"Be at Peace"

 Reflections4Life December 6, 2020

“Be at Peace”

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.  For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:5-8

Scripture Contemplation: Job 22; Proverbs 16; Romans 12; Ephesians 2; Jude…

                                          

Our lives can often be like a whirling derby—seeming to spin out of control at times. Sometimes we make a decision then second-guess ourselves, causing confusion and chaos. It is time to be at peace concerning the decisions we make.

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 yourself the time and space to be in the presence of God; allowing Him to fill you with His peace until it overflows in your heart, mind, and soul.

To be at peace requires a measure of faith. Faith in ourselves and faith in our Creator. And a conviction in our hearts about the choices we make.  In the Bible, it tells us that a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. A person who is constantly changing their mind and never certain of their choices is not walking in confidence and will certainly not be at peace. There will always be a certain amount of unrest and indecisiveness.

We cannot live that way, beloved, and truly enjoy life, as well as make it through those difficult times that we sometimes face. We must walk in confidence. Be certain of the choices we make. Stick with them and be at peace no matter what occurs afterward.

Will we make mistakes? Most certainly. Will we make some wrong choices? More than likely. But the wonderful thing is, with God on your side you can make it through. His peace resting in your heart and soul, you can triumph and continually be at peace.

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.  Be at peace today my friend. Be confident and have confidence in the heavenly Father. If you seek Him first, His will and plan, you can always be certain to be at peace...even in the midst of chaos. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Look Straight Ahead"

 Reflections4Life^TM November 29, 2020

“Look Straight Ahead”

“Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.” Proverbs 4:25

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 121; Proverbs 4; John 21; Acts 2…

©Ruthe McDonald.

There are many of us who are spending too much time looking at the past, our mistakes, and our failures. Even in moving forward, we tend to get sidetracked by things around us, missing what is right before 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. Beloved, it is time to look straight ahead. Look in the direction that God has placed before us. Look at the ordained path that will lead to the manifestation of our blessings.

Of course, this path is not simple! But nothing worth having or accomplishing ever is. And you can be certain that the enemy of our souls is waiting alongside that path to try and trip us up. It is a guarantee that he will do all that he can to make us fall, give up, get distracted, and turn back. He can do none of these things successfully, however, if we are fellowshipping with the Father and following His instructions, looking straight ahead. And should we fall? Then we get up, repent, and keep moving forward.

We cannot possibly achieve our heart's desires if we are constantly looking backward; preoccupied with our past and any failures. We have to learn to forgive ourselves and learn and grow
from our experiences.

One of the hardest things to do at times is to keep looking straight ahead; especially with so many distractions. However, we must be like a horse with its bridle on. Its sole purpose is to keep the horse moving ahead by blocking its view of anything around 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. Let the promises and word of God be your bridle. Spend quality time in the presence of God, as He directs your path. Keep looking straight ahead with confidence that God has already answered your prayers. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Give Thanks for The Life You Have"

 Reflections4Life^TM November 22, 2020

“Give Thanks for the Life You Have”

“In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Scripture Contemplation: 2 Samuel 22:50; 1 Chronicles 16; Psalm 7; Isaiah 12; Hebrews 13…

If you are able to read this; alive to hear it; in the midst of someone who can share it, then thank God you are alive. We have lost so many this year. Families are separated, people are lonely, and hearts are broken. Yet, here we are—alive and able to make a difference in someone else's life if we choose to, and if we choose to see our glass as half full, and blessed to alive with an opportunity to praise God for not only this new day but also His anointing and His gift of life.

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. Wishing everyone a joyful and splendid Thanksgiving week! May you be grateful for the gift that God has given you called life. Though things may not necessarily be the way you desired right now, spend time with the Father, allowing Him to show you how to proceed.

When was the last time you gave God praise just for being alive? The fact that He woke you up another day in the land of the living? Sure, there are some that wish not to wake up because of all that they are facing. There are those that believe that life would be better off without them. That their life is not worth much. What a lie from the enemy! Maybe you are one that takes for granted that you will have a tomorrow, or that your family and friends will, as well. We spend so much time complaining, being angry, and unforgiving, that we do not see the gift that God has granted us. Life is a precious gift. And tomorrow is not promised to anyone. And how we treat this gift today very well determines our tomorrow.

Some of us have been taking for granted the time that God has granted us—even in the face of this deadly virus—and filling it with feelings of self-loathing, bitterness, anger, and unforgiveness. All of which shortens our lives and takes away from the joy of living. It also blinds us to answers that God has for us.

God does not want us living with regrets. Regrets hinder us from achieving our goals and coming into the fullness of what God has ordained for us. There are so many things that we are facing in the world today. So much has occurred that has taken our focus and hindered us from seeing the blessings of God. Our minds are saddled with the things of the world and our hearts are burden with self-abasing thoughts, and grudges against those we say we love. In order to receive what God has said is rightfully ours: peace, joy, love, happiness, abundant living in Him—we have to be in a position to recognize when we are veering off the righteous path and sliding on the slippery slope that the enemy often pushes us toward.

We are living in such a time where the world is dictating gloom and doom every day while God is speaking of life and abundance. How can there be abundance when so much is going wrong? God says that the abundance is in Him. When we place our focus on, and our trust in the Creator, rather than the creation, we will begin to see through the eyes of God what way we should walk in. How do we do this? By spending time with the Father and allowing Him to transform our thinking and behavior.

We must begin to see ourselves as worthy of God's goodness and mercy. We may have failed a million times. We may have fallen numerous times. But God tells us to get back up. Nothing is over until God says it is over. God has given to all of us a measure of faith, and He expects us to use it.

Your self-worth is not incumbent upon you being a success in this world. Your self-worth is incumbent upon you being the kind of person that God has called you to be. It is not and should never be based upon material things. Material things are temporal. They pass away. But the things that should hold the most value, are those things that make up your character. Your self-worth should be based upon your character, your ability to love and receive love, your integrity, honesty, the kindness of your heart. Your ability to forgive others. Oftentimes, if you look at a person's family you will see what is a priority. I don't want to pass down just an inheritance to my children. I want to pass down a legacy. A legacy may not come with a bunch of dollar signs. But it can come with much love and integrity and the answers to how to gain wealth. Not just in finances, but wealth in every area of life.

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. Life is action, it is constantly moving from one place to another. One moment to the next. Only memories stay in the past. And if we allow them to, memories will bind us and lock us to a past of hurt, anger, and unforgiveness. Whereas God says that the past is behind us and He has freed us and has given us an abundant life to take hold of. But it is dependent upon us moving toward Him, His purpose, and His will for our lives and being thankful for the life that we have. Live life to the fullest. Treasure the gift that God has blessed you with. You are blessed. And Happy Thanksgiving! Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Come Back Home"

 Reflections4Life^TM November 15, 2020

“Come Back Home”

“Then Jacob lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, Esau was coming, and four hundred men with him. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two maids.  ³ But he himself passed on ahead of them and bowed down to the ground seven times until he came near to his brother.” Genesis 33:1, 3

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 32; 33; Mark 6; Luke 15; 2 Corinthians 5…

Why do we run away when we make mistakes? Why do we run and hide from the truth instead of facing it? Many have left the comfort and safety of home because of various reasons. Whatever the reason may be, it doesn't matter when God says to come back home. Come back home to the shelter and safety of His loving arms.

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 place safer than in the arms of God. Spend some intimate time with the Father this week. Allow Him access to your heart and soul; to bring healing and deliverance and peace of mind.

I was always intrigued by the story of Jacob and Esau. How Jacob deceived his father Isaac (with the help of his mother Rebecca) and used his brother’s weakness against him in order to steal Esau's birthright. I mean, really? How did you think that was going to turn out? Lying, deception, manipulation, stealing. Sounds no different than what is going on today.

Jacob ran from home. From his parents and family and hid from his brother. But as with all things in our lives, there will come a time when we must confront our past. We must confront our actions and the reasons we have done what we have done. There is truly no moving forward until we come to terms with our past. We will remain restless and fearful, such was the case with Jacob.

God had a plan for Jacob all along. Yet Jacob needed to confront his past. He needed to make amends; not only with Esau but also with himself. He was no longer that young man that tricked his father and stole from his brother. He was now a man with a family and position, yet still haunted by his past. God wanted Jacob free. Free to move forward. Free to become who He ordained him to be.

Perhaps we have done some things in our lives we are not proud of. We feel there is no coming back from the decisions that we have made. Yet, God stands with arms wide open telling us to run to Him and not from Him. Because in Him resides our healing, redemption, forgiveness, and deliverance.

I think about all the people who have left home. Not those who left to explore, or find their own paths. But those who left in anger; who ran away; were forced to go. It may feel as though they could never go home. Or possibly, there never was home at all. But with God, there is a place. A place that is home. A shelter from every storm. A place to regroup and become strong. It's in the shelter of His arms.

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. Come back home to the shelter of our Heavenly Father. Let Him love you. Protect you. Bring healing to your soul. With God, confront your past and allow Him to bring a resolution and healing. With God, there's no place like home in the shelter of His arms. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Are You All In?"

 Reflections4Life^TM November 8, 2020

“All In”

“But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29

Scripture Contemplation: Deuteronomy 4; Deuteronomy 6; Zephaniah 3:14; Colossians 3:23…

Are you all in? Are you participating 100% in your life? In your walk with Christ? What about your relationships? Are you all in, or holding back a part of yourself in case you get hurt and things do not work out? Beloved, in anything that you do; especially if you want it to succeed, you must be all in.

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. The heavenly Father has given us His all. He is all in. That was evident when He gave us Christ. Yield to God your all this week. Don’t hold back. Let Him have access to 100% of who you are.

Before moving on, let's address the elephant in the room for many of us: the election. It's over. Well, the election part. Whether the person you voted for won or loss, it is time to move forward together. You'll either be all in, part of the solution of rebuilding and repairing, or you will be the thorn in the side of many, causing unnecessary aggravation and continued hurt and the spreading of hate. If you truly love and trust the Lord the way you profess, then you will follow His lead and move forward and be all in when it comes to spreading kindness, love, grace, and mercy. Without any of those things residing in your heart—now—then it likely lends to the summation that you never had those particular characteristics to begin with. And you have only been serving God on the surface and not from the heart. It does not really matter, however, what others think or believe. This is between you and God. Yet, do know, that God knows, and is recording it all.

In moving right along. We have so many desires and wants. We want so much from life; from people, from God, but are not willing to risk putting everything on the line. Not willing to sacrifice all that we have in order to go after what we truly desire in our lives.

Whatever it is we desire to have in life, we must be willing to be all in; to risk everything (our heart) to see it come to pass. Whether it brings pain and discomfort with it. Everything we desire will not always come easy, and have nice, tidy, feels wrapped in a pretty bow for us to unwrap.

Some may disagree. That, you shouldn't have to risk anything; to sacrifice or give up anything to get what you want. And to them I would say: Then you have never truly experienced the reward of selflessness and sacrifice. You may have been the recipient of another person's willingness to be all in, but you yourself will never understand what occurs in the heart and soul of a person who is all in.

Yes. It is risky. But that is life. We take a chance every day we leave the comfort and safety of our homes. But we do it. We cannot split ourselves in half and only have part of us go out.

If we truly want the best in our relationships, our careers, in all that we do; then we must be willing to be all in. All of our heart, mind, and soul. Willing to lay everything on the line.

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. Give what you expect from others. Don’t be afraid to be all in. Otherwise, you are not just cheating others, but you are cheating yourself. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe Mcdonald. All Rights Reserved.

"A Time For All Things"

Reflections4LifeTM  November 1, 2020

“A Time for All Things”

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 15; Ecclesiastes 3; Psalm 104; Daniel 2; Galatians 4…

©Ruthe McDonald.

There is a time for all things under the sun. A season for different things that occur in our lives. There is a time to mourn and a time to laugh. A time to sow and a time to reap. A time to plan and a time to execute.

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. Seek God daily. Allow His plan and purpose to be placed in your heart and soul, as He directs your footsteps. Align yourself with the heavenly Father, who knows exactly what season you are in.

We must be in the right season and time to see the things we hope for and work at, to come to fruition. We must also recognize when it's time to stand still or move forward. When it's time to hold on and to let go.

There will come a time in our life's journey when we will have to leave some people, places, and things behind. Though it may be difficult to do; it is necessary for our growth and development and where God is taking us.

For many, it's just time to grow up. It's time to walk in maturity and put in the work that is required in order to move forward and received the promises of God.

One of the hardest things for many is to face the reality that it is time to change your atmosphere, your sphere of influence, and some people in your life.

Listen; there are some people that will remain in our lives always. But then there are some who were only meant to be a lesson. Spend quality time with God so that you may discern correctly who was meant to stay and whose time has come to an end.

There are also decisions that we have made in the past that were right for that time in our lives. Now, it's time for new decisions and changes. Do not get stuck in your comfort zone. That's not where your blessings and victory reside.

What time is it for you? Many try to ignore or deny the season of change. It's understandable. Change can be scary. But what's even worse than change, is being stagnated and left wondering about what could have been.

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. Seize your moment. Discern the seasons. And make the necessary decisions that will bring you to the fulfillment of Gods' promises in your life. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

 

"A Solid Relationship"

 Reflections4Life^TM October 25, 2020

“A Solid Relationship”

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:16-17

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 15; 2 Chronicles 7:14; John 17; Ephesians 6; Hebrews 6…

If there is one thing that many of us desire—whether we admit it or not—is a true, sincere, loving, and solid relationship. A relationship with a strong foundation that will stand the tests of time. Though some may think it impossible; especially in the world we live in. But nothing is impossible. Especially if we work hard for it, and we allow God to lead 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. Seek God early. Seek Him daily. To know God is to know yourself and to ensure a solid relationship with your Creator.

Relationships are not easy. Each relationship requiring work and dedication. Whether we believe it or not. Our relationship with God requires work and dedication. Far too many treat their relationship with God as an afterthought. Many do not consider the fact that a relationship with God requires time. That is something that can either get stronger or weaker. Or, even be broken.  Some of us are guilty of treating God like He is a Santa Claus or a Magician. Or that man or woman we call at the last moment when everyone else is busy.

God is none of those things. And though He may forgive us, we can still grieve His heart with our duplicitous and deplorable actions. Just as we desire to be first in the heart of the ones we love, God desires the same from us. He does not want us to only come to Him when we are in need or want an answer to a prayer. No. He desires us each and every moment of every day whether it is a good or bad day. He wants us just as we are. He desires an intimate relationship with us, where we spend quality time in His presence getting to know His heart and learning of Him. That, we know His voice so well we can never be fooled.

God desires our foundation with Him to be solid and strong. Not for Him, but for us. So that we can be all that He ordained us to be and receive all that He has for us on this earth.

What kind of relationship do you have now? What is your relationship like with the Father? Is it strong, solid, and secure? Or does it need work? With God, all you have to do is come to Him, as His arms are always open, 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. Build a strong and solid relationship with God. Get to know Him, and you get to know yourself and all your other relationships will fall in line. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"And God Said"

 Reflections4Life^TM October 18, 2020

“And God Said”

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 145; Matthew 5:16; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:13…

©by Phil Koch

We receive a lot of advice. Some asked for, some not. Some of it wanted, some not wanted. Some good, some not so good. Yet it still stands that regardless of what someone else may say or think, it does not change or trump what God has said.

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. Let your intimate time with the heavenly Father build you and saturate your heart until you become immune to the false concern and opinions of those that have not received the message that, God has already spoken what is, and what will be concerning your life.

Do you know what God says about you? Do you know what your Creator thinks of you? I bet you are a lot harsher and judgmental of yourself than God could ever be. We often are, because we've yet to believe or see what God says concerning us: The truth.

Here's the deal, beloved: God does not see us as we see ourselves. When He looks upon us, He doesn't see the sin, the screw-ups, mistakes, or unworthy individuals. No. God sees the blood of Christ. He sees us as He created us to be: great, wonderful, beautiful, worthy of His greatest blessings. Because He sees us as we truly are, He speaks accordingly.

When God speaks of us, He speaks in the manner that states His work is done. That we are all that He ever declared and decreed us to be, as though all the work in us is complete.  Most of us have trouble with this because we have yet to see ourselves as God sees us—complete and whole. A finished work of greatness.

We tend to quickly believe the deceits of others and the enemy than what God has spoken. It's time to change that. It's time to embrace and believe what God says of you. We listen to the advice of those who know nothing about what's in our hearts. We allow those unsolicited comments to affect how we see ourselves.

Beloved, it's time to believe what God says. It's time to answer those negative decrees with, "And God said..." It's time to speak what God has spoken of you. That you are wonderfully and fearfully made in His image. That greatness is in you. That you are worthy of every good thing that God has spoken. That you are all that God has decreed. That every promise God has made to you is coming to pass. The very work that God has begun in you, He will surely complete. You are worthy, loved, and cherished.

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. Let your heart believe and your mind sees what God has spoken concerning you. Meditate in the Word of God. Spend intimate time in the presence of God, allowing His love and truth to penetrate your heart, mind, and soul. You are worthy because God made you worthy. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.  

"Gaslighted"

 Reflections4Life^TM October 11, 2020

“Gaslighted”

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” Romans 12:1-2 MSG

Scripture Contemplation: 1 Chronicles 28:9; Psalm 7; Romans 8; 1 Corinthians 2; Ephesians 4

*Note: Gas-lighting or gaslighting is a form of mental abuse in which information is twisted or spun, selectively omitted to favor the abuser, or false information is presented with the intent of making victims doubt their own memory, perception, and sanity.

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. Though you may face some uncertain times in your life, be assured of the love and protection that God our Father has for you. Yield to His touch. Heed His call. Run into His outstretched arms. There is safety in the arms of God.

Beloved, there is a reason God tells us that the battle is not ours but His. If there is one thing we must come to understand is that we are no match for the enemy of our souls in one on one combat. For he has been around a long time and it is his number one goal to defeat and destroy not only who we are, but our relationships; especially our relationship with God. The enemy would love nothing less than for us to be separated from our Heavenly Father and not reach the promised destination that Christ has assured us.

We have been gaslighted by the enemy. We have been manipulated, lied to, and made to question what we believe; even as far as making us doubt our perceptions and sanity—filling us with doubt, fear, and eventually unbelief.

The enemy is crafty in his tactics. Using those we love against us. Using people to cause havoc in our lives. Even using those in leadership. This is why some people are toxic to our lives. Be it family, friend, or foe. Sometimes they are not even aware they are being used, and sometimes they are well aware of their actions.

When you are in a relationship and start to question your own sanity, things just are not adding up and you continue to see a pattern in circumstances and situations, you need to take a step back and listen; really listen to what God most likely has been trying to tell you for the longest time.

The enemy has one purpose for us beloved: to steal, kill, and destroy. And he has no qualms about who he uses to get it done. For this reason alone, our prayer life, our intimate time with God must be consistent and frequent. We must build our relationship with the Father that we know His voice. That we come to understand His ways. That we develop our spiritual gifts of discernment.

God's purpose for us trumps the enemy's plots and plans. God has given us power and authority over the enemy. The power and authority to shut down the enemy's camp. To stop him in his manipulating plots and ploys to destroy our lives and relationships.

Beloved, you deserve all that God has ordained for you. Too many have given their heart and love to those who did not deserve it, only to leave them with hardened hearts, broken spirits, no trust in God, and even some with their life taken. The enemy would love nothing more than to destroy who you are. To claim your life. But guess what? Greater is He in you than he that is in this world.

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.  Pray about everything, beloved. Seek God's face always. Allow God to develop that gift of a discerning spirit so that you may recognize the tactics of the enemy. And know: you do not have to remain a victim of the enemy's manipulation when God has declared and set you free. Move on from the past and grab onto what God has for you right now. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"In The Shadows"

Reflections4Life^TM October 4, 2020

“In the Shadows”

“There were those who dwelt in darkness and in the shadow of death, Prisoners in misery and chains… He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke their bands apart.” Psalm 107:10, 14

Scripture Contemplation: 2 Kings 20; Psalm 17; Psalm 90; Jeremiah 48; Matthew 4:16…

There are many things that are hidden in the shadows; answers to some of our questions. Things we have been running away from.

Many of us do not live our lives fully because of the constant threat of what lurks in the shadows. The shadows of the mind and heart. The shadows of the past. The shadows of things that haunt and bring fear to our heart and mind.

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. Do not fear what is in the shadows of darkness or your past. But be confident in the shadow of the Almighty, where a covering and abundant love and forgiveness reside.

We risk forfeiture of our blessings when we allow what lurks in the shadows to continue to dictate what we do, how we live. We give( it) power to steal and destroy when we continue to run and hide from the truth in our lives and our past.

As we go forward in life, shadows present themselves as we dare and believe to move forward in our lives. The shadows stand whispering in order to hinder, prevent, and sabotage. It whispers things of our past. It whispers our insecurities, doubts, and fears. It whispers those hidden things that we try to hide and run away from. Things we do not wish to confront.

Trust in God and walking in His light can bring a halt to the pseudo-power that resides in the shadows. To defeat the shadows in our lives, the shadows of our heart, mind, and past, we must: Confess. Confront. And Repent.

Beloved, haven't you been running long enough? Are you not tired from running from what's in the shadows? Demons should be running from you! Not you running from them!

Confess what's in your heart. Release those hidden things. Confront those hard realities and painful memories. Do not give it any more power in your life. Repent before God and receive His healing and covering. The shadows of our lives will only cease having power when we have released those things we have been too afraid to confront.

When the enemy in the shadows begins to whisper; whisper lies about your defeat, bringing up your past, trying to bound you in guilt—remember what you laid on the altar before God. Remember that you are forgiven. And remember: that in you resides the light that shines and expels the darkness in the shadows and it holds no power over 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.  Be free, beloved. Do not fear what's in the shadows of darkness. Instead, search your heart and confront what needs to be confronted, and abide in the shadow of the Almighty. God will not reject you, but give you exactly what you need for victory. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

 

"Grab On and Hold Tight!"

 Reflections4Life^TM September 27, 2020

“Grab On and Hold Tight”

“Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass.” Joshua 21:45

Scripture Contemplation: Deuteronomy 28; Numbers 11; John 16:23; Galatians 3:16-21; 2 Peter 1:4…

We are often told to let go and let God when it comes to things of our faith, and situations that we have no control over. To let go and let God do what only He can do.  We are not often told, however, to grab on and hold tight to the promises and the visions that God has given us. This, too, is a part of having faith.

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.  Beloveds, whatever dreams and visions you have; whatever God has spoken to you, grab on and hold tight! Do not let go of the visions, plans or promises. Trust God to bring them all to fruition.

We must be tenacious in our faith. We must be tenacious when it comes to the promises of God and the dreams and visions we are diligently working towards.  Some of us give up too soon. We are often so close to the manifestations of the promises and the dreams and visions, but allow fear and weariness to persuade us to walk away. Don't do it. Do not let go after all of this time. Grab on and hold tight.

Yes. Life's journey will throw us some serious curve balls. We will have some setbacks and delays while we work and wait for the visions and promises to be fulfilled. But that is life. It is not always easy, but well worth living.

I promise you Beloved, on the other side of the waiting, working, trials, and tribulations is a sweetness of life waiting just for you. There may be other tests. Other waiting times for new visions and dreams. But the reward for being tenacious and diligent far exceeds your expectations.

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.  Grab on and hold tight to the Father; to His promises; to your visions. Be like Joshua and Caleb who believed what God had spoken and wouldn't allow the obstacles and giants before them to defeat their belief in the promises of God. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Day Break"

 Reflections4Life^tm September 20, 2020

“Day Break”

“For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:52

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 32; Lamentations 3; Zephaniah 3; 2 Peter 1; Revelation 22…

©Phil Koch

There are times when our nights seem so long. As though they are going to last forever and morning will never come. Especially during this pandemic that has come and irrevocably changed our lives. It's in these times when we experience much pain, aches, uncertainty, and feel trapped in the darkness of a situation, that we must hold onto the promises of God and our faith.

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. May you hold on to the Heavenly Father, and trust Him to lead you through the darkness. Let Him hold you, as you expectantly wait for His promised morning to you.

We patiently wait for daybreak. For, the sun to shine through and expose all that has been going on in the darkness. Or simply to bring an end to the night; to the darkness in our lives.

Sometimes it is hard to believe that morning will ever come. That there will ever be a time when you can be free from all the heartache and pain in your life. Yet in Psalms it tells us that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

Many of us have been waiting for our morning to finally get here. We have been weeping for many a night; just about on the verge of giving up. But we can't. We must hold on!

Don't do it Beloved! Don't give up! Daybreak is almost here. Your morning is about to come. It may not come in the manner you thought, but it is coming. And when it comes with its marvelous light, you will understand why your night—your weeping lasted so long. You will understand and know when you see the plans that God has had for you all along. Yes. Even in and through this pandemic we are facing. God always has a plan. And all we have to do is ask Him what it is, and He will show 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. Hold on. Do not grow weary. You are closer to your day break than you believe. Trust God. Your morning is about to break forth, shattering every ounce of darkness. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Confidence"

 Reflections4LifeTM September 13, 2020

“Confidence”

“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.” Hebrews 10:35

Scripture Contemplation: Job 4:6; 31; Psalm 10; Ephesians 6; Hebrews 4; 13…

For all the bravado that many of us portray, we still lack one thing that keeps us from fulfilling our many hopes and dreams. We talk the game well. Say all the right words. We even manage to encourage others. Yet, we fall short most times of our own goals and finish lines because we lack confidence.

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. Trust God with all of your heart. Become bold in Christ and stand in confidence with the assurance that all that God has declared and decreed for your life shall come to pass.

It is not just confidence in ourselves—confidence that we can accomplish our goals. It is the lack of confidence that we have in God and His word. The disconnect that occurs within us when we do not believe and cannot see for ourselves the very promises of God.

Most certainly it appears to others that we have everything together. That, we are bold and confident in our lives. Even when we fall short from the mark or the finish line, we quickly assess the situation and say that God just has bigger plans.

What a bunch of malarkey that is ninety percent of the time! Sure, God has plans. However, part of His plans is that we succeed in our goals. That we cross that finish line. That we would finish what we started. It isn't God, but our own lack of confidence and insecurities and lack of trust in the word of God, and who we are in Him, that keeps us from succeeding.

Too many of us have missed opportunities because we lack the confidence to follow through. We lack the trust in God's word and in our ability to handle what comes next. Sometimes we lack the confidence to be successful.

Some of us have suffered for so long and have had more tragedies than triumphs that we don't know how to handle success. We are afraid of the unknown of success and having to maintain it. We lack the confidence in ourselves to continue to grow and flourish and have continued success. Hence, we sabotage our own efforts.  We began to question ourselves and the blessings. We start to doubt God and ourselves, making room for fear and unbelief which ultimately cripples us—stopping us from moving forward or climbing higher.

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 be scared, beloved. Don't be scared of failing or making a mistake. Be confident in who you are. Have confidence that God will keep His word. Be confident in your successes. That they will not only last but continue to grow into the vision that God has shown you. Your past does not dictate if you're worthy or deserving of great success. No. You are deserving by the share fact that you belong to a great God that would have nothing less but the best for you. Be confident always. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Beyond Measure"

 Reflections4Life^TM September 6, 2020

“Beyond Measure”                       

“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 49:25-26; Deuteronomy 7:12; 28; Psalm 128; Proverbs 28:20

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. May you know and see the blessings that God has decreed over your life. Lean on God for all understanding and direction. Count your blessings, they are many; especially the ones you cannot see!

If there is one thing that I understand today, it is that I am blessed beyond measure. I cannot begin to count my blessings because they are far too numerous. I am fortunate that they outweigh the bad by a very great number.

Yes, there are days when I do not "feel" blessed. Days when I do not think God hears me. However, I know that is just the circumstances and situations I may currently be facing, talking. My feelings and emotions, but never my heart.

Today is a very blessed day.  As well as, one of the hardest for me. Today's my Birthday. I am so blessed and grateful. At the same time, I am missing my Mom's presence. I miss her 4:33 am (the time I was born! My Mom was serious about this! Lol) birthday call and her birthday song to me. I miss hearing her voice, her touch, her kiss and her embrace. But I feel her love all the way from heaven. And it gives my heart joy to know she is still with me.

I don’t ask for much, if anything, for my birthday. I never did. On my birthday, I’d always asked my mother what she wanted. I desired to give. To give someone else joy and pleasure on my birthday. That was the gift I wanted. To see someone else happy on my birthday. So, with that in mind, I pray that you will receive today what your heart desires. I pray that your prayers would be answered according to the Father’s will for your life. May you walk in the blessings God has ordained for your life.

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. I recognize my blessings today. More than any other. Because I know that my blessings are beyond measure. My beautiful mother taught me that! And as I celebrate life today, I pray for you. That you would be blessed and know your worth, and that everything that God has ordained for you, you will receive. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.