For hundreds of years between the time in history when Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land and various kings ruled the kingdom(s) of Israel, “The LORD raised up judges” to lead his people (Judges 2:16 NIV). During the next few weeks we are turning our attention to the time “when the judges ruled” to focus on the story of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz (Ruth 1:1 NIV). At the beginning of the book, Naomi’s full and blessed life quickly begins crumbling. She and her family endure a famine, move to a foreign land, her husband dies, then she loses her two married sons. After her season of heartache and devastating losses, Naomi returns to Bethlehem. Upon her arrival, she instructs those who knew her before she moved to “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty” (Ruth 1:20-21 NIV). Thankfully, the season of emptiness wasn’t the end of Naomi’s story. Eventually her bitterness turned into redemption, and Naomi’s brokenness was replaced by blessings.

 

What kind of season are you in right now? Is your life being emptied or filled? Are you becoming bitter or better?

 

For a full version of this Your Faith Journey devotional download the Worship Guide from the Avon UMC website: www.AvonUMC.com

 

The Your Faith Journey Bible verses for this week are listed below:

 

Sunday (10/4)

Today I am going to offer God _____________________________________.

 

During the worship service God revealed _________________________________________________________________________.

 

Monday (10/5)

Read Judges 2:7-22 and pray for God to reveal a word, phrase, or verse that is specifically for you for today..

 

Tuesday (10/6)

Read Ruth 1:1-14 and pray in response to what you read.

 

Wednesday (10/7)

Read Ruth 1:18-22 and pray for God to reveal a word, phrase, or verse that is specifically for you for today.

 

Thursday (10/8)

Read Ruth 3:1-6 and pray in response to what you read.

 

Friday (10/9)

Read Ruth 4:13-17 and pray for God to reveal a word, phrase, or verse that is specifically for you for today.

 

Saturday (10/10)

Rest, enjoy some recreation, and reflect upon the past week.

Re-read verses or phrases that stood out to you. The following questions may be helpful as you reflect:

 

How did you see, hear, or encounter God during this past week?

 

Who needs to hear about your experience sometime in the coming days?

 

*To download the entire Worship Guide, which includes the extended version of the Your Faith Journey Guide, go to www.AvonUMC.com.