Sunday, December 25, 2016

"I Love You!"

Reflection4Life December 25, 2016
“I Love You!”
For unto us a child is born; unto us, a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: “Wonderful,” “Counselor,” “The Mighty God,”  “The Everlasting Father,” “The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (TLB)
Scripture Contemplation: Isaiah; Luke 1, 2…

Merry Christmas! May this day be filled with joy and love and happiness and the reason for the season!
I Love You! That is it in a nutshell. The reason for this season was for man to know that they are loved. The birth of Christ was a gift from God, showing us His unwavering and unconditional love towards man. His gift to us so that we may not be forever lost in the clutches of the enemy and his warped, depraved, and empty existence. The Father sent His Son for us. If that doesn’t say I Love You, I don’t know what else does.
I declare and decree that today’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement for your heart, mind, and soul; bringing you peace and comfort to you. Celebrate the birth of the King—the reason for this season. Share the love today and each day. Be that walking reminder of who God is and whom He called us to be—a reflection of His love on the earth toward all man.
Yes! I love you! I love you very much. But no one, nobody, will ever love you more than God loves you. He loves you for who you are, just as you are before you even entered this earth. He loves you so much, that He had you in mind when He created this earth. He loves you so much He gave His only Son to enter the world that would reject Him, turn against Him, and crucify Him, just to save us all. He gave us the ultimate gift: a life for an entire creation’s redemption.
Don’t ever allow anyone to tell you that you are not loved. That, you are not special or thought of, or that your life does not have purpose or meaning. Are you serious? God has loved you before you were ever formed in your mother’s womb. He’s loved you from creation. And you are precious and important to him.
One of my favorite movies is, It's A Wonderful Life. I love many things about this movie. When Clarence says to George: “Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?” How magnificent is that? Don't think for a moment that you are not making a difference or that your life is not important. God knew that! That’s why He created you—to make a difference!
No matter what our life's circumstances are at the present; no matter what yours or mine may be dictating at the moment—GOD LOVES US AND OUR LIVES MATTER AND WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO TOUCH AND CHANGE THE LIVES OF COUNTLESS OTHERS! Remember that when you start to doubt why you are on this earth, and if your life has any value or meaning.
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. Remember that God does love you. You are one of His greatest gifts, as well. Just as His gift of Christ was to let us know He loves us, we, too, are His gifts to one another. To remind one another of the fact that God is among us, that He loves us, and that He has not forgotten us but is indeed thinking of us. You are blessed. Now…go and be a blessing!

©2016. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, December 11, 2016

"Remember Your Blessings!"

Reflections4Life December 11, 2016
“Remember Your Blessings!”
“And now, brothers, as I close this letter, let me say this one more thing: Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.” Philippians 4:8 (TLB)
Scripture Contemplation: Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1; Matthew 21; Philippians 4…

We are just about at the end of another year. Another year that has seen many returns to their essence; to be home with the Lord. Many began this year not knowing how they would make it. There were others who took risks and stepped out on faith, making a huge difference in their lives and others. Whatever you do as this year ends—remember your blessings! Remember how much God truly did show up for you.
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; bringing peace and revelation to your heart, mind, and soul. Do yourself and your spirit a favor, think of taking a few days before the year is out and consecrate self to the Lord. Allow God to fill you, and anoint you for what comes next. Remember to thank Him for the many blessings and lessons.
It is hard at times to remember the good that we have experienced and received when we are too occupied with everything that has gone wrong. More often than not, there will be 100 things that went correctly, but we will only see and meditate on the one or two bad things that occurred.
Why is that? I believe it is because we are not thinking or taking on the thoughts of God as He has instructed us. In addition, we live in Satan’s playhouse; Surrounded daily by all kinds of people from different lifestyles and beliefs. We can sometimes get lost among all that is going on, and give in to the negativity that so thickly adorns the world we reside in.
This, Beloved, is why we need to meditate on the word and promises of God daily. We must spend quality time in His presence so that we can be strengthened in our resolve; in our hearts and minds concerning who God is, who we are in Him, and how we can daily live our lives not only remembering our blessings but also preparing for the continued blessings and directions of God in our 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. Give yourself the opportunity to receive all that God has for you by remembering all that He’s already done, and all that He desires to do once you fully walk in those blessings with confidence. Recall how you thought you could not make it. Then remember how God showed up. When trials come, do not fret. Instead, remember what the King has already done. He has you. All the way. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!
©2016. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.