Loyalty beyond words and put into action!

The book of Ruth is a story of God’s Redemption. From the land of Moab, gleaning in the fields of Boaz and to the threshing floor the story finds its purpose in the kinsman (Gaurdian) redeemer. Ruth stays with her Mother-in-law, but Orpah decides to go home. We have no idea what happens to Orpah. God rewards loyalty and records Ruth’s story for all the ages to learn from and apply to our lives.

 

One of the most powerful prayers in the midst of suffering I have read was uncovered from the horrors of Ravensbruck concentration camp. Ravensbruck was a concentration camp built in 1939 for women. Over 90,000 women and children perished in Ravensbruck, murdered by the Nazis. Corrie Ten Boom, who wrote The Hiding Place, was imprisoned there too. The prayer, found in the clothing of a dead child, says:

“O Lord, remember not only the men and woman of good will, but also those of ill will. But do not remember all of the suffering they have inflicted upon us: Instead remember the fruits we have borne because of this suffering, our fellowship, our loyalty to one another, our humility, our courage, our generosity, the greatness of heart that has grown from this trouble. When our persecutors come to be judged by you, let all of these fruits that we have borne be their forgiveness.”

To be obedient in the same direction is to remain faithful and loyal to God and the purpose to demonstrating His righteousness in our lives. Even when life is hard and circumstances are not according to our plans, it is a believers task to remain submissive to the power and grace of God. Roman 12:10 states; “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – in other words: Listen to your brothers and sisters. Associate with your fellow believers in Jesus. It is to control your tempter and refuse to react, but always respond. Ruth chose to respond. A follower of Jesus is loyal to the church and the word of God in every aspect of their life.

Do the people around you consider you to be loyal? 

You know I love ya, Don

Remain Faithful!

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Remain faithful… “Do not make idols or set up an image or a sacred stone for yourselves, and do not place a carved stone in your land”- Leviticus 26:1

“Remaining” is a hard task in the world in which we live. The world is faster and smaller than ever before. It will change in an instant. Your job is to connect with your roots and “continue in a specified condition.” Does that mean we do not change, absolutely not! In fact, you are expected to change and adjust. Yet, you are also to remain faithful. Faithful is defined as “consistently loyal: consistently trustworthy and loyal, especially to a person, promise, or duty.” You are to be consistently trustworthy to your Creator and to the truths you have learned from your parents, your school experiences, and to the principles that you have learned in your education.

The key to maintaining the essence of life is to refrain from making false truths (idols of metal or money, stone, or artwork) while at the same time adjusting to the increased communication, new science breakthroughs, and more effective rhetoric. To “remain faithful” is to continue in the specific condition that you are a created being, there is a God and you are not Him.

Why does God make this a life principle that will guide us to greatness?

My grandfather was a great man of integrity and faith. He was a man of few words. He spoke maybe three to four sentences a week when I was growing up. I can remember from a very early age that he would say, “Don, you remember who you belong too.” He was saying two things… First, in this family we are connected. As a member of life you are forever connected to this family and community. God is saying the same thing…you are connected to your Creator no matter if things are good or bad. You are to refrain from wrong living, and embrace right living.

Secondly, my grandfather was saying, “Remember what you do reflects on us.” That is also true of your relationship with your family and your connection with the world in which you live. What you do out there is a reflection of those of us in here. God is saying the same thing … what you do reflects on your Creator, use your talents wisely!

God is telling you to remain faithful so as to encourage you that He has your back and that what you do is a reflection of your relationship with him.You know I love ya and remaining faithful through it all. Don