April: Developing Habits that become Virtue.
Week 1: Choosing the best (Maria and Marta, The story of Ruth and Naomi)
Week 2: A time alone with God
Week 3: Rest in Peace in Christ
Week 4: A Gentle Spirit
Verse to memorize this month
Pro 31:12-13 She brings him good, not harm,all the days of her life. She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.
WEEK 4. Choosing the best (Maria and Marta, The story of Ruth and Naomi)
Monday: Bible reading Luke 10: 38-42
Write in your journal the following verses:
Lucas 10:41-42
41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Many times we think that we are letting Jesus enter our home or our lives. We can even approach Him to make our request known. However, we can have the wrong attitude.
Let's look at the differences
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Marta received Jesus in her house
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María listen
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Marta spoke
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Mary sat down
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Marta was distressed by many things
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Maria did not complain
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Marta thought she had the answer, she asked Jesus to do what she thought was right.
Action Steps
Is there a concern that overwhelms you? Just give it to the Lord
Is there something you’ve demanded that Jesus do for you?
How do you think you can change that attitude in your own life?
What is to choose and discover the best part of your life?
Tuesday: biblical reading Chapter 1of Ruth
Write in your journal the following verses:
Rut 1. 16 Ruth answered: Do not beg me to leave you and turn away from you; because wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God my God.17 Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried; so Jehovah will do to me, and even add me, that only death will separate us from each other.
What do you think it meant to be a widow back then?
What did it mean for Ruth to stay with her mother-in-law?
What are the differences between Orfa and Ruth?
What were the challenges they faced when returning to Bethlehem.
Action Steps
Is there something you should define in your own life? (You're struggling between two things)
Is there something you should let go of in your life?
Why do you think that decision is important for your spiritual growth?
Wednesday: Biblical reading Chapter 2 of Ruth
Write in your journal the following verses:
Rut 2: 8,22
8 Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field.
22 “Good!” Naomi exclaimed. “Do as he said, my daughter. Stay with his young women right through the whole harvest. You might be harassed in other fields, but you’ll be safe with him.”
Why do you think it was important for Ruth to work in that field?
What was Ruth's attitude when she spoke with Boaz?
What was the reward for her work?
Action Steps
If you belong to a congregation, we invite you to do an act of service out of love. In what area do you think they may need your help? Dare to serve and give what by grace you have been given.
Thursday: Scripture Reading Chapter 3 of Ruth
Write in your journal the following verses:
Ruth 3: 10- 11 10 “The Lord bless you, my daughter!” Boaz exclaimed. “You are showing even more family loyalty now than you did before, for you have not gone after a younger man, whether rich or poor. 11 Now don’t worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman.
What was the advice Naomi gave to Ruth?
Why do you think it was important to do what Naomi asked of her?
Why was this act better than the one she had done before?
What qualities of virtue did Ruth have?
Action Steps
What things have the Lord asked you to obey?
Is there something that you should give to Him?
What is the blessing for your life if you obey what God is asking of you?
Friday: Chapter 4 of Ruth
Write in your journal the following verses:
Rut 4: 14-15
14 Then the women of the town said to Naomi, “Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel. 15 May he restores your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!”
Why do you think that choosing to do the right thing is not always easy?
What can you learn from Naomi's life?
What can you learn from the life of Ruth?
Action Steps
When you come to the Lord the word says that behold, all things are made new. Now you belong to a new family. If in your past there was a loss or pain, think how it is different now. Declare the good for your life. If you are married, visualize the blessing over your generations. If you are single, visualize the promises of God about your life. If you are old, think how God has sustained you.
The people recognized that the value of Ruth was more than that of 7 children. Name seven virtues that you know God has put in you.