We all have problems.

Who’s in charge?

“No person really decides before they grow up who they’re going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find our later who you’re stuck with.”

Vintage—of old, recognized, and enduring interest, importance or quality.

Ruth 1:1–5

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. Then Elimelech died, and Naomi was left with her two sons.  The two sons married Moabite women . . . Orpah and Ruth . . . But about ten years later, both Mahlon and Kilion died. 

Ruth 1:9

May the Lord bless you with the security of another marriage.”

Ruth 1:14

And again they wept together, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye. But Ruth clung tightly to Naomi.

Ruth 1:20–21

“Don’t call me Naomi,” . . .  call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. 

Philippians 4:6

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Jeremiah 29:12

 In those days when you pray, I will listen.

“Lord, please hear me.”

Ruth 2:8–12

 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 . . . I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.”

Vintage—of old, recognized, and enduring interest, importance or quality.

Vintage truth—God loves people.

Prayer #1—God please hear me.

Prayer #2—God please help me.

Ruth 2:20

 “May the Lord bless him . . . He is showing his kindness to us . . . That man is one of our closest relatives, one of our family redeemers.”

Vintage truth—God loves people.

Ruth 4:13–17

So Boaz took Ruth into his home, and she became his wife . . . the Lord enabled her to become pregnant, and she gave birth to a son.  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 restore your youth and care for you in your old age…. Naomi took the baby and cuddled him to her breast. And she cared for him as if he were her own . . . And they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David.

Matthew 1:5–6,16

 Salmon was the father of Boaz (whose mother was Rahab). Boaz was the father of Obed (whose mother was Ruth). Obed was the father of Jesse. ⁶ Jesse was the father of King David. . .

Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Mary gave birth to Jesus, who is called the Messiah.

 Vintage truth—God loves people.