Daily Bible Reading - Wednesday - May 5th

Now we are moving right along into the book of Ruth.  The book of Ruth is a beautiful story. Because it is about ordinary people, this story can help us today. This story is about an ordinary family whose members suffered many losses but God went on looking after them. Then he gave them new gifts to make them glad.

We do not know who wrote Ruth. Perhaps it was a familiar story that a scribe wrote down after King David’s death. In chapter 4 verses 18-22, there is a list of people who were born into Ruth’s family. This includes King David. He was a very great king, an ancestor of Jesus.  As we get to reading in Ruth we’ll see it is a sad story but has happiness in it too.  I think Ruth has several lessons we will be able to learn by and apply to our lives today.  I’m real excited about getting into Ruth and can’t wait to see what God has in store for us.

Today’s Reading

Judges 21:1-Ruth 1:22
John 4:4-42
Psalm 105:1-15
Proverbs 14:25

Daily Devotional

"Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out"
(Proverbs 17:14, NIV)

Too often, people fall into the trap of strife. Someone says something that rubs you the wrong way, and before you know it, there is tension, quarreling, and division. The Bible tells us that strife opens the door to "every evil work." It's the enemy's greatest trap to keep people from living in victory. But you don't have to fall into the trap of strife, you can rise above it. Like today's verse says, you can simply drop the matter before it turns into something bigger than it needs to. You don't have to sink down to somebody's level and argue with them and try to prove that you're right. You weren't put on this earth to correct everybody around you.

If you are going to be all that God's called you to be, you have to learn to stay above strife. Instead of letting disagreements pull your relationships apart, look for common ground to draw you closer to the people in your life. Look for peace. Look for ways to be a blessing. Stay above strife so you can enjoy your relationships and experience the blessing He has for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, I choose to stay above strife. I choose to honor You by seeking peace in my relationships. Empower me to walk in love and be a blessing everywhere I go. In Jesus' Name. Amen.