Ruth’s Desire

by John O’Malley

“Let me glean and gather” (Ruth 2:7). 

 Previously, we considered how Boaz’s servant had been touched by Ruth’s request for involvement in the harvest. Boaz was interested in this one who came to work in his field. The servant had been impressed by her request and her work ethic. Ruth’s words were simple and are convicting to the heart of a believer yielded to God. She said, “I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.” 

 Focus with me on the facet of her request that reveals her desire for involvement in Boaz’s harvest. Her desire is evident in the phrase, “Let me glean and gather.” Her desire was to work in the harvest of the servant’s master. She pleaded with him for access to the harvest, an activity in the harvest, and an area to work in the harvest.

 There are lessons for our church’s global and local evangelistic outreach in this passage. Ruth was not seeking to be lord of the harvest, nor was she aspiring to lead the group of laborers. Ruth was not looking to implement a program of harvesting that she was familiar with in other fields. She was not looking to re-train the workers in the Moabite way of reaping. Ruth simply had her heart’s desire set on gleaning and gathering. 

 When it comes to harvest work, what is our desire? Do we see ourselves in management, or are we content simply being a common laborer for the Lord?It seems we have many who want to manage and maintain the harvest, but few who will get out and do the work of the harvest. 

 How much more could be done for the Lord if we would have the desire of Ruth in the fields of our Eternal Boaz? Would you say today, “God, let me glean and gather for you?” How much more would be done for our Lord if we would have the right desire when it comes to His fields? May God help us to have Ruth’s desire when it comes to His harvest work in our churches, both at home and around the world!

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Ruth’s Devotion

by John O’Malley

“And she said, I pray you” (Ruth 2:7). 

 The servant continued his story to Boaz as to how “this damsel” got to his field. It is touching to see in this one phrase: the interest of Boaz, the impression on his servant, and the imploring of Ruth. The servant set over the reapers was touched by Ruth’s plight and present need. He had permitted her to glean, and now Boaz was interested in the particulars of how it happened. 

 In the servant’s explanation to Boaz, he quotes Ruth’s words, “I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.”The diligent reader will notice the devotion, desire, determination, and dedication in her words. 

 Ruth implored the servant set over the reapers by saying, “I pray you.” Her devotion was to work for provision for Naomi and herself. Ruth was seeking for an answer in her request. She prayed him that he would let her work. She did not come up and say, “You do not have anything for me to do here, do you?” She never said, “It looks like you do not need me here.” She prayed to be involved in the harvest of Boaz. She did not mind if she looked as if she were begging; she wanted to be involved in this harvest.

 Is this how we contemplate the work of the Lord’s harvest in our church? Is local harvesting in our church merely a night where people go out for an hour? Our local harvest work must not be a weekly event we attend for an hour. It must be an everyday part of our lives. Ruth prayed to be involved in Boaz’s harvest. Do you pray to be involved in the Lord’s harvest?

 When you consider the Lord’s harvest outside of your locale, do you pray to be involved? Again, consider Ruth’s words, “I pray you!” She wanted to have a part in Boaz’s harvest work. Wherever the sheaves were, that is where she wanted to be involved. 

 God has sheaves all over the world. Are you confident that He does not want you to go and glean amongst them? Do you faithfully finance the efforts of the reapers (missionaries) sent out by your church? Friend, God wants us involved in His harvest. Are you devoted to the right cause?

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That Is Her

by John O’Malley

“And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab” (Ruth 2:6). 

 The servant set over the reapers made a decision to help Ruth by permitting her to glean in Boaz’s fields; he gives account for her presence. Boaz wanted to know to whom the damsel belonged. The servant replied with how his heart had been touched as she told her story to him. In verse six, the servant told Boaz of Ruth’s history, her holiness, and her happiness. He began, “It is the Moabitish damsel.” The servant must have been impressed with her courage, character, and compassion. 

 Ruth may have shared her story with Boaz’s servant this way:

 “If it pleases the servant of the lord of this harvest, I would love to tell you how I came to your field this day. I was born to parents in Moab. Growing up, I knew only of Moab’s iniquity, idols, and immorality. Then, during my late adolescent years, I met a family from a town called Bethlehem-judah. This was the family of Elimelech. 

The providence of Jehovah allowed me to meet their son Mahlon. My heart was taken with this young man. Though it was peculiar to have pure Israelites living in our land, his family’s faith attracted me. Disaster struck his home when his father Elimelech died. We later determined to marry and make a home in Moab for ourselves. We never had children, though we had a happy home. It was during my married days that I got to know Naomi better. What a delightsome woman! Neither death nor disappointment seemed to sway her faith in El-Shaddai.

Death then took my husband Mahlon. My sister-in-law Orpah lost her husband Chilion at the same time. There we were, three widows in Moab. My cultural upbringing caused me to escort Naomi back to Bethlehem-judah. However, what brought me here was the conviction I felt in my heart somewhere between Moab and Bethlehem-judah. 

It was there that I confessed my faith and desire to follow Elohim and to identify with the people of Israel. I came back with Naomi with no real possessions to hold in my hand; yet I had in my heart a possession that was greater than could be valued in the marketplace. I had a new faith, a new family, and a new forever.

Sir, as I stand before you today, I am Moabite by birth, but I am Israelite by faith. I come seeking permission to claim the divine right of provision for the poor set out by God for His people and for strangers. Sir, may I have access to your favor and this field?”

 “My lord, Boaz,” the servant over the reapers explained, “when she concluded this story, my heart was full of admiration. My eyes were as your eyes are now, filled with tears. Therefore, I replied, 'Please glean in my master’s harvest.’” 

 Friend, witnessing is no more than telling what God has done for us. When did you last tell the story of your conversion to a total stranger? If you believe no one will want to hear it, ask God to place a stranger before you today to tell how His grace reached you.

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An Answer for Boaz

by John O’Malley 

“And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said” (Ruth 2:6). 

“Whose damsel is this?” is the question that began Ruth’s love story. The question caused the servant to give a full answer to Boaz. The servant then had opportunity to explain to Boaz how his heart had been drawn to Ruth’s cause.

The servant had given Ruth permission to glean in Boaz’s field. As the servant set over the reapers, he held responsibility for her presence in the field. Ruth’s procurement from the field was under his direct control. The servant held the key to any prosperity she would gain from the field. 

Boaz’s question was not to set the servant on the defensive with his master. After all, the servant had acted in light of God’s law pertaining to the poor and the stranger being allowed to harvest in the corners of the fields and to glean after the reapers. 

“And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 23:22 ). 

The servant set over the reapers was responsible for who was permitted to glean in Boaz’s field. He had to give an account to Boaz for Ruth’s presence. He would give account for his attitude, activity, and ability in managing the harvest work for his lord.

As a servant-church member set over harvest reapers, what is your attitude toward the harvest? Do you grumble when missionaries come to your church? Do you resent the purpose of their visit? Do you display the right spirit when the harvesters are seeking financial support to do the reaping of the Lord of the harvest?

As a servant-church member set over harvest reapers, what has been your activity in the harvest? Have you encouraged the laborers? Have you enlisted more laborers? Have you equipped more laborers? When listening to a missionary as he shares his calling and concerns, do you seek to involve yourself or distance yourself?

As a servant-church member set over harvest reapers, have you used all of your ability for the harvest? Do you, from time to time, respond with excuses of disability? When faced with responsibility, do you respond with all of your ability?  

There is a day in God’s timetable where believers will give an account to God for their harvest attitude, activity, and ability.We will give an account to God before His Bema Seat after the Rapture of the saints. This accounting must then endure God’s gold, silver, precious stone, and wood, hay, and stubble test.

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Boaz Looks Her Way

by John O’Malley 

“Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?” (Ruth 2:5). 

Boaz had one question on his mind after he surveyed the harvest work. He turned to the servant who was set over the reapers and wanted to know, “Whose damsel is this?” 

This question indicates that Boaz inspected his harvest frequently enough to know who was new. Boaz noticed the new lady in the field as he scanned the harvest field and its surroundings. The question he asked should make each reader consider the concern and character of Boaz.

Boaz saw Ruth as she stood and wiped her brow, pushing back the wisps of hair clinging to her brow. He saw this lone figure seeking refreshment in the field house. She held her vessel gently and had a distant look. She seemed to stand in the present, but was able to see both yesterday and tomorrow with her gentle eyes.

God wanted Boaz to notice this Gentile gem that He would soon place and display prominently in the setting of Boaz’s life. Ruth would not have to seek Boaz. Boaz would be led by God to seek Ruth.

Boaz had noticed both Ruth’s work ethic and her demeanor. Ruth was not the typical gleaner. There was something special about her. Ruth had come to glean in his harvest, and Boaz found that she already had gleaned his heart. Boaz had yet to hear Ruth’s voice, but he cared for her as his own. 

Was Ruth the sole gleaner in the harvest that day? Certainly not! Why did Boaz notice Ruth? Was it because she was flirtatious and arrayed in a revealing fashion? Boaz’s attraction was not drawn to Ruth by her revealing fashion or her flirtatious ways. You see, Boaz saw her at a time when most women would not feel that they were at their best. When Ruth seemed to be at her worst, he noticed her and wanted to know more about her. 

God noticed us. He was drawn to us when we were at our worst.Our Eternal Boaz loves us more than Boaz loved Ruth. Pause this day and thank Him for His love. “…In that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

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Boaz’s Heart

by John O’Malley

“Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?” (Ruth 2:5). 

Boaz’s question to his servant revealed not only his concern for Ruth, but also his character. Boaz knew that since the Garden of Eden, God has placed every woman under the authority of a man. He knew that Ruth was under either her father’s authority or her husband’s authority. Boaz did not want to contemplate anything further until he knew under whose authority she lived. Boaz’s questioning of his servant reveals that he was a man of spiritual integrity, identity, and insight.

Indeed, Boaz wanted to know about Ruth’s authority because he was a man of integrity. During the time in which Boaz lived, every man did what was right in his own eyes. Boaz would not be numbered amongst those who lived, labored, and loved solely for selfish reasons. Boaz’s heart remained steeped in the old ways of Israel. Though Israel had no ruler, Jehovah ruled Boaz’s heart and home.

Boaz wanted to know about Ruth’s authority because he identified more with God’s ways than the world’s ways. God’s ways were immersed in his heart. If Ruth had a man in authority over her, then he wanted to know it. He was determined to be right in his transactions with mankind. Boaz was committed to being identified with the old ways.

Boaz’s inquiry of his servant reveals that he was also a man of spiritual insight. Ruth’s arrival in his field spawned the question, “Whose damsel is this?” He knew that she was there, but he wanted to know how she got there. He knew that Ruth was there, but he wanted to hear her story. He was not content to think that things simply happened that way. Boaz’s question reveals his concern and his character.

God chose Boaz to guide and guard Ruth. God’s selection of Boaz was not misplaced. Boaz was a man who had both concern and character. We need men to fill the role of Boaz today in their homes. Men of spiritual integrity, identity, and insight are needed to guide and guard their homes.Every home must have a Boaz, and the Boaz of the home must lead his family in a Biblical direction. 

Modern ways of thinking have infiltrated and seemingly absorbed the Biblically defined roles of women. Asking Boaz’s question in most Christian homes today would seem out of place. We have allowed our children to select their life’s mate with only regard to concern and with little regard to character. 

In every generation, society has attempted to update Bible ways. Society has “upgraded” the old ways with ways that seem right in their own eyes. Sadly, Christians quickly capitulate to every societal upgrade. What most people do not realize is that an upgrade in society is really a downgrade in spirituality. 

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A Servant to the Reapers

by John O’Malley 

“Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers” (Ruth 2:5). 

Upon his arrival from Bethlehem-judah, Boaz viewed all the harvest activity. He inspected the condition of the harvest. He identified the condition of the harvesters. He expressed interest in the conduct of the harvesters.

Boaz specifically chose the servant that he had set over the reapers. This servant was the one who managed his affairs in the harvest. This servant was the one who managed the activities of the harvest. This servant was the one to whom Boaz would turn for his information. This servant would deliver Boaz’s instructions. This servant was expected to handle Boaz’s interests in the harvest. Out in the field, this servant was to act on behalf of Boaz in all harvest matters.

What a thrill to be the one selected by Boaz! This servant had many details to maintain for Boaz. He had to see that there were enough harvesters. He looked after the harvester’s actions, both on and off the field. As servant set over the reapers, he was to be concerned with their well-being in the harvest field. He was to see that they would have times of reaping and times of rest. He would provide both refreshment and fellowship as they served in the field. He was a servant to the reapers.

Every church (a called out assembly of immersed believers observing the two ordinances and meeting regularly for worship, work, and witnessing) must identify and accept its assigned role in the spiritual harvest of souls. Each church is assigned by God to be a servant “set over the reapers.” It is the job of the church to instill, install, and instruct harvesters in the work of the Lord of the harvest. 

The reapers of a church are the missionaries she sends out. Each church is responsible to the Lord of the harvest for their attentiveness toward the reapers. Each church must see that their reapers have both times of reaping and rest. Each church must see that the reapers get the fellowship and refreshment they need. 

A church cannot be a church without missionaries. Missionaries cannot be reapers unless they have churches. This understanding defines a clear role for each church; a church is to be a servant to the reapers. 

How well are we doing our job as church members in serving our reapers? The authority in modern missions seems to have been wrongly relegated by churches and given to boards, committees, and councils. It is the church that is to be the servant to the reapers, both in authority over the reapers and in attentiveness toward the reapers.

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The Behavior of Boaz

by John O’Malley 

“And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, The Lord be with you. And they answered him, The Lord bless thee” (Ruth 2:4). 

This is the fourth time we have come to this verse to draw from its resources to help us in our walk with the Lord. As we draw from the enriching resources in this passage, let us reflect on the behavior of Boaz.

An analysis of the verse reveals that Boaz came to them in the field. What a precious comfort it must have been to those who worked for Boaz! Boaz knew where they were working. He had not become so busy with his other concerns that he had forgotten where they were. He set aside time in his day to come to their field. He made provision for his other responsibilities so that he could make his presence known to his people. 

A close look further reveals that Boaz comforted them in the field. Boaz visited the field that day and did not just stand there; he initiated the conversation with them. He said, “The Lordbe with thee.” He placed a higher priority on letting them know he was there than he did on their productivity and work schedule. He knew that the hours of the day were passing, but he wanted them to be comforted in their work. He wanted them to know that they were vital to him, so he gave them just what they needed. He gave them the comfort of his presence and words.

We should further note that Boaz communicated with his workers in the field. They were not too far from hearing his voice. Boaz was not too far from hearing their voices either. Boaz’s voice came to them in their place of service. Boaz’s message spoke to their hearts and souls. 

Note his words of comfort, “The Lordbe with thee.” It was what his workers needed to hear from him. Boaz’s words reminded them that their labor was not in vain. Boaz’s words refreshed in their minds that their labor was not without value. They heard Boaz’s words, and it reminded them that their labor was guaranteed a victory.

Our Eternal Boaz knows exactly where we are serving. Our Eternal Boaz will come personally come to our “field.” Our Eternal Boaz will comfort us in our work for Him. Our Eternal Boaz will communicate with us and listen to us. 

Let the words of this spiritual song deliver a message of peace to your soul:

Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come?

Why should my heart feel lonely and long for heaven and home?

When Jesus is my portion, my constant friend is He.

His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.  

-- Mrs. Civilla D. Martin

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Words for the Workers

by John O’Malley

“And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, The Lord be with you. And they answered him, The Lord bless thee” (Ruth 2:4). 

Boaz loved his workers, and he knew them very well. He looked after his harvesters as well as their harvesting. He came to his workers with a greeting. “The Lordbe with you,” he said to them. They enjoyed when Boaz came by and visited them in their work. They knew his position, power, and prestige; but, they loved his presence among them!

They would reply to his greeting, “The Lordbless thee.” What a response! The field owner arrives at the work place, and is greeted with, “The Lordbless thee.” This would be the kind of place anyone would love to work. It was a workplace where harmony ruled and attacking the other workers was unknown. It was a workplace where Boaz’s presence was longed for, not loathed. It was a workplace where good words replaced worthless gossip. 

Boaz knew his fields were God’s fields. He knew his workers were God’s workers. He wanted everyone at his workplace to know that God’s presence was to be recognized, revered, and rejoiced over—even though they were in the field. They enjoyed the spiritual while they occupied themselves with the servile.

We can draw many lessons as we contemplate the Lord of the harvest, the Lord’s harvest, and the Lord’s harvesters. Has the work of the harvest become so tedious that we have neglected spiritual fellowship with our co-laborers? Is harmony ruling in our spiritual work for the Lord? Has gossip become the theme of the conversations in our spiritual workplace?

We know all the attributes of our Eternal Boaz’s great position, power, and prestige; yet what we should love most about God is His presence.

If you fear His presence, I encourage you to look for His presence. Take pleasure in Him the next time He passes your field. 

When did the Lord last come by your harvest field? You may say, “He has never passed by my field!” Friend, does that really sound like our Boaz? He probably has come by your field many times to fellowship with you, and you were too busy griping, gossiping, and grumbling about working so hard. You may know the facts about our Boaz, but do you know His fellowship?

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Boaz From Bethlehem

by John O’Malley 

“And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, The Lord be with you. And they answered him, The Lord bless thee” (Ruth 2:4). 

Boaz, our new principal character, broke across the line of the horizon as he came from town to see about his business in the fields. It would not be uncommon for the field owner to check on his fields during the time of harvest. As the field owner, Boaz had every right to see after his servants, their service, and the status of the harvest. His arrival was not in judgment, but rather in an inspection of his expectation for the harvest.

Our Eternal Boaz has an interest in His harvest and His harvesters. His harvest is one of souls. He has an expectation of His harvest. He knows when the seed was planted, and He knows when there should be a reaping. He knows what His fields will produce given the conditions they have been experiencing. 

Jesus, our Eternal Boaz, also has an expectation of His harvesters. He expects them to be present in the fields and prepared to work in the fields. He will not leave His workers in the field without provision. 

When Jesus inspects the section of the harvest we are working on for Him, what does He find?Are we present in the fields? Are we reaping the harvest He expected us to receive for the seed He had cast there? Are we producing for Him in the fields?

It is rather easy to spend all of our time checking on everyone else’s lack of productivity in the harvest. Often we do this and neglect our own production for Him. When He comes, let us determine to be found present, productive, and pleasing to Him in the work of the harvest.

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My Hometown

by John O’Malley

“And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, The Lord be with you. And they answered him, The Lord bless thee” (Ruth 2:4). 

Boaz’s arrival is marked by the fact that he came from Bethlehem. The city, at 2350 feet above sea level, overlooks the main highway to Hebron and Egypt. His walk to the fields may have brought him by the burial site of Rachel, Bethlehem’s hometown girl, whom they affectionately called “The Mother of Israel.” Rachel, Jacob’s wife, would be long remembered in this little town for her marriage, her children, and her life. 

Much would happen in this little town nestled in the hills of Judah. Boaz had no idea that this little town of Bethlehem-judah would be so significant in God’s plan. Kings would be anointed here. Men of valor would rush here and endanger their own lives for a glass of water for their anointed King David. Jesus, the Son of David, Bethlehem’s greatest inhabitant of all, would choose to be born in Bethlehem. 

Outside this quiet town, shepherds would receive an angel’s message as they kept the night’s watch over their sheep. The angel’s message would be followed by a multitude of the heavenly host, who were “waiting in the wings” to herald their message right there outside of Bethlehem. 

Celebratory days would not be the only images in Bethlehem’s scrapbook of history. There would come a day when there would be great sorrow in her streets over the slaying of the young children of the town. An even sadder day was yet to come when Bethlehem’s greatest resident would be hung on a cross in the neighboring town to the north.

For generations it has been a part of our culture to evaluate someone by his or her hometown. Perhaps there were some in Boaz’s day that would criticize him because of his hometown. People criticized Jesus and questioned whether good could come from His hometown of Nazareth. They diminished him by saying He was just the carpenter’s son. It would be wise to recall Mark 6:4, “But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.”

The next time we see guests in church, we must evaluate the needs of their heart instead of evaluating them based on their neighborhood. What would happen in our hearts if we would encourage people instead of discouraging them over senseless things? What would happen in our hearts if we would cease from being critical and cynical of others and become more Christ-like?

Bethlehem was not the largest town, nor did the religious elite herald it as the “preferred” town, but it was small and unbecoming enough for God to make it a great hometown.

Rememberit is not in our own merits that greatness is established, but rather by God’s mercy that great things are wrought!

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Kindred of Elimelech

by John O’Malley

“Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech” (Ruth 2:3).     

Boaz’s history is often untold. We marvel at Boaz’s compassion toward Ruth. She was a Moabite by birth; yet in her new birth, she was an Israelite. When Boaz saw Ruth in his field, he did not instantly reject her because of her birthplace. He simply accepted her status in the faith over her status as a foreigner. 

Normally, Israelites would be slow to accept an outsider. What then made Boaz so apt to accept Ruth? Perhaps the answer becomes clear when we pause to look at Boaz’s family album. Let us ask him:

 “Boaz, do you have a picture of your parents?”

“Oh yes, let me show you my parents,” his reply would be. “Here is my father, Salmon. He was an Israelite prince.” 

“Oh, I see. Do you have one of your mother?” 

“Yes, let me show you. You may have heard of my mother. Did you ever hear the story of the walls falling down in Jericho except for one woman’s apartment?”

“You mean Rahab the harlot?” 

“Yes, Rahab the Gentile girl from Jericho is my mother.”

 Now it is quite easy to see why this powerful man would take the time to accept a young, widowed Moabite convert by providing for and protecting her. 

 This same Boaz was also a man with a heritage. He belonged to the same family line of Elimelech. This was not by happenstance. It was God in His sovereignty which placed Boaz in the family that would be able to redeem the name of Elimelech, and thereby restore the line of Christ.

 Boaz was also a man of honor. Although this point will later be seen clearly, Boaz was honorable in his integrity toward men, women, and God. No wonder God chose to use him!

 Many times people believe that their lives have very little value or importance. They often discredit their abilities, discount their talents, and even minimize what God has bestowed upon them. 

It would be easy to discredit or discount your abilities or heritage, but God has placed you where He needs to use you. Never grumble or gripe about what you do not have. You have what He wants you to have for what He wants to do with you.

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A Field for His Use

by John O’Malley

The field belonging unto Boaz” (Ruth 2:3). 

 The book of Ruth, in its first chapter, keeps Elimelech and Naomi as the principal characters. In chapter two, the attention switches from them to Boaz. After Elimelech’s death, God used Naomi to cultivate His Gentile gem, Ruth. He used a man named Boaz to care for this Gentile gem. 

 How did God use Boaz to care for her? He began by using his possessions. He later used Boaz’s position. Then, He used Boaz’s provisions. All of this God did to care for His Gentile gem, Ruth.

 Boaz was a resident of Bethlehem because of God’s will. Boaz was given the Hebrew title that, translated in other verses, would read a mighty man of valor. In Ruth 2:1, Boaz is declared as a man with great wealth and position. He owned fields outside of Bethlehem that would become the place of provision for Ruth. The fields Boaz owned would become the place of Ruth’s presentation. Boaz’s fields ultimately became the place of Ruth’s protection.

 At that moment, the plan of God centered on Boaz’s will. God had much that He would do for Ruth with Boaz’s person, position, and possessions. God was going to do great things for Israel because of Boaz’s willingness. God was going to do even greater things for His Son Jesus because of Boaz’s surrender. Boaz was willing to allow God to use him and whatever God had given him.

 Oftentimes, we are like young children when it comes to our possessions.We like what is ours. We are not prone to share unless forced by a higher authority. It takes an earnest threat to get most of us to give something beyond what we might not miss. 

 We scold our children for their refusal to share toys, food, or money; yet when it comes to our possessions, we end up acting just like our children. We do not share our possessions, position, or paychecks with anyone, including God. We tend to look at something and say, “Now, this is mine. If God wants to use a rich man’s things, that’s fine; but I am a poor man, and I do not care to have Him use my things.”

 Oh, the blessings we miss when we hold back on God! There are times that God would like to use what He has given us; but we are slow to respond and sometimes even rebellious about what He wants to use that is ours. Imagine what poverty Boaz would have come to if he had been stingy with God? Imagine how poor we become when we become stingy with God!

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Just Happened By

by John O’Malley 

 “And her hap was to light on a part of the field” (Ruth 2:3). 

“And her hap.” What an interesting phrase! It is a comfort to know that the Lord of Glory Who places queens in palaces, Who softens the landing of sparrows that fall, and Who provides rams in thickets also guided the incidentals of Ruth’s life. She was simply looking for a job, and God brought her to the right one. 

If Ruth had chosen the wrong field, she would have missed God’s handfuls of purpose. If Ruth had chosen the wrong field, she would have missed God’s man for her life. If Ruth had chosen the wrong field, she would have worked harder for less barley. If Ruth had chosen the wrong field, she would have been childless forever. If Ruth had chosen the wrong field, she would have failed to see the best that God had and would have unknowingly settled for second best.

The Lord directed the steps of Ruth and allowed her to see that the best place to glean was the field of Boaz. How many times have we walked along the paths of our lives and thought we happened to discover something, and never once contemplated that it was a sovereign God Who orchestrated the events of our lives so that we could “happen” upon His will.

When you are in God’s will, the places you will walk today, the people you will meet, and the provisions you will discover are all designed to reveal His goodness. The Lord orders the steps of a good man. Why not purpose in your heart to take each day and look for God’s hand at work in your life?

Before us today are choices that may determine if we will be in the place of His handfuls of purpose. It would be disheartening to have lived our lives and look back at life’s end and see the handfuls of purpose God would have dropped our way, but did not because we made our choices and not His choices?

How much do we include God in the decisions of our lives? How often do we communicate with Him over the simple things? Since He is interested in the watch care of sparrows, rams, and whales which have no souls; surely He is interested in us and our life decisions. There are no coincidences with God. May we seek Him early, often, and humbly for His guidance, and watch for His handfuls of purpose along our way.

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Gone Gleaning

by John O’Malley

— Personal Reflection

The temptation in our lives is to do what we want to do. We are prone to go where we want to go. We want to please ourselves. 

Ruth’s simple desire to be where God wanted her and with whom God wanted her brought her to the right field at the right time.

In the next 24 hours, what does God have for you do for Him and with Him?

1. Is there a person or persons you need to visit today to encourage them? Write their name(s) below:

2. Is there a task God placed on your heart today and you have not done it yet? Write the answer below:

3. What will you do today to serve God? Write the answer below:

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Words to Comfort

by John O’Malley

— Personal Reflection

Dear Father,

Thank you for your love for me. 

Thank you for the comfort I find in Your presence, promises, protection, and provision. Your Words give life. Your Words give hope. Your words give power.

Your Word tells me that in my tongue is the power of life and death. God help me today to use every word to speak words of life to help those who are under a burden. Help me to speak words of life to those who hurt and need hope. 

God, I really need your help not to speak words of death today. Let me not be the one who discourages someone today. Let me refuse the temptation to harm others with my words. Let me find someone in a dark place today and say to them, like Naomi said to Ruth, “Go my daughter.” 

Help me to speak words of life today to bring you glory and bring hope to others. 

Amen.

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Seeking What Lacked

by John O’Malley

— Personal Reflection

Scripture does not record any words spoken by Ruth since her confession of faith in the first chapter. Ruth wanted to go out and find a place where she could glean and a person in whose eyes she would find grace. 

Ruth decision to glean led her to discover the pardon for her heritage, the permission to enter the harvest, and the provision for her home. 

Imagine for a moment what faith it took for Ruth to believe that God’s provision for widows would even extend to someone from Moab. Imagine what hope Ruth had as she believed she would return from gleaning with sheaves of grain and grace.

If you are a child of God by faith, you do not have to think too hard to see yourself as Ruth. You had nothing before Christ. You were nothing before salvation. Yet today, He claims you as His own.

Today, ask God to show you someone, even a total stranger, to tell them what God has done in your life. 

Who will you to tell?

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It Is in the Past

by John O’Malley

— Personal Reflection

Dear Father,

Only you know every imagination and thought of my mind and heart. Only You know how pre-judging people comes easier to me than believing the best about others. I do not like that trait in me to judge others based on their past or present.

Help me to see others like you saw me. Help me to treat others as you treated me. You took me as I was. You knew my past, present, and problems. Yet, You loved me where I was and when I was nothing. 

Help me to love as You love, care as You care, and lift others as You lifted me.

Amen.

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A Widow’s Portion

by John O’Malley

 — Personal Reflection

God had a portion for Naomi in Bethlehem-judah. If Naomi is to see God’s portion for her, she will have to look past the graves, grief, and the shame in her life. She will have to train her eye to see the goodness and grace of the Lord.

God has a portion for you. He has an allotment for your life right where you are as you read this today. The portion God has for you is sufficient for whatever this day brings.

What in your life right now is God’s portion for you? What is He doing in your life to get you to see past the griefs and graves of your life? 

Are your eyes trained to see the goodness and grace of the Lord?

Yes or No.

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Bounty in Bethlehem

by John O’Malley

God’s will brought Naomi to a place of blessing from a place of brokenness. It is when Naomi arrived to where and when God needed her to be she then began to see what she had.

God’s will is not a destination as much as it is the daily journey with Him. God’s will is not only for those in full-time Christian service. God’s will is for full-time Christians.

Today, can you say with integrity?

•         I am doing what God wants me to do today.

•         I am where God wants me to be today.

•         I am with whom God wants me to be with today.

•         I am available, without reservation or hesitation, for whatever God wants from me today.

God’s will brings the best out of you for His glory.

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