Abigail : The Woman With Beauty and Brains

Scripture References—1 Samuel 25:1-42;2 Samuel 3:3

Name Meaning—Father of Joy, or Cause of Joy

Family Connections—Scripture gives us no clue as to Abigail’s parentage or genealogy. Ellicott suggests that the name given this famous Jewish beauty who became the good angel of Nabal’s household was likely given her by the villagers of her husband’s estate. Meaning “Whose father is joy,” Abigail was “expressive of her sunny, gladness-bringing presence.” Her religious witness and knowledge of Jewish history testify to an early training in a godly home, and acquaintance with the teachings of the prophets in Israel, Her plea before David also reveals her understanding of the events of her own world.

The three conspicuous characters in the story of one of the loveliest females in the Bible are Nabal, Abigail and David. Nabal is described as “the man churlish and evil in his doings” (1 Samuel 25:3), and his record proves him to be all that. Churlish means, a bear of man, harsh, rude and brutal. Destitute of the finer qualities his wife possessed, he was likewise avaricious and selfish. Rich and increased with goods and gold, he thought only of his possessions and could be classed among those of whom it has been written—

Breaking The Heart Of God

“I have sinned against the Lord…” - 2 Samuel 12:13a NIV

King David has always been a favorite of mine. He was always so open in his communication with God. When he felt betrayed or alone, he screamed out his pain and displeasure to God. Then, in the very next breath, he would take it back to the main thing with words of adoration and praise for His Heavenly Father. When he sinned against God (and believe me, David sinned - adultery, murder, abuse of power), he begged for forgiveness. He knew he had broken God's heart with his sin.

Surprisingly, the Bible shows us that King David was a man who found special favor with God, even though he was guilty of all those things. But, as mentioned above, the Bible also shows us that David recognized his mistakes and called them what they were - sins against God. He asked God's forgiveness and then committed himself to living God's way.

Even though we may not have done the same things that David did, we have all sinned. God's Word says, "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." He died to pay the penalty for our sins and to offer us forgiveness.

All Like Sheep

Isaiah 53:6 says, “We all have wandered away like sheep; each of us has gone his own way.” You wouldn’t think sheep would be obstinate. Of all God’s animals, the sheep is the least able to take care of himself. Sheep are dumb. Have you ever met a sheep trainer? Ever seen sheep tricks? Know anyone who’s taught his sheep to roll over? No. Sheep are just too dumb.

When David said in Psalm 23, “The Lord is my Shepherd,” couldn’t he have come up with a better metaphor than a Shepherd for sheep? When David, who was a warrior and ambassador for God, searched for an illustration of God, he remembered his days as a shepherd. He remembered how he lavished attention on the sheep. How he watched over them. David rejoiced to say, “The Lord is my Shepherd” and in doing so, he proudly proclaimed, “I am His sheep!”From Traveling Light

Why Is Life So Much Harder for Some People Than Others?

CHRISTY FITZWATER

 

598

 

23

 

4

 

388

 

(http://www.stockfreeimages.com)

Why does one woman suffer with diabetes her entire life while another is healthy?

Why does one woman lose her house in a fire while another woman’s house stands?

Why does one woman wait longingly to see one positive pregnancy strip while another woman drives a van full of kids?

I made a discovery in the Bible recently that helped to answer this question for me.

Broken Trust

2 Samuel 12:8-9

I gave you your master's house and his wives and the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. And if that had not been enough, I would have given you much, much more. Why, then, have you despised the word of the LORD and done this horrible deed? For you have murdered Uriah the Hittite with the sword of the Ammonites and stolen his wife.

The life of King David was filled with numerous triumphs, conquests, and successes. He single-handedly took down Goliath with a sling and a stone. He wrote many of the psalms from which we find comfort in our times of difficulty. He presided over the nation of Israel and was considered by many to be its greatest leader.

David also learned a harsh lesson about the importance of trust. While sitting on his rooftop one day (when he should have been at war), he saw Bathsheba bathing and sent for her. This act led to adultery, the murder of Uriah the Hittite, and a cover-up of the whole situation. Only when the prophet Nathan confronted David about his actions did the king ask God for forgiveness. However, the Lord did not let David off easy. The child he fathered with Bathsheba died, there was a constant threat of murder in his family, and his son Absalom caused David problems until he was killed in battle.

God's Timing

"Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured. Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 'See that you don't tell this to anyone'" (Mark 1:42-45).

Have you ever had a problem keeping a secret? Especially if that secret involves good news. I have certain friends who can't keep a secret like this. They are sure to blurt it out to the wrong person at the wrong time.

There is a timing that is ideal for releasing information or moving forward with a project. Jesus understood the importance of timing. When He performed His first healing miracle He instructed the man he healed with leprosy to not tell anyone. Now that would be difficult - not to share being healed from leprosy with your friends who have known you and your condition. He could not keep the secret.

As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere. Jesus desired to do more things in that city, but because the man could not keep quiet, He could not do so.

From Believing to Perceiving

"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." (Romans 8:37)

The Bible calls us kings and priests (Rev. 1:6) and world overcomers (1 John 5:4). For many of us, those phrases are still becoming real. We're still learning who we really are.

If you'll look in 1 Chronicles, chapter 14, you'll see that David had a similar problem. He'd been anointed king by the prophet Samuel when he was just a teenager. He'd known for years that someday he'd rule over Israel. Yet somehow, it hadn't really sunk in.

God Does His Best Work in Caves

By Robin Dugall

David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. 

1 Samuel 22:1
Discouragement is a common emotion to us and is one of the great enemies of the Christ-following experience. It is an enemy of personal drive and vision. It is a cancer that will pull enthusiasm and joy right out of you. But it is also a test because how you respond to discouragement when things are not going well is one of the most important challenges that you will ever face as a person who loves and follows Jesus.

During the reign of King Saul, a prophet of God, Samuel, anointed young David as the future king of Israel. Even before he became king, the people of the kingdom fell in love with David. Everything he touched turned to gold. He was victorious over one of Israel’s most feared enemies, Goliath. When King Saul struggled with emotional issues, David was there to comfort him. If there was ever a guy who was on a roll, it was David. It appeared that nothing could go wrong for him. Then, one by one, the tables turned. Look over this litany of loss in David’s life:

Worship Changes Our Face

by Max Lucado

Exactly what is worship?

I like King David’s definition in Psalm 34:3: “Oh magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.”

Worship is magnifying or enlarging our vision of God. Of course his size doesn’t change, but our perception of him does. As we draw nearer, he seems larger. Isn’t that what we need? A big view of God? Don’t we have big problems, big worries, and big questions? Of course we do. So, we need a big view of God. Worship offers that.

A vibrant, shining face is the mark of one who has stood in God’s presence. He wipes away the tears. Not only does God change the face of those who worship, he changes those who watch us worship!

A Costly Offering

"But the king replied to Araunah, "No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of silver for them." 2 Samuel 24:24

Araunah the Jebusite was just being polite. When he found out that David wanted to purchase his threshing floor to build an altar, he bent over backward and offered his oxen for the sacrificial offering, as well as the wood on which to burn it. David wouldn't hear of it. If it was going to be a true sacrifice, he knew he'd have to "sacrifice" something. Like his hard earned cash.

With us, it doesn't have to be our cash. It could be our time or our prayers, our gifts and talents. I'm thinking right now of Carolyn, a seamstress friend of mine who barely makes ends meet by sewing and tailoring. Carolyn lives alone in her small apartment with her cat and works late into the night, stitching up a storm. Last Christmas she wasn't able to buy the gifts she would have liked; so she went one better - she stayed up extra late, making presents of skirts and vests. Her friends were going to receive the best she could offer, even if it meant missing a deadline on a commission, even if it meant early hours and sore fingers. Those skirts and vests are, to us blessed folks who received them, more valuable than anything you'd purchase at Sax Fifth Avenue.

There Is Purpose in The Wait

By Wendy Pope

"Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." Psalm 27:14 (NLT)

Efficiency is my middle name. I like to get things done and get them done fast. Waiting for my computer to re-load a web page, or my kids to find their shoes, or even for God to come through on a prayer request isn't something I always do with patience.

In our hurry up, need it, gotta-have-it-now culture, it's easy to think we shouldn't have to wait. Think about it: within seconds we can know the weather in southern Mongolia, order a cute blouse from a trendy store, or move dinner from the freezer to the table in five minutes thanks to microwaves. We can instant message our mom or send a tweet to thousands in the blink of an eye. No wonder waiting is hard!

King David, the author of Psalm 27:14 was no stranger to waiting and knew full well of its difficulties. So when David wrote, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD," it was with experience honed through years of waiting to fulfill God's destiny for him. That destiny started in the humble home of his father Jesse, and in the pasture herding sheep.

WILL CHRISTIANS WHO COMMIT SUICIDE GO TO HEAVEN?

Serge Roux-Levrat

As the number of suicide increases dramatically in the developed countries, both in the traditional sense, as well as in assisted suicide, many Christians are wondering what happens to believers who take their lives. As always, theologians are divided on this key question. However, if we look at it from the only angle we can – that of love and hope – we will find out that the answer is much more obvious than we think.

The Great Purpose of Christian Stewardship

1 Chronicles 16:23–36

Retired missionary Paul R. Lindholm begins a reflection on what he views as the overriding purpose of Christian stewardship—glorifying God—with a humorous vignette:

A church choir director asked a clerk in a music store for a copy of an anthem with the title, “The Glory of the Lord.” The clerk called to the person working in the storage shelves for a copy. Finding none, the clerk called down: “The Glory of the Lord” is out of print.

In print and in thought, the shekinah glory of our Lord does not have the prominence nor attention it should have.

From The Eyes of God

Written by Rev. Daniel Forster

Are you feeling overwhelmed by guilt? Let’s work through it together.

“When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, ‘Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.”  But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’” (1 Samuel 16:6-7, ESV)

Have you heard the saying “perception is reality”? I used to believe that but praise God, He has taught me otherwise. All throughout the Bible we are taught that God does not see the same way that we do.

In 1 Samuel, the king Saul has lost the favor and spirit of the Lord our God because of his disobedience and his lack of repentance in his heart. God instructs Samuel the prophet to go to Bethlehem and seek a son of Jesse there. Samuel does not know his name. He has all of Jesse’s sons brought before him as the Lord directs him in which God will anoint as King of Israel. Today’s passage picks up the story when Samuel is looking on the sons of Jesse.

From Grapes to Wine

"Why have you broken down its walls
so that all who pass by pick its grapes?" —Psalm 80:12

In Psalm 80, the Psalmist has a question for God. Using a grapevine as a metaphor, King David describes how God took the children of Israel out of Egypt and planted them in the Promised Land. There, they took root and flourished, covering the land with their sweet fruit. Yet, over time, the situation changed, causing the Psalmist to write: "Why have you broken down its walls so that all who pass by pick its grapes?" After all that work, why has God allowed his precious vineyard to be pummeled and ravaged? Why has the God of Israel allowed His people to be all but destroyed?

The prophet Hosea, as if answering King David’s question, had this to say: "Israel was a spreading vine; he brought forth fruit for himself. As his fruit increased, he built more altars; as his land prospered, he adorned his sacred stones. Their heart is deceitful, and now they must bear their guilt" (Hosea 10:1–2). Translation: While the Israelites blossomed and thrived in the land of Israel, their abundant blessings led them toward idolatry instead of toward God. In the place of thankfulness, they substituted forgetfulness. They forgot who had blessed them and what they were supposed to accomplish with all that they had been given.

Why did 70,000 die while the sinner lived?

This week's reading: 1 Chronicles 21:14

It doesn't seem fair. Even David was distressed by the consequences his sin had on innocent people (see 1Ch 21:17). We may make our own choices, but we cannot control the extent of the consequences of sin.

Because of our Western individualism we struggle to understand the Eastern tradition in which the head of a family, tribe or nation represented the people under them. The members were treated as a whole, sharing in the blessings or punishments resulting from the actions of their leaders. Adam's sin had consequences for all humanity (see Ro 5:12). When Achan sinned, God said Israel has sinned (see Jos 7:1-11). Joshua had to identify the tribe, clan and family to which the sinner belonged.

In this case, it may have been Israel's sin as a nation that led to David's sin. The Lord was angry with Israel before David was incited to take a census (see 2Sa 24:1). For this reason, some see this as a plague upon a nation of people who had themselves sinned.

Making Miracles

As the Passover meal progresses, we go from recounting the Passover story to expressing our gratitude for the great miracles that God did on behalf of the Nation of Israel. What better text to read from than Psalms of thanksgiving written by King David? In Psalm 114 we read about the Exodus from Egypt. The Psalmist reveals that when the Israelites approached the Red Sea, it “looked and fled.” But what exactly did the sea look at that made it split?

Jewish tradition teaches us that the sea saw the bones of Joseph, the son of Jacob, who had requested that the Israelites take his remains with them when they left Egypt. Something about the bones of Joseph caused the sea to react. What? For the answer, we turn to Joseph’s greatest moment.

Joseph’s greatest achievement was not becoming the second-in-command of Egypt. It wasn’t even his willingness to help out his brothers even though they hadn’t exactly treated him with the same kindness that he would later bestow upon them.


Joseph’s greatest moment came when he refused the advances of the wife of his master. After being sold into slavery in Egypt, Joseph found himself working in the home of Potiphar. Potiphar’s wife took a liking to him and tried daily to ensnare Joseph in sin.

Against his grain and natural desires, Joseph was able to refuse her offers: “…‘How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?’ And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her” (Genesis 39: 9–10). Tradition teaches that when the sea saw the remains of Joseph it said, “If Joseph can go against his nature, I too can go against my own.” And it split.

The Benefit of Wise Decisions : Ruth And Naomi

The Benefit of Wise Decisions - Ruth 1:1-18

INTRODUCTION

Ruth was of the land of Moab but married a Jewish man who was the son of Elimelech and Naomi. Naomi was a lady who suffered a great deal of loss in her life, including her husband and her two sons. After the loss of her sons (the husbands of Ruth and Orpah), Naomi determined to return home to the land of Judah.

Ruth and Orpah had tough choices to make. Should they go with Naomi or remain in Moab? Orpah determined to stay, but Ruth steadfastly determined to go with Naomi. This may have seemed like a strange decision, but read ahead in the Book of Ruth and you will find that it was a wise decision with great benefits.

Ruth finds a home with Naomi (Ruth 1:22), marries a great man named Boaz (Ruth 4:13), and finds herself in the line of King David and the Lord Jesus (Ruth 4:17; Matthew 1:5).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) Missionaries leave their friends and family and go far away to tell people about the Lord. This is a hard decision. What good can come from their decision?

• Do you think that Ruth’s decision was easier than Orpah’s? Which one made the right choice?

• What would Ruth have missed had she decided to stay in Moab? Is it possible that you will miss some blessings if you fail to make wise choices?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to help you see the long term effect of your decisions.

• Pray that He will give you the wisdom to make the right choices, even when they are difficult.

HYMN

Trust and Obey

http://www.learnthebible.org/the-benefit-of-wise-decisions.html

Bethlehem – the House of Bread

Scripture Passage  :  Genesis 35:15-20

INTRODUCTION : Genesis 35:19 is the first mention of Bethlehem in the Bible. The name means house of bread. This could mean a place where one could come and eat when hungry; a place of supply for the hungry (Isaiah 58:6-7). Historically, Bethlehem is just such a place. We will look at Bethlehem as a type of God’s supply for the hungry in five different incidents in the Bible. But first, let us visit the town of Bethlehem.

Bethlehem is located five miles south of Jerusalem (the distance from Antioch Baptist Church to downtown Knoxville). The mountains and valleys between the two cities make it impossible to see the one from the other. Bethlehem is located on a ridge one hundred feet higher than Jerusalem. It has a deep valley to its north and another to its south. This explains why the Philistines put a garrison there. 

To the east of Bethlehem, the land drops quickly down to the Dead Sea. To the west, there is a slightly milder drop to the Plain of Philistia. These slopes are known in ancient times for their terraced gardens. Bethlehem was normally a fairly small town. Biblically, it is the place of the death of Rachel, the birth of David and Jesus, and the marriage of Ruth and Boaz. We will see it as the house of bread.

1. A PLACE OF WEEPING
1. The Death of Rachel (Genesis 35:15-20
   )
2. The Weeping of Rachel (Matthew 2:16-18
   )
3. The Hope in Weeping (Jeremiah 31:15-17
   )
4. Jesus: the Rest for the Weary (Matthew 11:28-30
   )
2. A PLACE OF BLESSING
1. The Loss of All (Ruth 1:1-5
   )
2. The Return in Sorrow (Ruth 1:19-22
   )
3. The Blessing for Ruth (Ruth 2:1-12
   )
4. The Kinsman- Redeemer (Ruth 4:9-11
   )
5. Jesus: Making Us the Sons of God (John 1:10-13
   )
3. A PLACE OF ANOINTING
1. The Choice of a King (1 Samuel 16:1-3
   )
2. The Choice Not Expected (1 Samuel 16:6-13
   )
3. The Promise of a Seed (2 Samuel 7:8-13
   )
4. Jesus: the Son of David (Matthew 1:1
   ; Luke 1:31-32
   )
5. God’s Choice Today (1 Corinthians 1:26-29
   )
4. A PLACE OF REFRESHMENT
1. The Thirsty Soul (2 Samuel 23:14-15
   )
2. The Three Mighty Men (2 Samuel 23:16
   ); as the Trinity
3. Jesus: the Source of Water (John 4:10-14
   )
5. A PLACE OF SALVATION
1. A Place of Taxation (Luke 2:1-7
   )
2. The Birth of the Saviour (Luke 2:8-11
   )
3. Jesus: the Saviour of the World (John 4:42
   ; 1 Timothy 4:10
   )

CONCLUSION:

Are you weeping? Are you heavy?

Are you burdened down with sin?

Come to the town of Bethlehem

And let the Christ child in.

Are you thirsty? Are you hungry?

Seeking bread that satisfies?

Come to the town of Bethlehem

To Christ—the One who died.

Seeking purpose and direction;

Are you wandering in a maze?

Come to the town of Bethlehem

And let Christ show the way.

Have your dreams gone up in smoke?

Have you lost a loved one dear?

Come to the town of Bethlehem

Where Christ will make things clear.


by David F. Reagan

David Reagan

http://www.learnthebible.org/sermon-outlines/bethlehem-the-house-of-bread.html

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