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Family Matters:  Bible Study #1- Women of the Bible  |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1509 Posts
Rae
MN
1509 Posts |
 Posted - May 27 2010 : 09:18:23 AM
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Pam you are welcome!!!! If you have comments about past readings do not be afraid to post those as well.
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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Thweattheart
Farmgirl in Training
21 Posts
Julie
New York
NY
USA
21 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2010 : 2:15:54 PM
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I too would like to be a late joiner if that's okay...
Julie~ If not me...then who?
If not now...then when?
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1509 Posts
Rae
MN
1509 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2010 : 3:14:11 PM
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Welcome Julie 
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2010 : 7:37:16 PM
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I love this bible study!!! Looking forward to seeing what everyone has to say about Ruth.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1509 Posts
Rae
MN
1509 Posts |
Posted - May 28 2010 : 03:23:31 AM
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Ok what is inspiring the story of Ruth? What do we need in us to show the faithfulness she shows Naomi? What about Boaz? I also find it interesting where Naomi says to call her Mara because she felt things were so bad in her life.
Hopefully I remembered most of them Megan. I heard Beth Moore talking about this story once and she commented on the use of Mara.
Thoughts?
Rae
Sorry so late, been crazy busy at work and I have nothing left when I get home.
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - May 28 2010 : 10:35:57 AM
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Ruth was , I think, the only woman to be mentioned in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. She was the grandmother of King David.
Mara, as mentioned above as what Naomi wanted to be called, is Aramaic, and means bitter. I think Naomi means my pleasant one, or sweet one, so she was saying that her life before and her life after losing her husband and sons was the difference between bitter and sweet. Here we have the question, what is in a name? A great deal.
I read in one of my reference books that Ruth had the ethical insight of Paul, who also subordinated his freedom to love. Ruth knew the more excellent way to love.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
Edited by - jpbluesky on May 29 2010 08:03:33 AM |
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staci860
True Blue Farmgirl
838 Posts
Staci
Newville
PA
USA
838 Posts |
Posted - May 28 2010 : 11:41:39 AM
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I think Naomi must have been a good MIL as well... : )
For Ruth to leave all she knew - her country, her blood relatives and others to follow and care for Naomi is a testimony to her devotion. Not only to her MIL but also to the memory of her husband.
Blessings, staci FG# 973
:o )
Joshua 24:15 - ...choose this day whom you will serve,...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
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Edited by - staci860 on May 28 2010 11:42:43 AM |
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knittinchick
True Blue Farmgirl
1854 Posts
Megan
Wisconsin
1854 Posts |
Posted - May 28 2010 : 2:05:02 PM
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I think that Ruth was very loyal, and to the right people as well. Sometimes we are loyal to the wrong people and it gets us in trouble. But Ruth was loyal to the right person, Naomi, and that payed off in the end. Like Staci said, it showed a lot of devotion to family.
God's Blessings,
Megan aka Loretta Rae
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal. |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - May 28 2010 : 6:50:12 PM
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Megan - so true! We are sometimes loyal to the wrong people. Loyalty is a good trait, but choosing the right things to be loyal to is tricky. If we choose to be loyal to the right things, we will see the blessings in it.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1509 Posts
Rae
MN
1509 Posts |
Posted - May 29 2010 : 05:12:24 AM
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I think often we get caught up in worldly things and that is where our loyalty gets us into big trouble, whether it is people or "things".
My feeling is she really loved her MIL as well. It is hard to be so tender and kind to someone you don't love.
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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knittinchick
True Blue Farmgirl
1854 Posts
Megan
Wisconsin
1854 Posts |
Posted - May 29 2010 : 7:01:27 PM
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I know this a weird example, but on the Real Housewives of New Jersey (it's one my favorite guilty pleasures:) one of the women was good friends with this woman who was not very kind and tried to turn this other woman against her family. It wasn't until there was a huge fight that the nice woman realized that the not so nice woman was not good news. Her family was so happy when she realized the other woman was bad. Sometimes it goes farther, though, to the point where a bad person you're loyal to has completely made you alienate the rest of your friends and family. I think this happens in abusive relationships, too. The girl is so in love with the boy and loyal and she doesn't even realize when she becomes alienated from the rest of the world. Sorry for such a long post!
God's Blessings,
Megan aka Loretta Rae
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal. |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - May 30 2010 : 07:48:40 AM
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Got out my book on Women of the Bible today to see what it said about Ruth. To continue the meaning of names that I talked about above, the name Ruth means "something worth seeing". I think she would have been someone worth knowing, too, and thank God the bible allows us to get to know her through scriptures.
It says that although Ruth's family followed false gods, Ruth personally accepted the true God by faith because of the example of her mother-in-law, Naomi. That must have been very hard for her to do - having different beliefs than your family is very very difficult. It seems it would take wisdom and courage to know you were doing the right thing.
Naomi, through her actions, ministered to Ruth and was a godly example in her life. Again, we are challenged today to be Godly examples in the lives of other women. If what we do and say can make a profound difference in the lives of others, that is a great gift and a big responsibility.
Here I thnk of MaryJane, who in this day and age is paving the way for women to grow....
The Lord blessed Ruth because of her faith. Her blessings overflowed to others around her. In fact, through her lineage of David, her blessings have been experienced by Christians throughout the ages. The Lord will bless our faithfulness as well, but we should not strive for faith because of the blessings that follow, but for the peace and help it will bring to others around us.
Gosh, each of the women we have read about so far brings qualities that we can use today.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
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staci860
True Blue Farmgirl
838 Posts
Staci
Newville
PA
USA
838 Posts |
Posted - Jun 03 2010 : 11:15:12 AM
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Something else that came to my mind today from this reading - Ruth was blessed just because she did what needed doing, the everyday, day-to-day, mundane chores.
Gathering food, taking care of her loved ones. God wants to use us and bless us - where we are -doing what we do.
Blessings, staci FG# 973
:o )
Joshua 24:15 - ...choose this day whom you will serve,...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
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Singing Tree Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
196 Posts
Cari
Chase
Michigan
USA
196 Posts |
Posted - Jun 03 2010 : 6:59:21 PM
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I just found this post and I was afraid you were already done when I saw how many pages it was. I'll print off the refs and try to catch up!
All of creation sings Your praise! |
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classygram
True Blue Farmgirl
1812 Posts
Brenda
Pleasant Hill
Mo.
USA
1812 Posts |
Posted - Jun 03 2010 : 7:52:41 PM
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Welcome Cari, lots of different ideas and very interesting. Really makes you think.
Hugs, Brenda
"What lies behind us, and what lies before us are small matter compared to what lies within us."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Seek reasons to Love..In every sigment of everyday-look for something that brings forth within you a feeling of Love-Abraham Hicks |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1509 Posts
Rae
MN
1509 Posts |
Posted - Jun 04 2010 : 03:28:38 AM
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Apologies out to all of you, I am behind  Today is the last day of school/work so I will be better in a week. Takes me a while to unwind and think straight again.
Remember never too late to join!!!!
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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Singing Tree Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
196 Posts
Cari
Chase
Michigan
USA
196 Posts |
Posted - Jun 04 2010 : 07:22:59 AM
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Ahh, Ruth. What a beautiful book!
Some of my own ponderings:
-Namomi started out returning from Moab with her daughters-in-law with her. It was in the midst of the journey that she tried to send them home 1:7-8. Why? Did she desire them with her for her own companionship and help, but knowing that they would, in all likelyhood, have a better life in their own land try to send them back?
-Ruth willingly gave up everything she ever knew-family, friends, home, customs, gods, possibly remarriage and security-to go with an in-law, knowing it would be a poor hard life where she would be supporting and caring for her mother-in-law.
-Ruth loved, honored and submitted herself to Naomi, 2:11, 14, 18; 3:5-6; 4:15.
-Ruth looked to God, 1:16. Boaz praises her for her trust in God, 2:12. "The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of all Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge".
Beautiful.
It makes me examine my own heart, 1 Cor 11:28. These were not easy times we're talking about. Loosing both husbands which was their livlihood and security. Ruth had the burden to care for them both in a strange land. Still she was so selfless, gracious and tender. She gave everything of herself for another (a reflection of Jesus). So...
1. How do I respond/walk in difficult circumstances?
2. Do I have that selfless love of Jesus?
3. Am I coming to God as my refuge, and trusting in all things?
4. Am I willing to leave everything to be with Him?
All of creation sings Your praise! |
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buffypuff
True Blue Farmgirl
1183 Posts
Claudia
Deer Park
WA
USA
1183 Posts |
Posted - Jun 04 2010 : 09:00:54 AM
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Cari,
Thanks so much for your contribution. I have thought some of your same points and I must admit I think I would fail at many. Even though I have had my fair share of heatache, it takes me awhile to turn over situations, pain, loss etc. to God & try to trust my way through a situation. I am sure there was much thought that went into Ruth's decisions as she left for a foreign land.
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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knittinchick
True Blue Farmgirl
1854 Posts
Megan
Wisconsin
1854 Posts |
Posted - Jun 04 2010 : 10:23:15 AM
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Cari, thanks for your insight! In response to question number 4, I think that I would leave everything if it were the right thing to do. It would definitely be hard, but I would know it was right.
God's Blessings,
Megan aka Loretta Rae
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal. |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Jun 04 2010 : 7:17:34 PM
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Goodness,I am learning so much from you! How I love to read your posts.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
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Singing Tree Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
196 Posts
Cari
Chase
Michigan
USA
196 Posts |
Posted - Jun 05 2010 : 04:50:45 AM
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Megan,
If we just keep that attitude of willingness,
God will give us all the grace we need to be obedient. He will ask us to pick up and physically leave all, but I had another perspective, too.
Am I willing to give up everything to be with God?
If God tells me to give money to someone, but I'm saving for that woodcook stove, will I give it?
If God asks me to get up an hour early and spend time with Him, will I even though I am sooo tired?
If God shows me my favorite movie is offensive to Him, will I through it away?
If God convicts my heart of gossiping, will I quit even though everyone else is and, honestly, I'm really enjoying myself?
Do you see what I mean? Dissobedience is sin and sin seperates us from God.
Claudia,
I agree, I think Ruth did have time to think about her decision. Her heart must have been very humble before God because you can see God's grace all over her.
I too, fail. Everyday. Some days I can't believe I've failed so hugely. It might be a bad attitude, not honoring/submitting to my husband, or just selfishness. But God is not looking for personal perfection but a perfect heart before Him. That means my hearts desire is to please Him. It's not a license to sin but I hate the sin because He hates it and it seperates us from Him. My own failures make me know how great is His love and mercy and how much I need it. Press on!!
I'm sorry for your heartache. I have had mine, too. In some of them I thought I was giving it to God. It wasn't until years later that I found out I had actually taken on an offense against God.
I believe that right now He is trying to teach His people to look to Him and trust Him in all things. Even things that seem unimportant and we normally wouldn't give it a second thought.
All of creation sings Your praise! |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1509 Posts
Rae
MN
1509 Posts |
Posted - Jun 05 2010 : 06:49:25 AM
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Kind of reminds me of a line in the movie, Though none go with me. The minister speaks of following God, though none go with him, he will follow, never looking back. That has become a favorite line of mine.
Sometimes it is hard to follow when everyone else is going their own way and doing there own thing, not getting caught up in worldly things.
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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Singing Tree Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
196 Posts
Cari
Chase
Michigan
USA
196 Posts |
Posted - Jun 05 2010 : 1:20:31 PM
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Rae, very true. I've seen that movie in catalogs but wasn't sure. Do you think it's one worth watching?
All of creation sings Your praise! |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1509 Posts
Rae
MN
1509 Posts |
Posted - Jun 05 2010 : 1:32:22 PM
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Cari it is one of my favorites. The book is quite different in the sense of hardships but I still like the movie, a lot.
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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Family Matters: Bible Study #1- Women of the Bible |
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Bible Study #1- Women of the Bible
