"Conflict Resolution"

Reflectons4Life™ March 3, 2019

“Conflict Resolution”

“And even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and turns to you seven times and says, I repent [I am sorry], you must forgive him (give up resentment and consider the offense as recalled and annulled).” Luke 17:4 AMP

Scripture Contemplation: Proverbs 17:9; 19:11;Ecclesiastes 10:4; Matthew 11; Acts 24; Ephesians 1; James 5...

©Ruthe McDonald.

There is so much anger circulating through our lives; in our families, our marriages, our jobs. Many are wound up tight and can explode at the slightest gesture. What many of us have forgotten and some do not know, is the root of this anger is hurt. Somewhere, at some point in time, somebody was hurt. Perhaps deeply wounded. That hurt caused anger. Until we can get to the root of the hurt, and learn that the answer to healing that hurt is forgiveness and love, we will remain in constant conflict.

I decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. May you be free from all hurt and anger by allowing the spirit of forgiveness to find its place within your heart, as you learn to love in spite of and not solely because of.

Honestly speaking, we miss out on many joys in life because we are allowing anger, resentment, and unforgiveness, keep us bound—bound to the past. Bound to the past and the people that have hurt us in some way or another. When we do not let go of the hurt, we remain in constant conflict. Not just with that person we have an offense with, but with others, also. Hurt has many tentacles. It grows with every passing day we do not resolve it. It spreads like cancer throughout our lives and relationships; often times in places we would never think, taking on a new form, under a new name.

Hurt will mask itself as anger, resentment, bitterness, disinterest, hate, conflict of any sort. I am certain you've heard the saying: Hurt people, hurt people. Well, it is true. When people are hurt, whether it is on purpose or not, they will hurt others. It is a vicious cycle that can spiral out of control if the hurt is not addressed and dealt with.

There is only one solution that I know of to combat the hurt: forgiveness and unconditional love. Forgiveness will bring healing to the hurt and bring resolution to many conflicts. Yet, many do not understand that forgiveness is not for the offender, but it is for you—the person that is hurt—to free you and keep you from being bound. Forgiveness brings healing to the hurt and releases you from being bound to a person that hurt you. Unconditional love enables you to love the person, in spite of their actions. You do not have to like their ways. But you can love them; even if it’s from a distance.

Often, we will hold onto the hurt and anger as a badge to remember what we have been through. More often than not, however, the person who has hurt us doesn't remember, doesn't know, or doesn't even care. They often move on with their lives, as we stay stuck in a moment. A moment that can take over our lives, and leave us stagnated and filled with rage, anger, and bitterness. A person who no one wants to be around. A person who is incapable of giving or receiving love.

James 5:16,17 “Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.” MSG

James 1:19-21 “Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.” MSG

1 Peter 4:8 “Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].” AMP

There is a reason the Word of God admonishes us to be free of anger, to let love lead us, to have a heart of forgiveness; God knows, and we must understand that forgiveness is healing. Forgiveness releases us from that spirit of hurt that can cause us to live a life that is far less than what God has ordained for us. And, to love as God loves frees us from trying to make a person someone that only God can make them. All we can do is love; even it's from a distance. But when we love, we are allowing Holy Spirit to live and love through us, and we are no longer bound by the actions of another; but free to move on in our lives and will that God has ordained for us.

Don't allow the actions of another to dictate the content and quality of your life. Forgive for yourself. Free yourself from the hurt and pain. Love them in spite of. Move forward and live your life the way God has ordained. You cannot live a life that is full and rewarding if you are bound by a spirit of unforgiveness and hate. Don't allow those to have hurt you—no matter who they are—to hold you hostage to a moment in time. Release it. Release the hurt, the anger, the resentment. God has so much more for you than what you feel you may have been robbed of by another. Allow God to fill your cup, and bless you the way He desires. Forgive. Love. Move on. And receive the abundance that God has ordained for your 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. Let the peace of God rest, rule and abide within you. Forgiveness is a gift and restorer for you. Walk in it, and in the love of God, and be free from the past that would try and hold you from a future that God has ordained just for you! You are blessed. Now go...and be a Blessing!

©2013. Updated ©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Undisputed Champion"

Reflections4Life™   April 30, 2017

“Undisputed Champion”

       “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have            tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Scripture Contemplation: John 16; Romans 12; 1 John 2; 4; 5…

©RutheMcDonald.

If there is anything that I have learned it is that no matter what you are faced with; no matter what comes your way if you are in God and believe what He has spoken to you, you will come through. It may not feel like it. It may feel as though you have lost the battle. Yet, because Christ is, so are we: Undisputed Champions.

I declare that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Whatever you are faced with in this life, always remember that as long as you are in Christ, you have already won and the enemy has already been defeated. Walk in the knowledge that God has granted you the victory long ago.

This is what I know: EVERY situation in life is an opportunity to learn something new; to learn something new about yourself, about our Heavenly Father, and how low the enemy will go to seek and destroy you and all that you believe.

There is definitely a mental war against us. In a weakened state, where your defenses are down and you can barely think clearly, the enemy will find a way to slip in and try to undermine who you are, as well as your authority in Christ. Very subtle in his machinations, the enemy will most certainly try to have you doubt God, the power of prayer, and all that Christ did and secured for us by going to the Cross. If the enemy cannot get you to doubt God, he will try to get you to doubt yourself. He will have you question your faith, your walk, and your belief.

As we both know and should understand, the devil is a lie! He has already been defeated, and we are the champions. No matter how hard he tries. How he may try to rewrite history; he cannot. He is the undisputed LOSER! And we, in Christ, are the undisputed CHAMPIONS.

1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

I thought this morning, about writing Reflections and concluded that sometimes we have to be reminded of what God has spoken to us and about who we are and whose we are. We belong to the Father. We belong to God who has secured our victory on every level. We have to learn to walk in our salvation and victory every day with the understanding that the enemy is always lurking, looking for ways to destroy us and attack the Kingdom of God.

Yes, greater is He who is in us than he who is in this world. There is nothing the enemy can do to change the fact that Christ overcame the world. Because He did, we can. Because Christ defeated death and the grave and gave us the keys of life, we are the winners should we believe on Him, and walk in His light. Certainly, we will have our moments in the world we live in, We will we be attacked on every side. We will suffer terribly at times. We may lose everything at one time or another. Yet, it does not change the fact that we are the victors. The death and resurrection of Christ sealed our victory for eternity.

Whatever it may be that you are facing today; whatever attacks the enemy may want to come at you with; just remember that God already declared you the winner. Because Christ is, you are…an undisputed Champion.

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. There is nothing more comforting than knowing that the war has been won. The battle is indeed the Lord’s, and we can claim the title of undisputed Champion. Do not accept the lies of the enemy. You have already won and he’s already been defeated. Now go claim your title! You are Blessed. Now go…and Be a Blessing.

©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"And God Said..."

Reflections4Life July 10^th, 2016

“And God Said…”

“…if My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

Scripture Contemplation: 2 Chronicles 7; Exodus 32; Numbers 23:19; Job 42; Matthew 3; Luke 15; Acts 3; Ephesians 6; 2 Peter 3:9…

We’ve heard everyone’s opinion. We know what we believe. Many are asking what to do now after you have done everything you can do? The world is waxing colder and evil seems to be prevailing. How do we handle the travesties of today’s world? What else can we possibly do? There is only one thing left to do, which should be the first thing we always do: Seek God and hear and listen to what He says. What is God saying in all of this hate and vitriol?

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. We must take the time to hear what God is saying, Beloveds. Trust that He is speaking loud and clear. Do not guess what God might be saying. Hear what He is saying by spending quality, intimate time with the Lord.

The anger and tension in this world are thick. In America, it is bubbling over with hate, distrust, fabrications, manipulations, unrepentance, disregard, and denial. All being spurred by a few mediums with their own agenda to keep people divided and with a growing sense of dread and unrest. People are looking for answers. They are tired of their efforts being ripped apart and trampled on, or cast aside. Who has the answer? God does. Always has and always will.

Everyone has an opinion. Some think they know what the problem is. Others are willing to find out and seek solutions for all people. And there are others who wish to put their heads in the sand and pretend that there is nothing wrong. That the hate and anger do not exist. That the wrong done to human beings on both sides of the spectrum is a fabrication. Then there are those that know exactly what to do and what is wrong, because they have the ear of God and the heart of God, and are not afraid to take an unpopular stance and say: “And God said…” It’s not the most popular or well-received solution—often ensuing in a debate. But when has God’s way ever been the most sought after or popular point of view and way of doing things? Never.

One thing I know for certain: God has addressed these issues. And He has told us and is telling us once again that it is time to repent as a nation. As a people. The blood of too many brothers and sisters are crying out to God. Crying out from the earth that has ripped their essence from their bodies—far too soon. Genocide is taking place, Beloveds. While evil is prevailing and leaving our children to pay the price for the sins of our fathers.

Some may argue that this platform is not the place to speak on this. Then what is, when God is clearly the only solution to what plagues us? Who, more than the children of God, has the ear of the Father? Were we not called to be the salt of the earth? The light to the world? Yet, the body of Christ has lost its flavor. The body of Christ is suffering from a conscious blackout; our lights going dim. I will not hide the truth and come before acting like nothing is wrong. Or pretending that what is taking place in America is not directly connected to the ball that was dropped by the church of God. By those professing to know and love God, and speak for God but have done nothing but to contribute to the despair, hate and vitriol in America today.

The charge was not given to those who do not know God, Beloved. No. The charge was given to those who say they know God and have a relationship with Him. It is time to repent. The Lord said, if My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

The charge is to us beloved. And we cannot act like there is nothing going on. We cannot sit by and point blame and not take responsibility for our own actions or inactions. To have nothing to speak up or stand up with those who are oppressed. Or, to act like it is none our business as long as it doesn’t come to our door. Woe unto us who have had any of those thoughts and feelings. Because that is not of the God I serve.

What we see in the world is a direct reflection of our actions. Of our sins and unruly and unrepentant hearts. How dare we say we love the Lord and have nothing but hate in our hearts for another of God’s creation? How can we deem to represent the body of Christ if in our hearts we don’t even believe in equality and justice for all? Last time I checked. Last time I was in a fellowship with God, He clearly still loves us all, and Christ gave His life for all, and not some or a select group of elite.

We are facing the consequences of disobedience, hate, unjustifiable ignorance, unrepentance, and even defiance. As I tell my husband, even though we may move on from a wrong—we move forward, try to do right—there are consequences to our actions. Though God forgives us, extends His mercy and grace, there are repercussions for what we allow to take place. Things must run its course and come full circle. Like kidneys being flushed during a dialysis treatment; the blood being washed, being removed from the body and returning—the consequences of our actions must run its course. Yet, God is there to shorten that time. He is there to walk us through if we would repent. If we would acknowledge our ways and our contribution to the world we live in. Whether through action or inaction.

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. We no longer have the luxury of just sitting back and see what happens next. Seeing who the next victim may be. No. It is time for God’s children to repent, confess our sins, turn away from the evil that men do. To admonish when we see wrong and injustices, and to not sit in judgement of anyone. To not make excuses for sin or deplorable behaviors. Not only because what is right or what God desires. But because we KNOW what is right and seek to please God and bring healing to land that so desperately needs a touch from God. You are blessed. Now go….and be a blessing.

©2016. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Reflections4Life: Conflict Resolution

Reflections4Life September 29^th, 2013

“Conflict Resolution”

“And even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and turns to you seven times and says, I repent [I am sorry], you must forgive him (give up resentment and consider the offense as recalled and annulled).” Luke 17:4 AMP

Scripture Contemplation: Proverbs 17:9; 19:11;Ecclesiastes 10:4; Matthew 11; Acts 24; Ephesians 1; James 5...

There is so much anger circulating through our lives; in our families, our marriages, our jobs. Many are wound up tight and can explode at the slightest gesture. However, what I've come to understand is that underneath all of that anger, is hurt. Somewhere, at some time, someone was hurt. Perhaps deeply wounded. And that hurt causes anger. And until we can get to the root of the hurt, and learn that the answer to healing that hurt is forgiveness and love, we will remain in constant conflict.

I declare and decree that this week's Reflection will be a continued source of encouragement and enlightenment for your heart, mind, and soul. May you be free from all hurt and anger by allowing the spirit of forgiveness to find its place within your heart. And to learn to love in spite of and not just because of.

We miss out on so many joys in life, because we are allowing anger, resentment, and unforgiveness, keep us bound—bound to the past. Bound to the past and the people that have hurt us in some way or another. When we do not let go of the hurt, we are in constant conflict. Not just with that person we have an offense with, but with others, also. Hurt has many tentacles. It grows with every passing day we do not resolve it. It spreads like cancer throughout our lives and relationships; often times in places we would never think, taking on a new form, under a new name.

Hurt will mask itself as anger, resentment, bitterness, disinterest, hate, conflict of any sort. I am certain you've heard the saying: Hurt people, hurt people. Well, it is true. When people are hurt, whether it is on purpose or not, they will hurt others. It is a vicious cycle that can spiral out of control if the hurt is not addressed and dealt with.

Here's the solution to the hurt: forgiveness and unconditional love. Forgiveness will bring healing to the hurt and bring resolution to many conflicts. Yet, many do not understand that forgiveness is not for the offender, but it is for you; to free you and keep you from being bound. Forgiveness brings healing to the hurt and releases you from being bound to a person that hurt you. Unconditional love enables you to love the person, in spite of their actions. You do not have to like their ways. But you can love them; even if its from a distance.

Often, we will hold onto the hurt and anger as a badge to remember what we have been through. More often than not, however, the person who has hurt us doesn't remember, doesn't know, or doesn't even care. They often move on with their lives, as we stay stuck in a moment. A moment that can take over our lives, and leave us stagnated and filled with rage and anger and bitterness. A person who no one wants to be around. A person who is incapable of giving or receiving love.

James 5:16,17 “Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.” MSG

James 1:19-21 “Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.” MSG

1 Peter 4:8 “Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].” AMP

There is a reason the Word of God admonishes us to be free of anger, to let love lead us, to have a heart of forgiveness; God knows, and we must understand that forgiveness is healing. Forgiveness releases us from that spirit of hurt that can cause us to live a life that is far less than what God has ordained for us. And to love as God loves frees us from trying to make a person someone that only can make them. All we can do is love; even it's from a distance. But when we love, we are allowing Holy Spirit to live and love through us, and we are no longer bound by the actions of another; but free to move on in our lives and will that God has ordained for us.

Don't allow the actions of another to dictate the content and quality of your life. Forgive for yourself. Free yourself from the hurt and pain. Love them in spite of. Move forward and live your life the way God has ordained. You cannot live a life that is full and rewarding if you are bound by a spirit of unforgiveness and hate. Don't allow those to have hurt you—no matter who they are—to hold you hostage to a moment in time. Release it. Release the hurt, the anger, the resentment. God has so much more for you than what you feel you may have been robbed of by another. Allow God to fill your cup, and bless you the way He desires. Forgive. Love. Move on. And receive the abundance that God has ordained for your life.

I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives: spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and financially. Let the peace of God rest, rule and abide within you. Forgiveness is a gift and restorer for you. Walk in it, and in the love of God, and be free from the past that would try and hold you from a future that God has ordained just for you! You are Blessed. Now go...and Be a Blessing!

©2013. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.