Reflections4Life: "GONE"

Reflections4Life  July 13^th, 2014

“Gone”

“As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.”2 Samuel 22:31

Scripture Contemplation: Deuteronomy 28; 2 Kings 18; Proverbs 3; Matthew 27:43; 1 Timothy 4…

What would you do if everyone you loved, everything you had was gone? No warning. No time to prepare. Just gone? Many of us have become lulled by a sense of security; not because we trust in God, or believe that He can take care of us. No. We are lulled by the comfort many of us enjoy. We take security in the things we have and the people we know.

But what if? What if you had none of those things, and you found yourself in the midst of a war every day of your life, not knowing if today was going to be your last day? What would you do? Who would you trust? And could you truly trust in God to take care of you, although everything is crumbling around you?

I declare and decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. In a moment’s time, everything we know, believe, and love can change. Everything can be gone. May you learn to trust in God, and allow Him to anchor you, and receive His instructions on what it means to walk in total peace, even when around you ensues chaos.

All around us people are suffering. They are losing someone they love. Families are being torn apart. Children are dying. I could literally go on. And yet, for so many of us, we take for granted the peace and safety that we have. We seldom think about the, what if’s.

I watched several documentaries this past week, and also read some articles while researching about the effects of war and also the effects of gun violence on our youth and families. Perhaps some may think that this is not something you would like to hear on a Sunday? Or, something that you do not care to reflect upon at this time? Then when is a good time? When is a good time to hear what the Father has to say to you? When is it a good time to see what the Father wants you to see?

I know from experience how things can change within a twenty four hour period. In fact, a twelve hour period. Death and tragedy know no time frame. They can come at any time. And before you know it, everything you love can be gone. The world you know is gone. The peace you have is gone. And what you believe can be gone as well.

If you believe in God, and have an intimate relationship with Him, and you are reading your scripture daily, then you know that God has warned us that such things as this would happen in our lifetime. It is inevitable. However, He has given us His word that He would be with us always. That, He would never leave us or forsake us. That, although everything that we know is gone; all has changed; He will not change. And in Him we can find and maintain a strong foundation, and a place to move forward in.

1 Timothy 4:10 “For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.”

I particularly love The Message Bible’s translation:

1 Timothy 4:6-10 “You’ve been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you’ll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers.”

I look at the thousands of lives taken in communities due to gun violence. Children killing children; making a sport of taking the life of someone who may have looked at them the wrong way. Or, people so heinous to take the life of a child just to make a parent suffer.

What do we say to the parents left behind to deal with the lost? What, as believers can we offer? We can offer God. We can offer our prayers. We can offer our silence and just be there. Sometimes, just being there for someone will be the comfort that they need to begin to heal.

Far too many of us sit in judgment; especially those of us who call ourselves believers. We are quick to pass judgment and cast someone off, rather than be who God has called us to be: loving unconditionally, kind, understanding, and faithful, concerned, non-judgmental, in partial, fair, and not pompous. We use our religion as a weapon, creating toxic relationships and pushing people away.

I’ve read the articles and watched the news concerning the continuing war between Israel and Gaza. It has been going on since 1948, when Israel became a Jewish state. My heart and prayers go out the people who have lost everything. And those who have lost their entire families. I cannot fathom what their hearts and minds must be going through, with the thought of death a constant in the hearts and minds of not only adults, but the children, as well.

How long would you fight for what you believed in? Too many of us have given up on God quicker than it takes for paint to dry when something in our lives does not go as planned. Yes. Pain is real. Tragedy is real. Life is real. But guess what? God is real, too. And His word, His promises are real also. And when all is said and done, and everything is gone, God will always remain.

I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity will find permanent rest in your life. Life will throw us curve balls that can take the wind out us, and cause us to fall to our knees. Allow God to lead you. Things can and often will change without a notice. In our lifetime, we will suffer loss, but we do not have to do it alone, and we can get through it when our trust is in God. He is the One constant that will always remain. Trust him, and He will lead you in perfect peace. You are blessed. Now go…and Be a Blessing!

©2014. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

Enough Already!

All of this whining and bickering, and picking on—enough already! Jeez!

I was reading on the newest feud between View host, Rosie O'Donnell, and Mr.Bill O'Reilly! Come on...you can't say you did not see this one coming?

For whatever Ms. O'Donnell's issues are; she is indeed entitled to her view points. But, I must ask the question: Does she need to be so belligerent? Really? Don't get me wrong; I actually like Ms. O'Donnell—at times—however, lately she has just rubbed me the wrong way, coming off as a bully!

I actually understand where she is coming from; but I also understand Mr. O'Reilly's point of view as well. When you have the capacity to reach so many people and make an impact—we must be careful of what we say, and how we say it. We may say something jokingly, and it be taken seriously, or out of context. We do have a responsibility.

We indeed have a responsibility to the nation in which we are living; which affords us the liberty to be so profoundly vocal. However, with these liberties come responsibilities. Responsibility in what we are saying and why.

Power is a dangerous drug. Once we realize that we have it; for some it causes them to be more empathetic; for others it unleashes a mind-set that is devastatingly dangerous.

What happens when we began to speak against our nation? As a whole, it tears us apart. Separating us; giving room for the enemy to get in—and divide and conquer. Whether we realize it or not; we are being watched. Our actions; what we are saying; what we are suggesting; what we are complaining about.

My point of view comes from a foundation that is rooted in the belief of God. That I serve a Creator, that has placed in me the freedom to choose what, and who I want to follow. He's such an awesome God, that He gave me the freedom to choose if I want to serve Him or the Devil. You may not agree; but that's your prerogative, or your freedom to choose to believe that. I'm not mad at you. But, I know what I know for myself, because of an intimate relationship with my Father (God).

Because of my relationship, I have come to realize that it is against His will that I blatantly disrespect the Leader of this nation; whether I believe, agree, or even like him. That's not the point. The point is: he won the office. He was voted in, and I can't change that fact. But, what I can do is show respect to the office—even if I disagree. I can disagree with his choices; how he runs this country; how he even looks! Yet, I will not disrespect him, by calling him out his name and making fun of him. But I also know, I have the freedom to make a change—through my voting, and my voice. Not to stir up anger, or insight a riot; but to ignite positive change through my voice; perhaps my writing, and encourage others in my sphere of influence to do the same. Especially during this election season.

You see, what many of us may not realize is that, the world is watching us. They are watching how we treat our leaders. They are watching to see how we treat one another. They are watching to see how the Leaders that be treat its constituents. (Hurricane Katrina was an eye-opener to the world about America). This is a major problem for many other nations: how America shows disregard for those in authority, and those in lack. When these nations see this; they are appalled, and become highly agitated when we come into their country and try to change things. Or try to Americanize their youth—their future. They don't want our values. They don't want our morals. They don't want our influence—our money...yes. Influence...no.

My point is this: If we cannot even show solidarity in our own Nation; how can we expect to change somewhere else? How can we expect to stop a war—that has gone on for far too long—if we cannot even stop fighting amongst ourselves? Really. Is it it more important to be right, or be united, and put an end to this atrocity? Enough Already!

Affectionately,

My Point Of View!