From the desk of one of His faithful servants Chief Apostle L.R.Gooden Jr., as we embark upon the new year of 2024/5784 the Lord spoke to me that it will be a year of Open Doors for Revelation, Re-Alignment and Renewal for Prophetic Fulfillment according to:
Revelation 3:8 NKJV…“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
The Jewish Year 5784 began on Rosh Hashanah September 15th 2023 using the Hebrew Alphabet and Gematria system.
5 = Grace: (1000 years - Millennium)
7 = Completion, perfection: (100 years - Century)
8 = New beginnings: (10 years - Decade)
4 = Door, prophetic fulfillment: (1 year - Year)
Of all the prophetic numbers aligned with 5784, I feel led to focus primarily on the number 4. This Hebrew year, represented by 5784, holds tremendous significance for the number 4 and its corresponding letter Dalet. I believe this year will be a season of radical transformation, renewal and realignment, if we obey the Lord’s voice. We must be aware though that there will be a spiritual battle for the effectual door of promise to be opened. While the number 4 is called Dalet in Hebrew and it represents a picture of a tent door, or open door, I believe that the Lord is speaking to us even deeper about these spiritual doors.
The spiritual meaning of door is the entry point to a new space. Doors represent the transition from one place to another. They are also symbolic of change, especially when they are closed or locked. When a door opens, it opens up possibilities to new experiences. Doors can also be considered as exit points as well as entrances. The person who opens the door decides whether it will be an entrance or exit point.
Doors are also used to keep out unwanted visitors, but they can also be used as an invitation for others to come inside and enter into your life, mind and heart. A door often represents the opening of new possibilities and challenges in the future.
2024/5784 is going to be a year of the voice of the Doorkeeper. Doors will begin to appear for many, with heavenly encounters and signs showing the way. Borders will open between new partnering nations/regions/houses. Beware of any vulnerability in defenses that may be exploited, so it is necessary to prepare your defenses before the new year. It’s Time to chart a new path for prophetic fulfillment.
In the Hebrew calendar, the number 8 symbolizes new beginnings, and the open door represents a gateway to God's blessings and breakthroughs. Just as the Israelites crossed the Red Sea on dry land, leaving behind their bondage and entering into freedom, this year will mark a significant transition for God's people.
Additionally, the number 80 in Hebrew is represented by the letter "pey" (), which signifies a time of completion and fulfillment. Again, the number 4 in Hebrew is represented by the letter "dalet" (), which symbolizes a doorway or a path. It signifies stability, foundation, and the four corners of the earth. Therefore, as we step through the door of this new beginning, the number 4 reminds us to establish a solid foundation in our faith and embrace the divine path that lies ahead.
The open door signifies not only physical doors of opportunity but also spiritual portals unveiling fresh encounters with GOD. As we align our hearts with God's purposes, we will witness the fulfillment of His promises and experience a greater outpouring of His Spirit. It is a time to seek His face, listen intently to His voice, and step boldly through the doors that He opens before us.
Therefore we must stay in tune with what GOD is saying to His Church, and we know that Faith comes by Hearing and Hearing by the Word of GOD through His Prophets & Preachers.
So Now Under a strong Anointing of the Holy Spirit I RELEASE TO YOU THE THEME AND SCRIPTURE FOR KBCMI FOR 5784/2024:
5784 The Year of the Open Door for Revelation, Realignment and Renewal for Prophetic Fulfillment!
Revelation 3:8 NKJV…“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
It’s time for the Remnant of GOD to put their complete trust in the WORD of GOD and receive everything that GOD has in store for us in the year of 5784/2024.
May the Lord continue to Bless you & keep you in Jesus Name.
Blessings,
Chief Apostle, L.R. Gooden Jr.
Enrich your spiritual life as you study inspirational messages gleaned from the Word of God! The Holy Bible is filled with wisdom that will strengthen your character and deepen your walk with the Lord. As you reflect on key Scripture passages, you will discover encouraging lessons and practical applications woven throughout the Word. Leon Gooden presents an in-depth study of key Bible passages to sharpen your faith and help you grow in your understanding of God. Each chapter explores a different Scripture passage to encourage you in your daily walk with Jesus Christ. In this book, you’ll learn: -How God calls you to be actively involved in His purposes and plans for the world -You are God’s child, accepted and highly favored—made holy and righteous by the blood of Jesus -How the Holy Spirit will empower you to bring life to others who desperately need it -How God wants to sanctify you and move you toward the future He has planned for you -How worship can overcome temptations to sin -When nothing makes sense, God has a perfect handle on things -Why the result of knowing God is an intimate relationship with the Creator of the universe This book is ideal to enhance your personal daily devotions, or as a Bible study tool in a small group setting. Short chapters with edifying messages are perfect for livening up your devotions! Start reading your copy of Walking in the Word today—and spark a flame in your heart for real growth as a child of God!
It's released Apostle's new book, get yours today! Walking in the Word: Fifty Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Relationship with God.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul … who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.” (Psalm 103:2,5)
The Bible speaks much about renewal. Abraham lived a full life and was rich in all things when he died at the ripe old age of 175. His wife Sarah was gorgeous in her older years and gave birth to her first child in her nineties. Caleb at age 85 was eager to fulfill prophetic destiny. Moses began to lead Israel through the wilderness in his eighties and in his older years his eyes did not grow dim. When we receive Christ we are filled with eternal life. This is God’s glorious life. You can have expectation to be renewed daily through the Word of God.
God wants your strength, vitality, and beauty to be rejuvenated regularly.
We do not need to buy into the lie that declares we will diminish in vitality and appearance as we age. We can always be fresh. As our days are, so shall our strength be! (Deuteronomy 33:25). We can always radiate the glory of the Lord. In fact, the Word reveals that, “The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former” (Haggai 2:9). You are blessed with rejuvenation in Christ. Eternal life – “God-life” – dwells within you. Rejoice and plan with expectation for a glorious future!
You can activate this truth in your life by Confessings Powerful Prayer Directives over your life daily. Look in the mirror and proclaim with confidence the beauty, energy, renewed favor, and brightness of mind and vision you carry in the Lord. Decree youthfulness with confidence and faith over the awesome person you see in the mirror (you!).
Prophetic Prayer Directives:
I am refreshed and rejuvenated in the Lord. I am invigorated and renewed.
Every living cell in my body is rejuvenated.
I am empowered by the Lord in my inner man and as a result I am full of vigor and vitality.
I receive age reversal – my youth is being renewed as the eagle.
I decree Christ in me is the hope of glory (bounty, splendor, majesty) for my body, soul, and spirit. I am filled with His glory.
I celebrate my salvation in Christ daily and as a result I am rejuvenated, refreshed and replenished.
As my days are so shall my strength be.
I am ever strengthened and rejuvenated from “glory to glory.”
I am blessed with eternal life activating daily in me.
I am renewed this day because the Holy Spirit is filling me with life and light.
For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 2:16
Have you ever thought of how wonderful it would be to think just like God? I have good news for you – you can! When the Spirit of God dwells within you, you have the mind of Christ. It is given to you in your salvation package when you receive Christ. Very few, however, activate and utilize it, but every believer can.
How many times have you leaned on your own understanding for solutions to problems before going to the Lord for His divine answers? I believe we all fall short in this but we can change our ways and seek Him for insight, solutions, knowledge, wisdom, counsel and understanding whenever we are in need of these things. All these blessings are all available to us in the mind of Christ, all the time. We simply need to access His mind by faith.
Here are some keys to help you cultivate the activation of the mind of Christ that dwells within you.
Believe that you possess the mind of Christ within your new nature.
Nurture the mind of Christ within you by the renewing of your mind through the Word. Meditate on His Word and you will discern the will and ways of God.
When needing insights, solutions, knowledge, wisdom, counsel and understanding for situations in life, inquire of the Lord by humbling yourself before Him and requesting His response through prayer.
Spend time with the Lord listening for Him to share His heart with you and waiting on Him with expectation for His divine insights.
When you receive His insights, believe them and apply them.
Bible characters like Daniel and Joseph had “divine intelligence” operating in their lives. They knew God’s solutions for problems and as a result they affected their nation. Can you imagine what the world would be like if every Christian accessed the mind of Christ? I think the world would be a better place, don’t you?
Prayer Directives
Here are some powerful decrees to activate the Mind of Christ within you:
I decree that:
I have the mind of Christ residing in my inner man.
The mind of Christ lives big in me and is full of all the knowledge, wisdom, insights, understanding and solutions that I need.
I possess “divine intelligence.”
I do not lean unto my own understanding, but in all my ways I acknowledge God.
God’s ways are higher than my ways, therefore I humble myself before Him and receive His understanding.
Through the mind of Christ I can access the knowledge of witty inventions.
The mind of Christ reveals thing I need to now about the future.
The mind of Christ teaches me to make godly decisions daily.
The mind of Christ grants me good memory and recall.
Eight Decrees to Bring Healing and Alignment to Your Nation In 2022!
I declare that:
1. Every plot, ploy, attack, assignment, minion and manifestation of the enemy sent against my nation will be revealed and rendered null and void! (1 John 3:8, John 19:30, Isaiah 60:3, Luke 8:17)
2. My nation was made by God, belongs to God, will know God, and will serve God! (Psalm 24:1-2, John 1:3, Deuteronomy 20:23-24)
3. God is for my nation and with my nation. He is well able to heal the land and bring us fully back to Him! (2 Chronicles 7:14, Romans 5:8, Psalm 86:15, Zephaniah 3:17)
4. The church will arise in Truth and Love, awakening to our power as His dominion stewards in the land. We will take up our place of impact; ignited by God’s presence, power and personality! (Isaiah 60:1-3, Isaiah 61:1-4, Job 29:17)
5. May we receive an infusion of grace and faith to believe, receive, and see made manifest the full greatness of I AM in our lives … now! (Ephesians 1:17-19, 1 Thessalonians 5:24, Hebrews 13:20-21).
6. Jesus is King of my nation, enthroned on the praise, prayer and worship of His people to rule and reign in this land! (Psalm 47:6-8, Psalm 22:3)
7. The Lord will protect, provide for, empower and equip His men and women in government, media, schools, families, arts and entertainment, business, and the church! And He will stir and empower His people to pray for our leaders! (2 Peter 1:3, Philippians 2:13, Ephesians 1:3, James 13:20-21, 1 Timothy 2:1-3)
8. Light Be! Light Be! Light Be! In every sphere of influence in my nation let the Light, Love and Life of God break forth in great and mighty ways shattering the darkness, lies, chaos and confusion of the enemy! (Genesis 1:3-4, John 1:5)
God’s wind brings life. God’s wind often comes as breath to bring new life. The Living GOD has breathed His life into us (Genesis 2:7, Job 33:4) and calls us to release His lifegiving Spirit to others – even to cities and nations. Let the Lord breathe fresh life into every area that feels dead and lifeless. Call to His wind, like Ezekiel, to breathe into your “dry bones” that they might live (Ezekiel 37:1-14). Ask the Holy Spirit to breathe into stagnant desires, moving them into faith-filled promises. Let GOD breathe life into all that He wishes to resurrect and restore. He wants to breathe fresh life into your health, finances, relationships, and all your mountains of influence.
God’s wind brings momentum. Like a sailboat, you have capacity to harness the wind of the Spirit to move you into your accelerated destiny. When you are moving with and not against the wind, there is no striving. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where He is leading in each situation of your life, so you can position yourself in Him and in the wind. As you rest in that place, you will be filled with fresh grace for supernatural ease and increase (Job 29:6, Matthew 11:28-30).
God’s wind brings hope. When Ezekiel saw the valley of dry bones, He was instructed to call forth the four winds to breathe life, because the house of Israel had lost hope (Ezekiel 37:11). The Lord explained that when His breath comes truth will be revealed, people will come out of their graves, and hope will arise, as they will be brought back into their promised land (Ezekiel 37:12-14). Ask for the Lord to do the impossible in your life and in your spheres of influence (Matthew 19:26). Let hope arise, as He shows Himself true. Receive your Hope of Glory (Colossians 1:27).
God’s wind bring refreshing. One of the beautiful things about the wind is the refreshing it brings when it blows. Let His refreshing wind blow over you and into each area of your life. Let the wind bring the rain to wash you free from your weariness (Psalm 68:9). He wants to refresh you with new waves of His love (Song of Solomon 2:5). Now Receive and be filled!
God’s wind brings redirection. When the wind blows, especially a strong wind, it brings natural change in the direction of that which is blown upon. It lifts up, sifts, reorders, and even turns around what is in its path. Ask the Holy Spirit to blow upon you to remove the dross. Let Him sweep away that which is in and around you that is not of GOD, (Isaiah 30:28, Hebrews 12:27). We can also ask His wind to blow upon nations and cities to remove the dross in the midst (Ezekiel 22:18-22).
God’s wind brings empowerment. The Spirit of Might is available to give you strength and power (Isaiah 11:2). As you wait upon Him, expect new strength and endurance. It is in this place that you will truly mount up with wings like eagles, soaring to new heights, where you will run and not grow weary and walk and not grow faint. Be strengthened with power (Ephesians 3:16), as you rise on the wind soaring into greater levels of His victory.
God’s wind brings His presence. As the winds blow, His cloud comes into view! God is in the cloud (Job 37:15-16, Job 22:14, Job 37:11, Numbers 16:42, Exodus 16:10). As you seek His glory and presence to come into your life and circumstances, know that His righteousness and justice will align everything into His ways (Psalm 97:2, Nahum 1:3, Isaiah 55:8). Ask for His glory to flood your life to bring Kingdom order. Behold His majesty and mystery, as new levels of awe and wonder fill your heart and mind. It is here, where God’s authority is established, that heaven will come to earth.
God’s wind brings faith. In situations of accelerated wind, whirlwinds and storms ensue. When the winds push against “the boat” it will force us into greater levels of faith to produce miracles. Like Peter, many will be called out into the impossible (Matthew 14:22-23). Pray for your situations of challenge to be turned into courageous times of activated faith, where you move out of the ordinary and into the supernatural ways of God. Ask for courage when the winds blow against you to trust in Him. God will work all things for good (Romans 8:28).
We are experiencing tumultuous times. Times that lead to fear, anxiety, and uncertainty! It seems that every day I overhear, or I'm a part of, a conversation where someone says, "I don’t know what’s going to happen." Or another familiar statement is, "What are we going to do?"
Nobody is able to change what has already happened, but we certainly don't have to allow those changes to change us! Others may be swayed and allow unwelcome change to affect them, but that doesn’t mean that we should.
In Joshua 24:15 we find Joshua speaking to the Israelites, he says:
"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Where do you stand? Who do you serve? If you’re satisfied with where you stand, THEN STAND YOUR GROUND IN 2022!
Psalm 34:1-3“I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.”
Several times, people ask this very question which implies that God has either abandoned them or that, He no longer cares. In challenging situations they ask, ‘God why me’? In depressing times they ask’ God why me’? But never do these same people ask ‘God, Why me‘? when they are enjoying success and abounding in blessings..
But challenges and trials confront us all at some point in life. It is only by the mercies of God that we are not consumed in them, for God’s love for us is new each passing day. Bearing this in mind, during overwhelming times, God expects us to understand that; “it is not of him that wills, nor of Him that runs, but of God that shows mercy” – Romans 9:16
Have you ever asked ‘God why me’? – For making you see a new day. Have you asked Him, ‘God why me’? – that Jesus shed His blood to redeem you from the bondage of Satan. Have you asked God why me?, that you are not in prison (many people are there without even committing any crime) Have you asked ‘God why me’? – for healing you of illnesses that killed other people. Have you asked ‘God why me’? – For rescuing you from disasters that consumed many other people. Have you asked ‘God why me’? That you can see with your eyes, breath normally without a life-support, you are mentally healthy, you can eat normal food, you have access to clean drinkable water, etc. Many people dream of what you have, but, can’t possess them.
If you can begin to ask, ‘God why me’? in a positive manner, that is, remembering and acknowledging God’s goodness, it will amaze you what God did, does and is doing in your life. For once, ignore whatever it is that is keeping you awake through the night and start celebrating the faithfulness of God in and all around you.
Let me start with this first, if you “truly” know Christ as your personal Savior, you are safe in His hands (John 10:27-33). All things will truly work out for your good, no matter how difficult life may be. As we move closer to His return (Romans 8:28-39), look up the passages and be blessed.
SIGNS:
The storm clouds are gathering over nations, especially Israel and America.
A review of Matthew 24 and 25, presents many clear signs of the times. Many people {individually} today, both saved and unsaved appear to be interested in world events and the Biblical teaching of Christ’s soon return. The strange thing is the quietness found in most pulpits today about this enormously, exciting Biblical truth. Pulpits are not warning the people of II Corinthians 5:10. Even though the mandate for preachers is to preach the “whole” counsel of God, many pastors are fearful that folks will leave the church if they follow God’s direction for their ministry.(see Ephesians 4:11-12; II Peter 1:20-21; Matthew 5:18; II Timothy 3:16-17 and II Timothy 4:1-5)
So why do folks not realize they are supposed to bring glory and pleasure to God and not themselves. (Isaiah 43:7; Revelation 4:11)
The reality is that the truth has not been explained to them. Why do they not realize that they must give an account to Christ for their lifestyle. Simple, they haven’t been told. Why are Christians not concerned over living a pleasure oriented lifestyle and not concerned about carry out God’s commands. (like John 13:34-35; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Galatians 6:1, etc.)
Again, it’s pretty simple, “They have not been told the Biblical truth”. Or, if they have been told, they don’t believe it. Or, they like their sinful lifestyle more than obedience to the One who purchased them from the slave market of sin.
One of the vital signs of the end times is “apostasy“{a withdrawal from Biblical truth}.
Satan has blinded the eyes of many who profess to believe in Christ. He (Satan) is a liar and a deceiver and many follow the doctrines of demons rather than Biblical truth.(Leviticus 17:7; Psalms 106:37; I Corinthians 10:20-21; I Timothy 4:1; Revelation 13:4)
Worship of demonic doctrine is forbidden by God. (Leviticus 17:7; Zechariah 13:2; Revelation 9:20) What is needed today? Christians need to not blindly follow everything they hear but be like the people at Berea and search the Scriptures daily to “find out whether these were so”. (Acts 17:11)
Christians need to be concerned because our Lord warned in Matthew 24:12, that apostasy would abound in the latter days.
The Apostle Paul warned of apostasy in the latter days. (II Thessalonians 2:3 and again in I Timothy 4:1-3; cf Jude 3-19)
Example, if one is attending a church that agrees with abortion, homosexuality, same sex marriage, a need not to study the Bible, etc., then there is a responsibility to withdraw and attend where they can be taught truth. It is vital to be able to appear before Christ and not be ashamed. (II Corinthians 5:10)
Let me start with this first, if you “truly” know Christ as your personal Savior, you are safe in His hands (John 10:27-33). All things will truly work out for your good, no matter how difficult life may be. As we move closer to His return (Romans 8:28-39), look up the passages and be blessed.
SIGNS:
The storm clouds are gathering over nations, especially Israel and America.
A review of Matthew 24 and 25, presents many clear signs of the times. Many people {individually} today, both saved and unsaved appear to be interested in world events and the Biblical teaching of Christ’s soon return. The strange thing is the quietness found in most pulpits today about this enormously, exciting Biblical truth. Pulpits are not warning the people of II Corinthians 5:10. Even though the mandate for preachers is to preach the “whole” counsel of God, many pastors are fearful that folks will leave the church if they follow God’s direction for their ministry.(see Ephesians 4:11-12; II Peter 1:20-21; Matthew 5:18; II Timothy 3:16-17 and II Timothy 4:1-5)
So why do folks not realize they are supposed to bring glory and pleasure to God and not themselves. (Isaiah 43:7; Revelation 4:11)
The reality is that the truth has not been explained to them. Why do they not realize that they must give an account to Christ for their lifestyle. Simple, they haven’t been told. Why are Christians not concerned over living a pleasure oriented lifestyle and not concerned about carry out God’s commands. (like John 13:34-35; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Galatians 6:1, etc.)
Again, it’s pretty simple, “They have not been told the Biblical truth”. Or, if they have been told, they don’t believe it. Or, they like their sinful lifestyle more than obedience to the One who purchased them from the slave market of sin.
One of the vital signs of the end times is “apostasy“{a withdrawal from Biblical truth}.
Satan has blinded the eyes of many who profess to believe in Christ. He (Satan) is a liar and a deceiver and many follow the doctrines of demons rather than Biblical truth.(Leviticus 17:7; Psalms 106:37; I Corinthians 10:20-21; I Timothy 4:1; Revelation 13:4)
Worship of demonic doctrine is forbidden by God. (Leviticus 17:7; Zechariah 13:2; Revelation 9:20) What is needed today? Christians need to not blindly follow everything they hear but be like the people at Berea and search the Scriptures daily to “find out whether these were so”. (Acts 17:11)
Christians need to be concerned because our Lord warned in Matthew 24:12, that apostasy would abound in the latter days.
The Apostle Paul warned of apostasy in the latter days. (II Thessalonians 2:3 and again in I Timothy 4:1-3; cf Jude 3-19)
Example, if one is attending a church that agrees with abortion, homosexuality, same sex marriage, a need not to study the Bible, etc., then there is a responsibility to withdraw and attend where they can be taught truth. It is vital to be able to appear before Christ and not be ashamed. (II Corinthians 5:10)
Let me start with this first, if you “truly” know Christ as your personal Savior, you are safe in His hands (John 10:27-33). All things will truly work out for your good, no matter how difficult life may be. As we move closer to His return (Romans 8:28-39), look up the passages and be blessed.
SIGNS:
The storm clouds are gathering over nations, especially Israel and America.
A review of Matthew 24 and 25, presents many clear signs of the times. Many people {individually} today, both saved and unsaved appear to be interested in world events and the Biblical teaching of Christ’s soon return. The strange thing is the quietness found in most pulpits today about this enormously, exciting Biblical truth. Pulpits are not warning the people of II Corinthians 5:10. Even though the mandate for preachers is to preach the “whole” counsel of God, many pastors are fearful that folks will leave the church if they follow God’s direction for their ministry.(see Ephesians 4:11-12; II Peter 1:20-21; Matthew 5:18; II Timothy 3:16-17 and II Timothy 4:1-5)
So why do folks not realize they are supposed to bring glory and pleasure to God and not themselves. (Isaiah 43:7; Revelation 4:11)
The reality is that the truth has not been explained to them. Why do they not realize that they must give an account to Christ for their lifestyle. Simple, they haven’t been told. Why are Christians not concerned over living a pleasure oriented lifestyle and not concerned about carry out God’s commands. (like John 13:34-35; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Galatians 6:1, etc.)
Again, it’s pretty simple, “They have not been told the Biblical truth”. Or, if they have been told, they don’t believe it. Or, they like their sinful lifestyle more than obedience to the One who purchased them from the slave market of sin.
One of the vital signs of the end times is “apostasy“{a withdrawal from Biblical truth}.
Satan has blinded the eyes of many who profess to believe in Christ. He (Satan) is a liar and a deceiver and many follow the doctrines of demons rather than Biblical truth.(Leviticus 17:7; Psalms 106:37; I Corinthians 10:20-21; I Timothy 4:1; Revelation 13:4)
Worship of demonic doctrine is forbidden by God. (Leviticus 17:7; Zechariah 13:2; Revelation 9:20) What is needed today? Christians need to not blindly follow everything they hear but be like the people at Berea and search the Scriptures daily to “find out whether these were so”. (Acts 17:11)
Christians need to be concerned because our Lord warned in Matthew 24:12, that apostasy would abound in the latter days.
The Apostle Paul warned of apostasy in the latter days. (II Thessalonians 2:3 and again in I Timothy 4:1-3; cf Jude 3-19)
Example, if one is attending a church that agrees with abortion, homosexuality, same sex marriage, a need not to study the Bible, etc., then there is a responsibility to withdraw and attend where they can be taught truth. It is vital to be able to appear before Christ and not be ashamed. (II Corinthians 5:10)
In this Bible story we learn that Naomi and Ruth have both become widows.
With limited means, and lacking the protection of husbands, the women face a grim future.
Yet Ruth demonstrates integrity, loyalty, and love when she chooses to forsake her country of Moab after Naomi, her mother-in-law, decides to return home to Judah. Ruth’s decision is incredibly selfless; before her lies an arduous journey and a lifetime of service to Naomi. Naomi encourages Ruth to stay in Moab and find a new husband, but Ruth is not having it.
“Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you,” Ruth doggedly pledges. “Where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your GOD, my GOD” (Ruth 1:16).
Don’t miss this: Ruth is ALL IN. In making her decision, Ruth also chooses GOD and His ways without reservation.
GOD blesses Ruth for her humility and servant attitude. He not only gives her a wealthy husband (a relative of Naomi’s, which also restores Naomi’s good fortune and social standing), but also a baby who becomes the grandfather of King David, a direct ancestor of Jesus.
What I love about this story is GOD’s provision. Neither woman, as they imagined their bleak futures, had any inkling that GOD was directing their steps to bless them and accomplish His plans to bring Jesus to earth.
