"It's Not Always What It Looks Like!"

 Reflections4Life™ May 1, 2022

“It’s Not Always What it Looks Like!"

“But just as it is written, “Things that no eye has seen, or ear heard, or mind imagined, are the things God has prepared for those who love him.” God has revealed these to us by the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NET)

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 64; 1 Corinthians 2; Matthew 25; Daniel 2; 1 Corinthians 13; 14

     I declare that this week’s Reflections4life will continue to be a source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Seek God early every day, with a heart of expectancy for all He desires to pour into you. Allow God to lead in your life. The Lord wants to fill us with not only, what we need and have asked of Him but also things we have not even thought to ask.

     There is so much more to life than we could ever comprehend when living it in Christ. There are many more colors than what is seen in a rainbow. Life is a kaleidoscope of events, circumstances, and situations, culminating in a life’s journey. The Father loves us without pause and desires our journeys to be filled with His love, healing, understanding, life-long lessons, reconciliation, redemption, and self-love. God desires for us to walk in abundant life lacking nothing but to be overflowing with His promises that we share with others. Prayerfully, those who receive will also believe in the love and power of God Almighty.

     Each of our lives is different. We may share similarities and experiences; have been through the same kinds of trauma and heartaches. However, who we are as individuals, makes our experiences unique, and different from anyone else in this world. Yet, we can still empathize with one another. Showing sympathy for losses, hurts, and heartaches. As well as, understanding and kindness when the right words escape us, but we want to show our support and love. We can also show our happiness for their celebratory milestones and achievements. 

     We never really know what a person may be going through unless they share it with us. A person can walk around, interacting with a smile on their face, a lilt in their voice, and never reveal the agonizing pain they may currently be in. They may dress in fine clothing, look put together every time you see them, showing up at church, work, and family or friend functions, but we would never know they have lost their job, their home, and are fighting thoughts of suicide, depression, rejection; all while smiling in our face. They present a picture as though all is well. The truth is, it is God’s grace holding them together.

     It is not always what it looks like. What we are seeing with our natural eyes does not always give us the whole picture and sometimes, not even half of the picture. This is the reason we need to nurture our relationship with God so that we gain knowledge of what is going on around us. God will give us understanding so we may make wise and correct decisions that are right for all involved. We must learn to look through our spiritual lens; through the eyes of God when interacting with one another. To, have our spiritual ears and eyes open, receiving our instructions from God and how to care, love, and hear one another.

     Even when it comes to our personal lives and relationship with God. Many have been believing in the word and the promises of God. Circumstances and situations arise, and we are shaken. Oftentimes, we do not admit to the doubts and fears that arise after we have been waiting a while for the manifestations of God’s promises in our lives. There are times when the wait seems so long that we may feel God has forgotten about us or abandoned us and the promises we have been waiting on to manifest. However, that could not be further from the truth of what God has planned for our lives. Our story is just beginning.

     

    Often, it is never what it looks like with God. What we are seeing in the natural is far from the gifts that lie ahead of us, waiting for us to claim them. Yet, have we to imagine the blessings for our lives. The magnitude of their greatness. We can believe when seeking God, having learned something magnificent about our Lord, there are yet mysteries that God desires to reveal. Too, those with a heart after His goodness and righteousness will see and understand this.

     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. Take your time in the presence of God this week, listening to His voice and instructions. Allow Holy Spirit to lead you into all truths. Not everything is as it seems. Do not allow what appears to be to fool you. To fool you into giving up, or making decisions that God has not sanctioned. Trust God. Believe His word and promises, and He will soon reveal all that you need to know and understand, about others and yourself, in due season. Let God lead. You are Blessed. Now go...and be a Blessing!

©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Here Today Gone Tomorrow"

 Reflections4Life™ April 10, 2022

"Here Today Gone Tomorrow"

"they took branches of the palm ntrees and went out to meet Him, and began shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of theh Lord, indeed, the King of Israel!" John 12:13

Scriptures for the Week: John 12; Matthew 21:10-11; Zechariah 9:9; Psalm 118:25-26; 2 Kings 9:13; Luke 19:38; John 3:16-17; Psalm 1

Happy Palm Sunday! May our hearts be filled and encouraged when we think about all that God has done for us. May we be encouraged to see the hand of God in all things and how He will deliver us and sanctify our hearts and minds. He will heal us from hurts that may abound from those who were with us today but gone tomorrow.

I decree that this week's Reflections4Life will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Anytime we get to spend time in the presence of the Lord should be a time of reverence and gleaning. As you spend intimate time with the Father this week, allow Him to fill you up, preparing you for what is ahead of you. There is nothing under the sun that Jesus is not already acquainted with. Allow Him to give you the benefits of His knowledge and wisdom.

How many times in your life already, have you been hurt or surprised by the actions of people that you thought were here for you? Betrayal is not an easy thing to get over. Nor is it something that we forget easily. Oftentimes, when we experience betrayals, we tend to linger in the feelings that it produces, carrying those same emotions into future relationships. Sometimes we are not aware we have done so until we find ourselves measuring people's character and judging them by the actions of those who previously hurt and betrayed us.

That is no way to live life. Neither is it healthy for any relationship. Whether it is a personal or business relationship. we have to learn to move on; to let go of what others have done and always begin with a clean slate moving forward. Is it easy? By no means is it easy. However, when you have God on your side, He makes difficult tasks seem easy because He takes our burdens and heavy yokes on Himself, leaving us to walk a smoother and lighter path. But we have to trust Him and follow His instructions exactly.

There are no escaping betrayals. Not in our lifetime. Someday, somewhere, someone we care about or have given our trust to will do something that will hurt us and change our opinion of who they are. Some will do it on purpose, others not intentionally. Not everyone in our lives but some. We have to learn to forgive and move on. To, let what one person did be left with them, and not judge others by the actions of others. Yes. Be cautious and more prayerful. But do not allow it to make you so judgemental and fearful that you close your heart and miss out on the splendors of the beauty and abundance of life and relationships.

As Jesus road upon the donkey, the people called out praises to Him, singing Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest! All praises to the King of Israel! He already knew the same people would be chanting Crucify Him! Crucify Him! Crucify Him! a week later. Yet, Jesus continued on, blessing them, healing them, feeding them, and preparing them. There He sat, at the table breaking bread with those closest to Him, with the knowledge that one of them was on his way to sell Him out for thirty pieces of silver. While others still, would be running and hiding and denying having known Him. 

Can You imagine the heart of Jesus? Can you imagine spending all these years teaching, singing, worshiping, fellowshipping, pouring your all into others, only to have them betray you or deny having ever known you? If that doesn't hurt, I don't know what does! But yet, Jesus knew the bigger picture. He did not allow what others did at that moment to change what He was sent to do, to save and deliver us by way of the Cross.

We cannot allow the actions of others to stop us from doing what God has called us to do. we cannot allow the betrayal and broken trust of another to determine our relationship with others or keep us from giving others a fair opportunity to get to know who they are on their own merits. Can you imagine if Jesus said, Nah! I'm good. I'm not saving no one! If they're anything like the ones who betrayed me and denied me, then You can have them, Father! I'm saving myself! There would be no 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. There will be some that will come into our lives. They will be for us one day and the next they will turn away from us. Some will break our trust. However, we will not and cannot allow it to break who we are and who God called us to be. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved. 

 

"When God Approves"

 Reflections4Life™ April 25, 2021

“When God Approves”

“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 17; Exodus 3; 1 Samuel 16; Jonah 1; Luke 6; John 3…

There is a way in which God sees each and every one of us. A way that no man can ever. When we enter into an intimate relationship with our Creator, we will understand His approval, where man has consistently denied and rejected.

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. Truly spend some quality, intimate time with the Father. There are things He desires to share with you. Things that He has specifically chosen for the one He approves of.

There are many of us that spend a lot of time seeking the approval of those around us. We turn ourselves inside out just to be accepted. We seek their permission to walk in the dreams and visions that God has given us. We seek their advice and approval even though God has already spoken yes.

What is it? What is it that has us dismissive of what God has spoken, only to be crushed and suffer the sting of rejection from those we sought approval from? What is it that causes so many to see only the surface of things and not the heart?

Grant it; it feels great when you get the approval of those that you love and care about. It is a wonderful feeling to know that those who you love and care about have your back, and can see the vision you have. But what is not wonderful, is when we place a higher value on their approval and acceptance than we do for the word of God.

Are we that scared of rejection that we would forfeit the blessings of God just for the approval of those who say they love us or have the best for us? Yes. Some of us are scared. Scared to be rejected. Scared to be left alone and or abandoned. And there are those who can only see the surface of things; what things appear to be. Things in the physical and present sense only.

We fail to realize is that we have given away our power, our happiness, our peace of mind to those who either do not understand us, love us, or can see what God sees about us. And there are those of us who are consistently blind to what is important to God by only focusing on the physicality and the here and now.

At the end of the day, when all is said and done, all we need is the approval of God. And should we gain the support and approval of those we love, then it's all gravy. But make no mistake; even those we love can be blind to who we are and what God has called for our lives.

When we receive God's approval, there will be opposition from others. From those we love, work with, live with, etcetera. That's when we need to ask ourselves: Whose opinion is most important? Whose approval will dictate our next move? Who have we truly been listening to?

I don't know about you, but I do know that God has a proven track record. If we truly desire to walk in the assurances of the Highest, we need to continually lay it all on the line and trust God to teach us what we need to do and lead us where we need to go. And most of all: Listen and Follow. Listen and follow to what God has spoken in spite of what those around us may think or believe. Have courage and stay the course even if we’re the only one on it.

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. When God approves, that is all that needed. All else will fall into line. Do not judge and see only with the natural eyes, but see through God’s lenses. His vision is crystal clear. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"The Journey of Wisdom"

Reflections4Life™ April 18, 2021

“The Journey of Wisdom”

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10

Scripture Contemplation: Exodus 32; 1 Kings 4; Job 28; Proverbs 8; 1 Corinthians 1; James 1:5...

This journey that we are on, called life, will present us with many choices. There will be many different paths that lead to various destinations with a myriad of results. It can be overwhelming thinking about which road to choose. How do we choose?

I pray today Reflections will bring comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. When you are walking in Christ, you receive the entire benefits package, which includes everything that Jesus is. His anointing now resides in you. And it is up to you to nurture and walk in that anointing.

We sometimes get lost on our journey. Or more than likely, side-tracked. Face it, for us—our life journey can be like a kid in a Willy Wonka candy factory. So many options. So many voices. Which do we choose? Who do we listen to? We can become uncertain in who or what to believe.

When we choose God and receive Christ as our Savior, we not only obtain wisdom but embark on a journey of wisdom. A journey that will teach us not only about who God is but who we are in God, about the heart of God, how to choose wisely, and how to discern correctly. As we yield to God and spend quality time with Him, we will begin to recognize that our life's journey has become a journey of wisdom. A journey of recognition and anointing.

There is power in wisdom. Power in knowing who you are and what your purpose is in this life. There is power in knowing who God is. When you know who the Father is, you began to understand that, no matter what you are faced with within your life’s journey, God will always be right there with you.

Life is indeed a journey of wisdom. We are experiencing life every day whether we are participating or not. Life is happening all around us. Time is moving forward; seasons coming and going whether we are actively a part of it or not.

The most wonderful thing about this journey is that we are not in it alone. God is right there with us. Holy Spirit is here to teach and guide us. His instructions leading us to life and understanding.

Sometimes our journey can get a bit overwhelming and we quickly forget the power we have in Christ. That wisdom is present in our lives, helping to calm the waters and take away the feeling of being overwhelmed.

In my quiet time and Bible study, I have been reading Psalms and Proverbs. The book Proverbs is considered the book of wisdom by many. As I was reading, God opened my eyes, yet again, to another revelation: Jesus is Wisdom. Jesus just does not embody wisdom, or have wisdom. He is wisdom. And on this journey of wisdom, it has become clear to me that it is a journey of revelation. A journey of discovery. Discovering not only who we are, but who Christ is, and who are in Him, and how when we embrace and accept Him, our life’s journey becomes clearer, and the paths to take become easier to choose.

Maybe you knew this, already. But I did not see it this way. My previous understanding concerning this revelation was that when we receive Christ as our Savior, we gain wisdom and understanding, as in who God is, and the mysteries of His word. That Jesus would impart into us His wisdom of the Father; His knowledge and understanding. That, His wisdom is what we gain over time, as we yield to a life in Christ. However, it never occurred to me that Jesus and Wisdom are synonymous with one another, just as God and Love are synonymous.

Talk about mind-blowing! I must have read Proverbs 8 a few times, as the understanding blossomed and the anointing took hold of my heart and mind. Then it occurred to me, that when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we receive wisdom. Wisdom becomes a part of us. The anointing is residing in us, and to walk in wisdom, all we have to do is yield to Christ. Christ is the wisdom we seek. Christ is wisdom operating in us if we believe and allow Him to be the King upon the throne of our hearts.

Proverbs 8:22-31“The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way, Before His works of old. 23 I have been established from everlasting, from the beginning, before there was ever an earth. 24 When there were no depths I was brought forth when there were no fountains abounding with water. 25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth; 26 While as yet He had not made the earth or the fields, or the primal dust of the world. 27 When He prepared the heavens, I was there, When He drew a circle on the face of the deep, 28 When He established the clouds above, When He strengthened the fountains of the deep, 29 When He assigned to the sea its limit So that the waters would not transgress His command, When He marked out the foundations of the earth, 30 Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman, And I was daily His delight, Rejoicing always before Him, 31 Rejoicing in His inhabited world, And my delight was with the sons of men.

Amazing! To know that wisdom and Christ are one and the same. That, when we receive Christ, and we are in fellowship with Him; we have wisdom. Wisdom living and breathing within us. Wisdom guiding and leading us, and Holy Spirit giving understanding! This gives a whole new look at our journey of wisdom. It is a journey of getting to know Christ and who we are in Him and the power we have.

Do you understand what this means as a believer? All we have to do is listen to Christ within us. All we have to do is yield to His way and His teaching. All we have to do is put on the mind of Christ, and we will be filled and walking in wisdom. The anointing of wisdom is present with us each and every day we are yielded to Christ, and walking in salvation.

We have access 24/7. We can walk in our purpose, living fulfilled lives that have been saturated by the anointing of God, because we have yielded to Wisdom.

We don't have to search and search for the truth when the truth is already with us. We don't need to seek outward wisdom when wisdom is already within. All we have to do is yield! My God, what a revelation!

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. The journey of wisdom begins in your heart. Yield to Christ and He will reveal everything you need to know. There's no need to be overwhelmed when inside of us, Wisdom is waiting to reveal to you the path God has ordained just for you and how to walk in it 24/7. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"It Does Not Matter"

 Reflections4Life^TM April 4, 2021

“It Does Not Matter”

“When Jesus therefore, had received the vinegar, he said: It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.” John 19:30

Scripture Contemplation: John 20; 21; Acts 1…

A peaceful and blessed Resurrection Sunday to all! I give God praise for His many blessings; especially the gift of Christ and eternal life! To all my fellow believers, may this day just be an added extension of your daily praise, worship, and thanksgiving to the Father for His grace and mercy. To those who may follow a different path; I pray for you and give God honor for you, as well. May this day be all that you pray and hope for.

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Allow the power of the resurrection to resonate in your soul. Spend quality time in the Father’s presence, learning of Him and His wonderful gift to you. Only then will you truly comprehend that outside of what God has spoken, it just does not matter.

One of the greatest lessons I have learned in my walk with God is that once He has spoken and declared a thing, it doesn't matter what anyone else says. It doesn't matter what the circumstances or situations dictate. It doesn't matter how hard the devil tries—he loses every time. Whatever God says…that’s what it is!

Once Jesus decided to come into the earth, follow the Father's will, that was it. His and our fates were sealed for the rest of eternity. When they nailed Him to the Cross; when He took His last breath and spoke His last words and said: "It is finished", everything else that would try and separate us from God no longer mattered. The plots and plans of the enemy lost their power. The venom lost its poison and death lost its sting.

What many of us fail to remember when we are going through life's trials and tests is that nothing and no one trumps what God has spoken concerning our lives. The only person with the power to stop and hinder us is ourselves. We hold the power. We have the authority. But too often we yield it to the enemy because of fear and giving too much power to him when what he says doesn't matter when God has already declared and decreed us victorious.

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. It doesn't matter, Beloved. It doesn't matter what the enemy says, tries, or who he uses when you truly believe in your heart what God says concerning you. Trust God. He cannot lie. Your bill has already been paid in full. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.