The Declaration Series: "I Will Hide His Word in My Heart"

 Reflections4Life™ January 16, 2022

"I Will Hide His Word in My Heart"

"Deep winthin me I have hidden your word, so that I will never sin against you." Psalm 119:11

Scriptures for the Series: James 4; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 119:11; Lamentations 3:40; Psalm 51:10; Proverbs 11:28; Psalm 37:4; 42; Luke 3:4; Psalm 66:9; Isaiah 30:2

Our hearts are a sacred place. A place that is only truly known, 100% by GOD and ourselves--if we are honest with ourselves. In our hearts are hidden many things, from childhood to the present moments, and even thoughts and feelings concerning the future. GOD knows all of this, too. He especially knows if His word is hidden there, also.

I decree that this week's Reflections4Life will be a continued source of inspiration and encouragement for your heart, mind, and soul. Each time you read and hear the word of God, do not only hear it but also let it marinate and find a place deep in your heart to settle in. Hide the word of God in your heart so that you will be reminded of Him, His Word, and promises to you.

Thank you for coming back and fellowshipping with us this week. This is the third lesson in our DECLARATION SERIES. This series was inspired by a New Year Eve's message given by Bishop Dr. Roberta Moore of Victory Christian Tabernacle Ministries. What if we declared over our lives and into the atmosphere, our intentions for this year? Decreeing--making it law--to live by this year? Most, if not all resolutions, hardly make it past the first week of the year and are forgotten by the end of the month.

I will hide His Word in my heart. Another way to say this would be: I will hide His INSTRUCTIONS in my heart. When we hide the instructions of God in our hearts, we remember what He has called us to do. We remind ourselves how He desires us to live, and we are also reminded not to sin against Him. His instructions/Word clearly informs us what would be and would not be pleasing in God's sight. What is acceptable and not acceptable. 

When His instructions are hidden deep in our hearts, we cannot say we do not know what God expects or desires from us. Nor can we say we do not know or understand what is a sin or not sin against GOD. The Father has made His word clear. He does not deal in grey areas but in black and white. The only way to know and understand these things about GOD and His Word is to study. Study and meditate on them every day. Take time to not only pray but also read and meditate on the word and speak the word out loud.

When you make up in your heart to abide by His word, you are choosing to listen to GOD. You are making the choice to walk in wisdom and not sin against the Father and short-change yourself from a life that He has ordained for you, as well as a multitude of blessings He has for you and those He has called you to.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Hide the word of GOD in your heart. Meditate and study it day and night. Let be a light in your heart that guides you and keeps you from sinning against GOD. Though some things might prove difficult, allow God to be your strength. Confess, repent, and move forward in the Lord, receiving what He has ordained just for you! You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved. 

"It Will Not Last"

Reflections4Life August 16^th, 2020

“It Will Not Last”

“For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5

Scripture Contemplation: Numbers 11; Psalm 5; Psalm 30; Jeremiah 11…

The pain. The heartache. The disappointment. It will not last. The uncertainty. The loneliness. The despair. It will not last.  How can I possibly say it will not last when I don't know how long you've been suffering? Because I believe my Heavenly Father when He said: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Allow God into the hidden places that He may bring you joy and encouragement. Believe the promises of God. Yield to Him, as He reaches toward you with His love and greatness.

I may not know the cause of your heartache and suffering. As you may not know mine. However, I do know, with all my heart that my God loves us the same. And what He's done for another, He can and will do for me and you too, should we believe and let Him have His way.

Most certainly as we suffer these afflictions, it feels like there is never an end in sight. But God! He is a promise-keeper. And if we hold on, believe His word, hold onto the promises, we will not only make it through, we will thrive in the blessings of God.

Beloveds, do not give up. Do not give in to the whispers of the enemy. God surely does love you. He does have a plan for your life. One to prosper you and bring you to an expected end. That is fulfilled with promises of God. Though your mourning and weeping seem to be lasting longer than a night, trust God when He tells you that your morning is soon coming. What you are faced with now will not last. There is an end in sight.

Galatians 6:9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you.  What heartaches, pain, trials and tests you are facing now, they will not last. Yet, they will make you stronger. Giving you a testimony that brings light to another person's dark night. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Don't Believe The Lies"

Reflections4Life August 2, 2020

“Don’t Believe the Lies”

“But the king will rejoice in God; everyone who swears by Him will glory, for the mouths of those who speak lies will be stopped.” Psalm 63:11

Scripture Contemplation: Proverbs 6; 14; 19; 30; John 8…

Today’s Reflections is very much personal than any other at this present time! God knows how I feel about lying. But especially about being called a liar! I abhor it! And beloveds, when the enemy knows what you abhor, he will try and use it against you every chance he gets.

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Whatever you do, keep trusting God, and spend intimate time in His presence. Only God can reveal to you what you need to know and give you peace about what is the truth and what is the lie. The Father is trustworthy.

There are going to be many things said about many people, places, things, and about you. Sometimes the things being said will be a lie! One lie can destroy an entire lifetime. An entire legacy. And before the lie is discovered or exposed, the damage is already done.

Do you know what the worst kind of lie is? The lies that the enemy speaks to us and we believe. That is the absolute worse! Because it can rob you of love, your birthright, your blessings, your peace, your self-esteem, your confidence, your hope, and even your faith and belief in God.

The enemy is strategic in his plots against us. He waits. Studying us. Getting to know our weaknesses; our idiosyncrasies. He waits for vulnerable times to strike. While all along he has been whispering lies to us and using our insecurities to weaken us. He uses that girlfriend, that boyfriend, that husband, wife, or family member; or that shady friend to take jabs at our armor, in order to weaken it enough for his onslaught. When we are most vulnerable, he strikes hard, and we often end up believing his lies.

Don't do it, Beloved! Don't believe the lies the enemy has spoken. Don't believe the hateful and jealous rants and whispers of people who wish your downfall. Don't fall for the backhanded compliments and empty gestures of those who say they love you and are for you, yet are secretly wishing and plotting your demise. Look to God for the truth. Look to God to reveal the heart of someone; their true intentions. And you…be strong. Do not let an enemy that has already been defeated rob you any longer. Plant yourself at the throne of God. Spend intimate and quiet time in His presence. Listen to what the Father says, allowing Him to strengthen and enlighten you.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you.  Trust me when I tell you: God has the best for you. You are His best. And in you is already greatness waiting for you to accept and walk into. Don't believe the lies, Love. Don't let go of God's truth about you. That you are wonderfully and fearfully made in His image. That, you are more than a conqueror. That, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Do You Know Who You Are?"

Reflections4Life July 19, 2020

“Do You Know Who You Are?”

“See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason, the world does not know us because it did not know Him.” 1 John 3:1

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 1; 2 Timothy 2…

The searching. The seeking. The longing. The missteps. The mistakes. The failures. The insecurities. The uncertainties. The highs. The lows. The disappointments. The discouragements. The triumphs and the defeats. After all of this, do you know who you are? Who you really and truly are?

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. It is in the presence of the Almighty that we learn and come to understand who we are. Allow the Father to show you what is already within you, waiting to be birthed forth.

For so long we have allowed so many things and other people to define who we are, that sadly, many of us still have no clue as to who we really and truly are. We have been wounded, hurt, and suffered terribly in our life's journey. And as it turns out the one thing most of us bypass or overlook is the fact that we are still here!

Yes. We've been through hell; through atrocities and pain, we wouldn't wish on many. And yet, here we are. Alive, surviving, and prayerfully thriving. The fact alone that you made it through and are here to talk about your journey is a clear testament of how strong you truly are.

Here you are! Fighting! Not giving up! You know who you are! You are strong. You are determined. You are faithful. You are blessed. And that’s just part of who you are.

Can you not see and understand that your experiences and the situations you have faced did not destroy you? They don't define who you are. Yes. Those circumstances may have added to your resolve and your strengths. But it did not determine your character. No. It only allowed your true character to be birthed. Those hardships and tough times made room for the person who God created you to be, to finally come forth and live.

Who are you beloved? Who does God say that you are? Who is within you waiting to be birthed? Do you not understand yet that every experience has brought you to this day and time? To know who you truly are. To live who you are. A chosen vessel of God.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Do not allow the trials and circumstances of life to rob or blind you of the truth. The truth of who God created you to be. Do not allow negative people to speak lies over your life, and dictate who you are. You are who God says you are. You are His. Made in His image. Blessed with His love. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Over The Horizon"

Reflections4Life June 14, 2020

“Over the Horizon”

“He covers the face of His throne and spreads His cloud over it. He drew a circular horizon on the face of the waters, at the boundary of light and darkness. The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at His rebuke.” Job 26:9-11

Scripture Contemplation: Job 26; Isaiah 61; Philippians 1…

©nelvento.

It is my sincerest prayer that today will be a day of hope, answered prayers, and restored faith for you. I pray that you will not only see but also understand just how great you truly are and that God does indeed have a plan for your life. May today’s Reflections bring comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. 

There are times when it is just too hard for our hearts to comprehend the hurt and disappointments that we sometimes face in our lives. A sense of despair can easily encroach upon our hearts until we see more negative than positive in our lives.

For many of us, there is only more pain and uncertainty waiting for us over the horizon. We have conditioned ourselves, and our hearts to expect less. To expect the worse that life has to offer.

What if I told you that by simply changing your expectations; by changing the words you speak to yourself that your life would change for the better? That, over the horizon, there is something phenomenal waiting just for you. In fact, it’s been there all along, but you just couldn't see it, because your heart has been weakened by hurt, disappointments, and fear.

Here’s the truth, Beloveds: Over the horizon, there is something phenomenal waiting for you. There is happiness, joy, peace, hopefulness. There is also love and kindness. And there is your greatness; waiting for you to walk in it.

Yes. Life can be difficult. It can throw us some painful reminders and some horrific roadblocks. Life is not easy at all. However, life is whatever you make it. Your reality is based upon your perceptions and what you believe about yourself and what you deserve. Is it easy? Not at all. Are some days better than others? Most definitely. Is this an overnight thing? No; it is not.

As with anything, we have to work towards that expected end. We have to exercise our faith and trust in God; even in the most difficult of times. Especially when we feel blindsided, rejected, or forgotten. It is the words we speak to ourselves that will determine what we find over the horizon.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you.  Is today your day? I certainly pray so! You determine if it is. Regardless of what you may be facing or have faced or suffered; you decide. You are blessed. Now go and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.