"Special Gifts"

Reflections4Life^tm October 27, 2019

“Special Gifts”

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:11

Scripture Contemplation:Daniel 2; Luke 11; Luke 21; Romans 12; Hebrews 2...

 

©Ruthe McDonald.

Along our journey of life, we will find roads that take us to various destinations. We choose the path/road we take. Some of us seek God's wisdom and direction. Some of us don't. Yet, the most humbling and beautiful thing is, that no matter what road we choose, God is still right there. It is at these moments when we feel lost, alone, and perhaps even fearful, that God will send a special gift in our lives. A gift to remind us of our purpose, our importance in this earth, our humanity as well as spirit, and to remind us of His unconditional love and His promise to never leave us or forsake us.

I decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. There is nothing more reassuring than knowing how much our Heavenly Father loves us and is there for us. May you know this week just how deep and how profound the Father's love is for you. Let your heart and mind be open to receive and recognize the special gifts of God.

This journey that we are on called life can hit us with some serious roadblocks and bumps in the road. There are times when even the right path seems like the wrong path and will have us questioning ourselves if we made the right choice.

It is in these moments of strife, confusion, and exasperation that the enemy likes to goad us, and play with our minds; speaking all kinds of lies. The three biggest lies that he will whisper at this time?—That God has forgotten about us, we're no good, and that we will never make it. Lies! All of them!

God has not forgotten us! No matter how rough this journey gets; no matter how many times we fall; even if we chose the wrong road—God is right there with us always. He will never abandon us; even when it seems He is silent, He is there, watching and protecting us; sending us reminders of just how strong we really are.

Psalm 37:25 I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread.

Psalm 139:8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

The mere fact that God has created us in His image gives us an advantage. We were made to make it. We were created with greatness already in our DNA. If no one else in the world believes in you; know with all certainty that God believes in you!

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Hebrews 10:35 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.

When we take on the mind of Christ and believe what God has spoken of us, our journey becomes less encumbered. Though we get attacked, and we sometimes stumble and fall, we do not give up. We stand up, shake the dust off, and start again. We keep moving. Because the Father says we can. As long as we have God on our side, there is no way we will not make it. As long as we continue to believe, and follow the instructions of God—though the storms will rise, we may be betrayed by loved one, the enemy will rear his ugly head—it is still no match for the promise and word of God, that He will be with us through it all.

Isaiah 40:30-31 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall. But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

God assures us that we can and will win this race. That, we will make it through this journey of life if we continue to look to Him. If we would keep our eyes and heart on Him. And while on this journey, the Father has given us special gifts to aid us. And He will end additional gifts along the way to help us, and encourage us, and to walk along beside us.

Know for certain and in your heart, that God already sees us as victorious. He understands how rough this journey we are on can get. He knows how strong the storms can be. This is the reason He has given us access to the greatest Helper of all: Himself.

The foremost special gift that God has given us is Christ. Because of Him, all things are possible. He has given us the special gift of His Word to light our path, to direct us, and navigate us through the sometimes choppy waters. He has given us the special gift of His promise. He promises to never leave us nor forsake us. He has given us special gifts in way of mentors, teachers, students, family, friends, children. Along this journey, God will grant us with special people in our lives that will not only walk with us and beside us, but also remind us of who we are, and the love that God has for us. We just need to keep our heart and eyes opened, and not become distant, jaded, and closed because of the bumps and roadblocks we will face in this journey called life.

Psalm 121 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.

I have many special gifts in my life that remind me of God's love and promises along this road. Each time I have a difficult day and feel like the road I chose was wrong, I think of those gifts and what it means in my life.

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. Though your road may seem filled with regret and troubles, remember that God is indeed, with you. And He has sent some special gifts to aid you in your journey. Be open to the Spirit of God. He has not abandoned you. He is right beside you. You are Blessed. Now go...and Be a Blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights. Reserved.

"Taste of God's Goodness!"

Reflections4Life™ February 19, 2017

“Taste of God’s Goodness”

“O taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man that trusts in Him!” Psalm 34:8

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 145:7; Isaiah 63:7; Nahum 1:7; Hebrews 7; 2 Timothy 1:7…

I declare and decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and enlightenment for your heart, mind, and soul; bringing you peace in every area of your life. Beloveds; spend some intimate time with the Father this week to be reacquainted with the taste of Hid goodness. Do not allow the worries of the day supersede your time in the presence of the Lord at His table.

Have you, Beloved? Have you tasted of the goodness of God lately? Have tasted of the goodness of God at all?

It is not about answered prayers or the gaining of prosperity or material things. However, it is about the pure experience of the love and goodness of God. The joy of an intimate relationship with our Creator and getting to know His heart, who He is, and who we are-- the "us" He created an ordained us to be.

When, if ever, was the last time you got lost in the presence of God? When was the last time you lost all track of time and only cared about being in the presence of your Creator, who was filling you with His love and wisdom, and simultaneously healing old and new wounds and soothing heartaches and giving hope and directions to the visions He has placed in you?

Oh, Beloveds, I admit to my folly today. I admit to having slacked in my intimate time with my Father because I allowed other things to get in my mental space, such as hurt, worry, fear, doubt, and anger. I allowed the whispers of the enemy to overshadow what God was saying to my heart, speaking to my soul. For a moment, I forgot what the goodness of God tasted like. I forgot what His peace felt like; what trusting in Him completely felt like. I forgot how sweet to the soul and spirit it could be when I fully rest in my Lord; believing in His word and promises, and that He has me. No matter what things appear to be.

Beloveds, taste the goodness of God. Allow God to usher you to a seat at His table that is overflowing with love, peace, joy, happiness, and all manner of great things that we crave in this sometimes bland, cold, and cruel world.

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. One taste of God's goodness will change your life forever. You will never forget it. Though you may move away from His table, there will always be a piece of your soul that knows and understands and will remind you of the tastes that you experienced while in the Father's presence, at His table, at a place set just for you—a seat that will always remain, that waits for you to occupy. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"God's Frequency"

Reflections4Life™ February 12, 2017

“God’s Frequency”

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 139; Ecclesiastes 3; 1 Samuel 16; Acts 3; Romans 10…

©Ruthe McDonald.

I declare and decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and enlightenment for your heart, mind, and soul; bringing you peace in every area of your life. Let your heart be fine-tuned to the frequency of Holy Spirit. Do not allow the voices and opinions of others to rob you of what God has ordained for your life, and who He has called you to be.

Self-interpretation of who we are often is obscured by the relentless opinions of those we allow to influence our lives. There are certain people in our lives who will never see us as God sees us, or as we see ourselves. If we are not careful, their opinions will soon become our very own, and limit us to where we move on this earth and how far we will go.

I am thoroughly convinced that we do not really know freedom until we make the conscious choice to shut our ear-gates to the world and fine-tune them to the frequency of God. I firmly believe that, should we become so intimate with our Creator that would be no room or space for contrary opinions to what God has spoken of us and into our lives. There would be no room to take place and have an influence on how we perceive ourselves.

Life, as we know, is not easy. We are faced with many challenges that sometimes stretch us to the point we feel we will break and never be the same. Perhaps, to a degree, that is what the Father wants. For us to break—to break free from the pain, hurt, lies, voices, and places and things, that have long hindered us from walking in the godly freedom that He has already secured for us.

How can we, though? How can we fully walk in the word of God; His promises while still entertaining and believing the lies and false prophecies of those who say they want what’s best for us, but they themselves, have never consulted or sought out God on our behalf—let alone their own?  

We have to do better. We have to come higher in our thoughts of who we are and who we are in God. Far too often—without any cognizant—we believe what others have spoken about and over our lives. We have limited our reach and our belief in ourselves based upon opinions and conjecture of people’s opinions who have no real knowledge of who we are and what it is we truly need or desire in and for our lives. Our self-interpretation has been lacking in positivity and overflowing in negativity.

It’s time to make a change, Beloveds. It is time to change the frequency of our ear-gates. Change it from that of those who have had too much influence over our lives [even if we love and respect them] to the one frequency that knows and loves us best—our Creator; our Savior, our Redeemer. Let the frequency of our heart, mind, and soul be fine-tuned to that of God. Do not miss anything else in life that God has ordained for you by limiting yourself to the opinions of those who do not know or understand the future that God has ordained for 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. Change the channel, Beloveds. And allow God to rest, rule, and abide in your hearts; leading you to victory each and every time. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Gratitude Makes All the Difference"

#WednesdayInspiration

"Gratitude Makes All the Difference"

Thank you for all the Birthday wishes, prayers, and Blessings. Truly, it was an absolutely phenomenal day filled with much joy, love, and gratitude.

My last call of the evening was with one of my BFF's from college. It was such a pleasure speaking with her. Laughing, reminiscing, telling her husband to get out the room! LOL It gave my heart such joy and pleasure. We don't always get a chance to speak to one another daily. But we call each other on Birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. Or, if I have a dream about them, I will call to see what's going on and have a word of prayer.

I am grateful. My heart is filled with gratitude for all the love that I was shown. We take for granted—sometimes without knowing—the gifts we have in our lives. The relationships that so many crave for, we have, and sometimes do not honor or show gratitude for. And at some point, no gratitude will lead to a significant loss that is irreplaceable.

When you have a heart of gratitude, it makes room for other blessings in your life. It places you in a position to receive all that God has ordained for your life. I have witnessed a rampant case of entitlement; especially amongst young people and young adults. We give our children so much, in hopes that they will not experience the lack we may have while growing up. Yet, without balance, we do our children a disservice. They do not grow with a sense of gratitude or to value what they have been given. Instead, they feel entitled, lacking empathy, compassion, consideration, and respect.

Many become shallow, ungrateful, entitled adults and part of the problem we have with classism and elitism. We may not all have the same upbringing, financial status, or social experiences, but we all can be taught a heart of gratitude for who we are and what we have and respect for those whose experiences are different. Attitude determines altitude and it begins with gratitude.

Blessings!

©Ruthe McDonald

"Breathe"

Reflections4Life July 12, 2015

“Breathe”

“Then He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they come to life.”’ Ezekiel 37:9

Scripture Contemplation: Joshua 1; Psalm 1:2; 4:4; 27:4; Song of Solomon 4:6…

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. Did you know there was a proper way to breathe? That, you can release stress, gain energy, clear your mind with just the way you breathe.

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. Meditate on the goodness of God and allow Him to breathe into you a new life, along with His peace and joy. Release the heartaches and pains, as His cleansing breath, restores you.

Did you ever realize how often we hinder our breathing when we are under pressure? How many times have we told someone to breathe when they were hit with something traumatic? Because, it is at that moment that most of feel like the breath has been taken from us. That, perhaps holding our breath will stop whatever is happening from happening.

I know I have been there countless times. Your heart is aching so badly. Your brain is tumbling from all that has occurred. You can't seem to get a hold of your thoughts and what to do next.

Breathe. Take a deep breath, hold it, exhale slowly, and then repeat. Breathe in the strength and calmness of God. Allow Him to relax your mind and direct your path.

Meditation is a wonderful way to work on our breathing and learning to clear our minds. In the word of God, it tells us to meditate on his word day and night. Meditate on the goodness and promises of God.

Do not meditate on the problems facing you. Meditate on the One who can solve them. Breathe in His goodness and mercy. Let His peace envelop you. We carry so many burdens in our heart. We hold onto so much fear, trepidation, and anger. It's time to let it all go. Time To inhale the peace of God and exhale the worries and chaos.

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. When a crisis hits, and the enemy is attacking, take a moment and breathe. Take slow, cleansing breaths and let the calmness of God overwhelm you. Breathe, my friend. Breathe. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2015. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Reflections4Life: "What Are You Saying?"

Reflections4Life January 26^th, 2014

“What Are You Saying?”

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap; for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth.” Luke 21:33-35

Scripture Contemplation: Proverbs 4; Lamentations 2; Matthew 6:25; Romans 6; 8; Ephesians 4...

We are only on the 26^th day of the new year, and I can aptly say that it has been one revelation after another; along with tests, trials, and attacks from the enemy. Yet, the revelations and the goodness of my God outweigh the bad each and every time.

Through every attack, every trial and hardship, one thing has ringed the most in my soul: “What is my life saying about God?” What am I saying (my actions, my deeds) when I am going through a battle? Is my speech of defeat? Is it negative? Does it speak of faith? Is my life reflecting who I say God is?

There will always be trials in our lives. However, when those trials come, what are you saying? What is your life, your walk, speaking of you?

I declare and decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. May you be cognizant of the what your life is saying to you and your relationship with God. May you continue to walk in the goodness and promises of God, no matter what comes your way. May you stand strong in the Father, who enables you to withstand all matter of storms.

My beautiful friend went home to be with the Lord on yesterday morning. Her transition has me thinking, going over my own life. I suppose we do that when someone we love passes. We look at our own life and our own mortality. Yet, for those of us in Christ, we know that death from this earth is not the end; just the beginning.

I thought about how my dear friend lived her life. What an example of Christ she portrayed. Her life touched many people. Her love extended far and wide. To me, her life spoke of kindness, love, forgiveness, hope, faith, and laughter, even in the midst of excruciating pain. She leaves a legacy of greatness for those who loved and knew her. But more importantly, she lived it. Every day; even through sickness and pain, she would reach forward and bring light and laughter to others.

This train of thought left me wondering—how many of us are aware of what we are saying? Do we 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 just by what our lives have been speaking?

I believe that actions are truly louder than words. People will hear what we say, but they look at what we do. There are many that have shunned a relationship with God because we, believers, have not exemplified a life that would draw others unto Christ. Perhaps it is because we have not fully believed ourselves. Maybe we have not totally sold out our heart and soul to Christ.

This is what I know for certain; God has many things He desires to do for us upon this earth. Many prayers He desires to bring to fruition. Many blessings He desires to manifest in our lives. Yet, for many of us who call ourselves believers, we have fallen short in our faith. We have suffered some setbacks, and have yet to fully come back. We have fallen, and have given up trying to get back up. And in this state, we have developed a spirit of self-pity, self-doubt, unbelief in God, and no trust in what God has spoken concerning our lives.

Sure; we will go to church, and say the right words, but our hearts are speaking loud and clear. Our hearts are affecting our actions. And the message we are portraying is not one of faith, love, trust, and belief. But one of doubt, fear, regrets, and unbelief.

When are we going to let go and really let God have His way? When are we going to honestly trust in God and give Him all of us? When will we go through a test or trial, and maintain our position in the Lord, and not back down, but continue to hold onto faith and God's unchanging hands?

It's been three weeks now since my body has been attacked by the flu. I have never had the flu before. And let me tell you; it kicked my behind! Yet, I continued to pray and believe God for my complete healing to manifest. This past Friday, I had to go to the hospital. I was having trouble breathing, my chest was tight, this cough would not leave, my voice is still not back. I just prayed they wouldn't keep me since I do not have a fondness for hospitals.

Six hours in that ER. As I was hooked up to an IV (I was severely dehydrated), taking a breathing treatment, blood tests, urine tests, x-rays, and all that good stuff; I just kept saying I wanted to go home. I sat in that room for two hours by myself. During those two hours before the nurse came back, I heard different people coming in. When I first arrived, there really was no one there. But by the time I was ready to leave, it was packed. I sat there, and I heard God say: pray. I admit I felt myself feeling sorry for myself. But I knew what many others don't know: that prayer works and that my God is a healer. So I got out of myself and began to pray for those around me. I prayed for their healing. I thought of my dear friend, wondering how she was doing and prayed for her comfort.

During this time of sickness and recovery, I have learned so many things about people and myself and reminded of the goodness of my God. I know that it is very easy to give up and be negative when your body is wracked with pain. But, it takes much more strength and faith to keep praising God through the affliction. I learned that if you don't ask for help, or reach out to others in your time of need, then how can you receive what it is you need? God places us here for one another. We cannot do everything alone. Also, this is a great time to find out who people really are, and what lies within their hearts. God is awesome. He will use ANY situation to show you His grace, and the truth about yourself and others.

I want my life to speak well of Christ. I desire to be that walking epistle that draws others into a relationship with the Heavenly Father. I desire to not only leave a legacy, but leave a legacy of greatness by totally surrendering to God, and allowing Him to use me; even in my most testing and trying times.

What are you saying? What is your life speaking of you? What is your legacy? Do people see the love of God when they encounter you? Or, are they turned off by your attitude? Do your actions line up with your confession? Has life overwhelmed you so that you have given up? Well, I have good news for you; if you are able to read this or hear this, then you are alive, and that means you still have the opportunity to let God turn it all around. Your past does not matter to God. Your past, any mistakes, does not define who you are. What God says about you, defines who you are. You are not your past. You are who God says you are and has ordained you from the beginning. So, let God change your dialogue. It's time.

I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. Your life has been speaking for you a long time. Let God reboot you, and give your life a new sound and a new word. You are more than your past and your experiences. You are who God says you are. It is time to let your life start speaking the truth. The truth of who you are, and who God is. Tests and trials will come. Not to destroy you, but to break you and shape you into the vessel that God calls His masterpiece. Let your life speak well of you and God, and draw others to the saving grace of Christ. You are Blessed. Now go...and Be a Blessing!

©2014. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Enough Already!

All of this whining and bickering, and picking on—enough already! Jeez!

I was reading on the newest feud between View host, Rosie O'Donnell, and Mr.Bill O'Reilly! Come on...you can't say you did not see this one coming?

For whatever Ms. O'Donnell's issues are; she is indeed entitled to her view points. But, I must ask the question: Does she need to be so belligerent? Really? Don't get me wrong; I actually like Ms. O'Donnell—at times—however, lately she has just rubbed me the wrong way, coming off as a bully!

I actually understand where she is coming from; but I also understand Mr. O'Reilly's point of view as well. When you have the capacity to reach so many people and make an impact—we must be careful of what we say, and how we say it. We may say something jokingly, and it be taken seriously, or out of context. We do have a responsibility.

We indeed have a responsibility to the nation in which we are living; which affords us the liberty to be so profoundly vocal. However, with these liberties come responsibilities. Responsibility in what we are saying and why.

Power is a dangerous drug. Once we realize that we have it; for some it causes them to be more empathetic; for others it unleashes a mind-set that is devastatingly dangerous.

What happens when we began to speak against our nation? As a whole, it tears us apart. Separating us; giving room for the enemy to get in—and divide and conquer. Whether we realize it or not; we are being watched. Our actions; what we are saying; what we are suggesting; what we are complaining about.

My point of view comes from a foundation that is rooted in the belief of God. That I serve a Creator, that has placed in me the freedom to choose what, and who I want to follow. He's such an awesome God, that He gave me the freedom to choose if I want to serve Him or the Devil. You may not agree; but that's your prerogative, or your freedom to choose to believe that. I'm not mad at you. But, I know what I know for myself, because of an intimate relationship with my Father (God).

Because of my relationship, I have come to realize that it is against His will that I blatantly disrespect the Leader of this nation; whether I believe, agree, or even like him. That's not the point. The point is: he won the office. He was voted in, and I can't change that fact. But, what I can do is show respect to the office—even if I disagree. I can disagree with his choices; how he runs this country; how he even looks! Yet, I will not disrespect him, by calling him out his name and making fun of him. But I also know, I have the freedom to make a change—through my voting, and my voice. Not to stir up anger, or insight a riot; but to ignite positive change through my voice; perhaps my writing, and encourage others in my sphere of influence to do the same. Especially during this election season.

You see, what many of us may not realize is that, the world is watching us. They are watching how we treat our leaders. They are watching to see how we treat one another. They are watching to see how the Leaders that be treat its constituents. (Hurricane Katrina was an eye-opener to the world about America). This is a major problem for many other nations: how America shows disregard for those in authority, and those in lack. When these nations see this; they are appalled, and become highly agitated when we come into their country and try to change things. Or try to Americanize their youth—their future. They don't want our values. They don't want our morals. They don't want our influence—our money...yes. Influence...no.

My point is this: If we cannot even show solidarity in our own Nation; how can we expect to change somewhere else? How can we expect to stop a war—that has gone on for far too long—if we cannot even stop fighting amongst ourselves? Really. Is it it more important to be right, or be united, and put an end to this atrocity? Enough Already!

Affectionately,

My Point Of View!