Judges 1:19-33

The various tribes started to possess what was "promised" but they all had different results. Judah's tribe although successful couldn't remove their opposition since they had iron chariots (while they had wood or none). Benjamin's tribe couldn't remove the Jebusites so they had to co-exist until David's time. Joseph's tribes (Epharim and Manasseh) attacked the city via a man and his family (who were spared afterwards). The tribes of Manasseh, Ephraim didn't force the Canaanites to leave.Zebulun's tribe didn't force their conquered to leave and the tribes of Asher and Naphtali incorporated their conquered as slaves. Already we see the signs of the potential for trouble. The new nation was allowing the things and the customs of the ways that didn't please God to remain and under the guise that they were in control.

All in all, a good day with seeing Flight with Irene, making part of the dinner for our friends and getting the surround sound to work. Today will be a long day since we will be out for the whole day @ Epcot, still not a bad way to spend the day with some dear friends.

Prayers for my cousin who has heart problems and will address this in a few weeks and also for an old colleague and friend who is now in SD and had brain operation recently.

Praise for today: But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. Psalm 3:3

Judges 1: 12-18

Caleb made a promise that whoever captures Kiriath Sepher will also get his daughter in marriage. Othniel did that and Caleb made good his promise. Caleb's daughter asked him for a wedding present and received two wells that were crucial in a dry land. From the commentary: Verses 16-18 refer to the people that lived after Jethro (Moses’ wife’s father) lived. He belonged to a tribe called the Kenites. They were smiths (people that made things from metal). They travelled all the time from place to place. They went from the ‘City with Palm Trees’. Although that name usually refers to Jericho, here it refers to Tamar city. This city is south from the Dead Sea and it is 85 miles south from Arad. The Kenites decided to live near Arad. Judah’s tribe helped Simeon’s tribe to capture Zephath. Later, people called it Hormah. This means ‘a place that people have completely destroyed as an offering’. Judah’s tribe also captured Gaza, Ashkelon and Ekron. The Philistines later captured these cities. (Look at the story about Samson.)

These are times when the people and the land were gaining character and familiarity. Much of what they needed - they took and with the Lord on their side, they got what they wanted.

Good day at the Studios. Weather has been awesome and today we'll chill by going to see a movie and getting stuff to put in the  old surround sound. Looking forward to the evening when we'll have some friends over for dinner. 

Praise for today:  Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12-28-29

 

Judges 1: 1-11

The events in this book occurred after the death of Joshua but in reality, some of these things did occur while he was alive since he died in 2:8. Also some of the things that occurred in this book were recorded in Joshua 15 and 17. The book starts with the Lord sending the tribe of Judah out to capture Canaan. They enlisted the tribe of Simeon to help them to settle in the land of Canaan and the Perrizites. One tribe would help the other and their intent was to have to land for themselves. They did it with the help of the urim and thummim. According to the commentary: These were two stones with different marks on them. They showed different answers to questions that people asked God. People believed that God controlled these stones. ‘Men throw the stone, but the Lord controls its decisions’ (Proverbs 16:33). That to me was relevant and good that they did consult the Lord before their actions. Their actions were blessed by God as they were victorious and also as a symbol of their accomplishment they captured and cut of the thumbs and big toes of the conquered king, Adoni-Bezek. He, in turn, didn't protest since he did it to 70 of his opponents as well. The commentary called it a means to remind him of his defeat and he knew that he was the conquered rather than the conqueror. Judah's men also captured Jerusalem  as well which would become the center of activity for the Judeans. However, they burnt it down and went to fight the Canaanites who were housed in three areas. Jerusalem would be captured again (v21) but they wouldn't truly occupy it until David's time.

This is a savage but necessary time in the history of Israel. They were now ready to take the "land of milk and honey". I have avoided this book since I have done an Adult ed class on this a while back so it will be good to take a fresh look at it.

So far it has been a good start to the vacation with the relatively easy drive down and the condo in good shape. Saturday was one of gathering and trying to get stuff for here. We did get a chance to catch a cheap matinee at PI of Lincoln and I really liked it. Quiet dinner in was also good. Sunday was nice since we had a great church service locally as well as going to see AK as well. The highlight of the day and perhaps the rest of the week was the surprise visit by our great friends, the Leungs and Penny's sister as well who decided to come down here as well. We will look for opportunities to hook up. Don't know where we will be today but still on the agenda for me will be to get speaker stands and perhaps get some maintenance stuff done here.

Praise for today: Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His loving kindness is everlasting. Psalms 118:1

Ruth 4:14-22

The consummation of the marriage between Boaz and Ruth led to a son whose name is Obed (servant). The bounce came back to Naomi's step as she was now a grandmother and had a child to raise. Her friends acknowledge her before all and God as she was now considered blessed and was called by her real name Naomi versus her adopted name, Mara (bitter). Her emptiness was gone and there was new meaning to her life. From the commentary:

Verses 18-22 Perez was the son of Judah by his daughter-in-law Tamar, who was also a widow. (See Genesis chapter 38.) Judah’s family gained God’s promise in Genesis 49:8-10. From this family came Boaz and, later, great King David. Jesus, the greatest of all kings, came from Bethlehem from the same family. Jesus was the son of Mary. Like Ruth, she obeyed God and always trusted him. There is no special book in the Bible about Mary, but God has given us this lovely book about Ruth. In this book, we read about ordinary people. They are living as members of God’s family because they respect and obey him. It gives us a pattern for our own lives.

Truly a story of the ages and one that was a pause that refreshes. Glad to have done it and now looking for the next book to go through.

Long, long ride home and finally got my oil change for the 500. Glad to see that all is well for that car for now. Very proud of Irene and her diligence to get the place ready for Thanksgiving. Also glad to see GG home and David last night. Now onto Princeton and hopefully an uneventful day.

Praise for today: Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show us mercy. Micah 7:18

Ruth 4: 7-12

The transaction has been completed in front of the witnesses and before God. They exchange sandals as a sign of the completed transaction and thus the deal was sealed. It was to show that the man gave up his rights to the property and those attached to it and that all parties were fine with the arrangement. With the proclamation of the transfer of property, Boaz announced his intent to assume Naomi and Ruth as his responsibility. He further announced that he planned to marry Ruth to which the people exhorted him and wished that their marriage would be fruitful and that Ruth would follow in the footsteps of Rachel and Leah, the wives of Jacob. It was through these two women, the nation of Israel (12 sons) would start. There was nothing but love and good wishes toward Ruth and Boaz.

This was truly a story of how God redeems us - one person at a time and through his means and ways. Boaz would be the foreshadow of Christ and would be the lineage link between he and David so that Jesus Christ would come.

Hard praises to our Lord for allowing GG to pursue his dreams and keep his wings. Looking forward to seeing him on Wednesday. Also looking forward to going home later myself as well. Working out of Princeton tomorrow so hopefully the traffic crush won't be as bad. Able to get Irene's Christmas gift yesterday so I am happy. Much to be thankful for.

Praise for today: You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer,  O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me. Psalm 85: 5-7

Ruth 4: 1-6

Boaz is resolved to act upon his instincts and proceeds to gather 10 men as witnesses to ensure the event. He is also trusting God that He will provide a way and the means for this transaction to be legal and binding. He sits on the other side of town and finally meets the closer kinsman/redeemer and explains to him the situation. We never know the identity of the other kinsman but while he is willing to buy the land, he is not eager or willing to take on Naomi and Ruth who come along with the deal. According to the commentary: The man was glad to buy the land, so that it would still belong to Elimelech’s relatives. However, Boaz said that he must also marry Ruth. And he must make her son the owner of the land. He must be the one to give Elimelech an heir. That heir would have a right to Naomi’s land. This changed everything. The man could not risk his own family’s future. He would have to provide for Ruth’s child or children until they became adults. So, he would have less money to give to his other children. And perhaps, when he died, some of his own land would also belong to Ruth’s child. So again, there would be less land for his other children to own. For these reasons, this man gave Boaz his right to the land and to Ruth.

So the die is cast and the way is cleared for Boaz to proceed. The witnesses attest to the legitimacy of the deal to ensure the event.

A long but fruitful weekend. Took off Friday and went up to NH with David to see 4 HIM. It was good to see, catch-up and pray with my dear friends and brothers in Christ.  They are like family and I am truly glad that we went despite the costs (hotel, gas)  and long drive. Saturday was shot since we had the drive back but got some stuff done. Sunday was a long day with me and Jeff doing to cooking for Thanksgiving day lunch at church and heading down here exhausted. Did have the truck go through the paces at the service place and got some necessary but costly work done for our upcoming trip to FL after Christmas. Spoke and prayed with Daniel yesterday evening and it was good to do so.  I am truly praying for him and his testing today and for the Lord's providence over his life and future.

Praise for today: From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. Psalm 3:8

Ruth 3: 6-18

Trust is a very essential element in a relationship. Ruth was now in a very vulnerable position and was willing to trust both Naomi's instincts and also the integrity of Boaz. She has also adopted the ways and the customs of a land she know little or nothing about. She places herself in a very vulnerable situation where she goes to a sleeping man's bed and offers herself to him. While this was quite acceptable in those times, it would be thought of quite differently in modern day. She acknowledges herself as his servant and he as her redeemer.

Ruth's reputation precedes her as Boaz is quick to point out and feels honored by her choice in him. He did feel that there was a hindrance that he would have to address; there was a closer kinsman that he in regards to the land (and ultimately her). Therefore, he would have to go that person and offer to buy the land and it's obligations from that person to legitimize the deal. He would allow her to spend the night and would not publicly mention this encounter to avoid gossip. He gives her food since the harvest is over and she returns to Naomi to tell her all that happened. Naomi is confident in Boaz and predicts his resolve to see a conclusion to this.

O, if it were this easy nowadays... My prayers for my sons are for them to marry women like Ruth and for them to be a redeemer for their family.

Looking forward after my doctor's visit to head up to NH and see my buds. It's been over two years since I have seen them collectively and while we have spoken/texted individually, this will be a real treat. Long drive but hopefully good quality time with David. Still prayers for GG and his retest on Monday.

Praise for today: Be exalted, O God , above the heavens, and let your glory be over all of the earth. Psalm 108:5

Ruth 3: 1-5

The harvest was now over and the progression of the relationship needed to go to the next level. Boaz was the next and closest kinsman to Naomi via Elimelech and thus the ball got rolling. The plan was contingent upon Boaz stepping up to the plate and accepting his Biblical duties (Dt. 25:5,6) for the land and for taking care of the kin. As a result, Naomi wanted Ruth to appear as attractive as she could, not in a slutty way, but rather as a bride meets her groom. There was trust on Ruth's side as well since she was placing her life in Naomi's hand. She was basing this also on her relationship and her take on Boaz, who had proved himself so far as noble and honorable.

Looking forward to heading home later and seeing my buddies tomorrow after my doctor's appointment. Also looking forward to spending some quality time with David as well. Praying also for some clarity in GG's life and for Irene as well as always.

Praise for today: I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head  like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61: 10

Ruth 2: 14-23

The generosity of Boaz extends beyond the limits of the ways of the land. He give her food to eat abundantly while she works and allows her to harvest the fields as well as from the sheaves. The symmetry is similar to the Lord's generosity to us which gives us abundant all we ask and need.  So she gleaned and threshed what she gathered up to 20 liters of barley grain and returned to Naomi who was grateful and surprised. She inquired where and how she was able to be so successful and when she heard whose fields Ruth was in, she acknowledge Boaz and praised God for him. Her primary thoughts turned to being redeemed by him as their kin. As a member of Elimelech's family, he took up the role of protector for his family even sight unseen. Apparently, this arrangement was good until at least the end of the harvest.

Got back yesterday after a day of work in Princeton and an inpromtu trip to the dentist to replace a filling that fell out after the movies. Had to switch cars with Irene and hopefully there is nothing wrong with the 500's transmission (still under warranty, whew!). Other than that and a minor outage on Monday, it was a decent weekend. Saw Warhorse on Sunday and had dinner at China Grill, just nice to enjoy the long weekend. This will be a short week down here since I am off on Friday and heading home tomorrow night.

Glad I was able to pray with GG last night and will continue to pray with and for him as his re-tests are upcoming.

Praise for today: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he  will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5,6

Ruth 2: 5-15

Boaz notices Ruth and inquires about her which validates that he didn't know her or her situation prior to this. His chief servant informs him of her origin and her plight with Naomi and her diligence in the field as well. He goes out of his way to speak to her and to offer protection and supplies while she goes about her business. What makes this special is that he goes above and beyond what is necessary and required to make her feel wanted and appreciated. Her response is one of humbleness and gratitude as she asks her questions but in a respectful way. The way of the land during those times were not so respectful or beneficial towards women in those days so this was especially different.

Boaz, the foreshadowing of Christ - the kinsman redeemer. While I have read this story many times, it still remains important despite the brevity of the book.

Looking forward to going home and the long weekend ahead. With our fasting tonight and the church leadership meeting tomorrow, it will be a long day. I am looking forward to seeing War Horse on Sunday afternoon and dinner with Irene in Manhattan. Nice also is that I am off from work on Monday as well.  Prayers for GG as he takes some tests on Saturday for his job.

Praise for today: Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. Isaiah 49:13

Ruth 2: 1-4

The character of Boaz is introduced before his entrance. He was the relative to Elimelech, Naomi's husband. He was a rich and honorable man who owned land - a sign that it was a gift from God. Since Elimelech's sons were dead, there was no one else left to fend for Naomi and Ruth so they went to Boaz. Given Ruth's age, she was the logical one to work and glean the fields for the leftover barley grain so that they could live. The gleaning process was ordained by God in Leviticus 19: 9-10. While Ruth chose a field, she didn't know whose field she was at. God ordained this so that the story goes on. Good things do come from God and this was the case for Ruth and the field that she chose to glean. Boaz is finally on the scene in v. 4 and greets his workers with a blessing much like a priest would to his congregants. His words to his workers implies his heart towards his people.

Decent day yesterday at work and the Noreaster that was forecasted for down in Delly never really amounted to much. However, north of me was a much different story. Heard nightmarish commutes and power outages again which troubled me. Called my home and my mom to see if all was well. Decided to take my stuff home yesterday and skip the gym this morning due to the potential of the weather. Still did my laundry yesterday and got the rude awakening of the prices going up for the usage of the machines, oh well.... Got all that done as well as my ironing so I am happy.

Prayers for my peeps that they are faring well in this exacerbating weather situation.

Praise for today: He who dwells in the shadow of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Ruth 1: 15-22

Ruth is now given the same choice as Orpah had but it seemed like she had her mind made up as she declared her allegiance to Naomi and to the Lord. The spiritual reasons far outweighed the practical and she told Naomi that she would be with her and the Lord. As a result, the book becomes a story of Ruth and not Naomi and her part in the lineage of Christ.They departed for Bethlehem during the barley harvest which was a busy time. Upon their arrival in Bethlehem, Naomi is recognized by the locals. It seems that she was an important part of the community to have been away for so long and still have been recognized. There she tells her friends that she should be called Mara, which means "bitter". She was bitter about her life and her circumstances but not bitter towards God and her belief in Him. She didn't know why her life had turn this way but she knew that He was in control.

Well, it's over. The nation's fate will be shaped further as we continue towards a path of higher debt and entitlement. One has to think about it from a morality viewpoint and cannot be happy. The demographics that elected Obama continue to favor the "populist" side rather than the Christian viewpoint. We have been through this before and will be again - as long as the people deny God and His ways. Still, I wake up each day, trust God and remain faithful as a remnant that will be true to Him. God is good all the time and all the time, God is good.

Praise for today:In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever. Psalm 44: 8

Ruth 1: 8-14

The decision that awaited Naomi was not necessarily that for Orpah or Ruth. They were in their land and they were young enough that they could remarry and assimilate themselves back into their culture and the country's beliefs. Their people wouldn't abandon them and they could and would be cared for. However, the same could not be said of Naomi who openly spoke and shared who her God was and is. She exhibited her faith and trust in God and her daughters-in-law knew where she stood. She knew her age was a barrier for enabling her d-i-ls the opportunity to stay with her and so she gave them their freedom to remarry and live a productive life. After a while, Orpah agreed with remorse that she would be staying while Ruth held on to Naomi.

Today is an important day in the future of our country - the next four years will be shaped by today's vote and hopefully, the choice of the unborn will be heard as well. I voted by mail last week and while my candidate has flaws as most do, I believe in what he is saying and how he proposes to do it. Still, I think of my dad who told it that despite who is in there, you go about your business the same way - doing the best and providing for your family. Today also on the homefront, the trees will be cut down and even though the costs are less than what others would have paid, it's still a hickey nonetheless. Now my township is under a water alert due to a mechanical problem. As GG said, " two steps forward, one step back". Tomorrow, we expect more rain and wind as well which will hamper relief efforts. 

Praise for today: Search my heart o God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139: 23, 24

Ruth 1: 1-7

Although this book is short and small in nature, the commentary that I am using is deep and long in history and background. So this study will be a  little more in depth, rather than a quick study...


The story of Ruth takes place during the time of the Judges, when there was no king or specific ruler that took charge of the nation. Judah was to the south and was west of Israel while Moab was on the opposite side of the Dead Sea and was a separate pagan nation. Despite Bethelem being a large city, it was going through a severe famine and thus according to the commentary: Elimelech and his family wanted security. They left home to look for food elsewhere. They came to a country where the people did not worship God. Elimelech was from Ephrath. This probably meant that he belonged to one of the chief families in Bethlehem. (‘Ephrath’ is an old name for Bethlehem – see Micah 5:2.) He took his wife Naomi and his two sons Mahlon and Kilion. They planned to stay in Moab only for a short time. Names back then mattered Elimelech's name meant "my God is King" and Naomi's name meant "pleasant". I'm sure that they lived their names for a time until Elimelech died and their two sons Mahlon and Kilion met similar fates at a young age. Thus the stage is set for Naomi and her two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah to decide their next phase in life. The Bible doesn't say what the ages of the men or how they died but the fact still remains that they have come to the proverbial "fork in the road". Naomi was now a widow in a foreign land and with two foreign d-i-ls she knew that she couldn't stay. She heard that the Lord was now providing for his people and so she made the decision that she would trek back to Judah. Ruth and Orpah did love Naomi and wanted to stay with her because of how Naomi treated them and the bond they established over the past ten years.

What a weekend... I got home pretty easily perhaps because of the lack of people on the road due to the lack of gas and the hassles in getting it as well as the aftermath of Sandy. Nevertheless, it was good to be back home. After a group dinner out on Friday night, Saturday was for assessing the damage that the tree in the back had done and making a pork shoulder in the slow cooker as well as spending the afternoon at Gateway in SI helping their efforts with the Sandy relief. It was good reconnecting with the people there and since we found out how useless our home owner's policy was in solving our problem, one of my golf buddies there has a son that will look to see what he can do to take away the fallen tree. Praise God for him! Long day Saturday and with the extra hour of sleep, my back is slowly getting better after doing all that lifting. Great service on Sunday with Pastor Mercaldo giving a timely and splendid message about "Storms".  After lunch, I headed down to Delly and got down here with minimum time and issues. Gas down here, although higher than where I would normally tank up at, was lower than most of the stations were hawking their gas for and with no lines or rationing dates.

Not looking forward to the storm that is heading for us on Wed and Thursday but according to the weather forecasts, the weekend looks decent. Praising God for the people that we know and love whose homes have been spared or have minimal damage. Also prayers for GG as he sorts this stuff out from a distance as I was as well. Glad to see he has found a fellowship and is getting hooked up.

Praise for today: For the Lord is righteous,  he loves justice; upright men will see his face. Psalm 11: 7

The pause that refreshes

I've just finished my morning studies on the Chronicles of the Judean kings and have a few more books before I finish the entire Bible while being down here. Some I have journalized while some I have not. Still it has been a refreshing time and a sobering one as well. I have learned much so far in my 6+ years down here in Delaware and the Lord has been with me every step of the way. Every day down here has been an experience and has drawn me closer to Him.

I have been blessed and have seen at least one of my sons graduate while I was down here and both are employed. Still I miss being home, even with the Sandy storm, to be able to be there for Irene and David. Economically, this has been a drain on the family but we have survived even though we weren't thriving.

I will decide soon what my next book in the OT will be - Judges, 1and 2 Kings, Ruth and Song of Solomon are all that remain. May the Lord continue to bless my journey.

Praise for today: From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be upon your people. Psalm 3:8