Welcome to the first week of our Ruth Bible study! I am so glad you are joining us and look forward to spending the next four weeks with you as we read through the whole book of Ruth!
If you haven’t already done so, make sure to subscribe to our blog or download our #LoveGodGreatly app so you will have access to our corresponding blog posts on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays!
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“No matter how difficult our circumstances may be, the safest and best place is in the will of God.”- Warren Wiersbe
We’ve all been there – wanting God’s blessings but not His discipline.
When life gets hard and relief doesn’t seem to come, we begin to look around. Is the “grass greener” over there? Foreign lands and new opportunities tempt us when we are looking to escape the “famine” in our lives.
The book of Ruth takes place during the time of the Judges, a time when Israel had no king and everyone did what was right in his or her own eyes (Judges 21:25).
As the book of Ruth begins, Israel is at one of its lowest points in history because the Israelites were living in unbelief, disobedience, and simply for themselves. Because of their choices, they were not enjoying the benefits of God’s blessings.
Knowing this information is important as we begin reading the book of Ruth. It is in this setting that we see Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, make the choice to move his family from Bethlehem to Moab.
Not knowing the history behind these two countries, the move wouldn’t seem like that big of a deal, except…
The Moabites were decedents from Lot’s incestuous union with his first daughter (Genesis 19:30-38) and were enemies of Israel. During Israel’s 40 years in the desert, Moab had caused Israel great harm:
“No Ammonite or Moabite or any of his descendants may enter the assembly of the Lord, even down to the tenth generation. For they did not come to meet you with bread and water on your way when you came out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam, son of Beor from Pethor in Aram Naharaim to pronounce a curse on you. However, the Lord your God would not listen to Balaam but turned the fuse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you. Do not seek a treaty of friendship with them as long as you live.- Deuteronomy 23: 3-6
Knowing a little of the history between the two nations makes the move seem more significant. Elimelech was literally moving his family into enemy territory.
He was not placing his faith in God and God’s provision but instead decided to move from God’s land of protection and out of His will.
Elimelech decided to live his life by sight instead of by faith and the consequences were fatal.
We see from this story that it is still better to be in the land of God’s will – even when you are experiencing discipline and “famine” – than it is to seek relief outside of His will while trying to escape discipline.
And we get it, don’t we? When we feel as though another land can provide better opportunities, a better future for our families, or wanted relief from the “famine” in our lives, we are tempted to leave God’s promised land and His provision.
We are tempted to live like Elimelech, focused on what we see rather than Whom we trust.
The land of easy and abundance is always tempting when we are weary, hungry, and seeking relief.
So from one friend to another, I’d love to encourage you if you’ve been tempted like Elimelech lately and the “land” you are in seems to be experiencing a famine. Trust God. Stay where He has you right now and trust Him to provide for your needs. We will see later in Ruth Chapter 1 that God does come through for His treasured children. He does come to their aid…
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! – Psalm 34:8
“God is present right where you are. Stay put and stand firm. It is always more blessed to be under the care of His will than anywhere else.” – Kelly Minter
Let’s Talk: What have you learned about God when you chose to stay in the “famine” and wait for God’s provision? Also, please introduce yourselves and share where you are joining us from! We can’t wait to meet you!
Love God Greatly!
Week 1 Video:
(Can’t see the video? Click here!)
Week 1 Challenge:
This week take an index card and on one side, write down the area of your life you would consider your “famine”. On the opposite side of the card, write down one verse that talks about placing your trust in God. Spend some time looking up several verses until you find the one that best fits this situation. Then as you go about your week and you begin wrestling with this “famine” in your mind, read the verse you wrote down over and over again and give the situation over to God.
Week 1 Memory Verse:
Week 1 Reading Plan:
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TODAY begins Week 1 of our RUTH study! Grab your favorite beverage, crack open your Bible, and together let’s rejoice in the amazing ways God works through each of our lives!
You can grab a copy of our Ruth journal in our online shop.
We also have a corresponding kid’s Ruth journal geared for children in elementary grades. You can grab a copy in our shop as well.
I am from Indiana and am excited to dig into the Book of Ruth. I struggle, especially at work, with the “ grass is always greener” and never seem to be completely satisfied with where I am. I am hoping that this study will help renew my mind and transform me in a way that I can bring joy and be a shining light for God where he currently has me. Thanks so much.
Hi, thank you for being with us on the blog today and joining in on the study. I struggle to with being completely satisfied and am working on this. May your ears, eyes, mind and heart be opened to what God has in store for you through this study. God Bless.
Good Morning
My name is Mary Collier and I am joining this study from Memphis, Tennessee. I just completed a study on Truth or Lies and it was very enlightening. I love the story of Ruth and how she was dedicated to Naomi, enough to follow her wherever she went and to serve the God that Naomi served. This is one amazing woman and I can’t wait to learn more about her. May God bless each and everyone involved in this study.
Good morning Mary and thank you for joining us on the blog today. I agree, the study on Truth or Lies was very good. Looking forward to learning more about Ruth with you during this study. God bless you. And yes praying for everyone involved as well.
I liked being able to have the whole reading plan available, but I can’t find it only week by week how can I get the whole four weeks plan?
Hello Eva thanks for joining us on theb blog today. You can either purchase the journal from Amazon, or you can download the study from the Love God Greatly webiste. Both will give you the whole reading plan. I hope this helps. God bless you.
When I first opened a Bible at a neighbors house I found the book of Ruth. I was given the name Ruth when I was born. I have loved my name ever since I found it in the Bible. I was not saved then, I was not a good person, but I do believe in that moment I began my journey to accept Jesus has my Lord and Savior.
Awwwww dear! isn’t this a wonderful testimony! So glad to hear this. May you continue grow in Him and become all He wants you to become. In Jesus name. Amen. Ebos, LGG, Encourager.
Hi I’m Christine from Northern Ireland. Thanks for LGG. I really enjoy the studies x
Hello dear. God bless you for studying with us.
Hi I’m Cate from South Australia. I have been looking forward to the study of Ruth and excited to commence. Already I have much to think about! For years we have been thinking of moving to a different area of the state – closer to tertiary study for adult children, closer to grandchildren, closer to better health care, maybe more work opportunities, more church opportunities etc. The time to decide is quite close. Life is tricky sometimes to decide the best thing for the future. I am trusting God to guide us in is decision, as I surely don’t wish to be running away from a “famine”. Lots to pray over and think deeply about.
Oh dear, thank you for studying with us. We give it all to God, your concerns and thoughts and ask that He breaths on them and make His will come to pass. May he lead you and your family into where he wants you all to be, may he lead you to Himself. And when he does speaks or leads, may you all be bold and courageous to follow in Jesus name. Amen.
Hello, my name is Pam and I live in Bowie, MD. I guess my famine right now would be employment as I am out of work. I have thought so many times to move out of state but now a door is beginning to open for me. My husband was offered a job out of the country and he took it, it has been over a year since he left and now my marriage is in trouble, he has asked for a divorce. I am so glad to have downloaded this app and notified of this study, I really need this right now. I just ordered the study journal and cannot wait to dive in and be fed. I am trusting in God and leaning not on my understanding….
Hello Pamela. Am sorry to hear about your marriage but I am grateful to God he led you to the book of Ruth. I pray you find him in his word and I pray your life is changed by it. You’d pull through. We are cheering you on. God bless you. If you need a group to study, please check our group sections. God bless you.
Hello! I’m from outside Pittsburgh. I think my famine is waiting to see what the future of my husband’s job holds for us. He is really freaking out and worried about the company he works for. It was just bought out and we are waiting to see if he will have a job. He has been worrying like crazy. I am hoping to learn patience and to wait for God’s guidance.
Dear Jessie God’s word says God’s plans for us are for good and not evil, to give us a hope and an expected end. Your family is in the hollow of His mighty hands and he is watching over all of you to see that his word concerning your lives comes to pass. Just trust him. He will come through. God bless you.
Ruth is one of my favorite books in The Bible. I have never done an online study so am anxious to see how it goes. I got a late start today due to an appointment so will have to do some catching up tomorrow. I love the little history lessons that come with the study. It makes things come together clearer for me. I feel like I am in a famine but I can’t exactly explain what it is, I certainly feel like I am lacking something. Maybe something God is wanting me to do that I am not seeing yet. I pray that through this study my eyes will be opened.
Hello dear and welcome. You are never too late to God’s word. We love that you are here. May the eyes of your understanding be open. May God take your hands an lead you through life into becoming who he wants you to be. God bless you. There are several groups to join for the study. Just go to the join a group tab and you will be set up. God bless you dear.
GOOD MORNING , I AM FROM NINETY SIX, SOUTH CAROLINA AND I LOVE ALL YOUR BIBLE STUDIES !!! THANKS AND GOD BLESS!
Hello Wanda. We love that you are here and we thank God for your love for the Bible studies. God bless you today and always. Much love
Hi! My name is Miranda and I am from Indiana! I am super excited to start this study (a day late, but still great!) The first two days have hit me hard already. I am for sure experiencing famine. The past several months I struggled with my job. I was not happy and anxious all the time. I spent lots of time in prayer and discussion with my friends about whether I should find something else. I ended up quitting and pursing another job, something I never imagined I would be doing. I put so much hard work and time into getting to my previous job, it is what I spent years earning a degree for. It was so painful to leave, but so much more painful to stay. Now I am two months into a new job, and while it has been better for my mental health for the most part, I can’t help but believe the lie sometimes that I made the wrong decision. Sometimes I find myself looking for a new job or wanting to go back to my old one. This study has already been a reminder and a challenge to learn to be content where God has me right now and to trust his plan. He will open doors and close them when he feels is right. It may be hard now, and really it may be hard for the rest of my life. But he will provide and he will be present in my time of need.
Oh hello Miranda. We are glad you ate here with us. You aren’t late dear. God’s word is new every morning. I pray for God peace and presence to be with you daily. May his word always shine your path and help you to be all he wants you to be. May he bless you in the place you ate in to the glory of His name. Amen
I found LGG in the apps when I was searching for a family devotional. I love the app, the Bible studies, the interactions from other women. I’ve already recommended the app to others and a few women from my church are doing the Ruth study from the app.
Oh dear!!! That is lovely. God bless you greatly. Enjoy the study.
Hello everyone! My name is Shannon Celestine and I am from Lafayette, LA. This is my first study with LGG but not my first online bible study. I am so excited to dig into the Book of Ruth (which happens to be one of my favorite books in the bible). I am in a famine right now & I cannot wait to see where God is going to lead me and/or what I will learn during these next 4 weeks. I am also interested in joining a small group on Facebook. (My facebook name is Mocha Williams). I am looking forward to doing the Ruth study with all of you!
Hello dear. Welcome to this study. Someone would reach out to you to add you to a study group. God bless you.
Here is a link to a group
https://m.facebook.com/groups/156563724965321
Bless you dear
Hi, my name is Laura and I am from Marion, NC which is near Asheville. My first time doing a study with LGG. I love the book of Ruth and I am so happy to be here to study along with everyone. I lived in Tallahassee, Fl. for 30 years and when my mother who lived in Waynesville, NC reached a point of needing one of her children to move near her and care for her…it was my husband and I who relocated. Mom passed away in 2015, a year after I moved up to the mountains. Deciding to remain in the area was a hard decision…I loved the climate and beauty here. But my grown children and my grand babies were back in Tallahassee. You can’t help but wonder if this is where God wants me. But I feel His many blessings in my life…and so I pray that I wait in the correct place. Lol. Anyway, thank you for having me.
Hello Laura! We are blessed to have you, we couldn’t have had it another way. God’s plans for you and your family will unfold at His time. I pray His blessings over you and yours. God bless you.
Ebos, LGG, Encourager
Hi my name is Kim from Sydney, Australia. I have seen shared posts on fb and decided to give this online study a try. Praying it will encourage me to be in Gods word daily.
Hello Kim. We are glad to have you here. Am sure you won’t be disappointed. We have an app that you ca use to follow the study, just go to your goggle play app store or apple store and type Love God Greatly and you’ll see the app for download. The app is very, very awesome to use, it has all our studies in it, blog posts and all. you could join a group too if you want to study with a group, here is the link to join https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoveGodGreatlyBibleStudies/
You could also purchase the journal, it has all SOAP pages, colouring pages, memory verse pages and lots more. We do hope you enjoy the study. Blessings.
This is my third time studying Ruth .I can you can never get enough of God’s words. I love Ruth she is an amazing woman one I would like to be. She so warm and loving caring and a Heart of Gold. Like I said this is my third time each one is different so I am learning Ruth in different way. And I am enjoying it. I am from Alabama by the way , And I love to study God’s words .
Hello,
My name is Marcia, born in Brazil but have lived most of my life in the USA. I was looking for a devotional app and came across this one. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with my Heavenly Father. Man always disappoints us but we all know He remains firm; we just need to cling to His word!
I’ve been abused, rejected and have seeked to refuge on the things I could see and feel with my flesh… to only result in more pain. Today I’m changing my way of thinking and returning home into the arms of my true Father!
I’m excited to see what God will do in my life and for those I love and pray for everyday!
Blessings to all on this journey! ♥️
Good Morning!
I’m a week behind but I’m still in! I am in Hernando, MS.
My famine us no church family. All our close ties are spread out over the world. We stay as close as we can but having no local family or church tends to be quiet and lonely at times. I’m looking forward to strengthening my mental fortitude during our desert time. Thank you for being here.
My name is Michelle Porter and I am joining from Aztec, New Mexico. One of the famines that I struggle with is not having a church family. Our previous church had a lot of new people come into play and the services changed drastically. I am currently waiting on God to bless me with another Church. I do listen to the sermons online at PHCC in Farmington, New Mexico and truly enjoy that. It can seem so overwhelming waiting around on how God is going to provide but I have learned to be patient and know that he is God. I am looking forward to this four week study on Ruth. It has always been my favorite book of the Bible. I look forward to meeting all of you on the blog! God bless!