Big Idea: The journey from heartbreak to hope begins when we turn to God for redemption. “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16b (NIV) Remember Verse We Can See God’s Hand At Work When We: 1. Look For The Gift In Your Current Circumstances 1 Now Naomi had a relative on her husband's side, from the clan of Elimelech, a man of standing, whose name was Boaz. 2 And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Naomi said to her, "Go ahead, my daughter." 3 So she went out and began to glean in the fields behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she found herself working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech. Ruth 2:1-3 (NIV) 'Now when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very corners of your field, nor shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest. 10 'Nor shall you glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather the fallen fruit of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the needy and for the stranger. I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 19:9-10 (NASB) In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) I know, LORD, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course. 24 So correct me, LORD, but please be gentle. Do not correct me in anger, for I would die. Jeremiah 10:23-24 (NLT2) 2. Give And Receive Kindness As An Extension Of God’s Goodness 4 Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, “The LORD be with you!” "The LORD bless you!" they called back. 5 Boaz asked the foreman of his harvesters, “Whose young woman is that?” 6 The foreman replied, "She is the Moabitess who came back from Moab with Naomi. 7 She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.’ She went into the field and has worked steadily from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter." 8 So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don't go and glean in another field and don't go away from here. Stay here with my servant girls. 9 Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the girls. I have told the men not to touch you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.” Ruth 2:4-9 (NIV) The Sheep & Goats / The Final Judgment "Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 "The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:37-40 (NIV) Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12 (NLT2) 3. Choose To Be Grateful 10 At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She exclaimed, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me–a foreigner?” 11 Boaz replied, "I've been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband–how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. 12 May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge." Ruth 2:10-12 (NIV) 16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NASB) Where Do You See God’s Hand At Work? I will trust God’s hand is at work by: Looking for the gift in my circumstances Giving and receiving kindness Choosing to be grateful Accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior Signing up for baptism July 21, 2024 Silver Strand Beach Family Corner: [Choose one day this week to ask questions to go deeper in faith as a family. Try this over dinner. Keep it to 12 minutes or less.] Open in Prayer. Begin with a prayer, asking for God’s guidance and wisdom as you discuss and reflect on His Word. Icebreaker: Share a personal experience where you felt God was guiding your steps, even if it seemed coincidental at the time. Big Idea: The journey from heartbreak to hope begins when we turn to God for redemption. Today, we'll explore how we can see God’s hand at work in our lives through divine guidance, acts of kindness, and recognizing His blessings. Let's dive in and see what God has in store for us. We Can See God’s Hand At Work When We: 1. Look For The Gift In Your Current Circumstances Read Ruth 2:1-3 Reflect on Ruth’s decision to glean in the fields. How do you see God’s guidance in her seemingly random choice? How can we become more aware of God’s guidance in our daily lives? Activity: As a group, list ways to discern God’s guidance in decision-making. Discuss practical steps like prayer, reading Scripture, seeking counsel, and observing circumstances. 2. Give And Receive Kindness As An Extension Of God’s Goodness Read Ruth 2:4-9 What stands out to you about Boaz’s kindness to Ruth? How does this reflect God’s character? Share a time when someone’s kindness impacted your life deeply. How did it reflect God’s love to you? What are practical ways we can show kindness and be vessels of God’s love to those around us? What are some specific needs in your group? How can you give and receive kindness this week? 3. Choose To Be Grateful Read Ruth 2:10-12 How did Ruth respond to Boaz’s kindness, and what can we learn from her attitude of gratitude? Identify and share some blessings in your life that you may have overlooked. How can recognizing these blessings change your perspective? What practices can help us develop a habit of gratitude? Activity: Gratitude jar. Each day, write down something you’re thankful for and put it in the jar. Over time, you’ll see how much God has blessed you and feel encouraged by His constant care. Closing Prayer: End with a prayer, thanking God for His providence and asking Him to help the group remain aware of His work in their lives, to show His kindness, and to live with a heart full of gratitude.