Some time ago I talked about the story of Ruth and Naomi, and I wanted to revisit the powerful truths it contains. As we all know, a kiss does not, in and of itself, declare true love! I'm sure Jesus was often kissed by his disciples. However, Judas, one of his disciples, betrayed him with a kiss, and so handed him over to the religious leaders to be crucified. In the book of Ruth, we read about two young ladies who were being urged by their mother-in-law, Naomi, to leave and go back to the land they came from. One of them, Orpah, kissed her mother-in-law and left, but the other sister, Ruth, clung to Naomi and would not let her go. Listen to the precious words she spoke to her mother-in-law. 

Ruth 1:14-17 At this they wept again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-by, but Ruth clung to her. “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.” 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. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.”

Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. It can seem as if the one who gives a kiss is committed, but in actuality, it is not the one who merely kisses but the one who clings that is committed! 

I have to admit, there have been times, when it comes to God, that I have been more of the kisser than the clinger. What about you? When it comes to God, are you a clinger or just a kisser? Many go to church and even know how to say all the right Christian things to say and do, but are unwilling to surrender and cling to God. Many will go to church and go through the motions but not surrender their whole life to Christ. 

Today my heart goes out to the body of Christ. I’m praying that we would be those who not only kiss our God through praise and worship but those who cling to him through a life that has completely surrendered, willing and obedient! 

When it comes to you, God is not just a kisser; he is a clinger! God is head over heels in love with you and is proud to call you his own! God’s entire being is wrapped up in you! He wants you more than any words could ever describe! Ruth’s commitment to cling to Naomi was the right choice and because of that choice, her future was blessed beyond anything she had dreamed or imagined! 

By faith, I declare of your life today that just as Ruth made the right choice, so you are making the right choice, and your future will also be blessed because you are a... 

CLINGER, NOT JUST A KISSER? 

If you are blessed by these Encouraging Notes, consider telling your friends and family about www.arthurwilder.com and tell them to click the button ‘JOIN THE LIST.’ Together, we can make a difference!