Sunday, May 30, 2021

"Bound"

 Refelections4Life™ May 30, 2021

“Bound”
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound…” Isaiah 61:1
Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 39; 40; Psalm 68; Isaiah 61; Mark 5; Luke 13; Romans 8…

I know you want to be free. I know in my heart of hearts that you do not want to continue in a cycle of pain, hurt, anger, and disappointment. I know this because God tells me so. I know this because of your actions. I know this because of the words you have spoken, and the heartache I hear in your voice, along with the hurt I see in your eyes. You have been bound long enough, Beloved. It is time to be free. And it is up to you—to not free yourself—but to accept your freedom.
I decree, today’s Reflections, will bring comfort and peace to your heart, mind, and soul. I pray it is a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Let this be the week that all doubts are eradicated, and your faith stirred up, as you stand upon the word of God and His promises to you, and you accept and walk in your freedom; letting every bondage be broken once and for all.
Far too many of us are bound by our past. Bound by the words that someone else has spoken over our lives. We are bound by our sins and the sins of our fathers and mothers. It is like a perpetual curse that leaps from generation to generation seeking to destroy the very seed of a family until we have utterly given up on God and never knew that we once had a relationship with Him.
We are bound by the things that have happened to us. The thoughtlessness and unconcern that others have shown toward us in our lives. The pain and heartache inflicted upon us by those who said they loved us, and those that were supposed to love us. It has caused us to be bound to a time, place, and situation; not really knowing how to become free. How to move forward and walk in the life that God has ordained and promise us.
It is not easy to let go of a past. Especially when that particular past is all you have ever known. How do we recognize and know genuine love? How do we know that the love of God is sincere and true and everlasting? The truth is, we really do not know until we are in the midst of it. It takes faith and it takes time. It takes for us to be vulnerable at least one more time.
Beloved, there is nothing more that God desires than to see you happy, flourishing, and basking in His love for you each and every day. But it’s going to take a leap of faith on your part after being hurt and disappointed so many times. But I can promise you this—from my own experience—when you allow God into those secret places; the places in your heart and soul that you have not allowed anyone else into—sometimes not even yourself—God will come in and rescue you. He will soothe you, heal you, and give you hope for each and every day moving forward.
Is it easy? Nope. Not at all. Trust never is. But God loves you more than you will ever know. He has already sent His Son to die on our behalf. He has already opened up doors that are just waiting for us to walk through. Yet, to partake in this; to receive the full benefits of what God is offering—we are going to need to have a little bit of faith. All that is needed to see a change in our lives is faith the size of a mustard seed. To believe; even if it’s just that small.
I know it is scary. I know that you have been hurt and disappointed many times. But I know that God has what you need. I promise you: God knows your heart and knows exactly how to take care of you. Take this leap of faith, and be free from the shackles that have tied your hands and your life. There is nothing too hard for 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. You do not have to fight to free yourself. God did it for you. You just have to claim your victory. Walk-in your freedom and the promises that God has made for your life. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.
©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, May 23, 2021

"Child-like Faith"

 Reflections4Life™ May 23, 2021

“Child-like Faith
“And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:2, 3
Scripture Contemplation: Matthew 6; 8; 18; John 20; Acts 6; 1 Thessalonians 3; Hebrews 11…

In all honesty, there is nothing more exciting and endearing to my heart than a child that is filled with hope and belief. In the beginning, a child will believe whatever you tell them as fact. They won’t question why, but take your word that what you say is true. They believe in their parents. They look to them to take care of them in every way.  For a child under seven, it takes a whole lot to believe contrary to what has been spoken to them as truth. They have faith in those they love. Blind faith. And that is the kind of faith that God desires from us.
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. In your quiet time this week with our Creator, let God reveal to you the truth about what is hidden in your heart. Allow Him to purge all doubt, fear, and unbelief, and grant you the gift of faith.
There is nothing you could have ever told me as a little girl that would have me doubt anything my parents told me; especially my father. And yes, I was emphatically, unequivocally, without a shadow of a doubt, a Daddy’s girl! LOL Whatever my father said, I believed him. In my eyes, the Sun rose and set at my father’s behest. Though flawed, he was perfect in my eyes, and I believed everything he ever spoke to me. I had complete faith and trust in him. I was totally devoted.
How many of us can say that about any relationship we may be in at this time? Do we have that kind of trust and faith in our loved ones? Do we have that kind of faith in God and His word spoken to us? When you think of your relationship with the heavenly Father, what stands out the most? Do you have faith in Him? Do you have that child-like faith, that regardless of whom or what, you will continue to believe in the word and promises of God?
Beloved. This is the kind of faith that God desires from us: child-like faith. There is no wrong in asking God questions; asking Him, why. There is, however, a problem when we cannot have faith in Him. When we cannot have that complete trust in Him. Though it may hurt the heart of God, we are the ones to suffer from not believing. How can we possibly receive what God has ordained for us if we do not believe in what He has spoken to us?
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. Yes. There have been many delays, setbacks, and heavy things that have shaken our faith. But never lose faith. Never stop hoping. Hope is the very substance that faith is made of. Be tenacious, like a child who is relentless is asking their parent for that thing they want so much. Do not give up on the promises of God. Be like that child, and have faith that your Father will do just what He said. And Beloved? He is. Just wait and see! You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!
©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, May 16, 2021

"We All Have a Past"

 Reflections4Life™  May 16, 2021

“We All Have a Past”
“Remember ye, not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?” Isaiah 43:18-19a
Scripture Contemplation: Ecclesiastes 1; Isaiah 41; 43; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Revelation 24:1…

There is not one of us; one adult person walking this earth that does not have a past. Whether it was a good one, a bad one, an exciting one, or a boring one is of no consequence. The fact remains that we all have a past, and no matter what people believe, we must all one day—whether here on earth or in heaven—bow down and confess that Jesus is Lord. But still make no mistake; we all have a past; a past that affects how we live, interact, and communicate with others today.
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. While you are working towards building a great life for yourself, do not be ashamed of where you come from or what you went through. Allow God to turn your life into a testimony for His glory, and teach you how to let the sometimes hurtful words of others roll right off your back, as you walk with your head held high.
We all a have a past, Beloved. Every adult walking this earth has a past. Whether they are proud of it, ashamed of it, scarred and fearful of it—every one of us has a past. Some of us would like to forget our past and act like it never happened. We make up stories to help us to forget; to cover the hurt, pain, and even the shame it may have caused.
Regardless to whom or what, our past has truly created a foundation for who we are today. It has shaped our beliefs, influenced our desires, and even dictates who we are in a relationship with. There is no one who can say that their past has not had an impact on their today.
So, no matter how many times someone comes after you, judging you for your past, and you conduct your life now; it stands to reason that something in their past has also created them to be the hazmat they are currently being.
Romans 14:13 “Let us not, therefore, judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.”
Here is the wonderful and awesome news, Beloved: our past may shape us, but it does not define us. Our past is a part of us, but it is not who we are. We decide who and what we are. We determine our path in life. We define who we are once we come to a place of recognition and understand who and whose we are.
There is a precious gift before us that goes hand and hand with the awesome gift of life we receive each time we are granted breath into our bodies. This precious gift is called “Today”. The heavenly Father has gifted us the present. To walk in a new light. To become whomever we decide to become. To surround ourselves with like-minded people. To reach for the stars and actually grab a hold of them. The possibilities are endless.
We do not have to be held hostage to our past or its chains of restriction, hurt, pain, and emptiness. Not when God has forgiven us, blessed us, freed us, and placed opportunities before us. We cannot allow anyone—no matter who it may be—to deter us or keep us from receiving everything God has ordained for us today.
Sometimes we have to forget our past (remember the lessons!) in order to see and embrace our future. And sometimes this requires us to leave some people, places, and things behind. In order for some of us to truly let go, and embrace a fresh start, we have to remove ourselves and possibly start all over. But aren’t you worth it, Beloved? Are not you worth the greatness and the love that God has waiting just 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. Don’t allow anyone to rob you of what God has ordained for you. We all have a past; even our accusers and judges. Pray for them and move on. Move on in the knowledge that even though you have the past, God has already granted you a future. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Saturday, May 08, 2021

"God's Reflection"

 Reflections4Life™  May 9, 2021

“God’s Reflection”
“And I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her.” Genesis 17:16
Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 3; 17; Psalm 22; 139; Proverbs 31; John 19; Ephesians 6…
I want to take the time to wish each and every woman a Happy Mother's Day. Whether they are your children biologically, through marriage, adoption, foster care, that special auntie, or through mentoring; We celebrate you.
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. There is no greater love than the love that God has for His creation. Allow God to show you how to love. How to be love. How to walk in love. If there were any two things this world needs, it would be the sincere love of a parent and the anointing love of God.
I couldn't share any roses with my Mom today or fix her a breakfast fit for a Queen. I couldn’t do the things I normally would do today. But I can recall the love of my Mom. The love that bursts through the core of her very being, spilling into the lives of every person she touched. She mothered way more than her biological children and was called mother by many. I don't have biological children...yet. I can only pray that I would walk in my mother’s path and be God’s reflection upon this earth.
There is something so precious and awe-inspiring about how God created a woman. How He wrapped her in strength, grace, beauty, and love. If you want to know what the love of God looks like, then look at a mother who fiercely loves her children. I believe with all my heart that a mother's love is a reflection of God's love for us. Never underestimate how far a mother would go to protect her child.
Life can be difficult at times, but it is nothing that a mother cannot handle and make it seem like it's just another day. There is life in a mother. The kind of life that gives life restores life and sustains life. There is a purpose in every action. There is indeed power in this kind of love.
Motherhood comes in different shades and forms. It is an on-the-job training kind of deal. No matter how many books you read or how much advice you seek, nothing prepares you for love and life like motherhood.
Motherhood is boot camp for life. Every mother worth her weight should be deemed a superhero. God indeed blessed women with the gift of motherhood to remind them of their place in Eden. To remind her daily of the infinite and unyielding love of God for His creation.
 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. Relish in this not just today but every day. Celebrate the mothers in your life. And just know; if you ever question how much God loves you? Then just look at a mother who loves and fights for her child. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, May 02, 2021

"Do Not Allow Yesterday Destroy Today"

 Reflections4Life™ May 2, 2021

“Do Not Allow Yesterday Destroy Today”
“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19
Scripture Contemplation: Job 11; Psalm 90; Isaiah 43; 48; 2 Corinthians 5; Revelation 21…


It is a brand new day with brand new opportunities. And if you are reading this, it means you are alive and well enough to know and understand just how blessed and fortunate you are.
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. Allow God the opportunity to mend your heart and wash away the remnants of the past that try to hold you hostage. Instead, look at the goodness of God and how He brought you through.
Certainly, we all may not be experiencing the same thing. Some may have more trouble than others; more heartaches and trials. But you are here, in the land of the living with an opportunity to change things for the better. Even if it's just changing your mind. That is a huge step.
So many of us have been through hell and back. Our "yesterdays" probably read like either, a horror or tragic life story. But here you are in "today" with the opportunity to begin again; to start over.
Do not, Beloved, allow the heartache, disappointments, and hurts of yesterday to destroy your today. Do not dwell so much on the past that you are blinded to today. Do not let the lies and heartbreak of previous relationships destroy the growth and love and new possibilities of new relationships. Don't judge those in today solely upon what someone did yesterday. And most importantly: Don't allow yourself to linger on what you could have or should have done. No. Shake it off. Learn the lessons needed. Grow from it and move forward in your present. God has far too much greatness waiting for you to walk in and experience for you to allow a yesterday you cannot change to destroy a today that holds nothing but promise. You are blessed. Walk-in it.
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. Know this: You cannot fully embrace what God has for you today when you have a firm grip on what hurt and nearly destroyed you yesterday. Release it all. Let it all go and allow God to replenish your heart, mind, and soul. You deserve all that God has ordained for you, and not one thing less. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.