"Do Not Be Robbed"

Reflections4Life July 26, 2020

“Do Not Be Robbed”

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

Scripture Contemplation: Jeremiah 22; John 10; 1 Peter 5…

Beloveds, we are in such a time that it may often feel as though no matter how hard you fight; how much you believe; how strong your faith; it feels like you are losing.

That's a lie! A trick from the enemy of our souls to blind us and steal from us. To rob us of our birthright; our joy, peace, and happiness. All of these things—these unexplained occurrences, the hate, and vitriol we see and experience on a daily basis...all of it—schemes plotted by the enemy to rob us. Yes. He wants to destroy us, to kill us. And what better way than to distract us, diverting our attention, so that we may lose our focus. His number one goal, to permanently rob us of our blessings and the promises of God. To take our very 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. Run to the Father. Before you react. Before you make any decision to do anything, run to the throne of grace, and seek the will of God. Allow Him to lead you so that you may remain standing strong and in the victory, He has assured you.

It is so easy for us to get distracted these days. And even more of a distraction is our emotions. Many of us do not respond but rather react to anger. Although we are justified in our anger, we are not justified when we act out and do something that does irreparable damage to ourselves and our families. That's what the enemy of our souls wants. He wants us to be distracted by the pain and the hurt and do something that will allow him to rob us of our future, our families, our freedom, and our lives.

We can also be robbed of our relationships. The enemy does not care about families and relationships. One of his tactics is to isolate and separate. Even he understands and knows how powerful we are when we come together in agreement. Do not allow the enemy to turn you away from the ones you love and those that can help you. Do not be robbed of family, friends, and fellowship. We must learn to reach out, and deal with things together. To trust one another and work with each other.

Beloved, do not allow the enemy to rob you. Yes. Get angry but do not sin in your anger. Respond to the hurt and pain but do not react. Do not isolate yourself or play the lone ranger. Seek God, and come together in prayer and fellowship.

Another strategy the enemy loves, it when we give up because we become scared or fearful. Some give up before they have even begun to fight back; putting an end to his distractions, and his constant attempt to steal, kill, and destroy. Don't give up. Don't lose hope or faith. But also, do not fall for the traps of the enemy. Do not allow him to goad you and make you so angry that you do not pray or think, and just walk away defeated. 

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you.  Don't allow the distractions, the hurtful things, and the hateful and evil things of this world to steal your focus and your victory. God has already declared us the winner. The enemy may be conniving, but he is not more powerful than God or those who maintain their focus and choose to stand and fight in the manner in which God instructs. For greater is He in us than he that is in this world. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Do You Know Who You Are?"

Reflections4Life July 19, 2020

“Do You Know Who You Are?”

“See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason, the world does not know us because it did not know Him.” 1 John 3:1

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 1; 2 Timothy 2…

The searching. The seeking. The longing. The missteps. The mistakes. The failures. The insecurities. The uncertainties. The highs. The lows. The disappointments. The discouragements. The triumphs and the defeats. After all of this, do you know who you are? Who you really and truly are?

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. It is in the presence of the Almighty that we learn and come to understand who we are. Allow the Father to show you what is already within you, waiting to be birthed forth.

For so long we have allowed so many things and other people to define who we are, that sadly, many of us still have no clue as to who we really and truly are. We have been wounded, hurt, and suffered terribly in our life's journey. And as it turns out the one thing most of us bypass or overlook is the fact that we are still here!

Yes. We've been through hell; through atrocities and pain, we wouldn't wish on many. And yet, here we are. Alive, surviving, and prayerfully thriving. The fact alone that you made it through and are here to talk about your journey is a clear testament of how strong you truly are.

Here you are! Fighting! Not giving up! You know who you are! You are strong. You are determined. You are faithful. You are blessed. And that’s just part of who you are.

Can you not see and understand that your experiences and the situations you have faced did not destroy you? They don't define who you are. Yes. Those circumstances may have added to your resolve and your strengths. But it did not determine your character. No. It only allowed your true character to be birthed. Those hardships and tough times made room for the person who God created you to be, to finally come forth and live.

Who are you beloved? Who does God say that you are? Who is within you waiting to be birthed? Do you not understand yet that every experience has brought you to this day and time? To know who you truly are. To live who you are. A chosen vessel of God.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Do not allow the trials and circumstances of life to rob or blind you of the truth. The truth of who God created you to be. Do not allow negative people to speak lies over your life, and dictate who you are. You are who God says you are. You are His. Made in His image. Blessed with His love. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Breathe"

Reflections4Life July 12, 2020

“Breathe”

“Then He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they come to life.”’ Ezekiel 37:9

Scripture Contemplation: Joshua 1; Psalm 1:2; 4:4; 27:4; Song of Solomon 4:6…

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. Did you know there was a proper way to breathe? That, you can release stress, gain energy, clear your mind with just the way you breathe.

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. Meditate on the goodness of God and allow Him to breathe into you a new life, along with His peace and joy. Release the heartaches and pains, as His cleansing breath, restores you.

Did you ever realize how often we hinder our breathing when we are under pressure? How many times have we told someone to breathe when they were hit with something traumatic? Because, it is at that moment that most of feel like the breath has been taken from us. That, perhaps holding our breath will stop whatever is happening from happening.

I know I have been there countless times. Your heart is aching so badly. Your brain is tumbling from all that has occurred. You can't seem to get a hold of your thoughts and what to do next.

Breathe. Take a deep breath, hold it, exhale slowly, and then repeat. Breathe in the strength and calmness of God. Allow Him to relax your mind and direct your path.

Meditation is a wonderful way to work on our breathing and learning to clear our minds. In the word of God, it tells us to meditate on his word day and night. Meditate on the goodness and promises of God.

Do not meditate on the problems facing you. Meditate on the One who can solve them. Breathe in His goodness and mercy. Let His peace envelop you. We carry so many burdens in our heart. We hold onto so much fear, trepidation, and anger. It's time to let it all go. Time To inhale the peace of God and exhale the worries and chaos.

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. When a crisis hits, and the enemy is attacking, take a moment and breathe. Take slow, cleansing breaths and let the calmness of God overwhelm you. Breathe, my friend. Breathe. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"So Amazing"

Reflections4Life June 28, 2020

“So Amazing”

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 3; Acts 15; Ephesians 4:11-19…

©James Perilli

In this vast, crazy, and sometimes mixed up world—God remains so amazing to me. The countless things that occur every day that comes to shake our faith and strip us of what we believe, and God, somehow, like a gentleman, will speak to our hearts and bring us a healing word and ray of good that helps us to hold on.

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 the amazing love of God wrap itself around you; bring healing and deliverance. Let the Father fill your heart until there is no room for anything contrary to His goodness and His opinion of you.

God is so amazing! No matter how many times we reject Him, deny Him, sin against Him; He is always; there still reaching towards us to love us unconditionally.

When I feel as though I cannot go on. When I feel like I have reached the last strand on a very thin string, God somehow strengthens me and lets me know that I can and will make it.

Oh, I have been angry many a time at God. I have rebelled. I have been silent. I have stopped praying. I even tried to stop believing. But once you have experienced the love and grace of God, it is not something easily forgotten. And when you have been intimate with the Father, that relationship is not easily broken. He knows your heart even if you don't know. He understands there is a difference in what your mouth speaks. Whether it is coming from a place of hurt, from your mind or your heart.

Yes. God is so amazing. I don't always understand His ways. I don't always understand how He allows such horrific things to take place. But I do know, God is able. And though it may appear as nothing is happening at the moment and that God has abandoned me; a knowing in my spirit lets me know that God has not forgotten me. That, He is moving on my behalf in ways I have yet to learn of.

So amazing is God. So amazing. Though we reject Him and sometimes defy Him, He stands with outstretched arms to receive us. To love on us. I don’t know, Beloved, what may be your plight today. I don’t know what heartaches you have endured. Yet, I do know that God is more powerful than anything you are facing right now, and He desires to fill you with His love and turn things around 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. Though it may not happen overnight, He will deliver on His promises to bring and see you through and to never leave or forsake you. Trust Him where you cannot trace. The amazement is not in what God does, but the fact that He does what He does in spite of how we may have behaved or believed. Truly unconditional love. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"A Father's Impact"

Reflections4Life June 21^st, 2020

“A Father’s Impact”

“Every good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 82; Proverbs 3; Proverbs 4; Ephesians 2; 5…

©Ruthe McDonald.

Happy Father's Day to every father and father to be, and for every man that has filled the role in a child's life that may have never known a father's love. May this day be a day of happiness and joy.

I decree today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. That is a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. May you know the depths of the love that God hoards in His heart for you. May you know Him as a Father; the one who knows you, understands you and has nothing but the very best for you.

There is no denying the impact that a father can have upon a child's life. Whether it is positive or negative, a father's impact on his child can be felt for a lifetime.

I was fortunate to have a very loving relationship with my father. He encouraged me and inspired me. And always showed how much he believed in me and my dreams. As a child, you believe everyone has a father like yours. But I came to realize how blessed I was.

I lost my father at a very young age; it nearly destroyed me, breaking my heart into a million pieces. I had plenty of uncles who stepped up to the plate and helped my brother and me throughout the years. But it still never compared to my father.

It was my relationship with the Heavenly Father that kept me tethered to the foundation that my father had laid. My relationship with God helped me to heal and not forget the lessons that I needed to remember. I felt myself slipping. Because of heartache and devastation. My mind wanted to run and let go, but my heart and my God would not let it be so.

My father's influence on my life; his impact was huge. He left such an indelible mark, that it helps to push me forward in some of the darkest times that followed.

Never underestimate the impact that a father has on their child. There is something that only a father can provide. Can be in their children's lives. I thank God for the heavenly Father, and how He covers us and is reaching towards us every day. To be the Father to the fatherless, hope, and healing to those who lost their earthly fathers. And that foundation that we all need to make it through this journey we call 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. Allow the heavenly Father into those places in your heart that have been wounded, abandoned, and rejected by an earthly father. Let the Heavenly Father remind you, and fill you where the loss of your earthly father may have left a gaping hole. There is nothing impossible for our God. And that includes being the father you need, desire, and deserve. He has more than enough room in His heart and on His lap. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Over The Horizon"

Reflections4Life June 14, 2020

“Over the Horizon”

“He covers the face of His throne and spreads His cloud over it. He drew a circular horizon on the face of the waters, at the boundary of light and darkness. The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at His rebuke.” Job 26:9-11

Scripture Contemplation: Job 26; Isaiah 61; Philippians 1…

©nelvento.

It is my sincerest prayer that today will be a day of hope, answered prayers, and restored faith for you. I pray that you will not only see but also understand just how great you truly are and that God does indeed have a plan for your life. May today’s Reflections bring comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. 

There are times when it is just too hard for our hearts to comprehend the hurt and disappointments that we sometimes face in our lives. A sense of despair can easily encroach upon our hearts until we see more negative than positive in our lives.

For many of us, there is only more pain and uncertainty waiting for us over the horizon. We have conditioned ourselves, and our hearts to expect less. To expect the worse that life has to offer.

What if I told you that by simply changing your expectations; by changing the words you speak to yourself that your life would change for the better? That, over the horizon, there is something phenomenal waiting just for you. In fact, it’s been there all along, but you just couldn't see it, because your heart has been weakened by hurt, disappointments, and fear.

Here’s the truth, Beloveds: Over the horizon, there is something phenomenal waiting for you. There is happiness, joy, peace, hopefulness. There is also love and kindness. And there is your greatness; waiting for you to walk in it.

Yes. Life can be difficult. It can throw us some painful reminders and some horrific roadblocks. Life is not easy at all. However, life is whatever you make it. Your reality is based upon your perceptions and what you believe about yourself and what you deserve. Is it easy? Not at all. Are some days better than others? Most definitely. Is this an overnight thing? No; it is not.

As with anything, we have to work towards that expected end. We have to exercise our faith and trust in God; even in the most difficult of times. Especially when we feel blindsided, rejected, or forgotten. It is the words we speak to ourselves that will determine what we find over the horizon.

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.  Is today your day? I certainly pray so! You determine if it is. Regardless of what you may be facing or have faced or suffered; you decide. You are blessed. Now go and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Still Above Every Problem"

Reflections4Life  June 7, 2020

“Still Above Every Problem”

“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. For a thousand years in Your sight Are like yesterday when it is past,  And like a watch in the night.”  Psalm 90:2, 4 NKJV

Scripture Contemplation: Jeremiah 29; Habakkuk 2…

What a great feeling it is to be alive. To have the opportunity to start all over; to begin again. How wonderful it is to be able to live, laugh, and love; especially when many of us are in the midst of a battle to bring the fact home that Black Lives Matter. There may be problems we are facing; situations and circumstances we desire to be free from; we are alive, but we remember those who have lost their lives at a very steep price. Though it may not feel or look anything like it: God is Still Above Every Problem.

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.  Our God is a mighty God. There is absolutely nothing too hard or too difficult for our God. If we would dare to believe. Dare to trust. Dare to leave it all in His hands. Let Holy Spirit show you how to navigate your journey, and to teach you that there is no problem your Father can’t handle.

Certainly some may argue that is so easy to say. And they would be correct. However, the fact will still remain, that God is and will always be above every problem we ever encounter in our life's journey.

The problem that so many of us have, is that we often become so wrapped up in the problems, the heartaches, and the pain, that we forget about our greatest Source. Our Source of power. Our Light in the darkness. Our Solution to everything we face. Our Heavenly Father.

We tend to drawback instead of into God. Instead of praying more and seeking His face, we get quiet and shut our mouths and seek the advice of man. We forget that we were granted the keys of life, and access to God 24/7.

Beloveds, above everything you are facing today, God is there. There is no problem or situation too difficult for God. Though you may feel as if He is silent, and your prayers are not being heard or answered; this is when your faith is being stretched and tested, and you discover just where your trust lies, and if you truly believe His promises and that He has an expected end full of hope and greatness concerning your life.

Each new day has its purpose. A new purpose to seek, explore, discover, embrace, and enjoy. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is yet to be. What we have is right now. And God is checking to see what you do with His gifts for today. He obviously believes in you...He woke you up. Now it's time for you to believe in you, and the Father who created 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. Whatever you are facing today. Whatever you are wrestling with; remember and let it settle in your heart and mind that we have a God that is above every problem, and He will do just what He said concerning you. You must continue to believe, have faith, be prayerful, listen, and never give up. God is faithful. He will do just what He said. You are blessed. Now go. and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Love Does Not Hurt"

Reflections4Life™ May 31, 2020

“Love Does Not Hurt”

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:5-8

Scripture Contemplation: 1 Corinthians 13; Ephesians 5; 1 John 5…

           

©Vladmir Kush

The honest sincere truth is: Love does not hurt. Love endures and brings hope, as well healing. People "hurt" people. Hurt people hurt people. We hurt ourselves, others, and still say we love you. Whereby, whenever we love it is immediately associated with hurt and disappointment. Which leaves us guarded and unable to be vulnerable or to love completely and unconditionally in any of our relationships until we learn differently.

I decree today’s Reflections is a continued source of encouragement and inspiration, bringing comfort and peace to your heart and mind. Whatever you believe you know about love let God teach you. Allow the Father to show you, Himself. For He, is love. And, through Him we learn how to truly love.

When someone who says they love us harms us, we sometimes unknowingly shut a part of hearts down. That part that allows loves to move freely and grow. That part that loves unconditionally. Sometimes we consciously make a decision never to let someone close enough to hurt us again.

We do a lot of damage in the name of love. However, love had nothing to do with it. Love does not hurt. It heals. Love is not disrespectful or disregarding. Love cares and shows concern. It brings hope into dark places. Love is not reckless or careless or in a rush. Love takes it time. It is thoughtful and kind. Love does not tear down and destroy. Love builds and restores. Love does not blame or keep score. Love is unconditional, forgives, and moves on. Love is action. It is compassionate as well as passionate. Love is God.

In our lives, we will be disappointed. And, yes, we will be hurt at times. However, when you have love, understand unconditional love; it teaches you how to navigate life's journey; How to go through a storm. How to continue to love in spite of it all. It also teaches you how to be strong, how to endure, and to move on.

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.  Love is many things; powerful above all. Remember: Love does not hurt; people hurt people. Love endures; it is patient and kind. Love—real, sincere, true love—brings healing and is unconditional, as well as wise. You are blessed. Now go and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

"In Service of Others"

Reflections4Life™ May 24, 2020

“In Service of Others”

“I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1 

Scripture Contemplation: Romans 9; 12; Philippians 2…

As we spend this weekend celebrating Memorial Day, let us be reminded the honor it is to remember those who served and have given their lives in service of others and our freedoms. Each day we are granted is an opportunity to make a difference in not only our lives, but also the lives of others. To be in the position to help others gives us a chance to change lives.

I decree today’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration, bringing comfort and peace to your heart and mind. Our Heavenly Father has given us a great gift: the opportunity to serve. When we understand the heart of a servant, then we understand the power we have to change lives. Allow God to show you how to serve and change lives.

In this life, the hope is that we would learn to give without the requirement or expectations only to receive something in return. It is much more than give and take. It is about selflessness, the ability to make a difference in the lives of others, even if you receive no recognition for what you do. It is not about being seen, or heard, but hopefully about serving and making a difference in someone else’s life.

I am in awe of every service person that makes a decision to serve their country. For whatever their reasons they make a great sacrifice, for not only self but also their families. They never know if one day may be their last while in service to their country and patriots.

When I think about the goodness of God, I think of all that He grants us every day. Mostly, I think upon the freedom He grants us to choose how we will live our lives and affect the lives of others.

Life has its ups, and downs, but it is how we live our lives personally that determines our quality of life. When we make a choice to serve others, we choose to give a part of ourselves. When we do, we open up our hearts to unknown blessings and joys.

Not everyone gets it. Not everyone understands the heart of those who desire to serve. Yet everyone receives benefits from those that choose to serve.

I give thanks and prayers for those men and women who have served and given their lives in service for the freedoms that we enjoy, and some take for granted.

I honor you for the sacrifices that you have made and for, the honor of your service. Happy Memorial Day! Blessings, to the families that made the ultimate sacrifice in servitude.

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. May you be blessed with the heart that has the capacity to serve others; to make a difference in the life of someone who you may never even know. Be open to the will of God. It will change your life in unexpected ways. You are blessed. Now go and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.