Sunday, August 30, 2020

"Keep Praying"

 Reflections4LifeTM August 30, 2020
“Keep Praying”
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6
Scripture Contemplation: 1 Kings 8; Psalm 86; Daniel 9; Matthew 6; 26; John 16; 17…

Listen; I understand. Sometimes that is the very last thing we want to hear. Many of us feel that we have prayed so much we are prayed out. We are frustrated, hurt, tired and angry. And yet, it still feels as though God has turned a deaf ear to our supplications.
I declare today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. As you exercise your faith, strengthen your prayer life. Allow God to lead you and minister to you. Sometimes you do not have to say anything, or ask for anything. Just be still in the presence of God and let Him fill you.
God hears us, Beloveds. He is indeed listening to our prayers and He is answering. Answering in His time and His ways. Ways we may not see or think is God.  There are things some of us are desperate for God's intervention. We are at the end of our ropes with nowhere to turn but God. He hears you, Beloved.
Do not stop praying. Nor stop believing. Though it seems like your prayers are fruitless and are never going to be answered; bear in mind that God knows everything concerning you and has already answered. Now we wait for its manifestations.
Beware; during this waiting time the enemy will do everything he can to distract us. To make us doubt God. To make us walk away from our heavenly Father. To desert our posture in prayer and give up before we see the promises that are closer than we can see.
Whatever you do, keep praying, Beloveds. Do not give up or yield to the whispers of the enemy. When you have submitted your requests to the Lord; when you have supplicated to the Father believing He has heard and answered you, let your prayers become prayers of gratitude and of thanksgiving. Let your heart and mind be at peace, knowing that regardless to how long the wait, you will see your prayers answered.
Continue to edify the Lord. It's very easy to stop praying. We do so often without realizing it because a part of us has given up and stopped believing in answered prayers. Trials and tribulations can have devastating effects upon our heart and soul. Keep your mind on how much God loves us. How much He has already given for us. And how far He is willing to go to bring peace to our hearts and minds.
Dear Father, I ask you to bless those who read this today and every friend, family and acquaintance that is in my life, with the fortitude and courage to keep praying. Give them what they need. Let their eyes become opened, and their ears attentive to Your will. Encourage them. And let them see what wonderful and loving experiences you have for their lives, as they take the lessons and waiting period in stride while praising your Name. Amen.
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 stop praying. And don’t stop believing that God answers prayers because He does. Though the answers may seem to take a while in coming, they will manifest, as long you continue to believe and yield to the Heavenly Father. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, August 23, 2020

"Clean House"

Reflections4Life Sunday, August 23, 2020

“Clean House”
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?” 1 Corinthians 6:19
Scripture Contemplation: Isaiah 66; Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 6; 2 Corinthians 5; 1 Peter 2…

Growing up, my brother and I could not go out or watch TV on Saturdays until all house chores were done. When the seasons were changing, we might as well forget Saturday fun day! Our mother was a drill sergeant when it came to cleaning.
Keeping a clean house was a top priority. Our mom could not stand filth. We learned early how to clean properly, how to wash clothes, and to cook. As well as other vital life lessons. We also learned in the process about our spiritual houses.
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. There are situations in our lives that have caused our spiritual houses to become cluttered. It is time to invite the Heavenly Father in so that He may help us to clean house.
All of these lessons were to prepare us for life. To make certain that we were ready for the life ahead of us. My mother insisted on a clean house always. To tidy up as you went along. She said that you never knew who might stop by; who may want to come over. Who wants to sit in filth? Who would want to bless you with more if you cannot take care of the less you have now? She would ask.
She was right...of course. And the same can be applied to our spiritual lives. We must maintain a clean house. Our mind, our body, and spirit. We are exposed and take in so many different things, it is no wonder our spiritual houses are dirty, cluttered, and some torn down.

Many of us cannot hear or see God because there are too much clutter and debris blocking us from what God wants to tell us, show us, and give us. We need to clean house. To rid ourselves of those things that prevent us from living our lives to the fullest. Those things that keep us from hearing and seeing God. Those things that block our blessings.
We can begin with people, places, and things. There are some people that are too toxic for our lives. We need to let them go. Toxic people take your energy, steal your joy and peace, and manipulate and whisper lies to you in order to block you from your blessings. You'd be surprised how many wear the guise of a friend, family, girlfriend, boyfriend, and even spouse.
Then there are certain places that we need to stay away from. Places that make us feel heavy hearted or come away feeling ashamed. It doesn't have to be a physical place either. It can be a place we go to mentally. The enemy loves nothing more than to get into our heads and make us doubt the promises of God.
And there are certain things we participate in, knowingly or unknowingly, that cause our houses to be filled with debris. The things we take in through our ears and eyes, and even our mouths. We have become a generation of excess. We have so many things, except the one thing that will give us peace of mind: a relationship with God. But where would He fit in our lives? Where would he find room in our crowded and cluttered houses?
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.  It's time to clean house and make room for the Father. To make room for His blessings. God has so much He wants to bless us with. So much He wants to give to us. He's just looking to be invited, and He will come and help us clean house. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!
©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.



Sunday, August 16, 2020

"It Will Not Last"

Reflections4Life August 16th, 2020

“It Will Not Last”
“For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5
Scripture Contemplation: Numbers 11; Psalm 5; Psalm 30; Jeremiah 11…

The pain. The heartache. The disappointment. It will not last. The uncertainty. The loneliness. The despair. It will not last.  How can I possibly say it will not last when I don't know how long you've been suffering? Because I believe my Heavenly Father when He said: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
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. Allow God into the hidden places that He may bring you joy and encouragement. Believe the promises of God. Yield to Him, as He reaches toward you with His love and greatness.
I may not know the cause of your heartache and suffering. As you may not know mine. However, I do know, with all my heart that my God loves us the same. And what He's done for another, He can and will do for me and you too, should we believe and let Him have His way.
Most certainly as we suffer these afflictions, it feels like there is never an end in sight. But God! He is a promise-keeper. And if we hold on, believe His word, hold onto the promises, we will not only make it through, we will thrive in the blessings of God.
Beloveds, do not give up. Do not give in to the whispers of the enemy. God surely does love you. He does have a plan for your life. One to prosper you and bring you to an expected end. That is fulfilled with promises of God. Though your mourning and weeping seem to be lasting longer than a night, trust God when He tells you that your morning is soon coming. What you are faced with now will not last. There is an end in sight.
Galatians 6:9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
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.  What heartaches, pain, trials and tests you are facing now, they will not last. Yet, they will make you stronger. Giving you a testimony that brings light to another person's dark night. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!
©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.


Sunday, August 09, 2020

"Your First Call"

Reflections4Life, August 9, 2020
“Your First Call”
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 5; Proverbs 3; Matthew 6…

There are countless people going through tough times. There are some we may never know, facing things in their lives that seem impossible to overcome. They do not know where to turn or who to turn to.
Who is the first person you call when you are in trouble? Many of us call a friend, a sibling, or our parents. When things in your life are not going well and you need direction, who do you call? When you’re looking for answers, who do you turn to?
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. Allow God to be your first call. Seek Him first in all that you do. Allow God to direct you and fill your heart with His love and direction.
Many turn to everyone in their sphere of influence but God. Some even seek out psychics, spiritualists, and mediums. While God is last on the call list; if on the list at all.
Why not make the Father your first call? Sure; I can hear many saying: "I already prayed and it didn't work." Or, "God doesn't hear me or answer my prayers."
That couldn't be further from the truth. God cares. And He hears our supplications. And He not only answers but has the answers to every single question, dilemma, and problems we face.  Sometimes we just cannot hear God, or recognize His voice or His ways because we have not spent much time in His presence. We often make God our last call instead of the first.
Beloveds, God is always there. But many times we do not seek Him until we have exhausted every other avenue then seek Him as a last resort. Many times we believe He has not heard us or does not answer our prayers, when the truth of the matter is we have spent so much time apart from Him and His presence, that His ways are foreign to us and His voice unrecognizable.
Here's an idea: why not make God your first call? Your first call of the day. Your first communication. Instead if reaching for the phone or your social media app, how about giving God the first minutes of your day? We have 24 hours; would it be so hard to give the Father the first twenty to thirty minutes?
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.  Invite God into your everyday life. Develop your intimate relationship with Him so when you are in a position to need aid, He naturally becomes your first call. And when He answers, you will recognize His voice and His ways. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!
©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.



Sunday, August 02, 2020

"Don't Believe The Lies"

Reflections4Life August 2, 2020
“Don’t Believe the Lies”
“But the king will rejoice in God; everyone who swears by Him will glory, for the mouths of those who speak lies will be stopped.” Psalm 63:11
Scripture Contemplation: Proverbs 6; 14; 19; 30; John 8…

Today’s Reflections is very much personal than any other at this present time! God knows how I feel about lying. But especially about being called a liar! I abhor it! And beloveds, when the enemy knows what you abhor, he will try and use it against you every chance he gets.
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. Whatever you do, keep trusting God, and spend intimate time in His presence. Only God can reveal to you what you need to know and give you peace about what is the truth and what is the lie. The Father is trustworthy.
There are going to be many things said about many people, places, things, and about you. Sometimes the things being said will be a lie! One lie can destroy an entire lifetime. An entire legacy. And before the lie is discovered or exposed, the damage is already done.
Do you know what the worst kind of lie is? The lies that the enemy speaks to us and we believe. That is the absolute worse! Because it can rob you of love, your birthright, your blessings, your peace, your self-esteem, your confidence, your hope, and even your faith and belief in God.
The enemy is strategic in his plots against us. He waits. Studying us. Getting to know our weaknesses; our idiosyncrasies. He waits for vulnerable times to strike. While all along he has been whispering lies to us and using our insecurities to weaken us. He uses that girlfriend, that boyfriend, that husband, wife, or family member; or that shady friend to take jabs at our armor, in order to weaken it enough for his onslaught. When we are most vulnerable, he strikes hard, and we often end up believing his lies.
Don't do it, Beloved! Don't believe the lies the enemy has spoken. Don't believe the hateful and jealous rants and whispers of people who wish your downfall. Don't fall for the backhanded compliments and empty gestures of those who say they love you and are for you, yet are secretly wishing and plotting your demise. Look to God for the truth. Look to God to reveal the heart of someone; their true intentions. And you…be strong. Do not let an enemy that has already been defeated rob you any longer. Plant yourself at the throne of God. Spend intimate and quiet time in His presence. Listen to what the Father says, allowing Him to strengthen and enlighten you.
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.  Trust me when I tell you: God has the best for you. You are His best. And in you is already greatness waiting for you to accept and walk into. Don't believe the lies, Love. Don't let go of God's truth about you. That you are wonderfully and fearfully made in His image. That, you are more than a conqueror. That, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!
©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.