Ruth 3:14-18

So Ruth lay at Boaz's feet until morning, but got up before anyone could be recognized; and he said, “No one must know that a woman came to the threshing floor.”

He also said, “Bring me the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.” When she did so, he poured into it six measures of barley and placed the bundle on her. Then he went back to town.

When Ruth came to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, “How did it go, my daughter?”

Then she told her everything Boaz had done for her and added, “He gave me these six measures of barley, saying, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’”

Then Naomi said, “Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today.” - Ruth 3:14-18

Dear heavenly Father, 

In our generation we have forgotten how to protect reputations.  We don't protect ours and we don't protect yours.  In our individualism we just do whatever we want to do and let everyone else think what they will.  However, you show us through Boaz that godliness avoids making it look like we have sinned.  Godliness is careful to uphold the high honor of marriage and purity.  Godliness avoids the appearance of sin.  Forgive us Lord, for our cavalier disregard for the honor of marriage.  And help us to be strong to live pure lives in an impure society.  Make us generous too, like Boaz was before Ruth left.  Help us to freely give to our family and friends. 

AMEN

Pastor Don Patterson

Godliness in the heart drives actions and attitudes that everyone else sees and enjoys.