Slowing Down

The time has come that comes to so many blogs where we must “slow down.” As things have gotten busy, I have been praying about which things to cut and which things to focus on. I have known for a while that eventually Rubies Like Ruth would be one of those things that must be cut. I am not officially saying “farewell” to our faithful readers, but I cannot promise that there will be many new posts. We will leave this blog open for anyone who would like to read the archives and we are still open to guest writers. If anyone submits a guest article, you will read something new! :)

For those of you who are interested, we are continuing our 52-Verse challenge over at 52weeks52verses.blogspot.com if you would like to join us or read our posts. It is never too late to start memorizing God’s Word!!

I have learned a lot while doing Rubies Like Ruth regularly and pray that God will direct each of us to follow Him more as daughters, single women, wives, and mothers.

In Christ,

Ana Renee

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life; in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand, there are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11

4 Obstacles to Discipleship

According to extensive Barna studies, self-identified evangelical Christians face four obstacles to spiritual growth/discipleship.

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1. Commitment ~ Only 18% admit they’re committed to their spiritual growth.

2. Repentance ~ Few admit to being deeply sorry for their sins.

3. Activity ~ Most confuse church activity with spiritual depth.

4. Spiritual Community ~Few are involved in relationships that hold them accountable.

I’ve searched my soul and found I’m weak in some areas listed above. What about you?

If we want our world impacted by Christ, we need to be:
     ~Determined and deliberate about becoming more like Christ.
     ~Aware of how our sins separate us from God’s purposes.
     ~More concerned with overcoming our sins that participating in church programs.
     ~Invested in the lives of others who will also invest in our lives.

Please join me in praying through these obstacles and taking steps to overcome them.

It’s important that we do these things so we can obey Christ's important command in Matthew 28:19-20.

Resource: 4 Aspects of Spiritual Growth http://www.barna.org/faith-spirituality/524-self-described-christians-dominate-america-but-wrestle-with-four-aspects-of-spiritual-depth

About Gail

Gail Purath has been married to her best friend for 41 years, has two married children and seven grandchildren. Her blog Bible Love Notes(http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com) features one-minute devotions each weekday.

Sit at Jesus' Feet

 By Amanda T. (read her blog here)

Martha was a “restless will, hurried to and fro.” She was busy, but by her busyness, she missed out on what Jesus said was “that good part.” That good part which Mary chose: simply sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening, learning, but otherwise, doing nothing!!!! (see Luke 10:38-42*)

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Often, as single girls, we dream of “Martha lives” as we observe what we perceive as dull nothingness. Whether we desire to be an adoring bride, a mother, a pastor’s wife, a girls’ counselor, or a “busy bee,” we cannot move beyond our single, seemingly stagnant years.

In her Bible study book, Living With Passion and Purpose, Elizabeth George reflected how Jesus spent thirty years before ministering for three years, concluding, “He shows us that, if we desire ministries to others, we must start with preparation . . . and then wait for God to provide the opportunities.”

As single girls, we might have many hopes and dreams for ministry. But . . . now . . . as we live our single years in our parents’ homes without the busyness previously mentioned, we should be content to “sit at Jesus’ feet” and learn and prepare. We have no clue what plans God has for us, but we can learn what God’s Word says. We can gird our armor and spiritually equip ourselves for what lies ahead. As busy brides, mothers, wives, and counselors, we will not always have an hour or two to dive into God’s Word – but we do now.

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Instead of frustrating our lives with dreams of busyness, why don’t we relax in the time God has given us and sit at His feet, absorbing His Word? Why don’t we learn as much as we can? Let us not throw away “that good part” that we have now and waste it on dreams and frivolous things.

~~

*“Now it came to pass, as they went, that He entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard His word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to Him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:38-42

About Amanda:

Amanda is a homeschool graduate living with her parents and eleven siblings in Louisiana. Their family sings together, sharing God’s love through music in churches and nursing homes. Until God shows her a different path, she enjoys teaching piano and music theory, hymn-arranging, photography, writing, spending time with her siblings, and home economics. In the past few years, Proverbs 3:5-7 has been a passage that God has used in her life, showing her how vital it is to trust Him in any issue. You may visit her blog: withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com

A Separate Life (Part Two)

By Erika T.

{continued from last week}

So, how can we abandon the fleshly desires and live according to the will of God?  Romans 12:2  says “Be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” The verse could not be clearer: before we can live according to God’s will, we need to stop conforming to and “fitting in” this world. The first step is to no longer be like those who belong in this world. I have noticed that when I watch movies and television programs or if I listen to secular songs, something changes in my mind. Even if I am careful to only watch or listen to “clean” things (even with no open or insinuated sin) there is a mentality, a worldly point of view that begins to infiltrate my way of thinking. Before I know it, I suddenly know who the stars of the moment are, what a double entendre refers to, why parodies of the latest movie are funny . . . and I cannot remember last week’s memory verse. I do not know how it happens, but I start to believe certain sins are not so bad. Adultery becomes normal and a half-lie, justifiable. My world, once so white, begins to take on a gray tone so light I barely notice it. But gray tones blur the lines between white and black. Watch out! Conformity to this world comes slowly, subtle and silent, but it’s fatal to Christian life.

The verse also gives a contrast: “…be ye transformed”. This is not just about being different from the world; we need to change our thinking to God’s way and know what His will is. It is a turnaround in our mentality: leaving the world’s knowledge and being molded to have God’s thoughts, to know what His perfect and acceptable will is. How can I think like God if I am soaking in things that have nothing to do with Him? To change our way of thinking, we must surround ourselves only with things related to Him, which takes us to the next verse.

Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.” How does my life measure up? Is the content of that movie true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report (that means, having a good reputation), does it have any virtue (anything just plain good), is it worthy of praise? Are the songs I listen to true, just and pure? Could I describe my conversations with others as good? How about honest? Is my favorite topic of conversation worthy of praise? Will my activities give me a good reputation? Or are they the same as any unbeliever’s might be? If I focus on thinking only what this verse approves, I will probably feel limited. However, as I surround myself with things that please God and my mind is transformed, my thinking will be shaped to be more like His. Suddenly, knowing what the good and acceptable and perfect will of God is will not be so difficult.

We know God wills us to be holy. This is not only a command, as in 1 Peter 1:16, it is also a call. In 1 Corinthians 1:2 the apostle speaks to “…them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord,” In giving us both these verses, God makes it very clear that being holy is not simply our position, it is something to be practiced. We should live like the saints we are.

The purpose of our Christian life can be summarized in 1 Corinthians 10:31. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” The verse clearly gives us a basic guideline for everything we do during the day. Will my plans for this afternoon glorify God? How will God be glorified if I go there?  If I dress like this or talk like that, will I be glorifying to God? Eating and drinking are basic, everyday activities; this verse teaches us that even the most common things in life can glorify God. The question is: do I use my time to glorify Him or to satisfy the desires of my flesh?

As you probably know, holiness is separation. A verse that states it simply is Hebrews 13:13. “Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.” Being holy means abandoning the world with its humor, its entertainment, its worldview and its politics. Holiness is not simply separation from the world, however. It is also going out unto Him. If we abandon worldly ideas and activities, it is to take up the ideas and activities of the Lord. We will not just leave the world’s songs, dress, movies, politics and jokes. We will have Christ! Of course, He will give us many things to replace the false joys we lost, but best of all, we will know Him more, we will worship Him more, and we will love Him more.

The following verses express how far we are from the goal, but encourage us not to give up in the battle for holiness. Philippians 3:12-14, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” No Christian is perfect. Saying, “I’m not perfect. I’m not spiritual.” appears to be an easy way out; however the apostle clearly informs us that acknowledging this is not reason enough to surrender. We have not yet reached the goal, but “Holiness unto the Lord” is exactly why we were apprehended (seized) by the Him! Each day we can learn more and come closer to the goal for which our Lord Jesus Christ saved us. 

About Erika:

I'm Erika Simone, a missionary kid who loves to sing, read and write. I've lived in Mexico since 1992, and I love the missionary life! God saved me at the age of seven and I've been learning more about Him ever since. He is so very gracious in my life, I cannot describe how wonderful it is to know His love. If you want to read more of my writing I have a blog in English ( thywonderfulworks.blogspot.com )  that I have put on hold recently and a blog in Spanish ( meditarenmaravillas.blogspot.com ) where I still post three times a week. 

A Separate Life (Part One)

 By Erika T. (read her blog here)

I see something in my generation which concerns me very much: a lack of holiness.

1 Peter 1:16 gives a very clear commandment to each Christian: “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” It seems impossible - and from the human standpoint, it is. However, when God asks us to do something, He also gives us the strength to obey.

Several verses show us how to live a holy life, a life separate from the world (Remember the saying: “It’s not about living as close to the world as you can, but about living as far from the world as you can”). I’d like to explain a little about how we can apply these verses to our lives, so we can live as God desires and asks.

First, I would like to notice Ephesians 5:3, “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints”. I wonder at the carelessness in our conversations. I have heard young people casually mention many sins and sometimes even joke about them . . . and we are expected to laugh! Are we not believers? Does God not call us “holy”? Such banter is not right. In fact, according to Ephesians 5: 11 & 12, it is embarrassing (At least, it should be)! “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.”

1 Thessalonians 5:22 states, “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” This verse mentions that evil exists in many different appearances or forms. Therefore, we are not simply required to abstain from “obvious” sins. The commandment is a bit more general: “all appearance.” According to the dictionary, “to abstain” means to deprive yourself of something. So, if I listen to songs that speak of any type of sin, am I abstaining from all evil? When I watch a movie in which sin is represented, or perhaps is only insinuated, am I abstaining from all evil? God asks me to avoid all forms of evil. Thoughts, movies, books, songs, conversations, magazines or television programs that contain even a little bit of sin have some form of evil. Am I willing to obey the command of God (notice: not suggestion) and abstain from every form of evil?

Romans 8:7 & 8 mentions something drastic, “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” This verse made me think of the motivation for us to watch unclean movies, listen to impure songs and read pages that display sin. Why do we? Because we want to. If we did not, others could not talk us into it or “make” us do it. We are simply following the will of our flesh. But that is a problem. We are believers; we are here to serve God. When we follow our own fleshly will, we not only dishonor God, we act as God’s enemy! How could I possibly be content acting like God is my enemy in order to cater to my whims? If I, as a Christian, live according to the desires of my flesh, I cannot please God. It is that simple.

So, how can we abandon the fleshly desires and live according to the will of God?

. . . come back tomorrow to read the answers!

About Erika:

I'm Erika Simone, a missionary kid who loves to sing, read and write. I've lived in Mexico since 1992, and I love the missionary life! God saved me at the age of seven and I've been learning more about Him ever since. He is so very gracious in my life, I cannot describe how wonderful it is to know His love. If you want to read more of my writing I have a blog in English ( thywonderfulworks.blogspot.com )  that I have put on hold recently and a blog in Spanish ( meditarenmaravillas.blogspot.com ) where I still post three times a week. 

Transformers

 By Gail Purath (read her blog here)

When I became a Christian, I couldn’t get enough of God’s Word.

And God began to rid my life of things that didn’t conform to His Word: I tossed out record albums and books with immoral themes. Certain words disappeared from my vocabulary, and I was convicted when I treated someone selfishly.

Image from PrintMaster Gold

The truths I was learning in God’s Word, Christian books, and Bible study groups were transforming my mind. This process, often called sanctification, is an integral part of our Christian life “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” (Romans 12:2; Philippians 2:12-13).

Transformation is a lifelong process, worth our best efforts.

This year let’s make a resolution to be more deliberate and serious about our sanctification. Let's give it our all.  

About Gail:

Gail Purath has been married to her best friend for 41 years, has two married children and seven grandchildren. 

Her blog Bible Love Notes(http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com) features one-minute devotions each weekday.

Unhidden

 By Amanda T. (read her blog here)

“God sees everything.” We have heard this concept, but do we really know it? Reading through Psalm 139:1-16 helps to paint a clearer picture of this concept.

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Verses: O LORD, Thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my Thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, Thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. (Psalm 139:1-5)

Truth: The Lord knows everything about us. He not only knows who we say we are, but also who we really are – better than we do ourselves. Right now, He is around us seeing what we are doing.

Verses: Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. (Psalm 139:6)

Truth: God, the Creator of the Universe, the Master of the seas, the all-knowing, omnipotent Ruler, know my name! He has bowed down from His Majestic throne to take interest in my life!

Verses:  Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, Thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from Thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to Thee. (Psalm 139:7-12)

Truth: There is absolutely nowhere that we can go to hide from God. He sees us wherever we are, at all times. Our sins might stay hidden to those around us, but they are open and revealed before God’s eyes.

Verses: For Thou hast possessed my reins: Thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from Thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. (Psalm 139:13-16)

Truth: From day one of conception, God saw us. He was working in our lives to mold us as He saw best then, and is still working in our lives today – spiritually and physically – to continually mold us as He sees fit. Because God created us and molded us, we are a marvelous work.

What are some truths that you see in these verses?

About Amanda:

Amanda is a homeschool graduate living with her parents and eleven siblings in Louisiana. Their family sings together, sharing God’s love through music in churches and nursing homes. Until God shows her a different path, she enjoys teaching piano and music theory, hymn-arranging, photography, writing, spending time with her siblings, and home economics. In the past few years, Proverbs 3:5-7 has been a passage that God has used in her life, showing her how vital it is to trust Him in any issue. You may visit her blog: withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com

Happiness

By Ana Renee

What makes you happy? A nice, warm mug of hot cocoa? A big hug from your baby sister? A long hand-written letter? In our modern world, there are many things that make us “happy” and many things that steal our happiness. But what is happiness according to God’s Word?

                                      

In the Old Testament, one form of being happy is esher, meaning “how happy!” What things does God consider adequate to make us happy? How can we truly be happy?

1) Have God as our Lord

          Psalm 144:15, “Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.”

2) Fear God

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          Psalm 128:1-2, “Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in His ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.”

          Proverbs 28:14, “Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.”

3) Trust God

          Proverbs 16:20, “He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.”

4) Keep God’s Law

          Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

5) Seek God’s Help

          Psalm 146:5, “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:”

6) Accept God’s Wisdom

          Proverbs 3:13, “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.”

7) Show Mercy to Others

          Proverbs 14:21, “He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.”

In the New Testament, the Greek Word for happy is makarios, meaning “Supremely blest, fortunate, well off.” Added to the Old Testament’s list for happiness, we can have happiness with the following:

8) Serve God and Others

          John 13:16-17, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”

 

9) Suffer for Christ’s Sake

          1 Peter 3:14, “But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;”

          1 Peter 4:14, “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.”

True happiness is not merely a mushy, warm feeling, but a secure faith and trust in Christ Jesus, a heart wholly dedicated to serving Him.  

Are you happy?

What Path of Life?

By Ana Renee

"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence if fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." 

(Psalm 16:11)

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I am seeing something in young people today that greatly saddens me: the search for worldly pleasures and their desire for me to join them. According to this verse, I need not college to understand the "path of life," I need God. I need not relationships, clothes, or career to give me fullness of joy, I need God's presence. I need not parties, games, movies, and activities to give me pleasure, I need closeness to God. The world (ultimately satan) wants to make us believe that praying to God is boring, a life spent going to church dull, and reading/memorizing God's Word is a chore, but the more time we spend with our Heavenly Father, the more we see the truth of the hymn, "And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace." (Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, by Helen H. Lemmel)

As a new year dawns, may our desire be to grow closer to the Lord and separated from the world.