Sunday, January 29, 2017

"A Family Affair Catering"







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"Just Listen"

Reflections4Life January 29, 2017
“Just Listen”
“…he wise will hear and increase their learning, and the person of understanding will acquire wise counsel and the skill [to steer his course wisely and lead others to the truth]…” Proverbs 1:5 (AMP)
Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 26; Deuteronomy 4:30; Psalm 54; John 10; James 1; 1 John 4

Have you ever just wanted someone just to listen to you? You did not want them to give advice, to tell you their opinion, or even answer any questions you may have stated. You just need someone to listen to you. To hear your heart and the words that are coming from your soul. Sometimes, Beloved, that is what God desires from us; for us to just listen.
I declare and decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and enlightenment for your heart, mind, and soul; bringing you peace in every area of your life. Though you may have many things running through your mind, and questions you want answered, I implore to take some time this week just to listen. Listen to what the Father wants to say to you without interjecting. God desires to speak a word to your soul, but He needs for you to get still and really open your ears and heart to listen to what the Father wants to tell you.
I am guilty, Beloveds, of being on both ends of the spectrum—of wanting to speak the contents of my heart and soul without any commentary on what I had to say. I just needed for the person to hear my heart; to truly hear what I was saying and understand me and where I was coming from. I have also been the person who was asked to listen. Sometimes I passed, but there were sometimes I failed because I interjected or stated my thoughts and opinion when all the person wanted was for me to listen; to hear what they were trying to say and express from their heart and soul.
I admit, sometimes it is hard for me not to interject because I am a nurturer and a fixer. I am also a teacher and when I see the answer before me, I want to rush in and save the person from going the wrong way or to soothe them; when most times all they need is someone to hear them; not to comment or interject or even give an answer. Just listen; especially with your heart.
Beloveds, this is what God desires from us many a time—just to listen to Him. Quiet our mind, our thoughts, our perceptions, and just listen to what He has to say to our hearts. Often bogged down with everyday life; with the cares of this world, filled with worry, hurt, pain, and doubt—our minds are cluttered and cannot hear the voice of God and what it is He is saying to us. When we pray, we do not wait to hear what the Father says, we bombard Him, instead, with questions; with why’s, what’s, and how’s; instead of coming boldly in belief for what we ask for, then getting still and waiting on God...waiting for His answers and instructions, His directions. God has much to tell us. If only we would be still long enough, to hear what He is saying.
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 you may have many questions you desired answered, try trusting God to have the answers already you seek. Listen more than you speak this week. Try it God’s way and see how many of the answers you seek indeed are already answered. God always knows what you need even before you ask. We just have to listen more and talk less. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, January 22, 2017

'What Does Your Heart Say?"

Reflections4Life January 22, 2017
“What Does Your Heart Say?”
“Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part [of my heart] You will make me know wisdom.” Psalm 51:6 (AMP)
Scripture Contemplation: Matthew 6:21; Joshua 22:5; 24:23; 2 Chronicles 6; 2 John 1; Galatians 6:7-8…


I declare and decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and enlightenment for your heart, mind, and soul; bringing you peace in every area of your life. Make the time this week to get intimate with God. Take time out to reflect upon what is in your heart and what it is saying to you. Many of us have ignored what our hearts have been screaming at us for quite some time. Now, many of our hearts are growing quiet from despair. Take the time this week and become acquainted with what your heart is saying.
If you are not, sure of who you are I implore you to seek God for yourself. When you get to know God, you will get to know yourself. Moreover, once you know yourself, do not forget who you are in the process of relationships, trials, tests, heartaches, and even successes.
One of the key things to know is who we are and following what is best for our lives is to know what our hearts say. Far too many of us have too much clutter in our souls, in our minds, from the voices of everyone else and their opinions. Somewhere along the way, their voice has gotten louder, as our own voice has gotten quieter until we no longer recognize our own thoughts and desires. Instead, we become doormats for everyone else; allowing people to walk all over us, use us, then discard us, just as we have done to our own hearts; rarely listening to what it is saying to us anymore.
Perhaps many of us are afraid to listen to what our hearts have to say. It is obvious that for most, we have stopped following our hearts long ago. More than likely, we encountered some heartache and disappointment; now we are afraid of what our heart may say because we no longer want to risk being hurt or disappointed by putting ourselves out there and taking a chance.
Isn’t that what life is?—One big risk?—Not really knowing what is going to work until we at least try? We often like to plan things—even our experiences. But if you live long enough and have ever dared to love, then you know that you cannot plan for the heart. The heart knows what it wants and when. Yes. We can certainly ignore it and overrule it (as many of us have) and do our own things, only to find ourselves coming full circle.
This kind of heartache and disappointment often leads us to other avenues instead of listening to our hearts and following what it is speaking to us. We find ourselves allowing others to have more authority over aspects of our lives than we would if we felt confident and assured in ourselves and in knowing the truth of our hearts.
I implore you, Beloveds, to follow your heart. Listen to what your heart is speaking to you. We have allowed so many voices into our heads; gave them space to rent that should have been exclusive property. Our lives are no longer our own. Most of us are confused, and always seeking the opinions and approval of others before we can even make a sound decision.
Enough is enough. It is time to quiet the voices, get still, and follow your heart. Find out what your heart is saying, and then do it! Our hearts instinctively know the voice of God. It is we, and our minds, that determine if we are going to follow.
I cannot and will not pretend about who I am, or whose I am. I am a child of God who seeks to please my Father in heaven. I want the works that I do, the contents of my mind and heart to be pleasing to Him. I want EVERYTHING that He says He has ordained for my life. I know that the only way this will happen is if I follow my heart, where He resides and sits upon its throne.
Too many have given their advice on who we should be, what, and how we should say and do things. Yet, not near one of them know our hearts. They do not know the contents of our heart or even the plans that God has ordained for us. So why, then, do we expect them to lead us to the place that only God has the roadmap and instructions to?
It is time, Beloveds, to evict a couple people from our lives, and evict all those who have rented space in your head; either by permission or by trespassing.
My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. What does your heart say? Talk to God. Heed His advice, and begin living the life He has ordained just for you. Listen to what your heart has to say. Follow your heart and be encouraged that God has you, in the palm of His Hand. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!
©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.




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Sunday, January 15, 2017

"Let Us Pray"

Reflections4Life January 15, 2017
“Let Us Pray”
“…be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God…” 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18 (AMP)
Scripture Contemplation: Acts 12; Romans 1; 1 Thessalonians 5; 2 Timothy 1…
©Ruthe McDonald
I cannot pretend—to myself—hat all is going perfectly well. That, I am not experiencing some troubles and trials, heartaches and some heaviness. I may be able to put on a smile for everyone else and continue to take care of business, while others (with the exception of my closest circle or confidante) will be no wiser of the inner turmoil that I am suffering.
There are many things I do not know in this life and many things I do. Such as love, happiness, joy, hurt, pain, sorrow, and betrayal, just to name a few. However, one of the greatest things I have come to know and learn is that I can ALWAYS look up to God when so many things cause me to want to look and keep my head down and my mouth closed.
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 not hide the pain in your spirit and heart. Let it out. Now is not the time to get quiet, but to speak to God, who is there; even when you feel everyone else has gone. Talk with God; He is listening and waiting to give you exactly what you need.
I may be able to hide my pain and turmoil from others, but I will never be able to hide it from myself or be able to pretend it is not like a boulder on a chain around my neck. I realized a long time ago, you could not be free or move forward if you hide from yourself, lie to yourself, or pretend that there is nothing wrong.
This, my Beloveds, is where prayer is essential. The anchor will hold you down. The lifeline that will keep you tethered to the heavenly Father. The connection that will give you peace of mind and heart and the strength to go on
Prayer gives strength to our spiritual and natural lives. Prayer is what keeps us grounded and open to hearing the voice of God. It is a conversation between our Creator and ourselves. It is not just making a list of wants and repeating them. God is not Santa Claus. Nor is He a magician, waiting to do magic tricks and perform.
Our answers, our strength, our joy, our help—all come from God, and whoever He leads into our lives, to be the representative of Him in this earth. I believe that there are angels all around us in human form. We just have to open our hearts, our minds, and our souls to see and believe and experience the wonders of God's infinite and unconditional love for us.
God is our Father, our Creator, and our Help. He is our Deliverer, our Savior, our Comforter, our Teacher, our connection to who WE really are. Our Father is the One we can ALWAYS turn to—no matter what we are facing.
Far too many times, and for far too long we allow pain, heartache, and disappointments blind and bound us from what is right in front of us. No. We cannot ignore the pain. We must confront and deal with it. However, we do not have to go it all alone; isolated, allowing our feelings to get the best of us.
In my life's journey, I have come to learn just how scared the enemy gets when we pray. He would prefer if we got quiet, did not speak, and held everything in. He would love it if we would evade what bothers us and pretend it does not exist. Because it would give him the continued opportunity to torment us; to mess with our minds; to create fear, and keep us bound by that fear.
The devil is a lie! And the truth—us speaking our truth—will not only set us free, but allow us to walk in the spirit of love, power, and a sound mind (2Timothy 1:7), giving God reign over our mind, our thoughts, and our heart where what we think of eventually resides.
Beloveds, we can look to God. Listen to His voice. Follow His instructions. Moreover, be open to the people He is sending in our life this season to aid us in moving forward. It may not be easy; the pain still very raw. However, God will be with us; that soothing balm that brings comfort, peace, strength, and a reminder that His love for us is not only unconditional but also boundless. We just have to keep the faith and never stop reaching or believing, or praying.
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 heartache and pain of current circumstances to keep your mouth shut when it comes to prayer. Meditate on the Word; pray diligently, and be open to who God sends your way. We must be in communication with the Father to know and recognize whom God has ordained to be our help in this time of need. Have faith and shut the enemy down finally. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, January 08, 2017

"Neutralize the Enemy"

Reflections4Life January 8, 2017
“Neutralize the Enemy”
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Joshua 1:8
Scripture Contemplation: Daniel 6; Proverbs 6; Habakkuk 2:4; Haggai 1; Mark 2; John 3…

There is no one more for you or on your side than God. From the moment you were a thought, He has made certain to protect you, provide for you, and destroy the enemy for you. Now, as you move forward in the will of God and you desire to be and do all that He as promised, the enemy will do his part to try and distract you, disturb you, and if he can, destroy and kill you. Do not allow it. It is time to neutralize the enemy.
I declare and decree that this week’s Reflections will be a source of encouragement for your heart, mind, and soul. Allow it to penetrate to the marrow of your spirit and soul, confirming the very things that God has already spoken to you.
Beloveds, I hope you are ready to live the life you have prayed and believed for. I pray that you are ready to walk in your greatness. Because, once the enemy is neutralized in your life for a season, it is time to move full steam ahead. No procrastinating. No hesitating. If you do either, you will allow the enemy to gain his footing.
It is time to neutralize the enemy. How? By having courage, walking in faith and doing exactly what God instructs us to do. We cannot wait when it comes to obedience to the Father. We must be swift to act, and not allow a spirit of procrastination to set in.
When we procrastinate in the things we need to do, we give time and room for the enemy to get in. Trust me; an inch will never be enough for him. The enemy seeks to kill, steal, and destroy. Do you think the enemy wants you believing God? Do you believe that he likes it when you show courage, walk in the will of God, and follow His instructions? Do you think he likes when you do not waste time mulling things over but instead move quickly in the word of God?
He does not. A person who has a made up mind, who moves quickly on the instructions of God leaves no room for the enemy to get in. The enemy wants to destroy who we are, our relationships, steal our future and promises, and kill our spirits, our visions, our faith, our love, and our humanity.
The only way to neutralize the enemy is to be sold out to God, walking in faith and obedience. By, standing on God's word and walking in truth, living truth, and not in fear or trepidation, or procrastinating on the things of God, we strip the enemy of any and all ammunition he will try and use against us.
Faith neutralizes the enemy. As does obedience and love. And guess what else neutralizes him? Forgiveness. Yes. When we forgive ourselves and we forgive others, we let go of those albatrosses around our necks. We are not walking with guilt that hinders us and keeps us from walking in truth and faith. Or, from hearing and recognizing the voice of our God.
It is time, that the enemy has been neutralized in our lives. Bound from doing any more harm and destruction; from causing chaos and confusion; from creating dissension and self-loathing. Obedience to God gives us leverage over the machinations of the enemy. He is powerless to do anything other than what God allows him to do. See the enemy for who and what he is. Do not underestimate him or believe that you are strong enough to fight him alone on his turf. We need God. We need his power and His covering. And we need to walk in His love and truth. When we do, the enemy cannot get in, unless we invite him in.
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. Beloveds, do not give the enemy any room in your life. Do not give him an inch to get in and try to destroy you. Walk in obedience and confidence in God. Do not procrastinate; move quickly on the things of God. He gave us the power. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, January 01, 2017

"The First Day"

Reflections4Life January 1, 2017
“The First Day”
“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16
Scripture Contemplation: Jeremiah 31:31; Joel 3:18; Mark 14:25; 2 Corinthians 4; Hebrews 8...

Happy New Year, Beloveds! I am so grateful to be alive and see 2017. I am so grateful to be in the position to say yes to God and His will. To choose the path I need to take. You have the opportunity to start over. Yes indeed. I am grateful.
I declare and decree this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and enlightenment for your heart, mind, and soul. Let this first day be governed and set by the Heavenly Father; preparing your heart and mind for the transitions to take place.
We know this is the first day of the New Year. For many, the first day of resolutions, diets, lifestyle changes, and new people. How about if this is the first day of a new mind? A new mind that recognizes and accepts that victory and change are first won in our thoughts; the way we see, understand, and do things.
Beloved, if you truly desire to leave 2016 in the past, right along with all those other years that have been hanging around, then you have to make up in your first, then your heart and actions will follow.
Be prepared for opposition from day one. We often have a natural inclination to fight change. To resist coming out of our comfort and apparently safety zones, for fear of the unknown.
What is your first-day plan? Many of start by jumping into a task that they haven't prepared themselves for mentally. Let your first day be one of peace and contemplation. Think on the things that need to be done. Allow your mind and heart to sync, and prepare for the tasks ahead. Securing day one victory, that will lead into each day that follows, victory. 
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. Your first day sets the tone for all days to follow. God has promises for you, if you are willing to accept it, believe it, and receive it. Let your mind be renewed and your heart and actions will follow its lead. You are blessed. Now…go and be a blessing!
©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.