Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.
THANK. Write down 3-5 things you’re thankful for in the last 24 hours.
WORSHIP. Pick a song from one of our Spotify Playlists and let it play in the background.
READ. Our Scripture Focus is Ruth 4:14. Try memorizing it this week!
Today’s reading is from Ruth 1:19-22 & Ruth 2:1-3 (Going Deeper: Isaiah 38:9-20 & Philippians 3:8-11)
THINK. A Thought from Pastor Dave…
The book of Ruth is a compelling true story in redemption history. It’s also beautiful literature where most of the characters have Hebrew names that seem to reflect their journey or part in the story. For example, Ruth means “neighbor, friend, or companion.” Naomi means “pleasant or kind.” At the beginning of today’s reading, Naomi poops the party big time. After demanding that her daughters-in-law (her only family left) leave her alone, she shows up in her hometown where she is joyfully welcomed. But Naomi, or Mara - which means “bitter” - is exactly that. Bitterness comes from a heart that has forgotten the good, that only sees the pain and loss. A heart that cannot see the future because it is so ensnared by the past. Because she believes she’s abandoned, Mara (or bitterness’) actions drive others away and isolate. Thankfully, God never abandons us. He is the faithful friend, the neighbor, the companion. Thank Him for that today. Take some time to search your heart for any bitterness. Are there people you’ve driven away? Have you isolated yourself from others?
LIVE. One practical way to understand and apply the Bible is the SOS method. Ask…
S: What does this passage say about God, and what does it say about me?
O: What am I being invited to obey?
S: What can I share with those around me?
PRAY. Pray for yourself, a family member, a lifegroup/church friend, someone who doesn’t know Jesus, and the nations. Pick one each day or pray through them all every day.
SHARE. Stay focused with a friend! Invite them to text “FOCUS” to (586) 200-6277.

Stay focused on Jesus today, and make it a great one!