Devotionables

The Lord has indeed blessed Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz, and through their offspring, he has blessed the world. The promises made to Abraham are being fulfilled faithfully and meticulously by Yahweh. In a fantastic arc of redemption, the Lord reverses the fortunes of Naomi and restores her beyond her most fantastic dreams. Her blessings are not confined to her only but are the beginnings of a universal...

Boaz settles the matter of redemption in Ruth 4. In a legal action, he redeems Ruth and Naomi, thus providing permanent rest, protection, and love for Ruth. This act of redemption for Ruth is only a foretaste, a beautiful picture of the permanent redemption God's people find by faith in Jesus Christ. Devotionables #390: Ruth 4:7-12 Redemption Ruth: The Loving Providence of God Devotionables is a m...

Boaz wastes no time settling the matter of Ruth and Naomi's redemption. He approaches the nearer kinsman redeemer. But unlike the other character's in the book, he does not act in faithfulness but rather selfishness. He's the only character in the narrative that is nameless. But thankfully for Ruth and Naomi, Boaz is faithful. Devotionables #389: Ruth 4:1-6 The Faithless Redeemer Ruth: The Loving...

Boaz proves himself to be a faithful redeemer and thus brings hope to Ruth and Naomi. We see it demonstrated in the change in Naomi's tone and actions. Just as Ruth and Naomi had hope in their redeemer Boaz, we can have greater confidence in a better Boaz, Jesus–the faithful redeemer. Devotionables #388: Ruth 3:17-18 The Faithful Redeemer Ruth: The Loving Providence of God Devotionables is a minis...

This unique story in the middle of the night shows us not that some scandal has occurred between Ruth and Boaz but is another opportunity for the narrator to display their noble characters. The actions of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz show that the righteous act in faith under the umbrella of the sovereignty of God. Devotionables #387: Ruth 3:6-18 In the Middle of the Night Ruth: The Loving Providence of...

"Let go, let God" is a common phrase in Christian circles. At its best, it can be helpful. But for many, it tends to lead toward faithless passivity. In Ruth, we see the characters all acting in faith. Each of them operates in righteousness. God works through their actions to bring blessings. Where do you need to act faithfully where perhaps you've been too passive? Devotionables #386: Ruth 3:1-5...

The Lord is at work in seemingly mundane moments. Ruth was faithful in the small things. Ruth has found a kinsman redeemer! The Lord's providence brings Boaz and Ruth together to bring a future redeemer through their lineage. Devotionables #385: Ruth 2:14-23 Kinsman Redeemer Ruth: The Loving Providence of God Devotionables is a ministry of The Ninth & O Baptist Church in Louisville, KY.  naobc.org

The Lord works providentially behind the scenes through the acts of faithful people. Through his providential work, the Lord graciously blesses Ruth through Boaz–fulfilling his promises to Abraham. Just like Ruth is blessed through a faithful redeemer, all who look to Jesus in faith are blessed in him and by him. Devotionables #384: Ruth 2:4-13 Blessed by the Lord Ruth: The Loving Providence of Go...

The narrator of Ruth introduces the readers to a new character in chapter 2. The introduction is intentionally prolonged to heighten its importance and stresses the character of the man called Boaz. We learn that Boaz is a mighty man of character who is a kinsman redeemer in Elimelech's line. He is meticulously faithful to the Lord and his law. He protects and cares for Ruth and Naomi. The Lord pr...

The story of Ruth reminds us that the God of the Bible is good. He works all things for our good and his glory. We don't always see the complete picture of how God is working in our lives, but Ruth reminds us that he is and that he is good! Devotionables #382: Ruth 1:19-22 God is Good Ruth: The Loving Providence of God Devotionables is a ministry of The Ninth & O Baptist Church in Louisville, KY. ...

Ruth leaves all that she has known to follow Naomi back to the land of Judah. She puts her trust in the Lord. The Lord works in ways beyond her imagination. Devotionables #381: Ruth 1:16-18 The Lord Works Beyond Our Greatest Imagination Ruth: The Loving Providence of God Devotionables is a ministry of The Ninth & O Baptist Church in Louisville, KY.  naobc.org

It's really easy, amid the hardness and struggles of life, to think that God is against us. Even more, we are tempted to believe that it is our fault. The dark moments in our lives are not the end of the story. Our dark and desperate times are not a sign that God is against us. Through these times, God works something greater than we could imagine as long as we continue in the faith. Devotionables...

Ruth opens by reminding the readers that this book's setting is in the time of the judges. Israel is longing for a king, and they need a king. God works providentially in the line of Judah to bring about a king, and ultimately the King who will fix this broken world. King Jesus has come and is coming again, and we long for his appearance. Devotionables #379: Ruth 1:1-5 Longing for A King Ruth: God...

Ruth is a beloved part of the Old Testament wisdom literature. The author paints a beautiful picture of God's wise and loving providence. It shows us what it looks like to take refuge in the Lord and live under his rule. Devotionables #378: Ruth Ruth Takes Refuge in the LORD Ruth: God's Loving Providence Devotionables is a ministry of The Ninth & O Baptist Church in Louisville, KY.  naobc.org

Proverbs 31 paints a beautiful picture of the wise way of living. Many voices are telling us how to live our lives, but the woman depicted in the last chapter of Proverbs shows us that it is favorable and wise to choose a life of trusting God and serving others. This way of life is not only for women; we would all do well to emulate this way of life. Devotionables #377: Proverbs 31 The Wise Way of...

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out from all sound judgment. The Lord designed us to need community. The Christian has been gifted the community of God's family, the church. We are wise to participate, to know, and be known by others. We foolishly hurt ourselves when we withdraw. Devotionables #376: Proverbs 18:1 Isolation Proverbs: A Word to the Wise is Sufficient Devotio...

Proverbs help us glean insight into various areas of life. How we speak is a frequent theme in the book. When we use our words in anger, we leave a wake of destruction—the wise use the tongue to bring healing and life. Devotionables #375: Proverbs 12:18 The Destroying Anger of Fools Proverbs: A Word to the Wise is Sufficient Devotionables is a ministry of The Ninth & O Baptist Church in Louisville...

It's not uncommon to hear Christians talk about a "life verse." Among the most common has to be Proverbs 3:5-6. Pastor Adam spends a few moments taking us through these beautiful verses. Devotionables #374: Proverbs 3:5-6 Pursue Wisdom Proverbs: A Word to the Wise is Sufficient Devotionables is a ministry of The Ninth & O Baptist Church in Louisville, KY.  naobc.org

Proverbs is a beautiful book helping us glean insight and best practices for living under God's rule in God's world. Solomon tells us that the wisdom of God is one of life's most valuable treasures encouraging us to attain it at whatever the cost. How are you pursuing the Lord and his wisdom? Devotionables #372: Proverbs 2:1-6 Pursue Wisdom Proverbs: A Word to the Wise is Sufficient Devotionables...

Proverbs is a beautiful book helping us glean insight and best practices for living under God's rule in God's world. Chad Padgett begins our short study in Proverbs, considering two of the most important themes central to the book: Wisdom and the Fear of the Lord. Devotionables #372: Proverbs 1:1-7 Wisdom & The Fear of the Lord Proverbs: A Word to the Wise is Sufficient Devotionables is a ministry...

Everything we have comes from the Lord. Yet, even as believers and in churches, we can judge ourselves as having arrived. Our ingenuity, strength, and resources have caused us to reach certain levels, or so we think. Laodicea had fallen into this trap, and it led them to complacency. Thankfully, the Lord Jesus reproves those he loves. He told the church at Laodicea to repent of their lukewarmness...

The letter to the church in Philadelphia reminds us that our King Jesus is in complete control. He has authority over all things. We are to hold fast, unwavering in our faith and obedience to the Lord, trusting him with all things. He opens doors and shuts doors. We follow his lead with humility and confidence. Devotionables #370: Revelation 3:7-13 Philadelphia Revelation: Letters to the Churches...

Wake up! That's the Lord's message to the church of Sardis. King Jesus knows that his church in this city does not match their reputation. Indeed they are dead! He tells them to wake up and complete the work promising phenomenal rewards for the one who conquers. Are you asleep? Jesus says, "wake up!" Devotionables #369: Revelation 3:1-6 Sardis Revelation: Letters to the Churches Devotionables is a...

It's tempting to compromise in our lives for friendships, promotions, and our general welfare. We can tweak Biblical teaching to allow us to engage in practices that are not holy. That's the situation the church in Thyatira was facing. Jesus rebuked those who had compromised morally and encouraged the others to hold fast. The reward for following Jesus far outweighs any temporary benefit of compro...

Hard times and temptations are nothing new to the church. The letters that Jesus sent to the churches in Revelation were an encouragement to the believers then, and they are a source of comfort and exhortation to us today as well. God is faithful in all circumstances and at all times. Pergamum reminds us of this and calls us to live holy and obedient lives holding fast to the Word of God. Devotion...