Balanced Living Bible Study

Sunday, September 30, 2018

Book of Ruth - Week 3

We are so glad you are joining us for our in-depth study of the Book of Ruth. 🍁📖 Whether you have been with us from the start or are joining us today - it's easy and fun! Each week we will study the W.O.R.D. of God through the Boof of Ruth - be sure to check-in here as well as on FB each day M-F.

*Our typical studies have us reading One Chapter a Day but in our in-depth study we will be reading a few verses a Day!

Here is the "Reading Schedule" for Week 3:

Here are the #VerseoftheDay 📖 for Week 3:
Monday
"Naomi said to her {Ruth}, "My daughter, I must seek a home for you that will please you." Ruth 3:1

Tuesday
"So she {Ruth} went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had instructed her." Ruth 3:6

Wednesay (Reflection Day)
"Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." Proverbs 31:31

Thursday
"He gave me these six measures of barley becuase he did not wish me to come back to my mother-in-law empty-handed!" Ruth 3:17

Friday (Reflection Day)
"Wait for the Lord: be strong, and let your heart take courage; Wait for the Lord!" Psalm 27:14

Here are the #Reflections for Week 3:
Monday
Chapter 3 is about the next step in drawing Ruth closer to God. What draws you close to the Lord?

Tuesday
Ruth is to cast herself at the feet of Boaz. We do the same to the Lord, when we throw ourselves at the Lords feet. When do you rest at the Lord's feet?

Wednesay *
What have you done lately that pleases the Lord?

Thursday
Ruth has not only shown her loyalty to Naomi but also to Boaz. How are you loyal to the Lord?

Friday *
Waiting for God's timing can be tough. Do you seek Him or His gifts?

It's not too late to download resources & join our #BibleStudy!
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/

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Sunday, September 23, 2018

Book of Ruth - Week 2

We are so glad you are joining us for our in-depth study of the Book of Ruth. 🍁📖 Whether you have been with us from the start or are joining us today - it's easy and fun! Each week we will study the W.O.R.D. of God through the Boof of Ruth - be sure to check-in here as well as on FB each day M-F.

*Our typical studies have us reading One Chapter a Day but in our in-depth study we will be reading a few verses a Day!

Here is the "Reading Schedule" for Week 2:

Here are the #VerseoftheDay 📖 for Week 2:
Monday
"Now Naomi had a kinsman of her husband, a man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz." Ruth 2:1

Tuesday
"Then she {Ruth} fell on her face, bowing to hte ground and said to him, "Why have you found favor in your sight that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?" Ruth 2:10

Wednesay (Reflection Day)
"When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest." Leviticus 19:9-10

"Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee..." Psalm 57:1

Thursday
"And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, "May he be blessed of the Lord who has not withdrawn his kindness to the living and to the dead"..." Ruth 2:20

Friday (Reflection Day)
"You are good, and what you do is good: teach me your decrees." Psalm 119:68

"For by grace you have been saves through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the Gift of God." Ephesians 2:8

Here are the #Reflections for Week 1:
Monday
How do you live with the Lord's grace as your foundation? How could you develop that grace even more?

Tuesday
What is the one requirement for the protection and provision of God - Grace! Grace leads to amazement as well as action. How has God shown you grace?

Wednesay *
By law Ruth had a right to glean among the corners of the field. By grace Boaz pulled grain from the bundles for her. In what ways have you seen God's grace & mercy in your life?

Thursday
What type of character pleases the Lord - a gracious one. See the theme here?
How can/ do you spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally embody a gracious character?

Friday *
It's hard to be gracious all the time. It's also sometimes difficult to hold onto hope. I keep thinking about Naomi - she's lost hope and it isn't hard to see why...she's faced some incredibly difficult circumstances.
What renews your hope?
How has God's grace renewed your hope?

It's not too late to download resources & join our #BibleStudy!
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, September 15, 2018

Book of Ruth - Week 1

Cue the Confetti! 🎉 Fall is here and we couldn't be more thrilled that you are joining us for our in-depth study of the Book of Ruth. 🍁📖 Each week we will study the W.O.R.D. of God through the Boof of Ruth.

*Our typical studies have us reading One Chapter a Day but in our in-depth study we will be reading a few verses a Day!

Here is the "Reading Schedule" for Week 1:

Here are the #VerseoftheDay 📖 for Week 1:
Monday
"Now Elimelek, Naomi's husband, died, and she was left with her two sons." Ruth 1:3

"Both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband." Ruth 1:5

Tuesday
"Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you, where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay, your people will be my people and your God my God." Ruth 1:16

Wednesay (Reflection Day)
"She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." Proverbs 31:25

"Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them round your neck, write them on teh tablet of your heart." Proverbs 3:3

Thursday
"I went away but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me." Ruth 1:21

Friday (Reflection Day)
"Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust thier souls to a faithful Creator while doing good." 1 Peter 4:19

"The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all." Psalm 34:19

Here are the #Reflections for Week 1:
Monday
What loss(es) have you endured? How did you overcome your loss?

Tuesday
To whom are you loyal? Why?
Who in your life gives you loyalty? Why?

Wednesay *
Do you laugh without fear at the future? Why or why not?
What could you do spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally that would give you more confidence?

Thursday
Have you ever felt empty? spiritually? emotionally? physically? mentally?
What could you do spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally that would give you more strength?

Friday *
Naomi's husband's choices brought upon her a great deal of pain and suffering. Has someone else's choices caused you to feel pain and suffering? How did God show you He was with you in your time of pain and suffering?

It's not too late to download resources & join our #BibleStudy!
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, 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

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