"Believe in Your Heart and Receive"

 Reflections4Life™ December 25, 2022

“Believe in Your Heart and Receive!”

“He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.” John 1:7

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 137; Isaiah 7:14; 28:16; 43:10; Luke 2; John 1…

©Ruthe McDonald.

To you all, I extend my gratitude and wishes for a very blessed Christmas. May the celebration of Christ remain the reason for this season to you and yours. Never forget the promises of God, no matter how long the wait is. Believe in your heart and receive today, all that God has ordained and has promised you. His promises are manifesting. Have faith.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Never stop believing in your heart what God has placed there. God is faithful and just to do exactly what He said. Do not give up because the wait may seem long. Do not grow weary in your well-doing. Instead, encourage yourself and encourage others. Be diligent in your prayer life and open your mouth and worship the Lord. God cannot lie. Whatever He has decreed over your life will happen if you do not give up and walk away.

Beloveds, I believe in miracles and the power of prayer and faith. I believe that when we believe wholeheartedly, it creates an atmosphere conducive for miracles to take place, and for the supernatural to happen. There are still miracles. True miracles of God are taking place in many lives every day. However, they are not necessarily the great phenomenon that many people are looking for to blow their minds and convince them that God is God. No. These miracles are the kind of miracles that make a change in your heart, give you revelation, and open your eyes to whom God really is, and who you are to God. These miracles take place when we determine in our hearts to believe what Father God has spoken to our hearts—regardless of how long we have been waiting, and what has transpired around us. These are the miracles that God makes happen using other people in our lives. The ones that need no spotlight but happen quietly every day.

God is not a liar, and you can be assured that the enemy will try his very best to make you walk away from God, from His promises, hardening your hearts in the process.

The enemy is infiltrating dreams, messing with minds, wreaking havoc, and destroying lives. Yet the truth is; he is only able to do this because many leave doors open by entertaining and thinking about the lies of the enemy, instead of pulling down strongholds and denouncing the enemy and his lies and opening their mouths and literally saying what God says.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…

The only thing, Beloveds, that I believe can help combat the enemy, is when we totally believe in our hearts what God has spoken to us. How do we maintain our belief when so much has taken place? When every time we turn around it seems like something else is taking place. It is in our quiet times with the Father; our intimate times that we learn to stand and gain the strength to hold on. It is through the power of prayer and worship that we gain the strength to make it through all adversity and affliction. It is by connecting with Holy Spirit and letting Him do it for us. We are no match for Satan, but Holy Spirit got his number!

Our faith will always be tested. What we believe will continually be challenged because the enemy is always seeking ways to get at God. If he spies any weak, vulnerable, open spaces in our lives, he is coming full force to try to take us out. There is great news, however! The reason for this season is the reason we can declare ourselves victorious, walk in that victory, and win against the enemy and his tactics, because of Jesus Christ! God gave us a gift that continues to give and give and give every day of our lives. If we would believe, and continue to believe through the harsh and difficult times; through the times when He seems so far away; when it feels and looks so dark in our lives, we will make it through to the other side. If we believe, and stand by His word, we will receive all that God has spoken and promised to our hearts. We cannot stop believing. All it takes is faith the size of a mustard seed!

The Shepherds believed! The wise men believed! The saints of old believed! Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, Isaiah, Elijah—they all believed BEFORE the birth, before the time of grace. We HAVE Christ—fully manifested. Here with us! The promise is here; living and breathing in us! We have what they did not have: HOLY SPIRIT residing in us and the Blood of the Lamb covering us!

Beloveds, we win and can make it through if we determine in our hearts not to give up while praying. Open up your mouths and worship God through it all, and keep believing in your hearts what the Father has placed there. NO MATTER WHAT IT LOOKS OR FEELS LIKE! SPEAK. THE. WORD!!!

The enemy knows he has no power over a person that believes with their whole heart regardless of the circumstances. That is why he works so hard to manipulate and play mind games, chipping away at faith and belief, hoping to get us to shut our mouths and hardened our hearts against God. Because he knows, there is power in our communication with God. He knows that there is power released when we worship God through the storms. He knows that there is power in our prayers, especially when we pray in the name of Jesus.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Let this season be the season and reason you begin to believe again. Stir up your faith. Open your mouth and pray! Bring forth praises, thanking God for already doing for you what you haven’t even asked for yet. For just being who He is: Our God! Our Savior and Deliverer! Let this be the season your heart is softened towards the Lord once again forevermore! You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Make A Joyful Noise"

 Reflections4Life December 20, 2020

“Make a Joyful Noise!”

“Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.  For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.” Psalm 100 

Scripture Contemplation: Isaiah 12; Luke 2; John 1…

 

©Ruthe McDonald.

I pray today’s Reflections will bring comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, may your heart be filled with joy. May you lay aside every burden, celebrate the greatest gift God has ever given to this world.

I will openly admit that I cannot sing at all! Perhaps a few notes here and there, but singing an entire song in the right key?—Nope; not happening. I know my gifts and talents. And singing is not one of them. Yet, I can still make a joyful noise unto the Lord. I still am able and can give praise to God for His many blessings.

Though I can play instruments, and create a beautiful melody, compose a composition to bring praise to God, it does not compare to the sound our heart and spirit make when we are truly thankful to our heavenly Father.

As many make plans and alter their holidays together because of the pandemic, we can still make a whole lot of noise. Let it not be a noise of complaint or backbiting. Let it be one of thankfulness and praise that we have made it the last month in this year when so many others have not.

Let your actions make a joyful noise. Let your deeds for others become a joyful noise. Let the love you have in your heart make a joyful noise. Lay aside the disappointments and the failures and mistakes, and replace them with praise on your lips.

Yes. Easier said than done. But guess what? You are here. Alive. Reading this message and is one thing that many do not have. You are still in the land of the living, able to make amends, make a difference, set things right if need be. Let your heart make a joyful noise and give God praise. When the praises of God go up, the blessings certainly do come down. 

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. I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas! Make a joyful noise today and every day. Let your actions sing of the goodness of God as your heart fills with His love, grace, and peace. Let the Father know how much you love Him. Sing a love song to your Creator; through your actions, words, and deeds. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Most Wonderful Time of the Year!"

Reflections4Life™ December 22, 2019

“Most Wonderful Time of the Year!”

“So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:6-7 NKJV

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 23; Matthew 1; Luke 1-2; John 1...

©RutheMcDonald.

I take pleasure in knowing that Jesus is the reason for this season. I have joy in knowing that because He was born; my place at the Father's table became possible. I thank God for His precious gift that made it possible for there to be room for me in my Father's house. This makes it the most wonderful time of the year; the reminder that there is room at God’s table for me and for you!

I wish you all a very blessed Christmas! Certainly, this year has moved along quite quickly. I can hardly believe that, here we are, celebrating Christmas this week when it feels like we were just in the month of July. Yet, as the world waxes colder, the days grow shorter, and Christ is soon to return; I pray that we will remember the Word and promises of God; to keep them hidden in our hearts and live them day by day, cherishing the gift that God gave us that ensured our place at His eternal table.

I decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of continued encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Give God the glory—in the good times, the bad times, and the uncertain times. Do not allow your current situation or circumstances to determine your prayer or praise to the Father. Remember the goodness of God in your life. Meditate in the word of God. Study it. Pray it. Recite it to the atmosphere. Allow the heavenly Father to remind you of your place at His eternal table, where Christ secured a spot just for you. It is indeed the most wonderful time of the year.

For many people, their lives have consisted of them trying to fit in. Wanting acceptance and being a part of something they deem special. Whether it's family, a clique, a sorority, a fraternity, a club, the cool kids, etcetera. There is a desire in everyone to be wanted, desired, and accepted. There is no one on the earth that likes or wants rejection; especially from one's family.

During college was the first time I really noticed that not everyone had a family like mine. They didn't share that familiar closeness, the family gatherings, the looking out for one another. I also realized myself, that I never tried or desired to be accepted or fit into one certain group. Don't get me wrong; there were many times of rejection in my life. However, I moved on, because as it turns out, I attract friends rather easily; friends that would become like family. Friendships that I cherish to this day.

Yet, whether you're like me or like many others who have experienced rejection often, or fight to try and fit in, there is always a part of you—myself included—that wonders where do you fit in? Where do you belong? And will you be accepted for who you are? It crosses my mind each time I write an article or begin a new story, or write a reflection. With all the information, books, articles out there; will mine be able to stand out? Will it even make a difference? Where does my voice fit in with so many voices already out there?

God answered that right away: There's room for you. There's a place for your voice, for your gift, for your talent. There is a place for you in this world and at My table. Jesus secured a place just for me, and He secured a place just for you. How wonderful is that?

The Father also helped me to understand that where there is no room, or seems to be no way—then you make a way. You create a door. Create a new path. You are the first to tread that new pathway. You create a legacy; a business; an opportunity. You put yourself out there and become the very thing you were looking for in others.

I think of Joseph and Mary going from inn to inn being told that there was no room. No room for the Son of God to be born. No room for a woman heavy with pregnancy to give birth. So, they made room—in a manger. Where Christ our Lord was born. 

Jesus was rejected repeatedly. He was not accepted by most of His family. When He tried to preach, and teach, and give in His own home city of Nazareth, He was rejected. Here it is; the Son of God, and He is doing great things for other cities and nations. But, amongst His own...nothing. Because they did not believe and they rejected who He was. They could not see Him as anything but the carpenter's son, instead of the most wonderful thing to happen!

That is how it is for many of us today. Many people; especially family and people you grew up with—will never see you for who you truly are. They will not see the changes. They will not see the growth or accomplishments because they are blinded by your start. However, as we move forth in the Lord, we come to understand that it is not about how we start, but how we finish that counts.

There is room for you in this world. There is room for your voice, your ideas, your gifts, and your talents. Yet, most importantly, there is room for you at the Father's table. A spot has been reserved just for you. Secured the moment Jesus entered this earth realm.

Many will judge us by our past. They will never be able to see past our beginning. We will be rejected countless times. Told no too many times to count. However, one YES from God trumps all of that! As long as God has said yes, there will always be room. Room to grow, to learn, to build, to create, to be just who God ordained us to be. Don't allow rejection to stop you or hinder you any longer. You're in great company...Jesus was rejected also, but He did it God's way. And because He did, we will.

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. Be strong. Be courageous. Stand firm in your faith. There is room for you, because God has already secured it. Remember the reason for this season—the most wonderful time of the year! Remember: one yes from God trumps every and all no's you have ever heard. Have a blessed Christmas! You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Don't Kill The Seeds"

Reflections4Life™ December 15, 2019

“Don’t Kill the Seeds”

“Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” Matthew 13:32

Scripture Contemplation: Isaiah 61; Joel 1; Matthew 13; Mark 4; John 12; 1 Corinthians 3; 15

We are all works in progress, on assignment from heaven to remember who we are and whose we are. In the process, we are serving others reminding and showing them the love of God. Throughout our lifetime, we are planting seeds. We believe, love unconditionally, and allowing God to do the growing. We must be careful not to kill the seeds we plant in others by holding them to a timetable or what we believe is right and wrong. We are just to plant seeds, love unconditionally, and not judge.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration to your heart mind and soul. Let those you love know that you love them…just the way they are. Practice patience, while showing kindness and unconditional love. Trust God to do the watering, weeding, and the growing.

We often want so much for the people that we love. If we sincerely love them, we want the best for them; the best for our children, our spouses, our friends, and family. If we are well-intentioned, we desire for them what we often desire for ourselves; happiness, fulfillment, joy, peace, and unconditional love—just to name a few. It can be difficult to see our loved ones making mistakes or poor decisions time after time. It is also easy, to say hurtful things in the heat of a moment, killing the seeds we had planted.

Do not hold them to a standard that God did not dictate. Everyone’s walk is different. Everyone’s come-to-Jesus moment is not the same. We all have seasons in our lives. A season for all things. Just because we do not see or recognize what season a person may be in, in their lives, does not mean God is not working in them. People are going to fail. We are going to make wrong choices. Hopefully and prayerfully, they are not life-ending, but instead, life lessons on our journey to becoming who God ordained us to be.

Everyone that is to know God personally and intimately will come at their ordained time. We cannot rush a person’s journey or progress. We cannot push our ideas and beliefs on those we love and others and expect a favorable outcome, or for that person to listen, trust, or believe in us. Sometimes, it is the person that loves, prays, and continues to live their lives of faith, who makes the most impact. Living by example and quietly praying can save many lives.

Beloved, God knows each of us. He knows the hairs upon our head. Nevertheless, more importantly, He knows our heart. He knows when we are ready fully to commit. He understands when we are tired of being tired, hitting brick walls, and chasing illusions. God’s grace is sufficient for us, and as we spend time with Him, we will understand the power of not only sowing seeds but also trusting God to be the Gardner in the garden that we sowed good seeds into. He knows how much watering and pruning is needed. As well as, how many seeds have died and need to be uprooted and the soil cleansed and turned.

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. Plant your seeds in unconditional love. No matter what their journey consists of, how many times they may fall or seem far from the right path; allow God to be the Gardner who knows how to water, prune, and inspect whether the seeds are still viable. Trust God. Trust the process. God has not lost His touch, nor His unconditional love. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.