Every Journey Has a Destination : Lesson from Ruth Chapter 1

The Journey

Elimelech was a man from Bethlehem in Judah. He left his homeland, where he had learned about the God who preserved Israel during the famine in Jacob's time. He must have known the stories of how God delivered His people from the hand of Pharaoh and drowned the Egyptian army in the Red Sea.

Ruth 1:1-2 (NLT)

"In the days when the judges ruled in Israel, a severe famine came upon the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah left his home and went to live in the country of Moab, taking his wife and two sons with him. The man's name was Elimelech, and his wife was Naomi. Their two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in the land of Judah. And when they reached Moab, they settled there."

I cannot blame Elimelech. He was a breadwinner who wanted to provide for his family. He wanted the best for them, so he sought greener pastures elsewhere. That is a step many parents would take to ensure their children do not starve. I am sure he discussed his plans with Naomi, his wife. The Bible says, "When they reached Moab, they settled there." They moved with the intention of staying.

Jacob and his entire household also moved to Egypt during a time of famine in Canaan. However, God spoke to Jacob concerning that journey. Jacob had questions, and God reassured him in a vision, promising His presence and guidance.

It is recorded that Joseph asked Pharaoh to allow his family to stay in Goshen, and Pharaoh consented. They lived in a foreign land and prospered. They lacked nothing. They had access to Pharaoh and enjoyed favor. This demonstrates that God was actively involved in that journey (Genesis 46).

The case in Ruth chapter 1 appears different. The Bible records no notable achievements during Elimelech's years in Moab. Like their father no notable achievements were recorded for his two sons and his story ends with his death in a foreign land. His move to Moab changed the course of his family's destiny, reminding us of the importance of seeking God's direction before making major life decisions.

Although there was no famine in Moab, the Scriptures do not record any significant accomplishments during the family's stay there. Naomi did not emerge as a central figure in the story until after Elimelech's death.

Her strength of character became evident after she lost the one who carried the vision for the family. In time, her sons married Moabite women. Yet the family continued to experience loss and hardship. No children were mentioned from either marriage, and after about ten years, both sons died. 

"And Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband." (Ruth 1:5) Her joy was gone. Her future appeared uncertain. She found herself in a foreign land with little hope. Yet God was not finished with Naomi.

The story that began with famine, loss, and grief would eventually become a story of redemption, restoration, and divine purpose.

Reflection 

Always seek God's leading and direction before embarking on any journey or major life decision.

If God leads you to a particular place, pray ahead and dedicate that land to Him before you arrive.

When you get there, declare God's Word over the land as the sole of your feet touches the ground.

Pray that the heavens will remain open over your life and family.

Reject and cancel every evil tradition, influence, or stronghold that may hinder the fulfillment of your God-given destiny.

Prayer Points

1. Lord, order my steps and direct my path in the way You want me to go.

2. Lord, speak to me concerning this journey. Let me have peace regarding every question and concern in my heart.

3. Lord, order the steps of my children. They will not go where You do not want them to go.

4. Lord, You know where I am now. I declare in the name of Jesus that I will not lose my spouse or my children.

5. I will not lose my life in Jesus' name.

6. My spouse, my children, and I will not die spiritually, physically, emotionally, or mentally in Jesus' name.

7. I will not leave this city or country with my head bowed in shame. I will not live empty. I will not lose my crown or my joy. My journey in life will not end in tragedy.

8. I frustrate every counsel of destiny killers over my life, my spouse, and my children. When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Lord will raise a standard against him.

9. I will remain spiritually alert in Jesus' name. The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. Wherever the sole of my feet treads, God will grant me favor, purpose, and victory according to His will.

 Olukemi Adeniyi 

 23rd November 2016

Take the Matter to Jesus

By: Olukemi Adeniyi 

                                                        

                                                                 

For mothers to be able to do that we need divine guardians to align our  children’s path to glory.

The first miraculous sign performed by Jesus happened at Cana of Galilee. Mary the mother played an important role in the manifestation of this miracle. The bible says in John 2 v 7, The miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory, and his disciples believe in him.

We must become mothers who will not sit still and let things go out of hand.  No wine, it is finished,  then pray. We are mothers. it is our business to tell Jesus, the wine is finished. We should be guided by the Holy Spirit to guide our children in the right way.

The Lord open my eyes to know the glorious destinies in my care, help me to guide them to the right opportunity, Lord give me discernment to know its time to launch or point my child to greatness. Lord give me the discernment to know it is the right time, Let me know the right people to speak to. 

Mary said whatever he tells you to do it. She facilitates the process.

Mothers know what their children are capable of. They know who God has called them to be.  Exodus 2v2, Moses mother saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him. Take your child to Jesus, hid, cover  your children in Jesus.

Jesus as a  guest in that ceremony thought all he was going to do was eat and celebrate with them.

No way! There's a need. The wine ran out, what is needed to spice up the wedding is finished. Marriage is the beginning of a long journey and already the supply of wine in the marriage has gone low. Is the wine in your marriage running low, take the matter to Jesus. 

Is there a project you have started and have run out of ideas, six months, six years in marriage, and somethings are not going as it should, good news is you can invite Jesus. Then tell Jesus, you need His help.

There is a mother who would not sit by and let thing get out of control in the church. It is not in our character to be complacent. Is the fire on the altar low? 

The Lord is counting on the Deborah's to arise, Abigail to intervene, Esthers to go on a fast, or  Mary to take the matter to Jesus.  

This is what my son can fix. She took the matter to Jesus.

Jesus said " It is not our business to deal with the situation" John 2 v 4.

Sometimes, you have to tell Jesus, it is your business to fix this. For the sake of your name fix this. For your glory intervene. You are involved in this case.

Jesus will not say no to his mother. Jesus will not say no to you. As long as you do whatever he tells you to do. What is Jesus asking you to do? Does it sound ridiculous? Foolish?, unpopular? 

Mothers, you have the power to push your child into glory. Be sensitive to know the glorious destinies in your care. Guide them to the right opportunity that will showcase what they are capable of.

Facilitate the process. Speak to those that will make it happen. "Whatever He tells you to do, do it."

When the Wine Runs Out, Take the Matter to Jesus 

 Be the  Praying Mother Who Pushes Destiny Into Glory

Mothers, we have the power to align our children to glory.

Prayer points:

Holy spirit encourages my children in their path to greatness. Sometimes they feel they are not ready, Holy spirit back them up.

Lord give me the grace, discernment to know its time, to launch my children to greatness, goodness. 

When my children feels they are not ready, Holy Spirit encourage them. When they take the leap of faith back them up with outstanding success, miracles that eyes have seen, ears have not heard in Jesus mighty name 🙏 

 

JOCHEBED

JOCHEBED – (YAHWEH is glory) Exodus 1 and 2

Who would put a BABY on Water? Who would put an infant in a basket without food and water? Placing him in the same water that has gulped the bodies of millions of innocent young boys as well as calling for blood his own? Jochebed!

Jochebed had two children before Moses was born, Miriam and Aaron. Both of them came at the time when the sufferings of the children of God the Isrealist were at its peak. God has special plans for each of Jochebed children. Their parents recognized the fact that their children were not ordinary. They have the potentials to bring about the purpose of God regarding the deliverance of Isrealist who were slaves at that time in Egypt.

As it was recorded in the bible that the couple were Levites who served as priest, both parents also struck me as Levites who understands the “TIME and SEASON “. They knew it was getting close to the appointed time when God promised to deliver His people after they must have spent 430 years in Egypt.

 When the mother “SAW”that he was a goodly child she hid him. Jochebed was able to see beyond the tiny baby crying for milk or a change of nappy. She had a son before; she knew this one is different. He came at a time when a sentence for his execution was already pronounced before he was born.

While he was in the womb his mother must have prayed that her unborn baby would be a girl. Yet God gave her a son. When she realized that this boy is not ordinary but one with a God given mission she began to think of ways of protecting him.

Then I imagine some of the things that Jochebed would do to keep people from noticing that he was a boy. Wrapped him up, probably didn’t circumcise him, dressed him like a girl child, call him a girl name, only mum and Miriam carried him…I guessed Moses was not a fuzzy , crying highly demanding baby until he was three month old.

“She hid him for three month but could no longer do it” then Gods plan began to unfold…

So she put him in the hands of the Lord. 

”Pharaohs’ wicked commandment could not stop Moses conception.” “God sent deliverance in the midst of trouble.”

If all you can see now is hopelessness, Gods light will shine through the darkness. If all you feel now is sadness, Gods joys will break forth through the morning. The fact that you cannot see a way right now, does not mean God cannot make a way. What you see now is temporary.

You have been hiding that child but cannot any longer; you have done everything a mother would do for her child, your husband even hands off a long while it is only temporary. Gods plan is about to unfold.

“Even before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart, I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” Jeremiah 1:5.

Gods appointed time and season for His people to be delivered has come. Everybody needed for the unfolding of this event begin to play their part.

Jochebed placed her little boy in a woven basket and set him by the Nile to see what would become of him was all God’s plan. She might not know what she really doing while making the basket (The material used for making the basket was from the Nile) asking Miriam to watch the basket closely, hoping the tide will make it swim close to where he will be discovered, praying that he will be recovered by the right person, nor had a clue that her ideas were all inspired by God. Everyone needed for the purpose of God to be fulfilled were at the right place at the right time.

The way you are taking might not seems right, the method you are using may not be popular but be assured, God has walked that path, he knows the turns and the twist, He wrote the script in the first place,  placing everything or everyone you will require to help you get to your place of destiny. He will send people that will pray for you- your mum. He will send people that will watch over you – your Miriam. He will send people that will protect and cover you – Pharoahs daughter. He will send people that will speak on your behalf – Aaron.

 

Moral:

Parents especially mothers should know that every child given to them by God is unique with special destiny to fulfill.

Mother should pray for Gods revelation on how to raise them because they are different with different assignment.

Mothers should cover their children and household with prayers.

Mothers should not give up on her children no matter what.

Mother s should teach and constantly remind her children their root and inheritance in Christ Jesus.

 

Prayer points:

Lord I thank you for the children that you have given me. They are for signs and wonders.

Lord open my eye to see the potentials you have put in each of my children.

Lord I ask for wisdom to instruct my children in your way.

Order my steps, the steps of my children to be at the right place at the right time. I will not miss my helper of destiny. I will not be too early; I will not be too late.

 

Lord in my children’s path in life stations every help they will need along their way.

My children will fulfill destiny nothing will stop them, sickness, laws of the land, hate, demons will not be able to stop them. They shall escape every snare of the fowler. They will be victorious in every stage of life in Jesus name.

 Olukemi Adeniyi 

27th November, 2016

When Depression Meets Faith: Finding God in Psalm 143

By Olukemi Adeniyi 

Why anxiety and depression don’t mean your faith is weak. 

It can happen to anyone. Being a child of God does not make you immune.

And that needs to be said clearly especially for young people who may feel confused, ashamed, or alone when these emotions show up.

In Psalm 143 v 7, David gives us a raw, honest picture of what it looks like when faith meets emotional distress.

Even the strong struggle. David was not weak. He was a warrior. A giant killer.

A man who defeated lions and bears. Yet in , he cries out: “Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails.” That’s not just a prayer that’s a man overwhelmed.

David felt it deeply. But he also knew where to go. You are not alone in this.

David wasn’t the only one. 

Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane said:“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” (Matthew 26:38). Jesus, reached out to his disciples and said, “Stay here and pray with me.”

Elijah became afraid, exhausted, and asked God to take his life (1 Kings 19v 4). while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 

These were not ordinary men, yet they experienced deep emotional distress.

So if you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or low, it does not mean your faith is weak.

It’s Okay to Reach Out.

David cried out to God. Jesus asked for support. Elijah needed rest and care.

You can too.

• Talk to God

• Talk to a therapist, school counselor 

• Talk to a trusted friend

• Talk to your family member ( maybe your sister, mom or dad)

• Lean into your church community 

Don’t isolate yourself.

Even when the disciples slept, they were still present with Jesus. Presence matters.

What David Did in Psalm 143, and What You Can Do

1. Talk to God Daily Psalms 143 v 8 David says:

“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning.” Start your day with God, even if it’s a simple prayer.

2. Ask for Direction

“Show me the way I should go.”

When your mind feels crowded, confused, or overwhelmed, ask God:

 “What should I do next?”

3. Know Where to Hide (verse 9)

“I hide myself in You.”Your heart, your thoughts, your emotions, place them in God’s hands.

4. Don’t Stay Silent

Keep speaking. Even if it’s messy. Even if it’s just:

• “Lord, I need You.”

• “Teach me.”

• “Lead me.”

• “Rescue me.”

A Prayer from Psalm 143

When anxiety rises, when your heart feels heavy, when your thoughts are loud, pray like David:

• Lord, show me where to walk

• Rescue me from what overwhelms me

• Teach me to do Your will

• Bring me out of distress

• Lift me out of this pit of anxiety and worry

• Silence every voice that is not Yours

Let us pray 🙏 

1. Prayer for Strength

Lord, answer me quickly; my spirit feels weak.

Refresh my soul and remind me of Your unfailing love each morning.

(Psalm 143:7–8)

2. Prayer for Direction

Father, show me the way I should go.

Lead me step by step and quiet every confusion in my mind.

(Psalm 143:8,10)

3. Prayer for Deliverance

Rescue me from every place of distress, anxiety, and heaviness.

Bring me out into a place of peace and safety.

(Psalm 143:9,11)

4. Prayer for Covering

Lord, silence every voice that is not from You.

Preserve my life, guard my heart, and surround me with Your presence.

(Psalm 143:11–12)

Share it with someone who may need it today.

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Just Relax!

 

Matthew 6:30-34 MSG

[30-33] “If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers most of which are never even seen don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to RELAX, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving.

 People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

 [34] “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

What is God doing right now?

What should I give attention to?

Let us pray. 

Thank you for doing your best for me...

Read the verses 30- 34 again and pray as the Lord leads.