Sunday, January 31, 2016

"Celebrate!"

ctions4Life January 31, 2016
“Celebrate!”
“And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’” Luke 15:31-32
Scripture Contemplation: Luke 15: 11-32

Are you someone that celebrates the accomplishments and victories of others? For real. You know; not the fake “smile-in-your-face-but-scowling-behind-the-back” kind of celebrate? But the honest to goodness, sincere I-am-truly-happy-for-you kind of celebrate? Because there are way too many walking around harboring hate in their heart and soul over the accomplishments of others when the Father is instructing us to be happy for one another when we meet those milestones in 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. Let your heart and mind be fixed on Christ each day. Allow God to work in you and bring you to a place of peace and happiness. Celebrate the accomplishments of those around you. Be happy for them, as God prepares you to succeed in your goals and passion in life.
There are some haters in our midst. Those who would love nothing more than for us to fail at everything we do. In fact; each time we accomplish or reach a goal, they will smile in our face but talk about us behind our backs, suggesting that our accomplishments are not as they seem.
Some of us need to be careful because we are those very haters. What?! Yes! Some of us only need to look in the mirror to see that we are the haters. The ones that have difficulty celebrating the accomplishments of others. The ones that moan and complain often that God is not moving fast enough or answering their prayers. The ones that find fault in all that others do but find it most difficult to see or accept their own faults and flaws.
We should celebrate the victories of those around us. Be happy for the fulfillment of their goals and their accomplishments. Learn to rejoice when someone who was lost finds their way. Celebrate the victories and milestones met by those you know worked very hard. And while you are celebrating another, the things you need are being taken care of.
I love the parable of the prodigal son. Though he squandered all that he had, he had the wherewithal to humble himself and go back home. His return was celebrated while the son who remained home and dutiful and obedient to his father felt sore about the celebration being held in his wayward brother’s return.
The older brother reminds me of those who have been working hard their entire lives to reach a goal; to make their dreams come true. And as they are working diligently, here comes an up and coming new-comer, who accomplishes in a short period what that other person has been working towards for years. Kind of like being an actor for thirty years. Working hard at your craft. Always nominated but never winning. Then here comes a young actor; their first shot out and they are not only nominated but win the coveted award. Doesn’t seem fair, does it? But that’s life sometimes. Who’s to say what obstacles that young actor has gone through? Who’s to say that they didn’t merit the win at that time? It was their season. It may have been their only season.
Because another person wins, doesn’t necessarily make you a loser. It just isn’t your season. When you take the time to genuinely celebrate the accomplishment of others, it opens the doors and makes room for your own blessings to manifest. It’s called humility. Even though you may feel you deserve recognition for all your hard work, be patient. Wait for your season. We all have one. Allow the seeds of your life that were planted to take root and get strong, so that when your fruit comes forth—in due season—it will be good fruit free of blemish, and full of abundance.
Celebrate the accomplishments and milestones of others. Be supportive. Be the person that takes joy when others succeed, while knowing that your season is right around the corner. Celebrate the return of those to the fold; to the household of God. Welcome them with open arms. Let them know and see that you are there for them, to help celebrate not just their accomplishments, but also their lives.
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. There is no room for hate or shade when you are walking in God. No room to feel slighted or left out. What God has for you is for you. Rest assure; God is not rewarding bad behavior or a jealous spirit. But He does celebrate with those who celebrate others and lift one another to their highest level of best. Celebrate one another. Celebrate as you wait patiently for your season to come to pass. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2016. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, January 24, 2016

"No Time for Jealousy!"

Reflections4Life January 24th, 2016
“No Time for Jealousy!”
“Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is as strong as death, Jealousy as cruel as the grave; its flames are flames of fire, a most vehement flame.” Song of Solomon 8:6
Scripture Contemplation: Deuteronomy 29; Psalm 37; Proverbs 24; Proverbs 27…

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's Not Easy Being Green! And you do not have to be. Allow yourself time in the presence of God. Let Him reveal to you who you are and how deeply and fiercely He loves you just as you are.
Jealousy! What a vicious character. Warping one's mind to think things that are not necessarily the truth. One morning as I was going through a few things (In the middle of packing—we were moving), I came across an old notebook with some notes that I had jotted down. The topic of discussion: Jealousy and what to do about it.
I was taught to believe that jealousy is a wasted emotion that can wreak the most havoc if allowed to go unchecked. I also know that jealousy’s ugly root hides in the guise of insecurities. When you are insecure about anything...Beware! The green eyed monster is not too far behind
I've experienced battles with the green-eyed monster; we all have. If you say you haven't, I'm apt to believe that most of what you say isn't the truth. I learned it is not easy being green! Jealousy takes a lot of energy. What was I jealous about, you might ask? Well, keeping it honest and real...I have dealt with a weight issue what seems like FOREVER! At that time, I was maintaining, losing a few pounds here and there. Then enter a co-worker. Who, by the way, in my opinion, did not need to lose an ounce! However, she felt she did and so she started this new "diet" (I so hate that word!)  She started dropping the pounds faster than I could blink.
Now enters jealousy.  She was looking wonderful and when I looked at myself...Blah! I could hardly stand to be in the same room as her. I wished she'd just be quiet about all her success! But in all actuality, I was angry at myself for what seem to me at the time—as my failure. I found myself not being very social with her, as I was previously. In fact, I found myself pulling away from many activities that I was doing at the time.
My God! What was happening to me? Jealousy! That green eyed monster nearly cost me a friendship, and almost caused me to put back on the few pounds I did lose! Because if you didn't know it, let me tell you now: jealousy can easily lead to self-pity, and for many people in that state—they eat to suppress the feelings that they are trying to evade. Lord, help me, please! I really had to get a hold of myself. So, I started writing my "feelings" in my journal, and appropriately named it: It's Not Easy Being Green!
I made a grave mistake that many of us do: Comparing myself to someone else. We should never compare ourselves to anyone else. Besides, you don't even know what that person may be going through. Or, what it took for them to get where they are at. Their shoes may not be such a great fit. By comparing ourselves to another, we open the door wide for that spirit of jealousy to come in and take root.
Jealousy is a very strong emotion that, if not checked, can wreak all kinds of havoc in our lives. Whether it is a relationship, friendship, acquaintances, or strangers—we do not have to be envious of another person’s progress, success, or relationships. God has assured us that what is for us is for us. We do not have to stoop to a level of self-loathing, or hating on someone, or trying to attack, malign, or sabotage another’s personal success. When we know who we are; know our worth and have self-value, we do not compare ourselves to another person’s growth. When we know and believe in our own self-worth, we quickly abate insecurities. When we trust in the love of those we are in a relationship with—we understand that whether or not they stay—it is not a reflection of our self-worth.
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 who you are. Be who you are without regret, insecurity or inhibition. Do not allow a spirit of jealousy to blind you to the God’s truth concerning you, or all the plans He has ordained for you. Search your hearts and know this truth: You are worthy because God said so and that’s all that matters. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!
©2006 and ©2016. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.