Bound to Happen

Written by Julie Cosgrove

When the unexpected comes, it can help to talk about it. But when you don’t have someone to talk with, contact an online mentor, and receive a personal & confidential reply by email.

“When he summoned a famine on the land and broke all supply of bread, he had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. His feet were hurt with fetters; his neck was put in a collar of iron; until what he had said came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him. The king sent and released him; the ruler of the peoples set him free; he made him lord of his house and ruler of all his possessions, to bind his princes at his pleasure and to teach his elders wisdom.” (Psalm 105:17-22)

This is the way the Psalmist describes what happened to Joseph in the Book of Genesis. His jealous brothers left him to die. He was sold into slavery, but lived. God eventually raised Joseph up to be second only to the King, just when his brothers needed him the most. It was in a time of famine and Egypt, because of Joseph’s wise reliance and trust in God, had obediently stored grain away in advance.

Rebuilding Broken Walls and Broken Lives

Written by Linda McCutcheon

“But you also said that no matter how far away we were, we could turn to you and start obeying your laws. Then you would bring us back to the place where you have chosen to be worshiped.” (Nehemiah 1:9, CEV)

It’s time to re-build! It is always a positive step, whatever month of the year, to sit quietly and determine healthy changes in our personal lives. It is like a rebuild of character, acknowledging that we are ‘People of Worth’ in God’s eyes. Perspective may have been washed away by tragedy, heartache, selfishness, or a sense of hopelessness.

The Jews were in the same predicament. They had been attacked, taken captive, lost their homes and were discouraged. Some had escaped but even their freedom created troubles. They came back to a ruined city. They were disgraced and there was no plan in place to repair their city for safety or for dignity.

When We Don’t Have the Words to Pray

J. LEE GRADY

 

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A woman prays at a candlelight vigil to support victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting (Reuters/Michelle Mcloughlin)

When tragedy strikes like it did last week in Connecticut, it’s OK if you are speechless

Some members of my church gathered near the altar last Sunday to pray for those affected by the recent school massacre in Connecticut. Our pastor had a list of the victims, and he asked that we mention each of the families by name.

It wasn’t easy to read that list. It included Daniel Barden, age 7; Charlotte Bacon, 6; Olivia Engel, 6; Chase Kowalski, 7; and Jack Pinto, 6. A total of 20 children died in the shootings, plus six adults, including Victoria Soto, the brave first-grade teacher who herded her students into a closet when the gunman approached her classroom. She was 27, the same age as my oldest daughter.

Riding Out Life's Difficulties

"He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed." - Psalm 107:29 NIV

If you're past the age of 10, you've probably already figured out that life is not free of challenges. Difficulties, pain in relationships, and even tragedies are part of every day life. As a matter of fact, Jesus told His disciples, "Take courage. There are many storms in this life. (Here's the good part...my emphasis added). But take heart, I have overcome the world." Wow. Now, that's a scripture to hang your hat on!

Whenever you face a storm, your first urge may be to scream, "Why?" Certain storms do come into our lives because of our own sin, but many challenges occur when we're right in the middle of God's will. We're not doing anything wrong. We're doing what God wants us to do. Certainly, that was the case for the disciples. Jesus told them to get into the boat and row across the Sea of Galilee. They were obeying Jesus when they suddenly found themselves in a horrific storm. It was so bad, they didn't even know if they'd survive. But here is the important message from that event - they did survive. With the help of Jesus, they survived.

Riches in Secret Places

I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord. Isaiah 45:3

My friend, Vicky, is one rich person. She’s got it all, yet she sits paralyzed in a wheelchair, having been shot in an attempted rape many years ago. At first, this tragedy plunged her into dark despair. Yet during her darkest hour, she discovered rich, spiritual treasure. She was able to mine precious insights hidden in secret places. Through her affliction, Vicky found the seven-fold riches of God.

In Ephesians 3:8 she discovered she was blessed with “the unsearchable riches of Christ.” 

In Romans 2:4, she found “the riches of goodness.” 

A Question With No Answer

"You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know." — Job 42:3

There are many different reactions to tragedy, but one response is universal — asking why. Job, like everyone else, tried to understand God’s ways. Why do bad thing happen to good people? Why do the wicked experience so much good?

While Job’s friends insisted that Job must have sinned, he knew, and we know from the text, that he hadn’t. Most of the book is dedicated to Job and his friends trying to answer the timeless question for which an answer has never been found.

Finally, God Himself appeared to Job and answered his question with another question: “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand” (Job 38:4). Translation: “Why in the world would you expect to understand My ways? You are finite, I am infinite! I am the creator, you are the creation. Can a painting understand the artist that painted it?” Job acknowledged his limited knowledge and said, “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.” And with these words, Job found comfort at long last.

Ruth Goes to Bethlehem

Scripture Passage : Ruth 1:1-22

INTRODUCTION: The story of Ruth shows us God’s grace even in the time of the judges when every man did that which was right in his own eyes. This chapter sets the scene for the glorious blessings God will bestow on Naomi and Ruth. A simple outline of the book would be as follows: Chapter 1 – Ruth Remaining; Chapter 2 – Ruth Reaping; Chapter 3 – Ruth Resting; Chapter 4 – Ruth Rewarded.

1. TRAGEDY IN MOAB (Ruth 1:1-5
   )
1. The Time (Ruth 1:1
   )
1. When the judges ruled
1. The Book of Judges ends on a negative note with every man doing that which is right in his own eyes (Judges 21:25
   ). The last few chapters in the book add to the somber mood of defeat and decline.
2. But with the book of Ruth, God shows that He is still working to bring about His will. Even in the darkness of the time and the tragedies in the life of Naomi, God prepares the Messianic line for the birth of David.
2. During a time of famine
1. In the Bible, famines test men.
2. They most often fail the test.
3. Even Abraham went down to Egypt in the time of famine and lied to Pharaoh (Genesis 12:10-13
   ).
4. Interesting Point:  Bethlehem means house of bread . However, during the time of the judges, it became a place of famine.
2. The Move (Ruth 1:1-2
   )
1. From Bethlehem to Moab (Ruth 1:1
   )
1. The city of Bethlehem-judah plays an important part during the time of the judges.
1. It was the home of Ibzan, one of the judges (Judges 12:8
   ).
2. It was the original home of the Levite who eventually became priest of the false cult of Dan (Judges 17:7-9
   ).
3. It was the home of the concubine who was abused, killed, cut into pieces, and sent to the tribes of Israel (Judges 19:1-2
   ).
2. Now, it is the home of Elimelech and Naomi and will become the birthplace of David.
2. Elimelech, his wife and two sons (Ruth 1:1-2
   )
3. They continue in Moab (Ruth 1:2
   ).
3. The Tragedy (Ruth 1:3-5
   )
1. Naomi’s husband dies (Ruth 1:3
   ).
2. Her sons marry Moabite women (Ruth 1:4
   ).
1. Note
1. The Israelites were not to marry the people of the land (Exodus 34:11-16
   ;Deuteronomy 7:1-4
   ) – although the Moabites are not mentioned in these passages.
2. The Moabites were not received into the congregation of Israel for ten generations (Deuteronomy 23:3-4
   ).
1. Because they would not allow Israel to pass through the land
2. Because they hired Balaam to curse Israel
2. Orpah and Ruth
3. They continue about ten years.
3. Her sons both die (Ruth 1:5
   ).
2. NAOMI RETURNS TO JUDAH (Ruth 1:6-7
   )
1. She Determines to Leave Moab (Ruth 1:6
   ).
1. She hears that the famine is over.
2. Her daughters-in-law arise to go with her.
2. They Travel on the Way to Judah (Ruth 1:7
   ).
3. NAOMI SENDS HER DAUGHTERS-IN-LAW HOME (Ruth 1:8-13
   )
1. She Gives Them Leave to Return Home (Ruth 1:8-10
   ).
1. She tells them to go to their mother’s house (Ruth 1:8
   ).
2. She blesses them for their kindness (Ruth 1:8
   ).
3. She desires that they might find husbands – notice the word rest  (Ruth 1:9
   ; Ruth 3:1
   ).
4. She kisses them and they weep (Ruth 1:9
   ).
5. They both claim allegiance to her (Ruth 1:10
   ).
2. She Argues for Their Departure (Ruth 1:11-13
   ).
1. She has no sons for them to marry (Ruth 1:11
   ).
2. She is too old to have a husband (Ruth 1:12
   ).
3. Any sons would take too long to grow up (Ruth 1:13
   ).
4. The hand of the Lord is against her (Ruth 1:13
   ).
4. RUTH REFUSES TO LEAVE NAOMI (Ruth 1:14-18
   )
1. They Weep Again (Ruth 1:14
   ).
1. Orpah leaves.
2. Ruth cleaves.
2. Naomi Encourages Ruth to Leave Also (Ruth 1:15
   ).
3. Ruth Declares Her Faithfulness to Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17
   ).
1. To go where she goes (Ruth 1:16
   )
2. To lodge where she lodges (Ruth 1:16
   )
3. To make her people her own (Ruth 1:16
   )
4. To trust in her God (Ruth 1:16
   ); it seems that Ruth has more faith in Naomi’s God than Naomi has (see Ezekiel 3:4-6
   ).
5. To die where she dies (Ruth 1:17
   )
4. Naomi Accepts the Presence of Ruth (Ruth 1:18
   ).
5. NAOMI AND RUTH RETURN TO BETHLEHEM (Ruth 1:19-22
   )
1. They Arrive in Bethlehem (Ruth 1:19
   ).
1. The city is moved.
2. The people hardly believe it is Naomi.
2. Naomi Expresses her Grief (Ruth 1:20-21
   ).
1. She wants to be called Mara [bitter – see Exodus 15:23
   ] (Ruth 1:20
   ).
1. She is no longer Naomi [pleasant].
2. God has dealt bitterly with her.
2. She testifies of her sorrow (Ruth 1:21
   ).
1. She left full and returns empty.
2. God Himself has testified against her.
3. They Settle in Bethlehem (Ruth 1:22
   ).
1. Naomi and Ruth come from Moab.
2. The time is the beginning of barley harvest. NOTE: This gives hope.  Naomi has suffered much and feels that the Lord Himself has turned against her. But the time of harvest is coming. Naomi will reap in joy.

CONCLUSION: When all goes wrong and we think God has turned against us, we are wrong. He may be just setting things up for a great time of blessing.

David Reagan and Andrew Ray

http://www.learnthebible.org/sunday-school-outlines/ruth-goes-to-bethlehem.html