Sunday, February 23, 2020

"Naked"


Reflections4Life February 23, 2020

Naked”

And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:13

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 2; 3; Ezekiel 16; Romans 8; Hebrews 4; Revelation 3...



Just the thought of being naked before anyone used to terrify me. And, I definitely did not want anyone to see all my “bits & pieces”! I'm laughing at myself right now, so you can also! It's just something about exposing yourself that way. To have people seeing every part of you and making judgments. So not into that! Yet, the Father wants us to come before Him naked—baring our hearts and souls. Laying EVERYTHING at His feet—without shame—so that He may cover us, and we can receive the healing we need and deserve.
I decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. May you have the courage to come before the Lord naked; baring your heart and soul. God knows it all, but He desires for us to come willingly. To, lay our all—no matter how excruciating painful or embarrassing—lay it at His feet and trust Him to take care of you.
Every day someone is making a judgment as we are exposing ourselves to the world, whether it is intentional or not. Some of us are overexposed—people know excessively much about us. Whereas, the people that should know us well, know hardly anything at all.
Each time we open our mouths; every action we take—we are exposing something about who we are, or who we think we should be. Some expose themselves to gain attention. For whatever reason, there is a void in their lives. Any kind of attention they can garner, whether it is positive or negative is filling a void, but they still feel empty inside and seek ways to fill it.
I give credit to my husband for opening this line of dialogue and inspiring today's Reflection about being “naked”. Our conversation, in short, was about being totally honest with one another. Sharing our heart and soul; baring our truths—good, bad, ugly, or indifferent—to one another without the fear of judgment or offense being taken. But, with the intent to bring healing, revelation, and an even stronger bond.
He brought up Adam and Eve, and how in Genesis they were naked before one another, and before God without any thought or shame to their nakedness. In fact, they did not even know they were naked. They just were. They were being who God ordained them to be, and they were free. Then sin happened. The first thing they did was to cover themselves. As if, clothes could cover the darkness of our hearts or the shame of our actions. Sin made them feel exposed, as it does to every one of us; causing us to want to hide, to cover up.
The Father desires for us to come before Him naked. He wants us to come before Him fully exposing what is in our hearts, confessing to Him every thought, fear, plan, question, concern. No matter what it is God wants to hear it. He wants us to be free. Free to live the life that He has ordained for us, without the fear of thinking that God will not accept us or love us.
Yes. God already knows it all. The confession, the baring of our heart and soul is for us. It is for us to be free again, and to strip the enemy of any power he thinks he has over us. Coming naked before the Lord and confessing—baring every part of our heart and soul is not punishment, judgment, or condemnation. It is to free us, and release any hold the enemy may have over us through guilt and shame, and to bring healing to our wounds.
Romans 8:1-2 (MSG) With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ’s being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.

You have nothing to lose but everything to gain when you bare all to the Lord. There is nothing that God has already known or heard, and has not made provision for. We just have to trust and believe that what God has and what God will do His best for us—always.
The shame of their sinful actions caused Adam and Eve to cover themselves. They were not so much covering their nakedness but trying to cover their guilt and the shame in having sinned against God. That's where many of us live today: in a cloak of sin and shame and also of guilt. We are afraid of someone exposing us, or seeing the truth about who we think we are, instead of knowing and believing who God says we are.
With God, we don't have to be ashamed of who we are or what we did. He already knows. He has made a way for us to be free and to change our lives in the process. We may feel remorse, make a confession, and ask for forgiveness, but we no longer have to feel condemned when we accept Christ into our lives.
Yes. There are always consequences to our actions. That is the price of the actions that we take upon this earth. Yet, even in that, we are liberated in our hearts and minds by laying it all before the Lord, and being honest with ourselves, with God, and with those in our lives.
Nothing hidden every stays hidden. Lies always have a way of coming out. We can run from the truth for a while, but sooner or later it shows up, and wants payment in full. I always say and believe with my whole heart that I'd rather be told the truth and be hurt, than to find out a lie and be devastated. With truth, you can rebuild and there is healing. With a lie, there is no trust and broken promises, along with relationships.
Whatever it is that lies within your heart, and in the recesses of your mind, I implore you to bare it all before the Lord. Confess it to the Father and be free from the bondage and manipulation of the enemy. God desires us to walk, and live in truth, and to receive all that He has ordained.
My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. Come naked before the Lord. Allow Him to cover you with His love and heal your wounds with His touch. Exposing yourself to the Lord will only bring you strength, healing, and deliverance from the lies, condemnation, and taunts of the enemy. When you tell the truth, there is nothing left for the enemy to use against you. You are free. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!
©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, February 16, 2020

God Already Knows


Reflections4Life February 16, 2020

God Already Knows”

So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages].” Isaiah 26:4 AMP

Scripture Contemplation: Proverbs 3; Isaiah 26; Isaiah 65; Luke 16; James 5...




I am familiar with feeling as if I am all alone. That, God, is nowhere around and does not hear my prayers...my supplications being ignored. In the meantime, my heart is breaking; my soul is aching, my mind, and emotions becoming numb while a feeling of being lost consumes you with no foreseeable way out of a long winding hurtful maze. What I know: God is not sleeping. Neither is He winking. He sits high upon His throne, as He also walks among man. He knows the heart through and through. He sees what many cannot see or are unwilling to see. He knows our thoughts and our intentions. He already knows the hurt and heartaches. He knows the reasons and He is taking care of all things; even if we cannot see Him, He is moving on our behalf.
I decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. There is no need to hide from God when He already knows. However, we must confess and repent and be made free. Acknowledge who the Father is, and be free from those things that would bind us. Whether it is a person, place, or thing—God is on it.
God is pulling back the covers, exposing the truth and revealing the wolves in sheep's clothing. Many may deny the truth concerning their wicked and hateful hearts, and depraved minds; but they will never escape the hand of God. As many, an elder would say: "Your arms are too short to box with God." We cannot outrun God or hide from Him. No matter what we do or think, you can believe God already knows. This...I know for certain.
There is a war going on in this world. It's been going on for a long time; ever since the fall of man. The war between good and evil. Though it seems that evil has been winning many a battle, the truth is that good has already won the war. God is not ignoring our heartache, our pain, or even our confusion at some things. He is our Champion, and if we trust Him, we will see His hand move on our behalf.
We really cannot explain why people do what they do. Were they taught to be that way? Did they assume that character, believing that it would serve them and their lifestyle? Why some more caring than others are. Why do some seek to destroy while others seek to build? We know as long as we are upon this earth waiting for Christ's return, there will always be the two: good and evil. We must determine what side we are on, and not straddle the fence.
There are many of us that become disillusioned with God; not understanding His ways. We do not understand His thoughts. Therefore, we do not understand why God, who says He loves us, would allow such travesties to continue to happen in our lives. God has given dominion of the earth to man. He has given each and every one us the freedom to choose which path we walk in this life. God already knows which way a person will go. He already knows who will yield and submit. He knows who will not. Yet He extends His love and His mercy towards us all.
Job 34:21 “For His eyes are upon the ways of man, and He seeth all his goings.”

Proverbs 5:21 “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He pondereth all his doings.”

Jeremiah 17:10 “I, the Lord, search the heart; I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.”

Isaiah 55:8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” saith the Lord.

We have all been extended the mercy and grace of God. However, there is a time of judgment coming. When we spend too much time considering the paths of others, we may find ourselves becoming agitated, and falling short of the mark that God has called for our lives. We must continually walk in the presence and mind of Christ. We must yield to God every day, understanding that God will take care of our enemy.
Our lives cannot be lived by what others are doing. Our walk, in God, cannot be established by the actions of another. It must be based upon our own, personal intimate relationship with the Father. Though it seems that many are getting away with evil, do not be fooled. God is not sleeping. He is moving in ways we cannot see or even understand. Our walk, however, must be our focus. We cannot save anyone else. We can share the truth of the word of God. We can lead them, and live by example. However, we cannot choose a life of righteousness for no one other than ourselves. The choice will always be theirs. For those who seem to be getting away with atrocities; know that God already knows.
Galatians 6:6-8 Let him that is taught in the word share with him that teacheth, in all good things. Be not deceived, God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption, but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

God hears you, beloved. God already knows, and He has made a way for you. Do not be distracted by the evil of others. Do not be deterred from your walk in Christ. Do not give up or lose faith because of the actions of others; even when it hurts and all you have done is love. Hold on, and to know that God has worked it all out for you. Stand firm and stay focused. Continue to walk by faith and not by what it looks like. God has the final word.
My Beloved, I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity have found permanent rest in your life. Take comfort in the knowledge that God already knows, and that He has worked it all out for you. Trust God with all your heart. Continue to walk in faith, knowing in your heart that God knows just what He is doing; we still win. You are blessed and favored! Now go...and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, February 09, 2020

"Whom Do You Love?"


Reflections4Life February 9, 2020    
 
Who Do You Love?”

We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” 1 John 4:16

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 22; Genesis 29; Proverbs 3; Matthew 5; John 3; 1 Corinthians 13...




Whom do you love? You really don't have to answer that. Your actions will speak for you. Your actions will tell the story of what and who resides in your heart. Some people can hide the truth for a while, but eventually, all light stands out from darkness, and the truth about how you really feel is revealed.

I decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Let the love of God fill you and penetrate every part of your soul, so that you may know how to love the way the Father loves, and know-how to receive love. 

Many use the word love frivolously. I love this. I love that. I love movies. I love dessert. I love. I love. I love. Yet, our actions are speaking volumes concerning who we really love. Love is more than just an emotion. It is a force. It is power. It is the embodiment of God here on this earth. When we really understand how precious and powerful love is, we would be less likely to be frivolous in its use. We would honor love by showing and giving love as God has commanded.

People are making choices every single day based upon how they feel at any given moment. They are saying with their mouths how much they love. How much they love their families, their spouse, their children, their career. Yet, the actions they are putting forth do not speak of love. Their actions are not reflecting the love they say they have in their hearts. Instead, what is reflected is a spirit of selfishness, low self-esteem, resentfulness, animosity, sorrow, shame, and sometimes hate.

Matthew 6:20-22 “20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

We are making life choices based upon what is residing in our hearts. What we treasure the most will be found in the core of our hearts. That is what will occupy our time, energy, and efforts. What do you treasure today? What is it that has a hold of your heart that you will be willing to lay down your life if it came to that? 

Many walk around speaking words that sound lovely and correct. They are able to fool some people for some time. However, they can never fool God. The Father knows our hearts. He knows where our treasure lies. He knows what is on our priority list. He knows how weak or how strong our love is. He reaches towards us every day. Every day when we arise, it is a gift from God, and Him reaching toward us, so that He may fill us with Himself.

Yet, many have rejected the Father. Our actions have dismissed the hand of God. Many have assumed that they can walk on this earth and do what they like, and no one would be the wiser of who they really are and what they really believe. Not true. Because the actions we take today, have consequences for others tomorrow. Whether we see it or not, or acknowledge it.

Do you love God? Do you love your family? Do you love your friends? Do you love yourself? The truth is, many of us cannot give love or receive love or reciprocate love, because we do not love ourselves. How can you love anyone else when you have no love for yourself? Receiving, accepting love, and believing in love, is difficult when you are having trouble loving yourself. That, my Beloveds, is at the core of many who profess to love, but whose actions speak otherwise. 

This is the reason why so many people hurt their loved ones and make poor decisions because they lack self-love. Without self-love, you lack the ability to recognize or correctly assess what is best or good for yourself in the end. You may make poor decisions that can have devastating consequences for those you say you do love.

Whom do you love? Love is powerful. Love is healing. Love is delivering. Love is consuming. Love can change things in a moment’s time. Love is long-suffering. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love is selfless. Love is forgiving. 

1 Corinthians 13:1-2 “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”

Let the love of God fill you today. Let God fill you. Let Him pour Himself into every part of you; restoring your heart and soul, healing the wounds of your past. Bringing deliverance to those areas, you have never spoken about or shared with anyone. Let the Father into your secret place of pain and shame, so that He may bless you with beauty for your ashes, and double anointing for your shame. Let love in today so that you may be free to love the way God has ordained you to love. That, you may love yourself and God that is in you.

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity has found permanent rest in every area of your life. Let God in. Let Him pour Himself into your heart and soul, filling you with love that consumes restores and redeems, so that you may love yourself, and others unhindered and completely, just as God loves. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.