L.E.A.P

Live, means to conduct oneself in a manner of consistency. When you live a certain way, it becomes apparent by onlookers what kind of lifestyle one leads. Ruth was not from the land of Israel, but she strove to be a worshipper of The Most High. When something unfolds, it is easy to look back retrospectively and decipher why things happened the way they did. A family moves away to another land, practically everyone dies and then one woman from another place comes back to the land. One would ask the question, why? It is clear to see however that Ruth was trying to live a life for God.


Throughout the first few chapters in the book of Ruth we become aware of Ruth’s relation and faith in Almighty God (Ruth 1:6, 14, 16, 17). This relationships is also in contrast to that of her sister in law Orpah (Ruth 1:15). By chapter two, Boaz testifies of the fact that he knew all the good work she had done for her mother in law, how she left mother, father and land (verse 11). Boaz also highlighted that her devotion to God was now very visible, it was becoming clear that her lifestyle portrayed someone who loved God (verse 12). This is what it means to live for God, living a lifestyle which reflects his splendour.

Example is something all believers should be. Ruth must have come to know God by someone’s example. Due to the fact her husband and other male members of the family had died, I believe it must have been Naomi’s example. The Bible talks about women drawing there husbands to God, Peter stated that “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.” Added emphasis is mine, it does lead me to believe (although this specifically refers to married women) that Naomi’s example was what showed Ruth the ways of God. Ruth learned how to be a mother from Naomi, as well as a women of faith. Be an example.

Answer the question posed to you, at any given time of the day. Peter wrote “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” Phillip was ready to preach Jesus, and was ready to expound upon the scriptures of the Old Testament. When the question arose “Of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?” No script, no plan, just what he knew from his experience and life. You must always be ready to answer the question. So answer it, whether by actions or by word.

Protect what has been given to you, to the end of your days. God gave us what is known as the full armour of God. We are soldiers in a battle and every soldier needs his protection. God gives us the best weaponry and artillery to defeat the enemies. From Ephesians 6:13 onwards we can read of the various components which make up God’s armour. Protect the great gift of God.

LEAP for Christ

Israel

He’s learning to serve the Christian community better and better each day through his teaching on the Bible (both theory and practical application for everyday life). Israel Ikhinmwin loves to share the truth of God’s Word and be an example for other Christians looking to develop your faith.

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26 Responses

  1. Pegg Thomas says:

    The story of Ruth is certainly an excellent example of a leap of faith. 🙂

  2. Jack Brown says:

    Leap for Christ. well leaped Israel

  3. I had never thought of where Ruth learned to be faithful. I knew she had been obedient to Naomi’s suggestions but your notes give reason as to the why.

  4. Nona says:

    Such a great devotion to read on a Monday morning, and about one of my favorite female characters: Ruth. 🙂 A great use of the Bible to demonstrate the broadness of this month’s topic. An enjoyable read!

  5. The Bible is a great resource for understanding the life God gave us. Great article, Israel! I’ve always loved the story of Ruth. Even an outsider for all of her previous life can be welcomed into His Kingdom.

    ~ VT

  6. Wonderful post about Ruth. You should read my blog ‘Living the Ruth Life in a Eve World.’
    http://www.livingtheruthlifeinaneveworld.blogspot.com/

    Thank you for sharing your devotional.

  7. Mike says:

    You don’t hear too much about Ruth, thanks for teaching utilizing this important book. Boaz, a righteous man himself, knew of Ruth’s righteousness and that attracted him to her. So when Ruth took the initiative to be wed to Boaz, he responded because her righteous deeds had done all the courting for her.

  8. E G Lewis says:

    Interesting acrostic, Very enjoyable reading. Peace and Blessings

  9. Great job on using leap to draw us closer to Christ. The part about Ruth and Naomi stuck out as we just finished up a series in our youth group regarding the pair.

  10. Clever use of the subject Leap.
    I have been challenged today by your writings on the book of Ruth.
    How am I living for Christ? Is my example a good one? Am I prepared to give an answer for my faith? Am I taking full advantage of the amour available to me?

    Well done.

  11. Deborah K. Anderson says:

    Great message in your post, Israel. Thank you so much for sharing.

  12. Traci B says:

    Wonderful post, Israel. I enjoyed your use of L.E.A.P.; you’ve given us an acrostic we can all remember and put to use. I also appreciate your use of Ruth’s story. Her faithfulness and obedience to God and to Naomi’s suggestions not only saved their lives and gained her a husband, it brought her into the human lineage of Jesus (see Matthew 1:5). What an honor for her, to be grafted into the Savior’s bloodline. It’s such a beautiful testimony of God’s love and grace.

    A quick editing note: you referred to the book of Esther instead of Ruth in your scripture attributions in paragraph two. You might want to change that so Bible search newbies don’t get confused.

  13. Terrie says:

    I enjoyed your post very much- another excellent take on LEAP. The story of Ruth is one more wonderful example of how the Lord uses everyday people to accomplish His mission. Although things did not go right for the two women, the Lord turned things around because they had gotten to the end of themselves and placed their hope in Him. Thank you for yet another example of God’s faithful love.

  14. Love the long acrostic — “Live, Example, Answer, Protect!” I will never think of the word leap again without those words also running through my mind, and I’m grateful. They are GOOD to remember…and do.

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  1. February 29, 2012

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