As emerging scholars work to persevere through the end of the semester and prepare for summer travels, Jamie Noyd offers a Scholar's Compass series on Pilgrimage. The first of five parts is below. Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. - Psalm 84:5,6 … [Read more...] about Pilgrimage: Journey to a Story Series (Scholar’s Compass)
Ruth: Advocating God’s Mercy (Scholar’s Compass)
She replied, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.” Now Boaz had gone up to the gate and sat down there. And behold, the redeemer, of whom Boaz had spoken, came by. So Boaz said, “Turn aside, friend; sit down here.” And he turned aside and sat down. - Ruth 3:18-4:1 (ESV) Reflection In the book of Ruth's story Boaz serves as her advocate. Even though both Naomi and Ruth desired and worked towards such an end, they could not have … [Read more...] about Ruth: Advocating God’s Mercy (Scholar’s Compass)
Risk on the Threshing Floor (Scholar’s Compass)
He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” And he said, “May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich.” - Ruth 3:9-10 (ESV) Reflection In Ruth's journey in this new land, she moves from a place of blessing to a place of risk. She has seen God's blessing in the fields as her mother-in-law's relative, Boaz, provides … [Read more...] about Risk on the Threshing Floor (Scholar’s Compass)
In the Fields of Blessing (Scholar’s Compass)
And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem. And he said to the reapers,“The Lord be with you!” And they answered, “The Lord bless you.” - Ruth 2:4 
(ESV) Reflection As we continue through the story of Ruth we are now in the midst of the barley fields ready for the harvest. From his first steps into the story, Boaz recognizes God's presence among the workers in the field as he greets the reapers with the words “The Lord be with you.” (2:4) 
Then Boaz follows God's command to have his reapers leave remnants in the field … [Read more...] about In the Fields of Blessing (Scholar’s Compass)
Ruth: An Unexpected Story (Scholar’s Compass)
Jamie Noyd continues her series on what scholars can learn from the Book of Ruth. And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.” - Ruth 2:2 Reflection To some extent I'm sure most of our departments and universities meet some of the expectations we had at the outset. The Master of Arts program is challenging and provides opportunities to engage with favorite writers. Our advisors … [Read more...] about Ruth: An Unexpected Story (Scholar’s Compass)