Thursday, October 22, 2026
Ruth 4:8-22 God takes the very things meant to destroy us and gives us beauty out of our ashes.
Matthew 1:1–7 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers…
The Lord takes away the tears and sorrows of our life and turns them for our good and the good of the Body of Christ. He turns ashes into beauty. Nothing is impossible with God…nothing. Out of the loss of Naomi and Ruth came Obed and eventually David and from this family line came Jesus, the Son of God. God has elevated women to bring life into His world. Through Mary and the power of Holy Spirit, life, eternal and whole, was born into the world. God cares for you. Carla
Ruth 4:8-22
8 Therefore the close relative said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself.” So he took off his sandal. 9 And Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses this day that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, from the hand of Naomi. 10 Moreover, Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon, I have acquired as my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead through his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brethren and from his position at the gate. You are witnesses this day.”
11 And all the people who were at the gate, and the elders, said, “We are witnesses. The Lord make the woman who is coming to your house like Rachel and Leah, the two who built the house of Israel; and may you prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. 12 May your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring which the Lord will give you from this young woman.”
13 So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and when he went in to her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. 14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel! 15 And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him.” 16 Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her bosom, and became a nurse to him. 17 Also the neighbor women gave him a name, saying, “There is a son born to Naomi.” And they called his name Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David.
18 Now this is the genealogy of Perez: Perez begot Hezron; 19 Hezron begot Ram, and Ram begot Amminadab; 20 Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon; 21 Salmon begot Boaz, and Boaz begot Obed; 22 Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David. (NKJV)
The removal of a sandal was part of a legal transaction in ancient Israel. It would parallel the modern custom of concluding a transaction by signing a document or handing over a set of keys. By handing over his shoe, the close relative was symbolically handing over his right to walk on the land that was being sold.
The witnesses at the gate played a significant role in validating the transaction. Chilion and Mahlon, Elimelech’s sons would have been. the heirs of their father’s land. The land was bought from Elimelech’s widow, Naomi.
In addition to redeeming the land, Boaz also redeemed Ruth by taking her as his wife. In contrast to the land, Ruth was not bought. She did not require a purchase price nor was Boaz required to redeem her. He willingly chose to be her redeemer. Boaz was a blood relative of Elimelech, and he was financially able to take on the responsibilities of redemption. The people and the elders affirmed the legal proceeding with their response, we are witnesses. Then the crowd gave Ruth a remarkable blessing by asking that the Lord make her like Rachel and Leah, Israel’s founding mothers (Genesis 35:23–26). Even though Ruth was a Moabite, she was fully and eagerly accepted by the Israelites. The Law of Moses demanded the exclusion of the Moabites from the congregation of Israel for ten generations (1:22). In this exceptional case we see a beautiful example of the spirit of the Law being maintained. Ruth loyally loved Naomi by leaving her homeland and serving her mother-in-law even in the worst of circumstances. In turn, God rewarded Ruth by extending His loyal love to her. He gave this foreigner a godly husband, accepted her as one of His people, and gave her a child who would be an ancestor of King David and ultimately of Jesus (verses 13, 22).
The Book of Ruth is replete with allusions to the Pentateuch. Here the name of Tamar refers to another story about the spirit of the Law (Genesis 38). Certainly Tamar’s behavior would not normally be commended. Yet she was desperate because her husband’s brothers would not fulfill their responsibility to her, and in the end Judah praised her as more righteous than himself (Genesis 38:26). Even in Tamar’s deplorable situation, God mercifully blessed her with a son, and this son Perez was an ancestor to King David (verse 18). Like Ruth, Rahab was a Gentile woman. Yet God extended His loyal love to Rahab because of her faith in Him and included her in the messianic line.
Children are a gift from God. He fashions every person in the womb of the mother (Psalm 139:13).
The women praised God for His provision for Naomi. They offered a blessing for the child, asking that his fame be extended throughout Israel and that he would comfort Naomi and nourish her in her old age. Naomi’s emptiness had been replaced with fullness through the birth of this boy.
The theme of Naomi’s fullness continues to dominate as the neighbor women declared that a child was born to Naomi. His name was Obed, signifying “One Who Serves.” The author at last reveals how Ruth, a Moabite woman, had become part of the royal Davidic line.
The story concludes with David’s genealogy, beginning with Perez, the son of Judah and Tamar. This genealogy could have been added to the book long after the original writing was complete, but more probably the book as a whole was composed at a later date than the events described. The genealogy of David is not really an appendix, but an essential element demonstrating the author’s purpose—and the purpose of the Lord in the building of the family line of King David and the Messiah. The story of Boaz’s redemption of a foreign woman points to Jesus’ great redemption of all those who believe in Him. The NKJV Study Bible
Genesis 38:1–30
It came to pass at that time that Judah departed from his brothers, and visited a certain Adullamite whose name was Hirah. And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua, and he married her and went in to her…
Genesis 29:25–35:19
So it came to pass in the morning, that behold, it was Leah. And he said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Was it not for Rachel that I served you? Why then have you deceived me?”And Laban said, “It must not be done so in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn…
Deuteronomy 25:9
then his brother’s wife shall come to him in the presence of the elders, remove his sandal from his foot, spit in his face, and answer and say, ‘So shall it be done to the man who will not build up his brother’s house.’
Luke 1:57–59
Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her…
I received this great story from Brian, a Sabbath Moment reader…When I was serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in a small village in Thailand back in the 60s, I learned that when I visited with others in their homes, I was there to be there, and not to talk much. We would sit together and just enjoy each other’s presence. After what seemed like a long time, I would get up to leave, and they would thank me for being there. I was uncomfortable since I was a novice Thai learner until my Headmaster explained to me that just being together was the most meaningful conversation.
So. I have an idea. This week...
Be open to the gift of conversation. Even if that conversation is presence without words.
Be open to the spirit of consolation.
Be wholehearted.
This week taught me that we all need to have our spirits—and our hearts—replenished. Sabbath Moments
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Psalm 24:1-5 In the righteousness of Jesus we live!
Psalm 15:1–5
LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle?
Who may dwell in Your holy hill?
He who walks uprightly,
And works righteousness,
And speaks the truth in his heart…
There is no righteous man but, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. All-God and all-man He gave up His pure and spotless life for ours and overcame death that through His righteousness we could be saved. Jesus removed the veil that separated us from God and through Him we enter into the throne of grace. He stands at the right hand of the Father and all glory and honor are His. Carla
Psalm 24:1-5
1The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness,
The world and those who dwell therein.
2 For He has founded it upon the seas,
And established it upon the waters.
3 Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?
Or who may stand in His holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive blessing from the Lord,
And righteousness from the God of his salvation. (NKJV)
The psalmist praises God as Sovereign over all He has created. These words also set the stage for the question of verses 3–5: If God is Lord over all, who then may approach Him? God’s rule extends to all people, even those who do not acknowledge His power. Drawing on the language of Genesis 1 in which God calls the dry land to rise from the watery abyss (Genesis 1:2, 9), David describes God’s continued control over the waters.
As in Psalm 15, those who approach the Holy One to worship Him in the temple in Jerusalem—His holy place—must approach Him in righteousness. This verse highlights the inability of any person except the King of glory to stand before God. The NKJV Study Bible
The psalm begins by asserting Yahweh’s rule over the earth.
Old Testament writers depict Yahweh as having power over the sea (Psalm 77:16; Job 38:8) to show He is the supreme deity—infinitely more powerful than other ancient Near Eastern gods who continually battle the forces of chaos. The psalmist describes Yahweh’s power to emphasize His victorious rule as the “King of glory” (Psalm 24:7–10).
He who is innocent of hands and pure of heart were the requirements for entering the temple and are both external and internal. The Hebrew word for “clean” (naqi) means “innocent” (10:8; Job 4:7). The term “pure” (bar) emphasizes moral purity. Purity is a characteristic of God’s Law (Psalm 19:8). Along with “pure heart,” this emphasizes the internal requirements of temple entry. This, along with “clean hands,” emphasizes the external purity required for temple entry. While the description in verse 4 seems to indicate only the perfect can enter the temple, this verse indicates the worshiper receives righteousness and salvation from Yahweh. Faithlife Study Bible
Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
1 Corinthians 10:26
for “the earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness.”
Psalm 89:11
The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours;
The world and all its fullness, You have founded them.
You see, wholeheartedness (compassion, service and care), and healing (restoration), are not mutually exclusive.
Yes, care begins with self-care.
In other words, we find replenishment, and, we choose to be a witness. This is not a pep talk. This is not a test to pass. Or a list I check off for God’s thumbs up. This is permission; the invitation and the affirmation to be and to live, wholeheartedly and kindheartedly, the truth of who I am. Sabbath Moments
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Hebrews 6:9-12 God is faithful!
Matthew 10:42 And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”
What does God ask of us. He ask us to be fair, to forgives others as we have been forgiven and always, always walk humbly with Him. We know that we only partially see the times we live in but God sees the whole thing. In Holy Spirit we can keep our hearts soft and pliable, not hardened, by the cares of this world. God cares about our heart. Carla
Hebrews 6:9-12
But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. 10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (NKJV)
With the warmth and affection of the title beloved, the author assures the Hebrews that he is confident of better things for them. Their good works were signs to the author that they had genuinely received Christ (verse 10). Sluggish is the same word which is translated dull in 5:11 and initiates this exhortation to the Hebrews to grow in their faith (5:11–6:12). The NKJV Study Bible
Just like the good soil in verse 7, the author believes that his audience will be eternally blessed because they are following God. Throughout the ot, God is portrayed as just and faithful. The author fears that some in his audience might turn away (Hebrews 3:12), be hardened by sin (3:13), and fail to enter God’s rest (4:1, 11). The Greek text here refers to complete confidence—in this case, confidence regarding God’s promises (Romans 4:21). Believers must trust in God and His Son (Hebrews 2:8–9) just as the wilderness generation was called to trust in God despite their circumstances. Chapter 11 provides a list of biblical exemplars that culminates in the call to focus on Jesus, the pioneer of faith (12:2). Faithlife Study Bible.
1 Thessalonians 1:3
remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,
Hebrews 13:7
Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.
Hebrews 10:36
For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:
Proverbs 19:17
He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD,
And He will pay back what he has given
What does it mean for us to embrace the invitation to participate—and invest—in this life. To bring all that I am to the table of this moment—the sacrament of the present.
To invest my heart.
To be a witness for integrity and justice.
To create space for healing and restitution.
To spill light where I can.
I know that on this ordinary day, when our world has been shaken and we know that chaos can be real, we do have this: A meeting place. On common ground. And I would say, on holy ground.
And while we know that we can never be perfectly safe, we know that even there we can reassure one another, and look into the eyes of one another, and remind one another that there are truths greater than fear—and that we are walking one anther home.
Hope. And courage. And light. Our journey to healing and wholeness does not begin with bravado. It begins with vulnerability. It begins when we know that our hearts can, and will break, and that it is in the very breaking...
that we can get up...
that we can try again…
that we can choose love instead of fear and hate…
Whenever I am burdened with worry or disquiet or angst or fear, I am tempted to shut down my heart, to not listen to my heart, to not speak from my heart, and to not offer sanctuary to those who need it.
Henry David Thoreau talked about not wishing to live “too thickly”—barraged by noise or clamor or hype or panic.
Yes. I wish that too.
So. Here’s the deal: Today, I do not wish for my heart to be calcified.
I do not wish it, because when I give in to fear, I choose and act from cynicism and anger and resentment.
Onward together, my friends.
Sabbath Moments
Monday, October 19, 2026
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Love Never Fails.
Daniel 3:28 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God!
Without the fruit of Holy Spirit in our lives we are unable to follow the commands of God to love our neighbors and live in peace. We are able to love others because God first loved us and without His love behind our actions we are just making noise. We can serve God or man we choose whom we will serve. Choose life not death. Carla
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. (NKJV)
Bestow all my goods likely pertains to the spiritual gift of giving to others (Romans 12:8). Paul uses an intentional exaggeration to illustrate the uselessness of each spiritual gift without love. The Corinthians would readily understand the images of sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. Many of them had used brass instruments and cymbals as standard elements of pagan worship in their lives before Christ. Love never fails. The NKJV Study Bible
The reference to tongues “of angels” probably indicates the belief that one type of “gift of tongues” involved speaking in the language of angels.
A genuine and selfless concern for the well-being of others Paul identifies as the greatest of the three Christian virtues (verse 13). Paul chastised the wealthy believers because they did not demonstrate love to the less wealthy believers (11:17–21).
People used cymbals to worship Dionysus, the god of wine. Paul mentions the crashing cymbal to suggest that spiritual gifts without love make the Corinthians’ worship no different from the pagans’.
Helping the poor was a focus of Paul’s ministry. Faithlife Study Bible
Matthew 17:20
So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
Matthew 21:21
So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done.
Mark 11:23
For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.
1 Corinthians 12:8–10
for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit…
1 Corinthians 13:8
Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away
We can choose. This is an invitation to participate—and invest—in this life. To bring all that I am to the table of this moment.
To invest my heart.
To be a witness for integrity and justice.
To create space for healing and restitution.
To spill light where I can.
What Barbara Kingsolver calls a “conspiracy with life.”
Easy? No. Somedays, I feel very broken. Broken and dispirited. And I don’t have the words. And I don’t have the strength. Maybe you can relate.
So, how can we be a witness then? What possible difference can we make?
Well, this is interesting. You see, compassion (service and care) and healing (restoration) are not mutually exclusive. Because the light we share is born in those broken places. Which means that being a witness goes hand in glove with renewal.
In other words, we find replenishment and we choose to be a witness.
This is not a pep talk. This is not a test to pass. Or a list I check off for God’s thumbs up. This is permission; the invitation and the affirmation to be, and to live, wholeheartedly and kindheartedly, the truth of who I am.
Please know this my friends: it is from this self—the broken or wounded self—that compassion and kindness and tenderness and empathy and healing and reconciliation can flow. Sabbath Moments
“May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received,
and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones,
and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.”
(St. Therese of Lisieux (“the Little Flower”).