Identity, Journey, Company - for His Glory

For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God has prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2:10

-THIS SUNDAY'S TEXT- Identity, Journey, Company – All for His Glory

This coming Sunday, we will be working through the first chapter Ruth. The following verses will be helpful to read prior to reading Ruth 1:

Genesis 1:26-27 Ephesians 2:8-10 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Naomi and Ruth both had much taken away from them. The things in which many establish their identity in have been removed from Naomi and Ruth. Both, at different times, would be removed from their nation and people. Both Naomi and Ruth had lost their husbands, and Naomi had lost her two sons. While some seek to find their identity in where they live or in their family, many seek to find their identity in what they do. With no husbands, Naomi’s and Ruth’s lives changed drastically. They spent their days work in the fields simply to survive. It may seem that everything has been taken away, but God is at work. Their identities have everything to do with who the y belong to – they belong to the Almighty God.

Naomi’s and Ruth’s lives have taken a turn. God is taking them on a difficult journey, yet a purposeful journey. One of the many beauties of this journey is the relation God give Naomi and Ruth. God gives them each other for the journey. Read Ruth 1:16-18. What stands out to you about Ruth’s commitment to Naomi?

We will find that the Lord has given Naomi and Ruth identity in Him. The Lord has also set them out on a journey, and He has blessed them with each other as companions for the journey. God has done all this work in the lives of Naomi and Ruth for a great purpose. We find the great purpose in Ruth 4:14.

-CONSIDER & MEDITATE- Think about your identity – is it in Christ or things less? What journey are you on? Where are you going? What company do you keep as you are journeying life? What kind of company are you for others as they journey through life? Does your identity, journey, and company exist for the glory of you or of God?

PRAYER & THANKSGIVING Spend some time thanking God for His faithfulness in your life.

Be specific with how you have experienced God's faithfulness.

Ask God for strength and increased faith in things you will face in the journey ahead.

Ask the Lord to help you be and to give you Christ honoring company as we journey through life.

What does the Bible say... This Wednesday evening in What does the Bible say..., we will search Scripture regarding the following questions:

Injustice in the world and what is our response as Christians? Anger - As a Christian are we permitted to experience anger without being sinful?