Northridge Baptist Church Resources

Naomi displays her loving care for her daughters-in-law, even in the aftermath of terrible circumstances and at the cost of her own personal provision and her only remaining loving relationships. She attempts to send Orpah and Ruth back to their own families. Orpah heads for home. Ruth selflessly commits herself to Naomi. God uses Ruth in profound ways God wants us to make significant, permanent, often costly life choices for Him.

MEDIA (right-click, and choose “Save As…” MP3– NOTES

The Book of Judges shows that God accomplishes His work through both the faithful and unfaithful. God begins to use Samson begins as a rescuer of Israel all while Samson pursues sinful and selfish pleasures which violate the commands of God and the restrictions of the Nazirite vow. Samson’s biggest weakness is himself, and he allows his desires and lusts to dictate his choices. Samson begins his downward trek of sinful, self-destruction while God leverages this behavior to keep His promises. Bad choices may ruin our lives but not God’s plan or control.

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One has to listen to God’s Word, but listening is not enough. It takes actively learning what one is being taught. Further, one has to do, to live out, to obey, God’s truth in order for life change to happen.

In order to change Biblically, you first have to listen. However, listening is not enough. You have to learn what you hear.

Changing begins with listening to the Word of God.

God’s working in our lives often leaves us needy in order that He might “do us good in the end.”

Simple, yet profound steps that lead to life change.

We look further into God’s “punishment” of Israel and their 40 years in the wilderness. God did not leave them. Rather, He cared for them, provided for them, and warned them so that He might “do them good in the end.” Are you walking with God in the difficult times, knowing that He is working through these times to “do you good in the end?”

God allowed the nation of Israel to wander for 40 years because of their refusal to enter the Promised Land. Did He just dump them in the desert and return after the 40 years was over? NO. God was with them all the way, teaching them key truths while allowing them to suffer on purpose.

Hearing the Word doesn’t change our lives? Correct! According to Deuteronomy 5:1, we must hear the truth, but we also must learn the truth (until we know it) and then put it to practice. Life-change involves the entire process, otherwise we are simply deceiving ourselves.