Christmas with Compassion | Day 04

Day 04 - Thursday, December, 05
Read Ruth 4

Highlight
“Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth,” (Matthew 1:5b). Ruth was a Moabite woman who married into a Jewish family. That family had fled Bethlehem after a famine had hit their land. Sometime later Ruth’s first husband died. Out of love and deep respect, when the time came, Ruth accompanied Naomi (her mother-in-law) back to Bethlehem. Since their return, Ruth provided for herself and her mother-in-law. Eventually, she found favor with a relative of her late husband, who would come to their aid and impact their family lineage.

Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method.  It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer.  We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading.  It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal.  But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.

S.O.A.P. Method

Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?

Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?

Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?

Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).