Saturday 18th July

You know what it’s like. You’ve had a hard day. Its been hot and tiring. And phones have been ringing. And traffic has been building up. And you’ve been late for every meeting. And you didn’t do that job you were meant to do. And the boss shouts at you. And the teacher wants a ‘quick word with you about your son’. And the car wouldn’t start. And the phone rings again. And you just want to get home. To kick your shoes off, to slump on the sofa and breathe.

 

As we come to the end of our time together in Ruth, think eleven hundred years down the line from Ruth (whose Mother in law was Rahab, the prostitute?! It was you know) to the birth of jesus. Think of all the character qualities we admire in Jesus : integrity, compassion, stickability, hard work, honor."

 

I wonder where He got that character from? Yeah of course I know ‘From His heavenly Father.’ I know ‘Because He was the Son of God’.  But you and I also know that in a very real human sense, genes and character are passed down from generation to generation. Who else do we know who had integrity, compassion, stickability, hard work, and honour … yes of course, it was Ruth.

 

Gods plans since before the beginning of time come to birth literally at the birth of Jesus. And where ? In a little town in Israel called Bethlehem. Where was Ruth from originally ? Bethlehem. Finally, eleven hundred years later she comes full circle and makes it home through her distant distant son.

Late next week I will be heading off to Guatemala & Honduras to spend some time with some street children who are dear to my heart. (For more details check out streetkidsdirect.org.uk) Now before any of you comment, I know its the region where swine flu originated, and I also know the political situation in that region is very precarious to say the least. That doesn't worry me too much either. No the concern is that it's not home. Even though I lived there for a bit, its not home. I'll be living in the poorest of communities and spending most of my days sitting in amongst squalor. I'll be eating strange food, trying to avoid catching lice whilst trying to communicate something of Gods love in a strange language. Being the best witness I can be in a place that is not home.

 

But isn't that what we do everyday ..... ? Home for us as Christians will never truly be Mendlesham or Debenham or Stowmarket or Diss or anywhere else on planet earth. Home is heaven. And one day we will come full circle like Ruth and finally make it home.

 

Never underestimate your God, and never underestimate what God wants to do through you as you make yourself available to Him. And one day He will call us home and we can finally kick off our shoes and breathe.

And then every day will still feel never-ending, but there will be no more tiredness or frustration or anguish or death or squalor or mourning or tears or pain and there will be no more 'until tomorrows' because the old order has passed away. And we will be home.

 

Friday 17th July

A shorter blog today.

Have you ever been in the right place at the right time and something amazing, something extra ordinary has happened ? Those snapshot moments of real joy or moments of memory making intensity. The day I scored a winning try in the last seconds of the rugby match to clinch the cup. The time I was surfing and a dolphin appeared next to me. The day I kissed Rachelle Thackray. The evening on a hillside in Chile where the wild eagle landed and took food from my hand. That sunset over lake Malawi. The time I saved Mark's life when he fell through a window. The surprise gift of a days rally driving just 'because we think you're great'. The day she said she loved me.

One of the greatest themes that runs through the Bible is how a great God takes ordinary people and does extraordinary things with them to accomplish His incredible purposes. This enduring theme of scripture is played out time and time and time again. But its not just in scripture. The principle is true for us too. No matter who we are, no matter where we've been, no matter what we’ve done, we are ordinary people who can do extraordinary things for God. It's been said that most people that we call heroes don't really know that they are heroes. Because real heroes don't know that they're heroes. They are simply men and women who do the right thing at the right time in the right way for the right reason.

Wonder Woman (I knew I’d get her into my blogs somehow!) was once talking with Wonder Girl (vol. 10 of DC’s JLA 'Golden Perfect' mini-series if anyone is interested?!) who was feeling the weight of the responsibility of the ‘Wonder’ mantle she’d inherited. Wonder Girl said “How can I be a hero?” Wonder Woman replied ….  wait for it …

“A hero is just someone who does the things a hero would do” And Wonder Woman is right.              (She’s never wrong by the way) The way to become a hero is just to act and react in the way a hero would. The way to be a Christian is just to act and react in the way a Christian would. The way to do extraordinary things for God is to do extraordinary things for God. I know it sounds crazy or obvious or both but it’s true.

Ruth & Naomi & Boaz are just very ordinary people who did extra ordinary things for God.

And I think sometimes we spend so long waiting for exactly the right set of circumstances to arise before we do the extraordinary thing, that the time never arises. We live for God now. Today. This instant. And the ordinary becomes the extra ordinary.

Until tomorrow.

Thursday 16th July

I want to share a quick thought with you today. We know the name of Ruth, we know the name of Naomi, and we know the name of Boaz. But we do not know the name of this near kinsman. What an opportunity he missed. It was all well and good while it was to his advantage to acquire more property, but when Ruth was thrown into the deal, and Boaz knew it was coming, the bet was off. "No, I'm not going to do that. There is no gain for me here. There is no gain by marrying a foreigner, by marrying a gentile, by marrying one that has been outside of the camp. She brings nothing to the relationship. I will lose, and I will lose everything that I have." Boaz, on the other hand, accepts that lovingly because he's a man of compassion. He's a man that keeps the law. He's a man of integrity, and therein he becomes a type of Jesus Christ. (As mentioned yesterday).

 

Jesus does not want us for what we have. Because we have nothing. He does not choose us because of what He will gain by it because He gains nothing. In effect we were outside the camp and we were dead. But Jesus comes along and says, "Father, I know they're nothing. I know they're not a part of our family. I know they've been outside the camp, but I'm willing to to redeem them and I'm not worried about losing everything." Flip. That’s amazing.

 

And it’s more amazing when we know that Jesus did lose everything. He gave up everything. He gave up his glory and His seat in heaven (for a time) when He came down to walk on the earth. When he died he even lost his fathers pleasure for a time when God turned his face from him (Mk 15:34) And He had no shame in that. Because He considers us worth it.  But never forget that it cost Him. 

Forgiveness is free but it’s not cheap.

Until tomorrow.

PS.   For those of you in the know, Lily the Chihuahua has gone home. I'm relieved she was still alive when I handed her over, and even more relieved that I managed to escape without being seen walking it. Although I'm told there are several illicit photos around the 242 department ...

 

Wednesday 15th July

Kinsman – Redeemer.

Ive got two brothers. One a twin (Ben) and my elder brother (Jon).  Jon tells a story of when we were all much younger – picture the scene, 3 levett boys all at primary school ?!  Jon apparently was backed into the corner of the playground by the 4 older bullies of the school and was basically being given a real beating. Jon says he managed to look up and caught my eye across the other side of the playground. He was hoping for a bit of brotherly help. Seemingly I looked at him then ran off in the other direction. Jon said he felt so alone at that moment. Alone, betrayed and abandoned.

 

Then he says he heard a shout, more a roar actually, and the older boys stopped their beating and turned round to see Matt, Ben and about 20 of their friends tearing across the playground – sticks held high, battle cries resounding! I hadn’t actually abandoned him I’d gone for help and this was war. Now, I don’t actually remember the reason I was doing it but I remember that feeling of charging across the playground to help my brother. It was glorious. It was a revolution. And I was only 8!  We started a fight that is legendary in the annals of Chestnut Lane Primary School history. People still talk of the day that the dinner ladies ran inside the school rather than break up the pitched battle between the Levett boys and the school bullies. It still brings a tear to my eye as I tell the story some 30 years on. (Rumour has it that there is still a blood stain on the inside of the swimming pool gate post from that day but I’ve never been back to check)

 

I think it was the only day of my school life that I wasn’t apprehensive about going home to tell my mum id ripped the knees of my trousers (again!)  I was proud. The blood and the bruises and the torn clothes were a badge of honour. Standing outside the head teachers office that day was a joy and a privilege. Nothing Mrs. Leahy could say or do to us would matter.

 

And in fact I think it was the only time that we weren’t told off by my mum and dad for fighting. She said well done for looking out for your brother. And although the bullies didn’t miraculously change over night there was a renewed sense of fun on the playground.

 Kinsmen – Redeemer

 

If you delve beneath the surface you can often see pictures, or shadows or vague foretellings of Jesus throughout the whole of the OT.  Commentators call this a ‘Christ type’.  And many of our favourite OT characters are Christ types to their peers. Characters which hint at a fulfilment, a Messiah to come.

Ruth characterises Boaz as a “near kinsman.” The Hebrew term is goel, and it signifies a relative with “the right to redeem” Boaz thus was a “kinsman-redeemer.”  Now as we know was actually a closer male relative to Ruth than Boaz. (3:12) he should have been kinsman-redeemer for Ruth. We don’t know his name but it is clear by chapter 4:1 that he had abdicated his responsibilities. Why ? Probably because it was that if he later had a son by Ruth and that son was his only surviving heir then all his land and property would transfer to Elimilechs family ? (4:6) Whatever the reason he ducked out of his responsibility. Leaving Boaz to become kinsman and redeemer. Being a kinsman-Redeemer for Boaz involved sacrifice and misunderstanding from his contemporaries.

 

Now just because I stuck up for my brother, in no way am I announcing myself to be a kinsman-redeemer … but I’d like to be.  I’ve got a long way to go before I’m a Christ type … but one day I’d like to be.

 

Paul once said ..” Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ“ (1 Cor 11:1) and “Join with others as they follow my example brothers..” (Phil 3:17)  that’s incredible. Its sounds almost arrogant. But that is a mark of a man who knows he’s living as Christ intends. I’d love to be able to say that sort of statement with the confidence that people could actually follow me and see Christ.

 

Kinsman –Redeemer is shown to us completely in Jesus. But is shadowed my many many men and women in the OT. Could you be a kinsman redeemer to those around you ? a Christ type for those who may never come to the Forge. Who may never pick up a Bible, who may never hear a sermon or who may never listen to a worship song ?

 

Until tomorrow.

 

Tuesday 14th July

Now I want us to go back a chapter. Ruth & Boaz at the threshing floor. Ruth is laying at the end of his bed.

That actually happened to me once. Yes its true, I know you won’t believe me but it did. And it was in a honeymoon suite. And the bed was occupied. By the bride & her new husband. Yes, I spent their wedding night with two of my friends ?! Very long story but essentially it was some great friends of mine from Bible College (Viv & Chris) and we’d not seen each other for a long time so the wedding was a HUGE catch up session for the gang. She invited all 6 of us up to take advantage of the facilities in the wedding suite – hot tub, food, complimentary drinks, etc… After much hilarity and reminiscing we realised the clock was ticking and it was now 2am. Viv announced it was time to go to bed. We all went to make our leave so the real business of the wedding night could ensue but she said “oh no, you can all stay”. She asked if I would take them to the airport the next morning and then she went and got changed into her old comfortable pyjamas (no wedding night lingerie here) and then got into bed?!  So we all dossed down in the wedding suite. And I was on the end of the bed. Covered by her blanket. I think the only disappointed person was Chris …. !

 

So why was Ruth doing it ? Why did she lay down at the foot of a mans bed. What is happening is Ruth is submissively at the feet of Boaz. She willingly and voluntarily submits herself into that position. And then Boaz says he will stretch his garment or his cloak over her. Now this is cultural and it normal for them even though it seem way too forward for us - but even though it’s normal doesn’t mean it was without meaning. There's a lot of symbolism going on here. Stretching his garment over her meant she is now, in a very real sense, coming under his wing and under his protection. Remember what Boaz told Ruth, "May you come to trust under the wing of God."

 

What’s interesting is that he prayed a blessing prayer and God took him at his word and Boaz himself became the answering prayer. He actually became the wing of God.

 

(Now I know Sam mentioned this last week but lets develop it a little more.)  How often do we pray for individuals or friends? We say, "We know God's got something good in store for you. God's got something great for you. I know God's going to make a breakthrough for you. He’s got someone special just for you. I know God's going to cover you with His wing," - but when God selects you to be the wing, you and me to be the wing for the person that we're talking to, do we kind of back track, "Oh, wait a minute, I don't know if I'm ready for this or not. You know, I was into the God talk thing and the blessing, but I didn't realize it was me that God was talking about."

 

 

I mean, God uses people to do His will. He doesn't always do the "angel thing." ....... He uses people to serve people. He uses people to help people. People like you and me.

 

I want to be blessed by God I really do. But I want to be a blessing more.

 

Until tomorrow.

 

Ps. I still have the letter she sent me after her honeymoon. It reads “Thanks for making the wedding night so special”  It still makes me laugh.

 

Monday 13th July

I’m sure you’ve all heard about he weird scientific fact that says that if you place a frog in boiling water it jumps out, but if you place it in cold water and slowly heat it up it wont appreciate the danger in time and will boil itself to death (Nice!)

 

Well actually that is just one of those urban myths. Frogs aren’t stupid. When the water gets too hot they jump out. I know they do because I conducted a scientific experiment when I was twelve - well as scientific as you can get with 3 frogs from the garden and your mums best saucepans.

 

I was bored and it was Sunday morning and no one else was up. Now for those of you who are interested - the one put in hot water jumped straight out. The one in cold water stayed there for a bit and then jumped out when I turned on the heat and it got hot. The one in the pan which I slowly boiled tried to jump out but kept hitting its head on the lid I had weighted down with 2 tins of beans. It died.  Conclusive evidence!   Incidentally, to teach me a lesson, my mum made me eat the cooked frogs legs for tea. She said I shouldn’t kill animals needlessly (as if eating it afterwards makes it ok ?! Strike one for the The Mrs. Levett school of mothering)

 

Now as far as I know Naomi or Ruth or Boaz didn’t have to eat frogs legs. But go way back to chapter 1. Naomi tells Ruth & Orpah to go home. About verse 8. Okay, you're with me. Something beautiful happens here. A few verses on. Verse 14. Notice what it says, "... but Ruth clung to her." Clung.

 

Just think about this for a second. Was Orpah a bad individual? Had Orpah done something wrong by going back to Moab? Was it a sin ? Did she do something wrong by the third time her mother-in-law said to go home, to actually go home?! No, it's not that Orpah did something wrong, it's that Ruth did something better and there's the simple choice.

 

Eating frogs legs is not wrong. But there is always something better. And it's the same choice that is made apparent in the New Testament when the Paul, at the end of I Corinthians 12 says, "with everything that's happening here, and all the abilities that you have, now I want to 'show you a more excellent way.' " I want to show you the way of love.

 

We can settle for the easy way. We can live in mediocrity. We can live on the fence between our old life and our new one. We can follow the Bibles way until it gets too tough or until it gets in the way of what we want. Verse 17. " 'Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried." There is more than symbolism; there is reality in this. Even with her young husband dead and the chance to go home, Ruth is abandoning her past. She is fully clinging to this new family of Naomi and saying, "I will be buried with your family. I'm giving up on Moab. I'm giving up on the old world, the old ways. And starting afresh.

 

Are you ready for the ‘more excellent way’ ? To leave behind the past and move on into new undiscovered lands.

 

Until tomorrow.

 

Ps.   Everyone says they taste like chicken. They don’t, They taste like frogs legs. Nice. But still frogs.

Sunday 12th July

We’ll I’m not sure if the team left me ‘til last because they had supreme confidence in me or no confidence at all. I get the grave yard shift as it were. The slot when no one will read the blog cause we’ve finished looking at Ruth in the services … I suppose the advantage of going last is that I can look at the story of Ruth as a whole; but don’t worry I will still look at Chapter 4, because Chapter 4 is important. At first glance you may think it’s just the tail end of the story; the ‘happy ever after’ last song at the end of the musical - but some important things happen in chapter 4. Some important theological points are made. And whilst we may have heard the talk at Church today, how it impacts our lives this week is the important thing. Head knowledge is great, heart knowledge is better.

 

Now some confessions as we start this blogging week together…. Just so you know what you’re letting yourself in for –

 

I start sentences with the ‘wrong’ words a lot, and that annoys some people. And & Because & But. I know my English teacher told me I couldn’t do it, but he never actually convinced me as to why I couldn’t (I’m sure someone out there will) and I think if its good enough for the Bible (Rmns 3:21) then it’s ok for me. And I’m not very good with apostrophes (or is it apostrophes’ ? or apostrophe’s ?) just so you know.

 

I also get distracted when I’m writing. In fact I get distracted a lot. I wonder if my life is just one big distraction actually, but then again its what we do in our ‘distraction’ moments that tells us most about who we are doesn’t it ?

 

And now I’ve been at the Forge a year or so you’ve probably noticed that I tell stories alot. Not lies but stories. All the stories I tell have really happened to me. But I embellish and take artistic licence. I believe hyperbole is okay in its right place – after all Jesus did it. In these blogs you’ll read lots of stories about me and my life and my family and my loves and my passions and my joys and my heartaches. What I am saying is that these blogs are about my reflections on Ruth. Sorry but that’s the way it is. Hopefully some of what I say may resonate with you and where you are at.

 

Boaz marries Ruth and, after a slight hiccup with a sandal, all’s well that ends well. Isn’t it ? I mean they are now married, and that as we all know means no arguments. No fighting. No despising. No frustration. No pain. No looking at the other person asleep next to you and having the faint wish of “I wonder what would have been if I’d never married you”. Because as Christians our lives are perfect aren’t they ? Aren’t they ?

I am sure beyond all doubt that life for Boaz & Ruth wasn’t all plain sailing from this moment on. That they argued and fought and cried and sometimes in the dark night of the soul wished they’d never married.

 

Well welcome to my world. My life has been a roller coaster of ups and downs. Of extreme ups I think, and the downiest of the downs. Maybe one day I’ll tell you my story.

 

But the key is not letting those moments hold us back. The lessons from the book of Ruth demonstrate to you and to me the power of effective ‘closure’ (to use a naff American phrase) of whatever has occurred in our past. Closure of that ‘something’ that troubles a lot of us. Each and every one of us has a story. Each and every one of us has a past. Mine is probably no worse and not better than yours. Each and every one of us has something that we're still dealing with. The story of Ruth & Boaz & Naomi & Elimilech & the unnamed characters provides an answer. A way to not let the normal stuff of life hold us back as we walk with our God.

 

Until tomorrow

 

Ps.   Steve has been boasting in the office that his blog has had the most readers, but I reckon that is just because of his ENORMOUS extended family reading it out of familiaral loyalty. I personally think its hilarious that not one of his kids read it.

 

 

So, it’s my final blog. And I have tiptoed around it. I pushed it to one side and brushed it under the carpet. I turned the other way and not even acknowledged it’s existence. I have put it off and refused to… and now I am doing it again.

The question is… what did happen that night between Boaz and Ruth? Let’s have a look at what the Bible says.

1. Ruth visits Boaz in the middle of the night.
2. Boaz wakes up to find strange woman at his feet.
3. Boaz realises aforementioned strange woman is the more aforementioned Ruth.
4. Conversation ensues.
5. Boaz promises to be Ruth’s redeemer if possible.
6. Ruth goes back to sleep.
7. Boaz gives Ruth gift to bring back for Naomi
8. Ruth leaves early in the morning, so as not to be seen.

That’s it. No, really. Maybe I just like Boaz, but he seems to me to be absolutely impeccable in his behaviour. Let me explain…

When Boaz first finds Ruth at the bottom of his bed, after the obligatory “Who are you?”, and Ruth’s explanation, his first words are “The Lord bless you!” This is in complete contrast to the “Nice, one I’ve pulled..” which I guess would probably be muttered under the breath of most guys if they found themselves in this position.

Next, he compliments Ruth and, rather than taking advantage of woman in obvious desperate need, he explains the situation to her, but promises to do all he can.

Then he tells her to go back to sleep. At first I though this was a little weird. Why not just send her home again? – She got what she came for. But then again, sending a woman out to walk alone at night is never the best idea, especially at this time of year when men are celebrating after bringing in the harvest. Again, good move.

And then came the morning. Boaz sends Ruth off home before daylight. This was not only to protect his reputation, but also hers. Of this I have no doubt.

And finally, in what has to be the best move yet – Single men, take note – he sends a huge gift back with Ruth to his future mother-in-law! Bang, wallop, Checkmate, Game over, Thank you very much!

This guy was a genius and my eyes, above reproach. He is always gentle, kind, patient and loving. What a role model for us today. I am always a little annoyed that we don’t find out more about Boaz. Come on, even Jeremiah had a book named after him, and he wasn’t exactly the most inspirational person in the Bible…

But then again, that is often the way it is. The kindest and most faithful people are often those who toil endlessly and quietly in the background seeking no reward or thanks for what they do. But that does not mean that they don’t deserve it! So let me end this week of Blogs with a thank you.

Boaz, you are fantastic!

Now it’s your turn. Find someone (do it now, don’t just sit there thinking about it, unless of course it is 6.30am) and tell them how much you appreciate what they do!

Thanks for reading,

Over to you, Matt!

Sam

Fri 10th July

On February 27, 1992, Stella Liebeck, a 79-year-old woman from Albuquerque, New Mexico, ordered a 49¢ cup of coffee from the drive-through window of a local McDonald's restaurant. Liebeck was in the passenger's seat of her Ford Probe, and her grandson Chris parked the car so that Liebeck could add cream and sugar to her coffee. She placed the coffee cup between her knees and pulled the far side of the lid toward her to remove it. In the process, she spilled the entire cup of coffee on her lap. Liebeck was taken to the hospital, where it was determined that she had suffered third-degree burns on six percent of her skin
Her lawyer, Reed Morgan, filed suit in a New Mexico District Court accusing McDonald's of “gross negligence” for selling coffee that was “unreasonably dangerous” and “defectively manufactured.”

In today’s society everything is the responsibility of someone. In the case of this accident, the jury found that McDonald's was 80% responsible and Liebeck was 20% at fault. Therefore Liebeck was awarded a total of $640,000...

In Ruth’s time, responsibility was taken no less seriously, especially within families.

The nearest of kin had the responsibility of redeeming his kinsman's lost opportunities. If a person was forced into slavery, his redeemer purchased his freedom. When debt threatened to overwhelm him, the kinsman stepped in to redeem his homestead and let the family live. If a family member died without an heir the kinsman gave his name by marrying the widow and rearing a son to hand down his name. When death came at the hands of another man the redeemer acted as the avenger of blood and pursued the killer. To avoid doing this, especially if asked to do so brought great shame upon that relative.

And, in many places, this is given as the reason for Boaz taking Ruth under his wing. But this is not the case. Boaz was not the nearest kinsman. He was not the one who was responsible. He could say no, and not face any backlash because of it. Boaz redeemed Ruth because he wanted to. He went above and beyond the call of duty. The extra mile. He made Ruth his responsibility.

In a few weeks I will be sitting in someone’s home in Zambia.

Chances are, that home will have gaping holes in the roof and walls.

Chances are, that they will struggle to find enough food for one meal a day.

Chances are, that person will be dying of AIDS…

In sending teams to Zambia, The Forge has stood up and said that the poor, the sick and the dying are OUR responsibility, and I love being part of a church that is willing to do that.

Our healthcare team are out there at the moment. Please take some time today to pray for them and the work they will be doing.

Where will you take responsibility today to help others?

“If we have all we need and see one of our own people in need, we must have pity on that person, or else we cannot say we love God. Children, you show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it.”
1 John 3:17-18.

Sam

Thursday 9th July

The last few chapters of the Book of Judges are some of the darkest in the Bible. They are full of murder, idolatry, war, incest and rape. The worst part of all this is that it’s not due to some invading army or foreign influence; the Israelites are doing this to themselves.

The whole situation is summed up by one verse in chapter 17. “All the Israelites did whatever they thought was right.” They had no leadership or vision and things were looking bleak. And then we have the story of Ruth. In complete contrast to the stories told in Judges, the book of Ruth is uplifting and beautiful – a shining star in the dark night sky.

And why is it like this? Because of Ruth and Boaz. Two people who loved God, followed His laws and were faithful and kind to those around them.

Boaz demonstrates this beautifully in his first encounter with Ruth. He somehow manages to befriend, comfort, encourage, and provide for her all within a couple of verses. And within this he prays that she would find cover and protection under the wings of the God of Israel. Smooth…

I don’t think that it is any coincidence that Ruth ends up with Boaz on the threshing floor asking him to cover her with his blanket. Boaz has become the answer to his own prayer! He is the one that God will use to give that protection to Ruth.

It is so easy to use prayer for the wrong reasons “I’ve prayed about, so now it is in God’s hands…” not remembering that we are God’s hands on Earth.


I can recall many times that I have ended up being the answer to my own prayers; “Lord, I pray that you would raise someone up to lead the youth work.” Three weeks later it was me.

I don’t want to devalue prayer in any way. Everything we do must be thoroughly soaked in it. However, it cannot stop there. I am sure Moses spent hours praying with God, but if that was all he did, we would have been left with a very short (and rubbish) story, and the Israelites would probably still be in Egypt!

As you go through today, take a look around. See where God’s hope and love is needed and then BE the answer, instead of just looking for one.

Sam

Wednesday 8 July 2009

I’m not a huge fan of romantic type movies. I’m more of a blow up a car, jump off a moving train, fight your way through before taking out the bad guy (in a spectacular way of course) and rescuing the girl.

Is that not romantic, but just in a different way? I am not sure my wife would agree. Although it is probably because of her that I have taken in a huge number of romantic comedies, romantic tragedies, romantic dramas…

However as you watch these movies a certain plan seems to develop…

1. Girl meets boy
e.g. Maria and Captain Von Trapp, or Jack and Rose
2. Girl and boy have large barrier stopping them getting together.
e.g. She is a nun and he is her boss, or they were born into different classes and so could never get together.
3. Girl and boy realise that they do actually love each other (finally) and that the problem that exists is nothing compared to their love for each other.
4. Girl and Boy face sudden new problem, which throws them apart.
e.g. The war comes to Austria and Captain Von Trapp is to be forced to go back to war which would have terrible consequences, or boat sinks.
5. Girl and Boy make it through this and can only be parted by death itself…
e.g. Fleeing across the mountains, into the sunset. Dramatically making it off the boat together.

It has to be said though, Jack and Rose were separated by death about 2 hours later, but you get what I am saying.

On another point , you may not know this but, during the Cold War, the BBC planned to broadcast The Sound of Music on radio in the event of a nuclear strike on the United Kingdom. The broadcast would be part of an emergency timetable of programs designed to "reassure" the public in the aftermath of the attack. (?)

This 5 point plan seems to work well in Hollywood and we see pretty much the same story in Ruth. Now that they have finally got together there is, suddenly that new problem which appears – there is someone else who is a closer relation to Ruth and therefore Boaz is trumped. (See point no.4 above).

This happens in life all the time. Something is sorted, and then suddenly it is not. I heard someone say once that “Life is 10% what you make it and 90% how you take it”. I admire those people who make life happen for them, but I admire even more those who have had life change through death, crisis or failure and take it in their stride, knowing God is with them and believing in His bigger plan. What an example! S0… get out there and, today, when your car doesn’t start or you forget your keys or lose that important page – smile and keep going! (See point no.5 above) Your example could change lives.

Until tomorrow,
Sam

Tuesday 7th July

In the middle of the night something startled the man, and he turned and discovered a woman lying at his feet. “Who are you?” he asked.

“It’s Ruth, now listen up. Life has not been easy for me, right? I have given up my home, my family and my country to come here to look after Naomi. I am a stranger in a foreign country, left to gather up the leftovers in people’s fields. So, Naomi has sent me over here to try and get hitched in an attempt to try and feed ourselves, see… cause we ain’t got enough to live on, being widows and all that. She told me that you were, like, a redeemer type and it’s your job to sort us out. Right? Now, on the plus side, you get me as a wife. OK, I’m from Moab and all that , but I’m a good laugh and I’ll keep your house clean, and on top of that you will get all our land. It’s a good deal. Works on both sides. Go on, you know you want to…"

I wonder what Boaz’s answer would have been! (Or if she even would have got one!)
The Ruth we see in the Bible, however, is straight to the point, but at the same time, gentle and humble. Boaz is delighted and tells her how kind she is in picking him rather than a younger man. Yes, you did read that correctly! Ruth has asked Boaz for his help and he ends up thanking her! What an amazing woman Ruth must be. Now, I think I know why Boaz had not moved their relationship on further. It wasn’t because she was a Moabite, or a widow, or poor – it was because Boaz thought Ruth was out of his league!

Boaz’s words are just another one of those little phrases that are so easy to miss, yet make the story completely different. That’s why I love the Bible. I am sure I could go on to pull some deeply theological point from this. Something about relationships, or faith or knowing when to shut up, but all I want to say is this: Read your Bible. Just about every time I open mine, I find something new, and I don’t just mean another bookmark. I am faced with deep truths and challenging thoughts. I see themes running from cover to cover alongside single sentences that can change lives. The more you read, the more the stories and ideas become entangled in your everyday life and as you get deeper the urge to go even further only increases. Blogs, twitter, Church services and books are wonderful, but nothing comes close to getting your nose stuck in THE Good Book!

What will you find in there today, and what are you going to do with it?

Sam

Monday 6th July

I have done a fair bit of moving about in my short existence, having now lived in Northern Ireland, Wales, The Isle of Man and now England. In that time I seem to have made hundreds of friends and then lost many of them just as quickly. There are loads of people that I love dearly, but have not seen in many years. Yes, of course, I am friends with them on Facebook, but that’s not quite the same. The majority of my 196 Facebook “friends” have never received so much as a comment from me since I accepted them.

The thing is that I only ever see a snapshot of a person’s life. That few years that I spent with them living next door…that couple of weeks on holiday…that conversation on the park bench.

It leaves me wondering what they were like before I knew them. I find out things about people’s pasts all the time, which surprise me. Hands up if you knew I used to play the bagpipes? Even more shocking, I saw a video of Martin Welham yesterday…and he had hair!

In the first couple of chapters of Ruth we see a snapshot of Naomi as a broken person. A widow who says that God has turned against her. A hardly recognisable shell of the person she once was.

But in chapter 3, there is a turning point. Naomi’s bitterness and her inclination to depend on Ruth seems to disappear as she starts to plan. Instead of Ruth suggesting what to do, it is now Naomi leading and looking to the future.

It makes me wonder. Is this the Naomi of years ago, before the famine and time spent in Moab? Was she a bit of a schemer, a John “Hannibal” Smith, before life knocked her down? I would love to know. But I do know that things have now changed, again. She even finishes the chapter with the words “Don’t worry, be patient”. What a difference!

I have read the book of Ruth many times, but I have always missed it, until now. This story is not just detailing the redemption of Ruth, but also that of Naomi.

Today, know that God is not just wanting to free us from “sin” but also from our hurt and our bitterness. Now that’s Amazing Grace…

“God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won’t stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns.”
(Philippians 1v6)

Have a great day.

Sam

P.S. Please leave a comment!

Ruth Chapter 3 (With Sam)

It’s terrible when a guy doesn’t call. You have spent time together, felt that spark, that element that there may be something more, a possibility… and then… nothing!

And this was exactly where Ruth was at the start of chapter 3. Boaz has singled Ruth out and initiated the relationship and now she is left wondering. He hasn’t called, he hasn’t emailed. Not even a message on Twitter!

And so, a plan is hatched. A daring plan which definitely pushes the boundaries of how a Godly woman should act… No, I am not saying that all Naomi suggested was wrong . Taking a bath every so often is a great idea! I am just aware that waiting till a man has had his fill of food and drink and then sneaking into his room in the middle of the night may not be the best way to go, then or now!

It was a huge risk to take and that, I think, is the essence of this chapter. I love it. And it doesn’t just stop there. Ruth was a Moabitess. The nation of Moab was known by the Israelites as somewhere that was rife with sexual sin. Indeed Moab was descended from an incestuous relationship between Lot and one of his daughters. The fact that these threshing parties were often frequented by prostitutes multiplied the risk involved. Would Boaz take Ruth for one of these? Would her good reputation be destroyed?

Just about every one of the great stories in the Bible involve huge amounts of risk. The thing is, that when God is involved, things are never exactly as we see them. Things do seem to go wrong sometimes – Jim McMahon said

“Yes, risk taking is inherently failure-prone. Otherwise, it would be called sure-thing-taking.”

But "a man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore." (Andre Gide).

So, do it. Step out and take a risk for God today. Who knows what can be achieved…

Check this out on Youtube

Disclaimer: It’s a little country...but stick with it – it’s worth it!

More tomorrow,

Sam

Saturday 4th July

It has been an interesting week for me in that I don't think I've hung around in one chapter quite as long as I've done with Ruth Chapter 2. It's pushed me to take note of things that I would probably have skipped over in the past - certain phrases, words, themes, character traits. Usually, once I've read something, I move on to see what happens next but this has done me good and I feel as if I'm getting to know this chapter pretty well now. How has it been for you?

I guess my final question before we all move on to Chapter 3 is this... where do you find yourself in this story so far?

You've heard me use this quote of Rob Bell so often but I'm going to use it again because I think it so profound. It's found in his book 'Velvet Elvis' and Rob makes this observation..
"Their story is our story. We see ourselves in them. The story is true because it happened and because it happens. It's an accurate description of how life is. The reason it resonates with so many people over the years is that they have seen themselves in these stories...
He goes on to say:
And this is why the Bible loses its power for so many communities. They fall into the trap of thinking that the Bible is just about things that happened a long time ago. But the Bible is about today."

Where do you see yourself in Ruth 1&2? Is it:

• in the famine experience where you feel that no growth is happening in your life - you're hungry for more but it's just not happening?
• that you think God has dealt you a bad hand in recent life; that you can join with Naomi in saying "I went away full but the Lord has bought me home empty."?
• in the way God has provided for you and protected you recently, just as Boaz provided and protected Ruth?
• in the way God is working behind the scenes in your life so that certain things are fitting together as if by chance, but you're starting to see God planning behind it all?
• in the loyalty and devotion that you show to/are being shown by someone else?

Before you rush away, take one last look at Ruth 1&2 and see where you find yourself in this story so far. You'll be there somewhere because the Bible is about today.

For me, I think I find myself in the place that Ruth did - enjoying the generosity and favour of The Boss. Throughout my life and leadership at The Forge (and MCF), it seems to me that God has been so kind and generous. As we have moved forward, it's as if God has intentionally dropped the heads of barley/resources that we've needed. I think he's put the word around to not give me a hard time - even when I get a driving ban! I do feel safe (not neccessarily comfortable) and he's put some fab workers around me to provide a level of protection.

Ruth 2 is a good chapter because it is about today.
I would love to know where you find yourself in the story? Why not share it with me and others through clicking on the 'comments' icon at the bottom and adding your own thoughts.
Have a great Saturday and I'll see you in the morning - 10.30am sharp!

Friday 3rd July

Well, there are just today's and tomorrow's blogs from me before our techno wizard and kids worker extraordinaire takes over the 'Blogger of the week' role. It's been fun doing this and I confess to logging on fairly frequently to see if anyone has left any comments! For those of you who have - thank you for being gentle with me!

So far this week, I have stayed quiet about Naomi. She's the one who lost her husband and two sons and then wanted to change her name to 'Mara' (meaning Bitter) because so much had gone wrong in her life. She is very honest about her feelings towards God and his actions in Chapter 1 and appears to blame him for the bad stuff happening. But she doesn't turn her back on him, or lose the fact that he is Sovereign, the Almighty; she doesn't stop trusting him.
I love the way she turns to God as soon as something good happens - she wants God to bless the one who has provided so much - Boaz.

When things don't turn out well for me, I can easily find myself blaming God (I tend not to do that publicly in case I lose my job!) but when things go well, I get amnesia and forget that God not only 'takes away' but that he 'gives', too. (I bet some of you are hummin' that worship song already?)

There seems to be real integrity in Naomi's life. I am not sure I can never be as bold as Naomi in pointing the finger at God for sending the tough things in life, even though I know he uses those times to grow my faith but I do want to capture the speed at which she calls on God to bless those who do good; to recognise that God loves to bless, smile upon, reward those who are kind, generous, loving, who go above and beyond the call of duty.

The Forge is full of kind, generous people who go above and beyond the call of duty - from those who serve abroad, lead small groups of Christ followers and give practical and spiritual support to those who are struggling, to those who arrive early on Sunday mornings to set up, rehearse, prepare breakfast and refreshments. I am grateful to every one of you but I want to go a step further - I want to ask for God to bless you today - Friday 3rd July 2009.
"I pray that the LORD will bless and protect you, and that he will show you mercy and kindness. May the LORD be good to you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26

Thursday 2nd July

I read an article about an incredible Church leader today. John Wesley was the founder of the Methodist movement. Listen to this...

"John Wesley traveled 250,000 miles on horseback, averaging twenty miles a day for forty years; preached 4,000 sermons; produced 400 books; knew ten languages. At eighty-three he was annoyed that he could not write more than fifteen hours a day without hurting his eyes, and at eighty-six he was ashamed he could not preach more than twice a day. He complained in his diary that there was an increasing tendency to lie in bed until 5:30 in the morning."

Wow, what a man! But how did he do it? I think part of the answer lies in the fact that he was incredibly proactive. He didn't just wait for God to bring people to him. He took the initiative and went for it! And the results were incredible - conversion after conversion. God blessed his proactivity.

I like spending time with proactive people; it's why I love working with the staff team here at the Forge. Rather than just letting things happen, they all take the initiative and move things forward. It's exciting; it's exhilarating; it's how it should be!

Every church needs to be proactive. If not, it quickly stagnates and its vitality is lost. Somehow, proactivity and God's blessing seem to be intrinsically linked. I think it is called 'partnership!'

I really warm to Ruth in Chapter 2 (not as much as Boaz does in Ch 3&4, but that's another story!) She doesn't just depend on Naomi or wait for life to get better. She becomes proactive, takes the initiative and heads out to the harvest fields to get food. (Ruth 2:2-3) And look what happens... as she works, God blesses and provides! It's partnership again. Ruth is proactive and God rewards.

Do you feel stuck in some area of your life? Are you waiting for God to turn up and act on your behalf? Well, maybe we can all follow Ruth's example and learn to take the first step of resolving the problem by being proactive. And when God acts, celebrate your partnership together.

A final thought... when were you last proactive in overcoming a difficulty, growing your marriage, sharing your faith, getting back in contact with an old friend? Go on, take a risk today and go for it!

Wednesday 1st July

Police were called out to a major incident in Mendlesham last Friday evening. No, it wasn't a speeding offense involving a Church leader, it was something much more dramatic than that, but it did involve a member of The Forge - our very own drama queen, Sam Lee!

Sam arrived home from work on Friday evening and heard a knock at the door. "Three young boys were standing there," Sam explained, "and they asked me if I owned a cat called Tallulah. I said that I did and recognised the boys as being some of the many children living locally who like to play with the cat. They went on to say that something bad had happened. An older boy had been cruel and pulled the cat's tail, and repeatedly thrown the cat into a nearby field. The three boys had told him to stop but he wouldn't so they called the police! The police had arrived at top speed and were presently questioning the offending boy. The three little law abiding youngsters then explained where the cat was (hiding and frightened in some bushes) and that the youngest had helped pull a thorn out of the Tellulah's paw." So on Friday evening, the Suffolk constabulary sent out some of their highly trained police officers to make an emergency call to protect and rescue... a cat! It's one long adventure living here in Mendlesham!

The possibility of assault and cruelty doesn't just reside with Mendlesham cats. Ever felt scared and unsafe - maybe walking home at night or through some back streets of town. The fear can be quite legitimate as the news is full of 'nasty incidents' such as stabbings, shootings, muggings, etc.

If we feel fearful, it must be nothing compared to how Ruth felt, being a woman, a foreign woman at that, working amongst people she didn't know. She was vulnerable and would have been easy pickings for the less desirable members of the community. Yet Ruth is kept safe. How? Because of a kind and generous landowner called Boaz.
He warns off potential harassment through talking to his male workers v 9/v 16; he tells Ruth where to glean so that she has 'safe' people around her v 8/v 23.
He not only provided food and water for Ruth, he actually provided protection, a safe place in which to work.

Once again, Boaz was mirroring the God he followed and worshipped. God is our protector!
Years later, the King David would look back on his life and write these words:
"My God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me,and my place of safety.He is my refuge, my Saviour, the one who saves me from violence." 2 Sam 22:3

Where do I need God's protection? From my own driving or the Mendlesham mafia? Possibly but I need Him to protect me from fostering a selfish heart, an inflated ego, being too busy, etc.
"Lord, be my rock, my protection, my shield."

Oh, just in case any cat lovers are reading this, Tellulah has made a full recovery and is back playing with the Mendlesham kids again. And the police? They're recovering from the excitement of their visit to the Mendlesham metropolis!

Tuesday 30th June

Picture the scene. It's late morning, the sun is getting high in the sky and Boaz, the boss, arrives at the harvest field. It's a hive of activity and the workers only have time to return a greeting to Boaz before carrying on the back breaking work of harvesting the barley. Other people, not his employees, are also busy gleaning what they can from the corners of the field or from what has been dropped or left.

A discussion takes place between Boaz and his foreman and then Boaz strides forward towards one of the 'other' people in his field. Panic fills this 'other' person. What has she done wrong? Does this man just hate foreigners? Is she going to be asked to leave?

And then he speaks to her. His words are gentle, warm, kind. He calls her 'daughter.' He offers her easier pickings and a level of protection. On another hot summers day, he makes water available to her.

Why? Why should he say these things to her? Why be so kind? Doesn't he know that she's a foreigner?

I love what Boaz gives as an answer.
“Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about the love and kindness you have shown for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. v 11

How did he know? Because news travelled fast; because Ruth had become the talk of the town. Her sacrifice and love was being talked about, not because she had employed Max Clifford as her publicist, but because her character and good deeds shone out for all to see. Her reputation in the community and with Boaz was at an all time high. Was she looking to get a good reputation? Of course not. It just happened because she concentrated on loving and showing kindness to her mum in law. Her sacrifice was being rewarded.

I would like a great reputation. I would like people to speak well of me. (I am looking at getting some therapy for this!) And if I strive after this, I'll fail cause that's not how it works. It seems to me that my focus shouldn't be on my reputation but on my character, on my levels of love and kindness demonstrated. It's what Ruth did. Reputation meant nothing to her. I think it was Billy Graham who said in an interview a number of years ago, "If you look after your character, God will look after your reputation." He did for Ruth and what a reward she got!

Pray for me.. I am worried people won't like this blog and that my reputation as a blogger will diminish and that... (Now, where is my therapist's number?)