Lay It on Me

62 / L AY I T ON M E

non-stop ministry that has brought us to this point. It is difficult for them to see past our new ministry center to the bedroom in my father's old house where it all started 28 years ago. There is a price to pay to get to the next level. Ruth went into the field every day. As the midday sun beamed rays of unbearable heat on her face, she labored. It was Boaz who invited her into the house for rest. She didn't ask for anything, she just did her job. She arose early and stayed out until the sunset. Boaz, and God, recognized her hard work. Men of vision promote those of like vision. Boaz's life centered around his vision of the harvest. His yearly income was wrapped up in a large field of grain. To touch the heart of Boaz, you had to show him how faithful you were in the field! The Lord is looking for people who will love souls and minister to the poor. The Bible says whoever ministers to the poor "lends to the Lord" (Proverbs 19:17). The Lord will reward those who seek the harvest first! Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33). Ruth moved to the next level of increase. It was the 60-fold level, between 30-fold and 100-fold. It is better than 30, but not quite as good as 100-fold. It is INCREASE, nonetheless. Tangible blessings were beginning to flow. She was working at the same pace, yet she was receiving additional handfuls on purpose. Scripture says she gleaned an "ephah of barley" (Ruth 2:17). An ephah was approximately five gallons, much more than she