It's The Time of God's Favor Keluarga Allah Daily Devotional January 02, 2017
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THE SOUL Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
TODAY'S RHEMAEcclesiastes 3:11a "He has made everything beautiful in its time."
You must have read the story of Naomi and Ruth. There was a famine in the land of Israel, Naomi and her husband also their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion went to sojourn in the country of Moab. After sometimes, Naomi's husband died and she was left with her two sons. These men took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of other Ruth. They lived there for ten years then both Mahlon and Chilion died so that the women lost their breadwinners. Orpah turned back to her people but Ruth clung to Naomi. She decided to follow Naomi to return to Israel. Ruth ensured Naomi by saying: "Your people shall be my people and your God my God."They came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest. To fulfill their daily needs, Ruth went and gleaned among the ears of grain in the field belonging to Boaz. He was a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech. After passing through hard times for years, God's favor came upon Naomi and Ruth. Boaz redeemed all that belonged to Elimelech and his two sons also he took Ruth as his wife. Even, Naomi became a nurse for a grandson named Obed in her old age. God's favor was much bigger than what they could imagine. Obed became the grandfather of king David and Ruth was included in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5).
The loyalty of Naomi to God in Moab and her good treat to Ruth who was just foreigner for Israelites had drawn the favor of God in Naomi's life. Likewise, it happened in Ruth's life. Ruth's loyalty to God in all conditions although she wasn't the native of Israel and her love to Naomi had drawn the favor of God. In His time, God restored the life of these two loyal women.
You may experience the bitterness of life like Naomi or separate from people and things in the past like Ruth. Do not give up! Keep your loyalty to love God! Restoration must happen. This year is the year of His favor for you. Wait and receive His favor which exceeds your mind.
REFLECTION Saudara Terkasih, THE SCHEDULE OF GOD IN THE YEAR OF 2017 is to GIVE HIS FAVOR to you!
APPLICATION
What was your difficult condition in 2016?
Did you keep your loyalty to follow and love God in that condition?
Do you believe that God will give His favor to you in 2017? What can you do to wait for His time?
TODAY'S PRAYER "My good Father, thank You for being with me in every situation. You are the source of my strength, enable me to always live in You. I trust that Your favor comes upon me this year. In the name of Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen."
YEARLY BIBLE READING Psalm 119
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