Ruth — The Power of Small Moments — Week One
Week One Devotional: The Power of Small Moments
Week One Devotional: The Power of Small Moments
Day 1: Understanding the Context
Ruth 1:1-2 (NLT) “In the days when the judges ruled in Israel, a severe famine came upon the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah left his home and went to live in the country of Moab, taking his wife and two sons with him. The man’s name was Elimelech, and his wife was Naomi. Their two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in the land of Judah. And when they reached Moab, they settled there."
Reflection: The story of Ruth begins in a time of chaos and moral ambiguity, similar to our world today. Elimelech's decision to move his family from Bethlehem to Moab was driven by fear and economic concerns. Reflect on areas in your life where you might be prioritizing economic provision over spiritual protection.
Prayer: Lord, help me to trust in Your provision and guidance, even when circumstances seem dire. May I seek Your will above all else.
Day 2: The Consequences of Choices
Ruth 1:3-5 (NLT) “Then Elimelech died, and Naomi was left with her two sons. The two sons married Moabite women. One married a woman named Orpah, and the other a woman named Ruth. But about ten years later, both Mahlon and Kilion died. This left Naomi alone, without her two sons or her husband."
Reflection: Elimelech's decision to move to Moab led to unforeseen consequences, including the death of himself and his sons. Consider the choices you make daily. Are they aligned with God's will, or are they based on what seems right in your own eyes?
Prayer: Father, grant me wisdom to make choices that honor You. Help me to see the long-term impact of my decisions and to choose paths that lead to life.
Day 3: The Call to Repentance
Ruth 1:6-7 (NLT) “"Then Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had blessed his people in Judah by giving them good crops again. So Naomi and her daughters-in-law got ready to leave Moab to return to her homeland. With her two daughters-in-law she set out from the place where she had been living, and they took the road that would lead them back to Judah."
Reflection: Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem, symbolizing repentance—a turning away from Moab and back to God. Identify areas in your life where you need to turn back to God.
Prayer: God, reveal to me the areas where I have strayed. Give me the courage to turn back to You and to leave behind anything that separates me from Your love.
Day 4: Loyalty and Faith
Ruth 1:16-17 (NLT) “But Ruth replied, 'Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!'"
Reflection: Ruth's declaration to Naomi is not just about loyalty to a person but a commitment to God. Reflect on your own commitment to God. Are you willing to leave behind your "Moab" to follow Him?
Prayer: Lord, strengthen my commitment to You. Help me to be loyal and faithful, trusting in Your plan for my life.
Day 5: The Power of One Decision
Ruth 1:18-22 (NLT) ‘When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said nothing more. So the two of them continued on their journey. When they came to Bethlehem, the entire town was excited by their arrival. 'Is it really Naomi?' the women asked. 'Don’t call me Naomi,' she responded. 'Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?' So Naomi returned from Moab, accompanied by her daughter-in-law Ruth, the young Moabite woman. They arrived in Bethlehem in late spring, at the beginning of the barley harvest."
Reflection: Ruth's decision to follow Naomi and worship the God of Israel changed her life and legacy. Consider what one decision you can make today that could alter the course of your life for the better.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, guide me to make decisions that align with Your will. May my choices reflect my faith in You and lead to a legacy that honors Your name.
Day 6: Leaving Moab Behind
2 Corinthians 6:14 (NLT) “Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?"
Reflection: To reach the right place, you must leave the wrong one. Identify relationships or habits that are not honoring to God and consider how you can move away from them.
Prayer: God, give me the strength to leave behind anything that hinders my relationship with You. Help me to pursue righteousness and holiness in all areas of my life.
Day 7: Embracing New Life
John 3:16 (NLT) “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."
Reflection: Just as Ruth found new life in Bethlehem, we find new life in Christ. Embrace the grace and salvation offered through Jesus, and let it transform your life.
Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for the new life You offer. Fill me with Your Spirit, and help me to live in a way that reflects Your love and grace to the world.
