Dear brothers & sisters,

This Sunday, we will be picking back up in the first chapter of Ruth (:6-22).  As these three widows embark on a journey back to Bethlehem, we witness the devastating consequences of Orpah’s decision to turn back to Moab (:15).  But we also see the beauty of regeneration in the heart of Ruth (:16-18): “Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you…”

The Hebrew word for ‘return’ is used 12 times in these verses.  As they make their way along, both women must reckon with this equation that carries eternal consequence:

• Jehovah plus nothing in Bethlehem
• Everything minus Jehovah in Moab

Both young women had the same bitter experience in widowhood, both heard the same things about Naomi’s God.  Along this barren road, it appears one is transformed, the other is not.  This week we have an opportunity to look at the nature of true conversion in the life of Ruth the Moabitess: “Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.”

NOTE: This week our regular prayer meeting with be at the Browns on Wednesday, led by Josh Keith.  There is a possibility that some people will be going to Christ Baptist’s prayer meeting for Brother Rick Muse and his family the same evening (there will be more information forthcoming).

For our Sunday afternoon teaching, Mike Davenport will be teaching on a Psalm.

There are a number of other things to be aware of this coming week:

• Evangelism opportunities: Friday Night on White and Lumberton (talk with Brian Solik)
• Pray for Scott: preaching in Idaho Falls, ID and Brigham City, UT this weekend
• Next Wednesday (July 17): a day of fasting for the mission to Turkey (our brothers and sisters at Sovereign are doing the same).  More details to follow on Sunday.

Our songs for this Sunday are:

May the Lord bless you, keep you and cause His face to shine upon you this week.

In Christ,