28 Day Bible Reading Guide to Ruth

   I will be honest: after making the last reading guide, my perfectionist self was driven absolutely crazy by all the mistakes I made (A few errors in dates, a couple of typos, and some verse re-arranging that the average reader probably didn't realize was "out of order" but I knew!). Anyway, because I can't save when I put together a printable because of the editing program I used, I couldn't make any changes without completely re-doing the whole thing. And unfortunately, time hasn't allowed for me to let my OCD run wild. Anyway, I really fought against letting my perfectionism prevent me from making another one.

 I prayed and prayed over this one, you guys. Seriously. I don't ever want to stand in the way of the Lord's will, and so I will be honest, I wasn't 100% sure until this week whether or not I was even going to do this. I really don't even know who is using the Ephesians one besides my mom and my friend Christy, (I am, of course!) but the idea just wasn't letting go. So, I prayed that the Lord would show me what book to focus on, and my sister Katy suggested the book of Ruth. Well, it all clicked, and the Lord moved mightily. I am so excited to share this with you!

Right click on the image to download and save, then print!

      The book of Ruth is beyond perfect for the month of February. You know why? Because it is the most romantic book in the Bible, in my opinion! Some might argue for the Song of Solomon, but I would have to disagree. You see, Ruth is the quintessential love story! It has a a tragic maiden, a bitter mother-in-law, a rich hero, and all the fixings to make your heart beat a little faster, hurrying to find out if the guy gets the girl and they all live happily ever after. It is my kind of story! I adore this book, if you can't tell.

    To give a little background, Ruth is set right near the end of the time of Judges, just before Samuel anoints Saul. It is a hard time in Israel's history (not that this was an uncommon occurrence!) because so many are going their own way. However, this is a story of hope and redemption, on so many levels. I had a fantastic time searching out the corresponding passages, and I really had to limit myself on how many to put in the guide!

   Just like last time, this guide gives you a portion of the focal book, Ruth, followed by corresponding passages found elsewhere in the Bible. There are more background and explanatory passages this time, and also plenty of complementary ones, too. This book fits so perfectly into the Bible-and I know that is exactly how God planned it. I hope that you find so much in this guide that proves that to you!

    The reading schedule is set up so that you have Sundays as a day to rest, catch-up if you need to, and reflect on what the Lord is teaching you. Maybe you could use those days to find even more Scriptures that pertain to what you are reading? No pressure, though! I really had to restrain myself from wanting to write commentary to go along with these fabulous passages. I prayed long and hard about it, and again, felt like the Holy Spirit was reminding me that He is the teacher, and that these Scriptures will speak to you without any of my words to accompany His. Maybe someday, because I definitely feel there is a time and place for devotionals, and explanations. This time, though,  just let the purity of the Bible, which can readily stand alone (it *is* the perfect Word of God!) and pray that the Holy Spirit will make the passages, no matter how familiar, surprise and inspire you! I will be praying for you, too.

Linked to:
"Teach Me Tuesday" at Someday I'll Learn
"Fabulously Frugal Thursday" at A Life in Balance 
"Thrifty Thursday" at Living Well, Spending Less 
"Craft Frenzy Friday" at Craft Dictator