We arrived, right at the beginning of the barley harvest.

‎The saints march home, we walk into a season of plenty. Leaving behind the old and right on time to a pleasant surprise. That is a time of harvest.

‎Welcome Family, I am Elizabeth you can call me Beth. I am also the co-chef of today's meal. Have a seat at the Masters Table.

‎Father we thank you for the lifes of all gathered here today, thank you for restoration and pleasant surprises, Amen. Let's break bread:

‎Today we would be in the book of Ruth, many know the story but for those who don't its a beautiful story with intense flavour you would read over and over and not be bored. I can testify.

‎Now, Naomi who is the mother-in-law of Ruth has lost her husband and all her sons and is on a journey back home to Bethlehem.

‎Ruth who was married to one of her sons insists on joining her. These are two women who have decided to break camp and move on.

‎(**NLT Version**)

‎Ruth 1:19-20

‎19 So the two of them continued on their journey. When they came to Bethlehem, the entire town was excited by their arrival. "Is it really Naomi?" the women asked.

‎20 "Don't call me Naomi," she responded. " Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me.

‎Note:

‎Naomi means pleasantness and Mara means bitter.

‎I want you to make a conscious effort not to reject any good word coming your way, it can be a repeat of a promise God has already spoken, but because of weariness you can't hold on to it.

‎Try and let the joy in and allow your expectations for what you desire to be rekindled.

‎Ruth 1:22

‎22 So Naomi returned from Moab, accompanied by her daughter-in-law Ruth, the young Moabite woman. They arrived in Bethlehem in late spring, at the beginning of the barley harvest.

‎Note:

‎You are just on time, you didn't miss your blessing. For what God has laid down for you is in His hands and nothing can snatch you away from Him, how much more what He has for you.

‎Ruth 2:3

‎3 So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech.

‎Note:

‎Do not hide yourself alone, go out of your box and meet people. Do the things laid down in your heart.

‎Ruth 2:12

‎12 May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done."

‎Note:

‎Remember the Lord is your refuge and trust Him. Don't change who you are and become guarded. Don't let yourself have trust issues.

‎Relax and don't be on a fighting stance ready to defend yourself. Pain sometimes leaves those hidden marks that harm future relationships.

‎In the Name of Jesus we erase those marks and we receive healing for those scars. A fresh and new you would be birthed.

‎Ruth 2:17-18

‎17 So Ruth gathered barley there all day, and when she beat out the grain that evening it filled an entire basket.

‎18 She carried it back into town and showed it to her mother-in-law. Ruth also gave her the roasted grain that was left over from her meal!

‎Note:

‎Ruth found favour and joined the harvesters in Boaz fields, he was a relative to her father-in-law.

‎Receive help when it is given and share your blessings with others, declare your testimonies. Now this is where the romance of the story begins to bloom, it all begins in chapter 2.

‎I pray love blooms for you in this next chapter of plenty, Amen.

‎Father we love you and honor you, we receive your love and we say we love you too, Amen.

‎If you want to have a relationship with Jesus who is our Redeemer say with me:

‎Dear Jesus, come into my heart, I make you my Lord and Saviour, I repent of my sins, I believe you died on the cross to reconcile me back to God, I receive your love and new life, Amen.

‎God loves you!