Sunday, July 28, 2019

"Celebrating The Milestones"

Reflections4Life July 28th, 2019

Celebrating The Milestones”

After that, the Word of God came to me: “Zerubbabel started rebuilding this Temple and he will complete it. That will be your confirmation that God-of-the-Angel-Armies sent me to you. Does anyone dare despise this day of small beginnings? They’ll change their tune when they see Zerubbabel setting the last stone in place...”” Zechariah 4:8-10 (MSG)

Scripture Contemplation: Zechariah 4; Habakkuk 2; Ecclesiastes 3; Hebrews 11...




More than anything, what is ringing in my soul is the importance of celebrating the milestones in our lives. Also, the importance of not despising small beginnings. For, it is those small beginnings that shape your foundation and lay the ground work for what is to come.

I thank God today for the past twelve years of Reflections! Woo-Hoo! What a beautiful milestone. I cannot begin to say how blessed and fortunate I am that the Father has blessed me each and every Sunday with fresh manna from Heaven. What a blessing these past twelve years have been to be able to fellowship, minister, teach, share, and connect with some awesome and beautiful souls! I am honored that God would use me. I am honored to be able to share the love of my Father with many! And I thank each and everyone who has been apart of this journey with me for your support, participation, prayers, love, and countless conversations. It has been a share joy in getting to meet and know so many beautiful souls. YOU have been a blessing, and I pray that God will bless you a hundredfold for all you have given to me these past six years of fellowship.

I decree that this week's Reflections will continue to be a source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. May the blessings of God consume you and manifest in every area of your life. May every need that you have be met, and your heart open to the will and way of God that is best for you and yours.

Sometimes you do not know how a thing is going to turn out. There are times you don't know where God is taking you, but you follow Him, and trust Him, because He's God! And of course, because you love Him. Even when you are not sure, or you cannot see where you are going, you can always count on God to have your back.

There are times when God will direct you to do a thing, and you may not be certain, you may even be scared; but you can rest in the knowledge that wherever God leads you, He will not only provide for you, but be there with you.

Every dream, every goal, every vision has a beginning. Everything we do and accomplish starts with a beginning, and that beginning may be small. It is during these beginning that we lay a foundation that will hold the structure of our dreams and visions. The foundation must be strong enough to hold the weight of the fulfillment our goals and dreams.

If you were building a house, you must be certain that the foundation of that house is laid properly. You must be certain that it is not only level, but strong enough to hold the weight and substance of a house, and sturdy enough to withstand any natural occurrences. The foundation must be strong enough and solid enough to withstand any destruction that may occur to the house, in the event that you may have to start all over.

Marriages must be built upon strong foundations, also. The foundation doesn't just begin when you get married; it is being laid and constructed well before you get married. The foundation of any relationship that will last, must be strong, solid, and sure. All relationships are tested. Marriages go through many seasons and changes. As we go from honeymoon stage, to living together, to having children, building a family, working, and providing; we must be certain that our foundations are solid and built to weather the storms that will arise.

Here's what I learned and know for certain: During the beginning of anything—a goal, a vision, a relationship, marriage, ministry, business—we must work diligently and show it the same love and respect as if it were already accomplished. Sometimes the work required seems laborious or not as necessary, and we take for granted the process, and may not like the time it takes, or the tasks that are necessary to ensure for a solid foundation. It is in those beginning stages that the tone is set for what is to come. If we cannot appreciate the beginning of a thing, and learn to celebrate the milestones along the way, then we will never really be able to appreciate the fulfillment of a goal or vision, or reach the point in a relationship or marriage where we can stand firm with one another, and love each other even after the storms have passed. For when the storms come, we will not be able to make it through because we didn't do what we should have done in the beginning, or appreciated what we had when we started out.

There is joy in celebrating the milestones. There is joy when you do not despise the process or humble/small beginnings. When we have a spirit of thankfulness and appreciation for our journeys in this life, we open ourselves to the Spirit of God to move in our life in unexpected and expected ways. A heart of gratefulness sets the stage for a life of blessings being 


Beloved, wherever you may be in life at this present time, celebrate right where you are. Celebrate that God has blessed you with a new day of life. Celebrate that you are still here to see the promises of God fulfilled in your life. Do not despise where you are at right now. Learn from it. Grow from the process. And be certain that the foundation that you are building is built with the wisdom of God, the gratefulness of heart, the solidness of faith, so that it may withstand any and all storms that may arise. Let God be your Architect. Follow His instructions, and learn to enjoy this journey we call life.

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity has found permanent rest in every area of your lives. Be grateful for the process. Do not despise small beginnings. For, it is your foundation. Live, learn, and grow. You are blessed so much more than you know. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.


Sunday, July 21, 2019

"The Truth Will Set You Free"


Reflections4Life July 21st, 2019

The Truth Will Set You Free”

Lord, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in Thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart...” Psalm 15:1,2

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 15; Psalm 51; John 1; 8; Ephesians 4; 2 Timothy 3...

©Ruthe McDonald.

Stop lying! Stop lying to yourself, to others, and stop trying to lie to God! A bit harsh? I don't believe so. It needs to be heard. Some of us need reminding. We have been living a lie for so long that we are actually beginning to believe those lies. Know this: the truth will set you free!

I decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Allow yourself to walk in truth, to walk in the truth of who you are in Christ, and what God has spoken of you. Forget what others have said about you. Forget the lies they try to put upon you. Stand in YOUR truth, and dare to live it every day.

There is no need for us to lie when we know who God is and we know and believe who we are in Him. Many have been living lies for a long time, and it is starting to take its toll and catch up with them. God wants you to be free. He wants your life to be full of joy, happiness, peace, and love. How can you possibly have any of those things, if you have been perpetrating a fraud? If, your life has been one lie after another? Aren't you tired? Isn't a load of trying to keep up with the lies tiring? Then stop lying and start living your truth.

Some of us do not realize that we have been living a lie. We have not been living our authentic lives. Everything we do or say is to bring pleasure for someone else. Everything we do is to get accolades or acceptance and love from someone else. Whether it is parents, spouse, children, employer, friends—we are not living our own personal truth because we are living to please someone else.

I've been there, Beloved! I have the T-Shirt to prove it! Along with the scars from the wounds of not living my authentic truth. I gave power over my life to others who thought and believed they knew what was best for me. I got very tired of that! I grew exhausted and angry. Angry with them, but especially angry with myself. 

God has a plan for every one of us. He has ordained each one of us to live out our own lives and destiny and to walk in the greatness that He has created for us as individuals. It's just like our relationship with God: it is personal. No one else can walk your walk with God, but you. No other person can stand before God on the judgment day, but you. No other person can live your life, but you.

Sometimes our need to be accepted, loved, and to fit in, causes us to lay aside our own desires and needs so that we can please another. Soon we find that we have forgotten about who we really are. We are far removed from the truth of what we desire, and long to be and have in our own lives. We cannot survive like that. Eventually, death will come. It will come to our dreams, our passion, our hopes, and even our lives.

Life is too precious and too short not to live our truths. Perhaps you do not even recognize your truth anymore. If this is true, then it's time to get to the throne of God and pour out your heart to the Father. Repent, confess, and ask God to turn it around, and show you the truth about you and His will for your life. 

That is one of the greatest things about the Father: His unconditional love. Even when we have walked away, and have turned from Him, it doesn't stop Him from loving us. It also does not prevent Him from reaching out towards us; especially when we cry out to Him. He waits patiently for us to get the message from all the hints and whispers He's been sending our way throughout the years. When we are finally tired of being tired, and truly and sincerely want to be who He designed us to be—He is right there to lead us in the path that we must go.

Are you living your truth today? Are you walking in the greatness that God says is your birthright? Do you believe what God says about you, or are you trapped in the lies of what someone else says of you, and the lies of being someone that needs acceptance and fears rejection?

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Know this: Rejection is going to happen. Not everyone is going to like you, love you, or want you. Life is a journey filled with hills and valleys. In your life, you will meet those who cheer for you and jeer at you. There are those who will comfort you, and those that will try to take from you. Ultimately, when it's all said and done: YOU are in charge of what you accept or do not accept. This is YOUR life. You get to choose. God gave that gift to you. The choice is yours. Live your truth or continue to live a lie. When you live and walk in your truth, lies have no power over you. What other people say or think about you will have no effect. Truth sets you free and takes away the power of the enemy to hold anything over you or against you. Stand up and live. Be bold. God has indeed anointed you! You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, July 14, 2019

"When God Gives You a Rainbow"


Reflections4Life July 14, 2019
“When God Gives You a Rainbow”

“The rainbow that I have put in the sky will be my sign to you and to every living creature on earth. It will remind you that I will keep this promise forever.” Genesis 9:12-13

Scripture Contemplations: Genesis 9; Genesis 15; 17; 2 Samuel 23:5; Daniel 12:7; Galatians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Romans 4:20 …

©Ruthe McDonald.


Beloved, allow these words to encourage you today. Whatever you may be going through; whatever trials, tests, situations, or circumstances—remember that God is a promise keeper. Every word that God has spoken to your heart; every promise you have been patiently waiting to come to fruition; God is bringing to fruition if you do not give up and walk away.

I declare and decree under heaven, that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. There is absolutely not one promise that God has forgotten concerning you. Though days have passed; even months and some years, God’s promises do not have an expiration date. His word will not return to Him void but will accomplish all that He sent it to do. Even if those promises are fulfilled through your children and grandchildren.

I rarely talk about what I am going through because I am not looking to gain sympathy. 
However, I will ask for prayer, to be lifted in prayer, for those who know how to pray, to stand in agreement with me for the word of God to manifest. To, be strengthened while I wait. While waiting, the Father blessed me with a rainbow; a reminder of His promises me and that in just a while, all will be right.

The waiting gets most of us, because, we have time to think, to worry, to doubt, and for some, to give up. This is why the Father admonishes us to pray daily, to pray often and fervently, and to pull down strongholds, put on the mind of Christ, and to think on the things that lovely, good, and pure. The things that are of Holy Spirit. Of God. 

It is easy to get caught up in what things appear to be; especially when so much is going on and the wait for the promises has been a while in coming to pass. However, just when our soul is beginning to grow weary; when it looks like we are slipping, our fingers are letting go of the rope that has us tethered to our Heavenly Father; God shows up and gives us a rainbow. 

The Father is not about to allow us to slip through His fingers or to give up without a fight or a reminder of His promises. No! He loves us too much. He will send a word to encourage us. He will send messengers in various forms to uplift and encourage us to hold on. These are His rainbows—Physical reminders of His spoken word and promises for our lives.

Beloved, God is not about to allow us to slip through His fingers, to fall out of His hands, or away from His grace and mercies. No. He loves us unconditionally and knows the plans that He has ordained for our lives in this earth, in this season. We have to remind ourselves, as well. To do our part and be consistent in prayer, walking the walk, talking the talk, and being brave in the face of adversity.

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Honor your father. Put on the armor of God and saturate the atmosphere with praises to our Mighty God; thanking Him in advance for His promises manifesting and the answers to your prayers. When God gives you a rainbow, the manifestations of His promises are closer than you think! Remember; You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, July 07, 2019

"When God Has Said Yes"

Reflections4Life July 7, 2019

"When God Has said Yes"

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 NKJV
Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 28; Psalm 51; John 14; Romans 12; Colossians 3; James 1...


 
©Ruthe McDonald
What lessons have you learned about yourself, and about the grace of God? There will be situations in our lives that will come and disturb the flow of the way we have been living our lives. It may cause upsets, setbacks, disappointments, and even discomfort and discouragement.  Yet, God is there in the midst of it all, reminding us that He has given us a yes. A yes to our hopes and dreams, a yes to His will being done in our lives. When God says yes, there is nothing that can stop His word from manifesting.

I decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. As you embark upon a brand new week, leave behind the burdens of yesterday, while still embracing the lessons learned. Allow the set-backs and adversites that may have occurred to catapult you into a transformed life for every yes God has spoken over your life.

What you determine to do for God, will bring about change in your life. It is obedience and the willingness to sacrifice that will bring about a transformed life. And the truth is: it begins within our minds.
If there was any lesson that I have learned well, it was about the power of our minds.What we are thinking definitely manifests in pur lives in some shape or form.  It is no wonder the enemy tries so hard to mess with our minds. It is often said that the mind is a battlefield and the devil's playground. I believe that whatever we think upon will most certainly manifest. And if our thoughts are not on the things and promises of God, then chances are that we have brought to pass in our lives some very harsh realities. I do know for certain, that our perception determines our reality. Whatever we perceive to be true or real, will most certainly manifest in our lives.So, why is it so difficult for us to accept, that when God says yes, that settles it.
 
If you consistently say to yourself: I knew this would happen, then chances are great that you have been operating in a negative mindset. Whatever we believe, beloved, we draw unto ourselves. We are a magnet. Whatever we are, whatever we think, we will most certainly attract to us. Be it situations, circumstances, or people. Our experiences become a reflection of our perceptions and how we think.

Philippians 4:8-9 “Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.” (THE MSG)
In order for us to begin to see the YES that God has spoken, we must  be renewed in our mind and our thoughts. You can say to yourselves that you are going to do things differently. However, unless you have a made up and determined mind; a mind that is renewed daily; a mind that is set upon the things and ways of God; a mind that seeks after the will of God; the chances are great that you will repeat the same things of the past.
Yes. Our mind is a battlefield, at war with the truth of God, and the lies of the enemy, who has shown up, seeking to kill, steal, and destroy us and our dreams and visions. Yet, on the battlefront of this battlefield is the Lord, Jesus Christ Himself, declaring you the victor, with the promise of abundant life, a renewed mind, a transformed life. Declaring His love for you, lifting up the blood-stain banner of His sacrifice for you, that guarantees you a blessed and abundant life—should you believe, and begin to see through His eyes, the glorious, transformed being that you are, and the YES He has spoken to all the visions and dreams He has placed in you to begin with.

Take all the hurts and wounds, and lay them all at the altar. Plead the blood of Jesus over your thoughts and mind. Commit yourself to Lord and to the reading of the word daily. Spend more time in the presence of God. Think on those things that are of God. Hear and believe the yes, that God has spoken to your heart and soul numerous times. Renew your mind daily, and be confident in the fact that greater is He that is in you, than he that is in this world. Though things may appear one way, determine in your heart that you will believe the report of the Lord.
Remember: the enemy is a master illusionist. Making false evidence appear real, which is just FEAR. But God has given us a spirit of love, power, and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) And when we think on the things of God, and we are in constant fellowship with our Father, our lives will begin to reflect that. We will have a renewed mind, and a transformed life.
My Beloved, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Walk in the promises of God by keeping your mind renewed daily. Take the lessons and adversity you face, and allow them to propel you forward in the will of God. God said YES! Whatever you believe; whatever you think on; whatever you perceive, will become your reality. Believe in His promises to you. Stand on the word, and do not waver. God is doing just what He said. Believe it. Expect it. Receive it. You are blessed. Now go...and continue being a blessing!


©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.