Sunday, January 26, 2020

"Dance to the Beat of Your Own Drum"


Reflections4Life January 26, 2020
“Dance to the Beat of Your Own Drum”
But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted. 1 Peter 2:9-10 MSG
Scripture Contemplation: Leviticus 20:7-8; Deuteronomy 26; Luke 1”46-55; 1 Corinthians 1:1-2
 
©Ruthe McDonald.
You are more awesome than you probably know. More special than you ever thought or could conceive. However, it is hard to believe that about one’s self because of the climate of social media we live in. Today’s social media is like another form of genocide—killing the heart soul and brightest light that this world and generation may have ever known.
We are fighting to find a place in this world where we fit in and perhaps even, meld or disappear into. There are some that seek to be noticed, and others who don’t necessarily want to be noticed but instead, liked by everyone. They want badly to fit it, and would do almost anything—even go against what they believe and who they are—to be accepted and liked by a minority that only seems like everybody. This is not who God created us to be. This is not His plan or vision. God has set us apart; a peculiar people and us chosen. Instead of dancing to the beat of everyone else’s drum, we need to find the beat of our own and dance to it with all we got.
I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for our heart mind and soul. Father God has set us apart. He has blessed us with gifts and talents and placed a call on our lives that no one else can accomplish except for the one chosen for it. Spend time with the Father this week, learning who you are and just how phenomenal you are, regardless of whom or what surrounds you.
It’s a Heart Matter
What we are believing in our heart and soul concerning ourselves, dictates our actions and whether or not we fight for who we are and what we want, or just follow the crowd because it seems easier to do what everyone else is doing. Besides, who wants to be left out and not part of the “in crowd”? This is the time for a heart check. Wanting to be accepted is one thing. However, denying who you are; whom God created you to be, is just a slow death to you and your true desires and dreams.
The Secret
Here is the secret that many of us do not see before tragedy strikes. Almost everyone is trying to be somebody that they believe and hope someone else will like. Many of the same people that you want to impress or be like are living a façade. They don’t even know who they are. They are putting on a show for the whole world, just trying to fit in. Dying—literally dying—for someone to love them. To accept the picture that they have painted of themselves, without question.
Just Be Yourself
Beloved, just be yourself. Love yourself. Believe in yourself. Celebrate who you are. God has created us to be individuals who complement one another. We all have something that somebody else needs. Once we learn to accept ourselves and love ourselves, then we will begin to appreciate the uniqueness of ourselves and the power of what we bring to the table as individuals.
You do not have to try to fit in. Especially with the world! We were created to stick out; to be different and set apart and not conform to this world and its ideals, because we belong to God. We are unique and made to differently. We were given the power to stand out and be strong; to be a representation of our Heavenly Father.
Even before we knew the Father, He called and set us apart. That is why so many of us that try to fit in, we seem to stick out even more and just cannot get with the stride of other people’s walk or way of doing things. Even when we try, we are uncomfortable and stick out like a sore thumb.
Dance to Your Own Drum
God has blessed all of us with unique talents and gifts. It may take some of us longer to figure out our purpose and path in life, but we will. We will find the rhythm of our hearts, our own drums, and begin to move accordingly. We don’t have to be just like everyone else. We don’t have to be liked or accepted by everyone else, wither. We can dance to the beat of our own drum and live life as God intended for us.
Yet, in order for us to know our own beat, our rhythm, we have to spend intimate time with God. Our Creator. We have to learn of Him to learn of ourselves. God is has placed greatness in all of us. He has the very best for His creation and all we have to do is believe and follow.
My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity has found permanent rest in every area of your life. Your happiness and fulfillment will not be found in the life of someone else. Or, trying to fit yourself into a space that God never ordained for you to occupy. It will be found when you realize you are more than enough. That, everything you need has already been created inside of you, waiting for you to accept and walk in it. In this case…dance to it! You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!
©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

"Even In Darkness"


Reflections4Life January 19, 2020

“Even in Darkness”

“But if you don’t want to worship the Lord, then choose right now! Will you worship the same idols your ancestors did? Or since you’re living on land that once belonged to the Amorites, maybe you’ll worship their gods. I won’t. My family and I are going to worship and obey the Lord!” Joshua 24:15

Scripture Contemplation: Numbers 16; Deuteronomy 12; Zechariah 2; Ephesians 1; Philippians 1; 1 Peter 1:2

©Ruthe McDonald.

Sometimes we cannot see the light in the distance or even in front of us. The darkness is so heavy; its tentacles with such a strong grip, that the current pain it's causing can make one believe that there never really was or will ever be light at the end of what feels like an endless tunnel. However, even in the darkness, God calls for us to stand strong and gives us the responsibility of choosing what comes next and how we shall proceed.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. No matter how dark the path is; how heavy the trials; how heart-wrenching the journey may get, always hold on to God. His word and His promises are an anchor, that will keep you tethered to His light, and believing when all else and everyone else has failed.

But there is...

There is light at the end of the tunnel. There is even light within the darkness itself. Darkness, itself, cannot exist without light. However, it seems impossible. Though it feels isolated and without and end; there is light in the midst of the darkness. It just cannot be seen with the physical or natural eyes. Instead, it is something that one must see in the Spirit. 


Don't give up....

The darkness is tricky. It will begin to play mind games with you. It will try to make you doubt who you are and the blessings of God in your life. It will cause havoc and wreak chaos with your senses. All to get you to give up and forget about who you are and WHOSE you are. This is where the true battle begins, where there seems to be no possible way out. Yet, the darkness feels like it is growing, spreading everywhere; enveloping and destroying dreams, hopes, and visions. This is what the enemy loves. Because he will come, hiding in the midst of the darkness, whispering his lies, trying his best to take us out.

God is still there....

As hard as it may be to believe, God is there. He's there in the darkness. He's there in places you wouldn't believe. God knows us. He knows every minute detail. And He knows how strong we truly are because He created us and knows what's in us because He put it there. He is there. We were created in His image and with His grace and strength. It is what we choose to believe and do—even in the darkness—that will dictate what comes next in our journey. The choice has always been ours.

Remain strong and pray more....

We don't always want to hear this, but it's true: This too shall pass. It may not be when we want it, but it will happen, and we have to remain strong. How? By being consistent in our faith, continuing to pray and speak the promises of God, to ourselves, and the atmosphere. To read God's word, meditate on it and let it take root in our hearts. Easier said than done? Everything always is. However, when we make up our hearts, mind, and remain consistent and diligent in our prayers—we will see the fruits of our prayers.

Choose...

The choice will always be ours. Though it may seem the very world is conspiring against us and God has abandoned us. He is actually there with us, encouraging us to push towards the mark that He has called each of us to. Choose to trust God. He cannot and will not lie. It's just that...the wait is a bit uncomfortable.  Yet, worth every manifest blessing.

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in every area of your life. It may seem dark and impossible now, but this too shall pass. When it does, you will be stronger and wiser, and become more aware of the presence of God wherever you are. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald.


Sunday, January 12, 2020

"Don't Let Your Eyes Block You"

Reflections4LifeJanuary 12, 2020

"Don't Let Your Eyes Block You" 

     "But it is just as the Scriptures say, “What God has planned for people who love him is more than eyes have seen or ears have heard. It has never even entered our minds!” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (CEV)

Scripture Contemplation: 1 Corinthians2; 12; Matthew 6:22; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Habakkuk 2...
©Ruthe McDonald.
With so much social media at our fingertips, it is easy to think that we know exactly what is going on. With all the cameras; people recording everything, person, and place—one might believe that they are seeing the whole truth; the entire picture of what is going on. The truth of the matter is, what we see what our natural eyes can not only deceive you but also block you from receiving the blessings that God has ordained for your life.

I decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. It is so very easy to be fooled today into believing that we know exactly what is going on. Do not allow your natural eyesight block from the blessings of God for your life. Take time this week to exercise your spiritual sight; having faith that God will show you exactly what you need to see.

There have been many times in my life that I have missed opportunities because I allowed what I saw deter me and even plant seeds of fear inside of me. At this point in my life; I cannot afford to allow that to happen anymore. God has way too much for me to see, do, achieve; to give, change, and accomplish, for me to allow my natural sight to block the blessings of my Heavenly Father in my life.

How many times have you backed down or walked away because of what something looked like? How many times did you dismiss or prejudge someone based upon what they looked like? Not fair, but we do it more often than not; allowing what we see in the natural to curtail what the spirit is saying in our hearts.

I know that God has spoken to many of us; showing us His promise for our lives and the awesome greatness that waits to be manifested in our lives. It is such a beautiful and special thing to behold—the plan of God for our lives—that if we are not careful, we will allow what things "look" like at the present to dictate how we move and how we believe.

Things change, people change, circumstances change; but God never changes. He and His word remain the same; steadfast, true, and immoveable. All that God has spoken concerning our lives is not a guess but an assuredness. He is God. He cannot lie. And the truth of the matter is, His thoughts are far above our thoughts. His ways are that way, as well.

God will give us instructions and a word of knowledge and wisdom based on His truth and that which He has ordained for our lives. He is not telling us something—on His part—that may or may not happen. He is speaking the truth and what He has ordained for our lives, All we have to do is believe Him, have faith, follow His instructions and walk with complete faith, that whatever God has spoken concerning us, will indeed come to pass.

          2 Corinthians 5:7 (CEV) But we live by faith, not by what we see.

Beloved, do not allow what your natural eyes see, to block you from receiving what God has promised you or from the life He has ordained for you. Do not get caught up in what things appear to be. As we know, things have a way of changing suddenly. See, through your spiritual eyes, what God is saying to you today. See, through your spiritual eyes—your mind's eye—who God called you to be. See yourself whole, happy, and filled with the goodness of God, walking in the manifestations of His promises and blessings.

In this world, we learn quickly that everything is not always as it seems. More times than not, we never have the whole picture when dealing with the world. That is why the Father admonishes us concerning judging one another...we should not. We should not even judge ourselves.

My Beloved, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in every area of your life. Do not allow your eyes to block you from the blessings that God has for you. Do not be like the children of Israel and only see the giants in the land. Instead, see the blessings and promises that God made to you, and go after them. God cannot lie. It really is yours for the taking...when you finally believe. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.