In this TIDBIT: Famous Last Words, Forgotten God, Blog: Some Good Reading, National Concerns & Christians, Small Group Questions – Ruth 3
Famous Last Words
I love the 2002 movie, The Count of Monte Cristo. I love the last few lines of the movie… “All that was used for vengeance will now be used for good.” Check out the video below.
I chose that video because it was the end of a good movie and it had a good message. However, I could have chosen many videos on Youtube of actual last words by individuals on their death beds. Apparently, people have something to say, even on their deathbeds.
What would you say if you knew the words you spoke were going to be the last words that the people around you heard? Would you come up with something witty? What about sarcastic? Would you be purposeful and say something that you wish would make an impact on the lives around you?
What about Jesus’ last words? Was He just making conversation or was He saying something that He wanted his disciples to remember? Acts1:7-8 records Jesus’ last words, right before He ascended to Heaven. Communication after that was spiritual: dreams, visions and prayer. There wasn’t another time when He would be face to face with His disciples.
And what does Acts 1:8 say? Let’s look at Acts1:7-8 – He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
So the last thing that Jesus says face to face before He ascends to Heaven is “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…” Are you living in the power of the Holy Spirit? Have you ever? If the Holy Spirit bit you on the butt, would you know it?
I truly believe that Christians have totally missed living in the power of the Holy Spirit. Especially here in America, we have everything we need. If we can’t figure it out ourselves, we can ask for advice, throw some money at it, drug it or Google it! We’ve learned how to live our faith without the power of the Holy Spirit.
Can you imagine what our lives could be like if we allowed “God” living inside of us to have the ability to lead us? Christians would most definitely look a lot different!
Forgotten God
Chpt. 2 this week! If you would like some questions for thought, you can visit this site – http://smuckerfamily.wordpress.com/tag/holy-spirit/
Blog: Some Good Reading
Here is a blog worth looking at – http://johnortberg.com/
National Concerns & Christians
There is new research by the Barna Group on current National Concerns among Christians. Check it out here – http://www.barna.org/culture-articles/422-diverse-set-of-national-concerns-topped-by-widespread-economic-worries
Small Group Questions* – Ruth 3
Naomi understood the laws of her people much better than Ruth, the Moabite. Ruth benefited from Naomi’s wisdom and insight. Because of Ruth’s willingness to listen and learn, she found the path to marrying a good and faithful man.
OPEN
1. What about your reputation do you value most and want to protect at all costs?
EXPLORE
2. What motivated Naomi to tell Ruth to go to Boaz? (3:1-2)
3. What specific instructions did Naomi give to Ruth? (3:1-4)
4. How did Naomi refer to Boaz, and how is this significant? (3:2)
5. How did Ruth respond to Naomi’s unusual request? (3:5)
6. What reputation did Ruth have in the town? (3:11)
GET IT
7. When have you ever found yourself in an “impossible” situation like Ruth?
8. What positive character traits stand out in this story?
9. Judging from this passage, what does God want you to do when you cannot see the solution to a problem in your life?
APPLY
10. What is one specific step you can take this week to benefit from the wisdom and insight of a more mature Christian?
*taken from Ilumina Bible Software
Sunday Sharing
Do you want to read Ruth 3 in a different version? You can go here - http://www.biblegateway.com/ If you want to look at Greek and Hebrew words, you can go here - http://www.studylight.org/
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