Oftentimes when troubling times take over our lives, those bad times in the end move from brokenness to blessedness. In his sermon Pastor DeHaven referred to the book of Ruth and retold the story of Naomi who was a widow who had also lost her two sons and was living in a foreign, pagan land. Naomi was experiencing very desperate times in her life. When Naomi decided to return to Judea and her Christian roots, one daughter--in-law stayed with her own people, but her daughter-in-law Ruth decided to go with Naomi as she said, "Your people will be my people and your God will be my God". Obviously, Naomi's life was a powerful witness to the reality of God and Ruth was drawn to her--and to the God she worshiped. Ruth had become a believer. The story goes on and Ruth marries Boaz and becomes the great-grandmother of David and an ancestor in the line of the Messiah. What a profound impact Naomi's life made!

From the desperate life of Naomi to the Savior -from darkness to light- from brokenness to blessedness. Ruth's story occurred during the time of the judges--a period of disobedience, idolatry, and violence. Even in times of crisis and deepest despair, there are those who follow God and through whom God works. No matter how discouraging or antagonistic the world may seem, there are always people who follow God and He will use to achieve his purposes. As we face the troubled times in America, we know that God is still with believers and will never leave us. As we fight the good fight, we are a mighty army drawn by faith to one another and our great commission as Christians is to share the good news of Christ our Savior to the world, and may we discover the grace and mercy of God even in the worst times. Remember God's brightest rainbow shows up in the worst storms.

Worship services at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Runge begin at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings with Bible Study/Sunday School following the service. If you are seeking a closer relationship with Jesus Christ, please join us for worship. We welcome you.