"Purpose"

Reflections4Life™ May 7, 2017

“Purpose”

“To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord: I am full of the burnt-offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he-goats.” Isaiah 1:11

Scripture Contemplation: Proverbs 15:22; 20:18; Ecclesiastes 3; Isaiah 14; Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 9; Ephesians 3…

©Ruthe McDonald.

I declare that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. In all that you do, let there be a purpose behind. Give it a purpose so that it may meet what is intended. Seek the counsel of God; seek out wisdom to guide you and each purpose will manifest according to the will of God for your life.

I do not think many of us really stop to think about the purpose behind the things we are doing. Others may ask us what our objective is because humans have a tendency to be skeptical of a person’s intent. Which is quite understandable considering the corruption we see all around us. Yet, rarely do we ask ourselves or search for the purpose and intent of hearts when we seek to or are doing something.

Oh! There are reasons. We understand the concept of reciprocity or giving to receive. Nevertheless, have we put a definite purpose behind our actions? There must be an objective, the desired result for what we do. Think of it as a resume. The first thing we often list is our objective, our purpose for our work experience and skills what we hope to gain. Maybe if we asked ourselves [what our purpose is] more often, we would not become so overwhelmed when we face difficult and hard times in what we are doing, because we have a clear picture of the end game in mind.

If we understand our purpose/objective the reason behind our everyday actions, then perhaps we can concentrate on, and remember our purpose, our intent when all hell breaks loose, and we find ourselves under fire and questioning whether what we are doing is worth it.

Knowing our purpose gives accountability and stability. It helps focus and anchor us in the midst of things falling apart or going not quite as planned or envisioned. It also gives a determination and sense of what it will cost those God has called us to and ourselves if we gave up or stopped what we were doing.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (AKJV) But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work…

This scripture passage is not solely speaking of giving monetary. It is about giving of your service, your time, your counsel, knowledge, and wisdom. It is about being of service in the Kingdom of God and the reason behind why you are doing what you are doing. It is about your heart service and the reasons behind your actions.

What is the pay-off? What are we seeking to receive as a result of what we are doing? We have our purpose now. We know the intent and what we are expecting to happen to result from having given our actions a purpose. Now, what is the payoff? What are we seeking in return for our discipline, time, and effort? What accomplishments and benefits do we hope to see? Using the example of our resume once again, when you apply for a position, you have stated what you can bring and add to the company. What do you expect the company to give to you? Other than a paycheck or a salary, what are you going to receive resulting from your dedication and hard work?

Why do you do what you do? If we do not know the why or are doing it because that is what someone else wanted us to do; then we need to take a step back and evaluate our motives and go back to our purpose/objective. Especially if everything seems a bit, overwhelming and we want to give up instead of fight, forgetting about the cost.

Beloveds, there is a reason why we all do what we do whether we understand it, accept it, or acknowledge it. There is a definite purpose behind our actions. Whatever our objectives are, it will determine the willingness and the depths to which we are willing to go to see our actions through to the end. We must ask ourselves, what will the cost be for us not to accomplish our objective? Who, other than ourselves, will suffer by us not completing our purpose?

If there is one thing I have learned in my journey of life with God, is that I am not on this earth for myself. I am here to serve. That, my life story is not my own to hoard and keep hidden. It a story meant to be shared to bring encouragement, enlightenment, strength, hope, and healing to others. I am a walking Epistle, an Ambassador for Christ. My purpose is to live my life unapologetically without fear and with selflessness, understanding that there will be difficulties along the way. Mountains and valleys along the journey, and hearts and minds that God has called me to reach. My purpose is to reach as many souls as I can while living the life that God has ordained for me. And to give not because I feel pressured or fear ramifications from God but because I know the love and care of my heavenly Father and desire to share it with the world.

My motivation is to see the Kingdom of God expand and lives changed for the better. My payoff is eternal life with my Heavenly Father, the satisfaction of accomplishing my life goals, walking and living in happiness and joy, and pleasing my heavenly Father. To live the life of my idea and vision of happiness for me. Yours may be different than mine but this is the pay-off that I expect to receive.

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. Whatever you do, know the reasons why you are doing it. Let your purpose be made known. Seek the counsel of Holy Spirit and those that God has placed in your life. Wherever your journey takes you, purpose in your heart that, God is leading you to the exact place that He has ordained you to be for that specific time and place. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Over the Horizon"

Reflections4Life June 14, 2015

“Over the Horizon”

“He covers the face of His throne and spreads His cloud over it. He drew a circular horizon on the face of the waters, at the boundary of light and darkness. The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at His rebuke.” Job 26:9-11

Scripture Contemplation: Job 26; Isaiah 61; Philippians 1…

©nelvento

It is my sincerest prayer that today will be a day of hope, answered prayers, and restored faith for you. I pray that you will not only see, but also understand just how great you truly are and that God does indeed have a plan for your life. May today’s Reflections bring comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. 

There are times when it is just too hard for our hearts to comprehend the hurt and disappointments that we sometimes face in our lives. A sense of despair can easily encroach upon our hearts until we see more negative than positive in our lives.

For many of us, there is only more pain and uncertainty waiting for us over the horizon. We have conditioned ourselves, and our hearts to expect less. To expect the worse that life has to offer.

What if I told you that by simply changing your expectations; by changing the words you speak to yourself that your life would change for the better? That, over the horizon, there is something phenomenal waiting just for you. In fact, it’s been there all along, but you just couldn't see it, because your heart has been weakened by hurt, disappointments, and fear.

Here’s the truth, Beloveds: Over the horizon there is something phenomenal waiting for you. There is happiness, joy, peace, hopefulness. There is also love and kindness. And there is your greatness; waiting for you to walk in it.

Yes. Life can be difficult. It can throw us some painful reminders and some horrific roadblocks. Life is not easy at all. However, life is whatever you make it. Your reality is based upon your perceptions and what you believe about yourself and what you deserve. Is it easy? Not at all. Are some days better than others? Most definitely. Is this an overnight thing? No; it is not.

As with anything, we have to work towards that expected end. We have to exercise our faith and trust in God; even in the most difficult of times. Especially when we feel blindsided, rejected, or forgotten. It is the words we speak to ourselves that will determine what we find over the horizon.

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.  Is today your day? I certainly pray so! You determine if it is. Regardless to what you may be facing or have faced or suffered; you decide. You are blessed. Now go and be a blessing!

©2015. 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.