies, take note–marrieds, please stay with me or relate this to a friend or your dating children.  First, BOAZ went to seek out Ruth not the other way around. Nor was Ruth posing and cheesing by the well—acting all ” 7-11 Big Gulp thirsty” waiting to be noticed and rescued from gleaning. She was BUSY and godly!!! Men notice BUSY, godly, fulfilled  women. They notice other types, too but for reasons we need to cover in another study. 🙂

Next, recall that Ruth is new in town, and a widow in this land and could very easily been taken advantage of (remember that from our first study–the widows were not always treated fairly). Boaz got in front of any potential foolishness by giving Ruth and his young men specific instructions that were followed without question. A godly man (single or married) will protect, rather than take advantage of your condition, manipulate or guilt you into doing something wrong, or just to fleece you.

I remember visiting a friend in Chicago a few  years back, and when we left church it had snowed a bit. One of the deacons (around my age) cleared off my rental car without blinking  an eye. Another time, as a group of us were leaving a venue, the deacons (again, these were not 80 year old men), happily made sure we got to our cars safely rather than just driving off. And there was NONE of this “well, since I did…you should” or “when can I expect a little payment in the special room later?” This was IN them and it came out. Boaz characteristics in full effect.

Conversely, I was talking with a young lady who had a boyfriend she “loved” but spoke roughly to her, was physical with her, cheated regularly and manipulated her into buying him an Xbox (whatever that is, I still rock my Wii) with the little money she did have. What was in him came out, stayed out and needs to be cast out!!!! Where is the Boaz in THAT situation? What’s attractive or wonderful about that?!  I ask you single ladies–are you dealing with a Bozo? Clear the decks and wait on BOAZ! He’s out there!!!!

2:10-12. Ok, back to our study! Ruth, clearly overwhelmed at Boaz’s friendliness and favor, tells her he knows all about how Ruth took care of Naomi in Moab,  and since, had left her own family and homeland to come into this strange land. Then he said “the Lord recompense  for your work and a full reward be given unto you from God under whose wings you have come to trust.” This hearkens back to when Ruth took on Naomi’s one true God as her God–you can NEVER go wrong choosing Christ!

Also BCU family, know whatever you are doing from your heart is not going unnoticed, especially from God. Remember, He is NOT unrighteous to forget your labour of love which you have showed toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints and do minister (Hebrews 6:10).

2:11-14. Getting back to Ruth, as if the blessings from Boaz were not enough, Boaz’s favor continues as he INVITES her to eat. Singles women,  Boaz did not ask Ruth for her gleaned grain, to go “half” or for anything in return.  On top of that, Boaz served Ruth (he reached her the parched corn verse 14 ) as she ate until she got full  with the reapers—the hired folks! How many other  gleaners are recorded in the Ruth’s story as sitting at the owners table? None!

Also, what I love about Ruth in verse 15, was rather than hang around and make small talk, or otherwise take advantage of Boaz’s kindness, after dinner, she went right back into the field to work until evening.  Ruth’s laser focus, intent and  godly character stayed consistent–even with the new-found favor of Boaz. Ladies, let us never exploit anything a man does out of his heart for us.  Nor should we get all silly and unfocused–ask the Lord to help you stay on task!

2:15-22. With Boaz’s instruction to his staff to  purposely drop grain for Ruth and not to rebuke her,  she brought about a bushel of grain–roughly about 64 pints or  50-odd pounds home to Naomi (another unselfish act–Ruth shared her grain), which prompted Naomi to ask, “where did you glean and work?” Once Ruth told her it was Boaz, Naomi went into a praise saying, “blessed be he of the Lord who was not left off His kindness to the living and to the dead. Boaz is near kin to us, one of our next kinsmen”. One of the most memorable moments from out last study was a grieving and broken Naomi who is now rejoicing in God–He knows just how to turn our mourning into dancing.

The chapter wraps up where Ruth tells Naomi of Boaz’s kind protection,  their “verbal contract” for Ruth to glean till the end of harvest, and how Ruth stayed with her mother-in law. These women came to Bethlehem poor and unsure, and in one chapter were blessed and less stressed.  Amen!!!  Let’s see what our notes to self are:

  1. God blessed Ruth with a selfless heart, ambition, faith and the mind to be guided by the voice of the Lord to “hap” in the field Boaz owned.  That would not have happened if she and Naomi sat around waiting.  Faith without works is dead (James 2:20).
  2. Boaz may have been a man of wealth, but that extended far beyond money. His generous, selfless acts went above the law God provided. He protected and took care  of  Ruth without anything in return and taught his men to do the same thing. This type of character is what all men should exhibit. Examine any “Bozo’s” singles, you may be entertaining and ask God for a discerning heart and to use “clown repellant.”
  3. Likewise, Ruth remained humble, hardworking and a godly example of how a woman should behave #NotThirsty!  She never counter-offered herself for any of Boaz’s favor (thereby protecting him), rather she thanked him and went back to what she purposed in her heart to do. Single men, if the women are offering up things,  unless the Lord told you He has plans to turn things around, run as fast as your legs can carry you! That’s a Proverbs 5 woman–you’re looking for the Proverbs 31 woman!
  4. Whether you get recognized by people or not, God takes note of your work. Paul said, whatever we do, do it heartily and to God and not unto men, because we serve God and He is the rewarder (Colossians 3:23-24). Men may award, but God rewards.

I trust you were as blessed and challenged (whew!) by this word brought to you by God as I am. I thank God for His awesome illumination and now the application of what He said. We have to be doers of the Word, amen? Amen! God bless you for tuning in and until next time we meet #StayOnTheWall.

 

Love,

BCU

 

 

 

BlenCouragesU1 Comment

Series: Lessons from the book of Ruth (1:15-22).

Welcome back BCU family!

Please click on the icon for the podcast, if you’re on the go, otherwise take a few moments to read written account–I am sure you will find it a blessing!

So, as we continue from our last Life Lessons from Ruth (part 1) Orpah left Naomi to go back to her parents house leaving Naomi to fend for herself. On the other side, Ruth’s love was in action as she took on Naomi as family, and even starting serving God!

What an awesome testimony of conversion, as even in a strange land where idols were worshipped (notice Orpah went back to her gods). The Word doesn’t say what Naomi did or said–obviously she impacted Ruth through her love and dedication to God. Are we aware of who is watching how we interact with people? Are we impactful for Christ? Could we be living and loving for Him differently, more consistently?

Something else I noticed in Ruth’s insistence on staying with Naomi was the promise made in verse 17:

Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. The Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts you and I.

WHEW! That is a SERIOUS vow–from woman who was willing to travel from her homeland to a strange land with her mother- in-law. How deep did the love roots go in that relationship? How willing are we to give up the familiar and love and trust God for where He wants to take us?

Let’s look at the thought behind the vow.  In that time especially people relied on your word and the integrity of you keeping it. A good name is rather to be chosen above riches (Proverbs 22:1a). We also talked about vows and promises in a post entitled,  “Five lessons the Lord taught me in 2015 (Part 1).” In short, when you promise something, you need to mean it and follow through with it, with the help of the Lord. Sometimes unforeseen circumstances happen, but we still are accountable for what we said and need to do what we said.

Now the ladies are back in the city who is all abuzz with Naomi’s arrival. Naomi, obviously still grieving, instructs to people to call her Mara (meaning bitter) rather than Naomi (pleasant), because the Almighty had dealt bitterly, left her empty, testified against her and afflicted her (verses 20-21). This is proof that grief is biblical, Family! This woman was HURTING! While Naomi did not curse God, she was direct in how she felt about losing her family. This coupled with the fact she likely felt she was destined to be poverty-stricken among these people who once knew her as a secure, married woman probably exacerbated the mourning. We covered the topic of dealing with people who are “mourning aloud” in the post, “Five lessons the Lord taught me in 2015 (Part 2).” Bottom line: Be directed by the Lord as to what to say.  Or if you should say. Our chapter ends with the ladies landing in Bethlehem, right at the beginning of the barley harvest—a good time to get some work. We’ll look at that next time.

So our take-aways:

  • Obedience is better than sacrifice (I Samuel 5:22).
  • Love is an action item–even more so when it’s not easy (I Corinthians 13).
  • Love provides for others (Ruth 1).
  • Honor your vows (Ecclesiastes 5).
  • Pray for what to say (Isaiah 50:4).

I pray this blesses and challenges you to do continue or start to do better in God–I know I saw myself in much of what is written here, so now that God has showed us better, with His help, we’ll do better. Amen?! Amen!

Lord will, when we come back, we’ll look at Ruth chapter 2 and “glean” some of the awesome lessons God has for us! Thank you and may God bless you so much for stopping by and until the next time we’re together #StayOnTheWall.

 

Love,

 

BCU

BlenCouragesU4 Comments

Do you act like a Christian?

 

Hey there Family,

Recently, my mom was telling me about someone who was trying to erroneously “get her way” by telling my mom she was not acting like a Christian. Mom quipped, “I’m not supposed to ACT like a Christian, I’m supposed to BE one!” We laughed, but she makes a good point.

Let’s define the meaning of a Christian from the Word of God. People were called Christians or followers of Christ in Antioch after Saul and other assembled together for a year and taught many people (Acts 11:26). Besides the necessity of water baptism in Jesus name and the gift of the Holy Ghost for salvation (Acts 2:38-39), and other important areas, the disciples also lived what Christ taught them–among other things, having a prayer life, using gifts/talents to God’s glory, and how to love and treat others. Notice they LIVED what Christ taught them, rather than ACTING what Christ taught them.

When you act like something or someone, it’s a role. You are the character for a certain amount of time, in certain circumstances, at a convenient time or place, when people are watching or listening. When we act like a Christian, we do things out of fear of the lack of/reaction we will receive. Thus, we risk being an enabler (like always giving money to that able-bodied, non-motivated to work relative or worse—-boy/girlfriend), or you interfere with the law of sowing and reaping. So if Junie keeps getting speeding tickets and you pay them, when will he learn to drive carefully? He needs to learn there is a consequence to bad behavior. HE pays the tickets.

Conversely, when you are/being something, it’s part of who you naturally. So in the case of Jesus living down on the inside via the Holy Ghost, He shows up on the outside consistently. Sure, we will have our days where we are not perfect, but in our desire to please Christ and live more like Him, we will not practice willful sin.

Moreover, while Jesus taught us how to love and treat others, this does not give the general population carte blanche to get whatever-they-want-when-they-want-no-matter-what-and-you-better-like-it-because-that-is-what-Jesus-would-have-you-to do. Seriously? Not so, Family!

In Matthew 4:1-11, the enemy temped Jesus three times, did our Awesome God do what the devil told Him? NO. Jesus did not answer the Pharisees regarding the authority He had, because they demanded it of Him (Matthew 21:23-27). Need an “earthly” example?  What about Simon who offered the apostles money in exchange for the being able to lay hands on people for them to be filled with the Holy Ghost? (Acts 8:12-21). Rather than give in to Simon, Peter rebuked him so sharply that Simon requested prayer for protection! (verses 22-24). See what I mean now?

Bottom line: With the help of the Lord, we cannot allow any and everyone to take advantage of our Christ-like nature to “keep the peace” or be “humble”. Now when the Lord tells you to do something, you of course follow His command. But be sure it’s the Lord talking and not guilt or fear–this is where prayer and being in tune with God’s voice will come in—remember HE wants us to make the right choices. This is where we start to BE more like Him.

Thanks for reading and God bless you MUCHO!

BCU

Spiritual PSA: What is in you comes out of you, any act has a limited shelf life,  will eventually who you are will surface. It is better to get Jesus down on the inside and let His spirit direct your paths.

BlenCouragesU2 Comments

Something on the inside…

Happy 2012..Let the Lord work on the inside!

Hey family!

It’s been another minute! I was compelled not to let 2011 go and 2012 come without a comment! 😀

So, a little while back, I watched a show* where a young girl was this close to relaxing her curly hair because a boy liked her hair that way. Long story short, it turned out to be a misunderstanding–of course all works out well in on TV! I got thinking..

First…chica even wanting to change her natural hair for some turkey…ya’ll ALREADY know how I feel about that—-BOO! Why we go all out to change who we are to please another human–especially one that God hasn’t sent you or told you is for another post!!  My main thought is around how easy we will change for people…and not so much for God.

While we do want to pay attention our physical appearance, we need to concentrate on what’s happening on the inside. Is God pleased with how we “look”? How much effort do we put into changing for Him?
When we live for Christ, we  should willingly take on His characteristics and personality in our words, thoughts and deeds. While this isn’t “natural” for us, it’s not impossible as God will give us the mind, strength and grace to please Him with the Holy Ghost and Word as our guide.  If we allow Jesus work on the inside, the “fruit” (love, peace, joy, long-suffering, gentleness, faith, meekness, self-control and goodness, Galatians 5:22) will show up on the outside. After all, salvation does indeed beautify us (Psalm 149:4) and will “attract” others to us, as well as “repel” folk that aren’t in a place to have prime time in our lives (by the way that’s a good opportunity to pray).

As 2011 ends and 2012 begins, let us continue to ask God to bless us to beautify the inner man with His word as we continue to bless Him and be who He’s called us to be in Jesus name!

My prayers go out for you all that God’s richest blessings be with you in 2012 and beyond!

Love,

Blen

*The show was Reed Between the Lines with Tracee Ross and Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Currently, it airs on BET on Tuesdays…it also comes on at random times during the week.

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