Ruth 4:1-4a We have all encountered times in our lives where we had to take a “step of faith” not knowing how things would turn out. I remember coming to Emmanuel almost 14 years ago to be the lead pastor here. I was coming off of almost 17 years of youth ministry, much of which God really blessed. I remember a specific conversation I had with my wife Tami where she asked me, “You do well with tee...  Read More

Week 4Main Point and Overview:    The Will of God is worth “giving everything that you have” to experience! Sometimes, God lays out for us an opportunity that is meant just for us. In this moment, he exposes how serious we actually are about pursuing this opportunity. Boaz was a man of passionate integrity and compassion. He saw Ruth as a special lady who was worthy of his time, attention, and pro...  Read More

Ruth 3:16-18 “Be patient!” How many times have you said that to your child? And how many times did you hear that as a child from your parents? I think it is safe to say that for everyone who is reading this, multiple times over and over. Patience does not come easily because we tend to be pursuers of immediate gratification. In the movie “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (the original 1971 i...  Read More

Ruth 3:12-15 The night before my wedding I could barely sleep! The anticipation and excitement of the day ahead was all I could think of. I couldn’t wait for my soon to be husband to see my dress. I couldn’t wait to celebrate with family and friends. I wondered what the weather would be like (storms were predicted). I wondered how everything would come together. I thought of how my life was about ...  Read More

Ruth 3:10-11 “The Lord bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character," Ruth 3:10-11.What a beautiful opening. Boaz prays. Even with the unexpect...  Read More

Ruth 3:7-9 Sometimes God asks to do something hard, to step out in full trust of His providence. Often our first response is “why me?” or “isn’t there someone more qualified?” Ruth may have had similar feelings of doubt and a resistance to enacting the plan that Naomi had. It would require Ruth to humble herself and ask for Boaz to redeem her. She would have to trust God that she wouldn’t be rejec...  Read More