The Central Moment Central Assembly

The story of Ruth is a love story in every way.  It gives us hope that there can, indeed, be love that is deeply rooted in life-long loyalty. The contrast to a world of fickle infatuation and emotional shallowness could not be greater.

It’s hard to know why bad things happen to good people. But do loss and disappointment with God need to be the end of the story? Or can the God who allows reversals also be the God who restores lives?

All that we do in living for Christ is ultimately for the glory of God. In the end, people should not be left more impressed with us than with God.

Does ‘laying a fleece’ before the Lord still apply to New Testament believers as a way of discerning God’s will? Or is that seeking God’s guidance on our terms? What do we do with this moment in Gideon’s life?

True availability to God often involves both consecration and renunciation -- being set apart to God as well as being separated from the idols that so easily seduce us. It will take spiritual courage, but obedience can win the day in our lives.

The kind of people that God can use are not restricted to the popular, the self-confident or the outgoing. Like Gideon, God can work with us and prepare us for his purposes if we will cooperate with his calling.