ECWA Devotion for Friday 23 January 2026

FRIDAY, 23 JANUARY

TEXT: RUTH 3:1–13

TOPIC: A MOTHER'S GUIDANCE AND WISDOM

 

RUTH 3:1–13 NIV

 

1: One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for.

 

2: Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor.

 

3: Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking.

 

4: When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.”

 

5: “I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered. [6] So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do.

 

7: When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down.

 

8: In the middle of the night something startled the man; he turned—and there was a woman lying at his feet!

 

9: “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.”

 

10: “The Lord bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor.

 

11: And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.

 

12: Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I.

 

13: Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the Lord lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.”

 

A MOTHER'S GUIDANCE AND WISDOM

 

Naomi's determination to secure Ruth's future showcases her caring nature.

 

Her guidance requires Ruth to trust her plan, reflecting Ruth's humility: “I will do whatever you say” (Ruth 1:5).

 

Naomi's strategy involves a cultural approach with Boaz, a kinsman redeemer.

 

We all need mentors to guide us.

 

QUESTION: How can we prioritise the needs of those around us, like Naomi?

 

PRAYER: Lord, help me be a source of wisdom to others. Amen.

EVANGELICAL CHURCH WINNING ALL (ECWA) FOOD FOR THE DAY 2026.