Sunday, December 29, 2019

"Goodbye!"


Reflections4Life December 29, 2019
Goodbye!”
“The Lord said: Forget what happened long ago! Don’t think about the past. I am creating something new. There it is! Do you see it? I have put roads in deserts, streams in thirsty lands.” Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)
Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 28; Psalm 51; John 14; Romans 12; Colossians 3; James 1...

©Ruthe Mcdonald.

It is the last Sunday of 2019. Can you believe it? So many things have happened this past year; Good things, bad things, horrific things, life-changing things. What will you take from 2019? What lessons have you learned? More importantly, what have you learned about yourself, and about the grace of God?
I heard someone say that this past Friday was the last Friday of the year. From that statement, God shared with me the following: Do not let it be the only "last" of 2019. Let it be the last time you doubt yourself. Let it be the last time you procrastinate. Let it be the last time you believe the lies of the enemy and his minions. Let it be the last time, you say you're going to do something, and then don't follow through. Let it be the last time you doubt God and His promises for your life. Finally, let it be the last time you put yourself last. How can you possibly be any good to anyone else, if you are not first, good to yourself? 2020...it's on! There's no looking back! Say goodbye to the old you, the old ways, the old things…, and every lie the enemy has ever whispered to you and said about you!
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 Year, leave behind the burdens of this year, while embracing the lessons learned. Allow the set-backs and adversity of this past year to catapult you into a transformed life for this coming new season. Say hello to the greatness of God designed for your life. There is more that God has for you. Expect it.
Many of us have already resolved what we are going to do in the New Year. The plans to leave the past behind us. That's all well and good. Yet, what you determine to do for God will bring about the greatest change in your life. It is obedience and the willingness to sacrifice that will bring about a transformed life. And it begins in our minds.
The number one lesson I have learned this past year was about the power of our minds. It is no wonder the enemy tries so hard to mess with our thoughts. It is often said that the mind is a battlefield and the devil's playground. I believe AND know, that whatever we think on most, will certainly manifest. 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; real, will most certainly manifest in our lives.
If you have experienced a year of great adversity, and you can say to yourself: I knew this would happen, the 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 perceptions, and how we think. It is time to say goodbye. Goodbye to the former things; the negative and pessimistic thinking, and thoughts.
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 have transformed life in this New Year, we must renew in our minds and our thoughts. We must be able to say goodbye to the past, and all of its yokes and chains. Yes; we take the lessons we’ve learned and applied them, but we let go of all the things that are negatively binding and crippling. You can say to yourself that you are going to do things differently in this new year. However, unless you have a made-up and determined mind; a mind that is renewed daily; a mind that is set upon the things 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. And on that battlefield the enemy has shown up, seeking to kill, steal, and destroy. Yet, on the battlefront of that 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.
Take the lessons of this past year, beloved, and 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 of those things that are of God. 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. However, God has given us a spirit of love, power, and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) When we think about the things of God, say goodbye to the past, its mistakes and the things we cannot change and 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 every area of your life. Walk in the promises of God by keeping your mind renewed daily. Take the lessons and adversity of this past year, and allow them to propel you forward in the will of God. You are made in the image of God. This means that there is greatness within you.
This is the last Reflection of this year. We have had a full year of fellowship. Many things have taken place in each of our lives. We have shared many things with one another. Thank you for your fellowship. Thank you for your time. Your kind words. Your emails. I am declaring and decreeing that this New Year will be the best yet for you and your loved ones. 2020 is the year of answered prayers and manifested blessings! I love you. God Bless. 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.

Sunday, December 22, 2019

"Most Wonderful Time of the Year!"


Reflections4Life December 22, 2019

“Most Wonderful Time of the Year!”

So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:6-7 NKJV

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 23; Matthew 1; Luke 1-2; John 1...

©RutheMcDonald.

I take pleasure in knowing that Jesus is the reason for this season. I have joy in knowing that because He was born; my place at the Father's table became possible. I thank God for His precious gift that made it possible for there to be room for me in my Father's house. This makes it the most wonderful time of the year; the reminder that there is room at God’s table for me and for you!
I wish you all a very blessed Christmas! Certainly, this year has moved along quite quickly. I can hardly believe that, here we are, celebrating Christmas this week when it feels like we were just in the month of July. Yet, as the world waxes colder, the days grow shorter, and Christ is soon to return; I pray that we will remember the Word and promises of God; to keep them hidden in our hearts and live them day by day, cherishing the gift that God gave us that ensured our place at His eternal table.
I decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of continued encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Give God the glory—in the good times, the bad times, and the uncertain times. Do not allow your current situation or circumstances to determine your prayer or praise to the Father. Remember the goodness of God in your life. Meditate in the word of God. Study it. Pray it. Recite it to the atmosphere. Allow the heavenly Father to remind you of your place at His eternal table, where Christ secured a spot just for you. It is indeed the most wonderful time of the year.
For many people, their lives have consisted of them trying to fit in. Wanting acceptance and being a part of something they deem special. Whether it's family, a clique, a sorority, a fraternity, a club, the cool kids, etcetera. There is a desire in everyone to be wanted, desired, and accepted. There is no one on the earth that likes or wants rejection; especially from one's family.
During college was the first time I really noticed that not everyone had a family like mine. They didn't share that familiar closeness, the family gatherings, the looking out for one another. I also realized myself, that I never tried or desired to be accepted or fit into one certain group. Don't get me wrong; there were many times of rejection in my life. However, I moved on, because as it turns out, I attract friends rather easily; friends that would become like family. Friendships that I cherish to this day.
Yet, whether you're like me or like many others who have experienced rejection often, or fight to try and fit in, there is always a part of you—myself included—that wonders where do you fit in? Where do you belong? And will you be accepted for who you are? It crosses my mind each time I write an article or begin a new story, or write a reflection. With all the information, books, articles out there; will mine be able to stand out? Will it even make a difference? Where does my voice fit in with so many voices already out there?
God answered that right away: There's room for you. There's a place for your voice, for your gift, for your talent. There is a place for you in this world and at My table. Jesus secured a place just for me, and He secured a place just for you. How wonderful is that?
The Father also helped me to understand that where there is no room, or seems to be no way—then you make a way. You create a door. Create a new path. You are the first to tread that new pathway. You create a legacy; a business; an opportunity. You put yourself out there and become the very thing you were looking for in others.
I think of Joseph and Mary going from inn to inn being told that there was no room. No room for the Son of God to be born. No room for a woman heavy with pregnancy to give birth. So, they made room—in a manger. Where Christ our Lord was born. 
Jesus was rejected repeatedly. He was not accepted by most of His family. When He tried to preach, and teach, and give in His own home city of Nazareth, He was rejected. Here it is; the Son of God, and He is doing great things for other cities and nations. But, amongst His own...nothing. Because they did not believe and they rejected who He was. They could not see Him as anything but the carpenter's son, instead of the most wonderful thing to happen!
That is how it is for many of us today. Many people; especially family and people you grew up with—will never see you for who you truly are. They will not see the changes. They will not see the growth or accomplishments because they are blinded by your start. However, as we move forth in the Lord, we come to understand that it is not about how we start, but how we finish that counts.
There is room for you in this world. There is room for your voice, your ideas, your gifts, and your talents. Yet, most importantly, there is room for you at the Father's table. A spot has been reserved just for you. Secured the moment Jesus entered this earth realm.
Many will judge us by our past. They will never be able to see past our beginning. We will be rejected countless times. Told no too many times to count. However, one YES from God trumps all of that! As long as God has said yes, there will always be room. Room to grow, to learn, to build, to create, to be just who God ordained us to be. Don't allow rejection to stop you or hinder you any longer. You're in great company...Jesus was rejected also, but He did it God's way. And because He did, we will.
My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. Be strong. Be courageous. Stand firm in your faith. There is room for you, because God has already secured it. Remember the reason for this season—the most wonderful time of the year! Remember: one yes from God trumps every and all no's you have ever heard. Have a blessed Christmas! You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, December 15, 2019

"Don't Kill The Seeds"


Reflections4Life December 15, 2019
“Don’t Kill the Seeds”
“Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” Matthew 13:32
Scripture Contemplation: Isaiah 61; Joel 1; Matthew 13; Mark 4; John 12; 1 Corinthians 3; 15


We are all works in progress, on assignment from heaven to remember who we are and whose we are. In the process, we are serving others reminding and showing them the love of God. Throughout our lifetime, we are planting seeds. We believe, love unconditionally, and allowing God to do the growing. We must be careful not to kill the seeds we plant in others by holding them to a timetable or what we believe is right and wrong. We are just to plant seeds, love unconditionally, and not judge.
I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration to your heart mind and soul. Let those you love know that you love them…just the way they are. Practice patience, while showing kindness and unconditional love. Trust God to do the watering, weeding, and the growing.
We often want so much for the people that we love. If we sincerely love them, we want the best for them; the best for our children, our spouses, our friends, and family. If we are well-intentioned, we desire for them what we often desire for ourselves; happiness, fulfillment, joy, peace, and unconditional love—just to name a few. It can be difficult to see our loved ones making mistakes or poor decisions time after time. It is also easy, to say hurtful things in the heat of a moment, killing the seeds we had planted.
Do not hold them to a standard that God did not dictate. Everyone’s walk is different. Everyone’s come-to-Jesus moment is not the same. We all have seasons in our lives. A season for all things. Just because we do not see or recognize what season a person may be in, in their lives, does not mean God is not working in them. People are going to fail. We are going to make wrong choices. Hopefully and prayerfully, they are not life-ending, but instead, life lessons on our journey to becoming who God ordained us to be.
Everyone that is to know God personally and intimately will come at their ordained time. We cannot rush a person’s journey or progress. We cannot push our ideas and beliefs on those we love and others and expect a favorable outcome, or for that person to listen, trust, or believe in us. Sometimes, it is the person that loves, prays, and continues to live their lives of faith, who makes the most impact. Living by example and quietly praying can save many lives.
Beloved, God knows each of us. He knows the hairs upon our head. Nevertheless, more importantly, He knows our heart. He knows when we are ready fully to commit. He understands when we are tired of being tired, hitting brick walls, and chasing illusions. God’s grace is sufficient for us, and as we spend time with Him, we will understand the power of not only sowing seeds but also trusting God to be the Gardner in the garden that we sowed good seeds into. He knows how much watering and pruning is needed. As well as, how many seeds have died and need to be uprooted and the soil cleansed and turned.
My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. Plant your seeds in unconditional love. No matter what their journey consists of, how many times they may fall or seem far from the right path; allow God to be the Gardner who knows how to water, prune, and inspect whether the seeds are still viable. Trust God. Trust the process. God has not lost His touch, nor His unconditional love. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!
©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.


                                                                                                  

Sunday, December 08, 2019

"Shake It Off"


Reflections4Life December 8, 2019
“Shake It Off!”
“Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet.” Matthew 10:14
Scripture Contemplation: Judges 16:20; Nehemiah 5:13; Psalm 109:23; Isaiah 43; 2 Thessalonians 2; Hebrews 12…



Life is a journey with many vicissitudes, twists, and turns. Things can happen unexpectedly, affecting our lives in ways we never thought. We have often been told to "Let go and Let God". We do. However, what happens when the memory of the thing we let go of pops up and takes us for a heart-wrenching ride? Those are the times when we must learn to shake it off.
I decree that this week's Reflections are a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. As you let go and let God, let the Father fill you and renew your mind. Think of the great and wonderful things of God and His promises. So, when the shadows of the past come, you can shake it off.
We can be living our lives, all is going well when something will happen, or someone will say something and we are suddenly encumbered by the thoughts and shadows of our past. It can throw us for a loop, disrupting our lives and may even stagnate us for a time.
Letting go was great. However, we need to learn how to shake it off; shake off the remnants of our past before it pulls us down and keeps us from moving forward and living God's best. Our past can be a chokehold on our future if we don't learn how to shake off the reminders that the enemy strategically hits us with; trying to stop our future. Which he can't. He's just hoping we're gullible enough to fall for his continued lies and game of smoke and mirrors.
Isaiah 43:18-19a “Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. “Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it?”
Beloveds, we can let go of the past but still be haunted by its memories. The enemy is wonderful at using our past against us, whispering our unworthiness of the goodness of God’s blessings. The Father desires to do a new thing. As we let go, it does not mean that we are not affected by the memories, however, we can move forward with the knowledge that our past holds no power when God has already forgiven us. It’s just that memories can be powerful tools of the enemy to come and cripple us; always seeming to surface as we are fully prepared to move ahead.
It’s. Just. A. Test. Trust me when I tell you. God is allowing the enemy to try, but once God has already declared you the winner; that’s what it is. The enemy just wants US to think that he has some kind of power, so he tries to intimidate us into submission by dredging up old memories.
The Father tells us not to call to mind the former things or to think about them. He already warns us that it has the ability to steal our attention and make us miss the new thing He is doing. Before you know it, we are repeating the past, and have picked up what we long ago let go. Don’t do it, Beloveds. Shake it off. Shake off the memories, the regrets, and the past, and receive what God has ordained for you today.
Here’s what I know for certain: There are many things that give us pause in our lives. Things we should and have let go of. Sometimes I find that letting go is the easy part. It’s the memories that seem to have a hold on your soul. At unexpected times, memories can bombard you, causing you to feel overwhelmed. These are the times, we must learn to shake it off. Shake off those memories. Shake off the dust of past mistakes, failures, rejection, and disappointment. Shake it all off. We let go, but there seems to be some residue in our mind we're not aware of; like a sheet or layer of dust that can't be seen until the sun or light hits it. When you let go, don't pick it up again. When the light exposes the residue, shake it off. Do not entertain thoughts and memories that steal your joy and claim your peace. When they come...shake it off and keep it moving! There is too much good that God has ahead of you.
I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. Before you, God has designed a road just for you. It is not an easy road, but a rewarding road, filled with the love and promises of God. In order to move forward on this road, you will have to let go of your past. Just know, however, that on this road there are those on the sideline that will look and sound familiar and try to get you off your path. Do not stop. Whatever you do, keep moving. Keep your focus on God, shake off the remnants of the past, and keep walking into the promises of God for your life. Just as there are reminders of your past, there will be reminders of your future. Do not forfeit the gift of today and the blessings of tomorrow, for the memories of a past that God has already forgiven. You are stronger than you believe. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!
©2014. ©2019. Revised. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.