"God is Fighting For You!"

Reflections4Life™ November 3, 2019

“God is Fighting For You!”

“He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15

Scripture Contemplation: 2 Chronicles 20; Deuteronomy 3; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 21; 

If there is one thing that I have discovered during the course of my life’s journey, is the fact that I am not alone. Not only am I not alone, but God is also fighting my battle. My heavenly Father is fighting for me and He is fighting for you, too; even if you do not see it, feel it, or know it. God will always fight for His.

I decree that this week’s Reflections are a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. Do not give up or let go as you experience difficult times in your journey. God is there for you and with you. He is indeed fighting your battles. You just have to trust and believe and do your part by living accordingly and following the instructions of our Heavenly Father. His grace is sufficient for you!

Thoughts of my childhood were heavy on my heart this morning. I did not understand why. I kept thinking about all the times of conflict that occurred in my life. All the times I was attacked, picked on, ridiculed. It played like a kaleidoscope in my mind; the pictures running into one another. Do not get me wrong; I had many pleasant memories of good things that have happened in my life, but for some reason, it was the hurting moments, the moments I did not understand, that plagued my mind. The moments where I questioned God, asking Him why I was experiencing such attacks when I did nothing to provoke anyone?

Although I made friends easily, there were still some who just did not like me. I don’t think, as I look back, that they even understood the reasons for not liking me. It was as though something came over them. Now, I fully understand because God gave me a revelation; a revelation that may bring light to your own situation.

We are special. You and me. We are an amazing creation of a great Creator who took the time to form and fashion us in His image, then blew His breath into us that we may live. However, that is not all that He did. He placed a spirit of greatness inside of us. As well as gifts and talents that He specifically chose to fit who we are as an individual and His purpose for our lives.

The trouble comes in when we do not see this special gift or characteristics about ourselves but the enemy notices, and then sets out to destroy us before we realize not only who we are, but start to draw closer to God and stand in the authority and the power that God has given to us.

Knowledge is power, but wisdom brings knowledge to another level of power. When we not only know who and whose we are, and we understand what it all means, and begin to walk in this knowledge, we are a threat to the enemy’s kingdom and his hold on many people. Therefore, he will try to stop us at every turn, using whoever he can to break us and destroy us, because of 1. We are a threat to his kingdom, and 2. He wants to strike out at God, so he goes after the seed, the promises, the children of God.

Beloved, you are special. God has been fighting for you all of your life. He is your Champion. You may not see Him or feel like He cares, but, oh! Beloved, He truly does. He has placed greatness in you and a power that you have yet even tapped into but will change your life forever. All of those haters? Most of them do not even know why they hate you! All of those antagonizing you, trying to make your life miserable, your childhood unbearable, are only fuel for the fire that is burning inside of you. God knows who can stand strong and given the opportunity, will use the adversities in their lives and turn them into fuel to help forge ahead on the path that God has ordained.

Those times in my childhood and as a teenager? I see clearly now that they were seeing something in me that I had not seen yet myself. They were tools being used by the enemy to try and break me. To try, even at a young age, to destroy me. I became an even greater threat to the enemy’s camp by accepting Christ as my Savior when I turned seven. I gave my life to God because I understood even then, that I wanted to live for God. I wanted to serve Him and be filled with His love and my heart to look like His.

The enemy has tried to kill me many times; even as a child; even in utero. But he couldn’t. He could not do it then and he cannot do it now because like then and always, God is fighting for me, just as He is fighting for you. There are battles that we do not even know about, but rest assure, we have succeeded. We are overcomers with the Lord God, Almighty!

My Beloved, I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity have found permanent rest in every area of your life. Keep believing. Keep pushing past the naysayers and the bullies. Half of them don’t even know why they don’t like you and the others are jealous of the light of God that shines in you and around you; of the greatness that they see in you—the light of God that He has placed in you. God cannot lie. We’ve read the book and we win! You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Just Listen"

Reflections4Life™ January 29, 2017

“Just Listen”

“…he wise will hear and increase their learning, and the person of understanding will acquire wise counsel and the skill [to steer his course wisely and lead others to the truth]…” Proverbs 1:5 (AMP)

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 26; Deuteronomy 4:30; Psalm 54; John 10; James 1; 1 John 4

Have you ever just wanted someone just to listen to you? You did not want them to give advice, to tell you their opinion, or even answer any questions you may have stated. You just need someone to listen to you. To hear your heart and the words that are coming from your soul. Sometimes, Beloved, that is what God desires from us; for us to just listen.

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. Though you may have many things running through your mind, and questions you want answered, I implore to take some time this week just to listen. Listen to what the Father wants to say to you without interjecting. God desires to speak a word to your soul, but He needs for you to get still and really open your ears and heart to listen to what the Father wants to tell you.

I am guilty, Beloveds, of being on both ends of the spectrum—of wanting to speak the contents of my heart and soul without any commentary on what I had to say. I just needed for the person to hear my heart; to truly hear what I was saying and understand me and where I was coming from. I have also been the person who was asked to listen. Sometimes I passed, but there were sometimes I failed because I interjected or stated my thoughts and opinion when all the person wanted was for me to listen; to hear what they were trying to say and express from their heart and soul.

I admit, sometimes it is hard for me not to interject because I am a nurturer and a fixer. I am also a teacher and when I see the answer before me, I want to rush in and save the person from going the wrong way or to soothe them; when most times all they need is someone to hear them; not to comment or interject or even give an answer. Just listen; especially with your heart.

Beloveds, this is what God desires from us many a time—just to listen to Him. Quiet our mind, our thoughts, our perceptions, and just listen to what He has to say to our hearts. Often bogged down with everyday life; with the cares of this world, filled with worry, hurt, pain, and doubt—our minds are cluttered and cannot hear the voice of God and what it is He is saying to us. When we pray, we do not wait to hear what the Father says, we bombard Him, instead, with questions; with why’s, what’s, and how’s; instead of coming boldly in belief for what we ask for, then getting still and waiting on God...waiting for His answers and instructions, His directions. God has much to tell us. If only we would be still long enough, to hear what He is saying.

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. Though you may have many questions you desired answered, try trusting God to have the answers already you seek. Listen more than you speak this week. Try it God’s way and see how many of the answers you seek indeed are already answered. God always knows what you need even before you ask. We just have to listen more and talk less. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"A Grateful Disposition"

Reflections4Life March 1, 2015

“A Grateful Disposition.”

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

Scripture Contemplations: Romans 14; Ephesians 5; Colossians 3; 1 Corinthians 2…

Nothing compares to a person with a grateful heart. A person that has taken a stance to have a grateful disposition regardless to what is happening in their lives or around them.

There is much that has happened in our lives, and much that will happen. It is the disposition of our hearts that will determine the kind of journey we encounter, and how long certain trials and tests last.

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 for your heart, mind, and soul. Let your heart be filled with joy and the love of the Father. Allow Him to guard your heart and you navigate through the trials of this life. Let your heart be content with God, having the characteristic of gratitude, because you know and understand that no matter what happens in this life, God will always have your back.

As I navigate through the pain of my mother's transition, I cannot help but to be grateful for the years I was blessed to have with her in this earth. My mother was a woman of substance. A woman who understood matters of the heart and the importance of having a grateful disposition.

There are things that lie behind us, and things that lie before us. Many things that we have no control over. But the most powerful thing is that which lies within us. What we carry in our hearts holds the power to change lives, to affect the course of our life journey, and touch the lives of many.

A grateful disposition allows us to walk through difficulties and not give up. It allows us to maintain hope in a hopeless situation. It encourages us to believe when it seems impossible, and whispers that miracles still happen; just in ways we may not understand.

Things will not always go the way we desire. Life happens, and it is not always sweet, delightful, or to our liking. Pain and suffering will occur. Loss will be felt. However, there will also be joy and happiness. There will be good times, and moments when things do go our way. But whether things do or don’t (go our way), we must maintain a disposition of gratitude. We must hold a place in our hearts that will be grateful; even if it’s just having gratitude for one more breath of life.

My pain is palpable, at best. I feel like I am in a fog with my mother no longer here in the flesh to hold, kiss and hug. Yet, I am grateful for the time we had. For the lessons, she taught me, the life she gave and provided for me. Her laughter, her wisdom, her love…all living on within myself and my brothers and her grandchildren. Life goes on. And I take comfort in the fact that this is not a goodbye, but: “I’ll see you later," which allows me to smile through the pain.

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 your disposition be one of gratitude. No matter the trials and the tests, let your heart be rooted in gratitude. For, it will lead you to a place of peace and understanding. You are blessed, now go and be a blessing.

©2015. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"The Lessons Learned, The Badges Earned"

Reflections4Life,  December 28^th, 2014

“The Lessons Learned, the Badges Earned”

“Take a lesson from the fig tree. From the moment you notice its buds form, the merest hint of green, you know summer’s just around the corner. So it is with you: When you see all these things, you’ll know he’s at the door. Don’t take this lightly. I’m not just saying this for some future generation, but for all of you. This age continues until all these things take place. Sky and earth will wear out; my words won’t wear out.” Matthew 24:32-35 (MSG)

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 34; Proverbs 6; Mark 13; Hebrews 8; James 5…

I can barely believe this is the last Sunday of the year! Wow! As I look over the year and the many things that have happened—good, bad, ugly, wonderful—I know it all has served as lessons. And for many of us, we have definitely earned some badges of honor along the way.

I declare and decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. As you reflect upon this year, and all the lessons and tests, and trials and triumphs; let your heart be filled with joy, and the knowledge that God not only brought you through it all, but He was right there with you, and continues to be with you right now.

Every test, trial, hardship; even our triumphs and accolades have served as life lessons that we can bring into the New Year. Whether they taught us what to do, what not to do, who to listen to, who not to listen to, what we truly desire, and what we should move on from; it was all valuable lessons that can help us to navigate a New Year, not with resolutions, but decrees and declarations. Declare and decree what God says of you. Declare the will of God shall be done, and decree that you will walk in wisdom, doing and living your best life.

This wasn't an easy year for most. We saw many changes and causes, and people coming together, as well as be divided, but that's to be expected with changes. The world is constantly changing, and so are we. Hopefully and prayerfully we can take the changes and become better human beings that are less moved by emotions, but more inclined to action by our spirit.

Many of us will look back and wonder how we made it! There were some sketchy days, weeks and months when we did not know how we would make it to tomorrow, let alone next week, next month or a next year. Yet here we are. In the land of the living by the grace of God.

Yes. We have been hurt this past year. We have experienced disappointments. We have been let down, lied to, manipulated. We’ve lost loved ones, been separated from those we love, been rejected, and let down by those we call family and friends. But we’re still here. In the land of the living. We may be hurting, but we’re alive to feel it. And as long as we have breath in our body, the blood flowing through our veins; we have an opportunity to see that joy comes in the morning.

Every hurt, disappointment, loss, heartache and betrayal can serve as life lessons in our journey. Every relationship we have whether it worked out or not, taught us something. Every day we are upon this earth, we are being given life lessons. Lessons that we can learn from to help cultivate and propel our lives in the direction that God has ordained.

What a sad predicament to live a life where lessons are never learned. Where, we perpetually live the same situations over and over again; have the same kind of relationships over and over again, and wake with the same disappointments all because we didn’t take heed to the lessons that our life has been teaching us all along.

Until we learn the lessons well, we will never pass the tests to get to the next level of life that awaits us. The problem for most is that we run from life—from its lessons. We deny what’s in front of us and live in a world made up of lies we’ve created to get from one day to the next. It’s like that movie, Groundhog Day, where the main character relives the same day over and over again until he begins to learn the lessons that he was ignoring all of his life. The lessons of life, love, selflessness, and respect for himself and others.

This year has presented us with lessons that we can learn and glean from. We can take these lessons and walk into the New Year fully armed and prepared to live life differently and according to what God has ordained. Too many of us, however, will repeat the trials and tests of this past year because we deny what’s right in front of us. We deny the problems and situations that have been compounding for years and years.

We have a choice, Beloved. We have a grand opportunity to face the truth, take the lessons (even the most painful ones) and learn from them. Learn who we are. Learn who God truly is. And then begin to live the life that God has ordained for us all along. Sure, we may have to let some people go from our lives. We may have to walk away from some situations and people. We may have to sever some ties professionally and financially. We may have to move away. If you want to be free in the New Year; if you truly want what God has ordained—then there are some hard decisions that will have to be made. Just know, however, that God is there with you. He is right there with you through it all. Trust Him.

Thank you for spending this year with me. I have truly enjoyed your company and the pleasure of connecting with some very wonderful and beautiful souls. My prayer for you is that your New Year will be filled with answered prayers, safety, ingenuity, integrity, joy, peace, success, and an abundance of sincere Love! Blessings to you and yours!

I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. Take the lessons you learned this year to help you be free in the New Year. Wear your badges of triumph well. You earned them! Don’t dismiss the lessons of this year, or deny your experiences. You cannot have a “clean slate” in the New Year with debris from the past causing lumps under the rug, so to speak. Confront it. Confess it. Deal with it. Take its lessons and move on from it. God will be with you through it all. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2014. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"A New Thing"

Reflections4Life Sunday, October 5^th, 2014

“A New Thing”

“You have heard; look at all this. And you, will you not declare it? I proclaim to you new things from this time; even hidden things which you have not known.” Isaiah 48:6

Scripture Contemplation: Jeremiah 31; Isaiah 42; Isaiah 43; Isaiah 48; Isaiah 65; Matthew 26...

 “My God is so big, so strong and so mighty. There’s nothing my God cannot do! My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do!” That one verse is ringing in my ears and in my spirit quite loudly this day. And along with that is the knowing that God is doing a new thing in many of our lives.

I don’t know what that “new thing” might be in your life; but I know that God is doing something new; that whatever you have been praying and waiting for, God is doing it. But we must listen carefully and pay attention, because it is a new thing, and may not come in the form or fashion we expect or are used to. Yes. God is about to blow our minds…in a very good way!

I declare and decree that this week’s Reflections will be a constant source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind and soul. The Spirit of the Lord is moving in our lives in a way we may not fully comprehend as of the moment. But, I encourage you to yield your all to the Father. That, even in the moments where you don’t understand, that you would trust God anyway, and allow Him to do a new thing in you and for you.

I wish I could adequately explain exactly what it is that is burning in my soul and spirit at this moment concerning the word of God and the promise that He has made. And just how close we are to a new thing occurring in our lives.

There is an excitement; a joy bubbling in my soul at what God is about to release in the lives of His children; especially those who have been waiting patiently, haven’t given up during the struggles and hard times. For those who have kept the faith and stood still, even when many around them have given up. A truly magnificent blessing for those who have weathered the storms and believed God, held onto faith, even when the flesh has seen no reason to. Yes. That new day is upon us.

It is hard to hold on to our faith and belief when we have experienced so many setbacks and hard times. It’s hard to keep believing when you have come so close so many times, only to feel as though the rug has been snatched right from under you. But God cannot lie. And if we continue to believe in Him and trust Him, we will see that new day with that new thing taking place in our lives. And all the sorrow and ache from those waiting years will soon become memories, and part of the lessons of life that we learned to prepare us for the abundance of blessings of the new thing that God has given to us.

Isaiah 43:18, 19 “Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past.
“Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness; rivers in the desert.”

We have to let go of the past. In order to fully embrace the new thing that God is doing in our lives, we must learn to not dwell on the former things; to not continuously keep our mind stayed on the things that hurt us, destroyed us, bound us, disappointed us; the failures, the mistakes, the hurt, the anger. We must release all of that.

There is something right before us waiting for us to embrace. But our past can sometime blind us to it. For many, the Father has provided a new thing in their lives—an answer to prayers—that has been bypassed because the focus has been on the things of the past. Whether it was previous good times; bad times; hardships; pain or regrets. Sometimes we can get stuck looking back, and become immobile, that we cannot move forward and miss the new thing that God has brought to our lives.

Let it all go Beloveds! Let the past go. Take the lessons learned and move forward into the promises of God. Embrace the new thing He desires to do in your life by trusting God to guide you, and knowing He only has the best for you.

Do not short change yourself by looking for something familiar, or by assuming how God is going to move or bless you. Be open to Holy Spirit and let Him lead you into the place that He has already prepared and ordained just for you.

Let the fear go. Sometimes we become afraid of change because we have become too comfortable with the pain and mess we are in. Prepare to be uncomfortable. Because what God has for you, and where He is taking you is unlike any other place or thing you have ever experienced. And the only way to get there is to move forward and not look back.

I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. God is doing a new thing. It may not happen in the manner you are expecting. It may not look like something you are used to seeing. But rest assure: It’s All Good. Because it’s coming from the Lord God Almighty! Trust Him. Believe Him. Embrace Him. Love Him. Because God certainly loves you more than your human mind can comprehend. You are Blessed. Now go…and Be a Blessing.

©2014. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Reflections4Life: "Nobody Greater"

Reflections4Life August 17^th, 2014

“Nobody Greater”

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

Scripture Contemplation: 2 Samuel 5:10; 2 Chronicles 9; Esther 9; Matthew 12; Hebrews 6…

For all that we experience in this life; for all that we walk through on a daily basis, there is one fact that is abundantly clear, whether we acknowledge it or not: there is nobody greater than God.

Though there are great men and women that do wonderful works. That, have kind hearts. That, seek to better humanity on the whole…there still remains nobody greater than our God. No one that understands us better, and knows exactly what we need. And even though this is the truth, many of do not go to God when we should. We often seek God as a last resort, when we realize no one else can help.

I declare and decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. When you are faced with the inevitable trials of this life, seek first the Kingdom of God. Go to the Father before you dare go anywhere else. Allow Him to lead you, and do for you what no other can do.

Why do we insist on seeking the counsel of so many others before we seek the counsel of God? Out of habit, many of us seek the help of those around us before we ever attempt to go to God, and allow Him to lead us in the direction we should go. If we did, we would save ourselves not only time, but also friendships, relationships, and headaches!

In all honesty, I believe that many of us lack complete trust in the Father. For whatever reason, we do not trust in God the way we should, and allow Him access to every area of our lives. Perhaps we feel that God does not hear us. Or, because we may have not received an answer to a prayer before, that God will not aid us this time. Whatever the reasons may be, we often do not take our concerns to God, but to those around us only to find ourselves in a worse situation than when we began.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (MSG) “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all.”

Beloveds, more than anything God desires to lead us in on a path that will bring us directly to His ordained life for us. That promise that He has spoken over our lives. But we must trust God enough to get us there. To believe in our hearts and minds, that no matter what we face in this life, that we can go to Him and seek His counsel and trust that He will lead us, where man would mislead.

We must place our trust God. Trust in His love for us. Trust in what He has planned for us. Have faith in the Father. For God knows exactly what we need, and how we need to get where it is He has planned for our lives.

When we are faced with the many trials and obstacles in our life, there is only one who can truly bring us to the place of understanding…God. Though the Father may lead us to people that will aid us in our journey, the Father is still the One to seek out first for direction.

There is nobody greater than our God. Nobody wiser. Nobody who has our back more than God. There is nothing that God would not do to keep us, and protect us, if we would allow God to be that strength and guide in our lives—trusting Him to lead us where we cannot see or even comprehend.

It’s not often easy when we have so many other voices in our head and influencing us to what we should do. Yet, when it’s all said and done, how often do you realize that when you went to God, that you found your answer? That, when you looked, the answer was always before you? Our greatest frailty in humanity is the inability to trust what our eyes and mind cannot comprehend. If we can yield our all to God, and let Him lead us where we cannot see a sure path, we will find in a path that will lead us always to place where God has ordained.

I decree the spirit of peace and prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. Beloved, no one loves you more than God. No one has your best interest more than God. Nobody knows you better than God. Nobody is greater than the Lord our God, and has you covered all around. Trust Him. Believe Him. Make God your first stop and not your last stop. You are Blessed. Now go…and Be a Blessing!

©2014. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

 

"Our Refuge in the Storm"

Reflections4Life August 10^th, 2014

“Our Refuge in the Storm”

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 NASB

Scripture Contemplation: Ezra 8; Psalm 5; Psalm 61; Isaiah 26; 2 Thessalonians 3; 1 Peter 1…

I cannot begin to thank God enough for His strength, love, and protection. While away this past week, I found myself in a very precarious situation—totally unexpected. Things could have went horribly wrong, but I trusted in my God. Especially when He was the One who opened this particular door for me to go through.

Both a figurative and literal storm took place, and I was caught in the eye of both. Yet, I did not fear, knowing in my heart and soul that I had a refuge in the storm…Jesus. I called upon the Lord and He not only heard me, He answered and sheltered me. And here I am; another beautiful Sunday, sharing Reflections, because I trusted my Refuge in the storm; which is what God desires of you to do, also.

I declare and decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Take refuge in the arms of God while going through the storms. Many storms will come in your lifetime. And God will keep you through each and every one when you trust Him, and allow Him to be your refuge.

Refuge: shelter or protection from danger, trouble, etc.: to take refuge from a storm. 2. A place of shelter, protection, or safety. 3. Anything to which one has recourse for.

There are a host of things we will have to face in our lifetime. Situations that will have us seeking shelter and understanding. This is a part of life’s journey and the world that we live in. Storms and situations will come. Trials and troubles will happen. Yet, through it all, we have a permanent refuge in God.

The Heavenly Father desires to be our covering in the storm. He wants to be our shelter from all danger; our protection. Sheltering us under His arms. Giving us that peace of mind to walk through any and all situations that we may face in our lifetime. We just have to learn to trust Him to keep us safe; especially when so many others have failed to do so.

Psalm 121:7 “The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.”

Psalm 91:1 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”

It is very easy to lose sight of the promises of God, or fail to recall all the many times the Lord has delivered us from certain situations, when you are faced with a brand new storm. Yet, God remains true. He is the same yesterday, today and forevermore. God will never abandon us. He will never leave us to be consumed or destroyed by the storms. Though the storms may continue to rage, we can find safety in the midst of the storm, in the arms of God.

At one time, I believed that the “eye” of the storm was the worst possible place one could be when it came to storms. I shared once before that, the eye of the storm is actually the safest place to be. As it turns out, in the eye of the storm there is peace and stillness, while everything around it is raging. It is in the eye of the storm that one is safest. God is the eye of your storm. His refuge is the safest place to be. He is your safety, your assurance, your shelter, your covering.

God will never allow a storm to destroy you, when you yield to Him and trust Him to lead you. Yes. I understand completely how difficult it may feel to trust God when everything seems to be going the opposite of what you expected. I know about the uncertainty and the fear that can grip you. I identify with the struggle to let go completely, when you can barely look pass what is right in front of you. But that’s what faith is: trusting in something that your eyes cannot physically see.

No matter what it is you are facing today; no matter what it appears to be, or how devastating a storm you are in; know in your heart, and believe that God is your best refuge in the storm. He desires to be your protector, your shelter, your deliverer. He will not allow the storms of this life to destroy you. He may not stop certain storms, because there is something to be gained and learned from each one—but He will be with you through every last one, protecting you and providing for you through it all.

I thank God for the wisdom I gained this past week—for the lessons learned. As I stood there, drenched from the downpour, and my heart navigating the inner storm; I learned just how strong my personal resolve is. The enemy couldn’t win. Not when God had already declared me victorious. I anchored myself to the Father—finding my place in the eye of the storm.

I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity will have permanent rest in your lives. Though the storms of life can seem to rage out of control, we have a place of refuge in the Lord. He is our Anchor, who we can remain tethered to. With the certainty we will have weathered the storm, gaining a heart of strength and wisdom as never before. You are blessed. Now go…and Be a Blessing!

©2014. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Reflections4Life: "Remember the Laughter"

Reflections4Life, August 3^rd, 2014

“Remember the Laughter”

“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouting.” Job 8:21

Scripture Contemplation: Job 8; Psalm 126; Proverbs 14; Ecclesiastes 3; Luke 6…

There is so much going on in our lives. Things that we have no control over. There are situations all around us that can tear at our soul and weigh our spirit down. The last thing on our mind, or in our thoughts is to laugh. But, that is exactly what God desires us to do: Take some time to laugh.  Remember the times of laughter; for it will be your comfort.

 I declare and decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Allow the joy of the Lord to fill your soul and strengthen you. Though things may seem heavy and that there may be nothing to laugh about; take time to laugh. Take the time to open up your heart and find delight in at least one thing, and let the healing begin. Remind yourself of those things that brought merriment to your heart.

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to laugh. It may feel as though there is nothing in your life to feel joy over or to laugh about. But there is, beloved. Even when we cannot see it, there is something to smile about. There is something to have joy over. And there is always something to laugh about. It’s just how you look at things.

We can take joy in the Lord. We can take joy in His promises. We can take joy in the fact that we are alive. We can take joy in the fact that there is a God, and He cares for us. Whether we understand the situations or circumstances we face, we can still have joy. We can smile with confidence that God has worked all things out concerning us. That, God will never leave us or forsake us, but will be right there to see us through. That is something to be joyful about. And when you are filled with joy, you will find that there are things that will bring laughter to your soul.

Remember the times in your when you laughed. Remember those days when your heart was light. Recall the people and things that brought laughter to your heart and soul. I definitely think there is a special place for comedians. For those who can bring laughter in the midst of sorrow and pain.

If you cannot think of a thing to laugh about, then I have a suggestion for you: Laugh at Satan! Yes. I said it! Laugh at the devil. Laugh at his lies and his attempts to defeat you when God has already declared you the winner. Laugh at his attempts to sidetrack you when you have fully yielded to Holy Spirit and are walking in the victory. Laugh at his tricky words and acts of deceits because you know that it is not you answering the door, but Jesus Himself. And when the enemy wants to remind you about your past, and discourage you about your future; then boldly remind him of his certain fate, as written in the book of Revelation. See how fast he stops laughing!

This is what I know, Beloveds; God is here for us and with us. There will always be situations in our life that will try to come and steal our joy and rob us of peace. There will be situations where there seems no plausible reason to laugh. However, we must learn how to hold on to the promises of God. We must learn to walk in the peace and rest of God, trusting Him to take care of what He said. We must teach ourselves to embrace laughter. To find those pleasant things in life and take joy in it.

For me, when someone I love passes, it is one of the most heart wrenching things, just as I know it would be with you. Yet, when I begin to think on the good of that loved one, and the times we shared together; I soon find myself laughing and remember the joy they brought into my life. I laugh at the memories, and embrace that joy and comfort that comes. Though my heart is heavy form their departure; it does not overshadow the love and laughter they brought to my life.

And beloved, this is what God wants us to remember: through all the pain and loss, remember the joy and happiness that occurs along the way. Smile at the good times. Cherish those times of laughter and joy. Because, in the end, it is those memories—of joy and laughter—that will bring you comfort and strength to move forward.

I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. Remember the times of laughter in your laugh. Draw upon those memories and allow it to bring comfort to your heart and soul. Take joy in the Lord and his promises. Don’t allow the lies and the voice of the enemy to overshadow the voice and promises of God in your life. Take joy in the Lord. And remember the laughter, always. It will be a source of strength. You are Blessed. Now go…and Be a Blessing!

©2014. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.