Ruth 1:18

When she saw that she was determined to go with her, she stopped speaking to her. 

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come Your will be done. It is not always easy or comfortable Father to surrender to Your good and perfect will, even when we believe you do us no harm. I am reminded of Jesus words when He went again a second time to pray, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done." Father, I pray for those who are facing various conflicts with loved ones. It is so difficult to change the minds of ones who are determined to do something, especially when we do not know the outcome. Was Naomi just relinquishing giving in to the notion her words held no value. Forgive us for thinking we know best in someone else's life before seeking You in prayer and trusting You with the outcome. We fight so hard for what we think is best for others, that accepting the feelings we have lost the fight is at times even harder. And again, I'm reminded of Jesus withdrawing to kneel and pray, saying "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me, nevertheless not My will, but Yours be done." Father, I believe You will send Your Holy Spirit to strengthen Your children who are being pressed, stretched and tested. Calmness and confidence will make us strong; may we wait for Your help, wisdom and courage. You have instructed us even though quiet can be a struggle it is a good virtue to have. For there is a time to keep silent and a time to speak. For even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. May we remember when they won't be persuaded, we cease speaking and rest in the knowledge the will of You Lord be done. You have declared our thoughts are not Your thoughts neither are our ways Your ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are Yours Father. Thank You for loving us through all our trials and tribulations. Forever grateful, Amen. 

Matthew 6:10, Matthew 26:42, Luke 22:42-43, Isaiah 30:15, Ecclesiastes 3:7, Proverbs 17:27-28, Acts 21:14 and Isaiah 55:8-9

Ruth 1:16

But Ruth said: "Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. 

Jesus, You have instructed Your followers to let them alone, those who our heavenly Father has not planted for they will be uprooted. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch. Yet my heart cries out to You to be merciful and gracious to call with Your loving kindness those who are being deceived by false leaders. Grant us keen discernment to know those who truly worship You the one true living God. There are many false Christ and anti-Christs in our midst even in Your house of worship. Protect those who are sincere and seeking truth, testing the spirit to see if there is a twisting of scripture. Guard our hearts. Lord, I pray for those caught up in false religions, pagan practices and idol worship to understand their instructors are causing them to err and sin against You Almighty. May they receive revelation that being led by such will lead to their destruction. You Jesus have come to give life and life more abundantly. Open the blind eyes to see the ones they are following after who think they are superior and consider themselves guides, lights, instructors and teachers are the exact ones You will judge for their deceptive actions and motives. Call to our lost loved ones beckoning them to come follow You Jesus. May You hear from heaven multitudes respond, 'Where You go, I will go, where You lodge, I will lodge, Your people will be my people and You are my God forever more." Amen.

Matthew 15:13-14, Isaiah 9:16, Proverbs 4:23, John 10:10 and Romans 2:17-22

Ruth 1:14

Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. 

Heavenly Father as I ponder the word in Proverbs "A Friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." I ask myself do I laud faithfulness to You and to others? There is a fickleness that runs through our society that deeply contrast those who are true friends. Ones who are constant are to be cherished. And how much greater to have a brother or sister who helps in times of stress. I desire to be just that but know in many ways and far too often fall short. I am reminded through my short comings there is One who sticks closer than a brother, my Lord and Savior and who is Your precious Son Jesus. So is it simply to have a friend one must themselves be friendly? I think not, for Christ example is to die to ourselves, for there is no greater love that one could give than to lay down their life for their friends. I praise and thank You Jesus for doing just that. As we go forth serving others, watching and learning from Your example You call us companions. It is so humbling a thought that the King of the universe would speak such kindness to our wretched souls. Oh, that we should desire to be as Ruth and cling to You always and forever. I pray we go forth this day loving one another and in doing we bring honor and glory to You, Amen.

Proverbs 17:17, Proverbs 18:24 and John 15:9-17

Psalm 30:5

For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning. 

I will extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up, and have not let my foes rejoice over me, O LORD my God I cried out to You, and You healed me, thank You. O LORD You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. On this day I shall sing praises to You with the saints. With Your children I give thanks at the remembrance of Your Holy name Jesus. Your lovingkindness and tender mercies override Your anger that is for a moment. I thank You for giving me life and life more abundant and freer. My weeping has been many nights but certainly joy does come in the morning, great is Your faithfulness, Lord unto me. Father, I pray for those who are grieving, carrying heavy sorrows to experience Your goodness and peace as You turn their mourning to dancing, as I testify You have done it for me. I pray as the people of this world turn and put their trust in You, they will be greeted with deliverance. I thank You that you bow down Your ear to those who cry out to You the great I Am for healing, hope and wholeness Your amazing grace will resound in their lives bringing much needed hope and restoration. Lord, You hate useless idols so I pray for conviction in idolators heart and a swift, complete removal of such offenses. Redeem us O Lord God of truth. This is the day You have made let us rejoice and be glad in it. Amen. 

Proverbs 14:7

Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge. 

Heavenly Father this Proverb doesn't need much explaining so straight forward and yet at times can be so challenging to place into action. Such a powerful reminder to walk away from conversations that can very quickly turn for the worst. Grant me keen discerning ears to hear the lack of piety and to know the sound of corrupted speech. To keep company with this type of folly is dangerous and nothing good can be gained from it. Father, I pray Your Holy Spirit brings a strong resolve deep within me not to engage with those who bear false witness, scoff at truth, lie and have foolish talk, for there is a way that seems right to man but in the end lead to death. I thank You for Your word that is truth and blesses me to have life and life everlasting. I desire to be a wise person and build my house and refrain from foolishly tearing it down with my own hands. I pray to devise good and there I will meet with Your steadfast love and faithfulness. To draw near to You and You will draw near to me. Thank You for blessing me with a awe fear of You for it is the fountain of life. May my heart ponder how to answer the mouth of the wicked that pours out evil things. Thank You for Your promise that "The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor. Thank You Lord for loving me so much not being satisfied to leave me the way You found me. I love You Jesus, Amen. 

Isaiah 48:17

Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; "I am the: LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you the way you should go."

Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O earth! And break out in singing, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted His people and has mercy on His afflicted. Heavenly Father for some who are still deep in affliction it is challenging to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but Your grace is a daily reminder Your strength is made perfect in weakness. That we should behold Your eye is on those who fear You, on those who hope in Your mercy. You deliver our souls from death and keep us alive in famine. May our hearts rejoice in You because we trust in Your holy name Jesus. You are our help and shield. You have promised You will instruct and teach us in the way we should go, may we have keen ears to hear. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked, but we thank You for Your word that says those who trust You, mercy shall surround us, thank You Lord. We are so blessed because our transgressions are forgiven through the cross of Calvery where our sins are covered and washed in Your precious blood. You Lord are our hiding place, thank You for preserving Your children in times of trouble, for surrounding us with songs of deliverance, selah.

Isaiah 49:13, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Psalm 33:18-21 and Psalm 32

Isaiah 45:6-7

That there is none beside Me. I am the LORD, and there is no other; I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I, the LORD, do all these things.'

Heavenly and Holy Father, I come before You in Jesus name with tears. I have no words to express the sadness, no fancy petitions, nor words of wisdom just a plea for You to send Your Spirit and bring peace. Comfort Your people who are grieving, hurting and questioning, asking the "why God". I pray for Your mercy and grace as You have promised it is new every day, and we desperately need an extra measure now. Father strengthen Your children to remain steadfast and true as the world shakes with tribulations and may there be a great harvesting of soul for Your kingdom in this hour. Your exposing of lies is not always easy to see but is essential for cleansing. May Your sons and daughters be blessed keeping their gaze firm on You not looking to the left or the right as You lovingly keep the narrow road straight before us. Use us Father to bring forth hope and healing as we boldly with confidence share the love of Jesus. Forgive us Father for all the sins we have committed against You, laughing, mocking and scorning Your great name. Forgive us for allowing sexual immorality, debauchery, idolatry, materialism and pride to flood Your Holy Church. As we humble ourselves before You, we thank You that You will lift us up. "Rain down, you heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness; let the earth open and let them bring forth salvation and let the righteousness spring up together. For You are the LORD and have created it. Woe to him who strives with his Maker!" Lord Jesus have mercy on us all, Amen.

Isaiah 45

Job 36:15

But by means of their suffering, He rescues those who suffer. For He gets their attention through adversity.

Heavenly Father Your word says that I should behold You are mighty but despise no one; mighty in strength of understanding. You do not preserve the life of the wicked but give justice to the oppressed. And oh, how we need those words of comfort now, as many are enduring various adversities. I pray for Your Holy Spirit to keep Your children in resilience, granting the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties. May we find peace and rest in the truth You do not withdraw Your eyes from those who are robed in the righteousness of Christ. Daily as I ask You to search my heart desiring to face the blind spots where I have acted defiantly and not heeded Your instruction for proper self-care as my focus has been on the needs of others. While this may sound noble it has led me to suffering. I thank You that You have gotten my attention and humbly ask for Your deliverance from disease. While You Father are under no obligation to heal me I thank You for the mercy and grace You poured out from the cross. I lay down all pride and all unpure motives crying out for Your help to navigate this hour in which I live. To live a quiet life, work with my hands and mind my own business especially in the area of health and wellness. I thank You Father for Your intentions on teaching me something or many things through this affliction. May the finished work of Your precious Son be magnified in me and may He receive all the glory. Amen. 

Job 36:5-15 and 1 Thessalonians 4:11 

Judges 21:25

In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. 

Heavenly Father Your word teaches us what has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. How true, as we see it all around us, everyone doing what they think is right in their own eyes. Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Blessed are You Lord and gracious to teach me. Lord, I pray that in every trial, circumstances and issue of the day I would seek You with my whole heart! My desire is to remain teachable and heed Your instruction not wandering off in pursuit of my own thoughts or schemes. There is so much peace and rest to be found in the knowledge Your Son has been given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder. He is our counselor who is wonderful, our Prince of peace. We really need You to pour out Your Holy Spirit as wickedness is abounding more and more, You are the only One who can save us from all this destruction. Open the blind eyes, unstop the deaf ears to hear the call to repentance. Give us clean hand, give us pure hearts that we would not lift our soul to another. God let us be a generation who seeks Your face. I love You Lord and the world need You, Maranatha. 

Ecclesiastes 1:9, Psalm 119:11-12 and 2, Isaiah 9:6 and 'Give Us Clean Hands' by Chris Tomlin

Psalm 78:18

And they tested God in their heart by asking for the food of their fancy.

Yes, Father again and again we tempt You, and provoke You the Holy One. Over and over, we test You the Most High. You have commanded us to not tempt You Lord our God, yet our rebelliousness and sin comes before You. It is Your will and at Your discretion to test us to see if You will find faith on the earth. Father, I do desire to do what is right and good in Your sight as I desire for all to go well. By Your Spirit cast out all our enemies so we may dwell in the land of milk and honey.  Moreover, You desire for the brethren to be aware of those who have gone before us and persevered. Through it all they had Your protection and guidance. Thank You Lord for all who have experienced Your miraculous deliverance and for those who will one day soon. Daily You provide us with bread from heaven and living water to nourish our souls, thank You. But Father it is so grievous to see and hear that there are those in our midst who have partaken of the same spiritual food and drink and yet have craved and lusted becoming idolaters. Some people have sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play, committing sexual immorality. Lord, strengthen us from within to stand and may we take heed lest we fall. Let us give thanks to You for You are good! Your mercy endures forever. It is so much better to trust in You than to put confidence in man. As the Psalmist says " Save now, I pray O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We have blessed you from the house of the LORD. God is LORD, and He given us light; Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will praise You; You are my God, I will exalt You." Amen.

Psalm 78:41&56, Deuteronomy 6:16-19, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 and Psalm 118:1-11&25-29

Ruth 1:2

The name of the man was Elimelech, the name of his wife was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion--Ephrathites of Bethlehem, Judah.  

Therefore, God You have highly exalted Him and have freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, and in His name Jesus I come before You today, Father. It's amazing the meaning behind names; Elimelech meaning God is King, Naomi is pleasant, my delight, lovely, sweetness and my joy what names of honor but not so with Mahlon and Chilion who were weakling, sickly and come to an end. And it must also be noted Father Your choice of names for Orpah meaning disloyal in contrast to Ruth meaning faithful. Such details to further enrich the truths found in the book of Ruth. Your precious beautiful and innocents Son Jesus' name meaning God is salvation! Thank You for revealing to me and many others He is the way, the truth and the life and no one can come to You without going through Your Son. I pray You will only hear me praising Your great name Jesus. And convict those who use Your name as a cuss word. I pray Lord today would be the day of salvation, the day You will draw many to Your loving side so many names will be written in Your book of life. To the one who is victorious, You will give some of the hidden manna, also a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it. Thank You for considering the lowly state of Your servant and remembering me when You come into Your kingdom. Blessed be Your name Jesus both now and forever more. Amen. 

Philippians 2:9 Matthew 1:21, Luke 1:31, John 14:6, Revelations 21:27, Revelations 2:17 and Luke 23:42

Ruth 1:1

Now it came to pass, in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem, Judah, went to dwell in the country of Moab he and his wife and two sons. 

Holy and Heavenly Father, it is so true and sometimes we hate to admit it our god can be our belly, and our end is destruction. Our physical appetites can control and consume us. Father we are well aware hunger can come in many forms; food, drinks, material possessions, power, prestige and the list goes on. The things we take pride in will in the end bring us humiliation and disgrace. But famine can drive us to a whole other place of desperation. Thank You for the reminder our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for Your Son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You are the judge over us all. You have appointed those to govern over us, both in Your house of worship and in the nations, yet we confess we don't always listen or obey, playing harlot with other gods, even bowing down to them, forgive us Lord. In the parable of the lost son, we search our hearts in these words, "And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods the swine ate, and no one gave him anything." Father as we can struggle at times to find substance in our days, we look up to You and rejoice knowing there You are with open arms, filled with compassion and kisses to heal our wounds and absolve us of our sin because we realize and confess them to You. Father, we thank You for the inheritance, the robe of righteousness and our daily walk with You in peace. May we continue to bless You Lord in all we do and say as we yield to Your Holy Spirit as He leads us to the Bread of life. Amen.  

Philippians 3:19-20, Judges 2:16-18 and Luke 15:16,20, 21

Ruth 1:6

Then she arose with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the fields of Moab this the LORD had visited His people and given them food. 

Heavenly Father, when famine of sorts come into our lives how real the scramble can be to find love, provisions and support. We can travel great distances to find relief, but all the while You are there as our ever-present help in times of need. How important and crucial it is for us to have attentive ears to hear Your instruction. I pray Lord we don't allow bitterness and despair over our losses and grief keep us from humbling ourselves in returning to Your loving care. Trials are the launch pad that can begin an amazing new journey with You the lover of our souls. Return is mentioned eight times in this chapter, and You have said Return to Me the Lord Your God for You are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, thank You for Your promises. How we can rejoice that You have blotted out our transgressions like a cloud and our sins like a mist, You have redeemed us. I pray for us Lord that we would have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths, but rather train ourselves for godliness, for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds the promise for this present life and for the life to come. So, when famine comes may we remember to look to You with gratitude and expectations as You are faithful and trustworthy. Naomi and Ruth journeyed back to Bethlehem "The house of Bread" as we recall Jesus You are the bread of life, and we ask You to bless us with our portion for today to nourish and sustain our souls. May You receive all the honor due Your great name, Amen. 

Joel 2:12-15, Isaiah 44:22, Philippians 3:20, John 6:35 and Psalm 16:5