Prayer & Victory ( Exodus 17:8-16)
Another incident in Israel's life on the way to Canaan, the PROMISED LAND.
Satan and his forces-the victory against him by Prayer and Intercession.
Moses instructed Joshua to engage Amalek , a nomadic tribe that
opposed Israel on their way to Canaan, in battle. Likewise, we have a lot of opposition
from Satanic forces that attack and hinder us during our spiritual progress to
Heaven. The opposition we have is not always clear yet we know we are against
a strong enemy who is determined to hinder us from our Heavenly goal . Often we do 
not know where the attacks come from but the Apostle Paul warns us in Eph. 6:12,
our fight is not against flesh and blood.........'.
The fight against Amalek was ordered by God and Israel had to face the enemy. It was a fight
to destruction. Similarly, God wants us to fight the Devil and his forces to the end. We are not
to give up or postpone it indefinetely. King Saul was instructed to deal with the  Amalekites
and wipe them out, but he partly obeyed, thus bringing the wrath of God upon him 1 Sam.15.
There should be no compromise in our fight with the Devil. We cannot afford to engage ourselves in things that suit us or are easy targets, or cause us weariness. Sometimes our attack against the devil will involve great unpleasantness; but we must be prepared to go through and gain victory. The fight by Moses and the Israelites against the Amalekites was done in an unorthodox way. Though Joshua and the Israelite fighters were involved in the physical realm the victory was gained in the spiritual real by Moses' intercession, Aaron and Hur. Moses went on the mountain holding the rod of God, which was God's vested authority in Moses. Down below we have Joshua and the Israelites, a group of warriors, like us untrained in the art of warfare. The art of intercession is shown with Moses holding the rod of God and his hands raised in the attitude of prayer. As long as his hands were lifted up the battle went against the Amalekites. The opposite took place when Moses hands grew weary. It speaks of us in the battle against the Devil and his forces. In the same way that Moses was assisted by Aaron and Hur we have the Holy Spirit whom God sent to aid us. In Romans 8:12 we read "We do not know what we should pray for... but the Holy Spirit makes intercession for us." Final victory was gained by Moses' intercession, victory like we have when we involve the help of the Holy Spirit in prayer. God's battles in our lives are always fought in an unorthodox way. Victory is gained beforehand and confirmed for those who keep God's standard high to the very end. After that, the way forward for the Israelites was opened up to move on to the Promised Land. 
The Devil will do everything in his power to hinder us from moving on in the faith, sometimes physically and sometimes spiritually; we need to know his methods: the way he acts. 
1 Peter 5:8 tells us that we face a powerful enemy; but God has made provision for us in equipping us with weapons suitable for the fight (Ephesians 6)
The Israelites, though untrained in warfare, were sent to fight Amalek. We read "the battle is not yours, but the LORD's". We are God's army and we fight under His banner. God's army is a victorious one, though at times it looks as though it is on the run against the enemy.

Spirit Filled Life
John 7:37-39.

The Feast of Tabernacles. God's provision for His people in the desert - Deut.16:13-15. Ritual on the last day. the High Priest poured water in front of the Temple Gate, a ritual that offered no life or flow of the Holy Spirit in the midst of God's people.
Jesus stood up and drew attention to Himself, the source of Living Waters. 'If anyone believes in Me....'. the invitation for a
spirit filled life. 
John makes it clear here that the river cannot flow without the
agency of the Holy Spirit. He is the one to release that river.
What is the river? The Word od God.
In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit was restricted to a few selected people, because no perfect vehicle was found to express
Himself. The promise therefore was left for someone to be found on earth able to fully reveal the Holy Spirit's attributes to everyone.
Christ, through the sacrifice on the Cross fulfilled the Promise-
'for the the Holy Spirit was not yet given'.
John came preaching Salvation but something more was needed. The gap created by sin had to be bridged. before the Holy Spirit could come in full power. Christ had to be glorified also as Sovereign through the Ascension, then it became possible for the supplies to be returned to Heaven in order to present to the Father the efficacy of Redemption.
This was done 10 days later at Pentecost. The action came from God, nothing from man, Christ is the only source of God's supplies to us. It is the H.S. that releases in us whatever we have of God.
'If any man thirst...'. A clear invitation to be filled.

Spirit filled life
The Christian Faith is a Religion of the Spirit and unless we are continually filled with the Spirit's resources our lives will be largely ineffective and unproductive.
The Word of God gives us Two Commands concerning this issue:

1. Eph.5:18 tells us we should ensure that we are always filled with the Spirit of God.
We can only be filled if we allow the Spirit to fill us. Water always finds its own level, and so does the Spirit. The parallelism in this verse portrays someone who gets drunk. If you are drunk you are under the control of alcohol. A person filled with the Spirit is under the Spirit's control. Jesus of  Nazareth was filled with the Holy Spirit and 'went about doing good'. 
The filling is a must before Christian service. The Apostles were baptized and filled before their world-wide ministry. Compare their lives before and after the filling. Jesus said 'the wind
blows where....'. So is the person who is directed and controlled by the Holy Spirit.

2. 1 Thess.5:19, concerns the loss of the Spirit's filling.
How do we quench the filling?
Picture the filling like a spring of water that flows out. To stop the flow we have to block the spring.
Quite often this is not done on purpose but unintentionally. We can block the spring and the
flow in many ways. Even a clean obstacle can stop the flow. Quite often we bottle up the activity of the Spirit by not using His functions, gifts, etc. We can also block the activity of the Spirit by not taking heed to His promptings or impulses. The method of worship can equally quench Him. The Holy Spirit does not work in our lives by force.

SPIRIT FILLED LIFE

SONG OF SONGS 4:16.

A Highly controversial Book, but full of spiritual truths and meaning.

What makes the difference between a fragrant and a dull Christian Life?  the Ministry

and the influence of the Holy Spirit.

Here in this verse the maiden (the Church/believer) invites her beloved (Christ) to her Garden (heart). Jesus does not wish to live in barren, unfruitful hearts or lives.

At Creation God put man in a garden to live and fellowship with him.

The maiden wants the spices and the aroma from her garden to flow out. The life of Christ is pleasant. It must be transmitted from the heart.

Spices-Ingredients of the Holy Anointing Oil, symbol of the Holy Spirit-Ex,30:22-24.

Note the plants in her garden (vs.12-14). For the fragrance to flow out one things is vital:-Wind, the activity of the Holy Spirit. The maiden invites the wind to flow upon her heart- a call. 

On the day of Pentecost He came as a Mighty Rushing Wind. Why North and South Wind?(Prov.25:23). Rain will dampen the fragrance. The Holy Spirit comes from the 'Sides of the North-God's dwelling place.

The South Wind stills the place, 'Be still and know.....'. Job 37:17.

'Let my beloved come....' If our heart is a pleasant place, Christ will come to rest there. He rested in a garden before and after the Cross.

Pleasant Fruits Gal.5:22-23, produced naturally by the Holy Spirit. They are HIS fruits and HIS garden. 

The Book of Ruth                          Continuation
Chapter Four
'I will Redeem it' . We must note the details of Boaz's dealings with the whole affair the next day. Everything was done according to the Law.
To Redeem=To buy back.
For redemption to be carried out, 3 conditions had to be met by the Redeemer.
1.Had to be related to the one in need of redemption.
2.Had to be financially able to meet the requirements.
3.Must be willing to Redeem.
Boaz was able to meet the requirements to redeem Ruth. He overcame the obstacles stated by the Law because he loved Ruth. What the Law had forbidden, love overcame. In the same way our Heavenly Redeemer had to become man so that He could purchase us from the human race. He was willing-Heb.2:11-17. He did it gladly of His own accord-John 10:14-18.
He could have abandoned the task anytime had He wanted to. He could have called thousands of Angels in Gethsemane to free Him, if He so wished, 'Not my will but yours be done....'.
'I have bought all' Boaz did the work properly. He was a man of esteem in that place. The same attitude and conduct should characterize our Christian lives. We must live our Christian lives in accordance with God's Word so that people will hold us in high regard. 
Jesus, on the Cross said, 'It is finished'. He did all that the Father had sent Him to do till the very end.
We also note that the impoverished Ruth, who represents the fallen human race, had to come to Boaz and trust in His Mercy to redeem her.The price of redemption was paid by God- 1 Pet. 1:18-19. It cost God a lot to buy us back, but Salvation is free. How do we regard the sinless Blood of Christ? We must not take the work of the Cross lightly-Phil.2:12.
The transaction made by Boaz was witnessed by men. Similarly, our own redemption was not accomplished in a dark corner. Witnesses were at the Cross and at His grave. We are today His
witnessed- The ones who know.
There was also a kinsman in the story but he was unable to meet the conditions, despite sympathy. Nobody can help us except our perfect Redeemer. He satisfied all the conditions. Notice also that Boaz did the transaction while Ruth was not there. Christ is the limelight, not the Church, While we were yet sinners, Christ.....'.
When everything was settled Boaz finally took Ruth to be his wife. Ruth thus became an inheritor to Boaz. We are partakers of His inheritance. All our debts have been paid. He is too rich.
The Redemption of Ruth also meant the restoration of Naomi (Israel). Soon Christ will appear after darkness has ended with His saints (witnesses) to usher a new day.
'Be ye also ready for in such and hour as you think it not.....'                        End

The Book of Ruth               continuation
Chapter three
We may question Naomi's advice to Ruth, but this was in accordance with the Law and quite right-Deut.25:5-6. Similarly, our conduct and Christian life should be according to the Word of God. Other people may consider our conduct strange or peculiar but it is God we have to please, not people.
Ruth simply reminded Boaz of his obligation. We sometimes need to remind God of His promises,
'Ask and you shall receive'. Note how Ruth prepared herself before going to the threshing floor. Are we preparing ourselves to meet the Bridegroom? Heb.10:19-22.
The Lord Jesus told the parable about the man who went to the wedding reception without a wedding garment. He was cast out of the reception. There are no changing rooms in Heaven and no place to leave your dirty garments. This will have to be done here on earth before the rapture-
Matt.22:1-14.
Ruth rested at Boaz's feet till the morning. So does the Church now. The night of darkness will soon come before the bright morning appears, the Day of Redemption- Luk.21:10-19, 34-36.
 In the words of Boaz, Ruth rejected the pleasures of life to follow God's way. Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter and chose to identify with the people of God-Heb.11:23-27. There are always two options open to us to choose and to follow: our own way or God's way.
Ruth's claim was, 'Cover me', i.e. let me come under your protection. Boaz's response was, 'Fear not....' . Jesus said, 'He that comes to Me, I will not cast out'. Following Ruth's return home Naomi's inquiry as to the outcome of the matter was, 'Is that you my daughter?' . A strange question to her daughter in law, but it can be looked upon in other words, 'to whom do you belong, or whose are you?'
Do we belong to a religious group or to Jesus? A question that troubles many people. Do people recognize us as the people of God or religious cranks?
'Sit still my daughter'. We can imagine Ruth's mind working fast concerning the events  that took place. Sit Still. One of the most difficult lessons to learn in the Christina life: to wait on God, to be still before Him. We can seldom guess God's methods; but the outcome of His actions will always delight us -Ps.46:10.                                                                    to be continued

The Book of Ruth                              continuation
Chapter  two.
'Let me now go to the field....'. Hardly had Ruth time to settle down than she went into the harvest to work. Is our desire to meet the Lord of the harvest? Do we want a close relationship with our Lord? 'Draw nigh to Me and I will....', Jam.4:8. God has many labourers but not so many friends. Abraham was called the 'Friend of God'. Job said, 'I have heard of you by the hearing of the ear but now....' , Job.42:5. It is one thing to know about Christ but another to know Him personally.
Ruth was soon noticed by the Lord of the harvest, 'Let fall hand fulls....' . He is the One who will give you fruit for your labour. The souls belong to Him, as well as the 'Earth and the fullness thereof....', Ps.24:1.
Is our gleaning insufficient? Pray to the Lord of the harvest for results, you need the Lord's blessing. Do not be disappointed at failure, ask for His blessing, He will let a handful fall.
The gleaning is at the end of the harvest, so is the Church now. The last sinners will have to be gathered in before He comes for His Church.
Ruth obtained a good report by her conduct, hence the commendation by Boaz. Is our conduct pleasing to the Lord? She was invited to sit at his table beside the reapers, though not a reaper. If you have been commended  by the lord of the harvest you too will sit beside some well known workers. Everybody will have their reward on that day for the work done, but we are reminded that  from those who have much, much will be required.
Boaz did not just have pity on Ruth but took special knowledge and care of her. There was love in it. So too for us, the Lord of the harvest took special care to draw us near to His side. Maybe the reapers did not care much for her. Do not think that nobody cares about your difficulties, trials and Tribulations. He cares a lot about you, You are not neglected or forsaken. You are His child and he loves you.
It would appear that Ruth went to the field of Boaz by chance, but not so. God arranged it that way. Our lives are or should be guided by the Holy Spirit, ' As many as are led by the Holy Spirit...' . Rom.8:14-16.
Notice that whatever Ruth did was in total agreement with Naomi's liking and desire for her-Submission to a wise Counselor.  The same relationship should exist between the Church and the Holy Spirit.
Gleaning is a back breaking task. From morning till evening Ruth kept at it, but at the end of the day there was an added reward by Boaz for her and Naomi. Witnessing and Evangelizing can be a difficult task. There is much opposition and disappointment but at the end of the day there will be a great reward from the Lord of the Harvest- 1 Cor.15:58.
                                                                                       To be continued.

The Book of Ruth
Chapter 1.
A beautiful story set during the time of the Judges. Not only a romantic story but one with a profound message.
Ruth. A type of the Church, also represented by other women in the Bible. A love story between Boaz (a type of Christ) and Ruth (the Church). In Rev.1:5-6 we read, 'To Him that loved us....'.
The Law stated that a Jew should not marry a foreigner but this was made possible by Grace-Love. Jesus, by Grace Redeemed us from death, because He loved us. Grace-Unmerited Favour.
The Gentiles were barred by law from Israel's Congregation-Deut.23:3. Ruth was offered to the next of kin by Law but he refused. Boaz however, was able to marry her because he loved Ruth.
Similarly, Christ overcame the barrier to redeem us because He loved us-John 3:16.
In the story, we read that the family left Israel because of famine. The famine came because Israel forsook their God-Lev.26:3-5. Contrast Abraham's, Isaac's and Jacob's actions in going to Egypt.
Do not look anywhere for life except your God in times of need. He is always able to keep us.
The Family of Israelites:
Elimelech.- "God is my King". Do we stand up to our Name? Do we honour God? A name in biblical terms reveals the identity and character of the person.
Mahlon.-"Sickly one".
Chilion.-"Pining one, wasting away".
Naomi.-"Pleasant". A type of Israel bereft of her children and the blessing of Jehovah God.
Elimelech's children signified the result of his mistake. Do not be guided by circumstances, only by God.
They fled to the land of Moab (land of sin). Remember Lot and his daughters? Gen.19:29-38. They mixed with the abomination and the result was death-Separation from God and His life.
Even away from God we see His hand on His people in the person of Ruth.
'Ruth clave to her....'. -The Bride of Christ. Ruth made a decision to go with Naomi. Orpha separated from Naomi and returned to her family-The world.
Only as individuals can we decide to go with and lean upon God-His mercy and Grace. It is not a matter of Merit but we choose who we will follow.
Israel rejected their God but their rejection opened the way for the Gentiles to become fellow heirs-Rom.11:1-11. Through the fall of Naomi's family Ruth was able to enter the land promised to Israel. So, they returned home 'In the beginning of the barley harvest'.
The return happened at a special time, sowing had ended-Matt.13:36-43. The harvest is now finished, the end of the day. The Lord's return is imminent. Israel (Naomi) has already returned home but her property is occupied by others. The return meant that the bride (Ruth) is ready to face the Bridegroom. Are we ready for the coming of Christ? The marriage Supper of the Lamb-Rev.19:1-10.