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. 

"Discerning Truth"

 Reflections4Life™ August 1, 2021

“Discerning Truth”

“The Life-Light was the real thing: Every person entering Life he brings into Light. He was in the world, the world was there through him, and yet the world didn’t even notice. He came to his own people, but they didn’t want him. But whoever did want him, who believed he was who he claimed and would do what he said, He made to be their true selves, their child-of-God selves. These are the God-begotten, not blood-begotten, not flesh-begotten, not sex-begotten.” John 1:12-13 MSG

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 85:10-13; 112; Proverbs 3; John 3:34-36; 1 Corinthians 2:10-13; 12…

I pray today’s Reflections will bring comfort to you. May it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration.  I declare and decree that it brings peace and revelation to your heart, mind, and soul. Spend time with the Father, allowing Him to pour into you His truth. Allow His light to bring comfort and awareness to your heart and soul. A light that will help you discern the truth about yourself and the intentions and truth of others.

 If there is one thing I know, is that one person's truth may not be another person's truth. What may be true for one person, for someone else, may not be true. We spend a lot of time in relationships taking for granted that we are receiving the truth. Yet, whose truth is it? The truth that we already formed in our hearts and minds? Or, the truth as it stands for that person?

      It takes a spirit of discernment to decipher the truth. Even then, you must be careful with the truth. We are responsible for how we deliver the truth when we share the truth, and how we express the truth. There is a season and timing for all things. The gift of discernment helps us to recognize when to open our mouths and speak, and when to hold it for the right time.

     The word of God tells us that God seeks for us to know the truth; even in our hidden parts. He desires for us to understand and know the truth in our hearts. Not just about who He is and who we are to Him and in Him. He desires for us to know the truth about ourselves. To understand why we do the things we do. Why do we allow others to do the things they do to us? Why do we feel a certain way about certain things? And why, two people can witness the same thing yet have a different experience and interpretation of what is going on.

     The truth is liberating, Beloveds. It most certainly is. But it can also hurt and cut and it can also bring harm if we are not careful of how we speak and deliver the truth. In everything, we need to take care when it comes to speaking the truth and our truths. Not everyone sees or thinks or believes the same, and we must learn to respect those boundaries.

    God has so much for us in our lives on this earth. There are plans that He has created just for us to walk into. Yet. God knows when we are ready. He knows when the right season is to reveal something to us. God makes no mistakes, Beloveds. If God revealed a truth to you, it's because you were ready to handle the truth. And it is time for you to move forward into the next season of your life.

     I can't begin to tell you how many times a revelation has come to me, and I was blown away, often wondering why God didn't reveal that before. He simply replied I was not ready to hear it, understand it, or accept it. It would have just been one more piece of information that would overwhelm me mentally. Trust! God knows exactly when to tell us a thing. He knows when to reveal the truth and when we are ready to hear it and deal with it.  Our lives consist of seasons and there is a reason for every season that God grants us. 

When we are in a relationship with the Father, and the light of who is He is, becomes present in our own lives, we cannot help but reflect His love and light to others. With that light and love comes the truth—to make aware, not harm. To separate, to heal, and to reconcile. The truth will separate us from what has been false in our lives. The truth will bring healing; even if it hurts (like most wounds and surgery does). The truth will bring reconciliation. It will reconcile us with who God ordained us to be and putting us back on that favored path. It reconciles relationships. In that, it brings people closer together, back together, or give the ability to move on, reconciling that the intended purpose for the relationship has been met.

My Beloveds, I pray the spirit of peace and prosperity to find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Let the truth be made known in your heart, bringing with it a revelation, healing, and reconciliation. Allow God’s truth to set you free from the lies the enemy has planted. Allow the light of God to lead you to all truth, teaching you how to discern correctly the truth about a matter—be it a person or a situation. God will never steer you wrong, but will always lead you to where you need to be and when. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing. 

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Do Not Dim Your Light"

 Reflections4LifeTM January 17, 2021

“Do Not Dim Your Light”

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” Matthew 5:14-15

Scripture Contemplation: Matthew 4; 5; 6; Luke 8; John 8; Romans 2; Ephesians 5…

How brightly does your light shine? Do you continue to walk in your faith and maintain your relationship with God no matter what you face? Or, have you let your light dim? Often we are overwhelmed by the many different circumstances we face in life. Beloveds do not dim, your light, for anything or anyone.

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Let the light of God shine in you. Let your heart fill with God’s great joy. Spend some quality time in the presence of our Heavenly Father. Give fuel to light that He has placed in you. So that no matter what comes your way—your light will continue to shine brightly.

There is a light within you that you are responsible for keeping lit. A light that sets you apart—that can lead others to the saving grace and knowledge of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. You are the light that God has designated to be in this world to lead others back to the way home. Yet, some of you have allowed your light to grow dim, while others have extinguished their light.

It is not hard to understand why so many have let their light dim. There is so much going on in the world. There is so much we are faced with that it can often overwhelm us. Yet, at the same time, we forget that because Christ overcame the world, so can we. We can get through all things. We can allow our light to shine brightly amid pain, heartache, loss, confusion, and hate. It all depends on our relationship with God and how much time we are spending in His presence. He is our source. He is our power. He is the only One who can keep us fueled and charged and ready to shine brightly for Him, keeping the light lit for those who are seeking their home.

Many of us have dimmed our light purposely so that we would not be ridiculed, rejected, set apart, or made to feel uncomfortable for who we are and what we believe. We reject God; reject our faith so that we can fit in. Sorry to break this to you, Beloved: You are not supposed to fit in but to stand out. To be set apart. To walk a righteous path that leads yourself and others to an eternity with our heavenly Father. How can you do that if you dim or extinguish your light just to fit in with the world? To be accepted for a moment in time, when your eternity is on the line?

Let your light shine brightly, Beloved. Do not dim your light. Do not let your light go out. You are a priceless and precious being that God has created in His image. He has nothing but the best for you. The Father has given us a charge—those in a relationship with Him—to let our light brightly shine so that those seeking their way out of darkness will know the way home by our light. How can we lead anyone or help anyone if we are too afraid to be set apart? Afraid to shine? Afraid to stand out? Do not allow your light to dim for a world with no power to give you the blessed eternity God has for you.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Shine brightly for the Lord. Let your light be the beacon that guides others to the path that is home. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Be at Peace"

 Reflections4Life December 6, 2020

“Be at Peace”

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.  For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:5-8

Scripture Contemplation: Job 22; Proverbs 16; Romans 12; Ephesians 2; Jude…

                                          

Our lives can often be like a whirling derby—seeming to spin out of control at times. Sometimes we make a decision then second-guess ourselves, causing confusion and chaos. It is time to be at peace concerning the decisions we make.

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 yourself the time and space to be in the presence of God; allowing Him to fill you with His peace until it overflows in your heart, mind, and soul.

To be at peace requires a measure of faith. Faith in ourselves and faith in our Creator. And a conviction in our hearts about the choices we make.  In the Bible, it tells us that a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. A person who is constantly changing their mind and never certain of their choices is not walking in confidence and will certainly not be at peace. There will always be a certain amount of unrest and indecisiveness.

We cannot live that way, beloved, and truly enjoy life, as well as make it through those difficult times that we sometimes face. We must walk in confidence. Be certain of the choices we make. Stick with them and be at peace no matter what occurs afterward.

Will we make mistakes? Most certainly. Will we make some wrong choices? More than likely. But the wonderful thing is, with God on your side you can make it through. His peace resting in your heart and soul, you can triumph and continually be at peace.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you.  Be at peace today my friend. Be confident and have confidence in the heavenly Father. If you seek Him first, His will and plan, you can always be certain to be at peace...even in the midst of chaos. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Give Thanks for The Life You Have"

 Reflections4Life^TM November 22, 2020

“Give Thanks for the Life You Have”

“In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Scripture Contemplation: 2 Samuel 22:50; 1 Chronicles 16; Psalm 7; Isaiah 12; Hebrews 13…

If you are able to read this; alive to hear it; in the midst of someone who can share it, then thank God you are alive. We have lost so many this year. Families are separated, people are lonely, and hearts are broken. Yet, here we are—alive and able to make a difference in someone else's life if we choose to, and if we choose to see our glass as half full, and blessed to alive with an opportunity to praise God for not only this new day but also His anointing and His gift of life.

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. Wishing everyone a joyful and splendid Thanksgiving week! May you be grateful for the gift that God has given you called life. Though things may not necessarily be the way you desired right now, spend time with the Father, allowing Him to show you how to proceed.

When was the last time you gave God praise just for being alive? The fact that He woke you up another day in the land of the living? Sure, there are some that wish not to wake up because of all that they are facing. There are those that believe that life would be better off without them. That their life is not worth much. What a lie from the enemy! Maybe you are one that takes for granted that you will have a tomorrow, or that your family and friends will, as well. We spend so much time complaining, being angry, and unforgiving, that we do not see the gift that God has granted us. Life is a precious gift. And tomorrow is not promised to anyone. And how we treat this gift today very well determines our tomorrow.

Some of us have been taking for granted the time that God has granted us—even in the face of this deadly virus—and filling it with feelings of self-loathing, bitterness, anger, and unforgiveness. All of which shortens our lives and takes away from the joy of living. It also blinds us to answers that God has for us.

God does not want us living with regrets. Regrets hinder us from achieving our goals and coming into the fullness of what God has ordained for us. There are so many things that we are facing in the world today. So much has occurred that has taken our focus and hindered us from seeing the blessings of God. Our minds are saddled with the things of the world and our hearts are burden with self-abasing thoughts, and grudges against those we say we love. In order to receive what God has said is rightfully ours: peace, joy, love, happiness, abundant living in Him—we have to be in a position to recognize when we are veering off the righteous path and sliding on the slippery slope that the enemy often pushes us toward.

We are living in such a time where the world is dictating gloom and doom every day while God is speaking of life and abundance. How can there be abundance when so much is going wrong? God says that the abundance is in Him. When we place our focus on, and our trust in the Creator, rather than the creation, we will begin to see through the eyes of God what way we should walk in. How do we do this? By spending time with the Father and allowing Him to transform our thinking and behavior.

We must begin to see ourselves as worthy of God's goodness and mercy. We may have failed a million times. We may have fallen numerous times. But God tells us to get back up. Nothing is over until God says it is over. God has given to all of us a measure of faith, and He expects us to use it.

Your self-worth is not incumbent upon you being a success in this world. Your self-worth is incumbent upon you being the kind of person that God has called you to be. It is not and should never be based upon material things. Material things are temporal. They pass away. But the things that should hold the most value, are those things that make up your character. Your self-worth should be based upon your character, your ability to love and receive love, your integrity, honesty, the kindness of your heart. Your ability to forgive others. Oftentimes, if you look at a person's family you will see what is a priority. I don't want to pass down just an inheritance to my children. I want to pass down a legacy. A legacy may not come with a bunch of dollar signs. But it can come with much love and integrity and the answers to how to gain wealth. Not just in finances, but wealth in every area of life.

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. Life is action, it is constantly moving from one place to another. One moment to the next. Only memories stay in the past. And if we allow them to, memories will bind us and lock us to a past of hurt, anger, and unforgiveness. Whereas God says that the past is behind us and He has freed us and has given us an abundant life to take hold of. But it is dependent upon us moving toward Him, His purpose, and His will for our lives and being thankful for the life that we have. Live life to the fullest. Treasure the gift that God has blessed you with. You are blessed. And Happy Thanksgiving! Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Your First Call"

Reflections4Life, August 9, 2020

“Your First Call”

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 5; Proverbs 3; Matthew 6…

There are countless people going through tough times. There are some we may never know, facing things in their lives that seem impossible to overcome. They do not know where to turn or who to turn to.

Who is the first person you call when you are in trouble? Many of us call a friend, a sibling, or our parents. When things in your life are not going well and you need direction, who do you call? When you’re looking for answers, who do you turn to?

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 to be your first call. Seek Him first in all that you do. Allow God to direct you and fill your heart with His love and direction.

Many turn to everyone in their sphere of influence but God. Some even seek out psychics, spiritualists, and mediums. While God is last on the call list; if on the list at all.

Why not make the Father your first call? Sure; I can hear many saying: "I already prayed and it didn't work." Or, "God doesn't hear me or answer my prayers."

That couldn't be further from the truth. God cares. And He hears our supplications. And He not only answers but has the answers to every single question, dilemma, and problems we face.  Sometimes we just cannot hear God, or recognize His voice or His ways because we have not spent much time in His presence. We often make God our last call instead of the first.

Beloveds, God is always there. But many times we do not seek Him until we have exhausted every other avenue then seek Him as a last resort. Many times we believe He has not heard us or does not answer our prayers, when the truth of the matter is we have spent so much time apart from Him and His presence, that His ways are foreign to us and His voice unrecognizable.

Here's an idea: why not make God your first call? Your first call of the day. Your first communication. Instead if reaching for the phone or your social media app, how about giving God the first minutes of your day? We have 24 hours; would it be so hard to give the Father the first twenty to thirty minutes?

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.  Invite God into your everyday life. Develop your intimate relationship with Him so when you are in a position to need aid, He naturally becomes your first call. And when He answers, you will recognize His voice and His ways. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Do Not Be Robbed"

Reflections4Life July 26, 2020

“Do Not Be Robbed”

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 (NASB)

Scripture Contemplation: Jeremiah 22; John 10; 1 Peter 5…

Beloveds, we are in such a time that it may often feel as though no matter how hard you fight; how much you believe; how strong your faith; it feels like you are losing.

That's a lie! A trick from the enemy of our souls to blind us and steal from us. To rob us of our birthright; our joy, peace, and happiness. All of these things—these unexplained occurrences, the hate, and vitriol we see and experience on a daily basis...all of it—schemes plotted by the enemy to rob us. Yes. He wants to destroy us, to kill us. And what better way than to distract us, diverting our attention, so that we may lose our focus. His number one goal, to permanently rob us of our blessings and the promises of God. To take our very life.

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. Run to the Father. Before you react. Before you make any decision to do anything, run to the throne of grace, and seek the will of God. Allow Him to lead you so that you may remain standing strong and in the victory, He has assured you.

It is so easy for us to get distracted these days. And even more of a distraction is our emotions. Many of us do not respond but rather react to anger. Although we are justified in our anger, we are not justified when we act out and do something that does irreparable damage to ourselves and our families. That's what the enemy of our souls wants. He wants us to be distracted by the pain and the hurt and do something that will allow him to rob us of our future, our families, our freedom, and our lives.

We can also be robbed of our relationships. The enemy does not care about families and relationships. One of his tactics is to isolate and separate. Even he understands and knows how powerful we are when we come together in agreement. Do not allow the enemy to turn you away from the ones you love and those that can help you. Do not be robbed of family, friends, and fellowship. We must learn to reach out, and deal with things together. To trust one another and work with each other.

Beloved, do not allow the enemy to rob you. Yes. Get angry but do not sin in your anger. Respond to the hurt and pain but do not react. Do not isolate yourself or play the lone ranger. Seek God, and come together in prayer and fellowship.

Another strategy the enemy loves, it when we give up because we become scared or fearful. Some give up before they have even begun to fight back; putting an end to his distractions, and his constant attempt to steal, kill, and destroy. Don't give up. Don't lose hope or faith. But also, do not fall for the traps of the enemy. Do not allow him to goad you and make you so angry that you do not pray or think, and just walk away defeated. 

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.  Don't allow the distractions, the hurtful things, and the hateful and evil things of this world to steal your focus and your victory. God has already declared us the winner. The enemy may be conniving, but he is not more powerful than God or those who maintain their focus and choose to stand and fight in the manner in which God instructs. For greater is He in us than he that is in this world. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"A Father's Impact"

Reflections4Life June 21^st, 2020

“A Father’s Impact”

“Every good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 82; Proverbs 3; Proverbs 4; Ephesians 2; 5…

©Ruthe McDonald.

Happy Father's Day to every father and father to be, and for every man that has filled the role in a child's life that may have never known a father's love. May this day be a day of happiness and joy.

I decree today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. That is a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. May you know the depths of the love that God hoards in His heart for you. May you know Him as a Father; the one who knows you, understands you and has nothing but the very best for you.

There is no denying the impact that a father can have upon a child's life. Whether it is positive or negative, a father's impact on his child can be felt for a lifetime.

I was fortunate to have a very loving relationship with my father. He encouraged me and inspired me. And always showed how much he believed in me and my dreams. As a child, you believe everyone has a father like yours. But I came to realize how blessed I was.

I lost my father at a very young age; it nearly destroyed me, breaking my heart into a million pieces. I had plenty of uncles who stepped up to the plate and helped my brother and me throughout the years. But it still never compared to my father.

It was my relationship with the Heavenly Father that kept me tethered to the foundation that my father had laid. My relationship with God helped me to heal and not forget the lessons that I needed to remember. I felt myself slipping. Because of heartache and devastation. My mind wanted to run and let go, but my heart and my God would not let it be so.

My father's influence on my life; his impact was huge. He left such an indelible mark, that it helps to push me forward in some of the darkest times that followed.

Never underestimate the impact that a father has on their child. There is something that only a father can provide. Can be in their children's lives. I thank God for the heavenly Father, and how He covers us and is reaching towards us every day. To be the Father to the fatherless, hope, and healing to those who lost their earthly fathers. And that foundation that we all need to make it through this journey we call life.

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. Allow the heavenly Father into those places in your heart that have been wounded, abandoned, and rejected by an earthly father. Let the Heavenly Father remind you, and fill you where the loss of your earthly father may have left a gaping hole. There is nothing impossible for our God. And that includes being the father you need, desire, and deserve. He has more than enough room in His heart and on His lap. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Still Above Every Problem"

Reflections4Life  June 7, 2020

“Still Above Every Problem”

“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. For a thousand years in Your sight Are like yesterday when it is past,  And like a watch in the night.”  Psalm 90:2, 4 NKJV

Scripture Contemplation: Jeremiah 29; Habakkuk 2…

What a great feeling it is to be alive. To have the opportunity to start all over; to begin again. How wonderful it is to be able to live, laugh, and love; especially when many of us are in the midst of a battle to bring the fact home that Black Lives Matter. There may be problems we are facing; situations and circumstances we desire to be free from; we are alive, but we remember those who have lost their lives at a very steep price. Though it may not feel or look anything like it: God is Still Above Every Problem.

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.  Our God is a mighty God. There is absolutely nothing too hard or too difficult for our God. If we would dare to believe. Dare to trust. Dare to leave it all in His hands. Let Holy Spirit show you how to navigate your journey, and to teach you that there is no problem your Father can’t handle.

Certainly some may argue that is so easy to say. And they would be correct. However, the fact will still remain, that God is and will always be above every problem we ever encounter in our life's journey.

The problem that so many of us have, is that we often become so wrapped up in the problems, the heartaches, and the pain, that we forget about our greatest Source. Our Source of power. Our Light in the darkness. Our Solution to everything we face. Our Heavenly Father.

We tend to drawback instead of into God. Instead of praying more and seeking His face, we get quiet and shut our mouths and seek the advice of man. We forget that we were granted the keys of life, and access to God 24/7.

Beloveds, above everything you are facing today, God is there. There is no problem or situation too difficult for God. Though you may feel as if He is silent, and your prayers are not being heard or answered; this is when your faith is being stretched and tested, and you discover just where your trust lies, and if you truly believe His promises and that He has an expected end full of hope and greatness concerning your life.

Each new day has its purpose. A new purpose to seek, explore, discover, embrace, and enjoy. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is yet to be. What we have is right now. And God is checking to see what you do with His gifts for today. He obviously believes in you...He woke you up. Now it's time for you to believe in you, and the Father who created 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. Whatever you are facing today. Whatever you are wrestling with; remember and let it settle in your heart and mind that we have a God that is above every problem, and He will do just what He said concerning you. You must continue to believe, have faith, be prayerful, listen, and never give up. God is faithful. He will do just what He said. You are blessed. Now go. and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Love Does Not Hurt"

Reflections4Life™ May 31, 2020

“Love Does Not Hurt”

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:5-8

Scripture Contemplation: 1 Corinthians 13; Ephesians 5; 1 John 5…

           

©Vladmir Kush

The honest sincere truth is: Love does not hurt. Love endures and brings hope, as well healing. People "hurt" people. Hurt people hurt people. We hurt ourselves, others, and still say we love you. Whereby, whenever we love it is immediately associated with hurt and disappointment. Which leaves us guarded and unable to be vulnerable or to love completely and unconditionally in any of our relationships until we learn differently.

I decree today’s Reflections is a continued source of encouragement and inspiration, bringing comfort and peace to your heart and mind. Whatever you believe you know about love let God teach you. Allow the Father to show you, Himself. For He, is love. And, through Him we learn how to truly love.

When someone who says they love us harms us, we sometimes unknowingly shut a part of hearts down. That part that allows loves to move freely and grow. That part that loves unconditionally. Sometimes we consciously make a decision never to let someone close enough to hurt us again.

We do a lot of damage in the name of love. However, love had nothing to do with it. Love does not hurt. It heals. Love is not disrespectful or disregarding. Love cares and shows concern. It brings hope into dark places. Love is not reckless or careless or in a rush. Love takes it time. It is thoughtful and kind. Love does not tear down and destroy. Love builds and restores. Love does not blame or keep score. Love is unconditional, forgives, and moves on. Love is action. It is compassionate as well as passionate. Love is God.

In our lives, we will be disappointed. And, yes, we will be hurt at times. However, when you have love, understand unconditional love; it teaches you how to navigate life's journey; How to go through a storm. How to continue to love in spite of it all. It also teaches you how to be strong, how to endure, and to move on.

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.  Love is many things; powerful above all. Remember: Love does not hurt; people hurt people. Love endures; it is patient and kind. Love—real, sincere, true love—brings healing and is unconditional, as well as wise. You are blessed. Now go and be a blessing!

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