The Story Isn't Finished Yet

Mesa Church

The Story Isn't Finished Yet

March 12, 2023 • Sharon Noble • Ruth 1

God is always up to something good. Even when it doesn't feel like it, He is at work in the world and in our lives, weaving a story of redemption. The Book of Ruth is a great reminder of this. It shows us that our mundane, day-to-day lives are actually part of God's bigger plan. And it reminds us that God is the God of second chances. So when life gets tough, remember that God is still at work, and He has a good plan for you.

5 QuesIons to Discuss with your Family or Friends:

1. Does the life of Elimelech and Naomi remind you of anyone? How did that story turn out?

2. Which character do you relate to most? Elimelech, Naomi, Orpah or Ruth. Why?

3. Have you faced a decision where you needed to ask God for counsel? What did you do?

4. Is there something in your life that you need to choose to walk away from AND choose

to walk towards a life of wholeness and blessing?

5. God writes His story of Hesed and Second Chances through our lives. Where is He at in

writng the story of your life?

Promise Keeping

April 2, 2023 • Jordan Hansen • Proverbs 25:19, Ruth 4, Deuteronomy 25:5–10, Leviticus 25:24–28

We often make promises we fail at keeping. Sometimes we forget, don’t put it in our calendar, are unprepared, over-promise, have no plan, have no discipline, or we stop caring. Eventually, people stop relying on us! So, how can we be the type of men and women that keep our promises? We must be willing to pay the cost, trust God with what we can’t control, and remember that God has a bigger plan in mind. God fulfills His promises through Jesus! TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. Has someone ever broken an important promise to me? What happened? 2. Who has been a person of integrity, reliability, & character in my life? How have they influenced me? 3. How did God use Boaz to redeem Naomi & Ruth? How did his character come into play? 4. How does the way Boaz redeems Ruth and Naomi lead to the bigger redemption story through Jesus? 5. PRAYER: “Father, help me to be part of the redemption process of others as you have redeemed us!”

Trust the Process

March 26, 2023 • Jordan Hansen • Ruth 3, 1 Corinthians 1:18, Matthew 16:24–26, Philippians 1:6

Redemption is a big word we don’t always associate to our everyday lives. And yet, we intrinsically understand its value when we see the narrative play out in the world around us. How does God redeem us? Why does God redeem us? Each of us are holy and set apart for the unique purpose of being in relationship with God. In our journey back to God and the rest only He can provide, we must trust God’s process for redemption. TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. What is a example of redemption in the world around me? 2. How does my example of redemption make sense in light of what Jesus has done for us? 3. How did Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz all play a part in setting the stage for Jesus’ eventual arrival? 4. Why is it important to remain patient in God’s plan for redemption? How are others involved? 5. PRAYER: “Father, help me to trust the process of redemption in my life and the lives of others!”

ReStart Here

March 19, 2023 • Jordan Hansen • Romans 8:28, James 1:7, Ruth 2

How is anyone suppose to work themselves back from total devastation? How is God involved in the rebuilding of our lives? More importantly, how are we suppose to respond when we are carrying all the emotional baggage of our past misfortunes and mistakes? With so many questions, we can get lost in practical application. But God has called us to be bold and to trust Him with the little things. TALK ABOUT IT - Questions to GROW through with family, friends, & myself. 1. What are the greatest obstacles I have overcome in life? 2. How did God help me build or re-build rebuild my life? 3. Was I able to recognize the good things in the midst of the bad circumstances? 4. How does God want to use my story to revive the heart of someone watching? 5. PRAYER: “Father, help me to be bold by showing up so you can show me how you work!”