Saturday, October 31, 2020

"A Time For All Things"

Reflections4LifeTM  November 1, 2020


“A Time for All Things”
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…” Ecclesiastes 3:1
Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 15; Ecclesiastes 3; Psalm 104; Daniel 2; Galatians 4…
©Ruthe McDonald.

There is a time for all things under the sun. A season for different things that occur in our lives. There is a time to mourn and a time to laugh. A time to sow and a time to reap. A time to plan and a time to execute.
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. Seek God daily. Allow His plan and purpose to be placed in your heart and soul, as He directs your footsteps. Align yourself with the heavenly Father, who knows exactly what season you are in.
We must be in the right season and time to see the things we hope for and work at, to come to fruition. We must also recognize when it's time to stand still or move forward. When it's time to hold on and to let go.
There will come a time in our life's journey when we will have to leave some people, places, and things behind. Though it may be difficult to do; it is necessary for our growth and development and where God is taking us.
For many, it's just time to grow up. It's time to walk in maturity and put in the work that is required in order to move forward and received the promises of God.
One of the hardest things for many is to face the reality that it is time to change your atmosphere, your sphere of influence, and some people in your life.
Listen; there are some people that will remain in our lives always. But then there are some who were only meant to be a lesson. Spend quality time with God so that you may discern correctly who was meant to stay and whose time has come to an end.
There are also decisions that we have made in the past that were right for that time in our lives. Now, it's time for new decisions and changes. Do not get stuck in your comfort zone. That's not where your blessings and victory reside.
What time is it for you? Many try to ignore or deny the season of change. It's understandable. Change can be scary. But what's even worse than change, is being stagnated and left wondering about what could have been.
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. Seize your moment. Discern the seasons. And make the necessary decisions that will bring you to the fulfillment of Gods' promises in your life. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

 

Saturday, October 24, 2020

"A Solid Relationship"

 Reflections4LifeTM October 25, 2020

“A Solid Relationship”
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:16-17
Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 15; 2 Chronicles 7:14; John 17; Ephesians 6; Hebrews 6…

If there is one thing that many of us desire—whether we admit it or not—is a true, sincere, loving, and solid relationship. A relationship with a strong foundation that will stand the tests of time. Though some may think it impossible; especially in the world we live in. But nothing is impossible. Especially if we work hard for it, and we allow God to lead us.
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. Seek God early. Seek Him daily. To know God is to know yourself and to ensure a solid relationship with your Creator.
Relationships are not easy. Each relationship requiring work and dedication. Whether we believe it or not. Our relationship with God requires work and dedication. Far too many treat their relationship with God as an afterthought. Many do not consider the fact that a relationship with God requires time. That is something that can either get stronger or weaker. Or, even be broken.  Some of us are guilty of treating God like He is a Santa Claus or a Magician. Or that man or woman we call at the last moment when everyone else is busy.
God is none of those things. And though He may forgive us, we can still grieve His heart with our duplicitous and deplorable actions. Just as we desire to be first in the heart of the ones we love, God desires the same from us. He does not want us to only come to Him when we are in need or want an answer to a prayer. No. He desires us each and every moment of every day whether it is a good or bad day. He wants us just as we are. He desires an intimate relationship with us, where we spend quality time in His presence getting to know His heart and learning of Him. That, we know His voice so well we can never be fooled.
God desires our foundation with Him to be solid and strong. Not for Him, but for us. So that we can be all that He ordained us to be and receive all that He has for us on this earth.
What kind of relationship do you have now? What is your relationship like with the Father? Is it strong, solid, and secure? Or does it need work? With God, all you have to do is come to Him, as His arms are always open, waiting just for 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. Build a strong and solid relationship with God. Get to know Him, and you get to know yourself and all your other relationships will fall in line. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, October 18, 2020

"And God Said"

 Reflections4LifeTM October 18, 2020

“And God Said”
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 145; Matthew 5:16; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:13…
©by Phil Koch

We receive a lot of advice. Some asked for, some not. Some of it wanted, some not wanted. Some good, some not so good. Yet it still stands that regardless of what someone else may say or think, it does not change or trump what God has said.
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 your intimate time with the heavenly Father build you and saturate your heart until you become immune to the false concern and opinions of those that have not received the message that, God has already spoken what is, and what will be concerning your life.
Do you know what God says about you? Do you know what your Creator thinks of you? I bet you are a lot harsher and judgmental of yourself than God could ever be. We often are, because we've yet to believe or see what God says concerning us: The truth.
Here's the deal, beloved: God does not see us as we see ourselves. When He looks upon us, He doesn't see the sin, the screw-ups, mistakes, or unworthy individuals. No. God sees the blood of Christ. He sees us as He created us to be: great, wonderful, beautiful, worthy of His greatest blessings. Because He sees us as we truly are, He speaks accordingly.
When God speaks of us, He speaks in the manner that states His work is done. That we are all that He ever declared and decreed us to be, as though all the work in us is complete.  Most of us have trouble with this because we have yet to see ourselves as God sees us—complete and whole. A finished work of greatness.
We tend to quickly believe the deceits of others and the enemy than what God has spoken. It's time to change that. It's time to embrace and believe what God says of you. We listen to the advice of those who know nothing about what's in our hearts. We allow those unsolicited comments to affect how we see ourselves.
Beloved, it's time to believe what God says. It's time to answer those negative decrees with, "And God said..." It's time to speak what God has spoken of you. That you are wonderfully and fearfully made in His image. That greatness is in you. That you are worthy of every good thing that God has spoken. That you are all that God has decreed. That every promise God has made to you is coming to pass. The very work that God has begun in you, He will surely complete. You are worthy, loved, and cherished.
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. Let your heart believe and your mind sees what God has spoken concerning you. Meditate in the Word of God. Spend intimate time in the presence of God, allowing His love and truth to penetrate your heart, mind, and soul. You are worthy because God made you worthy. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.  

Saturday, October 10, 2020

"Gaslighted"

 Reflections4LifeTM October 11, 2020

“Gaslighted”
“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” Romans 12:1-2 MSG
Scripture Contemplation: 1 Chronicles 28:9; Psalm 7; Romans 8; 1 Corinthians 2; Ephesians 4

*Note: Gas-lighting or gaslighting is a form of mental abuse in which information is twisted or spun, selectively omitted to favor the abuser, or false information is presented with the intent of making victims doubt their own memory, perception, and sanity.
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. Though you may face some uncertain times in your life, be assured of the love and protection that God our Father has for you. Yield to His touch. Heed His call. Run into His outstretched arms. There is safety in the arms of God.
Beloved, there is a reason God tells us that the battle is not ours but His. If there is one thing we must come to understand is that we are no match for the enemy of our souls in one on one combat. For he has been around a long time and it is his number one goal to defeat and destroy not only who we are, but our relationships; especially our relationship with God. The enemy would love nothing less than for us to be separated from our Heavenly Father and not reach the promised destination that Christ has assured us.
We have been gaslighted by the enemy. We have been manipulated, lied to, and made to question what we believe; even as far as making us doubt our perceptions and sanity—filling us with doubt, fear, and eventually unbelief.
The enemy is crafty in his tactics. Using those we love against us. Using people to cause havoc in our lives. Even using those in leadership. This is why some people are toxic to our lives. Be it family, friend, or foe. Sometimes they are not even aware they are being used, and sometimes they are well aware of their actions.
When you are in a relationship and start to question your own sanity, things just are not adding up and you continue to see a pattern in circumstances and situations, you need to take a step back and listen; really listen to what God most likely has been trying to tell you for the longest time.
The enemy has one purpose for us beloved: to steal, kill, and destroy. And he has no qualms about who he uses to get it done. For this reason alone, our prayer life, our intimate time with God must be consistent and frequent. We must build our relationship with the Father that we know His voice. That we come to understand His ways. That we develop our spiritual gifts of discernment.
God's purpose for us trumps the enemy's plots and plans. God has given us power and authority over the enemy. The power and authority to shut down the enemy's camp. To stop him in his manipulating plots and ploys to destroy our lives and relationships.
Beloved, you deserve all that God has ordained for you. Too many have given their heart and love to those who did not deserve it, only to leave them with hardened hearts, broken spirits, no trust in God, and even some with their life taken. The enemy would love nothing more than to destroy who you are. To claim your life. But guess what? Greater is He in you than he that is in this world.
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.  Pray about everything, beloved. Seek God's face always. Allow God to develop that gift of a discerning spirit so that you may recognize the tactics of the enemy. And know: you do not have to remain a victim of the enemy's manipulation when God has declared and set you free. Move on from the past and grab onto what God has for you right now. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, October 04, 2020

"In The Shadows"

Reflections4LifeTM October 4, 2020
“In the Shadows”
“There were those who dwelt in darkness and in the shadow of death, Prisoners in misery and chains… He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke their bands apart.” Psalm 107:10, 14
Scripture Contemplation: 2 Kings 20; Psalm 17; Psalm 90; Jeremiah 48; Matthew 4:16…


There are many things that are hidden in the shadows; answers to some of our questions. Things we have been running away from.
Many of us do not live our lives fully because of the constant threat of what lurks in the shadows. The shadows of the mind and heart. The shadows of the past. The shadows of things that haunt and bring fear to our heart and mind.
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. Do not fear what is in the shadows of darkness or your past. But be confident in the shadow of the Almighty, where a covering and abundant love and forgiveness reside.
We risk forfeiture of our blessings when we allow what lurks in the shadows to continue to dictate what we do, how we live. We give( it) power to steal and destroy when we continue to run and hide from the truth in our lives and our past.
As we go forward in life, shadows present themselves as we dare and believe to move forward in our lives. The shadows stand whispering in order to hinder, prevent, and sabotage. It whispers things of our past. It whispers our insecurities, doubts, and fears. It whispers those hidden things that we try to hide and run away from. Things we do not wish to confront.
Trust in God and walking in His light can bring a halt to the pseudo-power that resides in the shadows. To defeat the shadows in our lives, the shadows of our heart, mind, and past, we must: Confess. Confront. And Repent.
Beloved, haven't you been running long enough? Are you not tired from running from what's in the shadows? Demons should be running from you! Not you running from them!
Confess what's in your heart. Release those hidden things. Confront those hard realities and painful memories. Do not give it any more power in your life. Repent before God and receive His healing and covering. The shadows of our lives will only cease having power when we have released those things we have been too afraid to confront.
When the enemy in the shadows begins to whisper; whisper lies about your defeat, bringing up your past, trying to bound you in guilt—remember what you laid on the altar before God. Remember that you are forgiven. And remember: that in you resides the light that shines and expels the darkness in the shadows and it holds no power over 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.  Be free, beloved. Do not fear what's in the shadows of darkness. Instead, search your heart and confront what needs to be confronted, and abide in the shadow of the Almighty. God will not reject you, but give you exactly what you need for victory. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.
©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.