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Reflections: Daily Devotions in Disability Ministry

Family and Friends

July 10, 2010

Ruth 1:16
But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” (NIV)

John was excited. His parents were coming to take him to a family reunion. All his family would be there. John loved his family, and they loved him. John could hardly wait to see everyone.

Mike was one of John’s friends. His parents had died a long time ago. He didn’t get to see the rest of his family often. He was happy that John got to be with his family, but also sad because it reminded him of how much he missed his family.

When John came home from the reunion, his parents stayed to visit with Mike and everyone at the house. They brought a watermelon to enjoy. Together John and Mike and everyone sat out on the deck eating the watermelon. It was just like being one big family.

Some people are very close to their families. Others may not have a chance to see their families very often. Even when our parents are no longer with us, or our family is far away, God gives us people who can be like family to us. They are friends who care about us and help us so we don’t feel so alone.

The Bible tells of two women named Naomi and Ruth. Naomi was Ruth’s mother-in-law. Both of the women were widows. Their husbands had died, and they were all alone. One day, Naomi decided to move back to her hometown. She thought Ruth should go back to her family, but Ruth chose to stay with Naomi. Naomi and Ruth were like a family. Ruth took care of Naomi in her old age, and God blessed Ruth’s decision.

Today, take time to be thankful for the caring people God puts in your life. They could be your family or good friends or staff. Ask God to help you be a caring friend to people you know who might feel all alone. Give thanks to God for sending us a friend named Jesus, who is our Friend forever and loves us so much He died on the cross to save us from our sins.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the family and friends that You have put in our lives. Help us to be kind and caring friends to people we know. Please forgive us when we sin. Thank You for sending Jesus to be our Friend and Savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Jeanne M. Dicke, Ministry Consultant – MN & WI
http://bethesdalutherancommunities.org/resources/spiritualResources/pmc.asp

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