"When God Has Said Yes"

Reflections4Life July 7, 2019

"When God Has said Yes"

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 NKJV

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 28; Psalm 51; John 14; Romans 12; Colossians 3; James 1...

 

©Ruthe McDonald

What lessons have you learned about yourself, and about the grace of God? There will be situations in our lives that will come and disturb the flow of the way we have been living our lives. It may cause upsets, setbacks, disappointments, and even discomfort and discouragement.  Yet, God is there in the midst of it all, reminding us that He has given us a yes. A yes to our hopes and dreams, a yes to His will being done in our lives. When God says yes, there is nothing that can stop His word from manifesting.

I decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. As you embark upon a brand new week, leave behind the burdens of yesterday, while still embracing the lessons learned. Allow the set-backs and adversites that may have occurred to catapult you into a transformed life for every yes God has spoken over your life.

What you determine to do for God, will bring about change in your life. It is obedience and the willingness to sacrifice that will bring about a transformed life. And the truth is: it begins within our minds.

If there was any lesson that I have learned well, it was about the power of our minds.What we are thinking definitely manifests in pur lives in some shape or form.  It is no wonder the enemy tries so hard to mess with our minds. It is often said that the mind is a battlefield and the devil's playground. I believe that whatever we think upon will most certainly manifest. And if our thoughts are not on the things and promises of God, then chances are that we have brought to pass in our lives some very harsh realities. I do know for certain, that our perception determines our reality. Whatever we perceive to be true or real, will most certainly manifest in our lives.So, why is it so difficult for us to accept, that when God says yes, that settles it.
 

If you consistently say to yourself: I knew this would happen, then chances are great that you have been operating in a negative mindset. Whatever we believe, beloved, we draw unto ourselves. We are a magnet. Whatever we are, whatever we think, we will most certainly attract to us. Be it situations, circumstances, or people. Our experiences become a reflection of our perceptions and how we think.

Philippians 4:8-9 “Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.” (THE MSG)

In order for us to begin to see the YES that God has spoken, we must  be renewed in our mind and our thoughts. You can say to yourselves that you are going to do things differently. However, unless you have a made up and determined mind; a mind that is renewed daily; a mind that is set upon the things and ways of God; a mind that seeks after the will of God; the chances are great that you will repeat the same things of the past.

Yes. Our mind is a battlefield, at war with the truth of God, and the lies of the enemy, who has shown up, seeking to kill, steal, and destroy us and our dreams and visions. Yet, on the battlefront of this battlefield is the Lord, Jesus Christ Himself, declaring you the victor, with the promise of abundant life, a renewed mind, a transformed life. Declaring His love for you, lifting up the blood-stain banner of His sacrifice for you, that guarantees you a blessed and abundant life—should you believe, and begin to see through His eyes, the glorious, transformed being that you are, and the YES He has spoken to all the visions and dreams He has placed in you to begin with.

Take all the hurts and wounds, and lay them all at the altar. Plead the blood of Jesus over your thoughts and mind. Commit yourself to Lord and to the reading of the word daily. Spend more time in the presence of God. Think on those things that are of God. Hear and believe the yes, that God has spoken to your heart and soul numerous times. Renew your mind daily, and be confident in the fact that greater is He that is in you, than he that is in this world. Though things may appear one way, determine in your heart that you will believe the report of the Lord.

Remember: the enemy is a master illusionist. Making false evidence appear real, which is just FEAR. But God has given us a spirit of love, power, and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) And when we think on the things of God, and we are in constant fellowship with our Father, our lives will begin to reflect that. We will have a renewed mind, and a transformed life.

My Beloved, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Walk in the promises of God by keeping your mind renewed daily. Take the lessons and adversity you face, and allow them to propel you forward in the will of God. God said YES! Whatever you believe; whatever you think on; whatever you perceive, will become your reality. Believe in His promises to you. Stand on the word, and do not waver. God is doing just what He said. Believe it. Expect it. Receive it. You are blessed. Now go...and continue being a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Rewind: "AWAKENED"

Reflections4Life June 30, 2019

"Rewind: Awakened"

(c) Ruthe McDonald.

Sometimes we need a reminder of what God has spoken to our hearts. We need to look back over previous lessons, refreshing our hearts and minds; knowing that God has already worked things out for us. We just have to believe and walk in His truth.


Here's  a link to a previous post that I believe God is reminding us of today.

Have a blessed and gracious week.  A safe fourth of July for all who celebrate.  Love one another fiercely.  You never know when today may be your last.


God bless!


Grace & Peace!

Many of us have been sleeping. Sleeping on the promises of God, while our faith is diminishing. It's time to awake! Awake to the voice and word of God being spoken over your life. God cannot lie! Whatever He spoke concerning your life, will happen if you do not give up or lay down in defeat or fear. bit.ly/R4LAWAKENED

May the blessings of God be evident and manifest in every part of your life. Yield to God. Do not be fooled by what it looks like but believe with all your heart the words coming from our Heavenly Father. No one loves you .ore th han He! You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

(c)2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved. 

"Building Character"

Reflections4Life™ June 23, 2019

“Building Character”

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5

Scripture Contemplation: Job 1; Psalm 15; John 8; Romans 5; Hebrews 6

We may often ask ourselves, or God; what is the purpose for all that we are going through? Why, Father, are some bombarded with so many trials, while others seem to go through life, with nothing ever phasing them? This is the point where I usually stop myself, if God has not already, and remind myself that comparison is the thief of joy. That, all things are indeed working for the good, if I have been diligently walking in the Lord, and maintaining faith. Every trial, every shaking-my-faith moment, are all meant to build character. Character, that is immovable, above reproach, and able to withstand an overabundance of the manifestations of God’s blessings in my life, because, they [His blessings] are just that awesome.

I decree that this week’s Reflections are continued encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. Beloved, whatever trials you may be currently facing; however difficult and heart wrenching they are—know that God will see you through, as He is building and strengthening your character. He is fortifying you, through these fires, to prepare for the bounty of blessings He is manifesting in your life. So, thank Him and keep pushing through.

Romans 5:3-5 (MSG) There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience, in turn, forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

I absolutely believe that there is nothing that you cannot accomplish once you put your heart and mind to it. I believe that every hardship we encounter is an opportunity to build our character if we do not run from its lessons.

Let's face it; we all know that life can be quite difficult and throw us some curve balls we were not expecting. Either we can choose to learn from the lessons and grow as a person and in our character, or we can run from its lessons and never take the time to build one's character that will benefit us in life. 

We will not always like or be content with the things that we encounter in life. It has its vicissitudes. However, everything—the good and the bad—are all lessons waiting for us to learn and grow from. Yet, it is the hardships that build the strongest character when we yield to the lessons being taught. 

God is not making mistakes. Nor has He made a mistake in choosing or calling us. Neither is He making a mistake when He allows certain tests and trials to enter our lives because He knows what lies ahead of us. He sees the road before us. He sees every bump, roadblock, stumbling block, and He also sees every victory, every milestone, every conquered path, and the manifest blessings He has earmarked just for us. He knows, what many of us do not see or understand, that it will take a certain strength, fortitude, and character to embrace and carry the manifestations of His blessings ordained for our lives.

I like to think of it as boot camp. A soldier, in actual preparation, for what may come their way during their military career, is prepared for almost every kind of scenario. They are trained, put through rigorous and strategic obstacles to hone in them the character of the optimum soldier. Some make it. Some do not. Everyone learns something. Some build the character that they need to be a soldier, while others build a character that lets them know they are not soldiers but would better serve as a civilian; utilizing their skills on the outside.

Do not run from hardships, Beloved. Stay and learn the lessons needed to build your character that will benefit you throughout your life. Stand strong and do not waiver. You will never regret it.

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Yield to Holy Spirit; even through every trial and unforeseen hardship. Remembering that God has you covered and has already given you the victory to go through, preparing you for the abundance of the blessings He has ordained for your life. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Honoring Fatherhood"

Reflections4Life™ June 16, 2019

"Honoring Fatherhood"

"Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. Psalm 103:13 NASB

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 2:24; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16-17; Malachi 1:5-7; Matthew 15:3-7; Ephesians 6:1-3…

©Ruthe McDonald.

I would like to take this moment to wish a Happy Father's Day to all the father's and father's to be. May your heart be filled with abundant joy. I pray that you will continue to look to the Father for all instructions, allowing Him to lead you; even in the most difficult of times. God will never leave you but will lift you up and be your strength.

I decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. As you honor your father, you are honoring God. No matter what path your earthly father may have walked, when you honor him as your father, God will move on your behalf.

I love my father. I honored him no matter what he did or did not do. He is my father. Yes. I was a Daddy's girl. Most people believe that it is much easier for a daughter to look past or forgive her father's transgressions than a son. Maybe for some. However, I have come to understand, that unless both daughter and son can honor their father—no matter the actions of his life—they do themselves a disservice when it comes to their own life's journey and choices made in relationships.

Not all people make great parents. Some just do not have the skills it takes to do what is necessary. Yet, this does not cancel out the fact that God says we must honor them. We must show them respect, if not for the mere fact that because of them, you are here in the land of the living. He gave to your life. Let us face it: without his contribution, you would not be here. So for that reason alone, if you cannot find any other reason, he deserves that much respect.

Did you know that the commandment: Honor thy father and mother, is the first commandment with a promise?

Ephesians 6:2-3 "Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth."

So that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth…That's the promise. Here's the deal: God wants us to show honor and respect to our parents regardless of what they may have done or not have done. He is concerned with our heart and our future and His plans for our lives. Don’t you think God knows about the atrocities that some parents make? You don't think He sees the abandonment, failures, and broken promises. Yes. He sees all of that. Yet, the Father understands that if we walk around with un-forgiveness, bitterness, hatred, disrespect towards our parents—the very ones who gave us life—then we are blocking what He has ordained for our lives. We trap ourselves, and may very well become the very person we have dishonored all this time. God will always respect His own laws that He has put in place and He will not go against them for anything.

Regard them, consider them, and respect them. Do not let your heart become burdened down with dishonor that you miss what God has for you in your life.

I honor my father. He was far from perfect. He did things that were not acceptable. Nevertheless, I love him, honor him, and considered his life, as well. If it had not been for him, I would not be here. If it had not been for him, I would not be an author. He was the first person who told me I could. When he passed, I was only sixteen. I thank God for the Uncles I have who stood in the gap and nourished my broken heart. They are fathers, as well, who have made mistakes and were not perfect. Yet I honor them, just as their children do.

Honoring your father is not for his benefit; it is for yours. God knows exactly how to reach a parent who is not behaving accordingly. To honor them, in spite of, is a testament to your heart, and, where God wants to take you. When it comes down to it; to honor, respect, regard, or consider them, has to do with where you want your life to go, and how long you desire it to be.

Many fathers do not receive honor, or respect, for who they are. They have worked hard to provide and to be the best father they could be; even when they had no example themselves of a good father. They make mistakes along the way, but they are not giving up. They are striving to do that which is right so that their children will benefit and receive what they never received.

I take this time to honor every father. If you are considered the greatest of fathers, I honor you today. I give God praise for you. For those who are not doing so well as a father, I consider you and all you may have gone through, and pray that the Lord will get a hold of you and direct your path; bring healing to your wounds, and forgiveness to your life so that you may truly begin to experience the joy and abundance of fatherhood. To every father that are doing all they can as a father; I honor you, and pray that your heart is continually filled with joy, and that your example of fatherhood and leadership will be passed on to your children, and that your children will honor you all the days of your life.

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Honor your father. Whether he is the greatest or hasn't done all that well; still give honor to him as your father. For, God is looking at your heart, and it will determine how your days are on this earth. Make peace so that your manifestations of blessings are not held up. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!


©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Live! Live! Live!"

Reflections4Life™ June 9, 2019

“Live”

“I knew that You always hear Me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me.” When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.” The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” John 11:42-44 NASB

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 143; Ezekiel 18; John 11; 2 Timothy 9; Galatians 2; Ephesians 5...

©Ruthe McDonald

     The Father has loosed you from your grave clothes. When Jesus was resurrected, you were resurrected with Him. It is time for you to live. To live for Christ. To live your lives. To live it abundantly. To let go of the past along with any regrets, shame, or mistakes. It is a brand new day filled with the promises of God.

     I declare that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. You are blessed today because God has spoken it. May you understand this week just how much God loves you, and has already prepared a way for you, so that you may live this life to the fullest, and abundantly.

     What is keeping you from living your best life? What has you bound today; afraid to move in the space that God has already ordained and regulated for you? Where are the faith walkers? God has decreed that you are no longer bound. Every chain, every bondage, has been loosed by the death and resurrection of Christ. It is time for you to live.

      Many of us wait for circumstances and situations to be “just” right before we extend ourselves, or begin to do things that we enjoy and love. Some of us have been waiting a long time for conditions to be the way we desire before we start to live our lives. To start doing the things we have been holding and planning in our hearts to do.

     Guess what? If you continue to wait for everything to line up just right, you may be waiting for an eternity. Life will pass you by, and you will have nothing but regrets; wishing you would have just taken that first step—that step of faith. You find, once you start, that is when things begin to fall into place and begin happening as you desire. The key is to first start.

     We have a list of things and ideas that we want to accomplish in our lifetime. But everything will not always line up the way we desire before we start living the life we desire. We just have to begin living out our dreams now. When God is for you and has ordained you, and has blessed you; you do not have to wait for the situation to be just right. All you need is the green light from God, and go forth in faith!

     I can guarantee that there will be times when God will tell you to go forth now, and you will look at the circumstances, and they will not be conducive to what you want to do. In fact, it will seem impossible for you to do what God is telling you to do. But that is how God does it most times. This is a faith walk. To live our lives to the fullest will require that we walk by faith and not by sight. It will require us to know and understand that God will call upon you to go forth, and you may not have support, finances, or the knowledge to do so. All you will have is the word of God. All you will have is His promises to provide, and guide you. When God gives you a vision, He will be your provision.

      So many of us spend our lives wishing, hoping, and dreaming. At some point, we have to start being and doing, or we will miss many opportunities. It is time for you to live, beloved. It is time for you to come forth, and shake the remnants of the shackles off (Because God has already broken the chains) and begin to live your life; your abundant life.

Galatians 2:20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

     It is time to allow Christ full reign of your heart, and to allow Him to live through you. He will show you how to walk in your abundant life. The enemy wants to keep us bound by situations and circumstances. He [enemy] desires for us to be filled with anxiety, fear, and self-doubt. Binding us, and eventually destroying our dreams, and killing our spirits, and even our very lives.

     Yet, God has said that you shall live and not die if you believe in Him. The Father assures us that the enemy has no power to defeat us when we are walking in relationship with the Father, abiding by His will, and living our lives as He has ordained.

      Just as with Lazarus, God is calling us to come forth. He is calling us to live our lives now. To, follow in His path of righteousness and holiness. To, release the fears and to take our eyes off of the flesh and the seemingly impossible, and put them on Him, and believe with every fiber of our being the word that He has spoken over our lives.

     At some point, we have to be the one that makes that decision to go forth. We have to be the one that decides that regardless of our present situation or conditions, that we will and can live. Live for Christ. Live our lives. And believe with all our hearts, that God will make the necessary changes in our lives, as long as we are seeking to please Him, and living for Him.

     Here is what I know for certain: No matter the condition of your life right now. No matter the hardships, or limitations—be it physical or financial—when you make up your mind and heart to go forth and live your life, live for Christ and put your best forth; God will indeed take care of the rest. When your focus becomes the will of God, and not your lack or limitations; you will see God move on your behalf in the supernatural. We often say we are waiting on God. But the truth is: God is waiting on us. Waiting for us to push forward in faith and to trust Him with our everything.

     It's time to live, beloved. It is time to come out of those grave clothes, and begin truly trusting in God, and living your life right where you are at. God has you, and He will never leave you. And, He has already freed you. It's up to you, now, to begin walking in that freedom.

     My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you.  Live. Your. Life. God has untied the binds. He has released you from the past. It is time to live your abundant life. Not by what you see or feel; but by the word of God that has been already decreed over you. Let Christ in you arise and live. This is your time! You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Hold On"

Reflections4Life™ May 26, 2019

“Hold On”

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Psalm 27:14

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 15; Psalm 27; Psalm 91; Numbers 19; Hebrews 12…

 

©Ruthe McDonald.

First, I want to give thanks to every Service man and woman. Thank you for your sacrifice, for your dedication and service to our country. We bask in the liberties we now have because you made the ultimate sacrifice, to give your life. We honor your memory, we honor your sacrifice, we honor your love and say thank you. Amen.

Whatever you are facing today whatever you may be going through right now, allow me to encourage you to hold on.

I declare that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. Dig your heels in, anchor yourself to the Lord, and do not give up or give in to the words, whispers, and lies of the enemy that only wants to rob you of your promises and manifest blessings. Hold on, and trust God. Pray, have faith, and stand in the knowledge that no one loves you more than your Heavenly Father.

It may not look like it. It may not feel like it, but God is indeed moving on your behalf and has already worked it all out in your favor. The wait does not feel good at all. In fact, you may even feel abandoned and lied to by God.

Know this and remember it, Beloved: GOD CANNOT LIE! Whatever, God has promised you, it will happen. When things are at its hardest; when it feels like all hope is gone, that is when you are right at the cusp of a breakthrough...of it all working out for your good.

The devil does not play fair. He fights dirty. However, God is just, and

He has given His angels charge over you. There is a legion of angels on your side, waiting for you to lift up your hands and begin to praise God in the midst of the hardship and sorrow. As the devil is whispering, you began praising God. When the blessings go up, you are giving the Angels charge to move on your behalf. Your praise is ushering in the angels of ministry, of worship, of warfare—all on your behalf.

There is power in your prayers and in your praise. That is why the enemy wants you to get quiet and give up. He wants you to be so angry, that you turn away from God. Do not give the enemy the satisfaction. Praise God, instead; through the tears, through the hurt, through disappointments—knowing that the Father is your help, and is bringing you through.

One more thing to think about, you must be pretty awesome for God to be bragging about you! You must be very great for the enemy to be so jealous that he had to get permission from God just to mess with you!

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. If God is allowing this test, these trials—just know that God believes in you and trusts you to stand and know, that He is your strength through this all, and just like Job, He is about to bless you with a double for your troubles! You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2019 Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Detoxifying Your Life"

Reflections4Life™ May 19, 2019

“Detoxifying Your Life”

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (NASB)

Scripture Contemplation: 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 51; Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Corinthians 7:1…

©Ruthe McDonald.

There are going to be times when we must take a step back, stand still, and evaluate who and what are in our lives. As well as, the purpose they are serving. Not everything and everyone in our lives is good for us, or the path that God has ordained for us. Even that which seems good, seems right, seems to be working out—could be the very thing that is stalling us, keeping us from moving forward in the life that God has ordained for us. We must detoxify our lives. Allow God to purge us from all that has been poisonous to our lives, goals, and vision. It may not be what we are doing; it may be certain people, places, and things, we have surrounded ourselves.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Allow the Father to lead you and show you the places in your life that need detoxification. Let Him lead you through the process so you can be ready to receive the abundance that God has ordained for your life.

Yes, life can throw us some hardballs and twisted curveballs. One moment we can be riding high and the next to be down and out for the count. Yet, one thing remains the same: God’s love for us, and His wisdom and instruction that never fails.

With life’s journey come many ups, and downs, along with bumpy rides and rocky roads. However, if we will yield to the Father’s instructions we will be able to navigate the storms and trials of this life and be the better for them. Mistakes and missteps will occur. Sometimes, a trust will be placed in the wrong people, we will go the wrong way, be stuck in a place, and fumble at times. Yet, it is nothing that we cannot overcome and get through, as long as we follow what God is instructing us to do.

I have learned in my journey that it is not necessarily what one is doing that’s wrong or stalling the process of reaching our destination. No. Sometimes the people, places, and things surrounded our lives in. Not everything is good for us. Not every person has good intentions for us. Not every place is the right place to see our visions manifest.

How do we avoid this? Intimacy with the Lord; seeking His will daily, and following His instructions.  This affords us the knowledge to know what we should do if we ever find ourselves in a place of stagnation. The solution can be as simple as moving, changing a routine, or as difficult in letting some people go.

Many are ignorant of the truth, that their lives are clogged with poison. These toxins must be purged from our lives in order for us to move forward and receive the full manifestations of the blessings of God. Far too many of us hang on to people when God has told us to separate ourselves from them. There are places we have stayed when God has spoken to our hearts and told us to move on, to get out. There are things in our lives that God has told us to let go of, and we haven’t. Obedience unto God will save us unnecessary sacrifices down the road.

I know for certain is that not everyone is meant to go where I am going. Not everything I have is meant for the next level. Also, not every place I reside in is the place for me to grow and move forward. There are people I must separate from. Things I have to let go of, places I need to move away from if I truly desire to walk in the ordained life God has for me and mine.

It is not easy. Especially when you are attached to certain people, places, and things. Don’t get it twisted: there may be nothing wrong with the people, places or things. They may very well be good people, great places, and helpful things. HOWEVER, they are not good for the plan that God has ordained for YOUR life. Sometimes we cannot see the problem, because we are not looking through the eyes of God. This is where we trust God, where we cannot trace Him. This is where we must believe in God with our whole hearts, even when we may not understand…yet.

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Allow God to lead you through the purging process. Follow His instructions; even if it means walking away from some people, moving from certain places, and letting some things go. Remember: whatever you have to give up only pales in comparison to what God wants to give you. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"One of God's Greatest Gifts"

Reflections4Life™ May 12, 2019

“One of God's Greatest Gifts”

“Therefore it came to pass when the time had come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bore a son and called his name Samuel [that is, Asked of God], saying, “Because I have asked him of the Lord.” 1 Samuel 1:20

Scripture Contemplation: 1 Samuel 1; 2; Lamentations 2; Mark 10; 1 Timothy 5...

©Ruthe McDonald.

Happy Mother's Day to every woman that has nurtured, loved, cared for, attended to children, whether they were yours biologically or not. I honor you this day and pray the blessings of God to continue to manifest in your life. May your children rise up and call you blessed.

I sincerely believe that one of God's greatest wonders is not only the entire gestation process of pregnancy. (It is fascinating how a woman's womb can hold and sustain life within her body.) Birth, also, is definitely a miracle, as is the mother's strength to endure labor. However, it is the heart and strength of a mother that is and how God created the mother’s heart.

I decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Be encouraged in the word and promises of God. No matter where your life has taken you, what journey you started on, it will be God's strength and love that will see you through. You are a gift of God. Your presence on this earth is not an accident. It is a divine purpose.

If there is one thing that I long for most on this earth, it is to be a mother. I can identify with Hannah. The ache and need in your heart and spirit so strong, that when you pray and cry out to the Lord, no words can come forth, because they're all being said from the deepest core of your spirit. I have mothered many children. I love and cherish each one with no regrets. However, like Hannah, I will believe in the promises of God, knowing that my blessings will soon manifest.

It is a God-thing to see the heart and strength of a mother in action. That, love that exudes forth from her soul for her children. There are some women, who have given birth and are not mothers. They are, removed from what God intended. So, it is in the world. Thank God, for the women that can step in, and fill those gaps and tend to the wounds and broken spirits and hearts of those children that have been abandoned and/or abused.

There is nothing greater than a mother's love (other than that of our heavenly Father.) A mother's love can bring healing, comfort, strength, direction, correction, discipline, and inspiration. Lives change when a woman dares to love with such strength and abandonment. When, she loves from a place deep in her soul, and looks pass situations, circumstances, and parentage.

The moment you give your time and love to a child; whether or not they came from you—as a mother you are changing a life forever. You may never know the impact you have on the lives of a child that was under your influence. Sometimes, they grow up, move on, and live their lives. But rest assured, God knows. He has taken account of every act of love you poured from your heart.

I had the fortunate opportunity of having women in my life that let me know just how powerful a mother's love could be. It shaped who I am, and who I desire to be as a mother. My mother and I have had our shares of ups and downs (as mothers and daughters often do!) Yet, I knew from the beginning how strong my mother's love was for me and my brothers. Even as a foster mother and adoptive mother, she never held back. She was blessed, and I honor her, for all she did for me, even as a grown woman. Including her prayers, that God will still honor, although she has transitioned.

Proverbs 31:28-29 28 Her children rise up, and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praiseth her, saying:29 Many daughters have done worthily, But thou excellest them all.

There is no way to truly explain what happens to your heart when you become a mother. There really are no words to explain when you lose your mother or a mother loses a child. However, it is the love that will always be present. The strength of that love, that keeps one going. For everyone that may have lost their mother, I extend my prayers and thoughts to you. I encourage you to continue to celebrate your Mom. For as long as you are on this earth, she will be present. Mothers who may have lost a child, you don't stop being a mother—your heart is too big and filled with love for that. I pray for your heart and speak life into you. And pray that you will be able to share that love with others who could benefit from a mother's love.

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. May the grace of God continue to fill you and your hearts be filled with His joy and laughter. There is something mighty special about the heart of a woman who can give and receive love. Whether a child is biological or not, it is one of God's greatest gifts—to see a Mother's love in action. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.