Then and Now

Then and Now: The Redemptive Story
A Devotional Journey Through the Book of Ruth and Ephesians
by Pastora Iris Y. Cruz-Perez

Then and Now: The Redemptive Story is a beautifully crafted devotional that invites women to reflect deeply on their past, embrace their present, and walk boldly into the future God has prepared for them. Rooted in the powerful themes of redemption, identity, and restoration found in the Book of Ruth and the Epistle to the Ephesians, this devotional guides readers through twelve transformative reflections that speak to the heart of every woman who has ever felt forgotten, broken, or uncertain of her place in God's plan.

Each devotional includes:

• A selected scripture passage from Ruth or Ephesians
• A thoughtful reflection connecting biblical truth to real-life struggles
• A generalized [AH1] testimony that mirrors common challenges and illustrates God's redeeming power
• A prayer to draw the reader closer to God
• A guided journaling section [AH2] to help the reader personalize her own redemptive story

More than a book, this devotional is a companion for the soul. It encourages women to revisit the "then" moments of loss, failure, and hardship-not to dwell in the pain, but to recognize how God's hand has been at work all along. It reminds them that their "now" is filled with hope, strength, and purpose-because their Redeemer is still working.

From Naomi's sorrow to Ruth's endurance, from Paul's affirmations of our identity in Christ to the promise of spiritual strength in Ephesians, this devotional weaves together rich biblical insight and heartfelt encouragement for today's woman.

Whether you are in a season of waiting, healing, rebuilding, or rising, Then and Now: The Redemptive Story will meet you with compassion, wisdom, and hope. It will remind you that you are seen, chosen, and deeply loved by a God who brings beauty from ashes and purpose from every pain.

Bio
Iris Yolanda Cruz-Perez, affectionately known as Pastor Yo, is a pastor, preacher, teacher, author, artist, community leader, influencer, and entrepreneur. Pastor Yo is the youngest of six children born to Victor and Lucy Alvarado-Perez. She serves as co-pastor of Father's Heart Church International and is the founder of Women-to-Women Global Ministry (W2WGM), a multicultural international ministry dedicated to empowering women across racial, ethnic, cultural, and geographical boundaries through annual gatherings, seminars, and workshops. Pastor Yo ministers locally throughout Chicago and Indiana, as well as globally through her weekly prayer and encouragement series on Facebook Live. She currently lives in Chicago, Illinois, and has been joyfully married for thirty-three years to her best friend and partner in ministry, Apostle David Cruz. Together, they are the proud parents of their beautiful and intelligent daughter, Victoria.