The book of Ruth takes us on a journey of love, loss, trials, faith, and love anew. To understand Ruth is to first understand what her name means. Ruth, a Hebrew name רְעוּת (re’ut) in its very essence meaning, “friend,” sets the stage for the journey she was meant to take, a journey of endurance, a journey of a most sincere friendship, a lesson that will forever stand the test of time.

Ruth, from the land of Moab, was daughter-in-law to Naomi, an Israelite. It’s important to recognize that, historically, the Israelites and Moabites were enemies. But, the relationship Ruth and Naomi shared couldn’t have been further from the traditional hostile relationship shared by their native lands. The first chapter of Ruth starts this story by painting a picture of grief and loss, and what would have been defeat for many. You see, Naomi’s husband and her two sons died, deaths relatively close to one another. Imagine, just imagine, the sorrow…the tears…the fear.

According to the law, Ruth was freed from the covenant shared with her husband. She could have chosen to return to her people like her sister-in-law, Orpah, did. She could have gone home. In fact, Naomi encouraged her  and pleaded with her to leave. But, Ruth would not go. She would not move from Naomi’s side. This book, this story, touches my heart so deeply, so sincerely. Despite the loneliness Ruth must have felt after her husband passed away, she decided to stay. Was this a part of Yahweh’s plan, that Ruth should serve Him? Ruth 1:16-17 reads:

“And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy Elohim my Elohim: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: Yahweh do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.” (RSB)

The heartfelt words of this passage give a window, a glimpse, into the very soul of Ruth. Her selflessness and passion to serve Naomi, to serve Yahweh is so beautiful. In the hour of her pain, as she suffered the loss of her husband, not even knowing where she would live or how she would survive, she proclaimed a most precious commitment to Naomi—to become even closer to her, through a promise of love and adoption, unto death. Ruth encompasses an unwavering commitment as a friend. In Proverbs 17:17, we read, “A friend loveth at all times….” Ruth most certainly did.

Are you a Ruth? Are you a Naomi with a Ruth by your side? You see, even if we don’t have the role of daughter-in-law in the relational sense, we can live the lessons taught through Ruth’s actions in the Word. We all have spiritual sisters. We all struggle; we all need that “stand by me” kind of support. I encourage you to accept friendship when a sister extends it. I encourage you to let a sister help you in your hour of need. I also encourage you to be a Ruth and go where Yahweh so calls you to go, and serve how He so calls you to serve.

Sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, we forget that “we” are living stories, just as Ruth was and is for us. Yahweh is watching over us, watching our every move, listening to our every word. Do you think He is pleased with you? That is something only you can answer. As for me, I am a work in progress. I pray that I may humbly die daily to my weak flesh, to be raised anew in the tender embrace of His love and mercy. As you walk in the Word, as you go about your daily life, take time to meditate on Ruth’s story and what it means to you. For me, it’s a wonderful reminder of service and sacrifice. It reminds me of Yahshua and His unfailing love, love He so passionately lived and died for so that we might have a way to enter eternal life. Ruth’s story reminds me to never give up, to never let go.

I invite you to stay tuned to the next issue of “Come to the Garden” as we dive deeper in the Word and learn more about Ruth, for her journey is far from over. Her story unfolds in a most amazing way. Until next time, may Yahweh bless you and keep you all of your days.

by: Amy Pletz

You are the Potter:  I am the Clay!

Whatever you choose

To do with me,

That’s the thing that ought to be.

I wouldn’t try to change your mind,

I wouldn’t if I could.

Things would always happen

The way you think they should.

You are the Father:  I am the Child!

I’ll put my trust in you.

You have better plans for me,

Than anyone ever knew.

When I descend into my grave,

When my testing has been done,

I’ll wait on the resurrection,

For it’s earthly life I’ve won.

My body will return to dust,

For that from which it came!

But, my spirit will return to you –

For it’s you that holds the claim.

by: Jean Sweet

Like turning over soil in a fallow field

Searching for the treasures of fertile thoughts and dreams

Past, present, future

Finding deep and unanswered needs and questions

Examining a furrow for possible growth

I hill up my hopes in even rows

Mark my places neatly at each end

Tie white strings of truth and power

Wait……..

by: Gayle Bonato

Soon after I learned the Hebrew name for our Savior Yahshua, an event happened in our town that made clear the importance of names. Taos is a small town of mixed cultures.  Historically, newcomers have come in and with their wealth have created new successful businesses.  They have bought property and prospered, sometimes to the detriment of the locals.

An old Ramada Inn was purchased by a man named Larry Whitten.  He came from Texas and was unaware, or possibly did not understand, the sensitivities of the local population.  He remodeled the hotel, hired staff to run the hotel, and readied everything for a big Grand Opening.  He handed out the name tags to the staff and here is where his problems began.

Being from Texas he wanted to make sure his guests would feel comfortable and have every ease.  On the name tags instead of using the correct names of his employees he Anglicized the names.  Maria became Mary, Jose became Joseph, and Santiago became James.  The employees, seeing their new names, felt insulted.  Mr. Whitten tried to smooth it over by saying he was just trying to make it easier for the guests to remember or pronounce their names.  He told them they should take no offense because none was intended.  The employees did not agree.  They picketed the hotel and did not report for work.  They refused to wear the name tags.  This disruption lasted for about two months.  Eventually the dispute was resolved and Mr. Whitten printed proper name tags.

Sometimes people choose different names for themselves or find themselves with a nickname that sticks.  But, we would all agree that people never accept a name that they did not agree to or choose.  Similar to Mr. Whitten’s situation, our Savior’s name was changed for the convenience of the Greek people and their language.

My stepfather had a nickname and he could always tell when mail came which people really knew him and which people were merely acquaintances.  He always used his legal name for business and only his close colleagues and friends knew his legal name.  Yahshua may also know His flock by this same test.  Those who seek a little deeper will have a closer relationship with him.

by: Laurie Barela

In school my children and I have been reading all about the Israelites, their leaving Egypt and their travels through the desert. As we have been reading about the Israelites grumbling and complaining, we have been taken aback by their constant lack of faith and unthankful spirit.

For one of the suggested activities the teacher was supposed to serve popcorn (manna) for breakfast, snack and lunch. Then she was to explain that the Israelites ate manna for forty years every day. Although we didn’t end up doing this activity, it got us thinking. How often do we complain about what we are blessed with? Yahweh provided everything for the Israelites and, even though they might have become tired of the same foods over and over, it was a sin to complain.

It really made me consider how easily we let words of complaint or discontentment come out of our mouths. When the Israelites complained about the lack of water and stated that “their souls loathed this light bread,” Yahweh sent fiery serpents to kill many of  them. We may not have seen all the many miracles that the Israelites experienced, and yet still complained, but how blessed are we really?

We are not wandering in a hot and dry desert, living as nomads with dirt everywhere and not knowing if we are to leave that very day or to stay for weeks living in tents. In comparison our life seems pretty easy and we may still sometimes forget to thank our Father or let words of anything but praise come out of our mouths.

This month of reading our Bible lessons has really encouraged me to be a person who is more grateful and who guards her mouth more. I pray we do so with a joyful and happy heart that thanks our Father for our blessings and that we remember to, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is Yahweh’s will for you in Yahshua Messiah,” 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

by: Jessica Mansager

Today was a mixture of hurry up and wait; one of time spent  productively, of kindness shared, of good deeds accomplished and a necessary reminder to me of the complexities in the struggle between the human desire to move on to newer things, and finding that elusive peace; the comfort of being satisfied with what you already have gathered around you.

It took me back to the times in my past when I always double guessed  myself in every decision. It was either being racked with “buyer’s remorse” or kicking myself for not doing something a better way. My conscience was always questioning “why did I do that?” or “why did I not?” on a daily basis. Fear of doing the wrong thing, of doing too  much or too little, or of NOT doing the right thing, kept me far away from a calm, secure and confident mindset. It kept me feeling like a  windmill, forever twirling helplessly with every breeze.

My lack of understanding in how the Spirit leads us into greater wisdom even affected the way I approached prayer! Should I beg meekly or should I demand angrily? Should I ask constantly or just say it once and then give thanks BEFORE the need was filled? Should I keep pushing to find my own human ways of filling the needs in my life so that He could bless the efforts of my hands? Should I wait patiently without any personal effort, for Him alone to provide; He promised that He knows and supplies our needs, that we should wait on Him! Could He even hear me cry? Was I crying enough? Did He even care?

The cycle of regretting keeps us weak in all areas of life! It’s a constant distraction and greatly inhibits any forward progress physically or spiritually. The habit of uncertainty ensnares us, and, as  with a stick floating in circling water, we will be drawn into the center of its whirlpool. At best the ongoing momentum of indecision keeps us twirling, floundering about and held in captivity there in its center. At worst it sucks us down into the vortex and we drown! A double-minded person is unstable in all his ways!

Breaking the cycle of instability takes mental and physical energy, strong determination, and steadfast stick-to-it-tiveness! When I finally reached the point where I was absolutely sick and tired of living in the shifting quicksand of internal conflict, I got mad, I got tough and I got focused!

How? Prayer is a constant in my life; in praising, requesting guidance and direction, giving continual words of gratitude and hope, and definitely a go-to for comfort and strength in times of pain and distress.

In prayer I pleaded, “What can I do? Please show me a way out of this torment!” One day something just rose up within me and said, “Enough is enough!” I got pen and paper, put myself in a chair and made an outline. I could not remember details; I needed to SEE it in writing!

Topical question: Should I ________?

1) Pros and Cons of this action? Every possible good and bad thing was listed in two columns.

2) How will this possibly affect my life; how might my action impact others? (Pros and cons of that.)

3) Must this be done right now? Why? Advantages and disadvantages to waiting.

4) Have I prepared appropriately for this or is it a shortsighted whim?

I started making lists, sometimes daily, for every decision that I knew I would be in conflict over. I carried the list with me and reviewed it often. I soon found that once I could see the idea mapped out fully on paper I quickly had a much clearer indication of what direction I should take. There were even times I realized the answer before the list was completed! I was learning, becoming aware of an unspoken guidance.

The Final Rule: When the decision was made, the action taken, I stopped allowing myself to go back mentally and revisit and question every step of the process. No more “tape recorded loops” playing repeatedly in my thinking process! All those “what ifs” and the “but maybes” were no longer allowed. No more going back and gnawing over that bone again and again and again! My double-minded ways lacked any positive energy. It was all circular, lots of motion, but never getting anywhere! Every negative thought and action had to be effectively squelched, every time! I repeatedly called upon the Name of Yahweh and the blood of Yahshua. I demanded, “Deceiver, get out of my mind where you DON’T BELONG!”

This ONE Battle for control of my mind has been won! Decide, then stand firmly and be at peace with the choice! But be constantly on guard, or fear can slip back in and sinking downward into the madness comes quickly!

In summary: Prayer does change things. We have not, because we ask not. Answers are always there, we have to find focus so as to be in tune with the still small voice that speaks from within us…if we will only stop, listen and obey!

I’ve learned that when I find myself wrestling with a decision, I already know within what I must do. It takes courage in action to STOP  wrestling, stand still, pray for discernment, make the choice, and go boldly in that direction. As for myself, I find that every time, at the point of decision, a sense of peace immediately flows over me, and in that moment I am always reassured that I’m on the right path that He has designed for me.

Learning to live in FAITH is not going to be easy for any of us, but living in Fear is a self-imposed torment that we can and must overcome! The answer is there; seek and you will find.

Now, whenever I read in the book of James (Jacob) 1:1-8, I see the pattern is given. It was written down long before my prayers existed; however, I didn’t understand the meaning of it until I cried out from the depths of my life of distress, and was shown the “pattern” out of the cycle of repetitive behaviors. Then the Scriptures were opened to my eyes as His witness to me that I HAD been guided by the light of His Word and led by an unseen hand out of the darkness that engulfed me in my uncertainties.

In review of my faith-walk; I know where I was before, where I am  now, and what tremendous effort it has taken to get to this point. I also know where I want my life’s journey to end. As my Great Grandmother  often said, “Walk in the light as it shines on your path!” It’s one step at a time, one foot in front of the other a billion times; work daily to fully submit, especially when we cannot see what lies before us, and allow all things within you to be placed in His Timing and in His Will.

When I wait upon Yahweh, in patient submission, my doors open and my  way is made smooth! I am a living witness to the ease that exists when  we learn to WAIT ON HIM. These words of wisdom must constantly guide all who sincerely desire to rise up higher.

May we all be blessed along our journey with a full measure of His Peace, stacked up, shaken down, and flowing over!

by: Annette Meyer

The clear, haunting notes of a songbird pierce the chilly breeze at the top of Masada.  Perched on a rock ledge, I notice what looks like a cousin of the red-winged blackbird that inhabits the summer cattails surrounding the pond back home. He looks directly at me, cocking his head in that strange, questioning way of one creature attempting to comprehend another.  We lock eyes for only a few seconds, but he and I both understand the unspoken eternity locked in that one moment.

A small group of us have come to Israel to see the land and people that make up so much of the historical background of our faith.  Almost everything we have gazed at or walked upon was ancient long before Columbus set sail for the New World.  The scope of Hebrew history – the ancient port of Jaffa, the sacrificial altars at Tel Dan, the ruins of a second-temple synagogue on the Sea of Galilee, the 1967 Syrian trenches along the Golan Heights border, and the colorful collage of Jews, Muslims, and Christians with their separate and unique, yet interwoven cultures mingling on the streets of Jerusalem – is so alien and, yet, eerily familiar to pilgrims coming to the Holy Land.

Named after Isaac’s youngest son, Jacob, Israel has been the focal point of conflicts throughout history.  The Canaanites, Israelites, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Moslems, Crusaders, Mameluks, Ottoman Turks and British all laid claim to this land at one time.  Strategically situated between Asia, Africa, and the Mediterranean Sea, the numerous conquering armies  left behind a variety of languages and cultures along with the ruins of their civilizations.

Biblical scriptures tell us that this land was given to the twelve tribes of Israel when they left bondage in Egypt with Moses.  Generations later, after the death of King Solomon, the mighty Hebrew empire split into two kingdoms:  the Northern Kingdom, called Israel, and the Southern Kingdom, called Judah.  The Northern Kingdom, comprised of 9 ½ tribes (half of the Levites stayed with the Southern Kingdom), was conquered by the Assyrians in 722 BC and eventually dispersed throughout the world (known as the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel). The Southern Kingdom, comprised of the remaining tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and the other half of the tribe of Levi, was conquered by the Babylonians in 586 BC and the first Temple built by King Solomon was destroyed.  However, unlike the fate that befell the Northern Kingdom, they were allowed to return to Jerusalem and the land of Israel to build the second Temple seventy years later.  These people are the “Jews” referred to in New Testament scriptures, and are the lineage from whence came the Savior, Yahshua Messiah.

During the first century BC, the Kingdom of Judah, or Judea, lost its independence to the Romans.  The Jews rose up against the oppressive Roman rule in 66 CE.   The conquering Romans brutally responded to the Jewish rebellion, destroying the second Temple, slaughtering or enslaving the inhabitants and laying waste to Jerusalem.   Approximately 960 zealots escaped to a mountain fortress, called Masada, built years earlier by Herod the Great in 37 BC as a place of refuge for himself should conflict threaten his rule.

Masada is not mentioned in biblical scriptures, yet its history tells a dramatic story of a people’s struggle to remain free in the face of formidable odds. When the Romans were destroying Jerusalem, it is believed that some Jews were able to escape through a drainage tunnel leading from the Pool of Siloam at the foot of the Temple to just outside of the Western Wall.  Walking through the dark, narrow passageway must have been terrifying to those fleeing with only oil lamps to guide them.  The refugees that made it to the mountain fortress were able to live in relative security for three years, until the inevitable day came when 15,000 Roman soldiers breached its walls.  What the Romans found, however, was not what they expected.  Only one woman and a few children remained, the others having chosen suicide instead of slaughter or slavery.  Historian Josephus Flavius and archaeological finds provide evidence that the Jews drew lots and chose ten men to slay all of the rest.  After they had performed their grisly mission, the ten chosen executioners again drew lots to kill the remaining nine, the last man taking his own life.

Seventy years following the tragic events at Masada, the Jewish people rebelled again.  They were able to re-establish the Kingdom of Israel for three years before another defeat by the Romans.  The Roman Emperor Hadrian, in his effort to wipe out the identity of Israel-Judah-Judea, renamed the country Syria Palaestina.  The Jews that weren’t killed, enslaved or exiled remained to face persecution, indignities, deprivations and horrors.  Those that were sent into the Jewish Diaspora (dispersion or scattering) were likewise mistreated, the Inquisition and the Holocaust being the most infamous.

The creation of the State of Israel in 1948 is nothing short of a miracle.  Today Masada is a symbol of national pride and courage in Israel as its memory evokes the declaration, “Masada shall not fall again!”  Perhaps this is the message that the bird was singing as he flew off the cliff, soaring freely in the updrafts from the valley below.

by: Debbie Reed