This week as we go from Ruth to 1 Samuel we will be reading about some well known and diverse people. From Ruth's sacrificial faith, to Samuel's quiet leadership, to Saul's inconsistency, we see both the good and the bad in humanity and ourselves as well. As you are reading take note how important it is that when we pray we make sure that we are really seeking God's will in our lives. The Israelite's decided that they wanted a King and they wanted him no matter what. However it didn't work out the way they thought it would. How many times do we pray for something without weighing it against God's will and find out that we should be careful what we pray for we may just get it! Also, take note of how many bad decisions that Saul makes that are motivated by fear rather than trust in God. It's easy to let fear drive our decisions, but we need to discipline ourselves as the writer of Psalm 23 did when he said "Oh though I walk through the valley of death I will fear no evil for thou art with me". Finally contrast Ruth's character with that of Saul's. Take a look at their ambitions as they make the decisions they do, and what the outcomes are. I think there is a lesson there.