Our summer series for the months of July & August is Honorable Mentions. The dictionary defines Honorable Mention as: "An award or recognition given to someone or something that does not make it to a higher standing but is worth mentioning in an honorable way."

We are looking at a number of lesser known characters in the Old Testament. Through this study we can better understand the nature of God, the character of mankind, and the contrast between a person whose God & Heaven is above and a person whose god & heaven is this earth.

Last week we looked at Melchizedek. His role in scripture was to be a foreshadowing of the coming Messiah, who was and is, Jesus. Mel's story taught us a number of vital lessons regarding obedience, helping others, and honoring God with our faith, courage, and giving.

Have you ever "almost" done something?
The word almost means: slightly short of, not quite, mostly, or very nearly but not exactly or entirely.
Popular poet and writer Nikita Gill has written these words about "almost":
"The saddest word in the whole world is the word almost. He was almost in love. She almost waited. She was almost good for him. He almost lived. He almost stopped her. They almost made it."

Think of some of the "almost" experiences we've had in our lives.
In the Bible there are countless examples, stories, and passages that talk about the idea found in our word, "almost".
Mark 10:21-23
Acts 26:28 [NKJV]

This morning we are looking at a Bible character whose life could be summed up by the word "almost" and our text is Ruth 1:1-22.
The character is Orpah (Or'pa) which means "neck" and can imply "a proud and stubborn neck" or "a person who turns their head away."

Orpah is one of so many "almosts" throughout history. People who had the potential for greatness, people of promise, people so close to becoming a Christian - but who chose to stop short and settle for less.
Orpah made some bad choices:
-She was exposed to the truth, but chose to deny it.
-She was close to faith, but opted to never make it personal.
-She was on her way to the Promised Land, but decided to do what was easy and comfortable.

At first both girls said they would go with Naomi, but that decision is reversed in v. 14. Orpah says good-bye to return to her people and her gods. Ruth put her faith in God and made a commitment to the Lord and His people. Orpah chose what was comfortable, convenient, and close.

Here are a few truths/lessons we can glean from the life of Orpah:

1. God ALLOWS tough times to test and develop our faith.
Ruth 1:1a

2. God BRINGS people into our lives for a reason.
Ruth 1:1b-2

3. God SETS a time limit for everyone's life.
Ruth 1:3-5

4. God REMINDS us that He is in control of the events of life.
Ruth 1:6

5. God WANTS us to know that there is always a road.
Ruth 1:7-15

6. God REVEALS our future and blesses us as we walk in faith.
Ruth 1:19-22

7. God KNOWS the decisions we make today will lead to the future destiny for someone.
Ruth 4:16-17

Birthdays and Anniversaries:

Sunday, July 11 - Anita Henline, Savannah Foster, Teresa Tucker, Dan & Diana Childs
Monday, July 12 - Gary Nelson, Maddyson Denton, Noah Meehan, Bernie & Ruth Hickey
Tuesday, July 13 - Joe Mater, Mike Mater
Thursday, July 15 - Stacy Schilz
Friday, July 16 - Erik & Tarah Godbey
Saturday, July 17 - Gavin Booher, Claude & Sherry Snider, Dustin & Tori Jones