Beneficial

There are things that I did years ago that are producing benefits and blessings today. I often discount this because I don’t think that far in advance of my actions of today. The reverse of that is true as well. There have been some dumb things I did years ago that are causing me problems today. At the very least, I’m embarrassed by some actions of my past.

I love the story of Ruth and how she made a commitment to serve and love her mother-in-law after the death of the men in their life. Naomi lost her husband and two sons. The wives of her two sons were from Moab. Ruth’s character came through loud and clear when she made the decision to stay with Naomi. That one choice would change the trajectory of her life. I don’t know that she had any idea, but the Lord sure did. She goes with Naomi back to Bethlehem to help. In those days a woman would end up begging or doing slave labor for food. Ruth was willing to do either. Fast forward…. A kinsman redeemer for Naomi redeems the land and marries Ruth and she becomes the great-great grandmother of King David! Check this out….

¹³ So Boaz took Ruth into his home, and she became his wife. When he slept with her, the Lord enabled her to become pregnant, and she gave birth to a son. ¹⁴ Then the women of the town said to Naomi, “Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel. ¹⁵ May he restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!” (Ruth 4:13-15 NLT)

My choices today can either benefit me later or cause me grief later.

When I live a life that honors God today, I can’t begin to count all the benefits for years to come.

Years later, Ruth’s great-great grandson would pen some amazing psalms and songs to God. His writings have been a huge influence in my life and millions of others. He writes about honoring God and the difference it makes. Check this out…

⁴ The wicked are too proud to seek God.
    They seem to think that God is dead.

¹⁴But you see the trouble and grief they cause.
    You take note of it and punish them.
The helpless put their trust in you.
    You defend the orphans. (Psalm 10:4,14 NLT)

I want live faithfully for the Lord doing things today that honor Him. I want to be consistent in my walk with the Lord. I want my children and my children’s children to see how the Lord is in my life. I want His blessing to be all over them as a benefit to me following Him faithfully. I’m so humbled by His grace and mercy toward me.  Grace and love are huge benefits to me today because of what Jesus did on my behalf. Eternity is a huge benefit later for me connected to today!

Pressing On!

Dwayne