Message of Hope: When you feel alone in life, God is still with you.
As we study the book of Ruth we are going to find the story of a woman who loses her husband and finds herself alone in a foreign land with her mother-in-law. We are going to discover that Ruth was much more than what happened to her. We are going to discover that God is close to her and with her through it all. We are going to discover what God can do through a person who is willing to endure, with joy, whatever it is that life throws at them (the good and the bad) and obey God through it all.
Today’s passage is a bit difficult to S.O.A.P. because it is the background and introduction to Ruth’s story. Read Ruth 1:1-5 with the theme of “Waiting on God’s Timing and/or When you feel alone in life, God is still with you” in the back of your mind. Perhaps that will help.
My personal goal is to get up at 6 a.m. to complete the study each morning. I will then try to post my response in the comments section. If I have a rough night with our precious Olivia, I may not be able to post until later in the day when she is having a nap, but please don’t let that stop you from sharing your responses. I don’t have to be the first one at it 🙂
I’d like to encourage you to try to set a time for your Quiet Time. You may not be a morning person. You may have random minutes throughout the day where you are able to dig into the Word. It doesn’t matter when you complete your Quiet Time. God doesn’t care when it happens, He just loves any time we spend with Him.
Read Ruth 1:1-5.
Which verse(s) stands out to you?
S.O.A.P it.
If you want, share all or part of your S.O.A.P. in the comments below this post. 
Living in the Moment 
Good Morning!I noticed that I did not receive an update from Feedburner that there was a new entry here today. I will try to sort it out. In the meantime, please just come here every day for updates.S – \”After they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.\” Ruth 1:5O-Ruth had moved to a land foreign to her ten years before and then her husband and sons died. How difficult this must have been – being far from her people and support. And then to lose the 3 dearest people to her.A-To me the whole feeling of 'living in a foreign land' is familiar – even just moving across the country into a new community where I know no one, is a challenge. I am sure that in a span of ten years I will have close friends, but should my husband and children die, I think I would really wish to move home to be with immediate family. P-Heavenly Father, I read the introductory verses to Ruth today and am struck at the loss Naomi, Ruth and Orpah went through. Lord, each of us has experienced some sort of loss in our lifetime. Perhaps a loved one. Maybe the loss of a dream or expectation we had. Maybe the loss of a friendship or a marriage. Loss runs deep. Lord, I thank you that we are not alone in these times. You are right there with us as we heal, move forward and sometimes even wait on Your perfect timing. Lord, open our hearts and minds to that which you have to teach us through the story of Ruth and Naomi. Bless each individual beginning the study this week. Speak to each one of us in a special way. In your precious name, Amen.
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Cathy BarkmanS – “This left Naomi alone, without her two sons or her husband.” Ruth 1:5bO – Naomi must have been very sad and felt very lonely.A – My mother-in-law lost her husband and then she lost a son, who was my husband. I think of Naomi and Ruth often and feel some of the sadness and loneliness that they must have felt.P – Dear Father in Heaven, the study of Ruth is a timely study for me. Let us be encouraged by the example that we will find in Ruth’s relationship with Naomi and also in your faithfulness to Ruth and Naomi as they follow your direction in their lives. AmenCathy
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Hello! My name is Rosy and I am from Paraguay, where I met Iris! Iris, you're such a blessing to me! I lost my dear brother-in-law 11 months ago, and I grief with my sister because he's been in my life for 37 years (I am 50). I've also been separated from my husband for 4 months now, and it's very hard for me. I don't like going thorugh this loss, but I have decided to praise God no matter what the circumstances are (it's hard though!). I am blessed through this Bible study. God bless all of you! Please keep me in your prayers. Rosy
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I am excited to be part off this group. I learned today that I Will need to make this an early morning priority as I was unable to complete the soap note. I can not imagine the loss Naomi experienced. I know that in the culture life expectancy was less than today, but the loss must have been very difficult.Father, thank you for the treasured loved ones we enjoy everyday. In the midst of a busy life with busy children I ask that the lesson if Ruth produce fruit and that we all gain a deeper understanding of your faithfulness.
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I too am excited to learn a lot from the story of Ruth. How tricky it is to find the time to complete this study. I completely understand. I haven't met my 6 a.m. goal yet. But somehow, someway throughout the day it does get done and what a blessing it is.
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Cathy, isn't it wonderful that God can take the same story and speak to each of us in different towns, provinces, and countries in such a way that it fits our very season of life? So amazing. I loved reading how you are relating to the story of Ruth and Naomi as you walk through your grief and loneliness. My heart goes out to you.
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Rosy, you are a strong woman of God and my heart goes out to you as you mourn this loss in your life. May God speak His words of love and grace, hope and peace to you as we complete this study.
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Thank you Iris. This bible study came at a very timely moment for me. Dear Father thank you for the opportunity given to me as I learn from the book of Ruth. I am blessed and accept your guidance concerning all things happening in my life. Cindy
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So glad to hear that God is using the book of Ruth in your life right now too, Cindy.
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