Today's Daily Bread
While standing in a checkout line, I was estimating my bill and
trying to keep my son from wandering away. I barely noticed when the
woman ahead of me shuffled toward the exit, leaving all of her items
behind. The clerk confided that the woman didn’t have enough money to
pay her bill. I felt terrible; if only I had been aware of her situation
earlier, I would have helped her.
In the book of Ruth, Boaz became aware of Ruth’s plight when he saw
her gleaning in his fields (2:5). He learned that she was recently
widowed and was the breadwinner for herself and her mother-in-law. Boaz
saw her need for protection, and warned his harvesters to leave her
alone (v.9). He supplied her with extra food by instructing his workers
to let grain fall purposely (v.16). Boaz even addressed Ruth’s emotional
needs by comforting her (vv.11-12). When Naomi heard about this, she
said, “Blessed be the one who took notice of you” (v.19).
Are you aware of the needs of the people around you—in your church,
neighborhood, or under your own roof?
Today, consider how you might help
bear someone’s burden. Then you will be fulfilling God’s plan for you
(Gal. 6:2; Eph. 2:10).
Help me Lord, to notice
The hurting, sick, and lost;
Guide me as I help them
Regardless of the cost. —Schuldt
The hurting, sick, and lost;
Guide me as I help them
Regardless of the cost. —Schuldt
God works through us to meet the needs of those around us.
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