"Keep Your Hands Up!"

 Reflections4Life™ December 19, 2021

“Keep Your Hands Up!”

“And as long as Moses held up the rod in his hands, Israel was winning; but whenever he rested his arms at his sides, the soldiers of Amalek were winning. Moses’ arms finally became too tired to hold up the rod any longer; so Aaron and Hur rolled a stone for him to sit on, and they stood on each side, holding up his hands until sunset. As a result, Joshua and his troops crushed the army of Amalek, putting them to the sword.” Exodus 17:11-13 (TLB)

Scripture Contemplation: Exodus 17; Deuteronomy 28; Joshua 1; Ezra 7:28; Romans 15; 2 Corinthians 9; Ephesians 1…

I sincerely pray that today greets you with answered prayers. There are so many things and people we fight against on a daily basis. We even fight against who we are and ourselves. Why? Why do we fight? I think the reasons we fight will determine if we truly have a chance of winning that particular battle or not.

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration; bringing peace and revelation to your heart, mind, and soul. The victory has been guaranteed. We just have to walk in it. Take this week to reflect upon all that God has already done for you. How many times did you feel like you were going to lose, only to look back now, and see how God worked it all out? Remember that, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the fact that God is the same God today, and forever more. 

I love the story of the Israelites and their battle against the Amalek soldiers. Though they were fighting, the battle’s victory was already determined: As long as Moses held the rod up, Israel was winning. However, the moment he rested his arms and the rod came down, Israel began to lose. Aaron and Hur recognized the significance and did everything they could to make certain that Moses’ hands stayed lifted with the rod so that Israel would be victorious.

There are certain battles, Beloved, that we are fighting that are not ours. There are certain situations we have entered into that we had no business being a part of. And there are certain battles we are in that cannot be won unless we totally surrender to God and His will. We must recognize when to lift our hands and allow God to be God.

Our rod is the word of God. The word of God and the promises of God that have been hidden in our hearts. When we surrender to God and believe what He has spoken to us, then we have the victory. It may require us to lift our hands from a situation. To surrender completely to the will of God; even when it feels like we are giving up.

We are not defeated or admitting defeat, but we are wisely surrendering to God and His will. There are certain victories that come when totally surrender to God. I am a firm believer that when the praises go up, the blessings come down. When we lift our hands off of a situation we had no business getting into in the first place, peace will come.

Keep your hands up, Beloveds. Keep them up in surrender to God and His way. Don't try to fix anything. Don't try to save anything. Don't try to figure it out, while things steadily get worse and more confusing. No. Keep your hands up, off the situation, and in surrender to God and His plan and purpose.

There are times when we are too close to a situation to see or think clearly. We must learn to back up and allow God to be God. Sometimes the victory lies in our ability to keep our hands up and allow God to be God and do what He does best, intervening on our behalf.

Our victory may not depend on how good we fight or how strong and capable we are. It may depend upon how obedient and trusting of God we are. The victory can very well be in the act of surrender to God, His will, and His ways.

If you find yourself in a current situation and you just seem to be losing at every turn, I encourage you to lift your hands from the situation. Surrender. Keep your hands up and off the situation, and allow God to do what He does best: love and protect you. God has this, beloved. Trust Him.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Keep your hands up in total praise. Surrender it all to God. We have already been declared the winner; guaranteed by the precious blood of Christ. Walk in your victory, and share the love of GOD with others. Merry Christmas to you and yours, from me and mine. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"A Restored Mind"

 Reflections4Life™ December 5, 2021

“A Restored Mind”

“Come back to me and really mean it! Come fasting and weeping, sorry for your sins!”

Change your life, not just your clothes. Come back to God, your God. And here’s why: God is kind and merciful. He takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot. This most patient God, extravagant in love, always ready to cancel catastrophe.” Joel 2:12b-14a MSG

Scripture Contemplation: Joel 2; Romans 7:23-25; 8; 12; 1 Timothy 6; Hebrews 8:10…

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration; bringing peace and revelation to your heart, mind, and soul. If you desire a changed life; to experience a different outcome from your efforts; then you must allow God to restore your mind. It takes a restored mind that leads to a restored heart to change one’s life. This can only begin by being in the presence of God daily.

As we are nearing the end of this year, many are already thinking and planning for the New Year. Oh! The things they will do differently. The new attitude they will adopt. The plans they will follow through.

That is fine. We all should have plans that we are ready and willing to follow through. Yet, I suspect, many will not make it past the first two weeks or month of the New Year with their new plans. 

Why would I say this? Seems somewhat negative, no? Well, allow this explanation: In order for most of us to make a change for this coming New Year, we have to have begun implementing those changes well before the New Year began; at least six weeks to the most three months.

We are creatures of habit. In addition, we usually resist change and anything that feels uncomfortable. Moreover, the one place we need change the most in is our minds. Our minds must be renewed and restored if we are going to be successful.

Beloveds, our minds are powerful. For many of us, when we get something into our minds, it is hard to shake it loose. Especially, when it begins to take root and settle in our hearts. This is why we either fail or succeed at the changes and plans we often devise.

It is the restored mind; the mind that has gone through the restoration process that will be successful at the plans that they often set forth.

It takes a new way of thinking and seeing things for us to change our beliefs, behaviors, and habits. That is what God desires to grant us when we give Him a place in our hearts. He desires to restore our minds, which restores our hearts, and gives us a brand new foundation--a clean slate--so to speak, as a place to start that will allow us success.

We miss many wonderful things, relationships, happiness, opportunities when our minds remain unchanged; when we do not allow the renewing of our minds and souls to take place when we come to God. Yet, wonder why we fail. Why things fall apart?

Beloved, it all begins in our minds, our thoughts and if we allow the Father to truly restore our minds and give us a new way of thinking and seeing, and interpreting things. You desire a new start. Yield to God's way.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Allow the Father into every part of your life, bringing the power of restoration—restoration to your heart, your mind, and your soul. It is the mind that allows God’s reign, that sees change, leading them always in the paths of righteousness and abundance. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"State of Grace"

 Reflections4Life™ November 21, 2021

“State of Grace”

“For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Scripture Contemplation: Esther 2; Psalm 45; 86; John 1; Acts 11:23; Romans 1; 5; Ephesians 2…

©Ruthe McDonald.

I take this time to wish this wonderful community that God has blessed me to fellowship with, a wonderful and blessed week. I pray this is a week of answered prayers! For those in the States, I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving! May it be a day of joy and grace, and just an extension of what each day already looks like.

I pray today’s Reflections will bring comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration; bringing peace and revelation to your heart, mind, and soul. There is a state of mind that we should all be working towards…keeping our minds stayed on Christ. It is in God we will find our peace and our comfort and our state of grace. It is in the presence of God that we come to understand just what the Grace of God truly encompasses.

I realize that it is because of the grace of God that I am not consumed by the heavy burdens faced in this life. When I want to give up and walk away, He reminds me that His grace is sufficient. That, it by His power and not of my own strength. But for the grace of God—His unmerited favor—I remain in the land of the living with another day and opportunity to live my best authentic life. Not perfect, but humble, honest, and mindful of God's grace.

Every day for years, I was guaranteed and fortunate to hear two things from my mother: "Grace and Peace!" and "I Love You". Those were constant phrases upon my mother's lips. You received that greeting when she answered the phone. Before anything else was spoken, you were greeted with, "Grace and Peace!" in a singsong manner.

The sincerity, coupled with the melodious timbre of her voice would make you smile and feel a warmth deep in your soul. Without a doubt, you knew you were speaking to someone who truly loved the Lord. And what I now understand, she was prophesying over lives. She was speaking God's grace over my life and the lives of those she encountered.

Grace, in the word of God, can be defined as God having unmerited favor or undeserving favor to those who are actually guilty or under condemnation. For me, grace is simply God's forgiveness even when I don't deserve it and have been in the wrong. It is His strength in my life when mountains of obstacles arise in my life, preventing me from moving forward.

The world's definition of grace is a way of moving that is smooth and attractive, not stiff or awkward; it is the elegance of beauty or form, manner, motion or action; a pleasant way of acting.

I can combine these definitions and describe a state of grace as being in receipt of God's forgiveness and favor, by which it allows me to move throughout life smoothly, pleasantly, with an attitude of gratitude, of thankfulness, knowing that I received a gift I didn't deserve but was given nonetheless to live my very best life possible. It is God's restoration for my life, in a season of rebuilding.

For this, and so much more, I am grateful. I am filled with gratitude to be alive. Though not everything in my life is, as I desire, I am alive, gifted with opportunities each time God wakes me. Moreover, a chance to inspire and tell someone else, that God loves them, too. In addition, to the rebuilding of my life; the restoration of strength, dreams, visions, and wherever God desires me to be. He is doing the same for you. The troubles, the rough places, the rough challenges? God's grace is going to take you where you need to be. You cannot do it by yourself; no matter how strong or wise you are. It is the grace of God that is going to get you through. God is divinely rebuilding our lives.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week. Let us remember to keep it in our hearts that each day is a day of Thanksgiving, of gratitude. Each time God grants us a new day of life, it is His grace and His love that affords us a brand new day filled with opportunities we just may not deserve but have received nonetheless. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Be Still and Know"

 Reflections4Life™ November 14, 2021

“Be Still and Know”

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10

Scripture Contemplation: 1 Chronicles 22:9; 2 Chronicles 20; Provers 15:18; 29:9…

More than anything at this time, we need to quiet our souls and hear what God is saying. Many are dealing with much hurt, pain, disappointment, and fear. Though you may feel this way now, do not allow it to linger. Quiet your soul; your mind, so that you may hear what God has to say to you in this very important time in our lives.

I pray today’s Reflections will bring comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration; bringing peace and revelation to your heart, mind, and soul. Take a step back this week. Allow God to give you rest in your heart mind and soul. Let the blood of Jesus cover your thoughts and penetrate your soul, giving you an everlasting peace that will rest in all parts of your life.

Oh! Beloveds, there is so much angst and noise cluttering our souls. Our minds can barely keep up with the fast-changing emotions that many are dealing with. I want to encourage you today, to lean on God. Let Him give you rest in your heart and mind. Allow His peace to rule your heart as you navigate from day to day, especially encountering things that are a bother and vexation to your soul.

There are many times when God wants to bless our lives. He desires to impart knowledge, wisdom, and gifts of the spirit. However, we often miss it because our minds and hearts are cluttered and bogged down with the cares of the world. Often, it overshadows the voice and move of God.

Many times we have seen situations where it seemed hopeless, and in the eleventh hour, God worked it out. We may ask, why does God do that? Why does He come at the last hour instead of when we first asked? The truth of the matter is, He has answered us straightaway. Yet, there are those of us who need to be stretched in our faith and reminded that promises of God are yes and amen. Meaning, that whatever God tells us, and whatever we asked of Him, and believed that we already received, we can believe that no matter what things appear to be, God is answering and He will see us through.

We forget the power of God sometimes and question His love and concern for us when we witness things happen that are unfathomable to our hearts and minds and who God is. Our mind gets jumbled with all the doubts, fears, and noise of the enemy. Trust me; the enemy is diligently whispering in our ears and speaking doubts and fear into the fabric of our minds.

The noise in our mind often overshadows the voice of God, and the peace that He says belongs to those who keep their mind stayed on Him. Yes. It is very easy to get sidetracked with all the hate, evil, fear, and uncertainty that is in the world. But this is when we must remember who God is, who we are in Him, and that regardless of how things may appear, God is still God on His throne and He shall not be moved. And all that God has spoken concerning our lives—even in the midst of chaos and confusion—He will make come to pass if we will continue to believe, to stand firm in His word and on His promises.

Beloved, if you do not believe anything else today, believe this: God loves you and He has you covered. Though it may appear as the enemy is winning, God remains God and in control, and He has us covered. Regardless of what the enemy whispers to us, how crazy the world gets, remember that God has the last word and the last, best laugh. We can and will be victorious in the face of adversity and all manner of evil. When God is for us, who can be against us? No One. A couple of lost battles does not determine the outcome of a war. For God says, that the war has already been won and that all things are working out for our good.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Though it may appear at times that the enemy has won, do not be deceived—God is still on His throne and has declared us the winner. Yield to the Father. Allow Him to bring peace and quietness to your mind and soul. Do not be swayed or discouraged by what things appear to be. God always gets the final word. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Meditate On It"

 Reflections4Life™ November 7, 2021

“Meditate On It”

“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” Joshua 1:8

Scripture Contemplation: Joshua 1; Psalms 1; 4; 27; Philippians 4:8…

©Ruthe McDonald.

           I pray today’s Reflections will bring comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration; bringing peace and revelation to your heart, mind, and soul. This week, I implore you to try again. To make things happen for yourself that you may have been waiting for a long time. And the way to do this is to first meditate. Meditate on the word and promises of God. Meditate on the promises and plan of God. See yourself walking in the promises and the fulfillment of the plans and visions in your heart.

I truly hope this week is everything you hope it will be. Everything you work towards it to be. Everything that God has ordained it to be. This past weekend, God has been speaking to my heart about trying again, and the power to make it happen already residing within us. Beloveds, many of us have given up and are hurt, jaded, and too scared to move forward to try again. It's time to regroup. It is time to stand still and spend some time meditating on the word of God, what is in our heart, and the plans we desire to see come forth.

There are times when things will appear as if nothing is happening. It will seem as though prayers are not being answered, life is at a standstill, and in fact, things are getting worse. That is the time, Beloveds, we must determine to praise God anyhow! To praise our way through the difficult times. To see, not through our natural eyes, but through the eyes of our God, and take strength and comfort from His word, His promises.

Habakkuk 3:17-19(MSG) “Though the cherry trees don’t blossom and the strawberries don’t ripen. Though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted. Though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty, I’m singing joyful praise to God. I’m turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God. Counting on God’s Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer.  I feel like I’m king of the mountain!”

I promise you today, that there are much greatness and power waiting to be birthed; to be unleashed. THERE IS ALSO SOMEONE ON THIS EARTH WAITING FOR YOU TO SHOW UP. INSIDE OF YOU IS EXACTLY WHAT THEY NEED TO TAKE THEIR NEXT STEP IN LIFE.

What we sometimes fail to realize is that we become the hands and feet of God on this earth. God uses us to serve and help one another. He uses the gifts and talents He has placed in us to be the answer and solution to the questions and problems of our brothers and sisters on this earth. But, if we never recognize who we are, or walk in the greatness that already resides in us, then not only do we cheat ourselves and prolong our happiness, we also prolong the suffering and heartache of others who have been waiting for us to show up to our assignments.

Yes. You have been hurt, disappointed, and wounded. You have been discouraged and nearly destroyed. However, you have the opportunity to try again and make things happen. God has given you that power. It is time to meditate on the word of God, on His promises, in your life. Meditate on the visions that are in you. Let God show you His way, His plan. Meditate until it is embedded in your heart and soul. Then go forth and make it happen. Try again. Walk-in your greatness with confidence and change the lives of those waiting for you.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you.  Do not be discouraged by what things may appear to be at the moment. Instead, have faith and believe in the promises of God and that things will happen. You can try again; make it happen, while continually meditating on the word and promises of God, following His lead. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"From the Projects to the Vineyard"

 REFLECTIONS4LIFE™ October 24, 2021

“From the Projects to the Vineyard”

“He had another dream and told this one also to his brothers: ‘I dreamed another dream—the sun and moon and eleven stars bowed down to me!’ When he told it to his father and brothers, his father reprimanded him: ‘What’s with all this dreaming? Am I and your mother and your brothers all supposed to bow down to you?’ Now his brothers were really jealous, but his father brooded over the whole business.” Genesis 37:9-11 (MSG)

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 37-50…

I have always enjoyed the lessons of Joseph from the Bible. It always encourages me and gives me understanding and reminders at different times in my life. Many have preached a sermon about Joseph’s life titling it, From the Pit to the Palace; encouraging many. Yet, what I want you to understand are the events that took place leading to the pit.

I pray today’s Reflections will bring comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration; bringing peace and revelation to your heart, mind, and soul. It is my sincerest prayer that you will see and receive something new today that will encourage and inspire you. That today will be the beginning of you recognizing your purpose, and the purpose for all the pain that you may have endured and suffered.

Beloveds, God has a plan and purpose for everything that has occurred in your life. Every unexplainable thing. Every hurtful thing. Every heartbreaking thing. Every confusing thing. And indeed, every good thing.

Here’s what I learned so far in my journey: Sometimes people see the light in you before you have a chance to recognize it and own it. They will do everything they can to dim or destroy that light because of jealousy. What they fail to realize is, God will use them as an instrument to place you in the right position to manifest His blessings in your life, for your light to shine the brightest, and where you will have the most impact.

God has placed a light in each of us. His light. There are many that God has called to change the world. To touch lives in a positive way. To bring the love of God to people who have given up on humanity and believe there is no God. There are those who God has chosen to triumph over every adversity and become that man or woman He has ordained us to be before we were in our mother's womb.

There are some of us that do not see ourselves as God does. We do not recognize our gifts and talents. We do not see the light in us that causes some people to dislike us on site. To even hate us, and try maligning our character every opportunity they get. Listen; just as God has sent His angels to watch over us, and has sent those in our life to protect us; the enemy has sent his cohorts to trip us up, to destroy us, to rob us, and even try to kill us.

But God, Beloveds! God sees all and knows all. Even when we are not aware, God is moving on our behalf and we must hold onto Him and seek His face. Sometimes we do not see ourselves the way God does or even get why the enemy is so scared. However, God knows, and He will use the enemy to place you in the right positions for the greatest impact of your life will have for many others.

Understand this: Before you even get to the pit, God has already made a way of escape for you. Before you even head down a road that seems so far from your dreams, God has already worked it all out. Just when the enemy thought he had you and destroyed you, God was all along setting you up for the greatest victory in your life. God has already written and finished the book, and if you did not know already—you win!

God will take you from obscurity and ridicule to sitting before Kings and Queens and Presidents; in front of people that can aid you in doing what He has placed in you to do. He will raise you up—using your enemy and their jealousy—to position you in your place of greatness, power, and influence. Even when you do not see it, your adversity will become your teacher, your afflictions your greatest strength and character builder.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. You may not see it right now. It may not feel like anything good is happening in your life. I promise you—God has already moved on your behalf and is positioning you for every good and perfect gift He has ordained for your life and for the lives of those, He has assigned you to. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Break Free"

REFLECTIONS4LIFE™  October 10, 2021

“Break Free”

“Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?” Isaiah 43:18, 19a (MSG)

Scripture Contemplation: Numbers 16; Nehemiah 10; Isaiah 43; 2 Corinthians 5; Galatians 6…

I want you to remember this, Today is the beginning of the best days of your life. Today is the day that you finally break free from the past that has held you hostage. The past that has haunted you. The mistakes and failures that have been a burden on your shoulders and weighed your heart down. All of that!—it is over! God is releasing you today and all you have to do is believe and receive it!

I pray today’s Reflections will bring comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration; bringing revelation to your heart, mind, and soul. Be certain to spend some quality and intimate time with the Heavenly Father this week. There is something wonderful He desires to impart to you; to settle in your heart; something that will change your life forever. All for your good.

Sure, I hear your pessimism, your doubt, even some with unbelief. However, I also hear hope, and faith the size of a mustard seed, and desire. That's all it takes.

In no way am I telling you that this path of living in your blessings and walking in your purpose is easier. What I am saying, though, is that you will be stronger. You will walk in the strength and knowledge of knowing that God has you and your future securely in His hands, and has forgiven you, and freed you from a past that has haunted you.

Though there may be people, the enemy will use to try and bound you back up; try to make you doubt your freedom, and try to discourage you from pursuing the promises of God in your life; that is par, for the course you are on. Yet, they are no match for the promises and power of God that are now working in your life. The key is to give no ear or time to them. But, to learn to let God answer the door when the enemy is knocking.

Keep saying to yourself what God says about you. Let the words of God's truth be a constant sound in your ear. Another crucial thing—all of those mistakes and failures? Change your view about them. They no longer should be seen as mistakes and failures, but as life lessons and tutorials that have prepared you for this moment in time; life lessons that have taught you about your character and that of others. They have taught you how to spot a lie, a liar, a thief, and insincere people from miles away. It has taught you just how strong you truly are. How do I know? Because you are here, alive, thriving, and receiving the blessings of God.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Break free from those things that try to prevent you from receiving all that God has ordained for your life. You are worthy of all of God’s blessings and His unconditional love. Remember: You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"When Your Heart Badly Aches"

Reflections4Life™  October 3, 2021

“When Your Heart Badly Aches”

“A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day.” Proverbs 15:13 (MSG)

Scripture Contemplation: Isaiah 3:13-15; 25, 26; Micah 7:1-6; Zephaniah 3:18-20; Romans 9:1-5…

Having witnessed and experienced enough heartache to last a few lifetimes—it is not always easy to get through or to get past. Unfortunately, although many of us were taught that time heals all wounds, for most, I am not finding the truth in that. To be honest, I find that time teaches you lessons and how to deal with wounds. Or, it is another year of heartache to add to the previous years. I can, however, confidently say and take comfort in this one thing: When your heart badly aches, God will be there with you to pick up the pieces and embrace you until you are ready to take on the world again. He does not want us wallowing in hurt and pain, however, to get busy with the business of living a whole, healthy, vibrant life. He has great things in store for us.

I decree today’s Reflections will bring comfort and peace to you. Let it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration; bringing peace and revelation to your heart, mind, and soul. Though you may have experienced or, are currently in the throes of heartache, I urge you to give all to God. Lay them at the altar and allow God to soothe your soul and your heart with His love and kindness and tender mercies. Allow the Father the opportunity to love on you, and fill your heart with everlasting love and joy.

At times, the heartache we experience seems like it will never end. It feels as though tomorrow will never come and the sun will never shine again. Trust me, Beloved, the sun will shine again and each day that you move forward is the opportunity to experience a love that will cover a multitude of pain and heartache. Trust—God knows what He is doing, and He knows what you need and how to love on you.

That feeling like you cannot take another breath because it hurts so badly? Yes. Been there far too many times to count. Yet, even in all of that heartache, one thing I always remember and hold onto is that this too shall pass. God’s love for me is constant; it doesn’t change, and He’d never leave or abandon me.

These are the pivotal times in your lives when you must throw caution to the wind and trust God to be God. Trust Him to know what you need. Trust Him to feed you and love you and have already worked towards mending your heartaches. God cannot fail, but He needs your cooperation. He needs you to trust Him to be your heart mender, your mind regulator, your spirit restore-er. Allow God to be everything, so He may pour into you everything that you need to make it through the times of heartache.

I can only imagine what you may have or are experiencing at this time, but I know God knows exactly what you are feeling, as well as thinking. Allow me to share a bit of wisdom with you. It may not be what you want to hear at this time, but what you need to hear. Sometimes getting hurt, experiencing certain heartaches can be the best thing that has ever happened to us. Oh! Sure it does not feel like that at the time. Yet, when everything settles down and you look back over where God has brought you, you may see with a clearer vision that some heartaches were worth the pain for where you are today. You may have never have gotten into a position for the blessings that God has ordained for your life if you had stayed content, were never hurt, or decided that you wanted more.

Heartaches are not just about romantic relationships. Anything that has hurt us; has brought pain to our hearts; any significant loss can be considered heartache. Our heartaches can spur us to move, to be creative, more vocal, and less comfortable where we are currently at in life. Sometimes that bit of heartache jars us into action we would have never otherwise acted upon. I sincerely believe that heartache can actually become a blessing in disguise. If we allow God to do what He desires to do in our lives.

Zephaniah 3:18-20 (MSG) “The accumulated sorrows of your exile will dissipate. I, your God, will get rid of them for you. You’ve carried those burdens long enough. At the same time, I’ll get rid of all those who’ve made your life miserable. I’ll heal the maimed; I’ll bring home the homeless. In the very countries where they were hated, they will be venerated. On Judgment Day I’ll bring you back home—a great family gathering! You’ll be famous and honored all over the world. You’ll see it with your own eyes— all those painful partings turned into reunions!” God’s Promise.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Do not wallow in your heartaches. Yes. They are real. Acknowledge and be honest about what you are feeling. Then allow God to lead you to a place of comfort and healing in Him. God desires to not only heal your heartaches, to soothe them with the balm of His love, but He also wants to position you to a place of joy and blessings. So, do not wallow long or close yourself off. Let God become the balm on your heart that brings new life and happiness better than you have ever experienced before. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Mental Shift"

 

Reflections4Life™ September 12, 2021

“Mental Shift”

“A person who is pure of heart sees goodness and purity in everything; but a person whose own heart is evil and untrusting finds evil in everything, for his dirty mind and rebellious heart color all he sees and hears.” Titus 1:15 (TLB)

Scripture Contemplation: Exodus 32:14; Ruth 1; 2 Samuel 7:3; Job 12:11; Ezekiel 11:5; Acts 3:19; Romans 8:5-8; 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 3:20

If there is one thing that I am certain of, is the fact that our minds have an integral part in what transpires in our life each day. Our thoughts have a profound effect on what is manifested, whether we see breakthroughs, defeats, healing, and miracles. Whether or not we can move forward or stay locked in a moment in time.

I pray today’s Reflections will bring comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration; bringing revelation to your heart, mind, and soul. Allow the redemptive power of the blood of Jesus to wash your mind, to cleanse your thoughts, as you reach forward to receive all that God has ordained for you on this earth. Let your heart be full of hope, and your mind healed from all fear and discomfort.

One of the most profound lessons I have learned over the years is to come to an understanding, that you will always remain a victim if you do not allow your mind to shift. There are circumstances and situations in our lives that have held us bound to a moment and time. For whatever reason, we remain a victim—no longer of the circumstance or person(s)—but a victim of our own minds and our inability to shift our thoughts and move forward.

It is time for a shift, Beloveds. It is time for a mental shift. Time to change the way we think, what we think about, how we think. It is well past time that we fully dressed in the armor of God, placing the helmet of salvation securely on our heads, which symbolizes a change of thought, a shift in our perceptions; taking on fully the mind of Christ.

In the book of Philippians, it tells us consciously to shift our thinking by thinking of things that are good and lovely…

Philippians 4:8“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

We must also learn to pull down strongholds. Do you not understand that your mind can become the devil’s playground if you are not diligent? Part of that diligence is renewing our mind daily in Christ (Romans 12:1-2). Pulling down strongholds and casting down evil imaginations (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”

A mental shift desperately needs to take place for many of us before we find ourselves in the midst of a mental break. The enemy has wreaked havoc in our lives, playing his mind games and tormenting us through our thoughts that we have a hard time deciphering the truth from lies, and his not-so-hidden agenda to kill, steal and destroy. Before we know it, our lives are in shambles and the promised blessings of God have slipped through our fingers and out of grasp and not easily attained again.

We walk an intrinsic rope daily. Our minds play a pivotal role in whether or not we make it to the other end of that rope. Though we may trip and fall at times, it is vitally important that we get back up, shake the dust off, renew our minds, put on the armor of God. Be steadfast in prayer, and think on the goodness of God, and His promises for our life; allowing it to wash away all fear, doubts, and stinking thinking that befuddle us from time to time; causing us to blow the blessings that God has brought into our lives.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Allow your mind to shift with the knowledge of who God says you are and where He desires to take you. However, the unknown may seem scary at first; place your trust in the Lord. In the God who has brought you this far. Plead the blood of Jesus over your mind, allowing your mind to be renewed daily, and believing the greatness that God says you do deserve because He has made it so. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Not In Vain"

Reflections4Life™  September 5, 2021

“Not In Vain”

“Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”  1 Corinthians 15:58

Scripture Contemplation: Job 9:29; 39:16; Psalm 127:1; Isaiah 40:4; 1 Corinthians 15…

Praying that you all have a glorious Labor Day Weekend. May it be filled with complete joy, love, happiness, friends and family, and much laughter. May we lay aside every burden, casting them into the Father’s capable hands, and enjoy the gift of life that God has ordained for us.

I’m Free by Milton Brunson

I'M FREE, PRAISE THE LORD,
I'M FREE
NO LONGER BOUND,
NO MORE CHAINS HOLDING ME
MY SOUL IS RESTING
IT'S SUCH A BLESSING
PRAISE THE LORD
HALLELUJAH, I'M FREE

Praise the Lord! I declare and decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Praise the Lord, I had to get that out, because we are free, Beloveds. No matter what you are facing this week. No matter what comes this way. No matter what doesn’t go your way—know and understand that you are not only free but free to rest in the Lord and trust Him to take care of all things concerning you. Spend some quality time in the Father’s presence this week, and let Him tell you all about His plans for your life, and the blessings waiting to manifest just for you!

Beloved, I have some more good news for you today! Yes, I do! Your labor has not been in vain. Everything that you have done in the name of Jesus; all you have done to give God honor and praise has not gone unnoticed. I implore you, as it tells us in Galatians, to not grow weary while doing well, That if you faint not, you will definitely see come to pass all that you have been patiently praying and waiting for.

Understand, that God is not a man that He should lie, nor the Son of Man that He should repent. (Numbers 23:19) Whatever God has spoken concerning you, it is definitely coming to pass. He is personally seeing fit to make it come to fruition right on time. So, I don’t care what it looks like. I don’t care how many setbacks have occurred…God is moving on your behalf and making things happen.

Yes! Favor! Favor isn’t fair, but God grants us the favor. He grants favor with every breath we take, while we are honoring Him, and living according to His will for our lives. Yes. Bad things happen. Delays happen. Some things do not work out the way we expected. But the truth of the matter is, that God knows all of these things and has shared them with those of us who have an ear to hear and a mind and fortitude to follow what He tells us.

Your labor for the Lord, in love, is not in vain. I promise you that if you hold on, believe in your heart and not just your head, you will see the promises and blessings of God begin to manifest in your life.

I celebrate my Birthday this week. No matter what I am facing right now. No matter what challenges are on my plate, I will celebrate the gift of another year of life, should God grant me another day to breathe the breath of life in this earthly realm. I am going to praise Him and be thankful from the depths of my heart and soul.

There are things I could complain about. I could list for you a list as long as I am tall of all the things that I perceive to be wrong. All the things that are breaking and hurting my heart. All the things that give me pause in this life. I could do that, but then, it would only be right to list all the things that are right. And they far outweigh all the things that are wrong, hurtful, and heartbreaking.

I choose to believe God when He tells me that my labor is not in vain. I am certain that at my very worse—my very worse day—would still be a day of bliss and sunshine and greatness in the life of someone who is suffering a far greater situation than mine.  Yes. No one's pain is counted greater than another's. Pain is pain. But I do understand that some never get to count the joys I have counted or get to count. Some have never experienced the love I have experienced. And still, others have yet to experience the overwhelming feeling of goodness, elation of the spirit and soul, and unconditional love that I have when you do something unselfishly for someone else.

So yes, I am choosing to count my blessings.  Even in that, I am learning valuable lessons. I'm not wearing any blinders or rose-colored glasses. Things are what they are. Yet I am choosing to respond instead of reacting, and give God praise anyhow. At the end of the day, I will rest, knowing that my labor in the Lord is not all in vain. I am blessed, and more blessings are manifesting.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. All that you do for God is never in vain. Whether you are out front or behind the scenes, it is all seen by our Heavenly Father. Whatever you do for God, will last. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"When Love Hinders"

 Reflections4Life™ August 29, 2021

“When Love Hinders”

“I wish you would put up with a little foolishness from me. Yes, do put up with me. For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy, because I have promised you in marriage to one husband—to present a pure virgin to Christ. But I fear that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your minds may be seduced from complete and pure devotion to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:1-3

Scripture Contemplation: Exodus 25; 34; Deuteronomy 5; 32; Joshua 24; Ezekiel 34; Joel 2; 2 Corinthians 11…

I am pretty certain that some are raising an eyebrow and questioning the title of today’s Reflections. I understand. Because I felt the same way when God gave me the title, well before He explained what He meant. Of course, I trusted Him to do just that. And I also knew that this would be something that would open my eyes and heart, and prayerfully it will for you, too.

I declare and decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. I implore you to take time this week and explore your relationship with the Heavenly Father. Really look at it, and see if you have truly and totally surrendered your absolute all to Him. Ask yourself: Does God have all of my Heart? Am I doing all that I can? Do I trust Him sincerely? Do I really believe what God says about me? Does the Father truly have the number one place in my heart and soul? My only God?

Do you know that feeling you get when you fall in love for the first time? That feeling of free-falling? Always wanting to be in that person’s presence? Wanting to know everything about them? Wanting to share everything and get to know their heart and soul, as well as everything else? Yes. That feeling. That is an awesome thing. It is a wonderful feeling that we can cherish and celebrate. And it is a feeling that we should have towards our God each and every day. It’s definitely what God has for us; even though He knows us so well, and knows that we will, at some point, become distracted, preoccupied, disenchanted, and even for some—out of love. Yet, the Father’s love for us will never, ever change. This, we can be certain of.

Yet, for some of us that love deeply; who have huge hearts that we find ourselves pouring our love out on so many, and loving some so deeply to distraction, that we miss out on our relationship with God. We neglect what should be our number one priority and relationship. And when this occurs, slowly but surely, other areas in our life start to take a hit; even if we do not recognize it.

Sadly, many of us do not even realize that we have allowed our earthly relationships to not only hinder our heavenly relationship, but we have given God’s place in our heart to someone else. And even still, there are others who have allowed their earthly love and devotion to become their god, forsaking their relationship with the Heavenly Father.

God is a jealous God. He desires to be number one in our lives. He desires to be our only God. Our covering. Our Savior. Our Healer. Our everything. He yearns for our devotion so that He may bless us in the manner that He desires. He wants to blanket us in His love while protecting us from the machinations of the enemy. God desires our attention, Beloveds. However, far too many of us are preoccupied. And far too many have allowed our horizontal relationships to dictate our vertical relationship and receiving all that God has ordained for our lives.

It is not that God does not want us in relationships or to love anyone else. Not at all. He, however, doesn’t want it to hinder us from all that He has ordained for us while in this world. God wants us to be balanced. To be well-rounded. To not be so broken over a man or woman, boy or girl, that we begin to worship the creation instead of the Creator. That we allow the love in our earthly relationships to become so consuming, that we are doing any and everything to please, keep and sustain them that there is no room for God. We have abandoned our core and key relationship, chasing after fallible love.

Come on; be honest. How many times have you, or are still so gone in a relationship that it has affected your time with God? How many times has a relationship hindered you from doing all that God has asked of you? When was the last time, your time spent with God, was longer than any of your earthly relationships? Think about it. Really think.

There is nothing wrong with being in love. There is nothing wrong with loving people for who they are and where they are at in life. There is nothing wrong with wanting them to have the very best, and supporting who they are and their dreams. But, what is not all right is neglecting, forgetting, forsaking, and disrespecting God in your life. And please, don't get it wrong; we can also be in this position with our family. Our children, parents, etcetera. Anyone that is placed above God in our actions, reverence, and worship; even if we don't believe so in hearts and minds.

How many times has God reached out to you, but you didn’t hear him? Or, you ignored Him? Or you chose that earthly relationship over being obedient to God and what He has asked of you? Far too many, I might say.

Some of us do not even realize that the love we prayed for, asked God for, has become the very hindrance to God moving in our lives. Don’t get it twisted: Once again, I’m not saying there is anything wrong with loving someone deeply, but it is something wrong when that love causes us to do things out of the will of God and become someone that is not pleasing to God. God will not take a backseat or second place to anyone. He loves us way too much for that.

There are also the times when we love so much and so deeply that we make excuses for certain behaviors that we know are not of God. We accept things that we shouldn’t. Turn a blind eye instead of speaking up. We allow ourselves to be treated in a manner that is not becoming or acceptable unto God. I’m going to say this: DO NOT ALLOW A LOVE FOR THE CREATION TO OBSCURE YOUR LOVE FOR THE CREATOR AND MAKE YOU FORFEIT WHAT GOD HAS ORDAINED FOR YOUR ABUNDANT LIFE. Do not allow yourself to be treated in any kind of manner; like sheep being led to the slaughter by the enemy in disguise. Don’t allow the enemy to darken or taint a gift from God by you choosing to worship the creation and no longer the Creator.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Take a step back and evaluate your heart and motives. Give God what belongs to Him, and He will continue to do what He has always done for you: Love you anyway and unconditionally. Maintain a healthy balance by first seeking God for all things, and allowing God the honor to be not only your covering but to be your all in all. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Deliberate Confusion"

 Reflections4Life™ August 22, 2021

“Deliberate Confusion”

“And it happened when all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations around us saw these things, that they were very disheartened in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was done by our God.” Nehemiah 6:16

Scripture Contemplation: Deuteronomy 13:18; Nehemiah 5; 6; Acts 26; Colossians 3; Revelation 7…

I’m going to get right to it, right now, and let you know that there is a deliberate plan going forth to cause deliberate confusion in your life. It doesn’t matter which area, just as long as confusion and destruction are the results. However, I will say this: If there are any disagreements and different points of view that exist between you and others, then count on things to get turned up quite a notch. The enemy does not play fair, Beloved. Whatever he can use against you, to bring harm and destruction to your life, relationships, career, etcetera, he is doing it. It’s time for you to lay aside every problem, situation, or thought that is bringing you unrest. Lay them at the altar and leave them there, as God exposes the enemy and all of his plots and plans.

I declare and decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. I pray you’d be inspired to seek a more personal and intimate relationship with the Father, allowing Him to reveal Himself to you in a whole new light; encountering a personal revelation of our true God for yourself, and the uncovering of plots and wickedness by the adversary.

Oh, my Beloved! How crafty and slick the enemy is. He will worm his way into your life’s situations before you even had an opportunity to wake up and give God thanks for a new day. He has already been plotting and planning ways to destroy you and especially your reputation while maligning your character. He doesn’t care who he has to use to get what he wants. As a result, we are in a state of confusion, hurt feelings, misunderstood intentions, and far from truly and finally opening our hearts before the Lord.

I encourage you to read and study the book of Nehemiah, with extra emphasis on chapter 6. My God! What God will do to bring a revelation to his children! In short; Nehemiah, a servant of God, called together the children of Israel. God instructed him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. In the course of Nehemiah doing this, he was met with opposition. But Nehemiah didn’t care. Even if he had to build the wall alone, he was going to be obedient to God Almighty. Though his life was on the line, he went forth and began to build the wall, with the few others that were also obedient, working tirelessly to erect the wall, all while under the scrutiny of not just those who did not believe, or the false prophets, but under the watchful eyes of the enemy. The same enemy who plotted and planned to take Nehemiah out through means of manipulation and trickery.

Yet, Nehemiah was having none of it. He did not take the bait that the enemy laid down. Even when it seemed like someone was on his side, and what he said was plausible; Nehemiah recognized the hand of the enemy at play. As words of derision and speculation spread throughout the camp, the enemy tried their best to cause disruption and deliberate confusion amongst those working on the wall. All in an attempt to get them to back down; to stop working on the wall. But God! But God, Beloveds, had other plans. He instructed Nehemiah to go forth and complete the wall. To, not fall or listen to the enemy’s whispers, or feed into their letters of lies designed to get him alone in order to kill him.

Nehemiah stated: (Paraphrasing) what kind of man do you think I am? I will not fall for this! His mind was stayed on, Jehovah Elohim. He continued to pray and seek God for direction and to finish the work he was assigned. He did not stumble or fall as intended by the deliberate confusion that the enemy was calling. He stood his ground upon what he knew was true and right in the eyes of God. The enemy came to bring distraction by bringing deliberate confusion. His intent is to distract you so you cannot hear or see God and move in one accord with God, and with those you love and care about.

Beloved, allow me to tell you this—and please listen and hear me with an open heart. The enemy cares nothing about you. He hates you. He will do any and everything he can to separate you from God and the will of God for your life. He seeks constantly to destroy from the inside out. He is strategic in his machinations. He will use small things and build them into monumental things to bring division, confusion, and heartache to your life. But he can only do this when you allow him to. When you allow him to constantly whisper in your ear, or use others to grate on your nerve like a thorn in your side. His whole strategy is to deliberately confuse you until you are doing his bidding. Until doubt and unbelief begin to settle in your heart and mind, and your thoughts become muddled and eschewed. Until you are at the point that you cannot even recognize when he is running a game on you. By the time you realize what has taken place, he will have destroyed your life, using your own hands to do the job. And if possible, take your life as his prized reward.

Wake up! Wake up and get on your knees. Wake up and pray to the Father for truth, for covering, for instructions. Put on your armor and stand firm in prayer. This is not a game! There is a huntsman going after his prey with no other intention but to sport his dead carcass around (or ruined life, relationships, career, etcetera) in front of God’s face. Because at the end of the day? The fight; this war? It is not even about us. It is about Satan and God. It’s the enemy getting to the heart of God by killing and destroying His beloved creation, man. The apple of His eye. The one whom God chose to create in His image and with His power. Don’t you get it? The enemy is jealous of you! He hates you as deep as God loves you. He can never have or go where God has ordained and promised us. So he makes certain that he does everything he can to thwart the blessings of God in our lives. With us in a state of confusion; chances are greater that we will miss out on the manifestations of the blessings God has ordained for our lives.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Do not allow the machinations of the enemy to cause you a moment of unrest. Do not allow him to subtly manipulate you, and cause constant and deliberate confusion in your relationships; especially marriages. Keep your focus on God, Beloved. Do not give room to the enemy by constantly entertaining and nursing the words he consistently and deliberately is feeding your mind. Stand your ground against the enemy and completely open your heart to God. He knows exactly what to do for you. Trust Him. You are blessed!!! Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.