"Why Observe Lent?...Did something Really Happen?"

Peter says this in his letter: A Gleaning from 2 Peter 1: 16-18:

 " Trust me, we were not following some cleverly designed story or having some "wishing upon a star" type outlook on life...when this whole thing erupted....we were simple...fishermen!
 We are just laying out the facts...about the Powerful Return of the Lord Jesus!

 We were there! I saw a preview! I saw this: From above came this resplendent Light from God the Father...and He ( God the Father) was giving all the honor and glory ...to Him, our Lord Jesus!

 Then, we heard for ourselves the Majestic Voice of God the Father speak these very words: "This is My Son...the Pride of My Life...who brings Me...Great Joy!" I'm telling you...it really happened...on that very mountain!"

 Some bible scholars think this event happened on Mount Hermon...near Caesarea Philippi...the place where Peter had once boldly announced: "You are the Christ...the very Son of the Living God!"
 Others think perhaps it happened on Mt. Tabor, in southern Galilee. In any event, here in the Gospel of Luke, it is not told where it did exactly happened.
One thing for sure, this is the 2nd time God the Father had spoke like this. Earlier in His life, when Jesus was being water baptized by John the Baptizer...a similar occurrence happened. In Luke 3:22 it goes something like this: " The sky opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, in the bodily form of a dove...and then a Voice from Heaven (God the Father) was clearly heard: "You are My Son!...My Beloved!...and You bring Me...Great Joy!"

 I think as I contemplate the "Pitcher of Water" in the observance of Lent, my public acknowledgement of Jesus Christ being my Savior and my Lord...I am not required to "defend Him or the Gospel", all I am required to do is say: "Look, this is what happened to me when I confessed my sin to Him, and invited the Lord Jesus into my life, He changed my heart...He changed my entire life. After all, I am just a "simple factory guy!"

 Here in Luke 9:28-36 is a description of "The Transfiguration". Moses was present...the one God gave the Law to, as well as Elijah...the great prophet of old....along with Jesus...the One who explained the Law to each of us....and fulfilled the prophecies of all the prophets of old!

                       A Gleaning from Luke 9: 28-36

 " It was approximately 8 days after Jesus had given some major teachings on how to live life. He then "grabbed" Peter, James and John...and took them with Him to a mountain...to pray.

 Now while Jesus was praying ( Note: the upcoming verses will tell what Peter, James, and John were doing...and if I were there...I would have been doing what these guys were doing lol), His face changed!...and His countenance was literally altered! Along with this, His clothes became a dazzling white...I mean bright!...like the brightness of a flash of lightning!
 And...at the very same moment...Jesus was suddenly speaking with 2 other men! We recognized them (Note: interesting since they had never seen these 2 people before)...they were Moses!...and Elijah! They too appeared in a "glorious splendor".
 The disciples could hear them discussing about the exodus of Christ Jesus...from the present life...and it was about to happen...right here!...in Jerusalem!

 Now, Peter, James, and John had fallen asleep...but not now! They were suddenly wide awake when all this started to take place!
 Then, Moses and Elijah, after concluding their conversation with Jesus, were about to leave...when all of a sudden Peter raises his voice and spoke to Jesus saying:" Master...this is great! I am so glad You brought us along...and listen, do You think we should make 3 shelters here to commemorate the awesomeness of this event...one for You and one each for Moses and Elijah?" It now was obvious Peter really had no idea what he was saying or who He was speaking with. In fact, before Peter had even finished speaking...Peter, James, and John suddenly found themselves "buried" in this Cloud...and fear simply seized them!

 Then...came this Voice...right from within the Cloud...saying: "This is My Son...He is My Chosen! Listen to what He has to say!"

 After this Voice had spoken...suddenly Peter, James, and John found themselves looking at...only Jesus! Moses, Elijah, nor the Cloud...were there!
 For quite some time...it was quiet...no one spoke even one word! In the coming days, the disciples told no one...what they had just seen and experienced."

Lent...reminding us to proclaim Him...and allow the Holy Spirit to "quiet the noise around us".
 
 

Lent Cries: "Stay on His Path!"

As I contemplate this week the "pitcher of water", remembering my need to be a personal witness for Him...not only in a one time occurrence at water baptism, but in my everyday life as well...the reading in Philippians takes on a deeper meaning....

 Philippi was a Roman colony...in fact it had become a favorite "retirement spot" for Roman soldiers who were now retired from service to the Emperor...particularly those who had served the Emperor Augustus in a great battle in 31 B.C.
 Paul, along with Silas, Timothy, and Luke had established a Christian community of believers at Philippi, and Paul had a "special love" for this body of believers.
 The church of Philippi was not a wealthy church, but had done its best to support Paul in his work of spreading the Gospel, along with helping other people...like the believers who were "going through it" in their stand for Christ...against those strict Jews...in the city of Jerusalem itself.

 Paul had encouraged the believers here in Philippi to "imitate me". Paul did not say this out of some sort of self-pride...in an earlier letter written to Timothy, Paul refers to himself as "the worst of sinners". Paul makes it abundantly clear he now belongs to Christ and is now given to "imitating Him"!
 Paul emphasizes this fact: The Work of the Cross is complete...in all aspects. We need not add anything to the work of "the Lamb of God...who takes away the sin of the world!"

 During this period, there was a false teaching being passed around...the "Doctrine of the Gnostics". This false teaching claimed that our natural bodies are given to evil...so what we do here on earth makes no difference...we can't control or stop it form happening anyway.
 Basically, what this meant was "Sex, Drugs, and Rock-n-Roll" is ok...in fact it makes no difference...we won't change till we get to Heaven.

 Paul fought hard against this perverted teaching. He said: " Our very lifestyles here on earth...need to reflect the lifestyles of our Homeland...that being Heaven itself! We are citizens of Heaven...NOW! Therefore...we need to act like it!"

 One other thing of note: Paul speaks of a "crown" that we attain from living a present lifestyle that is found pleasing to Him. This crown is not like a crown we see on a King or Queen, rather, the original Greek used in this context is a ring of leaves that is placed upon the head... to the top athlete who had succeeded in running a race.......

                                A Gleaning from Philippians 3:17 - 4:1

 " Hang in there brothers and sisters! Stick with me! It is important you pattern your lifestyles after me...that way we find ourselves on the same course...following after Him!...and the Godly living He has designed for us to have.
 For as I have spoke before, there are many...even among us...who choose another path(s)...and believe me my eyes are in tears when I write this: They want you to go along with them...but the Truth is...they are following a path(s) that are "Enemies to the Cross"...not paths designed by our Lord Jesus Christ!

 These brothers and sisters who have made a choice to follow "other paths"...instead of the Work of the Cross through the Lord Jesus...are headed for destruction! Their priorities are all messed up...their original hunger for Him..has become defiled. Now, they seek the selfish stuff...keeping their bellies full, having sex wherever available, and seeking the "Life of Ease". What is really crazy about all this is they think they are somehow connected to God the Father in their perverted lifestyles. They are so wrong! Their father is no longer God the Father...rather the very Son of Perdition himself...that being Satan...the god of the Underworld!

 But, that's not you! We are citizens of Heaven...the place the Lord Jesus calls His Home...and this is our Homeland as well. We wait eagerly for His arrival...make no mistake...the Lord Jesus Christ has the power!...the power over all things! His plans are to make us beautiful with the same powerful skills He is putting everything else...back to it's original design... the way it was "initially drawn up".
 He will transform our present bodies, now wrapped in humiliation, and conform them to a body...just like His!

 My dear friends...keep this type of thought forever etched in your minds. And know this as well...I love you...so much!
 I want the best for you...and the very best for you is...staying true to the Lord and His Way of doing things.
 Don't you see...you are my crown...my "Wreath of Victory"...for you stand firm...firmly attached to Him! You are my joy!"

 As I continue to discover ways this Lenten Season to please Him...I must remember His Commands...and give them room to find their place in my daily lifestyle...just like the moment I was water baptized...to let the world know...I am now His!

True Gratitude start in the Heart...and God Blesses "Stuff like That"...

The news has reached national attention, and now a homeless man is about to receive $145,000 and then some. Yet, I think the story touches the hearts of many of us...not just because of the response of over 6000 people to a person in need...but the way this story speaks of the value of having  a "pure heart." God blesses "stuff like that".

 The story goes a homeless man, named Billy Ray Harris, lived on the streets of Kansas City, Missouri...asking for donations and having a cup to receive charity from anyone touched by Harris's plight.
 Sarah Darling happened to be one of those people, and as she came upon Mr. Harris, she dropped some money into his cup. Both Sarah and Billy Ray had no idea what was about to happen....
 by Sarah taking a moment to assist another in need....but God did.

 For earlier that day, Sarah Darling was having trouble wearing her engagement and wedding ring, and so to alleviate the aggravation until she could get it possibly adjusted to be comfortable, she removed the ring from her finger and put it in her purse.
 And then (in my humble opinion), God stepped in....

 When Sarah came upon Billy Ray Harris, she took some money from her purse to put in Harris's cup, and in the process had forgotten about her ring that she had placed there. As a result...she unknowingly dropped her engagement and wedding ring into the cup belonging to Mr. Harris.

 Later, when the realization came to Mrs. Darling as to what had happened...she had to find ...Billy Ray Harris! And sure enough she did...coming to him and bending her knees to make direct eye contact, asked Mr. Harris if he remembered her. He responded he wasn't sure because many had come by and given...to his cup. She then asked, "Was there something in your cup that was quite different than what you usually receive?"...and without hesitation, Billy Ray Harris responded to her: "Like a ring? Yes, and I have kept it safe for you in case you might return."

 Sarah Darling was so touched by the whole event...and how Mr. Harris didn't just think of himself (by selling off the ring), but retained his dignity by keeping the ring until it was safely returned, she decided to do something to help...Billy Ray Harris.
 After relating to her husband, Bill Krejci, about what had happened...he decided to get on-line and create a website for Billy Ray Harris...to assist in his plight and possibly assist to get away from "life on the streets."
 In 10 days...Sarah and Bill have received response from this website...from not only the U.S., but people responded from Germany, Sweden, Australia, Ireland, and others...over 6000 people with a total donation thus far of...$145,000.
 And Mr. Harris has heard from his sister..who they have not been in contact for 20 years.....

 Why?...Why does this particular incident have such an impact on people? I think it is because we like to see the meek and lowly rescued...and seeing humble hearts in the process.
 And now,more than likely, Mr. Harris  will enter some temptations and encounters of various kind...and may He draw close to Him in all matters that concern him as his life makes an abrupt change!

 In 1 Samuel 16:7...a kind of similar thing happened that happen to Mr. Harris. There was this humble shepherd boy...who spent much of his time out in the desert and hills with his father's sheep...and one day...he was chosen...the King of Israel!

                  A Gleaning from 1 Samuel 16:7

 "Israel had decided they wanted...a King. Samuel, an Old Testament prophet, was appointed to choose the one who was fit to serve in the role as the "King of Israel".
 There were handsome men, strong men, and tall men...yet the Lord makes this comment to Samuel: " Do not consider a person's appearance or height as a prerequisite to become King of all Israel. In fact, I have already rejected and eliminated anyone with those qualities.
 Remember this: "The Lord doesn't see people the way we as men and women see people...and the Lord doesn't see their accomplishments in life. It has always been the nature of men to look at a man by his appearance...and accomplishments.
 Rather, the Lord looks upon a man...by the size of his heart!"...Oh...the King Samuel chose?...His name was David...they called him..."King David".

 I certainly hope things out for Mr. Billy Ray Harris, and may God bless Sarah and Bill for their initiative...to help another in need.
 

The Spirit of Lent Says: "Here, Come This Way!"

As I consider this Lenten Week on my personal witness of the Lord Jesus Christ in my everyday affairs, I am studying the 27th Psalm. In verses 6 through 14....David says some pretty cool stuff....

                                   A Gleaning from Psalm 27: 6-14

 Note: In the first 5 verses David has been writing on the importance of finding his safety in the Lord...and concludes in verse 6 saying;

 "For the Lord invites me to a place...my enemies cannot reach (on a high rock)! Here is where my victory lies...and my head is held high for all I have fought for and believe in...and all the honor and glory belongs to Him!"

Note: Now, in verse 7 is where some Bible scholars think this particular chapter was written in 2 parts...for now the mood of David makes a dramatic change.

 " O my King...hear me now as I pray. I am calling to You in a loud lament...be merciful to me...answer my prayer...given to You!
 My heart is reminding me what You have said to me in times past: " Come, come and talk with me!" And I have always responded: "My Lord...I come!"
 My King, if I have done something to anger You...this is not the time...to reject me! I need You...now! Don't desert me in my time of need...my King!

 For ever since I met You...and our friendship has grown into a close bond, I have come to learn one thing from You: "Even if my own mother and father would abandon me...You my King will always hold me close."

 Allow me to follow along Your path, continue to teach me Your ways..."The Ways of the King". May the path You choose for me be level and clear...because it is obvious my enemies lie in wait...to kill and destroy me!
 Do not let me fall to the "Will of my Enemies"...let not their hands even touch me! These enemies are accusing me of things I have never done...and it seems each breath they take is spent to speak cruelty and threaten...me!"

Note: In verse 13, there is an odd thing that comes out of the Hebrew text. Verse 13 does not really have a beginning...kind of like an incomplete sentence in our English language. Some have just filled in the first part of verse 13 by common deduction....but here is what other biblical scholars think the meaning to the start of verse 13. Here, the writer David has left that open so you...the reader...will fill the first part in yourself! Is that cool or what! Imagine, David is asking you as a reader to assist him in the writng of this particular Psalm!
 It could be filled in with phrases like:
    " I could have died..."
    " My son would not have made it..."
    " I would have lost my home...."
Get the idea? so I will just leave the first part of verse 13 blank...because David did...and allow you the reader to put in whatever you think is right for you.

".........................................", had I not kept my heart on this promise from You...that I would see how good You really are to me...Your loving kindness has kept me...in the land of the living...the place where hopes and dreams...still come true!
 As for me, I will continue to put my trust in You...and I will wait...for My King...with an expectant hope. I will draw my strength from the words You have spoke...and from Your words I become brave and courageous. Yes, this is definitely the way I am suppose to go...the path He has already mapped out for me...to hope for and expect...my King!"

 As I continue on my journey through Lent this week, my public witness is shown to others...by my trust...in Him!

"Remembering Him in the Good Times...When I Am Going Through the Bad Times"

This week I have a "Pitcher of Water" nearby to remind me of my public confession of the Lord Jesus Christ....

 Being a public witness is often pictured as one going out to "preach the Gospel and see large masses of people give their hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ". Certainly, there is nothing wrong with that...but I have never done that...and unless there is a great change in my lifestyle...I don't see me doing that in the very near future.

 Yet...here is what I can do.....being a witness of Him in my everyday life.

 I think the most effective time I spend being a witness of Him to others is not when I am "all smiles, listening to others, being a source of comfort, and sharing His love to others". Again, those times are important as well, and certainly have the potential to bring positive results, yet here is what I have noticed.
 My most effective witness comes when I am in daily encounters within the frame of my lifestyle...like being at work and things are not going well...maybe a specific task I am doing is frustrating me...and I am about to make two choices: 1) to "blow and cuss"...giving this particular task I am on a...."piece of my mind", or 2) keep my emotions under control, keep my mouth shut, and turn my thoughts to Him...and let Him walk me through this. I know...easier said than done, right? Yet, if I can get going in that direction...it really has been a witness to others and the calmness alone makes others feel comfortable...for often times they are just as frustrated as I am.
 Another thing I have noticed in being a "public witness of Him" that has brought results: simply smiling and keeping a more trusting outlook on life regardless of the circumstance I may be facing. I think the reason I have found this to be effective for me is because it keeps me from "bitching about life".
 I have also noticed how people really don't want to hear about all the daily "personal objections we have in life", instead, when I have more of an "appreciative outlook" on the life God has given me...it really does have a profound effect on others.
 The other day I was displaying a good attitude (I'm workin' on it...one of these rare moments lol), and this guy working in my area began to tell me how he just couldn't take life anymore...his father had just passed, they were having their estate issues, and his wife just went in for surgery...and I honestly think he "opened up" because I was upbeat...having the "Song of the Grateful Heart"...crankin' within me. As a result, I was able to share with him the only thing I knew what to do in times like that...turn your heart and life over to Him. I didn't go "nuts" and grab a bible, or started hammerin' down on his need to know Christ....I just took the time to absorb some of the hurt he was feelin', and responded...like I was the one going through what he was facing.

 So, during this week of the Lenten Season, I am focusing on my "public witness"...and every time I look at this pitcher of water that reminds me when I was water baptized as a public display of my allegiance to Him...it helps me to carry on...to finish the race that has begun....

 Psalm 27 is one of those Sacred Scripture readings for this season of the year, and it has some pretty cool stuff!
 It really isn't clear when David wrote this Psalm, and some think it might have been written in 2 separate parts, but the thing about this particular Psalm is shows David going through the good times...and the bad...and the attitude he maintains through his various daily circumstances.

                                A Gleaning from Psalm 127: 1-5

 " It is the Lord Himself who is my Light...my Hiding Place...my Place of Safety...and knowing this, He then gives me the ability to maneuver in open spaces. Because of this, I can be fearless, not afraid of anyone...or anything!
 When those who are against me come "riding down in their vandal hordes", ready to have me for "breakfast"...they don't realize when they come against me...they come against my King! These enemies may look fierce...but my trust is in Him...and they will fall!

 There may even be enemies all around me, poised and ready for the siege...but my confidence remains strong...in Him! And, if "all hell breaks loose"...I'm good...for my trust remains in Him.
 I have sent one request... a message sent directly to the Lord Himself...in the midst of the present battle. My request is this: "That although the battles I face may get heavy at times...yet in my everyday life I would find myself...my thoughts given to being in His Home...His Kingdom secure in my heart...all my thoughts and meditation focused on Him!"

 It is important to me to realize this: In my times of trouble, there is only one quiet and secure place for me to be...that helps me to escape from all the noise and chatter of this world...and that being to be in "His Place of Secret Shelter". This is where I find my true hiding place...and I am safe...high upon "The Rock" of my faith."
 
 

Praying and Acting Lent 2013

We are now already entering the 2nd week of Lent, a season that allows each one of us to take time and give thought to the Lord Jesus, and what He means have Him as our Savior...and become Lord in all areas of our lives ( a process no doubt!).

I think the Lenten Season provides us with an opportunity to grow in the Lord Jesus, and to deepen our lives to a way of life that is more pleasing to Him.
 In our everyday lives, reflecting the Scriptures and relating them to who we are, bringing them to a point of influence in our daily thoughts and actions, and allowing Scripture to examine the patterns and daily habits of our lives....is really what Lent "brings to the table".

 This is a time for us to: "Pray and Act Lent".

 Here are a few suggestions I have come across that a person
 can use as symbols within our home to remind us of our need to observe the Season of Lent:

1. A Cross: Finding a special place for the 40 days of Lent, placing a cross in a location that is centrally located. Perhaps a small basket or pot that could be placed in the front of the cross and for each symbol you may choose ,  you take a little time to observe Lent in whatever way you might like,  putting into the basket (for example) a verse of Scripture that really "spoke to your heart", or a prayer that was intense as to having meaning to you, or a note where you helped someone and there was just something "special" about doing it.

2. A Bowl of Water: A simple bowl of water can be a reminder of our baptism...the public acknowledgement of Jesus Christ becoming our Lord and Savior, and discovering ways and thoughts to continue our confession of Him in daily life.

3. A Small Box or Bowl of Sand: The sand reminds us of His 40 days in the desert, the temptations He endured and overcome, and finding ways He can assist us in overcoming things in our lives that we desire to gone from our lives.

4. A Candle: In our darkness, He is our Light. This can include things like battling depression, loneliness, or not really sure if you know Him...again the Scriptures, encouraging words, or conversations that have helped  in dealing with the "dark areas" of our lives. (notes put into your "basket")

5. A Bowl of Rice or Grain: A reminder of the needs of others...and the need for us to help in whatever ways we can.

 All of these symbols can be an aid for us....keep in touch with the Sacred Scriptures and giving time in Prayer...is really what makes this work! 

Humility...Helps us to be Merciful to Others...

Humility is defined: To be modest and respectful, to consider the lives of others of greater importance than our own.
 Humility comes from the Latin word "humilitus", meaning to be humble and "grounded", remembering we come from the earth (we are all from "dirt".)

 C. S. Lewis wrote: " Humility is not thinking less of yourself...it's thinking of yourself...less!"

 William Penn, an early "Founding Father" of the United States wrote: "Humility accompanied with Knowledge" excel "Pride and Ignorance" in their most costly attire."

 Frank Lloyd Wright once wrote: " I feel a strange disease coming on me, I was told I have caught what is called: "Humility".

 Each year here in the U.S., we have an event called: "The National Prayer Breakfast", held annually for 61 years. It is held the first Thursday of each year in the month of February. Numerous national and international dignitaries attend this "Breakfast" including each one of our Presidents...since it's inception in 1953 (Pres. Dwight D. Eisenhower being the first).
 The founder of this event was Abraham Vereide, a Norwegian born Methodist minister, who also founded the "Goodwill Industries".
 Numerous speakers along with the President of the United States have spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast including: Mother Theresa of Calcutta, Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the U.K., and Dr. Ben Carson, neurosurgeon at John Hopkins University Hospital. 

 At this year's event, on February 7th 2013, President Barack Obama spoke sharing his personal belief in Jesus Christ and on the subject of humility.

 In Christianity, humility is a virtue needed in life...some going as far to say humility is the "foundation" that allows His Grace to interrupt our daily lives.

 The apostle James reminds us that humility allows our hearts to be humble before God Himself and we are only fooling ourselves when we choose to "follow after the selfishness of putting ourselves as #1...much like the world around us likes to promote.
 In James 4:4-6, he reminds us (in a Gleaning format):
" Are you really trying to cheat...with God? You really think that by embracing the world and it's philosophy on life...you think God says: "That's ok...go ahead...cheat on your wife (an example)...I still love you...nothing has changed." Have you considered the thought He may not be "buying in to your little song and dance?" Have you convinced yourself God doesn't care about what we do?
 You might want to look into His Sacred Scriptures...did you know He even refers to Himself as a very "jealous lover"?
 I would strongly recommend taking some time and learn about His love for us and what that might involve. It all starts with each one of us....having a humble attitude before Him, recognizing we are "not all that" in ourselves...actually we are just "dirt" until He breathes Life into our lives. In fact, to receive of His Grace and experience His Favor, we must first come to Him...with a reverent, submissive, and a heart filled with...humility."

 In the Old Testament, the prophet Micah spoke about humility...and how it encourages us to be merciful to others...why?...because He has been merciful with us.
 Here is a Gleaning taken from Micah 6:8:

 "The Lord has shown you what is good, and has made it clear as to His requirements to
  each of us...that being..."To do the right thing in everyday life."
 Our actions should be birthed out of Mercy..for He is merciful to us. Our lives should demonstrate acts of fairness and true justice to those around us...for He is fair and true to each one of us.
 Our journey in this life should be on the "Path of Humility"... seeking His Presence as we learn to walk with Him daily...knowing in our own hearts it is He who is the Author of our very lives."

 In the National Prayer Breakfast in 1982, President Ronald Reagan was the presidential speaker...concluded his address with these words: " Whatever days left in me, may they belong...to Him."

So I am a Christian...What does that mean? Part 1

Since I have given my heart and life to the Lord Jesus, I have found this friendship with Him is much like other friendships I have had and have now.... the key being to taking the time getting to know one another......because you want to....

 Have you ever had a friendship with another develop so close that you can "almost feel it" when they might be hurting, or in dire need, or just down about life?
 What makes my friendship with the Lord Jesus different is the rather obvious...I can't see Him...I can't touch Him...I can't watch his body movements or look Him in the eyes...yet...He is there.

 Sometimes it is like having an "imaginary" friend (in fact, some think this is the case lol), or like talking to a "ghost". What adds a different angle to this friendship is the fact there is really no audible voice like my other friends have, no writing like notes or e-mails, no texts or phone calls,...He has chosen to speak and carry on conversation with me...through what I sense in my heart...and relate to me through "the quietness of my own soul".
 The Holy Spirit also plays a part in the building of the friendship between the Lord Jesus and myself, and offers different gifts given by Him to each one of us to encourage this development of this...friendship.
 It is different...and yet rewarding. There are times when I sense this friendship between us is close...closer than any other friendship I have ever experienced...and then there are other times...it's like I can't find Him or get a hold of Him...and the reason is always the same...I am the one who needs to "buckle down" and trust Him, for it is by faith we receive Him.
 
 Another twist to this journey in what is defined within Christian circles as "A New Life" or "Being Born Again". When we invite the Lord Jesus into our hearts and submit to Him the right to become Lord of every area of our lives (this is definitely a lifelong process), we now find ourselves citizens...to a much different culture than what I myself have ever experienced. We are now citizens..of the Father's Kingdom. Not only that, but His Kingdom has already begun to take residence in our own hearts.
 We are now citizens of His Father's Kingdom...yet I am still an American, giving full allegiance to my country, and living in a democracy. How does that all work?
 I think the key is...having this friendship with Him...keeping my focus on knowing Him more...and letting Him show me how it all fits together.

 I have grown up with the belief that democracy is the answer to most of the evils in today's world. The idea of democracy often finds its roots in a view that man is basically good, and if we act wisely together and make decisions that promote the welfare of man and the good of all, we will be stable as a country, as a community, and as individuals.
 Now, enter being a part of God's Kingdom: In Genesis 6:5, the Lord spoke this command: " And God saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually."
 This is a contrast to the type of lifestyle I have been accustomed to.

 I guess my point in all this as far as being a Christian is: Finding who I am in my relationship to God and His Kingdom, and being able to be an active and positive individual in the land that I love, America...and its foundation built on democracy.
 I mean, take a look at one of Jesus Commands: "You have been instructed to love your neighbors and hate your enemies, and I now say to you...love your enemies."
 Now, if this was up for a vote as in a democracy...I would vote against it...because I don't want to "love my enemies". Yet, in God's Kingdom....this is a Command given to us by the Lord Jesus...who demonstrated to us how to do so...and it is not up for vote.

 And then, Saint Paul mentions to us about being "ambassadors" of the Kingdom....even in a democratic society...being an ambassador is big responsibility...
 I guess I will "ponder " a little more on this matter.

 Being a Christian...Following Jesus....Knowing Him....Relating to others.....hmmmm
 
 

Do You Think You Will Go To Heaven?...

The question of the ages: "Do you think you will go to Heaven?".....

 I realize some don't believe there is a Heaven...some don't think there is really a God...and certainly a number of people do not think Jesus died for them...they are doin' fine without all that "religious stuff".
 Ok...but how about the rest of us?

 Being a Christian is a unique lifestyle no doubt!

 I have grown up with all kinds of "stuff" people have said and gave input to what they thought about..."Heaven".
 John Lennon wrote his song in my younger years: "Imagine there is no Heaven"...leading one to believe we could all get along and be at peace if we just accepted one another and find ways to get along.
 "Is God Dead?" was a thought that was given attention when it appeared on the front cover of Time Magazine on April 8th, 1966. Friedrich Nietzsche is given credit to giving that assessment.

 I have heard how we are all "God's children", regardless of which way we choose to believe in Him. After all, our cultures are all different...Buddhism, Muslim, or Hinduism...and if that isn't enough to get you started...look at all the different beliefs within Christianity itself. Do Jehovah Witnesses believe Jesus is equal to God the Father, do the Mormons believe Jesus has always been God?...and then there are the Roman Catholics, the Presbyterians, the Pentecostals, and so on. How about those "guys" who "dance with snakes" to prove the God they serve?
And then there are other things.....
 How many times have I heard about the "end of the world?" How about all the abortions and how we as a country (U.S.) are being accused guilty...of murder?
 Then there are those who say they had tried being a Christian...but it didn't work. Others claim God is in the trees, the mountain tops...in nature itself. Still others claim the heart of man is basically good...we just have to uncover all the "junk" that has covered our very hearts...and we will find our true selves and can find joy in life.

 I don't know about you...but I have found there is "alot of stuff"from every walk of life. So, back to the question..."Do You Think You Will Go To Heaven?" Is it important to you?...Do you even care?..."Is this life just the "cards you were dealt"...deal with it?

 Well, how about all the success stories? People have great testimonies how they changed their lives around...when they bought a juicer and went vegan! Or, when they started sending out "positive thoughts" and just like a boomerang...good things come around!
 
 All this can become quite mind boggling...yet, there is one thing for me that seems to settle all the ideas, formulas, and direction needed for me to experience what life has for me and a purpose to why I even exist.  This thought allows me to find peace within, accept myself for who I am, and actually gives me power to turn my attention to the needs of others. It's like I come to a point at certain times in my life where I "feel their pain"...and then I pray for them...to the God I believe in.
 This all started for me when I learned this song when I was a small child by a beautiful lady that seemed to have so much love for me (yea, my family was all messed up too...my Mom and Dad split up shortly after I was born ( I did not take it personally lol), anyway, this lady whose name was "Leona", said to all of us one day that when we get sad, or scared, or just not happy...we should just sing this song until the "bad feelings" go away. The song went like this:

 "Jesus loves me this I know
 For the Bible tells me so,
 Little ones to Him belong,
 We are weak...but He is strong!"

 I think I was around 5 years old when I learned this song...and I remember when I had a severe car wreck at age 49...I was in the driver's seat wondering if I was still alive...and I was kind of in and out of consienceness...that song came to me: "Jesus loves me this I know, For the Bible tells me so, Little ones to Him belong, We are weak, But He is strong!"

I realize psychology studies show what I was doing at the moment of the car wreck was..."my inner conscienceness was reverting to a place that offered me rest and peace from the trauma I was encountering at the moment".
 Ok..so? All I know is...I felt it...His Love for me! I really wasn't much of a friend to Him at the time.  I had been at a gathering and gotten pretty drunk...and made the worst decision of my life...drive home. On top of that, I lived in a large city at the time, and where I crashed (I ran into a cement foundation of a railroad crossing at... they say I was going minimum 70 miles an hour). Anyway, it was a rough part of town, and I was told later by local authorities that when a person is stranded in his car in this particular area, it was an average of 3 to 4 minutes before you were robbed. I had been there for over 45 minutes before anyone arrived at the scene... and by His Grace I was not robbed.

 So, what am I trying to say here? I'm just sayin'... I am one of many...throughout history...throughout various cultures...throughout individual lives...that confirm this fact: He Lives! I am not here to defend this statement...I am here to proclaim it. There is still another...who has a way of convincing others...He has been sent as a Helper for us and the work of Christ Jesus...but I must warn you...if you are sincere and upfront about wondering if Christ Jesus is the One to put your trust in...and you make a decision to believe in Him, then it is entirely possible you just might find the answer to the original question of this article: " Do You Think You Will Go To Heaven?"...with a heartfelt answer "Yes"... and actually get things like joy and purpose into your life...if that is what you are looking for.

 Saint Paul, whose culture and way of life was totally different than mine, said this about Christ Jesus:

                                 A Gleaning from Romans 8:35-36

 " Do you really think anyone is going to drive a wedge between the love Christ Jesus gives to us and our hearts receiving His love? Are you kidding me?? Through His Grace...."It ain't gonna' happen"!
 There are no pressures or troubles, no hard times or distress, no suffering or hatred of any kind, no hunger or famine, no homelessness or if we are stripped naked, no bully-type threats, no backstabbing, there is absolutely no dangers of any kind that can stand up to His love for us.
 Look, even if we are killed in "cold blood"...because of a bitter hatred for the One we believe in...like sitting ducks..getting picked off one at a time, it does nothing to diminish His love for us. Why?...because:
               "Jesus loves me this I know
                 For the Bible tells me so
                 Little ones to Him belong
                 We are weak...but He...He is strong!"

Note: If you would decide to give your heart and life to Christ Jesus...here is how I learned to do it: First, get yourself in a quiet place for a little bit, then "speak from your heart"...you know what I mean right?....kind of like being honest with yourself...the best you know how.
 Then, you simply ask Christ Jesus to forgive you of your sin(s), the reason I put ( ) on sin is because there is really only one sin that is the root of all other sins in our lives...the sin of rejecting Him....doing His work at the Cross for us and recognizing that without this work at the Cross...we would die in misery...with no hope of anything to look forward to...in this life we live now or in the Life to come ( pretty wild thought, huh!?)
 Ask the Lord Jesus to come into your own heart and life, that you would make room for Him...and give Him the freedom to become the Lord of all areas of your life ( I have found this one is a process).
 I would then simply thank Him for the privilege of doing this...and then it happens!....He takes You directly to His Father...and you get introduced to Him! Trust me, it's a big thing in Heaven when you do this...angels go absolutely "nuts" in joy...or so I have been told....
 

Jar of Hearts...He is still adding more...to his collection.

The devil...a figure that has been discussed for centuries. Is he for real? Does he have power to influence lives? What does he really look like? Does he have a whole army of evil beings that "speak and direct" our lives in a way that is opposite of what God has intended for us? Hmmm?

 Remember the older horror films where there is a crazy looking professor in a lab with all these different body parts floating in jars?...including the human heart.

 A couple of years ago there was a song that came out by Christina Perri entitled "Jar of Hearts". I thought it was a really cool song (still do). The basics of the song was Christina Perri wrote the song after she finally had enough of a boyfriend that kept coming around and "stealing her heart", and then leave...leaving her hurt, alone, and ravaged by his behavior.
 Some of the words she chose for this song have really stuck with me and kind of reminds me of being a Christian...and  letting the Evil One (yep...the devil) influence my thoughts on life... ending up being disappointed and hurt...time and time again...kind of like what Christina Perri was singing about when her ruthless boyfriend kept coming around whenever he felt like it and basically making a mess of her life...then just leave.
 The chorus of her song called "Jar of Hearts" went like this:

       "And who do you think you are?
        Runnin' round leaving scars
        Collecting your jar of hearts
        And tearing love apart
        You're gonna catch a cold
        From the ice inside your soul
        Don't come back for me
        Who do you think you are?"

A couple other lines in Perri's song that I really liked...went like this:

       "I know I can't take one more step towards you
         'Cause all that's waiting is regret.
         And don't you know I'm not your ghost anymore..."

       " I learned to live, half a life
          And now you want me...one more time."

 Throughout history the devil has been depicted as some "light-hearted" guy dressed all in red carrying a pitchfork, or the other extreme as a monstrous gruesome figure that is strong, powerful, and really ugly. Personally, I don't think he is neither...but this one thing I have learned concerning him.
 The Sacred Scriptures teach we are to resist the devil. Really? How do we do that?

 We do that by the "tools" God has provided for us: 1) the love He as for us through the work of Christ Jesus, 2) the Sacred Scriptures that teach us about Christ and instructs us how to really get to know Him, and 3) by calling on the precious Holy Spirit to help us understand how much God really loves us.
 There are "thousands" of people giving advice and direction on how to be "good people", and if we just put some effort into it....we can do this!
 Yet, I am convinced without the Lord Jesus finding His place in our hearts...without the powerful aid of the Holy Spirit, and without the instructions of the Sacred Scripture saturating our daily lives...we by our sinful nature and the influences of the Evil One in this day and age...are fighting a losing battle.
  Check out 1 John 4:4-6

                                A Gleaning from 1 John 4:4-6

 " My dear children...you come from God...and now!...you belong to God.
You have crossed over, going through much "war-like" terrain...the Evil One having his influence over these false teachers trying to tell you how I (the Lord) wants you to live.
 Your victories have come by the aid of the powerful Holy Spirit, who because of Christ Jesus...now lives within you! And let me make this perfectly clear, the Holy Spirit is more powerful than the spirit of Evil who is out to control the world you live in.

 Our enemies...these false teachers who belong to this world...are constantly trying to influence you with their views...that are birthed from the Evil One. What makes matters worse...many people believe what these "trash-talkers" are vomiting...out of their very mouths.
 As for us who are believers and have our faith anchored in the "One Who Sets Us Free", we now have been given the freedom to know Him more...each day of our lives...progressively enter into a deeper relationship with Christ Jesus daily. Because of this, we now have a "clear picture" as to what is really going on"...and begin to see the beauty of having a loving friendship with...the "One Who Loved Us First".

 As for those who have no interest in knowing the Lord Jesus, choosing instead not to have anything to do with Him, disregarding and dismissing anything the Holy Spirit is saying... they now have another influence, the one who has "ice running through his soul", that being the Evil One...the god of this world...the devil incarnate.

 This is a key element to knowing those who speak from their hearts inspired by the Holy Spirit, and those who speak from the "Spirit of Deception"...filling people's heads with nothing but lies."

Who do they think they are?
          
        

Jesus sends a Valentine's Day Message: He went head on...and took on the "Troubles of the Troubled"

Being a follower of Christ Jesus...is so opposite of the way I think in daily life. Take this one out of Romans 15 for example: It just doesn't make sense to the way my mind thinks. I think we live in a world where those that are "strong" ( financially, in lifestyle, in success, etc.) is who we should be following after and "modeling our lives after". After all, it's the survival of the fittest...right?, even the animal kingdom teaches us that!
 Yet, Saint Paul comes up with this idea in Romans by stating: "Those whose faith is strong...should help, support, and walk  (side by side) with those who are weak...in the faith."  
   Really Paul...aren't they what we call "Losers"? After all, you "reap what you sew"...right?

                 A Gleaning from Romans 15: 3-6

 " Keep this in mind, Christ Jesus attitude toward daily life when He was here among us...when He was "one of us"...was this: He didn't put effort into trying to please Himself. In fact, He really didn't allow thoughts to arise within Him that would be of self-interest.
 The Scriptures point this out by declaring "the people who insult you...insult Me." In Psalm 69:9, it is a reflection type verse that identifies His love for us...and our love for Him... by saying: " My love for you burns more than words can ever express...and because I am madly in love with you...they blame me...for everything they dislike about...you!"

 In other words, Christ Jesus did not try and make His life a little easier by avoiding the hurts and problems in others around Him...instead...He walked right in the middle of them...and gave them strength to get through their troubles. One might say He "took on the troubles of the troubled."

 And what does that do for us today...February 14th, 2013? It says this: Let us not take lightly the Sacred Scriptures written far in the past...for you can be sure of this: Everything written by "the Ancients"..were written for us...today! Here is why: These "Words of Wisdom" our forefathers wrote in centuries past enable us today to have a combination of His steady, constant, warm and calling counsel...a very personal counsel...with Him! Through this bond of friendship He gives us power to be encouraged as well as encourage others, and gives us hope in this life and pass this hope on to others.

 Get a glimpse of this! Those very ancient Scriptures are still "beaming with power" today...molding our character and giving to us our real personalities...all energized by the One whom we have devoted our lives to...Christ Jesus!
 And it doesn't stop there...by continuing to read and adhere to the "Writings of the Ancients", we are now equipped with the "proper tools" needed to really live in peace and harmony with one another! So what does that mean?...That means when you say to someone: "The peace of the Lord be with you"...you now have the ability to really mean it!

 And...And...And...When we start to apply the "young and old" of the Sacred Scripture to our own personal and daily lives...we sound like a choir before Him...various harmonies with stunning anthems! What makes this even more potent...these "Songs to Him" are being generated...from our very own hearts!...giving honor, glory, and praise to the One who loved us first."

Is There a "Babylon" part 2... Coming?......

The Book of Ezekiel...some say it is a difficult book to really grasp......

 Ezekiel was a Biblical prophet who lived between 600 and 500 B.C. Historians of the Sacred Scripture say the Book of Ezekiel was probably written sometime between 593 and 556 B.C. In those days the Israelites had been conquered by the Babylonians, forced to leave their homeland and march 700 miles to be held captive and put into slavery in the great city of Babylon. Imagine, marching out of Jerusalem and into the dry desert, looking back over their shoulder...only to see... the Temple...where their God lives...burning...to the ground.

 Ezekiel was called by the Lord God to what I would consider a tough task. Israel had become an exceedingly sinful people and a hopeless society with internal strife and struggles. The poor had been neglected, narcissism had almost become a "god",  pride and vanity had replaced humility and having a repentant type heart.
 What Ezekiel had been called to do was: 1) to bring to his people the need for repentance and 2) to follow-up repentance with a restored hope and give them a renewed confidence in their God and the belief He can rescue them.  
 In the early part of Ezekiel it reads:

 "And He said to me: "Ezekiel, I am sending you to our family...the people of Israel. Both Judah and Israel have this in common: They have grown to be rebellious nations...against Me and what I stand for. They are stubborn ( a sin born in witchcraft), hard headed, and their own hearts are hardened as well...in love with their own sins. 
 This is what I will have you say to them...but first, you must understand this. They may not even want to hear the message you are about to announce from Me...but that's ok...they will soon understand this, it is I the Lord God, who is the Author of the message I give you.
 And don't be in fear of the reactions you might receive...and don't be afraid of anything they might say to you. In fact, you might feel like you are in the middle of a large bush of thorny briers, or wake-up feeling like there are scorpions all around you...even in your own bed! Don't let their looks(painted warlike faces or tattoos "threatening anyone who comes near") frighten you as well.. These people have become a "nasty-lookin'" bunch!
 I just want you to speak these words that come from Me regardless if they want to hear...or not. Whether they listen to you or not...is not your concern....it is Mine! These people are "seasoned" rebels.  A Gleaning from Ezekiel 2: 3-7

 In Ezekiel chapters 8 through 11, the prophet receives a vision from the Lord and the message he is to deliver. The chapters go into detail how the Temple in Jerusalem had become grossly profane...with idol worship, sacrificing animals to "no-name" gods, and even the false god Tammuz had found a place to lodge near the Temple...giving honor to the sun...the sun which the Lord Himself had created. God finds all this so profane He Himself has had to walk away from all the filth.
 In Ezekiel 11, the prophet is told to prophesy against these men who "study iniquity" and "frame together" wicked counsel.

 Note: In my years of having a blog to share the Sacred Scripture with others and to present it in a way that comes from my own heart, I have always rejected in both mind and heart to "flee from anything negative" and "run with all my heart" from suggesting anything in the future.
 Yet, in recent months, particularly the last 6 or so, I am so overwhelmed with this thought I can no longer keep it inside of me.
 As I have begun to look at the prophet Ezekiel...my heart keeps almost "screaming" there is something parallel now as to what happen back then.

 I hope I am totally wrong...and you can write me and say: "Boy, you missed it there dude!" And that is ok, it is better for me to declare this than to hold it in any longer. In my own country, of which I love, and perhaps you have the same feelings for your place of origin, things are not right...I don't mean economically, or which leader is over your country...it's deeper than that.
 Things are not right.."in the Spirit" for lack of a better phrase...and I am completely convinced there is some sort of "Babylonian Invasion" that is soon to take place. I am not saying the world is about to end, or even a country is about to be destroyed. What I am saying there is a national need of repentance that I believe will have grass roots beginnings...and whatever may be coming...will eventually be for the good of our nation.

 I am going to "hang around" in Ezekiel for a while....there are answers for myself...and perhaps for others too...I think we are going to need them!

 

The finale...of Ruth and Boaz...over 1300 years before the birth of Christ

Historical scholars believe the lifetime of Ruth and Boaz was probably in the 1300's...B.C.  It's an amazing thought how God had already put a plan of action together and was on His way...to redeeming us!....

 In those days, a person's name took on meaning to others when they heard the name announced. Ruth for example means "friend"...and how true she proved to be to Naomi. Boaz means "in him is strength"...and how true he was in being a strength to not only Ruth but Naomi as well.
 Ruth and Boaz did have a son...Obed...which actually means "worship" or "in service to God". Here is how it all happened....

                            A Gleaning from Ruth 4...the Final Chapter

 Here then is what followed when Boaz left Ruth at the treadmill that early morning. Boaz went straight to town...to the public square located near the entrance gate of what is now Bethlehem.
 It was customary in those days to conduct business affairs with other business men in this designated area. Boaz took his place in the meeting and sat down, waiting until the closer relative of Naomi would arrive.
 The Sacred Scriptures never mention the name of the "closer relative", but the truth is Boaz simply waited until he arrived.

  While Boaz was preparing to meet with the closer relative to Naomi, Boaz requested 10 of the elder business men of the group to participate and witness the meeting that was about to take place. In those days it was required that none of the 10 men who attended this meeting could be related to Boaz or any of the family of Naomi, and after he had received confirmation, the 10 men he requested agreed to attend the meeting, and after the legal preparation was finalized, the closer relative...arrived!
 When Boaz saw the closer relative...the one who is commonly called "the First Redeemer", he spoke up and said: " Sir, if I may, we need to speak...for I have some rather urgent business I would like to go over with you! If you would be kind enough to sit with me...I will go over these matters with you. The "First Redeemer" heartily agreed, and sat with Boaz...along with the 10 men chosen to attend this meeting.
 Boaz continued..." Our dear Naomi, the widow of our "brother" Elimilech, has returned from the country of Moab. She is offering up this land that has belonged to Elimilech. Since you are the first of "Redeemers", you have first "bid" to purchase this property of Elimilech...and I have asked these 10 gentlemen to witness any transaction that may occur. But, if you choose not to show interest in this property, then I, Boaz, am next in line to purchase this property from Naomi...and I am very interested.
 Without hesitation, the first Redeemer spoke up and said to Boaz: "I will buy it!"

 Boaz then replied:" I certainly understand your decision, I must add the following in regards to the purchase of Elimilech's land: Since Naomi is a widow with no surviving sons, she does indeed have a daughter-n-law named Ruth. Under our Jewish law, you are also required to take care of both Naomi and Ruth the Moabite. In fact, you will need to marry Ruth since her husband, Naomi's son, has passed away, and restore his name to the family line of inheritance. By doing so, Ruth can have children and her husband's name be restored in the family line as well as the land staying within the family."
 Upon hearing these words from Boaz, the "First Redeemer" replied: " If this be the criteria for the purchase of this land belonging to Elimilech, I must most respectfully decline. I am already obligated to my own family...including the inheritances and land that goes with these obligations. For me to purchase this land would only complicate matters for both myself and my family. Boaz, since you have voiced your interest in this land of Elimilech, I would suggest and give my blessing for you to go ahead and make this purchase."

 In the days of Boaz and Ruth, to make a sale legal, as in this case the "First Redeemer" yielding with his blessing for Boaz to purchase the land belonging to Elimilech, the "First Redeemer" would remove his sandal and give it to Boaz as a legal transaction, a formality much like a seal, in front of the 10 witnesses, verifying publicly he was relinquishing his rights to the purchase, and yielding this right to Boaz.  And that is exactly what happened! Boaz was now able to purchase the land....and pursue Ruth...to be his wife!

 Boaz then turned his attention to the 10 elders (witnesses) and to all those within the business area and announced: " Today, gentlemen, I call upon you as witnesses that I, Boaz, have bought all property belonging to Elimilech and his 2 sons, Chilion and Mahlon, from the hand of Naomi, the widow of our beloved Elimilech.
 I further announce today that Ruth the Moabite, the widow of Mahlon, I will also take full responsibility for...and will make her my wife! By so doing, the restoration of the 2 sons of Naomi will be continued through proper inheritance, and their names will not be forgotten. The family of Elimilech will remain "alive" and continued through the family lines."
 Then, the 10 elders and all those attending in the gate area of the city of Bethlehem where daily business was conducted, arose and issued this proclamation: " Yes Boaz, we are witnesses to this transaction. Furthermore we too give our blessing and pray the Lord God of Israel will give you and your wife Ruth...many children! May your children be like those of Leah and Rachel...who are the mothers of the 12 tribes of our great nation, Israel! We also seek our God and ask that He might prosper you...and your reputation will be well-known as a strong pillar within the Bethlehem community!  And may the children our God gives you from your blessed wife Ruth...be rival to the family of Perez...and his son Tamar...of the tribe of Judah!...who we have sworn allegiance to as one of the 12 tribes to our great nation...Israel!"

 And so it happened!...Ruth was married to Boaz. Soon after, the Lord blessed the couple with a son. Shortly after the birth of their son, the women of the village of Bethlehem came to Naomi ( they never accepted Naomi's request to call her "Mara" meaning bitter...they kept with "Naomi" meaning pleasant) and said to her: " Praise be to our great God! He again has been found faithful...giving you Naomi a grandson!...to watch over you and continue your bloodline. We pray to our great God of Israel that your grandson will be a "Restorer of Life", and watch over you Naomi, supporting and giving you nourishment...even in your old age! This grandson is the son of your beloved daughter-n-law Ruth, who has expressed her love to you...more than 7 sons of your own would have given you, our dear Naomi!"
 Naomi then took her grandson into her arms, drawing him close to her and "cooing him", for she loved him deeply.
 And it was the women of the village that gave the son of Ruth and Boaz a name...that being "Obed"...meaning "to worship Him"! Yet, among the everyday "talk", he was nicknamed "Naomi's baby boy!"

 So, what was the outcome of this story of Ruth and Boaz and to the nation of Israel?...Well, consider this: Obed became the father of Jesse...who became the father of the great "King David"!

 Here is how this bloodline came about: It started with Perez..to Hezron..to Ram..to Amminadab..to Nahshon..to Salmon..to Boaz..to Obed..to Jesse..to David...and there was another to come from this bloodline...the Chosen One...the King of Kings...our Lord Jesus Christ!
 I am so thankful for this couple...Ruth and Boaz...May our hearts have the qualities of Ruth and Boaz!

Ruth 3....The "Scent of a Woman"

Ruth chapter 3 is a somewhat famous chapter because of it's notoriety of the Ruth-Boaz relationship and it's "mirror" of how Christ Jesus redeemed us....
 In the Hebrew language, there is a word that has been much discussed through time, the word "GOEL". In English, this word is translated "Redeemer", or to "buy back again". An example of this would be if someone purchases an animal from you, and later you go and buy the same animal back, you were to have said to "redeem" or buy back the animal.

 Here in Ruth, Boaz was about to buy the land that had belonged to Naomi's husband, Elimilech. This land had been owned by Elimilech, and when he moved his family to Moab, the land was purchased by someone else.  By Jewish law at the time, when Naomi returned, Boaz, being a relative to the family of Elimilech, could purchase the land for the family and keep the family and its land in tact. Because Naomi was a widow with no surviving children, Boaz, in order to keep the family bloodline, had rights to also take care of Naomi and Ruth as well.
 Many Biblical scholars have written on this subject and how it is an example of Christ Jesus "buying each one of us back" through His work at the Cross. I will not elaborate on this simply because there are those who have written on the subject with much more skill than I possess.
If you would like to find out more about Boaz purchasing the land belonging to Elimilech, or simply the word "GOEL", there are numerous articles both on-line and in books that diagnose this marvelous act in great detail.

 I think for me, I am simply marveled on Ruth...her child-like and obedient faith...and how by her love for Naomi and for the God of Naomi, Ruth received much grace from the great God of Israel.  I think this chapter speaks to me as to what God  has for us....His love for each one of us....when we simply put our focus on...Him!
  Ruth gave "her life" to Naomi...making a decision to both love her and to learn and love the God of Naomi...and now Ruth has an opportunity to express her love in a different matter...giving love to Boaz  romantically. For just as Ruth had taken a "step of faith" to love Naomi, love Boaz, and love the God of Israel...she has received much love in return.

                                   Gleaning of Ruth, chapter 3

"One day Naomi, Ruth's mother-n-law, spoke to Ruth and said: "My dear daughter, you have been good to me...both in word and in your actions...yet, I cannot continue to just have you take care of me...with no future of your own. Because of what Boaz is doing for both of us, and he is our close relative, what are your thoughts on possibly making a life...with Boaz?
 Ok, listen to this idea! Tonight Boaz will be willowing out the barley at the threshing floor. This could be an excellent time for you to make a move towards him...particularly when he has shown great interests in you these last few weeks. So, what would you say to getting you all ready...for tonight's celebration at the threshing floor! Let's give you one of those hot "spa" baths, anoint you with some fragrant and exotic perfumes, do your hair...and nails...and send you out to see him tonight?!
 Here is how I would suggest you do this. When you are all "prepped" and ready, go to the threshing floor celebration...but don't make contact with Boaz, in fact don't let Boaz even see you...until he is ready to call it a night...after he has finished eating and drinking.
 Now, here is what you do at this point...watch him! See where he has chosen to lie down to get some sleep, and when he has chosen his place to rest, this is where you make your move! It is our custom that if you have made the decision to yield your life to a man you would want to be your husband, then, when you see the man you desire...like Boaz in this case, go to where he is at sleeping, gently lift the bottom of his robe, and lay down near his feet as is our custom. Then, when Boaz awakes and discovers you, he will understand the meaning of what you are doing...and will tell you what his thoughts are and the future of possibly having a life together."

 Ruth, hearing all this from Naomi...replied: " Naomi, all this time I have been with you, you have always given good and sound advice..and I like this idea of yours as well! I trust in the words you have spoken Naomi...and I put my trust in this God of Abraham...and with all the respect you have given me...and the respect Boaz has given me as well..I say: "Let's do this!"
 And that is exactly what they did. Ruth was given a full "beauty treatment", adorned in beautiful clothes...and went to the threshing floor celebration...with Naomi's instructions tucked away...in her heart!

 When Boaz had finished eating and drinking...feeling quite "merry" from the plentiful harvest and the taste of good wine, found a place near the end of the threshing floor that had a big pile of grain. It was here Boaz chose to rest...lied down and went to sleep.

 Enter...Ruth! Ruth quietly came to where Boaz had chosen his place to rest, lifted the end of Boaz's robe as Naomi had instructed, lied down...giving Boaz a clear "go" sign...that she was available...for marriage!
 And around midnight, Boaz awoke to turn over, and was totally surprised to find a woman lying near his feet! He then spoke up and asked:" Who are you?"
 Ruth responds: "Sir, I am Ruth, your maiden if you so choose. I ask that you take me under "your wing of protection". You are a close relative through marriage, and within the "Circle of the Covenant Redeemers"...and have the right to marry me."

 Boaz then spoke: "Ruth!...First, may I say the honor is mine! Certainly the Lord has blessed you, and your expression of love toward me speaks for itself...and your respect and loyalty to our family "speaks volumes" as well. I know you could have easily gone after a younger and handsome man, whether he be rich or poor, and made a life together. Yet, out of honor and respect to our family, and a love for me...you have chosen this path instead!
 Ruth, first, may I say you have no need to worry...about anything. I will do all things necessary to properly arrange things...and will only add to your virtuous and courageous qualities.
 One thing Ruth we will need to confront...together. It is true I am one of your relatives that is qualified to take care of you...and Naomi! Yet, there is one who lives here who is even a closer relative than I. So, let's do this. Remain here tonight, and in the morning I will find him and see if he wishes to exercise his customary right and responsibility as one within the "Circle of Covenant Redeemers"...for he has that right. But, if he chooses not to exercise this right...by the Grace of God...I will surely redeem you!"

 So Ruth did as Boaz suggested. Early in the morning, before the dawn had broke and it was easy for people to recognize one another, Ruth arose. Boaz had also said to Ruth that no one must know she had come to the threshing floor. Boaz then instructed Ruth to spread out her cape...and measured out 6 scoops of fresh barley and placed it in her cape. He then helped her to place it on her shoulders...and Boaz left for town.

 When Ruth returned home, Naomi was there to greet her and anxiously asked: " What happened my dear Ruth?" Ruth then explained to her everything that had went on, and said: " Look Naomi!...he gave me all this barley (6 scoops...almost 6 quarts) and said he would not allow me to come home empty-handed to my mother-n-law".
 Naomi then said to Ruth: " Ok, just sit back and relax Ruth...and wait for the results of what Boaz is about to do. I know this man...he isn't the kind to "fool around" or delay on things of this matter. He wants you Ruth! You can bet he will have all this settled...before this day even comes to an end!"