Lost priority in a lost world

The devil is the prince of this world (John 14:30). So, to try  out shining (become famous, popular, excessively materialistic) in his (devil) world is a lost priority and evidence of a punctured destiny.

This world is not our own, and it’s passing away with all that is in it.

The understanding of this should help us set our priorities right and stay focus amidst noises and turmoil that rages around us on daily basis.

Positioning yourself- take action

Rth 3:4 NET When he gets ready to go to sleep, take careful notice of the place where he lies down. Then go, uncover his legs, and lie down beside him. He will tell you what you should do.”

This is really fascinating to me. This is Ruth saying to Boaz, “here I am. I am available for you.”

For Ruth to make this bold and brittle move, she must be so confident in herself, and quite audacious. 

It is a rare but necessary move if Ruth is going to settle down in her new-found home. 

Ruth didn’t impose or force herself on Boaz. She waited and carefully do the normal ritual appropriate at the moment.

The ability to read and understand the time, the mood, and the circumstances is impressive.

I believe that this is what made Ruth secure her place in life, not self-righteousness, sneaky behavior, attitude or being cocky.

Nowadays, we seek to do it our own way and we often make mistakes. 

Ruth listened to her mother-in-law, and followed the instructions that got her the rightful position. 

Who has ear let him hear!

Positioning yourself- preparation

Rth 3:3 NET So bathe yourself, rub on some perfumed oil, and get dressed up. Then go down to the threshing floor. But don’t let the man know you’re there until he finishes his meal.

This is a well thought-out process and carefully crafted to achieve the end result. 

“Bathe yourself” suggest clean up yourself. Be clean! Be ready for your bride/spouse/fiance by showing how neat you are.  Remove the filthy attitude or despicable behavior if any.

How can we expect acceptance when we are too proud to realize how incapable, incompetent, incomplete and fallible we are so we can receive help and grace from the saving Savior?

Careful preparation and planning prove to work effectively if executed appropriately. 

Jesus watched the feet of His disciples to show an example. A woman rubbed and wiped the feet of Jesus Christ to demonstrate humility, death preparedness, passion and love. Smell good and look good so you can stand in the high place.

Jesus Christ and His disciples were known for their unique way of dressing. So, stand out! 

Go ahead and plan the visit, make the call, arrange the place, make use of the precious God-given mind to explore all your options, and God will give you the winning ideas.

I pray that God of heaven will endow us with distinct wisdom to act right in all our ways.

Positioning yourself- closeness or proximity

Rth 3:2 NET Now Boaz, with whose female servants you worked, is our close relative. Look, tonight he is winnowing barley at the threshing floor.

In most cases, your miracle is closer than you can imagine. 

God often put people, things and situations in your life design in a way to help you in your time of need.

There is a reason family members are called immediate relatives because these are the people who stands for you, or stand on your behalf. 

Sometimes, friends can act like a close relative, and there are few closer than family members. They assume this status because they are available and you have build trust over a period of time.

Look nearby; not far for your help is nearer than you imagine. 

Positioning yourself- obedience

Rth 3:5 NET Ruth replied to Naomi, “I will do everything you have told me to do.”

It is not an easy decision for Ruth to follow Naomi after a series of death incidents. 

Not only did Ruth stick to her mother-in-law, she also decided to abide by every instructions. 

What this means is that Ruth foresee her chances of success in listening and obeying Naomi.

Ruth understood that Naomi knew the land more than her and can “make a way” for her to settle down in a new-found region. 

Ruth’s perception was unique and unparalleled. It takes a lot of trust and loyalty to exhibit this personality. 

For years and generations after, Ruth’s actions resonate even till today.

May we find the confidence to trust the saving grace of God, amen!

Positioning yourself- finding a place

One of the most essential things in life is finding a place you can call home.

It is essential to secure a place and to secure a place, you must search. After you search, then you find your location.

This process is not limited only to finding a place. 

Someone looking for a life partner must search until he/she finds one.

A scholar must search for programs and educational curricula suitable to the line of study. The same goes for friendships, jobs, business partners, vacations, etc.

Rth 3:1- NET 1 At that time, Naomi, her mother-in-law, said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home for you so you will be secure.
You derive security and satisfaction after your findings adventure. 

The quest continues until you find your place. Seek your place in life just like Ruth.

Do not shy away from little obstacles. your place (home) is where you can rest and enjoy peace of mind.

Find your place; find your rest.

The life of man on earth 24.0 (the ultimate answer)

Finally, God answered Job, and Job realized that God has an answer to every question. 

It is difficult to comprehend the mind of God and what He thinks. 

I believe the solution is to rely on Him and trust His judgment. He cannot make mistakes even when we are genuinely confused. 

Patience is also essential. Job waited on God.

Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.

Psalms 37:7 NLT

God has a good plan. He always does!

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

God made it clear to Job that he is not as strong as he thinks. This is true. God’s ability is greater than all of the humans’ capabilities.

“Will you discredit my justice and condemn me just to prove you are right? Are you as strong as God? Can you thunder with a voice like his?

Job 40:8‭-‬9 NLT

Think about this for a second. Even those who do not trust God for anything have no final say. God does!

And since no one dares to disturb it, who can stand up to me? Who has given me anything that I need to pay back? Everything under heaven is mine.

Job 41:10‭-‬11 NLT

God knows the end from the beginning. Again, I know this is tough and difficult in today’s world. 

I’ll stand firm and trust His promises even when it makes no sense. 

If He knows all things, then He knows the future. He can, and He will do it right!

This is the life of man on earth.

The life of man on earth 23.0 (the answer)

Sometimes, we receive answers to our questions, and other times, no answers. 

Silence is a form of an answer to a question. So, when you receive no response, the answer is silence!

Those who do not believe in the sovereignty of God have issues to contend with in their hands. 

“If they listen and obey God, they will be blessed with prosperity throughout their lives. All their years will be pleasant. But if they refuse to listen to him, they will cross over the river of death, dying from lack of understanding. The godless are full of resentment. Even when he punishes them, they refuse to cry out to him for help.

Job 36:11‭-‬13 NLT

It’s not going to be easy for the doubters. 

There are lots of evil people in this world. It’s futile trying to be like one of them. 

And richness doesn’t bring inner peace. 

But watch out because riches are seductive. Deliberately reject every attempt to fall into sin. Could all your wealth or all your mighty efforts keep you from distress?

Job 36:18‭-‬19 NLT

Listen, God is greater than we can comprehend. Job 36:26. Also, it is a good answer to your troubled mind.

Only a fool says there’s no God!

I don’t know much, but I rely on Him who knows everything. 

Do you know the laws of the universe? Can you use them to regulate the earth?

Job 38:33 NLT

Seeking answers at different places often leads to falling into a dip pit of deceit and lies.

Watch! Gullibility becomes easy and embracing lies emboldened. 

Its young gulp down blood. Where there’s a carcass, there you’ll find it.”

Job 39:30 NLT

“Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near.

Matthew 24:23‭-‬24‭, ‬28 NLT

The ultimate answer, in my opinion, is to seek God who is the sovereign being of all that ever exists.