Mother's Day Sermon 2025

May 11, 2025    Pastor Rev. Craig T. Smith

SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FOLLOWING BASED ON THE SERMON:

Further Devotional Thoughts, Discussion Questions, Daily Devotions for adults, Daily Devotions for Kids, Daily Devotions for Youth.


1. Further Devotional Thoughts


A Mother's Role in Redemption


In Ruth and Naomi, we see two women—one young, one older—linked not by biology, but by faith and lovingkindness. Naomi moves from bitterness to hope through Ruth’s sacrificial love, and Ruth finds redemption through Naomi’s guidance. This is the redemptive rhythm of godly motherhood and spiritual mentorship: those who walk in faithful love often unknowingly prepare the way for God’s greater work.


We often think redemption must look spectacular. But in Ruth, redemption comes through gleaning, trusting, guiding, and waiting. God’s redeeming love is not only seen in the cross of Christ but also in casseroles made for grieving neighbors, in staying up late for hard conversations, and in encouraging words spoken to a discouraged soul.



2. Discussion Questions

Naomi moved from deep grief to renewed hope—how can her story encourage those who are in a season of bitterness or sorrow?


Ruth showed loyalty and faith in the face of uncertainty—how can we practice that kind of loving commitment in our relationships?


What does the story of Ruth and Naomi teach us about spiritual motherhood and the impact women can have across generations?


In what ways have you seen “invisible” redemption at work in your life—God moving behind the scenes?


How does Boaz’s role as kinsman redeemer point us to the redeeming love of Christ?


Can you think of a time when someone’s quiet faithfulness made a lasting impact in your life?



3. Daily Devotionals (Monday through Saturday)


Monday: Grief Is Not the End (Ruth 1:20–21)

Naomi believed her life was over. Yet God was only beginning to write a new chapter. In your seasons of loss or disappointment, remember: for those who trust God, grief does not have the final word.

Reflection: Where do I need to trust God to bring new hope into places that feel empty?


Tuesday: God’s Providence in Small Things (Ruth 2:3)

Ruth “happened” to glean in Boaz’s field. Nothing is random in God’s economy. He weaves redemption even through what feels like chance.

Reflection: What small or ordinary moment recently might have been God’s guiding hand?


Wednesday: Loyal Love in Action (Ruth 1:16–17)

Ruth’s commitment to Naomi went beyond duty. Her love was bold, sacrificial, and full of faith.

Reflection: How can I show loyal, steadfast love to someone in need this week?


Thursday: Waiting on Redemption (Ruth 3:18)

Naomi says to Ruth, “Wait, my daughter.” Faith often calls us to stillness. Sometimes, God’s work unfolds while we simply trust.

Reflection: What area of my life requires me to wait on God rather than act in haste?


Friday: God Uses Outsiders (Ruth 4:10)

Ruth, the Moabite, becomes a central figure in God’s redemptive plan. Your past does not disqualify you from God’s future.

Reflection: Do I truly believe God can use my brokenness for His purposes?


Saturday: Your Faithfulness Is Part of a Bigger Story (Ruth 4:13–17)

Ruth and Naomi’s ordinary faithfulness becomes the foundation of the lineage of Christ. You may not see it, but your faithfulness today can impact generations.

Reflection: Who am I loving and guiding today, trusting that God is writing a bigger story?



4. Children’s Devotional Materials (Ages 4–10)


Big Idea: God uses loving people—like moms and helpers—to bring His goodness to others.

Memory Verse:

"Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay." – Ruth 1:16a


Daily Devotions


Monday: God Helps Us When We're Sad

Ruth 1:20–21 – Naomi was very sad. But God was with her and sent Ruth to help her.

Talk about it: Who helps you when you’re sad? How can you help someone today?


Tuesday: God Puts Us in the Right Place

Ruth 2:3 – Ruth ended up in just the right field!

Activity: Draw a picture of a time when God helped your family.

Prayer: “Thank you, God, for helping me even when I don’t see it.”


Wednesday: Ruth Stays Close

Ruth 1:16–17 – Ruth stayed with Naomi and didn’t leave her alone.

Question: Who do you stay close to when they need help?

Challenge: Hug your mom or a special grown-up and tell them you love them.


Thursday: Waiting Can Be Hard

Ruth 3:18 – Naomi said to wait and trust.

Prayer: “God, help me to trust You while I wait for things to get better.”

Craft Idea: Make a “wait jar” with popsicle sticks that say good things to do while waiting.


Friday: God Can Use Anyone

Ruth 4:10 – Ruth was from a faraway place, but God used her in a big way!

Game: Play “Follow the Leader” and talk about how we can follow God even when it’s hard.

Say: “God can use me too!”


Saturday: A Happy Ending!

Ruth 4:13–17 – Ruth and Naomi got a new family and God gave them joy again.

Song suggestion: “Jesus Loves Me”

Prayer: “Thank You, God, for turning sad days into happy ones.”



5. Youth Devotional Materials (Ages 11–18)


Theme: Your choices, loyalty, and faith can be part of someone else’s redemption story.

Memory Verse:

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength." – Isaiah 40:31


Daily Devotions


Monday: Real Grief, Real God

Ruth 1:20–21 – Naomi was honest about her pain.

Reflection: What’s one hurt you haven’t talked to God about? Write it down and pray about it.

Challenge: Reach out to someone who might be hurting this week.


Tuesday: Nothing Random with God

Ruth 2:3 – Ruth “just happened” to land in Boaz’s field.

Think: How have you seen God working even when you didn’t realize it at the time?

Do: Read Proverbs 3:5–6 and journal about how you can trust God today.


Wednesday: Loyalty Is Power

Ruth 1:16–17 – Ruth’s love changed Naomi’s story.

Discuss: Who in your life needs your loyalty or encouragement right now?

Act: Send a message or note to someone who’s been a steady friend to you.


Thursday: Learning to Wait

Ruth 3:18 – Waiting is an act of faith.

Reflect: What are you waiting for? Are you waiting with worry or with trust?


Friday: Your Past Is Not a Roadblock

Ruth 4:10 – Ruth came from a different background, but God still used her.

Reflect: Are you letting shame or insecurity hold you back from following Jesus boldly?

Journal: “God can still use me because…”


Saturday: Small Faithfulness, Big Impact

Ruth 4:13–17 – Ruth and Naomi didn’t know how big their story would become.

Challenge: Do one small, intentional act of kindness today and pray God uses it.

Talk about it: Share with a friend how even small faithfulness can be part of God’s bigger plan.