Sunday, October 27, 2013

Reflections4Life: "God Cannot Lie"

Reflections4Life October 27th, 2013
God Cannot Lie”
God is not a man, that he should lie, Neither the son of man, that he should repent: Hath he said, and will he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and will he not make it good?” Numbers 23:19
Scripture Contemplation: Joshua 1; Numbers 23; Job 5; Jeremiah 29; Ephesians 3; Philippians 1...
Do you trust God? Do you believe what God has spoken concerning your life? Do you believe He is able to do just what He said? Are you confident in God? Do you walk in confidence and faith? Or, are you bound by fear and unbelief? Know this truth, beloved. Hold it in your heart and remind your self daily: God cannot lie.
I decree and agree with Jesus, that this week's Reflections will be a continued and constant source of inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. That you will believe with all your heart, that this is your season. Your season to believe and walk in the promises of God. That, you will know in your heart, believe with all your soul, that whatever God has promised you; He is making good on them.
I understand clearly those times when you feel all that you have been waiting for is not going to happen. I understand and clearly identify with the thought, that maybe God has forgotten you. Perhaps what He has promised is not going to happen. I know what it is like to wait and wait, and as you wait, to feel your faith get a little shaky; to the point that you almost stop believing. I have been there, beloved. But I held on. I held on by speaking the word of God. By meditating on His word. By praying and fasting and surrounding myself with like-minded people.
In this world we are surrounded daily with people and things that are contrary to our walk in God. We are faced with wickedness and fear, and doubt and unbelief. We often walk a fine line while navigating this narrow path each and every day. Yet, we must continue to believe in our God. We must continue to walk in confidence and in faith, knowing that God has us covered. That, what we are waiting upon is coming to pass. But in the meantime, we have many obstacles to contend with. Many battles we will fight. However, through it all we can overcome and see the promises of God fulfilled in our life, if we follow God's instructions.
Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Ephesians 3:12-13 ...in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him. 13 Wherefore I ask that ye may not faint at my tribulations for you, which are your glory.
Hebrews 12:2-3 looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against himself, that ye wax not weary, fainting in your souls.
Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the wicked, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of scoffers: 2 But his delight is in the law of Jehovah; And on his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water, That bringeth forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also doth not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Yes. Times will get hard sometimes. Our path will get a little bumpy. Things will happen in our life that will look nothing like the blessings of God. In fact, it may even look like we don't serve God or that there is a God. Yet, God tells us that this is a faith walk. That, we cannot walk this walk, or run this race by what we see. We must believe and walk by faith. We must must endure the hard times and have courage, believing that God will see us through each and every time.
Grant it, it can feel as though we are constantly getting hit on all sides at all times. That, just when we get over one hurdle and one test, and come through one difficult time, there is another one right behind it. Making you feel as though you are constantly under attack and cannot catch a break. And the fact of the matter is, it causes you to feel as though God is far removed from you, as though He has abandoned you.
These are those times beloved, when God is conditioning our heart. These are the times when our faith is being developed. When God is preparing us for what lies ahead. These are the times when you are so close to the manifestations of God's promises in your life coming to pass, that the enemy is hell bent on causing you to lose focus and give up. To walk away from your miracle, from your blessings and promises.
Don't you let that happen! Don't you dare come this far and give up on God, when God has not given up on you! God has equipped us with everything we need to make it through this race. He has already assured us the victory. Jesus made us that assurance when He went to Cross and defeated hell and death.
Everything the enemy is doing is designed to get you to forfeit your promises. He is strategic in his war against you. You must be strategic in your prayers and faith. Do not grow weary while doing the will of God. Though those times of weariness will come, shake it off by remembering the promises of God. Don't just read the word, pray the word. Stand firm in what God has told you. Now is not the time to get quiet. You must declare and decree what God has spoken concerning you. Declare His word to the atmosphere.
Surround yourself with those who can encourage you and not commiserate with you. Remember all that God has already done for you. We often forget past victories because of the severity of the current circumstances. People change, circumstances change, but God does not change. He will keep His promises to you. He will complete in your life that which He has started.
Do not allow the spirit of fear to block you. Fear is a tormenting spirit that will blind you and keep you from receiving all that God has ordained. It is subtle in nature, and can blossom into doubt, then unbelief. God has blessed us with power, love, and a sound mind. His power that works in us. His love that lives in us. And the mind of Christ that rests in us.
I don't care what it appears to be; what it looks like at the moment; you can believe with every fiber of your being, that God is not a liar. He cannot lie. And He will do just what He said. We must believe. We must have courage. We must have faith. And we must learn to pull down the strongholds and evil imaginations that the enemy uses against us. Greater is God in us that he that is in this world. If God was not so great, and your life was not so precious and valuable, and destined for greatness, as well, the enemy wouldn't take another look at you. But I’ve a feeling that just as Job, God has been bragging on His children again. And if God believes we can past these tests, and be all He called us to be; then it's about time we start believing it, and believing in Him with all our heart and soul.
I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives: spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and financially. Whatever you take from today, remember this: God cannot lie. He has already worked things out for you. His promises will come to pass. Stay in with a heart of faith. Believe in Him with all your heart. Trust Him where you cannot trace Him. Continue in prayer and meditation. And leave the enemy to God. He knows just what to do. You are Blessed. Now go...and Be a Blessing!

©2013. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Reflections4Life: "Confidence, Boldness and Assurance"

Reflections4Life October 20th, 2013
Confidence, Boldness and Assurance”
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
Scripture Contemplation: Job 13; Psalm 23; 51; 1 Corinthians 2; Hebrews 4; Hebrews 10...
Wherever you may be in your life right now; know that God is in control. The Father has always been in control. We, however, must maintain confidence in our Lord. Walk with boldness, and the assurance that everything that God has spoken concerning our lives is come to pass.
I declare and decree that this week's Reflections will be a constant source of encouragement for your heart, mind, and soul. Let it serve as a reminder of the goodness of God in your life; even when you cannot see it. Be assured that whatever God has promised you, He will certainly see it through. You must remain in a posture of prayer, confidence, boldness, faith, and focus. Focus on the things of God. Focus on His word. And know in your heart, that God is in control.
There are times when the enemy will come hot and heavy like a steamroller in our lives. Pushing, shoving, antagonizing, constantly whispering lies; words of deception to get us to give up and walk away from the Father. Sometimes, it may even appear that what he is saying is true. That's because the enemy is good at using partial truths and twisting them. And if we are not in a position of faith, and prayer, and pulling down those strongholds, and casting down those evil imaginations; we will succumb to the enemy's treachery.
We must remain fully armed. Armed with the armor of God (Ephesians 6), so that we may stand triumphant in the midst of the battles. And part of our weaponry is to walk in confidence, to be bold in our conviction when we come before the Lord in prayer, and to always have a heart of assurance that all God has spoken concerning us has come to pass.
Many might say that the correct statement would be: it's coming to pass. However, the truth of the matter is, that all that He has ordained for our lives has already come to pass. It is done. Complete. Finished. God has already declared and decreed the blessings over our lives. He has already done what He has promised in our lives. WE must learn to walk in that assurance and guarantee, and knowledge that it has already been done. We must believe, walk and live accordingly.
Beloved, once Jesus went to the Cross and died for all of our sins, and sickness, and disease; once the sacrifice was made, and He defeated hell and death, and He rose again—everything that God ordained for His children was restored. And if we truly believe in our hearts on the Lord Jesus, accept Him as our Savior, and that God surely raised Him from the dead; we are saved and receive the full benefits of salvation. Part of that benefit package is knowing that God has already spoke a word over our lives and assured its manifestation. It is up to us to believe it, receive it, and walk in it.
Many of us wrestle with ourselves and battle in our minds concerning the promises of God. We try in vain to figure out how God is going to do something. We wrestle with the flesh that continues to undermine the spirit, and continually suggests that is impossible for God to do what He said. The flesh surveys the situation and determines that, like man, God cannot possibly change the situation we are in; especially overnight!—that's just going too far! Yet, that is who God is—specializing in the impossible. Our finite minds cannot comprehend the infinite ways of our heavenly Father. Because of this, we often become filled with fear, doubt, and unbelief.
I find it prudent to share with you a passage of scripture that will hopefully help you to walk in confidence, boldness and assurance. Not of self, but of God. Because you take on the mind of Christ and walk in the wisdom of Holy Spirit.
There are many things in this world that we will encounter and may not understand. There are things in this life that we search for answers for and find none. Things happen to us and we do not understand why. Yet, for those of us who would believe and enter into an intimate relationship with the Father, we will find—through constant fellowship, worship, meditation, and praise—that what God has spoken concerning our lives will manifest. God is keeper of His word. And when we yield ourselves to Him and to His ways, He reveals to us all that we need to know. All that we need to understand about this journey we are in called life.
If we desire to walk in the fullness of God and the blessings He has ordained for our lives, we have to learn to let go of what we think we know, for all that God does know. We must be willing to see through the eyes of our Father. To walk faithfully and diligently, and in obeisance to His word. We must yield ourselves—even those hidden and hurtful parts—all over to Him. For when we give God our all; everything that we are, and everything we hope to be—He unlocks the door to all that He has already given, that has been waiting for us to claim.
Our life must be one of confidence, boldness, and assurance. Our confidence in who God is, and who we are in Him. Walking in boldness and courage. Knowing that we can come to God for anything. That, we are not limited or hindered; but encouraged to bring it all before the King, knowing that He understands us and will give us just what we need. And having the assurance that God will do just what He said. That, He is not a man that He should lie, nor the son of man that He should repent, and that whatever He has spoken concerning our lives, He is faithful to do just what He said.
1 Corinthians 2:9-16 (The Message Bible)
That’s why we have this Scripture text: No one’s ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it—What God has arranged for those who love him. But you’ve seen and heard it because God by his Spirit has brought it all out into the open before you. 10-13 The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along. Who ever knows what you’re thinking and planning except you yourself? The same with God—except that he not only knows what he’s thinking, but he lets us in on it. God offers a full report on the gifts of life and salvation that he is giving us. We don’t have to rely on the world’s guesses and opinions. We didn’t learn this by reading books or going to school; we learned it from God, who taught us person-to-person through Jesus, and we’re passing it on to you in the same firsthand, personal way. 14-16 The unspiritual self, just as it is by nature, can’t receive the gifts of God’s Spirit. There’s no capacity for them. They seem like so much silliness. Spirit can be known only by spirit—God’s Spirit and our spirits in open communion. Spiritually alive, we have access to everything God’s Spirit is doing, and can’t be judged by unspiritual critics. Isaiah’s question, “Is there anyone around who knows God’s Spirit, anyone who knows what he is doing?” has been answered: Christ knows, and we have Christ’s Spirit.
I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives: spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and financially. Yield to Holy Spirit. Do not govern your lives by what you can only see through your natural eyes or hear through your natural ears. See through spiritual eyes. Hear through spiritual ears. We walk by faith and not by sight. Though things may seem impossible, or that things have even gotten worse; believe in the Lord God. That, He is in control, and if you allow Him, He will speak to you and show you things you never knew. Things that the flesh cannot comprehend; only a heart and soul that has yielded, and walks in confidence, boldness, and assurance. You are Blessed. More than you know. Now go...and Be a Blessing!

©2013. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Reflections4Life: "Look In The Mirror"

Reflections4Life October 13th, 2013
Look In The Mirror”
You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
Scripture Contemplation: Deuteronomy 4:28-30; 1 Chronicles 28:8-10; Job 5; Jeremiah 29:11-14...
There will always be plenty of blame to go around. There will always be someone to point a finger at, and to place the blame on for the things that have gone wrong. Yet, there comes a time when we must look within. We must take a look in the mirror and do a self inspection of our own actions, and take responsibility accordingly.
I declare and decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement for your heart, mind, and soul. Allow this week to find you in the presence of God, seeking His will for your life, and searching of your heart. Run towards the truth, not away from it. Embrace it so that you may live your truth, and walk in the peace of God and His understanding.
At this very moment, there are many people who are suffering needlessly at the hands of another. There are lives being torn apart because of the decisions of another. For many, it may feel that God does not hear them. That, He has closed His ears to their call. For their pain is so great, that they are having a difficult time in holding on to their faith. It is my prayer that they would hold on, and not let go of God. Hold on tight and continue to seek God and to have faith that their troubles will not last. To believe with all their heart, that God is showing up, and He will be right on time.
At the same time, there are those who have inflicted this hurt and pain. There are those who have caused much suffering for themselves and others, yet deny their actions. They remove themselves from the equation, trying to place the blame on another; never taking responsibility for their actions. It is my prayer that they will soon repent, and do what is necessary to rectify, amend, and recompense for their actions.
We all have fallen short of God's glory. There are things that we may have done and will do that is not in the best interest of others, and sometimes not even in our own best interest. It is time for us to take responsibility for our actions. It is time for us to look in the mirror, and do a self evaluation of our actions. It is time for a heart check.
It is very easy to point the finger and to blame another when things in our lives do not go the way we want, or when something we did or did not do causes suffering for another. Many do not take responsibility for their actions, because they do not have the courage to face the consequences. It is hard for many to admit when they are wrong; when they have made a mistake. What is it that keeps us from admitting our faults? Pride.
Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes dishonor, But with the humble is wisdom.
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.
Proverbs 29:23 A man’s pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor.
There are times in our lives when we will make mistakes. There are times when we will be wrong in our actions and our decisions. And because of this, we may bring harm or hurt to others. We must learn to take responsibility for our actions. We must learn to humble ourselves and repent for the things we have knowingly done. And for those things we do not know, when God reveals them, be accountable and have a repentant heart.
For some, it is hard to accept that their lives are not quite going the way they would like or hope because of something they have done. Their actions have led to certain situations in their life, and they refuse to accept that it was what they did or did not do that created the situations that they are currently faced with.
Our lives can become stagnate and hold much pain and disappointment when we do not take responsibility for the decisions we make, and the actions we take. We must learn accountability. Too often we do not hold ourselves accountable to anyone. Without accountability, we run the risk of becoming insensitive to others. We risk walking a line that teeters on self-destruction and reckless abandonment between what is right and wrong. And our actions, more often than not, will hurt others while we hold no obligation to answer for our actions, but rather blame others.
The time is here for us to take a long look in the mirror, and to reflect upon the decisions we have made concerning our lives. For too long, many have been evading the truth, while others in our lives have suffered the consequences of our actions, and our lack of accountability.
Parents have an obligation to protect and take care of their children; to put the needs and safety of their children as a priority. Spouses have a responsibility to each other; to honor their vows and to be present and accountable in their marriage. Employees have an obligation to do their best on their job; to put in the hours necessary to earn their paycheck. Employers have an obligation to their employees to ensure that they are treated fairly, and that their earnings are conducive to the work they put in. They are responsible for making certain that there is a safe work environment, also. The government has a responsibility to the people. The government is suppose to be for the people and to protect the people and act accordingly in the best interest of the people.
Sadly, we all know too well what occurs when the above mentioned DO NOT act accordingly. When, they act in a manner in which there is no accountability or responsibility for their actions. Blame gets cast on others. Destruction begins to take place. Chaos ensues. And in the end...lives are destroyed.
It is time to take a look in the mirror. Take a look at our own actions, and repent. We can no longer point our fingers at others and do not first look at self. Until we can honestly look at ourselves, and be accountable for the the choices we make; then we will continue to have the same results in our lives.
Jeremiah 29:11-14 11 For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.’
I decree that the word of God is stirring you to action and repentance. May the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives: spiritually, physically, emotionally,mentally, socially, and financially. Take a long look in the mirror. Allow God to reveal some things to you. Take responsibility for your actions, always. Be accountable to someone. Do not be quick to blame another when you have not first looked at self. Let God show you and lead you. He loves you abundantly. You are Blessed. Now go...and Be a Blessing!

©2013. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, October 06, 2013

Reflections4Life: "God Already Knows"

Reflections4Life October 6th, 2013
God Already Knows”
So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages].” Isaiah 26:4 AMP
Scripture Contemplation: Proverbs 3; Isaiah 26; Isaiah 65; Luke 16; James 5...
What I know for certain: God is not sleeping. Neither is He winking. He sits high upon His throne, as He also walks among man. He knows the heart through and through. He sees what many cannot see or are unwilling to see. He knows our thoughts and our intentions. He is pulling back the covers; exposing truth and revealing the wolves in sheep's clothing. Many may deny the truth concerning their wicked and hateful hearts, and depraved minds; but they will never escape the hand of God. And, as many a elder would say: "Your arms are too short to box with God." We cannot outrun God or hide from Him. No matter what we do or think, you can believe God already knows. This...I know for certain.
I declare and decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement for your heart, mind, and soul. There is no need to hide from God, when He already knows. However, we must confess and repent and be made free. Acknowledge who the Father is, and be free from those things that would bind us.
There is a war going on in this world. It's been going on for a long time; ever since the fall of man. The war between good and evil. Though it seems that evil has been winning many a battle; the truth is that good has already won the war.
We really cannot explain why people do what they do. Were they taught to be that way? Did they assume that character, believing that it would service them and their lifestyle? Why are some more caring than others? Why do some seek to destroy while others seek to build? But we know as long as we are upon this earth waiting Christ's return, there will always be the two: good and evil. We must determine what side we are on, and not straddle the fence.
There are many of us that become disillusioned with God; not understanding His ways. We do not understand His thoughts. And therefore we do not understand why God, who says He loves us, would allow such travesties to continue to happen in our lives. God has given dominion of the earth to man. He has given each and everyone us the freedom to choose which path we walk in this life. God already knows which way a person will go. He already knows who will yield and submit. And He knows who will not. Yet He extends His love and His mercy towards us all.
Job 34:21 “For His eyes are upon the ways of man, and He seeth all his goings.”
Proverbs 5:21 “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He pondereth all his doings.”
Jeremiah 17:10 “I, the Lord, search the heart; I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.”
Isaiah 55:8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” saith the Lord.
We have all been extended the mercy and grace of God. But there is a time of judgment coming. When we spend too much time considering the paths of others, we may find ourselves becoming agitated, and falling short of the mark that God has called for our lives. We must continually walk in the presence and mind of Christ. We must yield to God each and every day and understand that God will take care of our enemy.
Our lives cannot be lived by what others are doing. Our walk in God cannot be predicated by the actions of another. It must be based upon our own, personal intimate relationship with the Father. Though it seems that many are getting away with evil; do not be fooled. God is not sleep. And He is moving in ways we cannot see or even understand. Our walk, however, must be our focus. We cannot save anyone else. We can share the truth of the word of God. We can lead them, and live by example. But we cannot choose a life of righteousness for no one other than ourselves. The choice will always be theirs. And for those who seem to be getting away with atrocities; know that God already knows.
Galatians 6:6-8 Let him that is taught in the Word share with him that teacheth, in all good things. Be not deceived, God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
How is your heart today? What condition would the Father say your heart was in? Is their unforgiveness there? Is there malice? Is there unrepentant sins? I know for certain that this walk in Christ is not an easy walk. It has its ups and downs. It has its bumpy roads. And the road is indeed narrow. But I know it is a road that leads to life. I know that there is always help along this road. I know for certain that I am never alone, and that I can always call upon my Father. I know that whatever I need, God will provide, and that no matter what things appear to be, God already knows. And because He knows, I can place my trust in Him, and believe that He hears me each and every time, and if I walk in patience, and in faith, I will get to where I need to be and receive all that God has promised me.
Isaiah 65:24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
God hears you, beloved. God already knows, and He has made a way for you. Do not be distracted by the evil of others. Do not be deterred from your walk in Christ. Do not give up or lose faith because of the actions of others. I encourage you to hold on, and to know that God has worked it all out for you. Stand firm and stay focused. Continue to walk by faith and not by what it looks like. God has the final word. Good has already won. Don't believe me? Then read the Book of Revelation. It declares we win!
I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity have found permanent rest in your lives: spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and financially. Take comfort in the knowledge that God already knows, and that He has worked it all out for you. Trust God with all your heart. Continue to walk in faith. And know in your heart, that God knows just what He is doing; even when we do not. You are Blessed and favored! Now go...and Be a Blessing!

©2013. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.