Balanced Living Bible Study

Saturday, August 25, 2018

Introduction to the Book of Ruth

WELCOME to Balanced Living Bible Study!

Whether you are a returning member of our Faith-Filled Life community or a NEW one we are so thrilled you have chosen to study the Bible with us! Our FB group leaders have already got their “Closed Groups” going but it isn’t too late to join one. Please comment below or comment on our FB page and we will get you in one.

Our 4-week long study begins Monday, September 17 but we thought it might be fun to switch things up with this study and give you an Introduction to the Book of Ruth. Although the Book of Ruth is about Ruth, there are two other women featured in this book alongside her - Naomi and Orpah. Then, of course we can't forget about the infamous male figure and hero of the story, Boaz.

Who is Ruth?

We find it interesting that Ruth is one of only two women in the Bible to have Books named after them, Ester being the other. Ruth is a Moabite woman and she is also a young widow. She is the daughter-in-law of Naomi and although she is dismissed, she refuses to leave. Ruth is beautiful both inside and out, which matches the meaning of her name “a sight worth seeing”. She is loyal, devout (as well as a convert), and has a kind heart. She is the kind of woman other women strive to emulate. She is our protagonist.

Who is Naomi?

During the rule of the Judges, which is when this Book takes place, there was a great famine that raged against the land of Israel and its people. When Naomi’s husband, Elimelech, decides to move the family from Bethlehem to Moab their fate is set – suffering, trial after trial is endured, as well as that of Ruth and her sister-in-law Orpah. Naomi is Ruth’s mother-in-law.

Who is Orpah?

Orpah is also Naomi’s daughter-in-law but she is quite different from Ruth. Upon the death of her husband Orpah hugs her mother-in-law but does not cling to her as Ruth did - she leaves, which allows us to see what an incredible gesture of loyalty and love Ruth offers to Naomi by staying. Orpah isn’t our antagonist but rather a contrast to the depiction of what Ruth’s grace and conversion really mean.

Who is Boaz?

Boaz is the hero of this story but we don’t want to give too much away as to why… so we will simply say that he is a wealthy landowner in Bethlehem who is related to Naomi’s late husband.

If you can’t wait to read it for yourself and want a sneak peek at one of the Bible’s greatest love stories?

Read the link below: Ruth and Boaz: A Romance That Models God's Love for Us

https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/gods-design-for-marriage/ruth-and-boaz-a-romance-that-models-gods-love-for-us

The Book of Ruth Chapter Outline

Introduction: Naomi Emptied (1:1-5)
Naomi Returns from Moab (1:6-22)

Ruth Clings to Naomi (1:6-18)
Ruth and Naomi Return to Bethlehem (1:19-22)

Ruth and Boaz Meet in the Harvest Fields (ch. 2)

Ruth Begins Work (2:1-7)
Boaz Shows Kindness to Ruth (2:8-16)
Ruth Returns to Naomi (2:17-23)

Naomi Sends Ruth to Boaz's Threshing Floor (ch. 3)

Naomi Instructs Ruth (3:1-5)
Boaz Pledges to Secure Redemption (3:6-15)
Ruth Returns to Naomi (3:16-18)

Boaz Arranges to Fulfill His Pledge (4:1-12)

Boaz Confronts the Unnamed Kinsman (4:1-8)
Boaz Buys Naomi's Property and Announces His Marriage to Ruth (4:9-12)

Conclusion: Naomi Filled (4:13-17)
Epilogue: Genealogy of David (4:18-22)

Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/ruth/

Want to know even more? We don’t blame you!

Here are four, chapter by chapter, resources for Ruth:

http://jesusplusnothing.com/studies/online/ruthchapter1.htm

http://jesusplusnothing.com/studies/online/ruthchapter2.htm

http://jesusplusnothing.com/studies/online/ruthchapter3.htm

http://jesusplusnothing.com/studies/online/ruthchapter4.htm

*disclaimer, we are in no way affiliated with any of the sources sited and/or suggested in this post.

Here's your link for study resources: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Book-of-Ruth-An-in-depth-Study-WORD-Guide-4009916

Be sure to follow us on FB so you don't miss anything!

https://www.facebook.com/biblestudygrls/

https://twitter.com/biblestudygrls

Sunday, August 19, 2018

Fall Bible Study Announcement!

Que the Confetti! 🎉 Sound the Alarm! 🚨

We are thrilled to announce that our fall #BibleStudy will be the Book of Ruth!

This 4-week study will be an in-depth look at one of our favorite Books, the Book of Ruth. We will read several verses a day, as opposed to an entire chapter, Monday - Friday.
Study begins Monday, September 17 and concludes Friday, October 12.

Want to know more?

"The Book of Ruth is named after the Moabite woman who was joined to the Israelite people by her marriage with the influential Boaz of Bethlehem. The book contains a beautiful example of filial piety, pleasing to the Hebrews especially because of its connection with King David, and useful both to Hebrews and to Gentiles. Its aim is to demonstrate the divine reward for such piety even when practiced by a stranger. Ruth's piety, her spirit or self-sacrifice, and her moral integrity were favored by God with the gift of faith and illustrious marriage whereby she became the ancestress of David and of Christ. In this, the universality of the messianic salvation is foreshadowed.
In the Greek and Latin canons the Book of Ruth is placed just after Judges, to which it is closely related because of the time of its action, and just before Samuel, for which it is an excellent introduction since it traces the ancestry of the Davidic dynasty. One might characterize the literary form of this book as dramatic since about two-thirds of it is in dialogue. Yet there is every indication that, as tradition has always held, it contains true history.
There is no certainty about the author of the book. It was written long after the events had passed, which took place in the time of the Judges."
Source: New American Bible, Oxford Univeristy Press, Inc. 1995. New York, NY. The Book of Ruth, pg. 278.

Here's how our Study works:

Each Week we will post a Reading Schedule that tells you exactly what verses to read as well as provide you with a #Verse of the Day and #ReflectionQuestions throughout the week.
*For this particular study, we will also incorporate other Books of the Bible to help deepen our understanding of the Book of Ruth.

Download our FREE Bible Highlighting Guide! https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Bible-Highlighting-Guide-2420941

We LOVE the W.O.R.D. Guide, a study method unique to Balanced Living!

W - Word of God (Write down your favorite verse(s) from today's scripture.)

We provide a #VerseoftheDay for you as well as a #CompanionVerse from another book of the Bible but you are NOT limited to them. Add a few of your own.

O - Observation (What did you observe while reading God’s word)

There is no wrong way to do this! Write down the bold headings and take notes as you read. Or make connections with previous chapters or other books of the Bible.

R - Reflect (Apply what God said to you today to your daily life.)

This is where you make personal connections with God's word. Quote other authors or apply the lesson(s) of this chapter to what is going on in your life. Think of this section as the "advice" you'd give to someone you love - that YOU should take yourself.

D - Devotion (What do you feel compelled to tell God in prayer.)

This is where you complete your study of the chapter by writing down a prayer - it's your time to talk to God.

Here's your link for study resources: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Book-of-Ruth-An-in-depth-Study-WORD-Guide-4009916

Be sure to follow us on FB so you don't miss anything!

https://www.facebook.com/biblestudygrls/

https://twitter.com/biblestudygrls

Saturday, June 23, 2018

Proverbs 31 Mini-Study - Week 4

🎉 CONGRATULATIONS! You did it! 🎉

This week marks Week 4, the final week of our four-week Mini-Study over the Book of Proverbs 31: 10-31 "What it means to be a Proverbs 31 Woman".

If you are just joining us, Welcome! Our typical studies have us reading One Chapter a Day but in our #MiniStudy, we will be reading just ONE VERSE a Day!

Here's the Week 4 Reading Schedule for Proverbs 31: 26-31

Here are the #VerseoftheDay for Proverbs 31 Woman: Week 4
*As well as the #DailyAffirmation for each verse to help deepen our study and understanding of God's W.O.R.D.
**Daily #CompanionVerse (s) are available in our Complete Mini-Study Guide

Monday:
"She gets up while it is still dark giving her household their food, giving orders to her serving girls." Proverbs 31: 26

Monday Affirmation:

Tuesday:
"She keeps good watch on the conduct of her household, no bread of idleness for her." Proverbs 31:27

Tuesday Affirmation:

Wednesday:
"Her children stand up and proclaim her blessed, her husband, too, sings her praises." Proverbs 31:28

Wednesday Affirmation:

Thursday:
"Many women have done admirable things, but you surpass them all." Proverbs 31:29

Thursday Affirmations:

Friday: {Double Verse Day}

"Charm and deceitful, and beauty empty; the woman who fears God is the one to praise." Proverbs 31:30

"Give her a share in what her hands have worked for, and let her works tell her praises at the city gates." Proverbs 31:31

Friday Affirmations:

Here are the #ReflectionQuestions for Proverbs 31 Woman: Week 4
*Please note we are doubling up with two verses on Friday!

Monday: Proverbs 31:26

“If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all” - do you remember hearing this as a child? I do. It still stands true today. In a world where comments and posts are flippantly tweeted or shared, it is hard not to hold back, especially when we feel wronged or attacked but taking the high road is an act of strength. It takes great self-control to resist the urge to strike back with harsh words or share a juicy piece of gossip. By speaking wisely and kindly we are victors who are refusing to conform.

What kind of communicator are you? Are you sharp-tongued?
What do I need to do to let others know I won't participate in gossip? I won't strike with a sharp-tongue?

Tuesday: Proverbs 31:27

In order to keep good watch over the conduct of our households, we have to be active. By being present, involved, organized and prepared we are offering success to our families. Having standards academically, behaviorally, and physically for our children helps them develop into productive members of society. By actively seeking our husbands, physically, mentally and emotionally we are strengthening our marital bond.

What do I actively seek for myself? For my husband? For my children?

What do I need to actively seek for myself? My husband? My children?

Wednesday: Proverbs 31:28

Read the daily affirmation again. It’s true - you deserve praise for all that you do. Being a wife, mother, daughter, and friend is hard work. You do so much behind the scenes to make life run smoothly and although you might occasionally hear a “thanks, Mom” let’s face it, by in large, your effort goes unnoticed. Or do they? God sees it all. God knows that you say up late meal prepping, or gluing together a science project. He knows you fold laundry in your sleep and sometimes don’t get to wash your hair for three days and HE loves you for it!

How do I know I am appreciated by my husband? By my children?
What do I need to do so that they know I appreciated them too?

Thursday: Proverbs 31:29

No more negative self-talk. Get rid of the words “I can’t”. Yes, You Can! When you walk with the King you walk with glory. Hold your beautiful head high as you work hard to reach your goals. The road to success is paved with difficulty and you my dear are equipped to do it as a Proverbs 31 Woman.

What goals do I want to achieve?

What do I need to do to reach them?

Friday: Proverbs 31: 30 & 31 {Double Verse Day}

You are fearfully and wonderfully made {Psalm 139: 14}. All God asks of us is our faith in Him, to rely on Him, to love Him as he first loved us.{1 John 4:19}. Many proclaim to be Christians but do not act. Attending a Bible-based church, reading God’s word (joining or leading a Bible study), living by the Commandments and faithfully taking to God are all actions we can seek to make to get to know our maker better, thus opening the gates for an abundance of blessings.

What do I actively do to have a Faith-filled life?
What do I need to actively seek to deepen my relationship with God?

God will work thru you if you only let Him. He will raise you up and bless you in ways you can only imagine if you embrace the virtues set forth by Him and do your best to live the life of a Proverbs 31 Woman. Your good, kind, faithfully done deeds will be a rewarding to you as well as your family. Your reputation for being a just, trustworthy, hardworking, prepared, present, charitable, strong woman will precede you and your family will prosper.

What rewards do I receive for living a Faith-filled life? What blessings had God given to you?
What do I need to to thank God for all my many blessings?

If you'd like to further your study, as well as receive the #CompanionVerse (s) for each Day download our Proverbs 31 Woman Mini-Study Guide. {Complete study has 47 pages} just click on the pic below or visit our Shop at: Balanced Living Bible Study Shop

https://www.facebook.com/biblestudygrls/

https://twitter.com/biblestudygrls

Sunday, June 17, 2018

Proverbs 31 Mini-Study - Week 3

🎉 Welcome Back for Week 3 of our four-week Mini-Study over the Book of Proverbs 31: 10-31 "What it means to be a Proverbs 31 Woman" by L. M. Craig.

If you are just joining us, Welcome! Our typical studies have us studying One Chapter a Day but in our #MiniStudy, we will be reading just ONE VERSE a Day!

Here's the Week 3 Reading Schedule for Proverbs 31: 20-25

Here are the #VerseoftheDay for Proverbs 31 Woman: Week 3
*As well as the #DailyAffirmation for each verse to help deepen our study and understanding of God's W.O.R.D.
**Daily #CompanionVerse (s) are available in our Complete Mini-Study Guide

Monday:
"Snow may come, she has no fears for her household, with all her servants warmly clothed." Proverbs 31: 21

Monday Affirmation:

Tuesday:
"She makes her own quilts, she is dressed in fine linen and purple." Proverbs 31:22

Tuesday Affirmation:

Wednesday:
"Her husband is respected at the city gates, taking his seat among the elders of the land." Proverbs 31:23

Wednesday Affirmation:

Thursday:
"She weaves materials and sells them, she supplies the merchant with sashes." Proverbs 31:24

Thursday Affirmation:

Friday:

"She is clothed in strength and dignity, she can laugh at the day to come." Proverbs 31:25

Friday Affirmation:

Here are the #ReflectionQuestions for Proverbs 31 Woman: Week 3

Monday: Proverbs 31:21

Being prepared and organized go hand in hand. Looking toward the future need of your family is a prudent practice. Not only does it free up your time elsewhere but it also helps your sanity. I think of preparedness as a dresser. If you keep all of your clothes in it chances are it is overflowing, it's unorganized, you are probably missing items. If we prepare for the season of life we are in, we have symmetry, organization, peace and control.

What do I have control over in my home? Am I actively preparing to keep control or am I barely hanging on?
What can I do differently to organize myself so that I am prepared?

Tuesday: Proverbs 31:22

Practicing self-care isn’t about spa days and chocolate covered almonds it is about physical, mental and emotional care. You’ll notice this is a recurring theme. If we are drowning in a sea of fatigue, negative self-talk and stress it is impossible for us to lift up others, especially those closest to us. Take a time out, but also consider the previous verses: Are you present, prepared, organized, honest. Are you working smarter, not harder, following through, asking for help?

How do I know when I am on the brink of breaking? How often do I feel this way?
What can I do each day to take care of myself physically? Mentally? Emotionally?

Wednesday: Proverbs 31:23

Although this is later in the scripture it is in my personal top five attributes of virtue. Respect is the seed by which trust, compassion, and love grow. If we over-share or speak poorly about our husbands, children, family members how can we not expect those around us to have negative images of the people we love. The need to vent is normal but proceed with caution.

What respect do I show my husband? My Children? Myself?

What boundaries do I need to set to ensure I am not disrespecting my husband? My children? Myself?

Thursday: Proverbs 31:24

What an incredibly true statement. Proverbs tells us that were are a vessel, which also means we are a provider not just monetarily, but emotionally, physically, and mentally to our families. Whether it be praise to your children or being intimate with your husband you provide for the needs of those around you in a plethora of ways. Sometimes the weight of that responsibility gets to us and we feel bogged down. It is important to evaluate how much we are giving that is necessary and how much isn’t.

What do I provide for myself? For my husband? For my children?
What am I spinning my wheels doing that doesn't need to be done?

Friday: Proverbs 31:25

The saying, “You never know what storm God has asked someone to walk through” comes to mind. We all have been asked to walk through storms at various times in our lives, or sometimes all at once. It can be difficult to be optimistic but with God on our side it is possible. There is beauty in every day, we just have to look for it. God’s timing is perfect, if we are composed and faithful through the storm God will part the clouds when the time is right.

What storm is God asking you to walk through right now?
What lesson is God asking you to learn from it?

If you'd like to further your study, as well as receive the #CompanionVerse (s) for each Day download our Proverbs 31 Woman Mini-Study Guide. {Compelte study has 47 pages} just click on the pic below or visit our Shop at: Balanced Living Bible Study Shop

https://www.facebook.com/biblestudygrls/

https://twitter.com/biblestudygrls