Sunday, July 26, 2020

"Do Not Be Robbed"

Reflections4Life July 26, 2020

“Do Not Be Robbed”
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 (NASB)
Scripture Contemplation: Jeremiah 22; John 10; 1 Peter 5…

Beloveds, we are in such a time that it may often feel as though no matter how hard you fight; how much you believe; how strong your faith; it feels like you are losing.
That's a lie! A trick from the enemy of our souls to blind us and steal from us. To rob us of our birthright; our joy, peace, and happiness. All of these things—these unexplained occurrences, the hate, and vitriol we see and experience on a daily basis...all of it—schemes plotted by the enemy to rob us. Yes. He wants to destroy us, to kill us. And what better way than to distract us, diverting our attention, so that we may lose our focus. His number one goal, to permanently rob us of our blessings and the promises of God. To take our very life.
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. Run to the Father. Before you react. Before you make any decision to do anything, run to the throne of grace, and seek the will of God. Allow Him to lead you so that you may remain standing strong and in the victory, He has assured you.
It is so easy for us to get distracted these days. And even more of a distraction is our emotions. Many of us do not respond but rather react to anger. Although we are justified in our anger, we are not justified when we act out and do something that does irreparable damage to ourselves and our families. That's what the enemy of our souls wants. He wants us to be distracted by the pain and the hurt and do something that will allow him to rob us of our future, our families, our freedom, and our lives.
We can also be robbed of our relationships. The enemy does not care about families and relationships. One of his tactics is to isolate and separate. Even he understands and knows how powerful we are when we come together in agreement. Do not allow the enemy to turn you away from the ones you love and those that can help you. Do not be robbed of family, friends, and fellowship. We must learn to reach out, and deal with things together. To trust one another and work with each other.
Beloved, do not allow the enemy to rob you. Yes. Get angry but do not sin in your anger. Respond to the hurt and pain but do not react. Do not isolate yourself or play the lone ranger. Seek God, and come together in prayer and fellowship.
Another strategy the enemy loves, it when we give up because we become scared or fearful. Some give up before they have even begun to fight back; putting an end to his distractions, and his constant attempt to steal, kill, and destroy. Don't give up. Don't lose hope or faith. But also, do not fall for the traps of the enemy. Do not allow him to goad you and make you so angry that you do not pray or think, and just walk away defeated. 
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.  Don't allow the distractions, the hurtful things, and the hateful and evil things of this world to steal your focus and your victory. God has already declared us the winner. The enemy may be conniving, but he is not more powerful than God or those who maintain their focus and choose to stand and fight in the manner in which God instructs. For greater is He in us than he that is in this world. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!
©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.




Sunday, July 19, 2020

"Do You Know Who You Are?"

Reflections4Life July 19, 2020
“Do You Know Who You Are?”
“See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason, the world does not know us because it did not know Him.” 1 John 3:1
Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 1; 2 Timothy 2…

The searching. The seeking. The longing. The missteps. The mistakes. The failures. The insecurities. The uncertainties. The highs. The lows. The disappointments. The discouragements. The triumphs and the defeats. After all of this, do you know who you are? Who you really and truly are?
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. It is in the presence of the Almighty that we learn and come to understand who we are. Allow the Father to show you what is already within you, waiting to be birthed forth.
For so long we have allowed so many things and other people to define who we are, that sadly, many of us still have no clue as to who we really and truly are. We have been wounded, hurt, and suffered terribly in our life's journey. And as it turns out the one thing most of us bypass or overlook is the fact that we are still here!
Yes. We've been through hell; through atrocities and pain, we wouldn't wish on many. And yet, here we are. Alive, surviving, and prayerfully thriving. The fact alone that you made it through and are here to talk about your journey is a clear testament of how strong you truly are.
Here you are! Fighting! Not giving up! You know who you are! You are strong. You are determined. You are faithful. You are blessed. And that’s just part of who you are.
Can you not see and understand that your experiences and the situations you have faced did not destroy you? They don't define who you are. Yes. Those circumstances may have added to your resolve and your strengths. But it did not determine your character. No. It only allowed your true character to be birthed. Those hardships and tough times made room for the person who God created you to be, to finally come forth and live.
Who are you beloved? Who does God say that you are? Who is within you waiting to be birthed? Do you not understand yet that every experience has brought you to this day and time? To know who you truly are. To live who you are. A chosen vessel of God.
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. Do not allow the trials and circumstances of life to rob or blind you of the truth. The truth of who God created you to be. Do not allow negative people to speak lies over your life, and dictate who you are. You are who God says you are. You are His. Made in His image. Blessed with His love. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, July 12, 2020

"Breathe"

Reflections4Life July 12, 2020
“Breathe”
“Then He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they come to life.”’ Ezekiel 37:9

Scripture Contemplation: Joshua 1; Psalm 1:2; 4:4; 27:4; Song of Solomon 4:6…


Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. Did you know there was a proper way to breathe? That, you can release stress, gain energy, clear your mind with just the way you breathe.
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. Meditate on the goodness of God and allow Him to breathe into you a new life, along with His peace and joy. Release the heartaches and pains, as His cleansing breath, restores you.
Did you ever realize how often we hinder our breathing when we are under pressure? How many times have we told someone to breathe when they were hit with something traumatic? Because, it is at that moment that most of feel like the breath has been taken from us. That, perhaps holding our breath will stop whatever is happening from happening.
I know I have been there countless times. Your heart is aching so badly. Your brain is tumbling from all that has occurred. You can't seem to get a hold of your thoughts and what to do next.
Breathe. Take a deep breath, hold it, exhale slowly, and then repeat. Breathe in the strength and calmness of God. Allow Him to relax your mind and direct your path.
Meditation is a wonderful way to work on our breathing and learning to clear our minds. In the word of God, it tells us to meditate on his word day and night. Meditate on the goodness and promises of God.
Do not meditate on the problems facing you. Meditate on the One who can solve them. Breathe in His goodness and mercy. Let His peace envelop you. We carry so many burdens in our heart. We hold onto so much fear, trepidation, and anger. It's time to let it all go. Time To inhale the peace of God and exhale the worries and chaos.
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. When a crisis hits, and the enemy is attacking, take a moment and breathe. Take slow, cleansing breaths and let the calmness of God overwhelm you. Breathe, my friend. Breathe. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.
©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.