All the way through chapter 2 we have seen Ruth hard at work, gathering food for the upcoming winter. She has been respectful and determined to do all she can within the guidelines of the culture to provide for herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi. She has done well, but the truth is her overall situation has not changed that much. She and her mother-in-law are still two ladies without a kinsman to provide for them. If they stay in this position for long, they will end up still needing food, shelter, and protection. In the short term they are fine, but time is ticking. This situation is no different than the one we face on a regular basis. On the surface it seems that we are better set up, and we seem to have more advantages. The truth is our lives are just as precarious as theirs, our needs just as great. Naomi was well aware of their need; in Ruth 3:1 she says, “Shouldn’t I find rest for you, so that you will be taken care of?” Naomi knows that God has made provision for them in the Law, and if she follows the steps provided, God will make a way for them. But all must be done God’s way. This truth is equally true for us: God has set out a path for all who trust in Him; it is found in the Bible, His spoken Words to us. It is up to us to know his words and to follow them. For both Naomi and us, our “waiting on God” is really active waiting. It is us taking the time to know His word well enough to know him, so we can know our next steps.

Are you looking for your next steps, looking for a little direction? Take a look at the Words of God; all the direction you need is found there.

Pastor Tim

As we read chapter 2 of the book of Ruth, we see that Ruth started working, remember, “head down, hands in motion, attention on what is next.” She continues with this posture all the way through the harvest. Verses 21 and 23 tell us that she stayed with the work “until they had finished the harvest.” Here is something that stood out to me as I read these few verses: Ruth’s determination to do her job to the best of her ability was noticed by others. The servant in charge witnessed her respectful behavior when she came and asked permission to glean the dropped grain, and then as she worked without rest or hesitation once she started. Boaz noticed her work ethic and asked the servant in charge about her, and because of her respect and determination, Boaz made space for her to stay in his field until the end of the harvest. As you read the interactions between Ruth and Boaz, you see that she is always respectful and honors the cultural norms. Her attitude in her situation speaks volumes.

I think one of the takeaways for us is that respectful determination gets noticed. We are not “respectfully determined” in order to be noticed, but it is noticed. Why? Because that attitude is not normal for most people. It is just different enough that it stands out, and people are drawn to it.

As I have been thinking about this passage, I have been asking myself, does “respectfully determined” describe me? I think I am often determined, not so sure about the respectful part. How about you? How would you describe your attitude?

Pastor Tim

“Ruth asked Naomi, ‘Will you let me go into the fields and gather fallen grain behind someone with whom I have found favor?’” Ruth 2:2

Here is the struggle with new beginnings: you still have to eat! Often we get all excited about making some change in our lives, and we think that if we make the change, everything about our lives will be different. But that just isn’t so. You see, we are still the same people with the same needs and habits; we still have to live every day. Becoming different is really “a long time in one direction.” The verse we started with today shows us this truth. Ruth got up the next day of the new beginning and thought to herself, “We are going to need food. How can I work to get some? Oh, that’s right, it is harvest time; with a little effort, I can pick up the grain that was dropped. It might not be much, but we won’t starve.” So she asked permission and went to work. Head down, hands in motion. Attention on food and the future. It was that kind of attitude and heart that led her to what God had in store for the future.

Question for you: how well are you doing in the everyday? How determined are you to do the next right thing? Are you distracted by complaints and what-ifs? Or do you have your head down, hands in motion, attention on what’s next and the future? When that is your attitude, God will steer you in the right direction.

Pastor Tim

Unexpected people! God is so good at this! Just when we are feeling uncertain, God brings someone along who knows the next step to take. For Naomi and Ruth, that person was Boaz. “Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side. He was a prominent man of noble character from Elimelech’s family. His name was Boaz.” A few facts I find interesting about Boaz. He was not living his life thinking about the part he might play in the future of his family or the generations to come. He was living each day to the best of his ability, trying to make good moral decisions for himself and the community he lived in. It is because of that desire to live life in a godly way that he is described the way he is, “prominent and of noble character.” This guy who lives according to God's ways just because it is the right thing to do is about to be used to change the course of history. A normal, ordinary guy, living a normal, ordinary life, being respectful and honoring to God, will be used by God to do the exceptional.

Today, you may find yourself in the place of either Naomi or Boaz. You may be like Naomi in need of help from an unexpected person. Keep watching and be aware that God still has those people working for him. They are often quiet and unassuming. You may be like Boaz, honoring God in your everyday life, wondering if the mundane is all there is. Keep going; God is using you in ways you are most likely unaware of. Realize you may never see the result of your faithfulness, but God does.

Be encouraged, God has unexpected people in your life as well, and will use them to help you fulfill his purposes in you.

Pastor Tim

Last week we talked about making the decision to Go. As soon as we take the first step to Go, we run headlong into uncertainty. We are sure we have figured out what we should do; we start, and then we second-guess. We start asking ourselves questions like… What if I am wrong? So, change course. What if someone else thinks I am wrong? Someone always will, and maybe you are! But you will figure that out soon enough. What if it doesn’t work out the way I think it should? Ok, make corrections and move on. What if I fail? You will; learn from the failure and don’t make the same mistake again. What if it ends up being too hard? It will be harder than you think, but you have what it takes. All of these are valid questions and should be asked. But honestly, they all can be asked and answered while you are in motion. You don’t need to stop to figure them out. Really, the only way to answer them is while you are in motion. Let me tell you what you will realize if you keep going: 90% of what you thought were going to be big obstacles don’t materialize.

Let's go back to Ruth and Naomi; the uncertainty kicked in as soon as they returned to Naomi’s hometown. Naomi quickly realized she was not the same person as when she left (Ruth 1:19-22). She was uncertain about what would happen next and how she would be received, but she kept on and took the next step.

What are you uncertain about? What next step do you need to take? Go ahead, take it; I know you can!

Pastor Tim

We have been thinking about the topic of new beginnings. We have talked about the fact that new beginnings require change and determination. New beginnings also require us to Go! None of us can have a new beginning if we don’t move in some way. In Ruth 1:18 we read this: “When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said nothing more. So the two of them continued on their journey.” When we get to the point that we realize a change is needed, we need to move. By taking the first step, we commit ourselves to change. As humans, we often get stuck in the “I should make a change” or “tomorrow I will make a change” mindset, and then we never actually change anything. I remember asking my father at one point in my life what I should do next, and his response has stuck with me for 35-plus years. He said, “God cannot steer a parked car,” basically telling me that as I moved and listened to God, He would steer me in the right path. But I needed to be in motion.

Do you need to start moving? Do you need to take the next step? Have you been waiting for God to tell you what’s next? Maybe he’s waiting for you to just move! Just make a start.

Pastor Tim

Last week, we started to talk about new beginnings from the book of Ruth. Naomi has realized a change is needed in her life and decides to move back to her ancestral home. Orpah, one of Naomi’s daughters-in-law, decides to stay with her family, but Ruth (also a daughter-in-law) loves her mother-in-law Naomi deeply and wants to go with her. Now we run into an attitude quality that is needed for a new beginning. Determination. Listen to the determination of Ruth's heart in Ruth 1: 16 “… wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried.” Ruth was all in. Whatever the cost, whatever it was going to take, she was willing to do it. She was willing to make any changes needed to start fresh, anything for a new beginning. By the way, the only way you can experience a new beginning is if you are willing to change and commit completely to the change.

Are you at a place where a new beginning is needed? Have the circumstances of life brought you to the place where a change is necessary? If so, how determined are you to make a change?

Pastor Tim

At some point in all of our lives, there comes a point when we need a new beginning. Maybe it is because of some bad life choices. Maybe it is because I have reached the end of a chapter of my life, or life circumstances have changed, and what I thought was successful isn’t anymore. Whatever the reason, we all come to a place of new beginnings. All new beginnings require some changes in thought process and attitude. Over the next few weeks, we will look at a few of each of these. The first is understanding the need for a change.

In my small group Bible study lately, we have been reading the Old Testament book of Ruth. As you start into the first chapter, you immediately meet Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah, all of whom are in need of a new beginning. Naomi is the mother-in-law of Ruth and Orpah. Naomi’s husband and two sons have died. So we have three ladies who are widows. Naomi is living in a foreign land, away from friends and family. She has no way to provide for herself or her daughters-in-law. She has no one to turn to for help. Something has to change. She makes the decision to move back to her ancestral home. Her thought is that if she goes home, her family will help her, her daughters-in-law can stay where they are, and hopefully their families will support them (Ruth 1:6-8). A change is needed.

Are you at a place in your life where you are aware that a change is needed? Sometimes this is difficult to realize; we get so comfortable being uncomfortable, we don’t think we can change. But it is always possible.

Pastor Tim

Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.

Romans 12:21

Paul finishes up chapter 12 with a wonderful reminder. The only way evil can be defeated is by that which is good. If I respond to evil with evil, I am only making more space for evil, and evil will grow. But if I respond with good, I am responding with God. All the good that we experience in this world and the good in us comes only from the hand of God (Psalm 16:2). So whenever we respond with good, we are allowing God to work both in us and through us. Did you notice the outcome of doing good? We don’t just fight evil, we conquer it. The word “conquer” here means to overcome and subdue. The idea is that when we respond to evil with good, we end up on top of the evil, holding it down, making it powerless in us. Ultimately, God will eradicate evil completely, but until that day, God has given us the ability to conquer it with good. If that is true, and it is, then I must ask myself this question: How much good am I doing? How involved in good am I? What can I do that is good? What I have come to realize is that it is really easy to get so caught up in my life that I don’t put any effort into conquering evil with good; I am just trying to survive. My survival distracts me from pursuing and doing good. Let me end our journey through Romans 12 with a question. Where in your life are you conquering evil with good?

-Pastor Tim

If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. Romans 12:20

Last week we learned that we are not to avenge ourselves. We learned that God is the only one who can justly avenge. So if that is not something that we are to be part of, what should we be doing? Paul gives us some incredibly practical steps to take instead. If we are taking these steps, then we won’t have the time or the energy to be avengers. Did you notice the steps in verse 20? Give those who are against you food and drink. Care for them. Paul is quoting the words of Jesus here. In the book of Luke, Jesus said these words: “Love your enemies, do what is good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Jesus knew that people respond to love. It is really difficult to hate people you pray for, feed and meet the needs of, because you begin to see what their hearts need and you realize who they are as humans. Paul finishes this verse with the statement, “By doing this, you are heaping fiery coals on their head.” The idea here is that the kindness shown to their unkindness will bring shame to them, and that sense of shame may change their heart. But even in that, we are not responsible for their response; that will be between them and God.

How well have you been loving those who are treating you unfairly?

Pastor Tim

Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God’s wrath, because it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.

Romans 12:19

To avenge means to inflict just retribution or punishment for a wrong or injustice, so order is restored.

After reading that definition, it is easy to see how a reasonable person might think that we, as Christ followers, should be involved in the process of avenging. I mean, aren’t we supposed to be in the middle of making things righteous? Doesn’t God call us to right living and standing firm for truth? The answer is a resounding, YES! We are called to that every day. But what is interesting about that is that, while God calls us to live that out personally and to be an example of right living, He never asks us to force others to conform or to make them become righteous. Why? That is a work that only He can do. It is heart work that happens by the conviction of the Holy Spirit. As the Holy Spirit does His work, He becomes the one who determines when, how, and if the wrath of God needs to be enacted. The Godhead is the only one who can avenge in a just manner. Just think for a minute; if the judgment for your sinful behavior was left up to someone else, even if that person was a good friend, they would not and could not be completely fair. How could they be? They have a limited understanding of who you are and what you have done, they do not know your heart, and they are tainted by their own sin and selfishness. Their judgment of you would never be pure.

I don’t know about you, but I am incredibly thankful that I can leave the avenging up to God. He will always get it right.

“If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”.

Romans 12:18

Let's just be upfront and honest as we start our conversation about this verse, that it is not always possible to live at peace with everyone. There are those who just don’t know how to live at peace, and unless there is some sort of chaos or emergency, they are lost and don’t know what to do with themselves. So they will create disequilibrium so they don’t have to face peace. Why? Why would anyone want to live that way? There are a few reasons that come to mind. First, if there is peace, then there is no excuse for the dysfunction they struggle with. If things are chaotic, they can point to the chaos as the reason for the struggle. Another reason for people not wanting peace is that the only way they can enter into a place of peace is by facing and dealing with the internal stuff that steals their peace. So, if you are trying to live at peace with them, you are in some ways forcing them to face their stuff. I think that is why Paul says, “as far as it depends on you;” you and I are unable to control how everyone else responds to our desire for peace.

Let's finish up with two thoughts about Christ followers and peace. First, this peace does not mean compromising truth to avoid offending others. It means we refuse to weaponize the truth. Instead, we stand firmly in the truth and trust it to do its own work in people’s hearts. Second, the peace here is the peace that comes from knowing God. This kind of peace is not a lack of friction or difficulty; it is stability in the middle of struggle because I am anchored to the solid foundation of Jesus. I am firmly established in who he is. That is where real peace comes from.

Pastor Tim

Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes.

Romans 12:17b

This last half of verse 17 almost seems like an impossibility. How in the world do I please everyone? We all know pleasing everyone is not possible. So, why does Paul suggest something that can’t be done? The key to what is being said is in the first three words. “Give careful thought.” By the way, this is still really difficult. What Paul is trying to do is to slow us down enough to think through what we are about to do and realize there are consequences for our actions. Every decision we make, every word we say, and some words we don’t say have an effect on the people around us. All too often, we say whatever we want, not thinking about others. Paul is telling us that as Christ followers, we should be the most thoughtful people. Why? Because we have the mind and heart of Christ, “Set your minds on things above… for your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col 3:2-3). What we need to understand is that Paul is not telling us this to make everyone happy; he is telling us this so we can be thoughtful and godly in our interactions. If we slow down and ask God to direct us and help us to honor others, then how they respond will be on them. Sometimes honoring others and having their best interest in mind means you will do things they may not like. If they choose to respond to a godly, thoughtful interaction in an ungodly manner, then that is on them, and they will need to take that up with God.

“Give careful thought” to your interactions with others this week.

Pastor Tim

Do not repay anyone evil for evil.

Romans 12:17a

Oh boy, this is a tough one. There is a good chance that you do not physically repay evil for evil, but if people experienced what you have thought about them, many would be hurting or dead. You know what I mean, the person who offended you in some way with their driving. The family member, friend, or co-worker who threw you under the bus for something you did not do. The time your words or actions were twisted and taken completely out of context and used against you or to hurt someone. You didn’t get back at them, or maybe you never even spoke up. But you sure plotted and planned in your mind all of the things you would like to say to them or do to them. Maybe you know things about them that could embarrass them, and you started plotting how you could let others know. Oh, you didn’t do it, but you would have liked to have had the opportunity. Maybe you are still planning how to get back at them, and you feel completely justified because you are in the right.

Paul in these short verses is pretty straightforward. Don’t do it! Don’t repay evil with evil. Why? Doesn’t it seem fair that if they did it first, they deserve it? Right? This verse is the practical working out of verses 9 and 10. Remember, Paul told us, “love without hypocrisy, love one another deeply and be the first to honor others.” Our example of that kind of behavior is Christ. He had every right to repay us with evil; instead He offered love, unconditionally. It did not matter the response of those he loved; he just loved. If we are plotting revenge, we will not be offering the love of God to others; both cannot live in the same heart.

Have you been plotting evil or just looking for ways to love others?

Pastor Tim

Do not be wise in your own estimation.

Romans 12:16c

This is such a thoughtful phrase. If you have spent much time with me in conversation, at some point you have more than likely heard me say something about the story playing in my head. We all have a story playing in our heads. It is the story of how we see ourselves, how we think others see us, and what we think others think of us, and often the story is incorrect. The reason for this is that our stories are built on our assumptions, and we are the editors of our assumptions. By the way, it is all but impossible to be a good editor of your own stuff. Why? Because you have a bias toward yourself, you think every thought you have is right. It is not, sorry. So then the question becomes, how do I get to the place where I have the proper story playing in my head? I believe that the only way this is possible is if I get to the place where I see myself as God sees me. Let me give you a few of the ways he sees you if you are a Christ follower. He sees you as his beloved child (1 John 3:1), forgiven (Acts 10:43), saved (Acts 2:21), one who has hope (Hebrews 10:23), and a joint heir with Christ (Romans 8:17). Those are just a few of the ways God describes us as one of His own. Knowing who God is making me to be makes me realize that without Him working in me, I am nothing. I then began to see my value and ability according to what God wants to do in me. If I am attached to him, I will be wise in my understanding of myself. Jesus said the same thing this way, “I am the vine, and you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.” John 15:5

-Pastor Tim

Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble.

Romans 12: 16b

When I think about the verse we just read, the word that immediately comes to my mind is “gracious.” To be gracious means to be “courteous, kind, and pleasant.” It is impossible to be courteous, kind, and pleasant with people and be proud at the same time. In order to be gracious, we have to have a proper understanding of who we are. You see, pride often comes from a desire we have for people to see us as more than we really are. Pride most often is wrapped up in insecurity; pride is the masking mechanism used to hide deep-seated fears. Pride keeps me from being open and allowing people to get close to me. So Paul in this verse just makes it simple. Get over yourself, just don’t be proud, let your guard down, let people get close, and stop hiding. In order to live that way, without pride, find some people who are humble and godly and get close to them. Spend time with them, live life with them, let them speak into your life, let them correct you, encourage and challenge you. Be present with them. Be known to them and identify with them.

By the way, this is counter culture. This is counter to human nature. This will not come naturally to you or me. To live this way, we must allow the Holy Spirit free rule in us. We must be willing to yield ourselves to being molded into the image of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Tim

Live in harmony with one another.

Romans 12:16a

Harmony - agreement, unity in right relationship. When I read this little phrase by Paul, I immediately think, how? I mean, is that even possible? How do you get along with people who look at life differently from you? We are living in a time when people are majoring in minors. Let me explain what I mean. People seem to believe that what they believe about government, environment, animals, what type of energy we use, and our health care should determine whether or not we can be friends. In reality, all of those topics are just our preferences. In the light of eternity, they don’t affect our standing before God. I am not saying we shouldn’t care about those things, or that we shouldn’t be informed about them. What I am saying is that it is our personal relationship with God and our concern for others' relationship with God that should be our main focus, and we should be in harmony over that fact. All of those other concerns should not distract us or make us at odds with other believers. Someone has said it this way: “Keep the main thing the main thing,” the “main thing” being a person, God. So how do we live in harmony with each other? We live in harmony with God! The only way to care for, love, and show respect for people who don’t see the world the way we do is with the heart and love of God.

Are you in harmony with God, and as a result, others?

Pastor Tim

Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.

Romans 12:15

I really like this thought. It takes a lot of pressure off me. I know that sounds a bit strange. But it’s true. I don’t know about you, but I struggle sometimes to know how I should care for and show up for people. Are they looking for something deep and profound? Do they want me to have the answer or solution to what they are facing? What if I have never faced what they are facing? What if I don’t even understand what they are going through? Should I just stay away? Paul makes it simple. Are you ready for this? If people are happy, be happy with them. Show up and wholeheartedly celebrate what is making them full of joy; let go and enjoy just smiling with them. Then, when you show up, and they are crushed and in tears, allow yourself the pleasure of entering into their pain with them. I am not saying to own their pain; you can’t. But you can be sad, you can be a listening ear and a soft shoulder. All Paul is really telling us to do is to be present with people. In a day of electronics, to-do lists, and endless distractions, the simple ask Paul is making is the hardest thing for us to do. Be present.

Are you present with the people God has placed around you?

Pastor Tim

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

Romans 12:14

Now Paul has lost it. I mean, if he had said, “Bless those that bless you,” that would make sense. It is the right and easy thing to do. But Paul tells us to bless those who are against us and desire to harm us. By the way, this reaction is proof of the indwelling Holy Spirit who lives in us. Remember way back at the beginning of Chapter 12 when Paul told us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice? This is part of that. Paul knows that the best way to show others who Jesus is is to be just like Jesus. That means we don’t need to defend our position or prove we are right; we simply need to be the best replica of Jesus we can be. We are to be a picture and expression of His grace and mercy. Proverbs 25:21 says it this way: “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.” Bless him. What if we made a decision this week to counter every struggle with people by flooding them with overwhelming kindness? What if, instead of being sarcastic and critical, we gushed with genuine love and concern for them? What do you think would happen?

Pastor Tim