During the time when judges ruled the Israelites, a woman named Naomi went from being abundantly blessed to being emptied because of losing her husband and both of her adult sons when they died. Yet her daughter-in-law who was “better to” her “than seven sons” remained faithfully by her side (Ruth 4:15 NKJV). Ruth exemplified extreme loyalty. When Naomi tried to convince Ruth to go back to her own people in Moab, she replied to her mother-in-law by saying, “Where you go, I will go…your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:15-16 NRSV).

 

Who are the people in your life that are extremely loyal?

 

Do you have family members or friends who consider you to be loyal?

 

What about your loyalty to God through Christ? Are you willing to go where the Spirit leads and directs you? Are you willing to live in such a way that Jesus’ people are your people? Do others know the God you believe in?

 

Two indicators of your devotion and priorities are your calendar, including your daily planner, and monthly bank statements. Consider your commitments and how you live out your loyalty towards Christ and others, then pray for God to help you to prioritize according to His will.

 

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 (10/11)

Today I am going to offer God _________________________.

 

During the worship service God revealed ___________________________________________________.

 

 

Monday (10/12)

Read Ruth 1:15-22 and pray for God to reveal a word, phrase, or verse that is specifically for you for today.

 

Tuesday (10/13)

Read Ruth 2:1-3 and pray for God to provide for your needs. Also pray for the Lord to provide for your family members and people within our community who need a job, those experiencing financial hardships, and everyone who doesn’t have enough food to eat. As you pray, ask the Lord what he wants you to do about it.

 

Wednesday (10/14)

Read Ruth 2:14-23 and pray for God to reveal a word, phrase, or verse that is specifically for you for today.

 

Thursday (10/15)

Read Ruth 3:5-6 and pray in response to what you read. Has someone given you advice that you need to follow? Does someone need your guidance that God will speak through you? Either ask God to speak to you through the advice of a loved one or offer yourself to God to be used as an instrument for sharing His will and words with others.

 

Friday (10/16)

Read Ruth 4:13 and pray for your spouse and children if you are married and a parent. If you are not married or do not have children, pray for your loved ones and friends who are married and have children, as well as pregnant women and the babies in their wombs.

 

Saturday (10/17)

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.