Sunday, May 31, 2020

"Love Does Not Hurt"

Reflections4Life May 31, 2020

“Love Does Not Hurt”

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:5-8

Scripture Contemplation: 1 Corinthians 13; Ephesians 5; 1 John 5…

           

©Vladmir Kush

The honest sincere truth is: Love does not hurt. Love endures and brings hope, as well healing. People "hurt" people. Hurt people hurt people. We hurt ourselves, others, and still say we love you. Whereby, whenever we love it is immediately associated with hurt and disappointment. Which leaves us guarded and unable to be vulnerable or to love completely and unconditionally in any of our relationships until we learn differently.

I decree today’s Reflections is a continued source of encouragement and inspiration, bringing comfort and peace to your heart and mind. Whatever you believe you know about love let God teach you. Allow the Father to show you, Himself. For He, is love. And, through Him we learn how to truly love.

When someone who says they love us harms us, we sometimes unknowingly shut a part of hearts down. That part that allows loves to move freely and grow. That part that loves unconditionally. Sometimes we consciously make a decision never to let someone close enough to hurt us again.

We do a lot of damage in the name of love. However, love had nothing to do with it. Love does not hurt. It heals. Love is not disrespectful or disregarding. Love cares and shows concern. It brings hope into dark places. Love is not reckless or careless or in a rush. Love takes it time. It is thoughtful and kind. Love does not tear down and destroy. Love builds and restores. Love does not blame or keep score. Love is unconditional, forgives, and moves on. Love is action. It is compassionate as well as passionate. Love is God.

In our lives, we will be disappointed. And, yes, we will be hurt at times. However, when you have love, understand unconditional love; it teaches you how to navigate life's journey; How to go through a storm. How to continue to love in spite of it all. It also teaches you how to be strong, how to endure, and to move on.

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.  Love is many things; powerful above all. Remember: Love does not hurt; people hurt people. Love endures; it is patient and kind. Love—real, sincere, true love—brings healing and is unconditional, as well as wise. You are blessed. Now go and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

Sunday, May 24, 2020

"In Service of Others"


Reflections4Life May 24, 2020

“In Service of Others”

“I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1 

Scripture Contemplation: Romans 9; 12; Philippians 2…



As we spend this weekend celebrating Memorial Day, let us be reminded the honor it is to remember those who served and have given their lives in service of others and our freedoms. Each day we are granted is an opportunity to make a difference in not only our lives, but also the lives of others. To be in the position to help others gives us a chance to change lives.
I decree today’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration, bringing comfort and peace to your heart and mind. Our Heavenly Father has given us a great gift: the opportunity to serve. When we understand the heart of a servant, then we understand the power we have to change lives. Allow God to show you how to serve and change lives.
In this life, the hope is that we would learn to give without the requirement or expectations only to receive something in return. It is much more than give and take. It is about selflessness, the ability to make a difference in the lives of others, even if you receive no recognition for what you do. It is not about being seen, or heard, but hopefully about serving and making a difference in someone else’s life.
I am in awe of every service person that makes a decision to serve their country. For whatever their reasons they make a great sacrifice, for not only self but also their families. They never know if one day may be their last while in service to their country and patriots.
When I think about the goodness of God, I think of all that He grants us every day. Mostly, I think upon the freedom He grants us to choose how we will live our lives and affect the lives of others.
Life has its ups, and downs, but it is how we live our lives personally that determines our quality of life. When we make a choice to serve others, we choose to give a part of ourselves. When we do, we open up our hearts to unknown blessings and joys.
Not everyone gets it. Not everyone understands the heart of those who desire to serve. Yet everyone receives benefits from those that choose to serve.
I give thanks and prayers for those men and women who have served and given their lives in service for the freedoms that we enjoy, and some take for granted.
I honor you for the sacrifices that you have made and for, the honor of your service. Happy Memorial Day! Blessings, to the families that made the ultimate sacrifice in servitude.
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. May you be blessed with the heart that has the capacity to serve others; to make a difference in the life of someone who you may never even know. Be open to the will of God. It will change your life in unexpected ways. You are blessed. Now go and be a blessing.
©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.



Sunday, May 17, 2020

"Just The Way You Are"


Reflections4Life May 17, 2020
 “Just the Way You Are.”
“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18
Scripture Contemplation: John 3; Hebrews 6; I John 5…
©RutheMcDonald.
For so many of us, we try our best to always look our best, even when we feel less than our best. There are also times when we try to be someone that we are not, just to be accepted.
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. Let the love of God wash over you. Walk into His embrace with the knowledge that God already knows you, and knows exactly what you need.
Why? Why do we do these things to ourselves? Why do we accept less than we deserve just to be wanted and desired by others? Trust me: if you are not being you, your authentic self when beginning a relationship; you are shortchanging yourself. The truth of the matter is that you should be accepted and wanted just as you are. Not for the facade you put on. Sooner or later the truth will manifest. And when it does, then what?
Thank God, He accepts us just the way we are. You don't have to pretend. You don't have to change. You don't have to hide or fake a thing. The Father accepts you AND wants you just the way you are.
Isn't that wonderful? Doesn't that feel liberating? To know that our Creator, when we come to Him, accepts us just as we are; faults, flaws, and all. We don't have to pretend with God. We do not have to worry about looking perfect, being perfect, or saying the right thing. The only thing God cares about is the heart. And that we desire Him.
So many "religious" folk and "church" folk have really screwed things up for people. Their religious pomposity and hypocrisy giving God a bad rap. This is why we must seek and know God for ourselves. To understand that, you cannot get yourself together first; you cannot come correct or perfect; you don't need the perfect garments; you don't have to be sinless, and you don't need money to come to God. You just need a willing heart and a teachable spirit. God will take care of all the rest.  He loves you...just the way you are.
 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. You do not have to change yourself in any way to be accepted and loved by God. He already loves you and accepts you, and waits patiently for you to show up…just the way you are. You are blessed. Now go and be a blessing!
©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.