08/27/2026
Week 35 ~ Scripture to Put to Memory
"Entreat me not to leave you, Or turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God."
Ruth 1:16
A NEW BEGINNING
"God is always the God of newness. The Bible continually refers to the fact that it is never too late for a new beginning. . . The words of our text today have become immortal. When famine came to Bethlehem, Naomi, her husband, and their two sons fled and settled in Moab. In due time her sons married Moabite women. The Moabites were a race that was born in in**st and a people who observed a false religion that was the antithesis to their Jewish heritage. Later, Naomi's husband died, as did her two sons. Left with her two daughters-in-law, Naomi, upon hearing that there was not bread in Bethlehem, set her face like a flint to return to the will of God for her life. She encouraged the two women to go back to their people and to their gods. Orpah kissed Naomi and went back. The other, Ruth, clung to Naomi saying, [this week's Scripture]. . . . These words constitute the formula for us when new things come and we cling to Christ in such a manner. When personal renewal comes to our own hearts, it brings several new things. . . .
PERSONAL RENEWAL BRINGS A NEW DETERMINATION . . . Ruth felt a new determination, and would cling to Naomi [even though the journey would be hard]. . .We say to our Lord what Ruth said to Naomi, 'Entreat me not to leave you, or turn back from following after you.'
PERSONAL RENEWAL BRINGS A NEW DIRECTION . . . A new direction is always a telltale sign of genuine renewal. We begin to become interested in the things in which Jesus was interested. . . .
PERSONAL RENEWAL BRINGS A NEW DEPENDENCE ... Ruth declared she would trust Naomi to meet her basic needs. . . . Her determination instilled in Naomi a new dependence on God. . . .
PERSONAL RENEWAL BEINGS A NEW DESIRE. . . Ruth declared, 'Your people shall be my people.'
PERSONAL RENEWAL BRINGS A NEW DEVOTION
PERSONAL RENEWAL BRINGS A NEW DEDICATION . . . We need this same dedication in following Christ.
As you memorize this verse, meditate on the wonder of how many things Christ has made new in you."
from: "The Joshua Code 52 Scripture Verses Every Believer
Should Know" by O.S. Hawkins