tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366744422024-03-05T19:10:31.674-08:00Tell Me Where You HurtSimply, this is where you'll find what's on my mind and in my heart. It is my point of view, of how it affects the lives of those I see and encounter. Prayerfully you'll find encouragment and inspiration. And the courage to tell me where you hurt.Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.comBlogger523125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36674442.post-58680904160480274712023-08-20T03:16:00.004-07:002023-08-20T03:54:35.242-07:00"The Anointing of Wisdom"<b><i>Reflections4Life™ August 20, 2023<br /></i></b><br /><b><i>“The Anointing of Wisdom”</i></b><br /><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><i>“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” <b>Proverbs 9:10</b></i></blockquote><br /><i>Scripture Contemplation: Exodus 32; 1 Kings 4; Job 28; Proverbs 8; 1 Corinthians 1; James 1:5…</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfvSnoNQfHf9GdYK6WpzLRJNEvOntWvY-INkuq63oEEgeojKNAfhOMERC66ttPqTa6e2fk3fgwoK28NPHSGfrrBMkC0pDnas16qsuYC9WMOxFLlLu63jXx-U5MrWW0ibtvCsg8Nd5TesDn7oT650YDdtjHzZ4HArM9SM-bKcSK9O1KRgNK8lbUw/s784/Quote105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="784" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfvSnoNQfHf9GdYK6WpzLRJNEvOntWvY-INkuq63oEEgeojKNAfhOMERC66ttPqTa6e2fk3fgwoK28NPHSGfrrBMkC0pDnas16qsuYC9WMOxFLlLu63jXx-U5MrWW0ibtvCsg8Nd5TesDn7oT650YDdtjHzZ4HArM9SM-bKcSK9O1KRgNK8lbUw/s320/Quote105.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />We live in such a technological and information-driven world. Information is all around us. The only problem is, not all of the information is accurate. Not everything we hear and learn is the truth. With the advancement of technology, came the onslaught of so-called experts; making it difficult to decipher between that which is true and false.<br /><br />We sometimes get information overloaded. We become uncertain about who or what to believe. However, when we choose God, and we receive Christ as our Savior, we receive wisdom. We receive the gift of discernment. As we yield ourselves to Christ, surrendering all that we are unto Him; we begin to walk in the anointing of wisdom.<br /><br />I decree that this week's Reflections is a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. When you are walking in Christ, you receive the full benefits package, which includes everything that Jesus is. His anointing now resides in you. And it is up to you to nurture and walk in that anointing.<br /><br />What a powerful week I have experienced. Not because of anything I have done or witnessed. But because of the revelations of the Holy Spirit. His instructions lead you to life and understanding. The truth of the matter is, I have had one hectic week, filled with all kinds of ups and downs and ins and outs. I have experienced emotional highs and lows, and have grappled with emotional and physical pain, as well as mental tiredness.<br /><br />Sometimes things get a bit overwhelming in our lives, and we can quickly forget the power we have in Christ. The anointing of wisdom that is present in our lives is not just to know what we have access to, but to actually embrace it and walk in it. To embody it, and have our lives changed because of it.<br /><br />God is such an awesome God. He is majestic in all His ways. He leads us into truth, each and every day, all that would yield to Him, and fellowship with Him. Our intimacy with the Father needs to be nurtured every day. We must spend time in the Father's presence. To truly know who we are, and our purpose upon this earth, we must be intimate with the Father. Jesus must reside within us. Holy Spirit must fill us. We must be connected to the source of life to have an understanding of life.<br /><br />In my quiet time and Bible study, I have been reading Psalms and Proverbs, again. Proverbs, as we know, is considered the book of wisdom by many. As I was reading, God opened my eyes, yet again, to another revelation: Jesus is Wisdom. Jesus just does not embody wisdom, or have wisdom. He is wisdom.<br /><br />Maybe you knew this, already. But I did not see it this way. My previous understanding before this week's revelation was that when we receive Christ as our Savior, we gain wisdom and understanding, as in who God is, and the mysteries of His word. That, Jesus would impart into us His wisdom of the Father; His knowledge and understanding. That, His wisdom is what we gain over time, as we yield to a life in Christ. However, it never occurred to me that Jesus and Wisdom are synonymous with one another, just as God and Love are synonymous.<br /><br />Talk about mind-blowing! I must have read Proverbs 8 a few times, as the understanding blossomed and the anointing took hold of my heart and mind. Then it occurred to me, that when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we receive wisdom. Wisdom becomes a part of us. The anointing is residing in us, and to walk in wisdom, all we have to do is yield to Christ. Christ is the wisdom we seek. Christ is wisdom operating in us if we believe and allow Him to be the King upon the throne of our hearts.<br /><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><i><b>Proverbs 8:22-31</b>“The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way, Before His works of old. 23 I have been established from everlasting, From the beginning, before there was ever an earth. 24 When there were no depths I was brought forth When there were no fountains abounding with water. 25 Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills, I was brought forth; 26 While as yet He had not made the earth or the fields, Or the primal dust of the world. 27 When He prepared the heavens, I was there, When He drew a circle on the face of the deep, 28 When He established the clouds above, When He strengthened the fountains of the deep, 29 When He assigned to the sea its limit, So that the waters would not transgress His command When He marked out the foundations of the earth, 30 Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; And I was daily His delight, Rejoicing always before Him, 31 Rejoicing in His inhabited world, And my delight was with the sons of men.</i></blockquote><br />Amazing! To know that wisdom and Christ is one and the same. That, when we receive Christ, and we are in fellowship with Him; we have wisdom. Wisdom living and breathing within us. Wisdom guiding and leading us, and Holy Spirit giving understanding!<br /><br />Do you understand what this means as a believer? All we have to do is listen to Christ within us. All we have to do is yield to His way and His teaching. All we have to do is put on the mind of Christ, and we will be filled and walking in wisdom. The anointing of wisdom is present with us each and every day we are yielded to Christ, and walking in salvation.<br /><br />In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was God (John 1:1), and that Word is Wisdom, and that Wisdom resides in the hearts of those who have received and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. We have access 24/7. We can walk in our purpose, living fulfilled lives that have been saturated by the anointing of God, because we have yielded to Wisdom.<br /><br />We don't have to search and search for the truth when the truth is already with us. We don't need to seek outward wisdom when wisdom is already within. All we have to do is yield! My God, what a revelation!<br /><br />I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity find permanent rest in your life: spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and financially. Yield to Wisdom. Let the anointing saturate your heart, mind, and soul. Get intimate with Christ, so that He may reveal to you all that has been stored up for you before you ever entered the realm of time. There's no need to be overwhelmed with copious amounts of information, when inside of us is Wisdom, waiting to reveal to us the path God has ordained just for us, and how to walk in it 24/7. You are Blessed. Now go...and Be a Blessing!<br /><br />Ⓒ 2023. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.<br /><br /><br /><br />Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36674442.post-27350463469970196432023-08-13T03:57:00.000-07:002023-08-13T03:57:57.862-07:00"Gone"<p> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt;">Reflections4Life</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Adobe Arabic",serif; font-size: 16pt;">™</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt;"> August 13, 2023</span></i></b></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Gone”</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">As for</span> God, His way <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span> perfect; <b>The</b> word of <b>the</b> <b>Lord</b> <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span> proven; He <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span> a shield to all who <b>trust</b> <b>in</b> Him.” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2 Samuel 22:31</b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Scripture Contemplation: Deuteronomy 28; 2 Kings 18; Proverbs 3; Matthew 27:43; 1 Timothy </span></i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3814-WtkrEjNLKSZGMv3I-M0Z1tgpxAGqL2DGjCaPdQOvWOxNriBbMeZqGTA8KcoHOK2dAv3rYuJljWu1HYeVXgfZVekJ9wIr6HPV6ABsCtfKqYnU8jNu0v0phEl2ayL4sybDQ/s1600/95.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1141" data-original-width="1196" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3814-WtkrEjNLKSZGMv3I-M0Z1tgpxAGqL2DGjCaPdQOvWOxNriBbMeZqGTA8KcoHOK2dAv3rYuJljWu1HYeVXgfZVekJ9wIr6HPV6ABsCtfKqYnU8jNu0v0phEl2ayL4sybDQ/s320/95.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>©Ruthe McDonald.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-linespan: 3; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: dropcap-dropped; mso-height-rule: exactly;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">What </span>would you do if everyone you loved, everything you had was gone? No warning. No time to prepare. Just gone? Many of us have been lulled by a sense of security; not because we trust in God, or believe that He can take care of us. We are lulled by comfort and security in the things we have and the people we know. But what if? What if you had none of those things, and you found yourself in the midst of a war every day of your life, not knowing if today was going to be your last day? What would you do? Who would you trust? And could you truly trust in God to take care of you, although everything is crumbling around you?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I decree that this week’s <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reflections</i></b> will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. In a moment’s time everything we know, believe, and love can change. Everything can be gone. Learn to trust in God, allowing Him to anchor you. Receive His instructions on what it means to walk in total peace when all around you chaos ensues.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Suffering</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 1in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Romans 5:3-5 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">All around us people are suffering. They are losing someone they love. Families are being torn apart. Children are dying. I could go on. Yet, many take for granted the peace and safety that we have, seldom thinking about the what if’s.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">As part of my research, I watched several documentaries in addition to reading some articles, researching the effects of war and the effects of gun violence on our youth and families. Perhaps some may think that this is not something you would like to hear on a Sunday. Or something that you do not care to reflect upon at this time. Then when is a good time? When is a good time to hear what the Father has to say? When is it a good time to see what the Father wants us to see?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I know from experience how things can change within a twenty-four-hour period. In fact, a twelve-hour period. Death and tragedy know no time frame. They can come at any moment. Before you know it, everyone and everything you love can be gone. The world you know is gone. The peace you have is gone. And what you believe can be gone as well.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">God is With Us</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 1in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">1 Timothy 4:10</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“For to this <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">end</span> we both labor and suffer reproach, because we <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">trust</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">in</span> the living <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">God</span>, who is <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">the</span> Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.”</b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">If you believe in and have an intimate relationship with God, and you are reading your scripture daily, then you know that God has warned us that such things as this would happen in our lifetime. It is inevitable. However, He has given us His word that He would be with us always. That, He would never leave us or forsake us. That, although everything that we know is gone; all has changed; He will not change. And in Him, we can find and maintain a strong foundation, and a place to move forward in.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I particularly love The Message Bible’s translation of the above scripture:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 1in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“You’ve been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you’ll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers.”(vv. 6-10)</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I look at the thousands of lives taken in communities due to gun violence. Children killing children; making a sport of taking the life of someone who may have looked at them the wrong way. Or, people are so heinous to take the life of a child just to make a parent suffer. Or, the ensuing danger that people of color find themselves in on a daily basis just because of the color of their skin, and the injustices that continue to plague our communities.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">It can be hard to say to many that God is true to us when our child, husband, brother, sister, wife, or dear friend’s life has been taken without any repercussions to the assailants, whether they wear a badge or not.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">What do we say to people left behind to deal with the loss? What, as believers can we offer? We can offer God. We can offer our prayers. We can offer our silence and just be there. Sometimes, just being there for someone will be the comfort that they need to begin to heal.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">How Long Would You Fight?</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 1in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Far too many of us sit in judgment; especially those of us who call ourselves believers. We are quick to pass judgment and cast someone off, rather than be who God called us to be: loving unconditionally, kind, understanding, faithful, concerned, non-judgmental, partial, fair, and not pompous. We use our religion as a weapon, creating toxic relationships and pushing people away.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">My heart and prayers go out to the people who have lost everything. And those who have lost their entire families. I cannot fathom what their hearts and minds must be going through, with the thought of death a constant in the hearts and minds of not only adults but children, as well.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">How long would you fight for what you believed in? Too many of us have given up on God quicker than it takes for paint to dry when something in our lives does not go as planned. Yes. Pain is real. Tragedies are real. Life is real. But guess what? God is real, too. And His word, His promises are real also. And when all is said and done, and everything and everyone is gone, God will remain.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">My Beloveds, May the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Life will throw us curve balls that can take the wind out of us, causing us to fall to our knees. Allow God to pick you up and lead you. Things can and often will change without notice. In our lifetime, we will suffer loss but we do not have to do it alone. We can get through it when our trust is in God. He is the one constant that will always remain. Trust Him, and He will lead you in perfect peace. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">©2023. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><br /></div>Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36674442.post-24052917370559601232023-08-06T05:23:00.000-07:002023-08-06T05:23:59.186-07:00Family First<p> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt;">Reflections4Life</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Adobe Arabic",serif; font-size: 16pt;">™</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt;"> August 6, 2023</span></i></b></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Family First”</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him. He cried, “Make everyone go out from me.” So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers.” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Genesis 45:1 (CEV)</b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Scripture Contemplations: Genesis 15; 45; 2 Kings 25; Matthew 14; John 6; Romans 12:12-13</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mZmdmeJV1a0y4nXWjC48zKYBLhSTSkYARjlQvmitZ90OcWBjwDqanAq-PoxycF9LA5KB8LoBpf3_H9ZclQ80lmGUwQPq2aW-OuvDa42XuYYV8qoGVYU_H108hQTw4NIxPNM6Vg/s1600/67.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="471" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mZmdmeJV1a0y4nXWjC48zKYBLhSTSkYARjlQvmitZ90OcWBjwDqanAq-PoxycF9LA5KB8LoBpf3_H9ZclQ80lmGUwQPq2aW-OuvDa42XuYYV8qoGVYU_H108hQTw4NIxPNM6Vg/s320/67.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-linespan: 3; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: dropcap-dropped; mso-height-rule: exactly;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: 77.35pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-linespan: 3; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: dropcap-dropped; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; page-break-after: avoid; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 92pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt;">I</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>recently had a conversation with a dear friend about ministry and those who work in ministry, such as pastors, prophets, ministers, teachers, etcetera.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>They raised some valid questions that I think many take for granted. In my heart and what I have always been taught, is that family comes first. The family is your first ministry. Ministry begins at home. But somewhere along the lines, many leaders have forgotten this. Far too many are putting the Church, the business of ministering to others over their own family. When it comes to ministry, the family must come first. If it does not, there will be a price to pay; one that is costly.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I decree that this week’s <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reflections</i></b> will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. Let the word of God penetrate your heart and mind. Take some time this week to evaluate if you have been putting your family first, or if they come after everything else is done. Sometimes, a family is the hardest to minister to but what about your immediate home? Your nucleus? Your wife, husband, sons, daughters? How well are you listening and ministering to their needs? Let God lead you in the guidance of your home. Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is peace. Is there peace in your home?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">First Things First</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 1in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Matthew 7:12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Why is it so easy for some to speak, minister, listen to, or help others who are not related to them? How is it, that some find it easier to minister to other children than their own? Many leaders in the body of Christ are missing the mark when it comes to their families. There are parents who are missing the mark when it comes to their children. They have not developed a relationship with their children and have no idea what is going on in their lives.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">If we, as leaders and parents, expect certain things or behaviors from our children, then we must ask ourselves what we have shown them. What have we given to them that they are now reciprocating? We reap what we sow; whatever seeds we are planting in the lives of our family members are indicative of the kind of fruit that will grow. You cannot plant apple seeds and expect oranges. You cannot plant seeds of distance and closed minds, expecting your children to come to you with their hearts open, ready to share with you what is going on with them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The family must come first. Too many have their priorities turned around and wonder why their family is so far away from God. Did we even stop to listen to them, and what they want? Or do we expect so much from our families because we want to paint a certain picture to the world? Far too many are holding their families to a higher and impossible standard so that on the outside they look like better individuals. Are you seeking a loving and sharing family? Or, a bunch of obedient followers that lift you up?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Meeting Their Needs</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 1in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Matthew 25:36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 1in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Matthew 25:43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Why is it so easy to meet the needs of strangers, than those who carry your blood in their veins? Why is it so easy to mentor and groom a child that is not yours but be harsh and unbending to your own child? How is it possible to spend hours preparing to minister to others, traveling to preach, and teach, and your own household is crying for attention, warmth, and unconditional love?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Matthew 25 is not just referring to strangers but also referring to those in our own homes. It boggles my mind how many ministers’ children that I have ministered to, counseled, and have become friends with have said the same things over and over again; How much they disliked their parents, despised the church, and did not want anything to do with the church and sometimes God.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">They felt abandoned by their parents; abandoned and second place to the church. They also could not understand how their parents could show so much understanding and compassion for a bunch of strangers but have none for them. It hurt my heart to hear what they were saying with their mouths, and also hear their heart and understand.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Beloveds, we do a disservice to God and to ourselves when we neglect the ministry of home. If our homes are lacking, then how much of a positive impact are we actually having? The problem is not only with parents and children but also with spouses. Perhaps one spouse got saved and the other did not. Do you think you are going to win them over by always putting their needs and wants second? By always running to church and forgetting about taking care of their needs?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">God is a God of decency and order. He does not come to separate families but to heal, restore, renew, and strengthen. When we have a healthy home, we can soar and help so many others, becoming that example of God’s love and balance.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Our first ministry begins in our homes. When we take care of the home first, then we can effectively be used outside of the home. Our family, our nucleus—our immediate family home— and their needs must be our first priority. How can we leave our children and spouses to the enemy? That is what we are doing when we do not put them first, ministering to the needs that are first coming from within.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">My Beloveds, May the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. It may seem easier to minister to strangers; to be caught up in the accolades and feelings of awe when you are praised and adored. But at what price? At the price of your family, their souls, and spirits? No, Beloved. The family must come first. Your home is your first priority and ministry. When God is in charge there, He will be the one to enlarge your territory and make you effective everywhere else He calls you. Let God lead, as you lead your household into their greatness. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">©2023. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.</span></div>Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36674442.post-76762385138440867002023-06-04T03:34:00.002-07:002023-06-04T03:38:12.950-07:00"Have A Little Faith"<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reflections4Life™ June 4, 2023</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-b074aacd-7fff-b617-df17-c24145d73856"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Have a Little Faith”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jeremiah 32:17</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 9; 15; 37; Numbers 19:23; Jeremiah 32:17; Matthew 16; Hebrews 1;</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4av9uDN6Z6iltaRIf0tN0rmcjVuh8Xbq5-Uuxd8k-tIWtp_Vnruv_1VNZZOHsqgiI1xZamxZ6-KrvXo6UvPTZUVBUp-Mq5Ygn96vwt-81-7nqq3NAxJ7w6NzjbPpdT8sot5zbsuS85cNqgtkzRSr4ZSHZlZU6WKsHk-5AVPvSfonqnCDSYaA/s369/106.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4av9uDN6Z6iltaRIf0tN0rmcjVuh8Xbq5-Uuxd8k-tIWtp_Vnruv_1VNZZOHsqgiI1xZamxZ6-KrvXo6UvPTZUVBUp-Mq5Ygn96vwt-81-7nqq3NAxJ7w6NzjbPpdT8sot5zbsuS85cNqgtkzRSr4ZSHZlZU6WKsHk-5AVPvSfonqnCDSYaA/s320/106.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">©Ruthe McDonald.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">There</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> is not much that can compare to the wondrous feeling that fills our hearts when we receive an answered prayer. Something life-changing happens inside our beings when we have faith and realize that it was not all in vain. That, our believing God in spite of the circumstances and situations has its rewards and an undeniable feeling of gratitude and I would venture to say power.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I decree that this week’s</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Reflections </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">are a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Remember all the promises of God. Write them down. Write down this week all that you desire for God to do in your life. Then pray. Communicate with the Heavenly Father. Pray, study, and meditate fervently, believing that God has heard you and has already answered. I challenge you this week to have a little faith…faith no bigger than a mustard seed. Ask God for one thing, just one thing, and then believe Him to do it. Have faith, just a little, and watch God move on your behalf.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There Will Be Tests…Hard Ones!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">James 1:2-4 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let it be all joy to you, my brothers when you undergo tests of every sort; Because you have the knowledge that the testing of your faith gives you the power of going on in hope; But let this power have its full effect, so that you may be made complete, needing nothing.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You are right, absolutely right. About what? You are right about life being difficult at times, and it seems like there are tests one right after the other. So, how is it that James—a faithful servant of God—would tell us to count (tests of every sort) it all joy? Was he delusional? How could we possibly count all of these hardships, difficulties, trials, and upheavals in our lives as joy? There is no way! </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ah! But James had come to understand that when our faith is tested, it is also being exercised, giving it and us an opportunity to grow stronger in our walk and belief in God. Faith, like a muscle, must be exercised in order for it to gain strength. Think of the saying: No pain no gain. When you want to increase the stability and strength of your muscles, you exercise. You push it beyond its comfort zone of a resting stage so that the more you use the muscle, the easier tasks get. Yet, at first, there may be pain and stiffness, a little soreness, until the muscle gains strength and the exercise becomes easier.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our faith is a muscle that needs to be worked out. Sometimes the workout is difficult and painful, leaving us sore, and not sure if we can go on. Yet, the longer we put faith into use and believe in the promises of what we believe for, we gain strength and stamina, and power to keep hope. And when our faith is strong, doubt and unbelief will have no space. And we will know in our hearts with complete conviction, that no matter what we ask of God; no matter what things appear to be—we will have need for nothing. The strength of our faith eradicates doubts and fears and assures of that we have a need for nothing because God has answered before we even called.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be Confident and Convinced</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">James 1:6-8 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let him make his request in faith, doubting nothing; for he who has doubt in his heart is like the waves of the sea, which are troubled by the driving of the wind. Let it not seem to such a man that he will get anything from the Lord; For there is a division in his mind, and he is uncertain in all his ways.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When you go before the Lord, ask in faith, believing that you have already received what you have asked for. When you ask, do not doubt, or change your mind. Be stable in all things. Have you ever gone to a restaurant or somewhere with someone who could not make up in their mind what they wanted? They want one thing and then quickly change their mind. Often times these same people ask the opinions of everyone before they make a decision, and quickly change their mind based upon what someone else has said until someone else comes along, and what they say sounds good also; now, they have a hard time deciding.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Indecisive people are often unstable in all of their ways, not sure of what they want or where they want to go and have a tendency to cause a lot of chaos and confusion. James admonishes us to have faith, having no doubt about what we want, and that God will answer when we submit our requests to God. We will not receive what we ask for from the Lord with a mind and heart that is constantly changing and straddling the fence between faith and doubt.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Have a Little Faith and Work it Out</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Luke 17:6 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Luke 17:19 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here is the deal, Beloved; it does not take much faith to make things happen. Literally, Jesus said that all it takes is faith the size of a mustard seed to move situations out of your way. It is about releasing what YOU cannot do or cannot see and trusting God to be who He is and do just what He said.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is also not just about faith, but also about putting that faith into action; exercising faith; doing, and following the instructions of God. Faith is reactionary, as well as active. If we believe in what we have asked for then we should move accordingly in that faith and not treat it like fine china that never gets used but is pretty to look at.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As well, our faith requires work. How can we say we have faith but never put it into action? How can we say we are believers in God and have faith and see someone in need and send them on their way when we have the ability to meet those needs? This is clearly seen in the second chapter of James.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">James 2:14-17 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What use is it, my brothers, for a man to say that he has faith if he does nothing? will such faith give him salvation? If a brother or a sister is without clothing and in need of the day's food, And one of you says to them, Go in peace, be warm and full of food; but you do not give them the things of which their bodies have need, what profit is there in this? Even so, faith without works is dead.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m going to be even more transparent here with you today. It grieves my heart and angers me when I see people who are in need come to the house of God or to a person of God who professes to have faith, and they express their need for assistance. Instead of getting their physical needs met, they are told, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“We’re praying for you. Just have faith and God will make a way for you.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> This blows my mind! How can we teach anything about faith and the love of God, and lack in our works to bring others into the knowledge of who God truly is, if we ourselves, do not follow the very example of Christ, and attend to the physical needs of a person?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t know about you, but I find it difficult to concentrate on anything when I am hungry and thirsty. I definitely would not be able to pay attention to a word that promises God will deliver and answer prayers when I cannot get past the physical hunger or the destitution I may be experiencing. We are to meet those physical needs. Often, we do not even have to mention what we believe when we are tending to the concerns of others because our actions will speak for us. It will tell the tale of what we believe.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My Beloveds, May the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Works and faith go hand in hand. All it takes is a small amount of faith to make a monumental difference in someone’s life; forever changing themselves and ourselves. One act of believing God can change a lifetime of events; ushering us into a continuous flow of manifest blessings and answered prayers…if we would believe and put action into what we are professing. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">©2023. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.</span></p><br /><br /></span>Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36674442.post-3369093980984154422023-05-21T04:06:00.000-07:002023-05-21T04:06:23.503-07:00"A Royal Diadem"<p> <b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt;">Reflections4Life</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Adobe Arabic",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">™</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt;"> May 21, 2023</span></i></b></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">“A Royal Diadem”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 1in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.”<b> Isaiah 62:3<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Scripture Contemplations: Zephaniah 3:8-10; Jeremiah 33:9; Zechariah 9:16-17; Philippians 2<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6SO0HLQACfsc6UgKxF2Y-0mCUlYKdGMpqn-WbGajI-XFStrM6oYYUG7bzfmcFz4wwohZoHFY8lyx-cbekETuh77-P81BDqjajW0mNG65VkOHQKvAMeZF7PJQhe4PAIeodnrucg/s1600/81.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="632" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6SO0HLQACfsc6UgKxF2Y-0mCUlYKdGMpqn-WbGajI-XFStrM6oYYUG7bzfmcFz4wwohZoHFY8lyx-cbekETuh77-P81BDqjajW0mNG65VkOHQKvAMeZF7PJQhe4PAIeodnrucg/s320/81.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">©Ruthe McDonald.</span></i></div><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: 77.35pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-linespan: 3; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: dropcap-dropped; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; page-break-after: avoid; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 90pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt;">A<o:p></o:p></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">s I watched a beloved preacher who recently transitioned preach a sermon about lessons learned and GOD'S unconditional love and being in control, I was reminded that when we accept Christ, it is no longer us in charge, but Him. The problem is, too many of us have not recognized or accepted the change. We do not recognize the change in titles and power. We are to no longer do things of our own volition or strength. But through Christ. In Christ. Allowing Christ in us to now make the decisions and carry them out, as we are now a part of the Royal Diadem. The family of the Kingdom of GOD.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">When we come to the knowledge of God and who we are to Him and in Him, our lives are forever changed. When we accept Christ into our hearts we gain understanding and insight, and we now recognize ourselves as a Royal Diadem. We are a representation of God on this earth. We are precious and priceless in the hand of God, worthy of more than we give ourselves credit for. Not because of anything we did, but because of what Christ has given; what He has done. It is time for us to rise up and walk in the truth of the calling on our lives and in the truth of who God says we are. A representative of God’s love. A Royal Diadem.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I declare that this week’s <b><i>Reflections</i></b> will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Walk in the confidence of who you are in God; a representation of the King who reigns on the throne of your heart. Meditate on the word this week. Get to know who God has called and blessed you to be through His word. Know that you are a royal diadem in the hand of God—precious, invaluable, chosen. The more you get to know God the more you will know yourself and your purpose. The more you understand that it <i>in </i><o:p></o:p></span><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt;">Reflections4Life</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Adobe Arabic",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">™</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt;"> May 21, 2023</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">“A Royal Diadem”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 1in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.”<b> Isaiah 62:3<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Scripture Contemplations: Zephaniah 3:8-10; Jeremiah 33:9; Zechariah 9:16-17; Philippians 2<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6SO0HLQACfsc6UgKxF2Y-0mCUlYKdGMpqn-WbGajI-XFStrM6oYYUG7bzfmcFz4wwohZoHFY8lyx-cbekETuh77-P81BDqjajW0mNG65VkOHQKvAMeZF7PJQhe4PAIeodnrucg/s1600/81.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="632" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6SO0HLQACfsc6UgKxF2Y-0mCUlYKdGMpqn-WbGajI-XFStrM6oYYUG7bzfmcFz4wwohZoHFY8lyx-cbekETuh77-P81BDqjajW0mNG65VkOHQKvAMeZF7PJQhe4PAIeodnrucg/s320/81.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">©Ruthe McDonald.</span></i></div><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: 77.35pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-linespan: 3; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: dropcap-dropped; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; page-break-after: avoid; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 90pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt;">A<o:p></o:p></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">s I watched the Royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle five years ago, I was moved by the beauty of the ceremony. A few things caught my attention; one of which was the tiara that was worn by the bride. An ornate crown that had not been seen nor worn since the 1950s. It was a powerful symbol that symbolized a change in the bride’s life. What she was no longer and who she now be moving forward. No longer a commoner. No matter the actions of her and Prince Harry. Their lives are still changed by their choices.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">When we come to the knowledge of God and who we are to Him and in Him, our lives are forever changed. When we accept Christ into our hearts we gain understanding and insight, and we now recognize ourselves as a Royal Diadem. We are a representation of God on this earth. We are precious and priceless in the hand of God, worthy of more than we give ourselves credit for. Not because of anything, we did but because of what Christ has given; what He has done. It is time for us to rise up and walk in the truth of the calling on our lives and in the truth of who God says we are. A representative of God’s love. A Royal Diadem.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I declare that this week’s <b><i>Reflections</i></b> will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Walk in the confidence of who you are in God; a representation of the King who reigns on the throne of your heart. Meditate on the word this week. Get to know who God has called and blessed you to be through His word. Know that you are a royal diadem in the hand of God—precious, invaluable, chosen. The more you get to know God the more you will know yourself and your purpose.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">In the Hands of God<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 1in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Zechariah 9:16-17</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> On that day the Lord their God will save them, as the flock of his people; for like the jewels of a crown they shall shine on his land.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 1in;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">diadem</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">: (noun) A decorative band or wreath is worn about the head as a symbol of victory or honor, a declaration, a representation<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In the hands of God, our lives are changed forever. We are no longer the same. His blood covers us. His spirit fills us. God has saved us and set us apart for a reason. When we seek His will and His heart, we will not only know who He is, but also we learn who we are, and we learn our purpose. Nothing ever stays the same in the hands of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Every day we seek His face and His will, we open our hearts to Him. He fine-tunes our ears to the frequency of His voice. We learn His way of doing things. He is our potter and we are His clay. This world is the His wheel—the Potter’s wheel. Sometimes in this world, we get chipped, broken, bruised, and even shatter. However, in the hands of God—the Potter—we are carefully and diligently remolded, built up again, and restored. Even having to go through the fire, He is burning off all impurities, refining us until we come out like fine gold, precious silver. He shapes stretches, molding us into vessels of purity and goodness. He smooths all of the rough edges until we are the symbol of His promise and declaration on this earth; a precious jewel, a crown, a royal diadem.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">A Representation of the King<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Sometimes we forget who we are and whose we are. We are a royal priesthood, a royal diadem of the Lord. We represent our heavenly Father on this earth. We are a symbol of God’s goodness, promises, and blessings. We are a representation of God’s presence on this earth. Yet far too many forget or do not know who we are and who God has called us to be. On the earth, in the presence of others who may or may not know who God is and the power that comes with that knowledge and understanding. We accept things in our lives we should never accept. We have allowed people to do and say things that would never fly or be accepted if we understood who we were and are worth.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">When I watched the Royal wedding, someone struck my heart and resonated with my soul—the bride's mother. You could see the pride in her eyes for the daughter she raised. The love was evident. As a parent, she had done her job and done it well. A thought also occurred that her daughter is a reflection, a representation of her. Meghan reflected and represented the sacrifices, the hours of work, the sometimes hardships, ridicule, and even hate that she (mom) willingly endured for the love of her daughter. Who now, was not only declaring to the world her passion and commitment to a man but also, she was representing her mother…a reflection of who her mother is while at the same time, staying true to herself and what is important to her. Just as the crown/tiara she wore represented the Royals, she herself was the diadem of her mother’s life. A gem, a jewel in her mother’s crown.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This is who we are to God—His royal diadem; a representative of all His love and sacrifice, a symbol of His power and dedication. We become the example for the world to see what God desires to do for them once they believe, accept, and receive Christ into their lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Many of us, unfortunately, do not see ourselves as that diadem. Because of all we have endured—the tests, trials, and poor decisions made—we do not feel worthy, and often feel like we have to prove something or earn being the diadem of God. We cannot. It is God that holds us high, sets us apart, and declares, and decrees us as His diadem, our lives a testament to His glory and love for His creation. His redemption. We become brand new in His hands. Someone beautiful, precious, priceless, and highly esteemed. When people see us, they should see God; a representative of the love and goodness of our heavenly Father and His promises for eternity.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">My Beloveds, May the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Carry yourselves accordingly, Beloved. Do not accept any attitudes, behaviors, and treatments from others that do not respect, honor, or recognize who you are. Remember who you are to God and that you are priceless and worthy of unconditional love. You are worthy of the best, of living a life of greatness. Do not compromise but stand for what you believe and let God be the one that elevates you and brags on you. You are his precious jewel; it’s time to walk like you know and believe this. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">©2023. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><br /></div>Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36674442.post-46629409547695812542023-05-14T06:04:00.000-07:002023-05-14T06:04:10.028-07:00"The Power of Motherhood"<p> <b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">Reflections4Life</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "adobe arabic" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">™</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"> May 14, 2023</span></i></b></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">“The Power of Motherhood”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 1in;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” <b>Proverbs 31:30<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Scripture Contemplation: Exodus 20:12; Psalm 27:10; Proverbs 1:8; 6:20; John 19:25-27…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5KLCjjSXFYawFhraTqhwKkiOKx7-Kp-nqH-AxgrCbr6uNb0dDyLDfWJhvmuMUuSbbNU2Fft-o5SwQbCnFaMDf4hcW2bvSkFJUkex10wH7Oq0IyuOgUT9rzrAJxQxk0BFIQOgpA/s1600/Mothersday20182.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="634" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5KLCjjSXFYawFhraTqhwKkiOKx7-Kp-nqH-AxgrCbr6uNb0dDyLDfWJhvmuMUuSbbNU2Fft-o5SwQbCnFaMDf4hcW2bvSkFJUkex10wH7Oq0IyuOgUT9rzrAJxQxk0BFIQOgpA/s320/Mothersday20182.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">©Ruthe McDonald.</span></i></div><div><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody><tr><td align="left" style="padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; padding: 0in;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; line-height: 77.35pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-linespan: 3; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: dropcap-dropped; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; page-break-after: avoid; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 92pt;">H<o:p></o:p></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">appy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers and mothers-to-be, and mother figures. May the Lord continue to bless you with His knowledge and wisdom to walk in the greatness that He has ordained for your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">There is something innately powerful about motherhood. From carrying a child to birthing a child to adopting a child to rearing a child—it takes strength and character to be the kind of mother that God has ordained. Please understand, also, that carrying a child and giving birth does not make you a mother or give you power. However, it is what lies in the heart of a woman. A woman who has the care of, and influence over, a child or children in her care.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">I declare that this week’s <b><i>Reflections</i></b> will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Allow God to speak to your heart this week; to bring to your remembrance all of the lessons taught by your mother or the women that held that position in your heart. Reflect on the things you may not have realized as a child but when considered today, may have you look at your mother now, with understanding. Honor the mother(s) in your life today. If she is still on this earth, bless her today. And for all of us whose mothers have transitioned; honor them. Honor their memories and their legacies by living well and adding to her legacy.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">What Love Has Shown Me<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">I have learned a lot about love through the years from the women in my life that have mothered me. Though I have not been blessed to birth children of my own yet, I have been blessed with children in my life that see me as a mother and seek my counsel, wisdom, and instructions. I do not take that lightly because I understand that it is not only what I say that has an impact on them, it is also what I show them through my actions; what my life is reflecting.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Love is an action word. Love, sincere love, is not contained, and it does not judge. It sees all things, forgives all, and holds no grudges. I have learned so much about love and the power of motherhood through the women in my life. Their steadfastness in love and dedication to their families through sometimes-tumultuous times has shown me the kind of woman I always strive to be.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">I have a number of women that have shown me the power of motherhood. Women who have shown me what love looks like in action and how powerful a mother’s love can be. Today, I reflect on four of those women. Women who have transitioned but have helped to shape who I am. My Nana (great-grandmother), my Grams, my Aunt Sharon, and my Mother.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">From my Nana</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">—I learned dedication and discipline. She was a woman dedicated to her family and her service to God. From being an Usher in her church for over fifty years, starting the very first food basket program for the holidays, to the many other things she did to show the love in her heart and the love of God, it left an impression upon my heart. One that reminds me to be cognizant of the legacy that I will leave in my stead. Though she was not perfect, I still follow many of the lessons she gave our family.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">From My Grams—</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">I learned steadfastness, determination, how to run a successful business, and that it is never too late to go after your dreams and passions. My Grams was my best friend. She was the keeper of all her grandchildren’s secrets. She raised eight children and suffered the pain of seeing one of her sons murdered while he was protecting an older woman from being mugged. Yet through it all, she remained a constant source of unwavering love, faith, and steadfastness. She worked hard to support her children. She went back to college at a later age. She pursued her passion from childhood, eventually opening her own Hair Salon. Though she was older, she could outdo many of her younger counterparts. Sometimes she’d get to work at 8:00 am and wouldn’t finish until 2:00 am! In her sixties at that! Through her, I learned that love makes all things possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">From My Auntie Sharon—</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">I learned forgiveness, resilience, honesty, and seizing the moment. Her life taught me how you get back up no matter how many times you fall. Be honest with yourself and those you love. To forgive because life is way too short to harbor negative emotions and thoughts. I learned that just because things are one way does not mean they have to stay that way. And to seize every moment, every day, with a heart of gratitude because you never know when the one you love may be taken away. I loved her more than I have the words to adequately explain. Her life, love, and lessons live on in her children, and in all of her family.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">From My Mother—</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The lessons of love are so many, I’d write a book and I will someday. My mother was not just my mother, she was my best friend, my counselor, my champion, my pastor, and my intercessor. I learned unconditional love, sacrifice, servanthood, how to truly serve God with your heart and soul, how to pray, how to believe in myself; and so much more. Seriously, there will be a book.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">I will say this, my mother showed me how strong love is. How it takes a licking and keeps on ticking. She has shown me the power and strength of love and how it can heal, save, soothe, and correct. I learned the worth of prayer, prayer that comes from the heart. I also learned that the prayers of the righteous never fail or stop being answered because they leave this earth. Their prayers have no expiration date and God will answer their prayers, keeping His word to them. There is not a day that goes by that I do not hear her voice, am reminded of her love, and feel her presence all around me; especially in times of distress and heartache.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">A mother’s love is indeed more powerful than the grave, and stronger than death.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">My Beloveds, May the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Beloveds, honor the mothers in your life today. Give them their flowers and accolades now, while they are with you. God gave mothers a special gift. Those women, who use it, who understand it, will not only see doors open that only God could have ordained but also see the difference they can make in a world filled with motherless children just waiting for a mother’s love. There is power in motherhood; the closest thing to the heart of God. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">©2023. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36674442.post-24411484369251055552023-04-09T08:51:00.000-07:002023-04-09T08:51:10.484-07:00"The Grace of God"<p> <b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt;">Reflections4Life</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Adobe Arabic",serif; font-size: 16pt;">™</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt;"> April 9, 2023</span></i></b></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">“The Grace of God”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” <b>Ephesians 2:8-9<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Scripture Contemplation: Esther 2:17; Psalm 45; Zechariah 10:12; John 1; Acts 4; Romans 3<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jlUXLvW-oO1-bIs7oYfMigwGgRQeEzX5TTEk5XTlQdDDnB-Qy517ZIqMbe7ZJa7jeozQJQBxJv_7gClhPTpS9P87RDnsKELcuPlN0_MoijTv68jYReHW7w-CqFdRsKY4NswLVw/s1600/lilacs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jlUXLvW-oO1-bIs7oYfMigwGgRQeEzX5TTEk5XTlQdDDnB-Qy517ZIqMbe7ZJa7jeozQJQBxJv_7gClhPTpS9P87RDnsKELcuPlN0_MoijTv68jYReHW7w-CqFdRsKY4NswLVw/s320/lilacs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">©Ruthe McDonald.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Happy Resurrection Sunday! </i>God's grace is sufficient and it is power— the power to transform us and to create us into who God has always ordained us to be. God accepts us just as we are, but it would be a travesty to stay the same under His anointing and in His grace. Even a flower must first experience death before it grows. Even a butterfly had to go through a transformation; dying of its old self. Come as you are, but allow the love of God to transform you. God never expected us to do it on our own! That is why we have His grace.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I decree that this week’s <b><i>Reflections </i></b>will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. God’s grace is sufficient for every aspect of our lives. However, we must be willing to accept this gift from our Father. The enemy has duped many of us into believing that we are either not worthy of such love, or that we are fine just as we are because God says to come as we are. In order to know the truth and understand who God truly is, and all that He has ordained for you, you must spend time in His presence. Then you will understand the power and dispensation of His grace and all that waits for you. The entirety of what God has ordained for you. When you do, you will know and understand you could never remain the same—change must indeed take place.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">What Would You Do?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I want to make you think today. Think about your relationship with God. To think about His grace and what it truly means to be transformed by the love and grace of God; by Jesus's death and resurrection. By the renewing of our minds.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">If you received everything, you ever asked for; all that you wanted, and desired, was manifested right now, what would you do? Would you be content? Would you be happy? Would you continue to seek after God and His way of doing things? Would you want to know more about who God is and whom He called and ordained you to be? Would you be interested in the teaching and voice of the Holy Spirit? Would God be first; your relationship a priority? Would you be consumed with who God is and who He is in you? Or, would all you asked for have the place in your heart and mind that once belonged to God?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I ask these questions to get you to think. Think about your purpose. Think about your intent when you come to God. Is God just a source to receive what you want? A convenient means to an end? Or is God truly King on the throne of your heart and who You desire a sincere, real, and intimate relationship with, solely because He is God?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Is God First in Your Life?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Beloved, is God truly first in your lives? When you tell God that you love Him, what exactly does that mean? Do you love Him for what He can give you? Or do you love Him for who He is? Do you thirst and hunger after righteousness, and intimacy with God. To know who He is just because of who He is? Many claims that God is first in their lives but the moment things do not go their way, they seek another avenue to get what they want. They become angry with God and refuse to fellowship any longer.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">How soon we forget the mercy and grace of God when we are faced with impossible situations and God does not move when we believe He should have. We get disjointed and disappointed, not understanding that God indeed has ways far beyond what we can comprehend. Yet, His grace will carry us through if what we truly desire is God Himself and not only what He can do for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Do You Even Know God?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">God knows who we are. He knows everything about us, every hair, every tear, every thought, every doubt, every solitary thing concerning us. Yet, do we know who God really is, other than someone who can answer prayers? Have you taken time to know His heart, His soul? Or do you only seek Him for what you can gain from Him?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Father God is not a magician or some genie in a bottle. We do not make wishes, and then sit back and wait for Him to grant us our wishes then discard Him when we are through. He is not a Pimp, yet we prostitute ourselves seeking favors and trying to barter with God for services rendered. Telling God, since we have done this, and we have done that, then He should be doing this or that. It is the only reason we serve God.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Do you show God everything? Even though He knows you, have you offered yourself to Him? Have you poured out your heart and soul and sold yourself out to who He is? Not for what He can give you or pour into you; but for the sheer reason of Him being God, your Creator, your Savior, who loves you unconditionally and you want Him to be in every part of your life? Nothing hidden. Giving Him complete access to all of you.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">That’s a scary thing, isn’t it? To allow God into those secret places of shame, pain, and confusion for fear of rejection. Because that’s all it is. We fear that God will not be who He says He is. Because some prayers have not seemed to be answered, or we have given up and let go of hope, then God cannot be who He says He is. We treat Him and look at Him, comparing Him to every other person we have had the misfortune of being let down by. He is not them, Beloved. God is not a man that He would lie to nor the son of man that He needs to repent. Even in all of that, God’s grace is extended toward us. His grace saves us from countless situations that we put ourselves in, and would never be able to get out of without Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">His Grace Changes Everything<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">G</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">od’s <b><u>R</u></b>iches <b><u>a</u></b>t <b><u>C</u></b>hrist’s <b><u>E</u></b>xpense. That was the acronym I’d learned at a young age to explain the grace of God. That Christ had paid the price (the Cross) to cover the cost of the bill (Life) that came due before God. Jesus became the payment, the final sacrifice. When we accept Christ into our hearts and we pick up our cross and begin to walk the walk, it is God’s Grace, which strengthens us and brings transformation into our lives. God’s grace, His unmerited favor, ushers us into His presence and affords us the opportunity to not only be saved but to know God.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">How much do you want to give to God, not for the sake of getting but for the sake of just knowing Him and being reconciled to Him? How can we partake in His grace and heaven, yet never be willing to risk anything or give up anything; sacrifice, and tell others about God and His love and how much He desires for us to be reconciled to Him in all ways. To be a recipient of His love, care, and concern, not being manipulated, and made to feel inferior, but instead loved, desired, understood, and forgiven. That is God’s grace.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">My Beloveds, May the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Do your ways please God? What have you done in your life that has exemplified the love of Christ? We will all stand before the throne of judgment. Have the desire to know God for God and not for what He can do for you or give you. Accept His grace, knowing that Christ’s sacrifice made you worthy. Yes. Come to God as you are, because He accepts you just that way. However, be transformed by the renewing of your mind and the dispensation of God’s grace. The true travesty would be to be in the presence of God and never know who He truly is and who you truly are. Staying the same; stagnated. With access to all things new, but refusing to change because you have become comfortable with how things are and living outside of the knowledge of who God truly is. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">©2023. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></div><br />Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36674442.post-45303907401101798622023-03-19T03:00:00.002-07:002023-03-19T03:00:51.969-07:00"A Relationship with GOD"<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reflections4Life™ March 19, 2023</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-357552c4-7fff-a47f-3d35-9d69bf15413f"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“A Relationship with God”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“And now, Israel, what does the Lord </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">your</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> God require </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> you, but to fear the Lord </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">your</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> God, to walk in </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">all</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">your</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> God with </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">all</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">your</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">heart</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and with </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">all your</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> soul…” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Deuteronomy 10:12</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Scripture Contemplation: Proverbs 4; Lamentations 2; Matthew 6:25; Romans 6; 8; Ephesians 4...</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 11pt; margin-right: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 320px; overflow: hidden; width: 212px;"><img height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Nkj1wJHvvvSdreERqDzg_pUH-Vw1XTBW3svfnDxh11zxHspHfZOQfYIL9uVi9XkI0DZPn7BvhNMX8Kd9gvaUxFtt0eqlDn_Om4p8Qy7F6Xk3_V-D5G6GS-jY9aGnE9_M27PWQUB6Gybzk0F1M0fLABA" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="212" /></span></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Through every attack, every trial, and hardship, one thing has ringed the most in my soul: “</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is my life a true reflection of my relationship with God?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">” What is my life saying about God?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What am</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> saying (my actions, my deeds) when I am going through a battle? Is my speech of defeat? Is it negative? Or, am I speaking with faith and confidence in what God has spoken and promised to my heart? Is my life truly reflecting who I say God is to me?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I declare, this week's </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reflections </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Be cognizant of what your life is reflecting concerning your relationship with God. Walk in the goodness and promises of God, no matter what comes your way. Stand strong in the Father, who enables you to withstand all matters of storms, and cultivate your relationship every day.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Mask of Religion</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matthew 23:27 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mark 7:6 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Actions indeed are louder than words. People will hear what we say, but look at what we do. Many shun a relationship with God because those who wear the mask of religion and say they are believers have not done such a great job of exemplifying a life that would draw others to Christ. Instead, rocked with scandal after scandal, and under the guise of saying we are believers, we have allowed and continue to allow atrocities to occur in this world, and excuse behaviors of people in power or high positions only to gain what we want instead of what God requires.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Perhaps it is because we have not fully believed. Maybe we have not sold out our hearts and souls to Christ. Because of this, it makes it easier to swallow the demands and standards we place on others but do not follow ourselves. We have mastered the art of religion and have failed at relationships. We have a form of godliness but our hearts and souls are lacking Holy Spirit, truth, conviction, and love. We are pretty edifices with decaying souls and spirits within. We use religion as a weapon, the letter of the law to shackles, bound, and kill but do not hold these same laws to ourselves. Religion without a relationship and the Spirit of God is just another way to bind and destroy people and strip the world of love. It covers the truth about who God truly is.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">An Intimate Relationship</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 Corinthians 13:1 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 Peter 2:5 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I thought about how a dear friend lived her life up until her very last breath on this earth. What an example of Christ she portrayed. Her life touched many people. Her love extended everywhere. Her life spoke of kindness, love, forgiveness, hope, faith, and laughter, even amid excruciating pain. She left a legacy of greatness for those who loved and knew her. More importantly, she lived it. Every day; even through sickness and pain, she reached forward and brought light and laughter to others.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was not her religion that captured or drew people to her but the light and love that shone through her. Her relationship with God translated into her relationship with people from all lifestyles, backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions. She did not use religion to try to persuade others to what she believed. Nor to condemn others for the lives they lived and what they thought. She gained respect for respecting others. Yet never compromised or shied away from what she, herself believed and stood for.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How many of us pay attention to what our lives are speaking? Do our lives line up with what our mouths have been confessing? Do our lives exemplify the life we say we are living in Christ? Would anyone know by our actions alone, if we were believers and loved the Lord? Would our life lead another to Christ? Would they want to partake in the goodness of God by what our lives reflect, and the fruit we bear? Are we bound to religion or free in a relationship with the Almighty King?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With Love and Kindness</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jeremiah 31:3 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Romans 8:1-2 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is what I know; God has many things He desires to do for us on this earth. Many prayers He desires to bring to fruition. Blessings He desires to manifest in our lives. Yet, for many of us who call ourselves believers, we have fallen short in our faith and love. We have honed our skills in religion and the letter of the law, but have failed miserably in the lessons of unconditional love and relationships.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sure, we will go to church, and say the right words, but our hearts are speaking loud and clear, affecting our actions. Our message is not one of faith, love, trust, and belief or a relationship with a loving and just God. Instead, it is a message of doubt, fear, regrets, unbelief, unjust, vengeful, and schizophrenic God. Then we wonder why the church is full of like-minded people, yet whose homes are cold and void of love and meaningful relationships, and no one knows one another. Our home, our family is our first ministry. What would our families say?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When are we going to let go and allow God to have His way? When are we going to honestly trust in God and give Him all of us? When will we let go of religion and gain a relationship with the Highest that is honest, open, healthy, and can translate into our relationships with others? Simply put, when are we going to drop the masks and stop hiding behind religion, making excuses for our bad behavior, our judgmental spirits, and our hypocritical ways?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I want my life to speak well of Christ; to be that walking epistle that draws others into a relationship with the Heavenly Father. I desire to not just leave a legacy, but to leave one of greatness by totally surrendering to God, and allowing Him to use me; even in my most testing and trying times. I do not want a form of godliness, wearing a cloak of religion, and my heart removed from who God truly is.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My Beloveds, May the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Your life has been speaking for you for a long time. It is a reflection of your relationship or non-relationship with God. Let your life express well of you and God, and you—your relationship and not religion—will draw others to the saving grace of Christ. You are blessed. Now go and be a Blessing!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">©2023. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.</span></p><br /><br /></span>Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36674442.post-85754421847367189562023-03-12T04:26:00.001-07:002023-03-12T04:26:37.861-07:00"No More Procrastinating"<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reflections4Life™ March 12, 2023</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e21e1146-7fff-c13b-c5ed-fa83c2118be2"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“No More Procrastinating!”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Proverbs 13:4</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Scripture Contemplation for This Week: Haggai 1; 2; Luke 9…</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 11pt; margin-right: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 262px; overflow: hidden; width: 240px;"><img height="262" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/j3gW0-YkPD3Rj5JOS-ChMM6quf25w4fJQnuIj2LyBwrTkJhUIzfscp2Gr_tWW3fo-XjgCI3NG91f7dFfhuNy2hR7cK2RSSv2-XDLmRy4uCYKxpNLqm6M9bUNxU8lx4mGlKoxkwQYR35h8ptsFGQuceQAEBKVfgMkiMh1-3jn7woDJd5jmd6krkZdo9MMfg" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="240" /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">©Ruthe McDonald.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We all have hopes, dreams, and visions. For many, they have pursued them and successfully accomplished them; seeing them come to fruition, the fruit of their labor and faith manifesting. Others have lost their hope, dreams, and visions. Life has not been kind and has disappointed them. Yet, the truth is, life happened to both groups of people. Many of those who have accomplished their dreams and visions, too were met with disappointments and unkindness. However, they did not stay down when they fell. They did not stop trying or pushing forward. When one road was blocked, they found another. They did not give up. And when God told them to keep going, they did not procrastinate. When it was time to rebuild, that is just what they did. They walked in obedience to God.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I declare that this week’s </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reflections</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Stand in faith and walk in obedience, Beloveds. Allow the word of God to cleanse you. Walk with confidence and faith, pursuing your dreams and passions. Do not allow setbacks, disappointments, and trials of life to derail you from seeing the manifestations of God’s blessings for your life. Be diligent in your prayer and meditation this week, allowing God to be your strength, as He instructs you how to rebuild. Be swift to move and follow His word, kicking the spirit of procrastination in the butt. Everything you need already resides in you.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stop Procrastinating</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Haggai 1:2-7 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 20pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Thus says the Lord of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">3 </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">4 </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">5 </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">6 </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">7 </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God has given each of us instructions concerning His will for our lives. He gave instructions in His word, through His overseers and teachers. Even in our dreams and through circumstances and situations, God has admonished us and has sent His word on what we should do and the path we should walk. Yet, many have gone astray. They have not listened to God, but instead have followed their own desires and whims; have followed others on a path of disobedience and destruction, and have not yielded to God.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our spiritual houses are breaking down. Our lives are not what we hoped for or expected. The truth of the matter is that many have been selfish in their pursuits, forsaking the word and will of God. We have moved away from the will of God and His instructions and have procrastinated in our repentance and have not humbled ourselves before the Lord. We wonder why we never have enough or can never move ahead or catch a break. We have been indulging in our flesh; gratifying the lusts of our eyes and ears, and have forsaken our relationship with God.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This has left many empty, in a place of uncertainty, and spiritually bankrupt. It is time to stop procrastinating, especially when it comes to following the will of God, walking in obedience to His will for our lives. We cannot continue to straddle the fence and only serve God part of the time but expect full-time blessings.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Romans 7:17-19 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is a war within between the flesh and the spirit, and if we desire to rebuild, to start over, and see our dreams and visions resurrected, we must walk in obedience to the Spirit, put the flesh under subjection, and stop procrastinating when it comes to following God’s instructions. We must yield to God, and do exactly what He instructs without hesitation.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Start Rebuilding</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 Chronicles 7:14 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Haggai 2:18-19 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Consider from this day onward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month. Since the day that the foundation of the Lord's temple was laid, consider: </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">19 </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is the seed yet in the barn? Indeed, the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree have yielded nothing. But from this day on I will bless you.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Father has spoken and given instructions, now it is time to start rebuilding. To begin to rebuild what has been torn down, and left in shambles. God has equipped us, enabling us to move forward. If you have repented, sought out the Lord, and have a heart that is willing to move forward in obedience, then it is time to remember those dreams and visions. God has restored hope, as He has forgiven you of your past. The only one that wants us to wallow in the past is the enemy so that he can use it to cause us to procrastinate long enough to talk us out of believing what God has already declared and decreed over our lives.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God has already forgiven you, now you must forgive yourself and start rebuilding, following the instructions that God has given. Repent, humble yourself, seek His will, the Kingdom of heaven first; allowing God to equip you with all that you need. Do not be afraid to start over, to begin again. God is with you. He will not allow you to fail when you are walking in obedience. Get your plans; the plans that the Master Architect has designed for your life. Follow His blueprints and you will not have to worry about it failing inspection. It already has the Holy Spirit’s seal of approval.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally Beloved</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My Beloveds, May the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I declare that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Rebuild and start living your best life now! Yes, you messed up! Who hasn’t? So what, you are getting older! We all are! Take what you know—all the life lessons; including the mistakes, and grow from them. Do that thing you always wanted to do but were afraid to do. Life is too short to live with so many regrets. Always remember your hopes, dreams, and visions. Remember who you are before that tumultuous relationship, before that job loss, the broken promises, and the heartaches that may come. Life is not easy but it is worth it. So remember all of those great things. Stop procrastinating and do them! You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">©2023. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.</span></p><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36674442.post-5490422845034623142023-03-04T23:06:00.003-08:002023-03-04T23:09:13.639-08:00“Let Your Heart Be Malleable for GOD”<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reflections4Life™ March 5, 2023</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-fa22c7da-7fff-0f58-156e-565e17736b6c"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Let Your Heart Be Malleable for GOD”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: #060950;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">again He designates a certain day, saying in David, “Today,” after such a long time, as it has been said: Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: #060950;">”</span><span style="background-color: #2b00fe;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hebrew 4:7</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Scripture Contemplation: Deuteronomy 15:7; Joshua 11:20; 1 Samuel 6:6; Job 9:4; Proverbs 29:1; Mark 8; Hebrews 3; 4; </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; filter: contrast(0.89); height: 274px; overflow: hidden; width: 348px;"><img height="274" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/PsL5CwUnK5JhuRlm39sCwi4GLp18kxICm1g8TfqHHiE5CIWgili-PhDZ9RDZA4SUq3wv2GbBU-2mZaIz8xt3Z0gEC59DPUcSqzQ-uA-Vc00xPwPF0pQtXQ1MIoOq-9jynaL-zR_LlPv1Eee2tqBGxR0" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="348" /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">©Ruthe McDonald.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Beloveds, if there is one thing that I am certain of, other than the unconditional love of God, it is the fact that the enemy is a thief and he has set out to steal, kill, and destroy us. Spiritually and physically. He does not care how but he will use every weapon in his arsenal to deceive and rob us of the promises of God. Yet, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, who came to give us life and equipped us with armor to defeat the enemy. If we believe and trust Him, then we walk in obedience to what He tells us and do not harden our hearts to the truth.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I declare that this week’s </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reflections</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> are a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Be confident in the Lord and His promises for your life. Seek Him daily and saturate yourself in the word of God. Allow the word to quench your thirst and feed your hunger, as Holy Spirit fills you with the knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of how strategically to defeat the enemy, no matter how he attacks. Greater is God in us the enemy in this world.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t Be Deceived</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The enemy hates the fact we are made in the image of God and are filled with His Spirit. He loathes the creation of God and the power and authority that God has given us. Make no mistake that the enemy will do everything in his power to deceive you and cause you to doubt God, sin against God, and stop believing God altogether. The enemy wants our hearts to harden toward God’s truth. He understands that if he can get into our minds (his playground) and get us to contemplate on his [Satan] lies long enough, it will become a belief, finding its way into our hearts and becoming real. It will systematically harden our hearts, weaken our faith, and make the voice of God sound distant and false. Once he gets us to doubt God, he has found a doorway and it is hard to get him out before he does grave damage.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jeremiah 17:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jeremiah 17:10</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Our hearts tell a tale; a tale of what we believe, what we accept as truth. What we have thought about, contemplated, and eventually believed as truth. This is why God admonishes us to pull down strongholds, to dismiss the wicked and lying thoughts and whispers of the enemy that speak the opposite of God and His plans and promises for our lives. To renounce the thoughts, habits, and curses that He has freed us from. Eventually, we reap what is in our hearts, whether it is true or not. When we allow the enemy to rent space in our heads and begin to think on and entertain his lies, whispers, and evil thoughts that were planted, instead of denouncing them and replacing them with the thoughts, promises, and word of God—they become our truth. The lies embedded in our hearts, become our beliefs, robbing us of the sincere, godly truth and promises of God. Only God can change it if we allow Him access and do not harden our hearts.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The enemy is determined to deceive us and make us believe the opposite of what God has spoken and promised. He is good with smoke and mirrors and twisting the word of God to fit what he wants. Do not allow the lies of the enemy and the manipulation of God’s word to deceive you and harden your heart towards God and His truth. Let your heart be malleable to God’s touch and His voice when He gives you the truth and it hurts or is difficult to hear. Your salvation; your life depends on it. As do the generations following you.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t Be Robbed</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 Peter 5:8 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">John 10:10 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The Father lets us know that the enemy is after us; seeking to devour, steal, kill, and destroy. The enemy desires to rob us of the promises of God, to rob us of our peace. He wants to steal our joy, courage, faith, and belief in God and His promises. There is nothing more that would please the enemy than to destroy our relationship with God. He longs for us to not believe in God; to harden our hearts at the truth and to underestimate him and his duplicitous ways. By doing so, he would successfully destroy our faith, kill our dreams, and rob us of the promises of God in our lives, and our relationships.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> God would not have admonished us, warning us about the enemy if He was not certain that the enemy would try everything to get at us and we were capable of defeating the enemy. Some of us walk with the notion that the enemy will not use whomever to get to us. Some of us believe that we are wiser than the enemy. That, we are smarter than and will not be fooled or tricked into believing such treachery.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Think about Peter and Paul. Think about Adam and Eve. Not to mention, Abraham, Isaac, Isaiah, Joseph, David, Solomon, Samson, etcetera. We are not immune to the enemy and his attacks, but we can be equipped and ready to win the battles that come our way, and that is to stay in the word of God; to stay in a mindset where we are yielded to God and seek His will each and every day. To be fully dressed in the armor and to pull down the strongholds and dismiss the whispers and lies and not contemplate on them or entertain them until they become embedded in our hearts, becoming real and true. When you hear the truth, do not harden your heart.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What it’s All About</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> This battle is not even about us. Satan is striking back at God. Even the enemy knows he has already lost. It is all about love. Satan wants to destroy love. He wants to rob us and this entire earth of unconditional love. This is why he attacks our minds, trying to no end, to distort the truth and trick us into following him and agreeing with him. The enemy wants us to turn away from God and denounce Him; giving up our birthright—eternal life with our King.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> God has already warned us that the enemy seeks to devour us. Satan studies who we are. Taking notes on what concerns us. He sees what we love, searches for our greatest fears, our worst nightmares, our weaknesses, and Achilles' heel; whatever he can use against us to destroy our relationships, especially with God.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Luke 22:31, 32</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> My Beloveds, May the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Take heart, Beloveds. Do not harden your heart against God when He gives you the truth. Let your heart remain malleable toward the Father. We must stand strong against the wiles of the enemy, putting on our armor, staying prayerful, reading our word, pulling down strongholds, and believing what God has spoken. The moment we stop believing God's word, is the moment there is a crack in our armor and the enemy will not hesitate to pounce. Pull down the strongholds. Take courage and do all that God says. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">©2023. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.</span></p><br /></span>Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36674442.post-63275035200762934462023-02-26T00:49:00.006-08:002023-02-26T00:49:52.193-08:00"Priceless Vessels"<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reflections4Life™ February 26, 2023</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-7372994e-7fff-931a-3b05-6b32847258b0"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Priceless Vessels”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 John 2:27</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Scripture Contemplation: Luke 7; Mark 14; Colossians 1; Matthew 22:37; Romans 5; 1 John 2</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 11pt; margin-right: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 233px; overflow: hidden; width: 320px;"><img height="233" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/XQyTl9-yOPMrofOjCqHhEpbtjMfGr8L7twvh8nm4Vhjr6CE6BIS7tl-4yzvexNUnMXVdVekxiZsgFcmEGWTP7F4ot90tCjDeydpfXCv2stPcSAjavBOBneW9hrrbILUNKnWr_H8qjZf2liNycBwOHCI" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="320" /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">©Ruthe McDonald.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To God, it does not matter what we look like, what our past entails, or what we may be facing or involved with at this very moment. He has already forgiven us and wants us to recognize that our sins do not dictate who we are. Nor does it make His love and forgiveness conditional. It is what we believe about ourselves that hinders or motivates us. The eyes of the Lord are always on us. When we accept Christ and learn of His ways, we become that precious Alabaster jar that holds the most expensive and fragrant anointing of Christ within.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I declare this week’s </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reflections</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your hearts, minds, and souls. I urge you to take the time this week to spend in the precious presence of God. Allow Him to pour into you His love and anointing. The anointing that destroys every yoke and lifts every burden and gets us through all difficulties and adverse times. God has created you to be a precious vessel for His anointing, His spirit, and His power. That, in itself, makes you quite valuable. You just have to believe it.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Alabaster Jar</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Luke 7:37-38 37 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at the table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Alabaster Jars were expensive jars hewn from precious stones that often gave the jars the appearance of marble. Each jar held rare ointments, oils, and perfumes. The Alabaster jars contained the fragrance of their contents until broken open; making the vessels expensive since they only could be used once. In the time of Jesus, unmarried women in possession of an Alabaster jar(s), were likely a prostitute. They used the oils/ointments to either lure men or cover any odor since sources of water were limited.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When the woman of the city came before Jesus, washed His feet with her tears, dried them with her hair, then anointed His feet with the ointment, it symbolized her given all she had. It represented, also, the forgiveness she was seeking, and the coming crucifixion. Those around complained about the waste she made, while others questioned if Jesus was a Prophet, allowing a prostitute to touch Him in such a manner.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yet Jesus, understanding and hearing the thoughts and words of the Pharisees around, admonished them, showing their lack of service and understanding of who He is. This woman who had many sins had committed many offenses, humbled herself, and gave all she had, recognizing who He is—the Son of God. He forgave her of all her sins. He filled her with love, forgiveness, and hope. The Holy Spirit filled her; anointing her with the power to overcome her past. And the ability to move on to the promises of God.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Priceless Vessels</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 John 3:20</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Beloveds, today we are the Alabaster Jar. We are the precious and priceless vessels that God has chosen to pour His anointing into, as well as, the Holy Spirit. It does not matter how we began or where we began, only that God has chosen us, forgiven us, and poured Himself and His anointing into us. God is in us. He loves us, no matter what our journey is or has been.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In this life, we will face many trials. We will have committed many sins and offenses. Yet God forgives us and sees the blood of Jesus that covers us. When God has called us and we answer and begin to study His word, meditate, pray, and seek Him with all of our heart, and soul, He fills us with His knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. We are already filled with His power the moment we accept Him into our hearts. As we yield to the Lord, He teaches us how to use that power, and how to walk in it.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Acts 4:31</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 John 4:4</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Just like the Woman</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the woman came before God, tired of her past and the sins she lived in, she recognized Jesus and saw what He did for others. Her desperation to be released from the bondage she was in, had her coming with everything she had, despite the ridicule and name-calling, hoping He may be able to do for her as He did for countless others. She was at a low place in her life, crying out that if Jesus was true, who many others said He was, then this was her last chance for peace from her already torrid life’s journey.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The same anguish resides in many of us. We are desperate for the touch of God, a change in our lives, and a chance to be free from heaviness, heartaches, and disappointments. Free from the ridicule and judgment of others. Our life’s journey has been difficult, leaving many jaded and empty. Yet, there remains for many a spark of hope.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is that hope that pushes us forward, seeking God to relieve us and change our circumstances. We cry out and pour out our souls to God. He hears us, Beloved. He has heard and answered, even though it may not feel like it. The answers will manifest if we do not give up. We are stronger than we think. We are greater than we know. God has filled us with His power, His love, and His anointing that is new every day. This is why the enemy seeks to destroy us and twist our thoughts concerning our lives. The enemy will throw our past and shortcomings at us; reminding us of our failures. However, God says, as Jesus spoke of that woman, He has seen our hearts. He knows the truth and we have touched Him with our tears, our pain, and our sincerity.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My Beloveds, May the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. God has forgiven us and is reshaping and molding us into precious vessels of honor, priceless vessels that hold His anointing, His Spirit, His truth, love, and power. We have to remember and remind ourselves because, like the Pharisees, the enemy seeks to remind us of our past. Yet God says, we are brand new in Him and are now priceless vessels of honor filled with His anointing and power that can and will destroy the enemy. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">©2023 Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.</span></p><br /><br /></span>Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36674442.post-85676364184691563382023-02-18T20:02:00.002-08:002023-02-19T00:00:02.668-08:00"Run to God"<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reflections4Life™ February 19, 2023</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3d410d74-7fff-1f0d-d07d-e6071ca69851"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Run to God”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Numbers 23:19</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 31; 34; 139; Romans 10; 12; 2 Corinthians 10; Jude…</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXVTtdtXlyzPBYnc4GoGebPr8Jxt9ZKUzBem3aVZ0uofZT9uNRwX8qEIaN0rtWSMK3yi3gsuby7JbpV9dwCLY6-D6XfMpjCvCNRzn0v0PPA3EmVc0zLbF-dDLONlQkRh4Njene4T5x0kDjyewY5zRkRkhbd2gQIyQMOZcmOnjMPP_5BQowak/s640/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXVTtdtXlyzPBYnc4GoGebPr8Jxt9ZKUzBem3aVZ0uofZT9uNRwX8qEIaN0rtWSMK3yi3gsuby7JbpV9dwCLY6-D6XfMpjCvCNRzn0v0PPA3EmVc0zLbF-dDLONlQkRh4Njene4T5x0kDjyewY5zRkRkhbd2gQIyQMOZcmOnjMPP_5BQowak/w200-h200/19.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">©</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Ruthe McDonald</i></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 11pt; margin-right: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin: 0pt 11pt; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I declare, this week’s </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reflections</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind, and soul. Let it resonate in your heart and soul that there is safety in the arms of God. In the presence of the Almighty is where you will find the answers that your soul seeks. However, you may not receive the answers right away but be comforted in knowing that God not only hears you but has already answered before you called.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Everything</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 72pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psalm 34:17, 18 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Half the battle in our lives is learning to give God everything. We can talk to God about anything. We can bring everything to Him. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Everything. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All of our concerns, our questions, our wants, and desires; whatever may be causing a disturbance in our spirit, in our lives. Every hurt and pain. God not only desires for us to but also encourages us to. Lay it all on the altar.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I understand that for many that is a scary thing to contemplate</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">—everything.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> God is not holding us back when it comes to laying it all on the altar, at the throne before Him. It is our continued lack of trust and inability and/or fear to be vulnerable. We struggle to tell </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ourselves</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the truth. God already knows it. Most have been so hurt and disappointed by people we love and trust that it is hard for us to trust God, or anyone that God sends into our lives to help bring healing, and show us His unconditional love and trust in a human connection.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our faith in people has often translated into our faith in God. Instead of running to God with all of our cares and concerns, and pouring everything at the altar, as He has asked us to—we hoard the hurts and disappointments. We ruminate over them like sick children, until it becomes a part of us and we cannot let God in, nor release anything. We have built a wall between our hearts and God. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Somewhere in our minds, we blame God for allowing things to happen in our life. At the same time, the enemy has been whispering his lies; whispering that God does not care does not love us, that He has abandoned us. Which is a total fabrication that the enemy often uses to sow seeds of doubt, to get us to stop praying and bringing everything to God. The enemy’s ultimate goal is to stop us from believing in God, in His promises, and in love; closing us off to all the goodness and greatness, that God has ordained for our lives.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Believing</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 72pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Romans 10:10 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth, one confesses and is saved.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Believing is the other half of the battle. There is power when we believe in God. It strengthens us when we believe in and stand on His word, in all that the Father has spoken to our hearts and the visions He has granted us. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is not about what we see with our natural eyes but what we can believe in our hearts without </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">first</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> seeing. The world </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">says </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">that seeing is to believe, seeing with your natural eyes. God </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">says</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> that </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">first</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> believing in what He has spoken, brings to fruition what you </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">first </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">believed without having </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">first</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> seen. That is faith.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is exactly why the enemy tries to infiltrate our minds. It is his playground, our battlefield. The enemy knows that if he can plant seeds of doubt in our minds and we continue to think and meditate on those lies and negativity, it soon becomes a belief in our hearts. Whatever we believe in our hearts becomes our truth and only God has the power to change and remove the lies that we have accepted and now justify as truths.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our minds are powerful vessels; our thoughts are a conduit of the life that we not only desire but what God has promised. This is why God admonishes us to renew our minds daily (</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Romans 12:1-2</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">) to think of pure and good things (</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Philippians 4:8</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">) and to pull down strongholds (</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 Corinthians 10:4-6</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">).</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When we believe in what God has spoken to our hearts, we meditate on it, on His word, and His promises, we are strengthening our faith muscles. We are building a defense that the enemy will not be able to penetrate. We have the power to manifest what we believe in our hearts. The problem for many is that they have been stuck in a negative space for so long, they believe that nothing but bad or negative will take place. They end up self-sabotaging their lives because where faith once was, now resides fear and unbelief. The perfect cocktail for the enemy to wreak devastating havoc and destroy one’s mind and heart <i>if</i></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> possible. I say this because here is what the enemy forgets and what so many of us forget: there is absolutely nothing on this earth or below it or above it that can ever separate us from the love of God. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. (</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Romans 8:38-39</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">)</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As long as God loves us, there will always be hope for us until we take our last breath on this earth. All of that doubt and unbelief, all of that hurt, pain, and disappointments?—Can be washed away the moment we accept the pure love of God, and His forgiveness, and learn to forgive and love ourselves. We must first believe. Believe that it is true; that the word of God is true. Believe in His love and forgiveness, then accept it as truth. Allow it to become the new truth in our hearts.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Run to God</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 72pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psalm 31:1-2 (MSG) </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I run to you, God; I run for dear life. Don’t let me down! Take me seriously this time! Get down on my level and listen, and please—no procrastination! Your granite cave is a hiding place, your high cliff aerie a place of safety.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Like David, run to God, Beloveds. He is our safety, secure place, and answers for all things. Though it may seem like God is not answering or hearing your prayers, He is. In fact, He has already answered. However, the enemy of our soul will try to always interrupt and get in the way of us hearing and seeing God. We are stronger than the enemy when we yield to God when we run to the safety of His word and in His loving arms. When we begin to speak and pray the word of God over our lives and walk it every single day, we are creating a solid foundation that is impenetrable by the enemy. Though there may be times that we stumble and fall, and times of heartaches, losses, and even disappointments, it does not mean that God is not there. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We must learn to navigate this life with the knowledge that there will be afflictions and adversities that we will encounter, but nothing too hard or difficult for God, and nothing we cannot overcome with God on our side. Though the weapons form against us, they will not succeed (</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Isaiah 54:17)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> as long as we are standing and believing in the truth of what God has already declared and decreed in and over our lives. Remember: The enemy has no power or authority except what we give him.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My Beloveds, May the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Run to God. Give Him everything. Believe Him for all things. He is not a man that He should lie nor the son of man that He should repent. Whatever God has spoken to You, has promised you; it is indeed going to happen. Have faith, think about the good things and the promises of God, and follow His navigational instructions! You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">©2023. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.</span></p><br /></span>Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36674442.post-29806282389469879862023-02-11T20:07:00.000-08:002023-02-11T20:07:11.033-08:00"A Word of Encouragement"<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reflections4Life™ February 12, 2023</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3b250e48-7fff-37c0-3f05-5dc0333afb01"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“A Word of Encouragement”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters; but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 Samuel 30:6</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Scripture Contemplation: Joshua 1; Romans 1; 12; 15:5; 2 Corinthians 7; Ephesians 6:22; 1Thessalonians 4; 5; Hebrews 13...</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 11pt; margin-right: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 320px; overflow: hidden; width: 320px;"><img height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/lzPHnCE2dTM7_nvsZgJTPobneZqUAFDptSitj93k2Sgn0xpxYQB49kbMXvl8ubHbUxqFNiayBEBXIedgO4JVo9UF0OqiNik2BFrvSYCrJd4449UNXp3oj-55TWsKjLcbl7z0zk28Sd76Fuv4qusPRxU" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="320" /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">©Ruthe McDonald.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be encouraged Beloved! Know that the Father in Heaven has not forgotten or abandoned you. Stand firm and know within your heart that the fulfillment of His word in your life is soon coming to pass.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I decree that this week's </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reflections</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Be encouraged today through the word of God and by His promises. Encourage yourself and do not let go of what God has spoken concerning your life; abstain from negative people, places, and things.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How much weight does the word of God hold in your life? How much power does it hold for you? Many have forgotten the word of God. We have long forgotten the promises He has made because the trials of this life have overwhelmed us. We have become discouraged with the passing of time; believing that if what God said was going to happen, it should have happened by now. Because of these thoughts, we prolong the manifestations of His word happening in our lives.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The spirit of discouragement has seized many hearts causing them to lose sight of the promises of God. We have become lax in our intimate time with God. We no longer read or study the word, or go before Him in prayer. Our internal conversations have become one of doubt and negativity, and blame. Blaming God for not keeping His word or delivering us out of our afflictions or from the adversities we face. Some have gone so far as to believe that God has lied to them.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is easy to lose sight and faith when we take our eyes off God. We live in a world ruled by negativity. It thrives on destruction and bad news. Seldom do we see things of encouragement outweighing negative feedback. This creates a bleak picture. Should we dwell on these things, we, too, will soon have a negative outlook and give up on what God has promised us.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I want to encourage you today to stand strong on the promises of God. Do not give in to your feelings. Emotions are subject to change. They are like a pendulum swinging either way depending upon the current winds. Stand firm in your faith. Do not go by what it looks or feels like. Instead, walk and go by the word of God, what He has spoken concerning you.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Speak to your heart and to the atmosphere the promises of God. Say it aloud every day. Write it out. Put it in places that you can see so that you are constantly reminded of what God has said concerning you.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Beloved, the enemy, our adversary, is continually seeking to destroy us. He lies in wait waiting to pounce on us at any given sign of an opening. He presses in on all sides, whispering lies into our ears, stirring up controversy and negativity, and often coming as an angel of light to deceive us. His goal is to move us out of a position of receiving what God has ordained for us. He wants us destroyed, busted, broken, and out of focus. He wants us dead.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 Peter 5:8 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour...”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 John 10:10 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Beloved, the enemy has already lost! He knows this! Yet, he will use every weapon in his arsenal to come at us and try to get us to forfeit the blessings and promises of God. His mission is to steal, kill, and destroy. To steal your dreams and visions; to kill you before you had the chance to live; to destroy your happiness and your peace of mind and your will to go forward! Don't you let him do that when God came to give life abundantly!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This life, through its challenges and adversities, is meant to be lived with joy, love, and hope! God sent Jesus for this purpose: that we would have eternal life. That, we would be redeemed by His blood. That, on this earth, while we tarry, we would live an abundant life filled with love, joy, peace, and grace; even in the midst of the trials that come our way.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be encouraged today. Be encouraged that troubles don't last always, and that joy comes in the morning! Be confident in the promises of God. Stay firmly planted in the word of God. Do not slack in your intimate time with the Father! It is your key to holding on and forging ahead through all the crap the enemy tries to send your way. For, those that keep their mind stayed on Christ will be kept in perfect peace. Those that stay at the feet of Jesus, know and understand that the battle is not theirs, it is the Lord's!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My Beloveds, May the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Be encouraged today! Stand firm on the word of God. Do not give in to the taunts and lies of the enemy. The Father is not slacking concerning His promises to you! He is answering. The manifestations are taking place. Know that God has already declared you the winner. Believe the report of the Lord! You win! You are blessed! Now go...and be a blessing!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Original ©2018. Revised ©2023. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.</span></p><br /></span>Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36674442.post-80966232318532602282023-02-04T21:51:00.001-08:002023-02-04T22:43:50.642-08:00"Kneel Before Him"<p> <b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">Reflections4Life</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "adobe arabic" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">™</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"> February 5, 2023</span></i></b></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Kneel Before Him”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us <b>kneel </b>before the Lord, our Maker!” <b>Psalm 95:6<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Scripture Contemplation: Matthew 6; 17:14; 20; Mark 1:40; Acts 21:5; James 5…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-xofWeJaQYnm2RyDKYhlady9t9vr8TFq-4ryNXa7mtQ9lp28Kt8Pjx71QX28Y7fsiSUAZGyCVdSV5apQnttIDmqdyxRyCWMe4Ppgx4Y9KLVVGpAQaMg6PuhoBFqpDu7STM0Qjg/s1600/Prayer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="449" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-xofWeJaQYnm2RyDKYhlady9t9vr8TFq-4ryNXa7mtQ9lp28Kt8Pjx71QX28Y7fsiSUAZGyCVdSV5apQnttIDmqdyxRyCWMe4Ppgx4Y9KLVVGpAQaMg6PuhoBFqpDu7STM0Qjg/s320/Prayer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">©Ruthe McDonald.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">I am going to keep it straight and forward with you. There are many who have no prayer life. Oh! We say we pray and for the most part, we do. Yet, our prayers are lacking substance, direction, many times selflessness, and often power. Still, others have no prayer life, no inclination to pray unless they find themselves in a situation with no foreseeable way out. It is time for us to put on our big girl panties and big boy underwear and kneel before the Lord, establishing a healthy prayer life that is not just words but poignant, powerful, and effective communication between God and us.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">I decree that this week’s <b><i>Reflections</i></b> are a source of continued encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. It is time for us to get back to the basics and begin to kneel before the Lord, waiting on Him and believing in Him and His word, no matter what the circumstances dictate. A healthy prayer life makes all the difference. If you want to know what is in the heart of God and what He has for your life; then you must kneel before Him, laying everything on the line with effective prayers that reach the heart of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Being Honest<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">If we are honest with ourselves, we will admit that we all have been there at one time or another in a place of stagnation; a place where prayer is no longer an integral part of our lives. For many, we have given up and have decided that praying does not work. That God is not listening, nor does He care about our petitions.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">You could not be more wrong if you believe that. Even in our disobedience, God implores us to come to Him and repent, so that we may be redeemed and receive the benefits that the Blood of Christ affords us. Kneeling before God, showing our reverence and respect for Him, and all that He has done is a sign of gratitude and trust. It signifies our willingness to lay aside everything that we are facing and come before our Creator, knowing that He will and has answered our prayers even if it does not look like it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Be honest. How diligent and faithful are you when it comes to praying? Do you set aside quality time to spend in the presence of God? Are you consistent in building your relationship with the Father? Do you make it a priority in your life? Have you made the time between you and God a sacred event and made sure to get rid of all distractions? I'll raise my hand and tell you the truth--I am not always consistent in prayer time/life. This is what I seek the Father to help me with. As part of learning consistency, God gave me a task that causes me to be consistent. It is like growing muscles. You must work it to grow it, and keep using it, so as not to lose it. Prayer is a muscle.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Most of us have prayer lives that look like an Indy 500—it is over before we even started. A few words are spoken quickly; asking what we want and for forgiveness but never taking the time to communicate and being quiet to hear God speak back. Yes! He does speak to us, also; if we care to listen and develop a prayer life that is sacred and inviting to God.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">There is Power in Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 1in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">James 5:16 </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Make no mistake, Beloveds. There is indeed power in prayer. There is the power to change lives and to change our circumstances and situations if we can believe and live accordingly, being open to the will, plan, and grace of our heavenly Father.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; tab-stops: 160.85pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Communication with our Heavenly Father strengthens us. It prepares us for what lies ahead. It provides a cover for us each and every day. Prayer has the power to release the angels of God on our behalf.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 1in; tab-stops: 160.85pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Daniel 10:12-14</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> <sup>12 </sup>Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. <sup>13 </sup>The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, <sup>14 </sup>and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 1in; tab-stops: 160.85pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">James 5:17 </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Elijah</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months, it did not rain on the earth.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 1in; tab-stops: 160.85pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Joshua 10:12-13 </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">At that time Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord gave the Amorites over to the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, “Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.” <sup>13 </sup>And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance on their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? The sun stopped in the midst of heaven and did not hurry to set for about a whole day.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; tab-stops: 160.85pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Prayer--a healthy and steadfast prayer life--connects us to God in ways that our human heart, mind, and spirit cannot comprehend. It connects to the heart and mind of God and enables us to learn the truths of God. When our relationship with God is ensconced in prayer, we will learn the heart of God and His voice. We learn the mysteries of the word of God that in turn gives us the power to move in a way that is filled with confidence and authority. Knowing the heart and voice of God is powerful. It allows us to see things and to know things, and have the ability to stop some things from occurring.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; tab-stops: 160.85pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Kneeling Before the Lord<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The act of kneeling before the Lord is not only a physical act of surrender but also our hearts kneeling in submission to God and to His ways and plans for our lives. Kneeling in prayer to show honor and respect for our Heavenly Father, as He in turn blesses, anoints, and strengthens us for what lies ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">There is so much that we gain and can learn in our prayer life with God. There are things that God desires to show us, tell us, and give us. But these can only happen in a posture of prayer, obedience, and surrender to His will in our lives. He waits on us; having already invited us into His presence, into His courts and sacred chambers. All we have to do is show up and dedicate the time that only belongs to God.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">My Beloveds, May the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Kneel before Him. Make a commitment to bow before the Lord and allow Him the pleasure of speaking to your heart as He fills you with His love, wisdom, and power. Let God remind you of His purpose for your life and strengthen you for the journey that we call life. You are blessed. Now go, and be a blessing.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">©2023. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.</span></div>Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36674442.post-14259956025601520012023-01-29T04:33:00.000-08:002023-01-29T04:33:34.129-08:00"Behind the Glory"<p> <b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt;">Reflections4Life</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Adobe Arabic",serif; font-size: 16pt;">™</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt;"> January 29, 2023</span></i></b></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Behind The Glory”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you on knowledge and understanding.” <b>Jeremiah 3:15<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Scripture Contemplation: Proverbs 15:13; 27:19; Jeremiah 17; Hosea 7; Colossians 2; 3…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Yo0-JFNpuqu2yCPv6yn5wSHgX6q7vfYtX6NoZdC_lWDRao2vt6yDyFffAN8E_whmY9Hg60xrwiT7ZqTGARaqnqQELii0S4iip9egMhKCrMnz3D9feAH_fzqzbujQlWJmHWqOwg/s1600/Breathe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="700" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Yo0-JFNpuqu2yCPv6yn5wSHgX6q7vfYtX6NoZdC_lWDRao2vt6yDyFffAN8E_whmY9Hg60xrwiT7ZqTGARaqnqQELii0S4iip9egMhKCrMnz3D9feAH_fzqzbujQlWJmHWqOwg/s320/Breathe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">You may hear me giving God the glory. You may witness me lifting up my hands in praise, bowing my head in prayer, turning down my plate for fasting, and hear me often say, “<i>Glory to my God Most High”. </i>Yet, my current circumstances bewilder you. You cannot wrap your physical mind around <i>how</i> and <i>why</i> I am praising God. What could I possibly have to be thankful for? From your point of view, I am losing; have already lost the battle; abandoned by God in my time of need. You cannot understand the reason why I still give praises to God. That is because you do not know my entire story. Moreover, some know nothing at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I decree this week’s <b><i>Reflections</i></b> are a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. It is a guarantee that not everyone will understand or know anything about us but will assume almost everything. Your mission this week is to stay the course. Regardless of who may know you or not, it is not their opinion that matters the most, it is the word of God. Whatever the Father speaks of your life matters. Continue to give God the glory as He transitions you through the different changes and levels in your life. There is power in your story and when God has fully prepared you, you will speak and share your testimony. Until then, do not mind those who do not understand. Instead, pray for them and keep things moving.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">You may not understand the reason behind the glory some give to God, as they may not understand yours. Whether your life portrays good or bad times; hard or easy times, it does not always reveal what is going on behind closed doors or in the depths of your heart. The heart holds many things, and God our Father knows them all.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Some will see the pain we are in but never understand the reason for our pain or our sorrow. They don’t know our story, nor can they understand the reason why we would still give God the glory if we are in so much pain and sorrow. They do not understand the power of our praise. They do not understand the healing that comes from worship. Many were not taught the power of praise and worship in a person’s life that is going through. They are not aware of the transition that takes place in the heavens and in the spirit, which lays the seed for a greater harvest. Far too many want a quick fix to their situations and when they do not receive it, they give up; give up on God and stop having faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">You may have watched and witnessed some things in a person’s life, and it boggles your mind how that person—knowing some of what they have gone through and continue to go through—could have such faith and still worship a God that seems to have forgotten them. It makes one wonder what many have or have not learned about the heart of God, spiritual armor, and facing spiritual warfare.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">There are those, also, who do not understand why we hold onto faith, pray, and praise God when so much trouble continues to come our way. They are convinced that we have done something wrong. We are not as faithful as we profess but have secret sins, and this is why we suffer. According to their theory, we need to confess and tell the truth and then God will make everything right. After all, why would such atrocities or such attacks from the enemy continue for so long if we are blameless, and have been living accordingly? Sounds like Job's friends in the book of Job, huh?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Beloved, if you will, consider Job. His “<i>friends</i>” and even his wife did not understand why Job chose to continue to praise God; to bless His Holy Name after all he had suffered and lost. Job was harassed and told to admit what he had done and return to God. To accept God into his heart again so God would restore him. His wife told him to curse his God and die. They had no idea that God was in control. Job, himself, almost forgot as well. Pain will do that to you. As well as, constant words and bickering from those around you who just do not understand.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Wallowing in self-pity, Job recalls God’s love and kindness; even to those who are unrighteous, he recalls the goodness and mercy of God. (<b>Job 26:5-14; 27:1-6) </b>Yet, Job still suffered and his friends still had no answers only questions and speculations. A young man (Elihu) who looks up to Job reproves Job and his friends. (<b>Job 35-37)</b>. God then speaks to humbling Job and showing him where he needed growth, chastising his friends, and then bringing restoration to the life of Job. (<b>Job 41; 42)<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Here is what I know: No one but God may ever know the whole story and the why behind your praise and glory. However, when you serve a mighty God and He has brought you through countless things, you gain an understanding of who God is, especially in your own life, and who <i>you </i>are in Him. However, people slay you, with their words, thoughts, and summations about your life. Their accusations and actions hurt you to the core; when you know inside your heart that you are indeed walking with God, you continue to give Him the glory in spite, because you know and understand that sorrow and mourning may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. God will indeed vindicate you.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">You may not know how long your night will be. How long your Job experience will last. However, you do know that God’s love is unconditional and everlasting. That, His word is certain and His promises to you will indeed happen if you faint not, and do not rely on your emotions or your flesh, or give up or give in to the words and character assassination of others concerning you. Faith is the substance of all things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen. Though the promises may tarry; the visions seem a little long in coming, and the attacks of the enemy intensify, as long as you know in your heart that God has your back, you will lift your voice and heart in praise and worship, giving God the glory, knowing that you win at the end of your story.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Behind your glory, to the Lord God Almighty, is a story filled with hope, faith, and determination. You overcome through your worship, praise, and testimonies. Through you, God is going to bless many others; encouraging them to give God the glory. Regardless of what others may think their story is, they will know they win because God is on their side, honoring their faith and belief in Him. Remember, beloveds, we win! You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">©2023. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.</span></div>Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36674442.post-55712190613243046512023-01-08T01:49:00.000-08:002023-01-08T01:49:28.732-08:00"It Starts in the Mind"<p> <b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt;">Reflections4Life</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Adobe Arabic",serif; font-size: 16pt;">™</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt;"> January 8, 2023</span></i></b></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">“It Starts in the Mind”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” <b>Romans 12:1<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 28; Psalm 51; John 14; Romans 12; Colossians 3; James 1...<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPW3ogSR56wYeQwszM-a4lf4DoMtAJli-DnCTsP2iTUj6SVhgm1vnn9Jl06zTwd3bwD-hB9tUcu_nhgbfWRajkj3TM67-3eg_jQSsQyoqiDS5cLhKMJDbbrb86FzHQIrRmryb-Bg/s1600/002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="437" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPW3ogSR56wYeQwszM-a4lf4DoMtAJli-DnCTsP2iTUj6SVhgm1vnn9Jl06zTwd3bwD-hB9tUcu_nhgbfWRajkj3TM67-3eg_jQSsQyoqiDS5cLhKMJDbbrb86FzHQIrRmryb-Bg/s320/002.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">©Ruthe McDonald.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">It is a pleasure to be able to fellowship with God. Having access to His grace and mercies. His anointing is new in our lives every day. As you walk in faith, remember that God has heard you before you even called. Do not give up on God but hold fast to His word and promises. Stay in the word this year. Fast, pray, and meditate. Know in your hearts, that no matter what you face, you are not alone. Feed your mind and heart a consistent diet of the word of God. Surround yourself in worship and watch what God manifests in your life this New Year!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">I decree that this week’s <b><i>Reflections</i></b> will remain a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. There is nothing, which God will not do for His children. His love is unconditional and knows no bounds. Make it your business this year to get in the presence of God as never before. If you want to see a change in your life; if you want direction; if you want to know your purpose and how to handle the things that come your way, and remain steadfast? Then, spend more time with the Father and get set to have your mind renewed daily.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">To be alive, in the presence of God, and receive all that He has ordained for your life is an awesomely powerful thing. I can assure you that there are many people that are grateful, never thinking or believing they would see another year. There are also those filled with gratitude for the opportunity to enter into a new season. Yet, still, others remain stuck in the past and are finding it difficult to move forward. No matter how many brand new days and years they receive, they are not living because they are stuck in a moment or situation, becoming prey for the enemy.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 1in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">1 Peter 5:8-9 </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of suffering.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">It starts in the mind. Beloved, everything we are experiencing and will continue to experience begins in the mind—what we are telling ourselves, what we are listening to, whom we are listening to, and what we ultimately believe. What we have consistently thought about or have allowed planted in our minds will eventually become a belief in our hearts and manifest itself. The only way to keep those thoughts from taking root is to renew our minds daily, take on the thoughts of Christ, and learn to pull down strongholds. If we do not, we become a tool for the enemy to use in his fight against God. Trust me when I tell you, if the enemy finds any entrance he can slip through, he will, and will not stop until he destroys your life, your faith, and your love. Or until you stand in the authority that God has given you, and kick the devil out.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">We are no match for Satan. Not on our own. He is the master manipulator and father of lies. The mind is the devil’s playground. If he gets in, he will try to take over. It begins with a whisper, a thought, an image, a dream. If we do not immediately dismiss it, plead the blood of Jesus, and learn to fight the way God instructs us, we will fall victim to the enemy, as he wreaks havoc in our lives, and destroy our hearts and lives in the process.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 1in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">2 Corinthians 10:3-5</span></i></b><i><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> </span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have the divine power to demolish strongholds. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.</span><o:p style="font-size: 12pt;"></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">We must—we must understand and believe that we are not waging war against a physical entity. We cannot underestimate the cunningness of the enemy. Or, how far he will go. Trust me when I tell you this: the enemy has studied us. He has roamed this earth, often aware of the greatness and power that rests in many of us that we do not even yet recognize in ourselves. He will use every arsenal he has to destroy us so that we do not come to that realization. Or, if we do realize it, destroy us before it manifests. That is why we must not be ignorant about the enemy and who we are in a battle with, and why it all starts in our minds, with what we tell ourselves, what we believe, what we think about, and what we know.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Renew your minds on a daily basis, Beloved. Allow God to saturate your heart and mind with His word, His truth, and revelation about the enemy. Do not underestimate your adversary, the devil. The mind is his choice of a battleground. If allowed as much as an inch, he will come in and wreak such havoc and devastation; you will not recognize who you are and what has transpired. But know this: we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ. We have, as well, Holy Spirit. Yet, we must yield to Him. Yield to what God is saying and release what we think we know and have faith, even in the things that make no sense. We must be willing to release who we are for who God says we are. We must be willing to release our intellects and ways of thinking, in exchange for the mind of Christ. We must totally yield to the Father, and lay aside what we thought we knew, in order to receive what we need, and the revelation of who we are in God, how to strategically fight AND win against the enemy. This is not a battle of the flesh, but a battle of the mind and spirit. This battle is won through the power and strength of our God.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. It starts in the mind, Beloved. All victories begin in our mind and what we tell ourselves, what we think about consistently, and what eventually is believed in our hearts concerning all matters. Renew your mind daily. Think about the things of God. Meditate on His word, put on your armor of God, and fight how God teaches us strategically to fight against the enemy of our soul and future. You got this because God has you. Trust Him. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">©2023. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></div><br />Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36674442.post-22073802754358020792023-01-01T06:52:00.005-08:002023-01-01T06:57:19.387-08:00"Life Changers!"<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">Reflections4Life</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "adobe arabic" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">™</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"> January 1, 2023</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Life-Changers!”</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, ‘Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” <b>Isaiah 43:16, 18-19<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Scripture Contemplation: Isaiah 61:1; Psalms 95:8-9; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Jeremiah 29:11; Hebrews 11:6; Hebrews 13:5; Jeremiah 31:1-12<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVeUNRjUf7KsEJ7M_t_UEkyW4Q5UZXeuWaTaLG0l6fTwmdlqGpby_hkDcf_SEMjJtqsYhEdu-ruXt0oUdEEtbv1nVCsauy6iW_LDJZmCsXmfMxKvDGQ0l4DDE2F0q0MlrmAg2w_SheIjJOpNYRys8sH7UTe6dMbCv4rxv2Hl0rXGPuFJyWeE/s1438/image%20(16).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1438" data-original-width="1393" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVeUNRjUf7KsEJ7M_t_UEkyW4Q5UZXeuWaTaLG0l6fTwmdlqGpby_hkDcf_SEMjJtqsYhEdu-ruXt0oUdEEtbv1nVCsauy6iW_LDJZmCsXmfMxKvDGQ0l4DDE2F0q0MlrmAg2w_SheIjJOpNYRys8sH7UTe6dMbCv4rxv2Hl0rXGPuFJyWeE/s320/image%20(16).png" width="310" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">©Ruthe McDonald.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>HAPPY NEW YEAR, BELOVEDS! GOD </i>is calling us to be the catalyst that sparks the change in people's lives. <i>Life Changers! </i>We are on the front line for Jesus! Boldly professing the Word of the Lord, living out loud in Christ! Covered by the Blood of the Lamb!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">I decree this week’s <b><i>Reflections </i></b>will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Beloveds, let this New Year find you with a determined heart to follow all that God has ordained for your life. Everything that did not work last year? Those are your life lessons for this year. Learn from them. Grow from them. Allow God to show you how to see the lessons and opportunities in them all. Follow God's lead and start living the life that He has ordained for you before the beginning of time.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Can you believe it? It's 2023! You made it! You are here! Through all the trials, troubles, setbacks, and heartaches, you are still here in the land of the living, having made it through! A year that you often wondered how'd you make it to another day. Here you are, Beloveds! God kept you. He delivered you. Though it may not feel like it, He </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">has</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> blessed you</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-8667d5e0-7fff-173a-60eb-2e7982e80853"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">all have a testimony, whether we see it or not, where GOD has brought us through and is bringing us through. Some situations would have destroyed us if it were not for God's grace and mercies. The goodness of GOD knows no bounds. There are no limits to His love for His children. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: times;">There are things that occur in our lives that we sometimes just can’t explain or, are too exhausted to give an explanation for, other than to say, THANK YOU JESUS! You deliver me out of all of my troubles! The life of believers is changing moment by moment, day by day. Sometimes it feels like everything is the same and nothing is happening–nothing that we want to happen. However, things are happening. Some things we cannot see. Things that change our lives and cause us to be the catalyst of change in the lives of others. God did not save us to be quiet and keep the secret of His salvation, healing, and greatness to ourselves. No. He called us to be, Life Changers; spreading the good news: the Gospel, the truth of His word, and His soon-coming return.</span></span></p><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-f4bf4c17-7fff-519e-fabc-6b05fb6ee2ea"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When we yield to GOD, His word and Spirit fill us. Pouring into us messages of His grace and mercies. Testimonies of His love, righteousness, and hope for those lost in a world of sin and fear. Bound by their present and past actions; crying to be free. Who doubts anything can change their current circumstances or the trajectory of their lives. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre-wrap;">But here we are–His witnesses. His Ambassadors. The recipients of His grace and good news. The Called. The Anointed. The Appointed. The Life-Changers that He has chosen in this hour to bring the good news.</span></p></span></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Isaiah 61:1 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the suffering and afflicted. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted, to announce liberty to captives, and to open the eyes of the blind. (<b>TLB)</b></span></p></div></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-d53b009a-7fff-9c7a-2908-660615843a28" style="background-color: #351c75; color: #ffd966;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the process of our own lives being changed and God using us to change lives, do not harden your hearts or allow yourself to be filled with doubts concerning the promises of GOD for your life. When trials and tests come, as they always do, do not doubt GOD, His word, or His ability to come through. You cannot hold GOD to a clock, to a specific time on a watch, when GOD is outside of time. Be careful of the words you allow to escape your mouth. Complaining does not bring manifestations sooner, nor do they move GOD in your favor.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is not one person, any one of GOD’S creation that He has not a plan for. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> are people in this world, right now, waiting for the word that you have hidden in your heart. The word that the testimony that GOD has provided, living in you, waiting for the time to come forth and change someone’s life. Though the world looks crazy and it seems as if there is no hope for some people; GOD says not so. He is indeed restoring, renewing, rebuilding, and He is still healing, saving, and delivering. But we must be in our position. We, who GOD has chosen as the frontrunners, are the first-line responders. We have to have an ear to hear GOD and to do just as He leads. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre-wrap;">Though we can look and cast judgment and say they won’t receive, who are we to tell GOD He is wrong?</span></div></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. <span id="docs-internal-guid-283e0a4b-7fff-d9c4-2fd2-a9a72f05102d"><span style="background-color: #20124d; color: #ffd966; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sometimes we lose our way when going after the desires of our hearts. Some of us forget that God will meet all of our needs. That, He will never fail us or forsake us. To know that, yes, GOD is indeed real. </span></span>You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!</span></div><p><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">©2023. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.</span> </p>Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36674442.post-46429910526249082702022-12-25T03:29:00.000-08:002022-12-25T03:29:14.982-08:00"Believe in Your Heart and Receive"<p> <b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt;">Reflections4Life</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Adobe Arabic",serif; font-size: 16pt;">™</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt;"> December 25, 2022</span></i></b></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Believe in Your Heart and Receive!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might <b>believe</b> through him.” <b>John 1:7<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 137; Isaiah 7:14; 28:16; 43:10; Luke 2; John 1…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv59CFYIfp9BsPkn6p6q1R4qnsznk9cJh0OmTxbm0IZUfd_FWVQTnIKDYdf4vRGfxBsQyCfuag7E3EE3zvKY-_XsqpQpm1InQe8lH7v9nd5xWLTgxgzQwKYeZix4RvxCQIHV1yGQ/s1600/Dreamy5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="455" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv59CFYIfp9BsPkn6p6q1R4qnsznk9cJh0OmTxbm0IZUfd_FWVQTnIKDYdf4vRGfxBsQyCfuag7E3EE3zvKY-_XsqpQpm1InQe8lH7v9nd5xWLTgxgzQwKYeZix4RvxCQIHV1yGQ/s320/Dreamy5.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">©Ruthe McDonald.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">To you all, I extend my gratitude and wishes for a very blessed Christmas. May the celebration of Christ remain the reason for this season to you and yours. Never forget the promises of God, no matter how long the wait is. Believe in your heart and receive today, all that God has ordained and has promised you. His promises are manifesting. Have faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I decree that this week’s <i>Reflections </i>will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Never stop believing in your heart what God has placed there. God is faithful and just to do exactly what He said. Do not give up because the wait may seem long. Do not grow weary in your well-doing. Instead, encourage yourself and encourage others. Be diligent in your prayer life and open your mouth and worship the Lord. God cannot lie. Whatever He has decreed over your life will happen if you do not give up and walk away.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Beloveds, I believe in miracles and the power of prayer and faith. I believe that when we believe wholeheartedly, it creates an atmosphere conducive for miracles to take place, and for the supernatural to happen. There are still miracles. True miracles of God are taking place in many lives every day. However, they are not necessarily the great phenomenon that many people are looking for to blow their minds and convince them that God is God. No. These miracles are the kind of miracles that make a change in your heart, give you revelation, and open your eyes to whom God really is, and who you are to God. These miracles take place when we determine in our hearts to believe what Father God has spoken to our hearts—regardless of how long we have been waiting, and what has transpired around us. These are the miracles that God makes happen using other people in our lives. The ones that need no spotlight but happen quietly every day.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">God is not a liar, and you can be assured that the enemy will try his very best to make you walk away from God, from His promises, hardening your hearts in the process.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The enemy is infiltrating dreams, messing with minds, wreaking havoc, and destroying lives. Yet the truth is; he is only able to do this because many leave doors open by entertaining and thinking about the lies of the enemy, instead of pulling down strongholds and denouncing the enemy and his lies and opening their mouths and literally saying what God says.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 1in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">2 Corinthians 10:3-5</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <i>For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.<b><sup> </sup></b>We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The only thing, Beloveds, that I believe can help combat the enemy, is when we totally believe in our hearts what God has spoken to us. How do we maintain our belief when so much has taken place? When every time we turn around it seems like something else is taking place. It is in our quiet times with the Father; our intimate times that we learn to stand and gain the strength to hold on. It is through the power of prayer and worship that we gain the strength to make it through all adversity and affliction. It is by connecting with Holy Spirit and letting Him do it for us. We are no match for Satan, but Holy Spirit got his number!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Our faith will always be tested. What we believe will continually be challenged because the enemy is always seeking ways to get at God. If he spies any weak, vulnerable, open spaces in our lives, he is coming full force to try to take us out. There is great news, however! The reason for this season is the reason we can declare ourselves victorious, walk in that victory, and win against the enemy and his tactics, because of Jesus Christ! God gave us a gift that continues to give and give and give every day of our lives. If we would believe, and continue to believe through the harsh and difficult times; through the times when He seems so far away; when it feels and looks so dark in our lives, we will make it through to the other side. If we believe, and stand by His word, we will receive all that God has spoken and promised to our hearts. We cannot stop believing. All it takes is faith the size of a mustard seed!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Shepherds believed! The wise men believed! The saints of old believed! Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, Isaiah, Elijah—they all believed BEFORE the birth, before the time of grace. We HAVE Christ—fully manifested. Here with us! The promise is here; living and breathing in us! We have what they did not have: HOLY SPIRIT residing in us and the Blood of the Lamb covering us!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Beloveds, we win and can make it through if we determine in our hearts not to give up while praying. Open up your mouths and worship God through it all, and keep believing in your hearts what the Father has placed there. NO MATTER WHAT IT LOOKS OR FEELS LIKE! SPEAK. THE. WORD!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The enemy knows he has no power over a person that believes with their whole heart regardless of the circumstances. That is why he works so hard to manipulate and play mind games, chipping away at faith and belief, hoping to get us to shut our mouths and hardened our hearts against God. Because he knows, there is power in our communication with God. He knows that there is power released when we worship God through the storms. He knows that there is power in our prayers, especially when we pray in the name of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Let this season be the season and reason you begin to believe again. Stir up your faith. Open your mouth and pray! Bring forth praises, thanking God for already doing for you what you haven’t even asked for yet. For just being who He is: Our God! Our Savior and Deliverer! Let this be the season your heart is softened towards the Lord once again forevermore! You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 1in;"><br /></div><br />Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36674442.post-48106100138616563482022-12-18T04:57:00.002-08:002022-12-18T04:57:22.883-08:00"Give Me an Ear to Hear"<p> <b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;">Reflections4Life</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Adobe Arabic",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;">™</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;"> December 18, 2022</span></i></b></p><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;">“</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;">Give Me an Ear to Hear”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">“Do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, As in the day of Massah in the wilderness, "When your fathers tested Me, They tried Me, though they had seen My work.” <b>Psalm 95:8-9<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Scripture Contemplation: Exodus 10:20; Psalm 95; Isaiah 6:10; Zechariah 7:12; Romans 2:5; Hebrews 3; 4; Ephesians 4:18; Proverbs 28:14…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqNHWcTehW2ywwYMmYBK0FRIHVabeAf8Bde3zRPPQ6FvDvfZPCHMH1sSIibYfwFlA-35kLs9oYO649FpifFVkI0jAbMKIhh-NfQsrqnzh8MR857wAYD9xH8PXChCh41jB4FKYHA/s1600/305.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="530" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqNHWcTehW2ywwYMmYBK0FRIHVabeAf8Bde3zRPPQ6FvDvfZPCHMH1sSIibYfwFlA-35kLs9oYO649FpifFVkI0jAbMKIhh-NfQsrqnzh8MR857wAYD9xH8PXChCh41jB4FKYHA/s320/305.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">©Ruthe McDonald.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">As we are in the throes of the Holiday Season, some of us are occupied with the hustle and bustle, while others may just be reflecting, may we remember the reason for the season and teach our children and anyone who has an ear to hear what this Holiday season truly represents. May we, ourselves, have an ear to hear what God is speaking to His children, receiving all that He has ordained for each of our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I decree that this week’s <b><i>Reflections</i></b> will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Beloved, let your hearts and ears be open to God as never before. God is speaking and in order to hear Him, we must be still and surround ourselves with an atmosphere that is conducive to hearing our heavenly Father. If you must, pull away from things, people, and places. Get in the presence of God and be open to what He is speaking to your heart in this season of your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Beloveds, hear God today. Hear the voice of Your Father, speaking to you. Hear the Lord today, reminding you not to take your eyes off Him. Do not be deterred by the seemingly long wait. Do not allow Satan to twist in your heart and mind what God has spoken to you. Stand strong in the Lord and on the power of His word. Hear God, today, speaking to your heart, showing you the way to go, and the steps to take. Delay is not a denial, nor a change in the heart of God concerning His promises to you.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Many have given up hope, are walking in despair, and have even turned away from God because their hearts have hardened against the Father, His truth, and His promises. At first, we believed with all of our heart and soul what God spoke to us. We believed His word and promises and faithfully went about our day, walking in obedience and working towards our goals. Then something(s) happened. Our faith took a hit, as the promises we received seemed further away. Our lives do not seem to be mirroring the joy we pictured when we first received the promises. There have been attacks, trials, and tribulations. This has caused many to lose faith, and hope, giving up and walking away from the Father, hardening their hearts when He speaks or sends a messenger.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">These are the times, Beloved, when we must truly guard our hearts and dig in our heels, and be careful of what and who we allow into our space—our head, ears, and heart. We must surround ourselves, as we immerse ourselves in the word, prayer, and worship, with people who will encourage us. We may even have to become accustomed to walking part of the journey alone, although, we have Christ with us always.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 1in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hebrews 3:12-15</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (ESV) Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.<b><sup> </sup></b>But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Do not allow thoughts to override the agreement made in your heart when you heard God speak and call your name. The enemy whispers in our ears, bringing thoughts to our minds, trying to get us to reason with and doubt what God has spoken to the ears of our hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Unlike Eve, do not enter into a debate of words or conversation with Satan. He will only try to twist and reason away, to bring confusion and doubt to what God has already declared and decreed to you. All that God has spoken to you, as your heart was softened to His voice—the enemy seeks to disturb and destroy. The enemy will try as he did with Eve, to get you to reason with the word of God spoken to you. He will debate you on what you received until you begin to question, doubt, and become uncertain about what you heard. The objective is to cause you to not move on to what God has told you but instead pull back and eventually for walk away, while your heart hardens against the voice of God. Doubt has transitioned into unbelief, and faith has become fear. Now, there is rebellion in the heart and soul against all things of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I understand how it feels when you receive a promise from God, a vision—a vision so bright you need sunglasses! Your heart is pumping with excitement as you work towards that vision and have faith in what God has spoken and shown you; faith that He is going to bring to pass that very thing. Then after waiting for it to manifest, a few bumps in the road appear. A couple setbacks take place. In fact, your life does not look like anything you imagined it would when you believed what God said. <i>This</i> is definitely not the vision you had for your life. Far from it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 1in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Isaiah 55:11 </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Stand strong on the word of God today. Do not be deterred by what things look like or feel like but by the promises and word of God. Feed your spirit and soul with the word of the Father, governing your conversations. Things are rarely what they appear to be, however, with God, you can trust exactly what He says. Remember what He has already done for you. He is the same God, who changes not.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Hear and believe what God is saying to you today, Beloved. Do not be discouraged by the tests and trials, or the opposition you may be facing. Believe in what God has spoken. Keep your ears open to the voice of the Father by spending time in prayer and worship. Surround yourself with like-minded worshippers, encouraging one another in this walk. You got this! You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36674442.post-20286516291935106822022-12-11T02:08:00.000-08:002022-12-11T02:08:31.012-08:00"Between Darkness and Light"<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt;">Reflections4Life</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Adobe Arabic",serif; font-size: 16pt;">™</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt;"> December 11, 2022<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Between Darkness and Light”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“He will turn many of the sons of Israel back [from sin] to [love and serve] the Lord their God. <b> </b>It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous [which is to seek and submit to the will of God]—in order to make ready a people [perfectly] prepared [spiritually and morally] for the Lord.” <b>Luke 1:16, 17<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 1:1-18; Numbers 8; Isaiah 9; Luke 1; John 1; 8…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7v0paPy-LWaUHgQwPDAxCasUvN8YqSoj0vnavnTlP2NcU7h5TcirwiSndWtWS2488Tiv4L-x8NEC_hhafSWbC2GRuFQyhbbZQiq6QDUw5g6mrJeqlF2S5LRfUXFF4rnFT33t2g/s1600/DarknessnLight.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="976" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7v0paPy-LWaUHgQwPDAxCasUvN8YqSoj0vnavnTlP2NcU7h5TcirwiSndWtWS2488Tiv4L-x8NEC_hhafSWbC2GRuFQyhbbZQiq6QDUw5g6mrJeqlF2S5LRfUXFF4rnFT33t2g/s320/DarknessnLight.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">©Ruthe McDonald.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lord God, Thank You for the blessings of this new day. Thank You for ushering Your children into a place of restoration and harvest. Open up the eyes and ears, Father. Remove hardness from hearts. Heal the wounds and give a spirit of joy. As we are in this glorious season, remind those of the many great gifts You have given to us. Bringing to the heart and mind that You have assured us a place out of the darkness and into Your marvelous light. Reign in our hearts and minds today. Grant us a heart to receive all that You have ordained and to know and believe with all of heart, mind, and soul that You love us just as we are. With love and honor. In Jesus' Name. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I decree that this week’s <b><i>Reflections</i></b> will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. As you go through your week, continue to yield to God. Allow Holy Spirit to lead you to a place of revelation and joy. Think about the things that God has already done in your life. Remind yourself daily of His goodness and love. Spend a little more time in worship, connecting to the heart of the Father; welcoming His light. His light will put out all darkness and lead you into a marvelous new day, filled with manifest blessings, and answered prayers.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">God resides in the praises of His people. If you are alive, reading this, hearing this; then you are blessed. Blessed with a new day of life that is filled with opportunities waiting for you to seize. Yesterday is gone. We can do nothing about what did or did not happen. We leave those things to God. What we have today is the opportunity to walk in the light of God; to accept one of His many great gifts, coming from out of the darkness and into His marvelous light, where our hearts and minds become open to His will and His ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Every day is a day for a miracle, for the supernatural to take place, a chance for us to see between darkness and light. This season is even more of an opportunity to experience and see the miraculous and supernatural take place. It is the opportunity to witness the veil between darkness and light revealed, ushering in a wave of momentous blessings, miracles, and life-changing events. I truly believe it is because, for a brief time, we are in one accord and lose ourselves in the joy of the season. There are more people giving and more people experiencing the joy that they seldom get to experience the rest of the year. It all makes this time of year full of belief and faith—in not only God but also humanity. It is the perfect condition and atmosphere for miracles to thrive.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">For a moment, there is not as much darkness. Even though it is there, we are able to see the light of God more readily. The light shines a little brighter, bringing with it hope, joy, and miracles. Sometimes the miracle is seeing the light; seeing that it is real and there for all to partake in. No matter who we are, where we come from, or what we may be experiencing or have experienced; that light is there for us, too. We can be a part of something great and wonderful, changing our lives forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">To God be the glory! To God be all the praise! More than any other time of the year, the light shines brightly because, for many, we are reminded of the greatest gift that God gave this world—His only begotten Son. When we are all in one accord, in a season of faith and belief, creating an atmosphere that is conducive to the move of God, for miracles and the supernatural to be seen and experienced. At this time, when we are in a spirit of love, belief, and joy we begin to shine like the star in heaven that guided the wise men to the babe in the manger. That light pulls back the veil that enables man to see the light on the other side of the darkness that has them currently entrenched.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Just as Christ was the light in this world of darkness, come to lead us back to the Father and reconcile us to our Lord, He has made us—believers—the light of this world to lead us back to the Father, to become the miracle in other people’s lives. You see, we are often looking for something external, coming from the sky, coming with great pomp and circumstance, which screams, <i>Miracle! Miracle! Miracle! </i>We miss, like the children of Israel, the real miracle before us. The miracle that is each one of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">God often uses <i>us</i> to be the miracle in the lives of others. To be the person that shows them the light on the other side of their current darkness. To become the lamp that helps shine a light in the very dark places of their heart, mind, and soul. To bring illumination and hope to their lives that can be filled with darkness, hopelessness, despair, fear, and negativity.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Beloveds, God has created in each of us a light so bright when He is seated on the throne of our hearts. When we yield to Him and His ways, we not only see His light in our own lives, we create a space for change and miracles to take place, shaping us to become the miracle and light that God uses in the life of others.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I encourage you to take this season's love, light, and miracles and hold them in your heart. Let them become food for your spirit and soul, and a source of encouragement in the days to come when the light in the world seems a little bit duller. When people begin to go back to old patterns and the spirit of the season slips from their hearts and minds. Allow God to grow the seed in your heart that will bring forth fruit all year long; creating in you a spirit of joy, hope, and faith that you, in turn, will be able to share with others. Become that light that exposes the veil between the darkness and light. Remind others each day that God is not just with us for one season, but every day we choose to invite Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Yes, this is a season of exceptional miracles. However, God desires for us to become the miracles in one another’s lives, bringing light, love, and the word of God to the heart of those crying out. Let God use you. Don’t be afraid to let your light shine, exposing the veil between darkness and light. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!</span></div><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.</span> </p>Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36674442.post-4736359952092871162022-12-04T01:45:00.000-08:002022-12-04T01:45:12.867-08:00"The Lies We Tell Ourselves"<p> <b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;">Reflections4Life</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Adobe Arabic",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;">™</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;"> December 4, 2022</span></i></b></p><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;">“<b><i>The Lies We Tell Ourselves”</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">“<i>...and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” <b>Revelation 26:27</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 31; 120; Proverbs 6; 12; Isaiah 59; 1 Timothy 2...</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfK3jd8SaFuYbySlVKXjj7nIpDWRviCFuKYHShhagmoQhO4A7UBndQtBeSf5FhxBqv5XIFXhqXOczLxazGkrKTazdbuCVztjpogRi6nhfHZR0iE_Fr89O0e1yd_OrzCtVZ0ZwNw/s1600/19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfK3jd8SaFuYbySlVKXjj7nIpDWRviCFuKYHShhagmoQhO4A7UBndQtBeSf5FhxBqv5XIFXhqXOczLxazGkrKTazdbuCVztjpogRi6nhfHZR0iE_Fr89O0e1yd_OrzCtVZ0ZwNw/s320/19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">©Ruthe McDonald.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">God desires us to live a life of truth. To live our lives in such a manner, that it is above reproach. However, how many of us live our lives in truth when it came to others but lie to ourselves? Many may not practice lying to others but hold the crown for lying to themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I decree that this week's <b><i>Reflections</i></b> will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Allow the light of God to shine on those places in your heart that you have tucked away. Let the truth come forth so that you may be free, and live the life that God has ordained for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Psalm 51:6 </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">“Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">It is sometimes hard to accept the truth when it comes to our own faults, flaws, or something that may have happened to us. The truth can be painful, and we will do almost anything to avoid that pain. We will even lie to and convince ourselves that all is well, when in fact, we are nothing but broken pieces of clay, patched and held together by the lies we tell ourselves, and the false portrait we paint for others, suggesting that all is well in our lives. Inside we are crumbling, too afraid to allow the truth to come forth and bring healing, for fear that exposing our truth or dealing with our truth is far too much for us to bare.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Matthew 11:28 </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">For far too long, we have been holding on to issues that have stagnated our lives. Our walk in Christ is limited by our refusal to face the truth and be honest with ourselves and what we have gone through or are currently facing. Too many are hiding from the truth, evading certain issues. We close our hearts to those who get too close to finding out the truth. We hide from who we really are and ourselves. Many carry the fear that not only will others reject them but they will not like what they see or find when truly searching their hearts and facing personal truths.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">We lie to ourselves on a daily basis. We tell others and ourselves that everything is fine. That, our lives are great, and we have everything together. When the truth of the matter is: we have been lying to ourselves. Lying so long, that we don't even recognize the truth about ourselves. We have bought into our own fallacies concerning our lives, how we feel about ourselves, and see ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">It is time to stop lying to ourselves and tell the truth! It is time to free ourselves from our past, our mistakes, and our abusers, and confront, that which has been holding us emotionally hostage. We cannot possibly enjoy or receive all that God has ordained for us when in our hearts we do not feel worthy or have not allowed God to heal us from that, which has badly hurt us.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I do not know what your situation or circumstance might be today, yet I implore you to lay everything at the altar, allowing God to mend your broken pieces. There is nothing hidden from God, nothing that will surprise God, nothing that our God cannot handle. You only have to have the courage to tell your truth. Have the courage no to longer lie to yourself, giving it all to God, allowing healing and deliverance to come forth.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Healing and deliverance cannot manifest if we refuse to acknowledge or confront the issues. Freedom from that, which keeps us bound and broken, depends on our willingness to confront that, which has hurt and harmed us. We must have the willingness to bare ourselves before the Lord, releasing all that we have tucked away from our own minds.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">At the point of decision, when we are sincerely ready—heart, mind, and soul—we will ask ourselves, what are the benefits of the lies we tell ourselves? What do we get from lying to ourselves? What purpose does it serve to live a lie and not confront that which has hurt us so deeply and profoundly affects our entire lives and relationships?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">For many, it is a spirit of fear. Fear of finally confronting and facing what has happened to them. Fear of remembering. Fear of rejection. Fear of someone else finding out. Fear of never being able to move on or have the life that you so desperately yearn for. It is that, the spirit of fear, which keeps far too many crippled. They are bound to a past and all lies that have manipulated who they truly are. It has held so many bound and hostage from receiving all that God has for their lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">2 Timothy 1:7 </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Father wants us free from our pasts and those things that have hurt us and disturbed the course of our lives. In order for us to be free, we first must be willing, to be honest with ourselves; to stop lying to ourselves, face the truth, and do the work that is required to receive the healing and deliverance that is necessary to live the lives that God has ordained for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Stop lying to yourself, Beloved. Allow Holy Spirit into those secret places; to touch and heal those wounds that you have been unsuccessfully covering up. Let the anointing power of the Lord cleanse your soul, and bind up every hurt, and wound that you have encountered in your life. Place your life in the Father's hands, allowing Him to turn your broken pieces into a beautiful masterpiece. Tell the truth and free yourself. Walk fully in the blessings God ordained for your life. You ARE worth it. His blood has made you worthy.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Allow the cleansing and healing power of God to release and deliver you. Do not be afraid to confront your past, and face your truths. With God, you can do all things because He is your strength. Believe and know with certainty in your heart, that the Father is with you always, and desires nothing but His best for you. Be free. Be healed. Be made whole. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">©2017. Revised ©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br />Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36674442.post-80507106043200593092022-11-27T07:47:00.000-08:002022-11-27T07:47:54.002-08:00"Legacy"<p> <b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt;">Reflections4Life</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Adobe Arabic",serif; font-size: 16pt;">™</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt;"> November 27, 2022</span></i></b></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Legacy”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“This mystery has been kept in the dark for a long time, but now it’s out in the open. God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery, in a nutshell, is just this: Christ is in you, so, therefore, you can look forward to sharing in God’s glory. It’s that simple. That is the substance of our Message.” <b>Colossians 1:26-27 (MSG)<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Scripture Contemplation: 2 Samuel 20; Proverbs 1; Romans 9; 1 Corinthians 15; Hebrews 12; Colossians 1<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGJeG7gG2n4HosIeYU0Hc1k0s7tapTo5CIWEBR39WirUzkAG5VOCL_BgALC0c7K9UIQ_hoBtImORLojXreKzA-vuI-nCqQS0vkCszZJKz5hscfodjyO8eAzeiLdvW9H-tHpRvQw/s1600/IMG_20150313_100933.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGJeG7gG2n4HosIeYU0Hc1k0s7tapTo5CIWEBR39WirUzkAG5VOCL_BgALC0c7K9UIQ_hoBtImORLojXreKzA-vuI-nCqQS0vkCszZJKz5hscfodjyO8eAzeiLdvW9H-tHpRvQw/s320/IMG_20150313_100933.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">©Ruthe McDonald.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I decree that this week’s <b><i>Reflections</i></b> will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for heart, mind, and soul. Seek God with all of your heart and soul, allowing Him to reveal to you the legacy that resides inside of you. The legacy of those loved ones that you may still mourn and grieve. Allow God to show you how to turn that mourning into gladness and all suffering into a teaching moment for you and others. There are healing and greatness after the pain of loss, and a beautiful message to be shared and received.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">For those who celebrated Thanksgiving this past week, I hope it was filled with much love and joy, with happy memories. Mine was very quiet and left a lot of time for me to think and contemplate quite a few things. One of those things, as I spoke with a loved one, was the ache you feel in your heart when you think of the ones you love that have passed on to glory. How their presence is missed and how things were when they were here with us.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">There are times when missing our loved ones is so heavy that we can barely breathe. Our hearts ache and the longing for them only intensifies. For some, mourning and grieving can become debilitating, leaving them almost paralyzed and unable to move forward in life. In addition to this mourning are our life struggles, heartbreaks, and life and heart lessons.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Can I be honest with you, Beloveds? Completely transparent and authentic? For the past three years—at the minimum—I have been going through some harrowing things. I have not—my person—been okay for a long time. My work, my ministry, and what I do for others have been OK. In fact, much of it has been thriving. However, me—my person—that part of me that is just about me, the relationship with myself and how I feel, and what hurts me has not been okay for a long time.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">She</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> has been in a lot of pain; suffering a lot of heartache and loss. There has been a lot of brokenness and incompleteness. However, God is making up for me what needs completing. He is filling that part of me; that part of me that is separate from what I do—the personal me—God is taking care of and completing the work that needs to be fulfilled; to complete on my part the assignment on my family’s lineage and legacy. Giving me yet another purpose to pursue.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Part of my personal heartache is grieving my loved ones, my mentors who poured into me every single day of my life encouragement and inspiration, especially my mother. The transitions of my loved ones have only intensified the other heartaches. The personal hurts, and wounds sustained—not by my own device or hands—have taken their toll. Have you ever felt like your life is nothing but suffering and loss? This is a critical place, Beloved. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The suffering and the loss overwhelm us, not knowing what to do, how to cope, and move forward. We feel stuck and uncertain. This is where the proverbial rubber meets the road. We are either going to pray and seek God more earnestly. Or, we move away from God and allow the hurt, pain, and loss to swallow us whole, along with our dreams, hopes, visions, and legacies.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I refuse to allow what I am going through to stop me from running the race that God says I have already won. I refuse to allow this hurt and sorrow to drown me and keep me from finishing the work God and my loved ones began. I refuse to allow ANYONE to steal from my hope, joy, and belief in love and happiness. Not going to happen, especially when God tells me that sorrow only lasts for a night but joy comes in the morning. I may not know how long that night is or when that morning will finally get here, but I can trust God to keep His word that it is coming!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">In the meantime, as I transition through these feelings, God is bringing healing and completeness to my person. I have learned and am remembering that I must be proactive in my healing and deliverance. This is a FAITH walk and not a FEELING or EMOTIONS walk. The truth is our souls (<i>will/emotions/feelings</i>) will delude us and have us give up when we are that close to our morning and breakthroughs. Beloved, our souls cannot be trusted. They move and change like the wind. They are unstable and unreliable. However, faith in our Father will always be stable. God is not moved by our will, emotions, or feelings. He is moved by our faith, our obedience, and our sacrifice.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">My grieving and mourning time is over. It is time to celebrate the life and legacy of my loved ones. Grieving over what someone did to me, broken promises, hurt, and harm is OVER. I take a stand NOW, in the promises of God, move forward in faith and boldness, and take the lessons I have learned and share them with others. I pick up the baton that my loved ones have left to be completed. It’s my turn to do my part. To add to my family’s legacy on this earth. To make sure the names, work, and hearts of those who transitioned are not forgotten but continue to grow and be established for generations to come.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">What I have suffered personally; the heartaches and heartbreaks that I have endured did not and could not break me. Not with God in my life and on my side. I have learned that all of it has been for my growth and development and walk in the Lord. Once I surrendered it all to God and allowed Him to have complete access to my heart, soul, and mind—the Father began taking those hurts and using them for my good and the good of others, establishing a purpose for me to complete. Life does not always go the way we desire. Yet, the lessons we are learning, the pain we endure, the forgiveness we receive—is all a part of God creating a legacy; a legacy of greatness, of love, of promise.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. God takes our suffering, our mourning, and grieving, and gives us strength and purpose in its place. We all have legacies to carry on and to create. Take off your mourning clothes and put on the garments of praise and worship. God has something great in store for you. All you have to do is believe it and accept it. God will do the rest. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.</span></div>Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36674442.post-24125222177264383732022-11-20T01:04:00.000-08:002022-11-20T01:04:00.298-08:00"God Is Not Complicated"<p> <b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">Reflections4Life</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "adobe arabic" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">™</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"> November 20, 2022</span></i></b></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">“God Is Not Complicated”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ, they are [all answered] ‘<b>Yes’.</b> So through Him, we say our ‘<b>Amen</b>’ to the glory of God.” <b>2 Corinthians 1:20<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 18:14; Psalm 100; 131; 2 Timothy 3<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3M3MHBhbnvqltMd6b4_FILjRovgIOnhj2sy3NIR9BLbx-AIKjRNJOysZHL7yxJOIgP3JdQjyfcbMY6Ggr8JrwmQF-4JvntQWO0SustI6e6BqM6q128GoBwDS92mCiXtGX7jEuMg/s1600/101.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="348" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3M3MHBhbnvqltMd6b4_FILjRovgIOnhj2sy3NIR9BLbx-AIKjRNJOysZHL7yxJOIgP3JdQjyfcbMY6Ggr8JrwmQF-4JvntQWO0SustI6e6BqM6q128GoBwDS92mCiXtGX7jEuMg/s320/101.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">I decree that this week’s <b><i>Reflections</i></b> will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. I implore you to not complicate what God has made easy. Do not overthink or analyze the goodness and grace of God. Learn to go with the flow; the flow of the Holy Spirit. How do you know that God is not as complicated as people made Him out to be?—by learning for yourself, spending intimate time with the Father, and developing your personal relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">It must be human nature for us to over-complicate things. I do not know about you, but as I have gotten older, I have learned that little children and old people got it right: simple is better. What I truly believe is, as we grow and mature in life, we are exposed to so many different beliefs, ideologies, so many people, ideas, and thoughts on life and walks of life, what is right, and what is wrong, that our brain becomes a hodge-podge of information collected over the years. We try to decipher everything as best we can; most becoming a combination of all the things they have learned over the years. With that many influences, there are bound to be complications; too many thoughts and ideas fighting for the first position.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Humanity loves to make God seem complicated. We place God in a box and believe that this is who He is and what He wants. We learn as children that there either is a God, no God, many gods, demi-gods, one true religion, manufactured religion, no religion, etcetera. I can literally go on. It is not difficult to see how one may come to the conclusion that God is complicated when so many have painted Him in so many different lights with so many attributes, that our minds become discombobulated and not really sure what to believe.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Beloved, God is not complicated. God has no gray areas. He is definite in what He says and who He is. It is black or white; hot or cold; yes or no. God is not a God of confusion. He knows how to say exactly what He means without speculation or subcontexts. He knows how to send a word, give a word, and proclaim a word. God speaks to us every day if we are listening. When we believe in God; when we accept Christ as our Savior and begin to spend intimate time with Him and get to know His heart and mind; we learn His voice. The spirit of discernment sharpens and complications begin to fall away.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 1in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">1 Corinthians 14:33 …</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">for God [who is the source of their prophesying] is not a God of confusion and disorder but of peace and order. As [is the practice] in all the churches of the saints (God’s people)…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 1in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">John 10:27</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> The sheep that are My own hear My voice and listen to Me; I know them, and they follow Me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">In the presence of God, there is peace and understanding. There is a revelation that takes place. Knowledge is gained and wisdom is given. As children, we are sponges soaking up all the information we receive and storing it. The easier it is to understand, the more we get it and move on. As senior adults, we have lived through so much that we know what works and what does not work. We have the wisdom of our years and the discernment of age and experience. We are not searching for who we are, what we should be, or what to believe. We already know. And because we realize how precious time is, whatever does not work or fit, we let it go and move on. Complications are time-consuming and we do not have the luxury of wasting any time we are blessed with. So, simpler becomes better, once again.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Here’s what I know and understand, Beloveds: What God desires for us is not complicated. The only way for any of us to truly know and understand this is to get to know God for ourselves. We need an intimate and personal relationship with our Lord. As a teacher, I would always tell my students (as a consultant and Mentor, I tell my clients and mentees this also) that the best-learned lessons come from what you gain for yourself. First-hand experience and knowledge beats second-hand knowledge and experiences any day. Because what you learn and receive for yourself is priceless. No one can take that away from you or alter it. It is yours.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Grant it, we have some wonderful teachers (and some not-so-wonderful ones too) that teach us what they know. However, it is not until we learn for ourselves, put into practice what we have been taught, and go through various trials and errors that we learn what works for us. It is the same when it comes to our relationship with God. We can sit under a Pastor, Minister, Bishop, Priest, etcetera, and hear and learn what they know, and follow their advice, but it is not until we start walking the walk for ourselves, living our lives accordingly, and getting to Christ for ourselves that we truly know and understand who God is and who we are.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">A personal relationship with God is necessary in order to know and understand His heart. God is not complicated. Once we allow Him to strip away all preconceived notions and experience God for ourselves, a wonderful thing occurs. Our hearts are opened, our minds illuminated, our eyes and ears become receptive to Him and what we thought we knew is replaced with the truth that can only be verified by a personal, intimate relationship with God.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Here is what God desires for us: To serve Him with all of our hearts, minds, souls, and our very being. To believe in the Lord Jesus, confess our sins, repent, and receive redemption. Allow Holy Spirit to teach us and lead us; meditate on His word day and night, spending intimate quality time in His presence. Get to know His heart as He reveals His truth and our truths so that He can bless us, as He desired to do since the moment He created us before we ever entered this realm of time. If we fall, get back up. Share His truth and our testimony with those around us. Now, does that sound complicated to you?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity finds 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 world to complicate the love of God in your life. God loves you and desires an intimate one-on-one relationship with you. Let Him surprise you with just how easy it is to love you and bless you. You deserve a little less complication in your life. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36674442.post-12313751894261823652022-11-13T04:42:00.000-08:002022-11-13T04:42:37.039-08:00"Sometimes It Doesn't Make Sense"<p> <b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt;">Reflections4Life</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Adobe Arabic",serif; font-size: 16pt;">™</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt;"> November 13, 2022</span></i></b></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Sometimes It Doesn't Make Sense”</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“She went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. <b><sup> </sup></b>The bowl of flour was not exhausted nor did the jar of oil become empty, in accordance with the word of the Lord, which He spoke through Elijah.” <b>1 Kings 17:15-16<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 17; 18; Exodus 16; 1 Kings 17; Esther 8; Luke 1...</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3DWzhLAY_aAcy1TQh5zOZsAQIOLg2sppJXVHldy6i0IREdcygKiE-Ia8bUNTc1djjNx79MNXC5Di69GbVA_QNm-LTqcJbxAmh83v3ace1XFIE1RZyUeWQTZSbKrJRdP4s8HJBg/s1600/Faith.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="384" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3DWzhLAY_aAcy1TQh5zOZsAQIOLg2sppJXVHldy6i0IREdcygKiE-Ia8bUNTc1djjNx79MNXC5Di69GbVA_QNm-LTqcJbxAmh83v3ace1XFIE1RZyUeWQTZSbKrJRdP4s8HJBg/s320/Faith.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">©Ruthe McDonald.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Has there been a time in your life when God has told you something but it did not make any sense to you? Your human senses just couldn't comprehend it? You immediately began thinking: <i>how, what, why, where, when?</i> I have been there. God has spoken some things to me; has shown me some wonderful and miraculous things. In the past, it would not register with my human mind. It did not make any sense; did not even seem possible. I asked a lot of <i>how's</i> <i>that going to happen</i>? <i>How's that possible?</i> I just could not wrap my brain around the awesomeness of it all. Yet, my spirit believed with no question. I have since learned it does not have to make any sense to my human senses, as long as my heart knows and believes God never lies. This, Beloved, is where faith takes over and facts cease to exist.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I decree that this week's <b><i>Reflections</i></b> will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Allow the very word of God to penetrate your heart. Walk in the sense of Christ, believing that whatever God has spoken and shown to you, it will indeed happen. God cannot lie. Though things may seem impossible to your physical senses, allow the sincerity and wondrous works of the Holy Spirit to take you higher, filling your heart and mind until your spirit believes all that God has spoken concerning you and your faith is complete.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Can you put yourself in the widow woman’s shoes for a moment, in <i><b>1 Kings 17</b></i>? You have only a little bit of meal and oil, enough for the last meal for you and your son. You have already made up your mind that you both will die soon from starvation. One day a man of God comes to you, telling you, one: to use your last little bit to make <i>him</i> a cake, and two: the barrel of meal and cruse of oil you now have will last until the drought is over. That is a lot of information to take in, comprehend, and believe. However, as the prophet of God continued to speak to her, her heart held faith in God. Though she still had a doubt, what did she have to lose by listening to the prophet of God? So, she trusted in the word of God and not in the facts before her eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">We have no answer for many things. There are things we objectively cannot seem to find a plausible reason for; things that make no sense to our human mind; things that seem impossible. Yet, God desires for us to go beyond our human mind, intellect, and reasoning, and simply believe. Believe in that which He has spoken to our hearts, what He has shown us. Simply: Have Faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hebrews 11:1 (MSG) </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">It took faith for this widow woman to believe in what the prophet had spoken to her; faith to believe that God had chosen her and her son to receive this miracle and blessing; trusting that everything was going to work out. That, indeed, if she fed the prophet of God as he instructed, God would provide. That, He would take her little and multiply it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">How many of us are willing to give God our last? To take what we know is not much but is very much needed and share it or use it in the manner God instructs, letting go of what we had planned. It is not an easy thing when we look at our hands and count what we do not have, as opposed to looking at what God does have and has promised. It is a definite leap of faith; especially when you have been living paycheck to paycheck, or have your last and God is asking you to do what He says with money you allocated to buy that week’s worth of groceries.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I am sure it did not make any sense to Abram when God told him that he was going to become a father in his old age. It definitely did not make any sense to Sarai. She laughed at the promise because it did not make sense to her human understanding. Her doubt led her to give her husband her maid to sleep with, resulting in Ishmael. To this very day, because of one woman's doubt in the spoken word of God, we have two nations forever fighting; Ishmael vs Isaac. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">We must learn to see through our spiritual eyes. Many things that God has to share with us will not make any sense to our human mind or way of thinking. We must come up higher and see through our spiritual eyes. We must walk in faith and trust in that which God speaks concerning our lives. God specializes in the impossible, not always the facts, or the obvious.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">There are things that are impossible for mankind—impossible for man to understand. Yet, for those who would dare to have faith, walk in faith, and trust in what God has spoken, their life will see the impossible take place. Their lives are filled with the unexpected; with the constant blessings of God working on their behalf.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Charged to walk by faith and not by sight, not all that God has ordained for us will make any sense to our senses, but it will bear witness with our soul and spirit if we have developed and nurtured our intimate relationship with our heavenly Father.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Father desires to bless beyond what can be seen with natural eyes. He wants to take you to another level of faith. That, though you waited a long while for answers, for what God has spoken to you to come to pass, you will believe no matter what. That, it no longer has to make any sense to your senses or to those around you, as long as God has spoken it that settles it and that is what it shall be. Faith—immovable, unshaken, solid, and unbreakable.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Get out of your senses and into your spirit. Let your faith lead you where God has promised you. Believe with your heart, and not with your eyes or intellect. God cannot lie. His promises are certain and happening in your life. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36674442.post-87109783715138031732022-10-30T05:24:00.000-07:002022-10-30T05:24:21.770-07:00"NOW...Do It Now!"<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt;">Reflections4Life</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Adobe Arabic",serif; font-size: 16pt;">™</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt;"> October 30, 2022<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Now…Do It Now!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. For by this [kind of] faith the men of old gained [divine] approval.” <b>Hebrews 11:1-2<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Scripture Contemplation: Hebrews 11; Romans 4; Genesis 12; 2 Corinthians 1…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOwl2EAFgcyO6nAlmAO6NW1yIGcqPFxhFbf89d5gci8PVQuVAKT_Za_8xspSYqig2R-X3yckQo00SifAkpmYEg30njb6sAzsJWzI7XR4sdNPKtYGE_MFYzS27DwKY9TjWBu1m3w/s1600/219.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="550" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOwl2EAFgcyO6nAlmAO6NW1yIGcqPFxhFbf89d5gci8PVQuVAKT_Za_8xspSYqig2R-X3yckQo00SifAkpmYEg30njb6sAzsJWzI7XR4sdNPKtYGE_MFYzS27DwKY9TjWBu1m3w/s320/219.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I decree that this week’s <b><i>Reflections</i></b> are a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for heart, mind, and soul. Rejoice in all that God has ordained for your life. Even if you cannot see the full picture yet, have faith and be confident in the word of the Lord concerning your life. Walk with Him. Commune with Him. Trust Him. Meditate and believe with all of your heart and soul. What God has ordained for your life will happen. You just have to move…when He tells you to.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">There is a burning in my heart and soul, a blazing inferno and so strong at this very moment that, <i>now, </i>is the time to move forward in the plans of God! Now!—is the time to execute all of the plans and ideas that are written in books, journals, and to-do lists. This is the season to begin to see the manifestations of God’s promises for our lives but we have to move when God says to move. Total obedience.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Now is the time, Beloved. Now is the time to go forward with your passions, to make amends, to forgive, to let go, to move forward, to do recompense, to ask for forgiveness, to be humbled, to go after everything that God has placed in your heart that you have been procrastinating to do. Time is an elusive thing to humans. Many believe they have all the time in the world, while others believe there is not enough time. Both schools of thought have those same people frozen, standing in the same position instead of moving forward, walking in the promises of God, and following His instructions.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I understand. Believe me when I tell you, that I sincerely understand how you can become immobilized by fear, doubts, and uncertainty. Yet, God is here, knocking on the doors of our hearts, whispering in our ears; nudging our spirits to go forth in all of those plans that He has placed in us; all of the dreams and visions. He desires us to go boldly forward, walk in truth, and live our lives with no regrets.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">There is such a burning in my soul today that is telling me that if we do not move on to what God has spoken to our hearts, we will miss this season of manifestations, and it is not a guarantee that we will make it to the season when it comes around again. Now is our appointed time. We must move in faith, be diligent, and believe in our hearts what God has spoken.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">No matter what it appears to be. No matter what obstacles arise. No matter who is or who is not on our side; as long as God has given the green light, it is time to go forward and get the work done and bring in the harvest. Seeds were planted long ago. Pruning season has and is taking place, God is ushering in a spirit of removal and blessing His children that meditate, spend time in His presence, in prayer and fasting, with a greater anointing of discernment and an ear to hear His voice, that may sound like a whisper in the midst of chaos.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Do not wait for circumstances to be just right. They never will be. This is a faith walk. Do not wait for someone’s approval or validation when God had already approved and validated you and given you the word—the green light—to move ahead in the plans and promises He has placed in you. An impending recession, skyrocketing mortgage rates, climbing gas rates, food shortages, continued evil in the land--none of it is an issue to God when He tells us to move now! God sees it all. But He is bigger than the economic climate and far greater than the enemy that is in the land.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Let me also warn you, Beloved, in case you are not aware: Not everyone who says they are for you actually is. Not everyone who says they believe in you actually does. Not everyone you start the journey with will make it to the end to see the manifestations of the fruit of your labor and visions. And that’s okay. You may even encounter some naysayers and you will definitely encounter a Judas—maybe more than once—but be encouraged, that is just a sign that your manifest season and long-awaited promises are here. You are on the right track. Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep meditating. Keep doing. Whatever you do, do not give up.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Now, Beloved now is the time to move when you feel that burning, that nudging, that thing that won’t let you sleep. You are going to have to take chances, let some things and people go, be focused, determined, and above all else: forgive. Forgive yourself for any mistakes. Forgive others for whatever they have done, and move on. You do not have time to hold resentments, regrets, anger, or unforgiveness. It will only hinder your progress and your hearing and ability to see God’s instructions for what comes next.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen. Do not allow your dreams and visions to die because of fear, or procrastination. Move when God says move. He will give you the provision for the visions He has placed in you. Just as He has given us the spirit of love, power, and a sound mind. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!</span></div><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.</span> </p>Ruthe McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10047501337996868191noreply@blogger.com0