Day 151 - Ruth 2 & Proverbs 1:1-7

 Julie

After a lot of other things that we have read unto this point, this is such a sweet encounter. Boaz is kind to Ruth and brings her in to take care of her for all of the things that she has done for Naomi. 

These first seven verses of Proverbs are instructions for how to read the book. To know wisdom...to receive instruction...to give prudence...let the wise hear and increase in learning...to understand a proverb and saying. Ultimately, that leads to verse 7, "To fear the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."

 

Michelle

I agree.  It is refreshing to see some kindness after all the previous readings in which people kept straying.  The fact that someone is willing to take care of her for the kindness she has shown her mother-in-law seemed surprising to Ruth and Boaz blessed her asking for God to reward her for all she had done for Naomi.  There is a devotional that references chapter 1 and reads from Death to New Life.  It talks about after we have experienced the loss of someone close that we can either choose to blame God, live in nowhere land, or weave our grief into a new story, as Ruth chose to do.  While that may not have been her reasoning for why, she did start a new life with her mother-in-law in a new place that had unexpected results.  The devotional talks about sharing your grief experience with others in the hopes that it encourages someone that is struggling to keep moving.  In the hopes that they will see that it's ok to keep moving and to continue into a new chapter of life.

The proverbs is prefaced in my bible with some information.  It states that the Proverbs describe the importance of living wisely and in the fear of the Lord as opposed to following the seductive path of folly.  It also says that Godly wisdom is on of life's most important and valuable pursuits, worth much more that material wealth.  Many people read this book daily to keep the lessons learned at the front of their minds.  The verse that stood out to me right off was vs 5, "let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance...". I have been in this state of discerning wanting guidance for a while and feeling like I am not hearing or getting any direction.  Maybe this will help me in seeing where I am to go and aid me in making decisions.  

Day 150 - Ruth 1 & Psalm 150

 Julie

This was the introduction to Ruth and her beginning. It shows the relationship that she had with her MIL Naomi and that she vows to stay with her instead of returning to her own family. There didn't seem to be any indication as to why she wanted to do that.

Psalm 150 is the final psalm. It is a call to Praise the Lord and for everything that breathes to Praise the Lord. It reminds us to be joyful in our praise.

 

Michelle

It seems that in these days, as a woman, once you left your family if was rare for you to return to them.  But as Naomi is urging these women to go home to their families and gives her blessing for them to marry again, Ruth chooses to stay with her.  

Final psalm of praise in which it says we should use all available instruments to sing praise to God. 

Day 149 - Psalm 149

 Julie

This is another hymn of praise for the things the people get to do. Praise the Lord!!

 

Michelle

Another psalm of praise.  There is a part that I raise an eyebrow at, vs 6-9.  May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands, to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron, to carry out the sentence written against them - this is the glory of all his faithful people.  I am perplexed by this one.

Day 148 - Psalm 148

 Julie

Another hymn of praise to the Lord. This one calls on all of the entities of the earth to praise him for their creation and for all that he had has done. Praise the Lord!

 

Michelle

A psalm of praise from all creation.   

Day 147 - Judges 20-21 & Psalm 147

 Julie

These last two chapters are explaining a civil war in that area and the aftermath. There doesn't seem to be any real indication of whether or not this was something that was of God.

Praise to the Lord! Again, this is a praise for the things God does. This one also praises him for healing the brokenhearted.

 

Michelle

This does seem to be a war between the tribes.  There is a part in chapter 20 that they go to the priest and ask for God's direction.  But in 21 it seems they have found a loophole in the don't give your wives to another clan as they are just leaving them out there to be taken.  That seems wrong to me.

Another psalm of praise in which it says at the end that God has only given his laws to the people of Israel. 

Day 146 - Judges 19 & Psalm 146

 Julie

I struggle to understand the importance of this chapter other than to say that it just proves the hideousness of the people during this time.

"Praise the Lord, O my soul!" A continued reminder I linked to a song previously that fits this again. "10,000 reasons."

 

Michelle

I also do not understand the significance.  The actions of these men seem terrible and it appears the concubine is now dead, but why did he allow this to happen to her.  

The psalm appears to be another of praise. 

Day 145 - Judges 17-18 & Psalm 145

 Julie

I think that today's reading was about the corruption of Micah, his family, and then his community...I am not sure if I just wasn't reading well or if this is just seemed like something random in this book.

This psalm is definitely praising God for all his good works. It basically says if you ask in truth and faith you will receive. It reminds us that God provides what we need when we need it, and to reminds us to ask for what is needed. If we trust and are faithful he will be merciful to us and provide everything we need.

I also want to mention that again we see the "steadfast love." 

 

Michelle

I don't understand today's reading.  At first it seems that Micah is trying to insert a priest to lead his family but then it also seems that it is done in the wrong way and that he is serving many idols.  But then the Danites come into play and overtake what appears to be a peaceful community but not necessarily by God's instruction?  I don't know what is happening here.

The psalm talks of God's love and if you remain faithful and trust in him, he will provide all you need.