Family First

 Reflections4Life™ August 6, 2023

“Family First”

“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.” Genesis 45:1 (CEV)

Scripture Contemplations: Genesis 15; 45; 2 Kings 25; Matthew 14; John 6; Romans 12:12-13

I

 recently had a conversation with a dear friend about ministry and those who work in ministry, such as pastors, prophets, ministers, teachers, etcetera. 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.

I decree that this week’s Reflections 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?

First Things First

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.

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.

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.

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?

Meeting Their Needs

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.’

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.’

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?

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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!

©2023. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"God Is Not Complicated"

 Reflections4Life™ November 20, 2022

“God Is Not Complicated”

“For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ, they are [all answered] ‘Yes’. So through Him, we say our ‘Amen’ to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:20

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 18:14; Psalm 100; 131; 2 Timothy 3

I decree that this week’s Reflections 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.

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.

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.

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.

1 Corinthians 14:33 …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)…

John 10:27 The sheep that are My own hear My voice and listen to Me; I know them, and they follow Me.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Sometimes It Doesn't Make Sense"

 Reflections4Life™ November 13, 2022

“Sometimes It Doesn't Make Sense”

“She went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days.  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.” 1 Kings 17:15-16

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 17; 18; Exodus 16; 1 Kings 17; Esther 8; Luke 1...

©Ruthe McDonald.

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: how, what, why, where, when? 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 how's that going to happen? How's that possible? 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.

I decree that this week's Reflections 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.

Can you put yourself in the widow woman’s shoes for a moment, in 1 Kings 17? 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 him 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.

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.

Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 

Hebrews 11:1 (MSG) 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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Resurrected Dreams and Visions"

 Reflections4Life™ October 2, 2022

“Resurrected Dreams and Visions”

“For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ, they are [all answered] “Yes.” So through Him, we say our “Amen” to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:20 AMP

Scripture Contemplation: Numbers 11:34;19; Genesis 15; Joshua 21:45; Psalm 12:6; John 16…

 ©Ruthe McDonald.

I declare that this week’s Reflections is a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for heart, mind, and soul. God is doing a great thing. Dreams and visions that you believed were long gone, forgotten about, and dead—God is resurrecting. Allow this week to find you get into a position and posture of prayer, receiving what God has ordained for your life. Get ready because God is moving mightily!

Know in your hearts Beloveds that as long as you have breath in your body, God is granting you another opportunity to walk in His blessings for your life. However, it is up to you to believe it, receive it, and walk in it. Yes, you may be going through some things right now that are dictating the opposite. However, God is moving and you do not want to miss what He is doing because you allow fear, anger, doubt, unbelief, and the lies of the enemy to keep you from seeing and receiving all that God says is yours…on this earth.

When we were children, we often had fantastical dreams and visions. So much, that many wanted to be one thing and by the following week, wanted to be something else. Our imaginations took us on flights of fancy that stirred our creativity and imagination. It stirred up in different ways, making us feel invincible and that anything was possible! There was no way we would not be all that we dared to believe and dream.

There was not much if anything that we feared or wouldn't try. Unless we were taught to be afraid, told we could not, and discouraged on a consistent basis, lacking any kind of support or encouragement to dream and reach for the stars. Not having seeds of faith planted in our young hearts and minds. All children should be encouraged and their dreams validated, no matter how inconsequential, far-out, or unattainable they may seem to an adult. Far too many of us had our dreams and visions killed before we ever had the chance to really even develop our imagination or figure out who we are and what we may or may not be good at.

 Allow me to say this to all parents and anyone with influence over children: encourage them. Encourage their imagination. Ignite their creativity and inspire them to dream. Do not kill the seeds of vision and creativity because you may have doubts or because of your disappointments in life. Do not put your burdens on children who haven’t even had the opportunity to fully dream or hope yet. Give them a fighting chance. If they fall, let them. There is a lesson for them to learn in getting up.

Not all of us had the kind of childhood that fostered our hopes, dreams, and imagination. I was privileged to have parents that encouraged me to fly, to dream, to soar. Constantly being told that I "would be" anything I desired. That I would live my dreams and have whatever my heart desired. My parents believed in my brothers and me.

Here is another truth: as awesome as my parents were, they could not stop life from happening. Certain things were not in their control, things that hurt me as a child, as a young girl, and then as a young woman; even now as an adult. We are going to grow up and find out for ourselves that life is not always pretty and it is not always fair. Some dreams will be deferred, some hopes will be smothered, and some visions will be forgotten. Fear, doubt, anxiety, and comparing ourselves to others, may become a part of our reality.

Beloveds, there is good news, however. God can and will restore and resurrect our dreams and visions. He will even give us bigger and greater dreams and visions; enlarging our territories. He will take our hurts, heartaches, disappointments, and pain, and turn them into our purpose, our passion, and our wealth. All of what we have lost will be restored. All that the enemy has stolen will be given back. God will turn our tests into testimonies; grant us double for our shame. We just have to believe Him and follow His instructions, and not be afraid to dream again and do the work that is necessary to get what God says is ours.

We are in our harvest time right now! Yet, many think that because the harvest is here. There is no longer any work that needs to be done. That, we can sit back, relax, and see things fall into place. No Beloved, the harvest means work. Perhaps, even more work than the planting. Yet, do not be afraid or allow that to intimidate you because of this kind of work; working for our harvest is one of the greatest times of our lives. It is when we begin to see the manifestations of the blessings and promises of God in our lives, the fruit of our labor blossoming.

This is the season of miracles, the supernatural, turnarounds, and answered prayers. Do not be fooled by the current state of affairs of this world. For, we may be in this world, be we are not of this world, and the Father is preparing us to lead others to the truth about who Jesus is, who He is, and who we are in Him. God has ushered us into a season of resurrected dreams and visions. We have much to do and God wants us ready to walk in the fullness of His promises and His love without hesitation or procrastination.

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 despise humble beginnings or talk yourself out of the blessings of God. Stay in a posture of prayer, and God will reveal to you all that you need in order to move forward in His promises and abundance. The Father loves you…just as you are. You are blessed and highly favored. Now go…and be a blessing! AND DREAM!

©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Open Your Eyes"

Rflections4Life™ September 18, 2022

“Open Your Eyes”

“And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed and revealed to the eyes of Him with whom we have to give account.” Hebrews 4:13

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 3; 21:19; Numbers 22:31; 1 Kings 8; Psalm 34:15; 119:18; Isaiah 35:5; 42:5-7; Jeremiah 32:19; Matthew 9:30; John 9; Acts 26:18…

©Ruthe McDonald.

There will come a time in our lives when we will not only face the truth but understand the truth and see it for what it really is. All the blinders will be gone. All the coverings--stripped away. All the doubts and fears--eradicated. All excuses--silenced. That time is the seat of judgment before God where we will all face God for our actions and inactions.

In the meantime, many of us are walking blindly around with our hands covering our eyes to what is going on around us. Some believe if they act as though these things are not happening then they will not be held accountable for anything. However, beloved, God has given us charge over the earth, to go out, and minister to the world. We are to share the truth of His love and promises. We are to spread the Gospel while living a life that is pleasing and acceptable to Him. Not perfect, mind you but pleasing and acceptable. Yet, for us to accomplish this, we must open our eyes and see what it is that God is showing us before we get swept away in the darkness of despair and the lies of the enemy.

I declare that this week’s Reflections is a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Allow Holy Spirit to fill your heart and open your eyes to what is going on around you. Let this week be a time of self-reflection as you take inventory of your life, relationships, time, and actions. Allow God to renew your mind, stir your spirit, and encourage you where you may feel defeated. Nothing is over until God says it is over. Let your eyes be open to what God is showing you.

How many times have we closed our eyes or turned a blind eye to what was hurting us, confusing us, or something we did not understand because we did not want to face the truth of a situation? Or because we did not want to do the work required to do what God has ordained? Too many of us believe that we do not have to work or put effort into our relationships, work, dreams, and visions. We treat God like He is a genie in a bottle and when we pray we expect Him to do everything while we remain the same and do nothing.

We must put in the work to see the desired results that we hope and pray for. If there is something that we cannot do that is out of our hands, having done all we could do; followed all of God’s instructions; then and only then, do we lift our hands up. We leave it in God’s hands to do what we cannot do. However, whatever God determines, we must follow His will, and instructions concerning that situation.

It is time to open our eyes, Beloved. Open our eyes to God. Open our eyes to what is being shown to us and what has been prepared for us. We cannot open our eyes or be enlightened to the situations around us if we have not first surrendered to God and His ways and instructions. We must submit ourselves to God, be open to Him, and be filled with His understanding in order for us to see clearly what God wants us to see and is showing us.

It is vitally important that we first allow God to adjust our sight and vision because, Beloved, the enemy is very good at smoke and mirrors. Without the touch of the Holy Spirit, the insight of our Heavenly Father, and looking through His clear lens, we may misconstrue our situation, misinterpret, and miss all that God has ordained for our lives, especially if we are ruled by emotions and hurt feelings. Those emotions allow the enemy to insert himself further into our life circumstances, wreaking havoc and discord, until he has accomplished his goal of killing, stealing, and destroying.

Make no mistake about it, Beloved. Christ is soon to return. The signs are all around us. Even the enemy knows this; that his time is short and he has been escalating his attacks and attempts to destroy the children of God, to try to persuade them to give up on God, and to walk away from the blessings that God has ordained for our lives. He is killing our relationships, marriages, businesses, hopes, dreams, and visions. He is stealing joy, lives, and happiness. He is destroying lives, families, communities, countries, reputations, and many other things all to rob us of the promises of God and to hurt the Father’s heart. If you did not know, we are just pawns in his war against God. We are not the target, God is. However, we are who God loves and has placed His spirit in, created in His image, and given authority to. That right there burns the enemy up!

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. Open your eyes, Beloved. Open them to the will of the Father. See==through His lens. Do not allow the smoke and mirrors of the enemy to rob you of the promises of God for your life. The only way to recognize the enemy's machinations is to get closer to God. Allow God to fine-tune your sight, opening your eyes and heart to what is essential and what is happening right before you.  You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

 

"The Giants Fall Down"

 Reflections4Life™ September 11, 2022

“The Giants Fall Down”

“These were descended from the giants in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants.” 1 Chronicles 20:8

Scripture Contemplation: Deuteronomy 3; Joshua 13; 2 Samuel 21; 1 Chronicles 20…

We are all on a journey called life. Each of us taking different yet similar paths. Sometimes our journeys will intersect with one another, giving us either perspective and encouragement, or distractions and discouragement. It is up to us to determine if what we are journeying towards is worth the travail, and sometimes the hardship and difficulty we may face, and the giants that will try to block us and scare us along the way.

No one gets around the giants in their journey. They are guaranteed to show up. Yet, here is what many do not understand: THEY ARE STRONGER THAN THE GIANTS. God says that when we believe in Him, His promises, and follow His instructions, those “giants” will fall down. The giants in our life's journey look like insurmountable problems. They look like naysayers, pessimists, family members, strangers, work, difficult situations, our past, or whatever may cause a hindrance or block us from moving forward. They are all considered “giants” in our lives. Those giants seek to keep us from walking in the promises of God in our lives. It is time to gird ourselves with our smooth stones and watch the giants fall down.

I declare that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Gird yourselves in the armor of God. As you go forth in your journey, pray fervently and follow all that God has instructed. No matter what comes at you, remember: Greater is God in you than the enemy that is in this world. God has already given you the power to triumph and watch the giants fall down.

It is a guarantee that we will face some “giants” in our life’s journey. People, places, and things that will try to stop us from reaching our promised land. Yet God says they are no match for those who truly trust and believe in His word, and walk accordingly. God has a promise for each of us; a journey that we must take to get us to fulfill those promises.

There have been numerous giants in my life—there still are some giants now—that I face and sometimes question if I am strong enough to get through. God reminds me of His promises but I also have to remind myself. I have to take the initiative to speak what God says about me; to take time and be still in my Father’s presence; to read and meditate in the word; to charge the atmosphere with the very words God has decreed and declared over my life. Like David, I must carry my five smooth stones, prepared to take down the giants that come my way and try to block me from moving forward in the promises that God has ordained for my life.

I realized that God has been preparing me all of my life for the battles that I now face. When we are younger, we encounter things that seem so insurmountable. Yet, when we grow, mature, and are faced with different obstacles, we look back and might see that that was nothing compared to what we are facing now. However, in the lessons and those “small” obstacles, God was teaching us form, strategy, and technique. He taught us what to look for and how to conquer every giant.

Just like David, God has hidden some of us on the backside of the mountain. We have been spending time in the presence of God, getting to know His heart and worshipping Him, building a relationship of strength and confidence. Like David, we will face our own bear and lion and defeat them. No one knows what we are capable of. Neither do they understand what God has been preparing us for? Sometimes we don’t even know the breadth and scope of what God has for us. Yet, God has been preparing us for our own Goliath. We will either stand up and declare what is ours and what God has spoken, or we will back up and fear the illusion of strength that the Giant represents.

Beloved, I’ve come too far in my journey to turn back or be defeated this close to my promised land, and so have you. Many of us stand on the bridge of our journey—the bridge of crossing over. On the other side of the bridge is everything we have been striving for and working towards; all the manifestations of the blessings and promises for our lives. All we have to do is cross over the bridge but on the bridge is one more behemoth of a giant. A giant comprised of every obstacle you have ever faced. Every lie you were ever told. Every fear you ever experienced. Every pain you have ever felt. It’s there, on the bridge, trying to block your entrance to your God-ordained promised land. Not only is it there, but it is also taunting you and mocking you, and across its chest is a screen playing a picture of your journey, only showing the highlights of your failures; of every trip, fall, and mistake. There is a sound coming from this giant and it is all the negative thoughts you ever had and the negative words spoken by others. He will not budge. What are you going to do?

You are going to open your mouth (slingshot) and sling your stones (words) declaring what God has spoken to you. You will declare and decree, reminding the enemy, that God has already delivered you the victory and you will get what He promised. As you speak the word of God, pull down every stronghold, and take out your sword, you will witness the enemy start to crumble. You will move forward confidently, with the words of God coming from your mouth and heart, and watch as the Giant falls, your words hit him like heavy stones. When he has fallen, you will take its head off, so it will not rise again, and cross over into your promised land, giving God all of the glory. You WIN!  

 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. The giants fall down, Beloveds. They are no match for the power that resides in you; the power that is our God, our Creator. Do not back up now or run away when you are this close to the manifestations of the blessings and promises of God. The enemy is no match for you when you are standing and walking in confidence and courage. With God on your side, who can win against you? No one. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"What About Yesterday?"

Reflections4Life™ September 4, 2022

“What About Yesterday?”

“Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new. Now it will spring forth”... Isaiah 43:18-19a (NASB)

Scripture Contemplation: Isaiah 42; 43; 2 Corinthians 5; Colossians 3; Revelation 21…

Whatever is going on in your life now, be assured that God is doing a new thing. However, you will never be able to see, understand, or recognize it, if you are too preoccupied with yesterday. It is time to let some things go so that you can make room for what God has for you right now.

I decree that this week’s Reflections are a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. There is much the Father wants to reveal to you; so much, He wants to do in your life. There is so much greatness waiting to manifest. Yield to His love and cover this week. Open your heart and receive all God has been longing to give you.

This week I will celebrate my birthday (Should God grant me continued life) I am truly grateful. However, on this birthday I feel a different current working through the atmosphere. There are shifts in my life. Though it may not feel good right now, I know it is for the better, for a great and mighty tomorrow. I am grateful for another year of life. Although all is not as I desire, I am nonetheless blessed because I trust the Father to keep His promises. I am determined to concentrate on the good and not allow sadness, heartache, disappointment, or discouragement to dictate the happiness of my present or future. I am truly blessed and thank the Father for a new year of His grace, mercy, love, direction, and supernatural happenings in my life! Thank You, Lord!

There is so much of today, of the present, that we miss out on in life because our focus is continually on yesterday: What happened yesterday? Who did what to you yesterday? What didn’t go right yesterday? What you didn’t get yesterday, and so on, and so on. We miss many opportunities that God has placed before us today, opportunities waiting for us to seize.

Fear is often a part of yesterday. Because yesterday did not occur as we desired, or bad things occurred, we have fears of moving forward or hoping in today. Relationships did not work out, so we fear not being loved or loved again. Friendships fall apart; we fear we will not trust another person again. The career we desired did not pan out the way we wanted, so we fear trying something new or different because we do not want to be disappointed. Beloved, all of this is a part of life. These things happen sometimes. However, we should never give it the power to rule and dictate the rest of our lives. That was just a season. Yes, it has an impact. Yet, what God has written for us is larger than heartache and pain. It is far greater than anything else we could have ever known.

Yet, most of us have made fear our companion. Fear can immobilize us; keep us from moving forward in the promises of God. We can become fearful of ever trying again or stepping out in faith on the path God has ordained for us. Together, faith and fear cannot operate. We are either walking in one or the other but never both. I can testify faith is a whole lot better!

 It is time, Beloveds. It is time to move forward and into the new things God has ordained for your life. It is time to stop pondering on former things and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you into the path of today and the promises of the Father manifesting in your life.

Are you tired of carrying those old bags? Are you tired of fighting the same old fight? Tired you are missing out? Are you not tired of not living life to the fullest? God is waiting on you to decide if you truly want what He has already promised and done for you.

Isaiah 43:16-19 (The Message Bible) “This is what God says, the God who builds a road right through the ocean, who carves a path through pounding waves the God who summons horses and chariots and armies—they lie down and then can’t get up; they’re snuffed out like so many candles: “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.”

Amen! I do not know about you, but that makes me excited! It not only makes me excited, but it also gives me hope, strengthening my faith in the God I serve. I know and understand that my Father has already made a path for me. To walk on that will lead me to an expected end. That, through the harshest of places and the roughest of times, God is doing something brand new just for me. All I have to do is let go of the past, what didn’t work, and who did whatever, and follow what God is saying right now!

Yes. It can be difficult letting go of the past, not dwelling on what took place when you are currently dealing with its aftermath. However, yield to the Father. Give it all to God. Do not keep going over what was and what did not take place or what someone did. Be alert and present. Be in the here and now, and allow God to lead you to the place He has long ordained for you. Think of it this way: Every hurt, pain, failure, and heartaches are tools and experiences that God has used to strengthen you for the abundance and overflow of blessings He is about to manifest in your life. Those trials and tests? The heartache and heartbreak? They were all making room for the divine blessings of God that He has ordained for you from the beginning. Think about Job.

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 the Father’s healing consume you—reaching every barren, hollowed, and hurting place. Let God do that new thing in you and bring you to a place of rest and completion. He loves you and has already ordained a path filled with hope, love, faith, and greatness. You are blessed. Now go ….and be a Blessing!

©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.