Beloved friends, since we last met together, much has happened on the dusty road with Jesus. The most significant change is my work—I accepted a weekend position, so I am at work every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The 12-hour shifts allow me to spend time with patients and family members. Each week, I am in awe of God and His faithful presence. You see, sweet friend, God is at work all around us, and He invites us to join Him and say yes!
Our word today is Yes! Yes, it is in the Bible 100 times. The word yes means–used to give an affirmative response:
Our verse says, “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” 2 Corinthians 1:20.
What promises of God are you counting on today?
What is God asking you to do today that involves a Yes?
Opportunities
The Book of Ruth is one of my favorite Yes stories. Ruth was a Moabite who married Naomi’s son. Naomi and her husband Elimelek traveled to Moab to escape the famine in the Holy Land, and they settled there with their two sons. However, the men passed away. After returning to Bethlehem, Naomi released the daughters-in-law to stay in their country, where we see the first Yes.
But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave or return from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be mine. 17 Where you die, I will die, and I will be buried there. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” 18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her. Ruth 1:16-18
In Chapter 2, Ruth asks Naomi to help get food, and Naomi says yes. But God is at work. Chapter 2 is the beginning of Ruth and Boaz’s love story. Boaz says yes to Ruth’s questions about where to glean the field. In reality, Ruth, by asking to glean in the fields, is saying yes to her future. Read this verse with me: “Let her gather among the sheaves and don’t reprimand her.” Ruth 2 15:b.
The story continues in Chapter 3.
We see Ruth follow Naomi’s instructions, and Boaz now has the power to correct a wrong thing by saying yes. I love a good love story.
So, in Chapter 4,
Boaz becomes the Redeemer, the Kingsman Redeemer. He buys the land, gets the girl, gains a mother-in-law, and from him, the line of Jesus.
All because of the word Yes.
Response:
Some of my recent yes
- I changed my job shift
- I joined a book launch, Sacred Scars- Dr. Michelle Bengston. Her newest book launches next week June 25. More to come.
- I am a team leader for At The Well- Next book is In His Image- Starting in July
- I am reading 21 Invitations from Jesus by Suzanne Ellers.
- I am encouraging my husband in his recovery from back surgery–some more challenges in July.
- I said Yes to BSF to be an online discussion leader in the fall. We will study the book of Revelation.
Lastly, I try to encourage younger online women, and I am exploring my creative side by painting, journaling, and writing. I have many local friends I hope to see this summer. Judy and Karen we need to schedule our lunch.
Your turn
What is your yes?
Here are a couple more verses. Our souls should find rest and hope in Him. If not, why not? Our days should include Him, and we should walk close to Him daily! If not, why not?
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Psalm 62:5
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are our heart’s desire. Isaiah 26:8
Prayer
Father God, you alone are worthy of our praise, you delight in each one of us. I am so thankful that you delight in my Yes. Thank you for the gifts of intimacy and answered prayer. I do pray for the one who is hurting and the one who is sick, for the one who is worrying and the one who is discouraged remembering your command in 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. In Jesus’s name, Amen