Women in Relationship – Miriam Suggs

RUTH

Author: believed the prophet Samuel

Purpose: Historical context

              Explaining Tradition and Culture

              Emphasis on Spiritual Growth and God Dependence

              Relational

I.      Chapter 1 - Acting true to your name

        A.  Naomi and Ebimelech - "House of Bread - Land of Ease"

        B.  The Parents and the children

        C.  Women in Covenant relationship - No words necessary

        D.  The Importance of a Name - What do you call yourself?

        E.   Naomi and Ruth - Mara and the Moabitess

II.    Chapter 2 - Eating at God's Table

       A.  Boaz - The Kinsman Redeemer

       B.  God's role in the relationships of women

       C.  The favor of God - learning to find it - recognize it - live in it - and teach others about it

III.  Chapter 3 - Healing by Helping 

       A.  "Shall I not seek rest for thee..."
       B..  The role of men in the relationships of women

       C.  Understanding Covenant with God

       D.  The power of God - the power of waiting

IV.  Chapter 4 - My Redeemer Lives

       A.  Under the influence of God's promise

       B.  Influencing future generations

Recommended Reading - When Trying to Change Him is Hurting You - By Dr. David Hawkins

Principles from Hawkins' book

How to Help Others See Their Circumstances and Their Redeemer

1.  Realize that the only person you can change is yourself.

2.  Realize that you can not take responsibility for another person's  behavior

3.  Remember that even small victories must be acknowledged, and small kindnesses can bring about huge changes.

4.  Don't offer advice or help unless it is requested.

5.  If asked, be utterly and tactfully truthful.  Speak the truth in love... but... speak the truth.

6.  Set healthy boundaries for yourself and the person you are tying to help. Do what you can to help, but, don't do for anyone what they can do for themselves.

7.  Be available, when you can.  Help pick up the pieces when your friend truly needs help.  Don't enable, but help.  Remember that sometimes a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on are the msot important gifts you can offer.

Questions for further study.

1.  Naomi means "pleasant."  She called herself "Mara" - " bitter."  What do you say about yourself that is counterproductive.  What do you believe about yourself

that keeps you from behaving like the person God says you are?

2.  Have you stopped lately to acknowledge the "Favor of God" in your life?  Make a list of the "miracles" in your life, both small and large.  Recognizing the presence of God

will help you realize your place in HIM.

3.  When was the last time you put yourself aside, and performed a benevolent act( anonymous if possible)  for a Sister in Christ?

Try to think of 4 things you can do to heal yourself by helping someone else.  Make it a point to perform these acts during the next month.

4.  Consider your Covenant Relationships.  Where do you stand with God?  Where do you stand with the men in your life?  Where do you stand with your women friends?  Where do you stand with the women in your family?  Remember that Covenant is an act of will.  It is a decision.  List the areas where you need to exercise your will to maintain

Covenant relationship.

5.  Think about Sisters in Christ who need help with their relationships.  Is there someone who could use a Covenant Friend?  Reread the 7 ways to help others recognize their circimstances and their Redeemer. Consider the women in your life who have empacted you in a positive way.

Who are your "truth-telling" friends?  Make it a point to contact those people and let them know the role they have played in your life.