"Between Darkness and Light"

Reflections4Life™ December 11, 2022

“Between Darkness and Light”

“He will turn many of the sons of Israel back [from sin] to [love and serve] the Lord their God.  It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous [which is to seek and submit to the will of God]—in order to make ready a people [perfectly] prepared [spiritually and morally] for the Lord.” Luke 1:16, 17

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 1:1-18; Numbers 8; Isaiah 9; Luke 1; John 1; 8…

©Ruthe McDonald.

Lord God, Thank You for the blessings of this new day. Thank You for ushering Your children into a place of restoration and harvest. Open up the eyes and ears, Father. Remove hardness from hearts. Heal the wounds and give a spirit of joy. As we are in this glorious season, remind those of the many great gifts You have given to us. Bringing to the heart and mind that You have assured us a place out of the darkness and into Your marvelous light. Reign in our hearts and minds today. Grant us a heart to receive all that You have ordained and to know and believe with all of heart, mind, and soul that You love us just as we are. With love and honor. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. As you go through your week, continue to yield to God. Allow Holy Spirit to lead you to a place of revelation and joy. Think about the things that God has already done in your life. Remind yourself daily of His goodness and love. Spend a little more time in worship, connecting to the heart of the Father; welcoming His light. His light will put out all darkness and lead you into a marvelous new day, filled with manifest blessings, and answered prayers.

God resides in the praises of His people. If you are alive, reading this, hearing this; then you are blessed. Blessed with a new day of life that is filled with opportunities waiting for you to seize. Yesterday is gone. We can do nothing about what did or did not happen. We leave those things to God. What we have today is the opportunity to walk in the light of God; to accept one of His many great gifts, coming from out of the darkness and into His marvelous light, where our hearts and minds become open to His will and His ways.

Every day is a day for a miracle, for the supernatural to take place, a chance for us to see between darkness and light. This season is even more of an opportunity to experience and see the miraculous and supernatural take place. It is the opportunity to witness the veil between darkness and light revealed, ushering in a wave of momentous blessings, miracles, and life-changing events. I truly believe it is because, for a brief time, we are in one accord and lose ourselves in the joy of the season. There are more people giving and more people experiencing the joy that they seldom get to experience the rest of the year. It all makes this time of year full of belief and faith—in not only God but also humanity. It is the perfect condition and atmosphere for miracles to thrive.

For a moment, there is not as much darkness. Even though it is there, we are able to see the light of God more readily. The light shines a little brighter, bringing with it hope, joy, and miracles. Sometimes the miracle is seeing the light; seeing that it is real and there for all to partake in. No matter who we are, where we come from, or what we may be experiencing or have experienced; that light is there for us, too. We can be a part of something great and wonderful, changing our lives forever.

To God be the glory! To God be all the praise! More than any other time of the year, the light shines brightly because, for many, we are reminded of the greatest gift that God gave this world—His only begotten Son. When we are all in one accord, in a season of faith and belief, creating an atmosphere that is conducive to the move of God, for miracles and the supernatural to be seen and experienced. At this time, when we are in a spirit of love, belief, and joy we begin to shine like the star in heaven that guided the wise men to the babe in the manger. That light pulls back the veil that enables man to see the light on the other side of the darkness that has them currently entrenched.

Just as Christ was the light in this world of darkness, come to lead us back to the Father and reconcile us to our Lord, He has made us—believers—the light of this world to lead us back to the Father, to become the miracle in other people’s lives. You see, we are often looking for something external, coming from the sky, coming with great pomp and circumstance, which screams, Miracle! Miracle! Miracle! We miss, like the children of Israel, the real miracle before us. The miracle that is each one of us.

God often uses us to be the miracle in the lives of others. To be the person that shows them the light on the other side of their current darkness. To become the lamp that helps shine a light in the very dark places of their heart, mind, and soul. To bring illumination and hope to their lives that can be filled with darkness, hopelessness, despair, fear, and negativity.

Beloveds, God has created in each of us a light so bright when He is seated on the throne of our hearts. When we yield to Him and His ways, we not only see His light in our own lives, we create a space for change and miracles to take place, shaping us to become the miracle and light that God uses in the life of others.

I encourage you to take this season's love, light, and miracles and hold them in your heart. Let them become food for your spirit and soul, and a source of encouragement in the days to come when the light in the world seems a little bit duller. When people begin to go back to old patterns and the spirit of the season slips from their hearts and minds. Allow God to grow the seed in your heart that will bring forth fruit all year long; creating in you a spirit of joy, hope, and faith that you, in turn, will be able to share with others. Become that light that exposes the veil between the darkness and light. Remind others each day that God is not just with us for one season, but every day we choose to invite Him.

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. Yes, this is a season of exceptional miracles. However, God desires for us to become the miracles in one another’s lives, bringing light, love, and the word of God to the heart of those crying out. Let God use you. Don’t be afraid to let your light shine, exposing the veil between darkness and light. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved. 

"When Your Heart Badly Aches"

Reflections4Life™  October 3, 2021

“When Your Heart Badly Aches”

“A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day.” Proverbs 15:13 (MSG)

Scripture Contemplation: Isaiah 3:13-15; 25, 26; Micah 7:1-6; Zephaniah 3:18-20; Romans 9:1-5…

Having witnessed and experienced enough heartache to last a few lifetimes—it is not always easy to get through or to get past. Unfortunately, although many of us were taught that time heals all wounds, for most, I am not finding the truth in that. To be honest, I find that time teaches you lessons and how to deal with wounds. Or, it is another year of heartache to add to the previous years. I can, however, confidently say and take comfort in this one thing: When your heart badly aches, God will be there with you to pick up the pieces and embrace you until you are ready to take on the world again. He does not want us wallowing in hurt and pain, however, to get busy with the business of living a whole, healthy, vibrant life. He has great things in store for us.

I decree today’s Reflections will bring comfort and peace to you. Let it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration; bringing peace and revelation to your heart, mind, and soul. Though you may have experienced or, are currently in the throes of heartache, I urge you to give all to God. Lay them at the altar and allow God to soothe your soul and your heart with His love and kindness and tender mercies. Allow the Father the opportunity to love on you, and fill your heart with everlasting love and joy.

At times, the heartache we experience seems like it will never end. It feels as though tomorrow will never come and the sun will never shine again. Trust me, Beloved, the sun will shine again and each day that you move forward is the opportunity to experience a love that will cover a multitude of pain and heartache. Trust—God knows what He is doing, and He knows what you need and how to love on you.

That feeling like you cannot take another breath because it hurts so badly? Yes. Been there far too many times to count. Yet, even in all of that heartache, one thing I always remember and hold onto is that this too shall pass. God’s love for me is constant; it doesn’t change, and He’d never leave or abandon me.

These are the pivotal times in your lives when you must throw caution to the wind and trust God to be God. Trust Him to know what you need. Trust Him to feed you and love you and have already worked towards mending your heartaches. God cannot fail, but He needs your cooperation. He needs you to trust Him to be your heart mender, your mind regulator, your spirit restore-er. Allow God to be everything, so He may pour into you everything that you need to make it through the times of heartache.

I can only imagine what you may have or are experiencing at this time, but I know God knows exactly what you are feeling, as well as thinking. Allow me to share a bit of wisdom with you. It may not be what you want to hear at this time, but what you need to hear. Sometimes getting hurt, experiencing certain heartaches can be the best thing that has ever happened to us. Oh! Sure it does not feel like that at the time. Yet, when everything settles down and you look back over where God has brought you, you may see with a clearer vision that some heartaches were worth the pain for where you are today. You may have never have gotten into a position for the blessings that God has ordained for your life if you had stayed content, were never hurt, or decided that you wanted more.

Heartaches are not just about romantic relationships. Anything that has hurt us; has brought pain to our hearts; any significant loss can be considered heartache. Our heartaches can spur us to move, to be creative, more vocal, and less comfortable where we are currently at in life. Sometimes that bit of heartache jars us into action we would have never otherwise acted upon. I sincerely believe that heartache can actually become a blessing in disguise. If we allow God to do what He desires to do in our lives.

Zephaniah 3:18-20 (MSG) “The accumulated sorrows of your exile will dissipate. I, your God, will get rid of them for you. You’ve carried those burdens long enough. At the same time, I’ll get rid of all those who’ve made your life miserable. I’ll heal the maimed; I’ll bring home the homeless. In the very countries where they were hated, they will be venerated. On Judgment Day I’ll bring you back home—a great family gathering! You’ll be famous and honored all over the world. You’ll see it with your own eyes— all those painful partings turned into reunions!” God’s Promise.

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. Do not wallow in your heartaches. Yes. They are real. Acknowledge and be honest about what you are feeling. Then allow God to lead you to a place of comfort and healing in Him. God desires to not only heal your heartaches, to soothe them with the balm of His love, but He also wants to position you to a place of joy and blessings. So, do not wallow long or close yourself off. Let God become the balm on your heart that brings new life and happiness better than you have ever experienced before. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Child-like Faith"

 Reflections4Life™ May 23, 2021

“Child-like Faith”

“And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:2, 3

Scripture Contemplation: Matthew 6; 8; 18; John 20; Acts 6; 1 Thessalonians 3; Hebrews 11…

In all honesty, there is nothing more exciting and endearing to my heart than a child that is filled with hope and belief. In the beginning, a child will believe whatever you tell them as fact. They won’t question why, but take your word that what you say is true. They believe in their parents. They look to them to take care of them in every way.  For a child under seven, it takes a whole lot to believe contrary to what has been spoken to them as truth. They have faith in those they love. Blind faith. And that is the kind of faith that God desires from us.

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. In your quiet time this week with our Creator, let God reveal to you the truth about what is hidden in your heart. Allow Him to purge all doubt, fear, and unbelief, and grant you the gift of faith.

There is nothing you could have ever told me as a little girl that would have me doubt anything my parents told me; especially my father. And yes, I was emphatically, unequivocally, without a shadow of a doubt, a Daddy’s girl! LOL Whatever my father said, I believed him. In my eyes, the Sun rose and set at my father’s behest. Though flawed, he was perfect in my eyes, and I believed everything he ever spoke to me. I had complete faith and trust in him. I was totally devoted.

How many of us can say that about any relationship we may be in at this time? Do we have that kind of trust and faith in our loved ones? Do we have that kind of faith in God and His word spoken to us? When you think of your relationship with the heavenly Father, what stands out the most? Do you have faith in Him? Do you have that child-like faith, that regardless of whom or what, you will continue to believe in the word and promises of God?

Beloved. This is the kind of faith that God desires from us: child-like faith. There is no wrong in asking God questions; asking Him, why. There is, however, a problem when we cannot have faith in Him. When we cannot have that complete trust in Him. Though it may hurt the heart of God, we are the ones to suffer from not believing. How can we possibly receive what God has ordained for us if we do not believe in what He has spoken to us?

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. Yes. There have been many delays, setbacks, and heavy things that have shaken our faith. But never lose faith. Never stop hoping. Hope is the very substance that faith is made of. Be tenacious, like a child who is relentless is asking their parent for that thing they want so much. Do not give up on the promises of God. Be like that child, and have faith that your Father will do just what He said. And Beloved? He is. Just wait and see! You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Take Rest"

Reflections4Life September 1, 2019

“Take Rest”

“Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.” Genesis 2:3 (NASB)

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 2; Deuteronomy 12; 25; Psalm 37; Matthew 11; Hebrews 4…

©Ruthe McDonald.

There is just too much noise. Too much clutter. Too much going on that it is a distraction. We find ourselves so busy. Busy doing what? Sometimes I think we don’t even know. It is as if we have been wired to mundane tasks that are automatically apart of our day. We live each day feeling less inspired and more tired because we have not taken the time out to properly rest.

Our rest does not consist of us going to sleep only. It includes our whole being: body, mind, and spirit. And when one part of us is lacking rest, we lack in all areas. It is time to take rest in every area of our lives and receive what God has for us.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. May you walk in a spirit of rest; completely rejuvenated in your soul, from time spent in the presence of God. Make time to take rest. Slow down, and not only hear what God is saying, but also receive what He is giving.

We often cry out to God and ask Him to help us. We cry out, shaking our fists, mad at God because when we feel He has not answered us. That, our petitions of prayer have fallen on deaf ears. The enemy has duped many into believing that God is taking too long, or that He truly does not understand what we are going through.

We ask God but don’t wait long enough for His answer. We ask, and we ask but are never quiet long enough to hear His answer. Have you ever tried to hold a conversation where everyone is talking at the same time? What a confusing and jumbled mess! We need to learn how to be still, and quiet in the presence of God. To truly understand what it means to rest in Him.

Are there times when you desire to shut the world out—all the noise—and get some peace and quiet?  Once you steal away, do you not feel refreshed and energized? Your brain has had the opportunity to slow down, and you are not as bombarded with the constant activity that life often brings. You find yourself being able to think more clearly.

There is so much going on in the world. So much activity. So many things going on, yet people still do not seem to be any happier or closer to achieving their goals and dreams. We have forgotten how to take rest. How to rest our bodies, our minds, our souls. We have forgotten what it is like to truly rest in God, and have Hos love and strength restore and rejuvenate us.

I have given some thought to this: I think it should be Labor-Free Day. We plan so much on our Holidays that we really don't get to enjoy them. I want to be still and enjoy the day. I don't want to work hard to enjoy it. I do not want to put so much effort into, that I'll need another Holiday just to recuperate.

I'm going to spend my holiday being still and getting in the presence of God, so I can hear Him, and receive what He has for me. I pray that however, you spend your Holiday, that you enjoy it. I hope that you consciously make the decision to take rest and to do so often so that you can receive the blessings that God has for you.

My Beloved, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your life. Take rest in the Lord. Take time out to be in the presence of God, renewing and recharging your mind, body, and spirit. Do not neglect any area of your life. Let the Father into every area of your life, as you receive His goodness and love. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Gods Cup of Life"

Reflections4Life™ April 21, 2019

“God’s Cup of Life”

“You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons…Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” 1 Corinthians 10:28, 11:28

Scripture Contemplations: Matthew 20, 23; John 19, 20; Acts 1; 2…

Happy Resurrection Sunday! What an awesome day to continue to give thanks and praises to God for His gift of love, sacrifice, and love. God, in His love and mercies—saved us from ourselves. He saved us from the death and the grave; from the clutches of the enemy! Excuse me, while I praise my Lord and Savior!

Lord! Thank You! Thank You for Your grace and mercies! Thank You for saving me! For dying on the Cross for me. For taking the stripes, the whips, for my healing and deliverance! Thank You for rescuing me from a life of sin and death; for freeing me from a spirit of guilt and condemnation. Thank You, Lord, for consuming me, covering me under the Blood of the Lamb! I cannot breathe without You. I cannot live without You. I cannot exist without You! Your love is like fire, all in my bones! Your love is washing all over me; making me clean, clearing my mind, lifting heaviness; leaving waves of sunshine, and pockets of hope for me to hold onto when trials and tests come, and rock me to the core, sometimes blinding me and stealing my memories of what You have already done! But Hallelujah! Thank You for that line, that line that keeps me tethered to You. That keeps me connected. Thank You, that when Christ rose, I rose with Him, with the keys of like. Thank You, my Lord, my Savior, for saving me from myself and doubt. Thank You for freeing me from unbelief. Thank You for just loving me the way You do, that even through the tough times, the times I cannot see You, that I can rest easy knowing that You are moving on my behalf and that Yes!—Your will is done in my life, and I blessed forever more, because You loves me…unconditionally! In Jesus’ Name. Amen!

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart soul and mind. Rise up with Christ today. Rise up from your past; past hurts, sins. Bow at His feet, laying down your heart, your burdens, your hurts, your fears, and receive His love, forgiveness, His breath of life and the blessings He has ordained for you this lifetime. Take from His cup of life and drink, becoming a new creation in Him. Receive your blessings.

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Whose cup are you drinking from today? Are you drinking from the cup of regrets, guilt, and shame? Or, are you drinking from the cup of life, of faith, of redemption and of a new life in Christ? When we are in Christ, we have been crucified with Him, and we now live by faith and not feelings. We drink from a completely new cup. God’s cup of life. Jesus drank from the cup of crucifixion, a cup of a necessary death, a cup representing salvation for man. Because He did, we are! We are able to now drink in not only remembrance of His sacrifice for us; partaking in Holy Communion. We are now, also able to drink from God’s cup of life.

When we enter into prayer and conversation with the Heavenly Father, we are partaking in that cup of life. When we stand on His promises and do not give up or give in to the enemy—we are drinking from God’s cup of life.

Every time we spend time in the presence of God, the more God reveals to us. No one can stay the same who has been the recipient of God’s love and attention. We are transformed and renewed, with every sip from God’s cup of life. We are changed forever by the Father’s unconditional love, forgiveness, and the precious gift of Holy Spirit. Just as Jesus taught about the wheat, and how it must die to live; we, too, must die first. Die to our old selves and beliefs that would block the blessings of this new life that God has ordained for us. Christ did the hardest part. He drank from the cup of death, and died on the Cross—feeling the entire world’s sins on His shoulders, in His body; the heaviness of guilt, shame, worry, abandonment, and every whispered lie of the enemy. The love of Jesus knows no bounds. He could have walked away, instead, He called upon His Father, and took it all to the Cross. for us. Then He fought death, hell, and the grave, reclaiming the keys of life. So now, when we partake in the cup, it is not just in remembrance of the crucifixion but also the cup of life. Christ died that we may live. And live an abundant life filled with His blessings and grace.

What cup are you drinking from today? Are you drinking from the cup of your past? The cups of regret, shame, mistakes, guilt, and condemnation? That’s not what God ordained for you. And that is not what Jesus died on the Cross for. He did not drink to save Himself—he was not a sinner. He drank to save us; to give us 24/7 access to the cup 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. Embrace the forgiveness of the Father. Shake off the old clothes of the past and put on the garments of praise and worship, drinking from God’s cup of eternal life and redemption. Jesus made a promise and kept it. Now it’s time for us to walk in the victory, drinking constantly from God’s cup of life! You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.