"With All Your Heart"

 Reflections4LifeTM February 7, 2021

“With All Your Heart”

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

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 15; Deuteronomy 4; 6; Psalm 86; Luke 10:27…

Mr. Leonard M. Bishop

Anything worth having in life is worth the effort in attaining it. Anything worth achieving requires that we are willing to give our all to whatever it may be. Be it a career, a relationship, a family, a business, etcetera. Whatever we desire to succeed in, it must be met with the investment of all our hearts.

Today's Reflections4life is written to my family. We have suffered tremendously over the past five years. Our hearts have taken some huge hits and losses, and I know it feels like we are losing. I want each of you to know just how much I love you and pray for you dearly. I know it is easier said than done. The transitioning of our Beloved Brother, Uncle, Father, Cousin Leonard Bishop (Bish) has hit a bit differently. I can only say it's because we are used to him being the one that consoles us, and somehow making us smile through our heartache. I can only take comfort in the fact that I know he is no longer in pain, is at rest, and is rejoicing, holding the hugest concert Heaven has seen in a long time and reunited with his beloved, Aunt Nette. We are going to get through this, family. Though we cannot see it right now, and it seems impossible—we are strong. We are resilient. And we have God on our side. 

If I have not spoken to you in a while; if I have not reached out to you—please know, it is not because I have not wanted to. I just have not been able to. Not the way I want. Some of you may not understand what God has been doing in my life. And the truth is, I have not either, but when He lets me know and gives me a full understanding, I will be sure to share it all with you. In the meantime, please know that I love you. That I have been praying for ALL of you Every. Single. Day. There is not a day that goes by you are not loved or prayed for. So, hang in there. We have this as long as we stick together. Let us learn from our Beloved Uncle Lenny; let us love with all of our heart. Because we know, that is exactly how he loved. He loved with his whole being, and that is why this hurts so much more. Let us follow in his footsteps. Let us keep loving and forgiving each other and showing up for one another. It is the only way we will get through this, and continue to honor Uncle Lenny and all of our loved ones that have transitioned in these past five years.

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. Make a conscious effort to invest in yourself this week by spending more intimate time with the Father. Come to Him with all your heart and He will open up the windows of heaven as you have never seen before.

When we enter into a new relationship, most desire to give their all because they desire that intimate connection and the promise of a lasting and loving relationship. As time goes on, and the relationship matures, it is expected that one is giving all of their heart. That, they are all in; invested in the relationship and its success.

Then there are others who do not give all in a relationship. They give a bare minimum of themselves and then wonder why the relationship failed. They hold back and do not take the risk of getting hurt if it doesn’t work out the way they desired. So, instead of becoming vulnerable and giving in to getting to know that person, and having that person know them; the relationship cannot grow and soon dies out like all the others before it.

Anything in our lives worth having requires that we give our all. We must be totally invested to see any growth and reward. No matter what it is in life; we will not see success or manifest the best if we are not 100% invested in what we are doing.

We cannot excel in our careers if we are not willing to invest our time and give our all. With the exception of extreme cases of nepotism—when is the last time you witnessed someone being promoted to a highly esteemed position without being totally dedicated to that company? Proving that they give their all in the job that they are doing? The promotion comes when you have diligently and consistently worked for it.

Some may argue that that is not necessarily true. That, there have been many instances where one has given their all only to be disappointed, crushed, and devastated in the end; left feeling wounded and dejected. And not so willing to give their all the next time around.

This is true for many. But that is life. That is the world we live in. However, we cannot allow these circumstances and situations to cause us to stop being who we are and true to what we know is right. We must stand firm in who we are and not conform to the way of the world when we are hurt and disappointed. We must take the high road, and trust God to bring us through. Trust the promise keeper to keep His promises to us. Because the truth of the matter is, as believers, we are held to a different standard than the world. We have an example in Christ Jesus that we can look to. For He was rejected and betrayed when all He did was give His all. With all of His heart he served, He healed, He witnessed. And when He was betrayed? He still loved and gave His life with all of His heart.

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. We may not be Jesus, but He lives in our hearts. The same character that resides in Him resides in us. No matter what we face in this life; always give all of you. Do all things with all of your heart. Because at the end of the day, it is not to impress flesh and blood, but to honor the God we serve who gave His everything to save our souls. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"The Words We Live By"

Reflections4LifeTM  January 24, 2021

"The Words We Live By"

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Proverbs 18:21

Scripture Contemplation: Proverbs 18; James 3...

We have so much power yet many fail to see it. We underestimate who we are to God and the impact we can have upon this earth. The power; ability to change lives each and every day. And it all begins with the words we say to ourselves. The words which we come to live by.

I decree this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Let the words that proceed from your lips be seasoned by the word of God hidden in your heart. Speak God's truth. Charge the atmosphere with words of life and begin to see a transformation take place.

For the tongue to be so small it can cause the greatest and most horrific pain ever felt. The words that proceed from our mouths on a daily basis have the ability to shape who we are and how we live. It has the ability to do the same for others, as well; having an influence on countless lives, known and unknown.

How are you living today? What words govern your life? "We are only as good as our word" is a phrase I often heard growing up. It speaks the truth in volumes. We live the words we speak and stand upon. The very words we speak to ourselves openly and in private. We also have the chance to affect others through the words that we speak. Therefore, it is imperative that we learn and understand the power of our tongues. For we will live by the words that continually flow from our lips and into the atmosphere around us.

What words do you live by? What words have governed and impacted your life? What words have changed or challenged your life? Words that you or others may have spoken. There are words that others have spoken over us in judgment or in jest, that have had a profound impact on our lives in negative ways.

Do not bound yourself to unhappiness and restlessness by living by the words of others who do not know you, want to know you, or understand your heart's desires or the call God has on your life. Speak life to yourself daily. Affirm each day who you are and how you will live and walk in this life as ordained by your Creator. You are in charge of your happiness, your destiny, your experiences. Do not allow the frivolous, hurtful, or disrespectful words of another to become your life's mantra or prophesy. No. Firmly stand on the promises of God, allowing His words over your life to become your guiding force, The words that inspire, encourage and give life.

My beloved may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that everything that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you.  Let your tongue be seasoned with the truth of God. Let what He has spoken of you become your truth and the words you live by. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing.

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Do Not Dim Your Light"

 Reflections4LifeTM January 17, 2021

“Do Not Dim Your Light”

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” Matthew 5:14-15

Scripture Contemplation: Matthew 4; 5; 6; Luke 8; John 8; Romans 2; Ephesians 5…

How brightly does your light shine? Do you continue to walk in your faith and maintain your relationship with God no matter what you face? Or, have you let your light dim? Often we are overwhelmed by the many different circumstances we face in life. Beloveds do not dim, your light, for anything or anyone.

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 the light of God shine in you. Let your heart fill with God’s great joy. Spend some quality time in the presence of our Heavenly Father. Give fuel to light that He has placed in you. So that no matter what comes your way—your light will continue to shine brightly.

There is a light within you that you are responsible for keeping lit. A light that sets you apart—that can lead others to the saving grace and knowledge of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. You are the light that God has designated to be in this world to lead others back to the way home. Yet, some of you have allowed your light to grow dim, while others have extinguished their light.

It is not hard to understand why so many have let their light dim. There is so much going on in the world. There is so much we are faced with that it can often overwhelm us. Yet, at the same time, we forget that because Christ overcame the world, so can we. We can get through all things. We can allow our light to shine brightly amid pain, heartache, loss, confusion, and hate. It all depends on our relationship with God and how much time we are spending in His presence. He is our source. He is our power. He is the only One who can keep us fueled and charged and ready to shine brightly for Him, keeping the light lit for those who are seeking their home.

Many of us have dimmed our light purposely so that we would not be ridiculed, rejected, set apart, or made to feel uncomfortable for who we are and what we believe. We reject God; reject our faith so that we can fit in. Sorry to break this to you, Beloved: You are not supposed to fit in but to stand out. To be set apart. To walk a righteous path that leads yourself and others to an eternity with our heavenly Father. How can you do that if you dim or extinguish your light just to fit in with the world? To be accepted for a moment in time, when your eternity is on the line?

Let your light shine brightly, Beloved. Do not dim your light. Do not let your light go out. You are a priceless and precious being that God has created in His image. He has nothing but the best for you. The Father has given us a charge—those in a relationship with Him—to let our light brightly shine so that those seeking their way out of darkness will know the way home by our light. How can we lead anyone or help anyone if we are too afraid to be set apart? Afraid to shine? Afraid to stand out? Do not allow your light to dim for a world with no power to give you the blessed eternity God has 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. Shine brightly for the Lord. Let your light be the beacon that guides others to the path that is home. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Step Aside"

 Reflections4LifeTM  January 1o, 2021

"Step Aside"

"For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you the victory!" Deuteronomy 20:4 (TLB)

Scripture Contemplation: Proverbs 21:31; 1 John 5:4; Deuteronomy 20:4-5; Romans 8:31-32

 There is so much that has transpired this past week, and it was only the first full week of the New Year! Lessons were given if anyone was paying attention. We can debate about it for days and still not come to an agreement about who is right and who is wrong. We have allowed our feelings to get in the way of what is godly right. We are fighting battles that God says are His. It is well past time we step aside and let God fight these battles.

I decree that this week's Reflections4life will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Get it in your heart and mind this week, Beloveds. You do not have to fight the battle. The battle is the Lord's. Get intimate with the Father. Spend time in His presence, allowing God to strengthen you and assure you of His plans to not only fight for you but win!

I do not know what it is about us. The human ego is huge. Our mind always complicating things that God says is simple. We often assume we are strong enough, competent enough to overcome the temptations of the world by our own strength. We seldomly stop to ask God, our Creator, to help us! All we have to do is ask God and have faith; believing that Jesus is the Son of God and that whatever we ask God for in Jesus's Name, God will say yes. Too simple? Probably, because the human mind is finite and cannot comprehend the full scope and depths of the love of God for His creation.

The word of God says that EVERY believer will conquer the ways of the world, not maybe conquer. It is truly a matter of our faith and how strong it is, that we can come to the understanding that the battle truly is the Lord's and what He requires of us, is faith and belief in His Son. 

Deuteronomy 20:4 (MSG) "...Don't waiver in resolve. Don't fear. Don't hesitate. Don't panic. God, your God, is right there with yoy, fighting with you against your enemies, fighting to win."

How many more testimonies would we hear, if we all believed that God was right there—in the trenches with us—fighting for us to win? God Himself, is fighting our enemies for us! We can have full confidence in the victory because God is fighting with and for us against our enemies. We have exhausted ourselves needlessly fighting battles that are not ours, but the Lord's. We have not fully believed or had the faith enough to ask God to fight these battles on our behalf. It is time for us, Beloveds, to step aside, stir up our faith, believe what God has spoken, and ask Him to fight these battles for us. I truly believe that this is what God is waiting on for many of us. Just for us to ask Him, so He can move on our behalf.

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. God is on your side. Fighting every enemy to be certain that you win, God will destroy nations on your behalf. God sacrificed His only Son for our sins; what will He not do to ensure your safety and win against the enemy? There is nothing you cannot ask Him for. He has given us everything. Learn to seek Him, and step aside, and let Him fight your battles. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"God Over Everything"

 Reflections4LifeTM  January 3, 2021

"God Over Everything"

 "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

Scripture Contemplation: 1 John 4; Genesis 39:9; Exodus 18:11; Ezekiel 8:6; Matthew 12; Luke 11

HAPPY NEW YEAR, BELOVEDS! God is great! And He is great to be praised! Yes indeed! We have been blessed to witness another year, and for that, I am not only grateful but also excited! I am looking forward to the promises of God manifesting, and I hope you are, too! My mantra this year is LET'S GET IT DON IN 2021! The only way I see this happening is by making sure that God is over everything that I do and say! Put God first in everything and God will increase you to do get done what needs to be done.

I decree that this week's Reflections4Life will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. It's a brand new year with brand new opportunities and possibilities. Yes. Last year we had expectations that were dashed and overturned due to the devastating pandemic. Yet, God and His mercies towards us, has kept us and blessed us. We are alive! This means that we have been extended mercy and grace to complete the assignments God has placed on our lives. I dare you to put God over everything this week. Lay a strong foundation for the coming year, and see where God takes you.

When we look back over the year that we have had, it may be hard for some to move forward. So much loss and heartache came with 2020. This is all understandable. Yet, you are still here. Alive. In the land of the living, and hopefully believing. Believing that God is still God. That, He has heard and is answering your prayers. You have an opportunity to know God more intimately than at any other time in your life. This is the perfect time to get to know more of God, and in the process, get to know more about yourself.

I am not arrogant enough to believe that I know everything there is to know about God. Personally, I believe that if that were the case, I would not be on this earth, but in Heaven in His presence. I don't think that kind of knowledge and wisdom can be contained in the human vessel in the realm of earth. That kind of revelation—knowing everything of who God is—is too much power and awesomeness for our human mind to hold and comprehend. However, I believe we can get closer each day to knowing God and His ways, and when we yield to Him, He will impart in us more of Himself, and our lives will be irrevocably changed...for the better!

As difficult as 2020 was, we still have some valleys to travel through and some mountains to climb this year. We are not out of the woods and difficult times are still present. Yet, I do believe that with an increased knowledge of who God is, comes a piece of knowledge and wisdom about what to do, and how to navigate this new world in a way that is not only beneficial to self, but to those we love, and those around us.

God must come first in all things. Our relationships, our jobs, and even our worries. God over everything. If we can seek God every day with a sincere heart, wanting to know more about Him without the only motivation being what we can get in return; I believe God will open our minds and our spiritual eyes to see what has been right in front of us all along. The only requirement many of us have been missing was putting God first in our lives above everything else.

The relationship between God and us is not unlike a marriage. This is why I love the Song of Solomon. It is a definite picture of God, the Bridegroom, and the Church(us), His Bride. There is courtship, the first stirrings of love, the devotion, then the trials and tests, and then walking away, and reconciliation. Then the beautiful realization that love is stronger than death and the grave. God's love. And to truly understand this type of love and relationship, we need more of God, And to have more of God, we must learn to sacrifice other things and put God first where He has always desired to be in our hearts. There is no doubt, that if we put God first in all things, we will gain a piece of knowledge and wisdom that we thought we had but never experienced before.  Talk about mind-blowing!

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. Put God over everything in this New Year. Determine to know more of El Shaddai, and see what the Father reveals to you and brings too past in your life. God has more for you than you could ever ask for. If you trust Him, He will show you many great things this year. Be confident and seek God wholeheartedly. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald.All Rights Reserved. 

"For Every Mountaintop"

 Reflections4Life  December 27, 2020

“For Every Mountaintop”

“Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.  And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.” Matthew 17:1-3

Scripture Contemplation: Ezekiel 6; Matthew 17; Luke 3…

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 despise where you begin. Let every trial and test be a lesson you not only learn but also grow from. No matter what it looks like; God has you covered. All things are working out for your good.

I can hardly believe that this is the last Sunday of the year. That 2020 is coming to an end (YES!) and we are on the cusp of a brand new year.

There were many lessons for me this year. As well as curveballs, attacks, painful circumstances, and a few other things that all taught me something new and different. I am certain we all can say this.

What were your lessons for this year? What did you come to understand? How have things changed or stayed the same? We're entering a brand new year per God's grace and mercy. What will be the greatest lesson(s) you will carry into the New Year?

My greatest lesson is that for every Mountaintop there is a valley. A Valley that holds many life lessons that we must learn and pass if we are going to be ready and prepared for the mountaintop. It's a long way down from the mountaintop. If we are not careful, we will find ourselves back in the valley. Not just to help someone, but to learn again some things we may have forgotten or skipped passed on our way to the top.

What I have also learned, is that there is more than one mountaintop. And sometimes, when God has a higher mountaintop for you, He will send you back through the valley. A different valley that may even be harder than the valley before it. Only because, what God has for you, is much more than you have ever had. Like Job, He wants to bless you with a double portion!

There are no short-cuts, Beloveds. There are no easy routes to the mountaintop. There must be preparation, and lessons learned that help you to not only reach the top but to be able to live and remain and dwell correctly on the mountaintop. With success comes more responsibility. And everything we need to learn for a sound foundation is in the valley. The valley of our lives; where we struggle and sometimes fight and face challenges we'd never think we'd get through. In the valley, we find our voice, our purpose, our resolve, and courage. The mountaintop allows our true character to shine which is the result of our work in the valley.

Appreciate the valleys in your life, Beloved. Though there may be pain, heartache, regrets, sorrows, and trials; there is also life-changing lessons, love, laughter, hope, and all manner of preparation for what's to come. We can definitely agree that 2020 has been a harsh valley. Yet, we must take the lessons, learn them, apply them, and allow God to direct 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. I pray this past year has given you some insight. That you have gained understanding and wisdom and know just who you are. May the New Year bring you into your greatness and fulfilling the purposes of your ordained life.  You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Make A Joyful Noise"

 Reflections4Life December 20, 2020

“Make a Joyful Noise!”

“Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.  For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.” Psalm 100 

Scripture Contemplation: Isaiah 12; Luke 2; John 1…

 

©Ruthe McDonald.

I pray today’s Reflections will bring comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, may your heart be filled with joy. May you lay aside every burden, celebrate the greatest gift God has ever given to this world.

I will openly admit that I cannot sing at all! Perhaps a few notes here and there, but singing an entire song in the right key?—Nope; not happening. I know my gifts and talents. And singing is not one of them. Yet, I can still make a joyful noise unto the Lord. I still am able and can give praise to God for His many blessings.

Though I can play instruments, and create a beautiful melody, compose a composition to bring praise to God, it does not compare to the sound our heart and spirit make when we are truly thankful to our heavenly Father.

As many make plans and alter their holidays together because of the pandemic, we can still make a whole lot of noise. Let it not be a noise of complaint or backbiting. Let it be one of thankfulness and praise that we have made it the last month in this year when so many others have not.

Let your actions make a joyful noise. Let your deeds for others become a joyful noise. Let the love you have in your heart make a joyful noise. Lay aside the disappointments and the failures and mistakes, and replace them with praise on your lips.

Yes. Easier said than done. But guess what? You are here. Alive. Reading this message and is one thing that many do not have. You are still in the land of the living, able to make amends, make a difference, set things right if need be. Let your heart make a joyful noise and give God praise. When the praises of God go up, the blessings certainly do come down. 

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 wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas! Make a joyful noise today and every day. Let your actions sing of the goodness of God as your heart fills with His love, grace, and peace. Let the Father know how much you love Him. Sing a love song to your Creator; through your actions, words, and deeds. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"A Love Letter From God"

 Reflections4Life^TM December 13, 2020

“A Love Letter from God”

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.” Zephaniah 3:17

Scripture Contemplation: Micha 7; Zephaniah 3; Malachi 1; John 3; Romans 8…

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 power in knowing and believing how much God loves you, especially when you are going through. Allow the love of God to consume you—fill every part of your heart and soul. Knowing and understanding His love will bring boldness to your walk. It is something you cannot help but share.

God is an awesome God. There are times when I have an idea of what He will have me write for Reflections, based upon what has transpired throughout the previous week. Then there are times when I do not have a clue until an hour before it is time to post. I do not write Reflections before God gives me His download.

This Sunday, as I prayed for His message to share, He brought to my heart an article I wrote some years ago. He placed it upon my heart to share this with you today.

A Love Letter from God

Oh, the power of the love of God. It is consuming. It is overwhelming. It is healing. It is phenomenal. It can be indescribable. But there is no doubt, that it is love—a powerful, consuming love.

A love letter from God is received when you have searched and questioned if there is a God. A love letter from God comes when you feel that there is nothing left for you. A love letter from God comes when you have been abandoned by all that you know and love. A love letter comes when you are in the valley of despair. A love letter even comes when you are on the mountain-top; filled with joy and wonder. A love letter from God comes when you have questions that need to be answered and when your heart has sought Him with completeness. A love letter from our Heavenly Father comes when you desire the truth and the heart of God.

A love letter can be heard in the quietness of your supplication to the Father. You cannot miss the love letter when you set yourself to be in His presence. Permit me to share with you a letter of such...

To My Beloved,

It gives my heart extreme pleasure to shower you with my love. I know that there are times when you question if I exist, or if I love you at all. I love you. I love you unconditionally. I love you just as you are.

I've seen the struggles that you suffer. I see the pain that you are in. My heart aches for you. My beloved, I have not abandoned you; nor have I forsaken you. The prince of this world has set out to destroy and deceive you. To try and manipulate you. But remember: Greater am I in you than he that is in this world.

Take courage. Stand strong and know that I love you with an everlasting love. Many have come to try and deceive you and destroy your faith. But I have planted in you an incorruptible seed: my love. I have formed and fashioned you. I breathed into you, me. I made you in my image and I set you apart for greatness. So don't be fooled by the enemy's lies; it is only a trap to discourage you and to take your focus.

Beloved, I encourage you to remain focused. To be steadfast. Just as Christ overcame the world; so can you. I know it's difficult at times. I know that you grow weary. I know the evil that persists in this world. But I have sent you a comforter, My Spirit, that will lead and guide you and teach you what to do.

Many times I have spoken that the battle is not yours. Yet the adversary of your soul and of the Kingdom has convinced you that it is YOU that needs to fight. No, my beloved. I will fight and have fought your battles. Your position is to pray, praise, and worship. If I am lifted up, then I will draw all men unto me.

So many have left my flock. So many of you have been wounded by other sheep and shepherds that I have left to tend my flock. I am sorry for your pain and the wounds inflicted upon you. I'm sorry for the lies that have caused you to run. Know this my beloved: that I love you just the way you are. It is not you that I hate, but the sin that I abhor. It is not the addict that I hate—but the addiction. For it keeps you away from me. It is not the homosexual that I hate—but the act of homosexuality. For it was not my design. It is not the adulterer or fornicator that I hate—but the act of the sin. For it keeps you separated and opens doors to more evil, and causes wounds beyond belief. It is not the liar or the thief—but the act of lying and stealing. For no liar and thief shall enter into heaven. My beloved, it is not the sinner but the sinful acts that I hate. How can I not love and accept my creation? How can I not love you when I am in you? Yes, there is room at the Cross for all; but sin must take its rightful place—nailed to the Cross.

I can be the balm that heals your wounds and stabilizes your footing. You question my strength and love. My power, my strength, my love, is shown in my gift to you; the gift of my Son, Jesus the Christ—the anointed One. I also gave a gift when I formed you: the gift of choice. You can choose to believe or not. You can choose to walk in righteousness or not. You have the power because I placed a choice in your hands. And with this power comes responsibility.

I'm sorry about your disappointments. However, make no mistake, my beloved, that I have and am causing all things to work out for your good; for each and everyone that loves me, and has believed in me; even when your path was dark and you could not see. I reward them that diligently seek me. And those that stand in faith and have taken my word and hidden it in their hearts.

I know that you struggle. I know that you have pain. I know that you question my love for you and how I can love you so, and allow the world to be in such disarray. I know. But had you been meditating on my word, spending time in my presence, then you will know that this all, I have prepared you for; this, I have told you of. I warned you that the heart of man would wax evil. That there would be wars and rumors of wars. I warned you that there would be deceivers coming in my name. I told you that there would be perilous times. But I also told you, that I would be with you. I would be with you always.

My love for you does not stop because you are suffering. My love for you has not ceased because you have suffered a loss. My love for you grows abundantly with each and every day. You are a part of me and I have called you by name.

It does not matter how many times you fall—get up! And trust me to lead you. There is one thing that no one else truly knows but me: Your heart. I know your heart. I know your soul. I know your cries. I know the fears. Now it's time for you to know true love.

Seek me. Seek early. Seek me each and every day. Spend time in my presence. I've missed you. I've wanted to talk with you for so long. Will you open your heart? Will you open the door? I've been knocking for a while. Just know: I never tire. So I will keep knocking. I will keep loving. I will never leave. All you have to say is Yes, Lord.

I love you,

Your Heavenly Father

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 love of God consume your heart, mind, and soul. Seek the Father each day. Invite Him into those hidden places where all the fears and scars and wounds are. Allow His love to envelop you and bring complete healing. God is waiting just for you. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.