"NOW...Do It Now!"

Reflections4Life™ October 30, 2022

“Now…Do It Now!”

“Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. For by this [kind of] faith the men of old gained [divine] approval.” Hebrews 11:1-2

Scripture Contemplation: Hebrews 11; Romans 4; Genesis 12; 2 Corinthians 1…

I decree that this week’s Reflections are a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for heart, mind, and soul. Rejoice in all that God has ordained for your life. Even if you cannot see the full picture yet, have faith and be confident in the word of the Lord concerning your life. Walk with Him. Commune with Him. Trust Him. Meditate and believe with all of your heart and soul. What God has ordained for your life will happen. You just have to move…when He tells you to.

There is a burning in my heart and soul, a blazing inferno and so strong at this very moment that, now, is the time to move forward in the plans of God! Now!—is the time to execute all of the plans and ideas that are written in books, journals, and to-do lists. This is the season to begin to see the manifestations of God’s promises for our lives but we have to move when God says to move. Total obedience.

Now is the time, Beloved. Now is the time to go forward with your passions, to make amends, to forgive, to let go, to move forward, to do recompense, to ask for forgiveness, to be humbled, to go after everything that God has placed in your heart that you have been procrastinating to do. Time is an elusive thing to humans. Many believe they have all the time in the world, while others believe there is not enough time. Both schools of thought have those same people frozen, standing in the same position instead of moving forward, walking in the promises of God, and following His instructions.

I understand. Believe me when I tell you, that I sincerely understand how you can become immobilized by fear, doubts, and uncertainty. Yet, God is here, knocking on the doors of our hearts, whispering in our ears; nudging our spirits to go forth in all of those plans that He has placed in us; all of the dreams and visions. He desires us to go boldly forward, walk in truth, and live our lives with no regrets.

There is such a burning in my soul today that is telling me that if we do not move on to what God has spoken to our hearts, we will miss this season of manifestations, and it is not a guarantee that we will make it to the season when it comes around again. Now is our appointed time. We must move in faith, be diligent, and believe in our hearts what God has spoken.

No matter what it appears to be. No matter what obstacles arise. No matter who is or who is not on our side; as long as God has given the green light, it is time to go forward and get the work done and bring in the harvest. Seeds were planted long ago. Pruning season has and is taking place, God is ushering in a spirit of removal and blessing His children that meditate, spend time in His presence, in prayer and fasting, with a greater anointing of discernment and an ear to hear His voice, that may sound like a whisper in the midst of chaos.

Do not wait for circumstances to be just right. They never will be. This is a faith walk. Do not wait for someone’s approval or validation when God had already approved and validated you and given you the word—the green light—to move ahead in the plans and promises He has placed in you. An impending recession, skyrocketing mortgage rates, climbing gas rates, food shortages, continued evil in the land--none of it is an issue to God when He tells us to move now! God sees it all. But He is bigger than the economic climate and far greater than the enemy that is in the land.

Let me also warn you, Beloved, in case you are not aware: Not everyone who says they are for you actually is. Not everyone who says they believe in you actually does. Not everyone you start the journey with will make it to the end to see the manifestations of the fruit of your labor and visions. And that’s okay. You may even encounter some naysayers and you will definitely encounter a Judas—maybe more than once—but be encouraged, that is just a sign that your manifest season and long-awaited promises are here. You are on the right track. Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep meditating. Keep doing. Whatever you do, do not give up.

Now, Beloved now is the time to move when you feel that burning, that nudging, that thing that won’t let you sleep. You are going to have to take chances, let some things and people go, be focused, determined, and above all else: forgive. Forgive yourself for any mistakes. Forgive others for whatever they have done, and move on. You do not have time to hold resentments, regrets, anger, or unforgiveness. It will only hinder your progress and your hearing and ability to see God’s instructions for what comes next.

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. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen. Do not allow your dreams and visions to die because of fear, or procrastination. Move when God says move. He will give you the provision for the visions He has placed in you. Just as He has given us the spirit of love, power, and a sound mind. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved. 

"Deactivated"

 Reflections4Life™ October 23, 2022

“Deactivated”

“Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will [in any way] harm you.” Luke 10:19

Scripture Contemplation: Luke 9:1; Romans 12:28; Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 3:20; James 4:7

Beloved, God speaks loud and clear for those with hearts and ears to hear. Movement is happening in the body of Christ, a revival. God is telling His children, His followers, and believers, all that would listen and are open to His word, that the enemy has long been deactivated, and stripped of power. Far too many of us have been walking around with crushed hopes, dreams, and faith because we have fallen for the enemy's lie. It is time to stand in the authority of God and stop giving the enemy the power to use against us.

I decree this week's Reflections are a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for heart, mind, and soul. Take time this week to get in the Father’s presence. Make quality time with the Father. He has things He desires to reveal to your heart and spirit. He wants to empower you and prepare you for what lies ahead. The only way to do this is if you have intimate time with the Lord every day. God is talking. It is time to listen.

We do not know what we do not know, but we can know everything we need to know if we take the time to sit at the Father’s feet and listen to what He is speaking to the church this season. There is a revival in the land that starts in the heart. It is in the hearts and minds of those who take time to meditate and set aside sacred time between themselves and God.

The sacred time between God and us is vital to our walk and what is happening on earth now. Too much is passing through our fingers. Too much harm is coming to us physically and spiritually because far too many have bought into the enemy's lies that we are powerless and hopeless and that God is not listening to us!

On the contrary, Beloved. We do have power and hope. God is indeed listening. He has been speaking loud and clear to those who have an ear to hear and consistently spends time with Him. It is not through the flesh or natural ears or intellect but through the spirit with an open mind that God is moving and revealing things. He does not always move as we think or believe He should, and His answers are not always what we expect or desire. Nonetheless, God is speaking. He is answering, reminding us today that the power the enemy had, has been deactivated, and we need to start walking in this truth and authority.  

   

Satan has been running amuck in many lives. Causing disastrous things in relationships, marriages, families, friendships, homes, businesses, churches, etcetera. Wherever there has been a lack of understanding, insecurities, disagreements, fear, guilt, and shame—the enemy has used these emotions and thoughts as his power source to wreak havoc in our lives.

Our actions make this possible when we forget about the power and authority that God has already given to us. We have been fighting with our physical and natural senses without armor. The battle waged is a spiritual one—beginning in our minds. We are guilty of not pulling down strongholds while entertaining the enemy's thoughts. We have fed our subconscious minds his lies and suggestions, causing our fear. What we think about and believe (even if it is a lie) comes to pass, manifesting heartaches, miscommunications, and devastations in our lives. We risk what God desires to do in our lives when we fall for the lies and manipulations of the enemy. He has been cyphering our authority and power. We have been unproperly dressed in our armor each day.

There is no power as the power of God and to who He gives it. Positions and money mean nothing in the end without the favor and anointing of God, who holds the ultimate power, which He gives and takes away. There is no power like the power God blessed us with when He defeated death, hell, and the grave, destroying, finally, the power of the enemy, giving us the authority to check and destroy, cast out demons, and heal the sick.

Here is what I believe; many of us have stopped, and some never truly believed in the power of God or His word. We have not walked by faith. Instead have walked by our past (experiences) and what things feel or look like. We have not walked in the authority God gave us. As Eve in the Garden of Eden, we have entered into a conversation with the enemy, and he has convinced us of lies and half-truths, manipulating the word of God and those we love. When we should have been binding and denouncing the enemy and his tactics, we were listening, arguing, and fighting without our armor and entering battles God said were not ours but His.

Know this and believe in your hearts today, Beloveds; there is indeed revival in the land beginning in your heart and subconscious minds and what you believe. The power of the enemy is deactivated in your life. God gave you the keys and power to destroy the works of the enemy in your life and the lives of those you love. It is time to stand up, put on your armor, follow, and believe the word of God. Really, believe me. Because without belief, you only give the enemy the ammunition he needs to steal your power, destroy your life, and kill your dreams and visions,

 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. God cannot lie. We have the power and authority to overturn and bind up the enemy, cast out demons, and heal the sick. Yet, our unbelief in the things and ways of God and belief in the enemy’s lies stop us. Walk and believe in the authority that God has given us. Saturate your mind with the word and promises of God. Resist the devil, denounce his whispers and lies, and plead the Blood of Jesus over your thoughts and minds. Do not fall for the smoke and mirrors or what appears to be. Instead, hold onto the word and promises of God even if you cannot see God moving. Know that God does not lie. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Winning in Unfamiliar Territory"

 Reflections4Life™ June 12, 2022

“Winning in Unfamiliar Territory”

“We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm.” Ephesians 6:12-13

Scripture Contemplation: Exodus 13; Ephesians 6; Isaiah 40; 2 Corinthians 10; 1 Timothy 1; 1 Peter 5; Zechariah 4:6; Romans 12:2; 1 Samuel 17:47

©Ruthe McDonald

I declare that this week’s Reflections will be a source of continued encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. There is an ongoing war; a spiritual war that we are in every day. Our best defense is an intimate and disciplined relationship with our Heavenly Father. This assures that we will not only be properly dressed in the armor of God but also know how to do battle with an enemy older than the sands of time.

Beloveds, there is indeed such a thing as spiritual warfare; a battle fought in the spiritual realm that affects every aspect of our lives, including our physical lives. Satan has long declared war against our heavenly Father. This war has never been about us directly. The enemy wants to hurt God and destroy His greatest creation—mankind. He wants to destroy our belief in God, in righteousness, in holiness, in faith, and our belief in love. The enemy believes that if he can destroy us and take as many as he can to the lake of fire, he will have destroyed God’s plan.

The enemy forgets that he has already lost. That, not only has God won, but we have won also because, Christ not only went to the Cross and died for our sins, He rose again. And before He rose, he won against death and hell, taking back the keys to life and has made them available to us; giving us the victory.

The greater problem is, that many of us forget these facts also, especially when we face trials and tribulations in our lives. We forget who we are, whose we are, and the weapons that we have at our disposal. We also forget that sometimes in battle, God will take us through unfamiliar territory and grant us the victory because we obeyed and believed Him. 

The enemy counts on us forgetting and being sidetracked so that he can get in and distort what we believe, making us forget the goodness and promises of God. This, my beloveds, is the reason that we need to make sure we have an intimate relationship with our Father each day. That, we are seeking God’s face, reading our word, following His directions, and having a stealthy prayer life.

The enemy is crafty in his moves and watches like a wild animal stalking its prey, waiting to pounce. Strategic in his machinations, he strikes to kill and destroy, to maim, and alienate, to drive insane and separate. The enemy wants in our minds, wreaking havoc until all we hear and believe are the lies he constantly whispers and his smoke and mirrors. If he can make us doubt at any time the promises and love of God, he has an opening. And you can rest assured, he will barrage his way through to take over your mind until he has left nothing of your life but shambles, confusion, hate, bitterness, and no belief in the word or promises of God. Or, even belief in yourself, destroying love in your life. Trust, he twists every word around. He will have you question the validity of the word and everything you have ever believed or have been taught, learned, and experienced firsthand.

The good news is we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus. He has already given His life and assured our victory. He has done the hard part—dying for our sins and retrieving the keys of life. He has made available to us not only the keys of life but also the keys of the Kingdom. What we have to do is be vigilant in our relationship with God. Seek His face and His will daily, following His instructions, walking in faith, and reminding ourselves when the very harsh and difficult times arise in our lives [and they will] that God has already declared us victorious.

We must know in our hearts that sometimes, in order to win, God will take us on a journey that will lead us through unfamiliar territories. On these unfamiliar roads, our victories will come. The Father will teach and prepare us for the battles that lie ahead. He will strengthen us and build our courage and conviction. But the most wonderful thing about these journies that many of us cannot see and will not understand until the battle is over, is the fact that all along, God will hide us in plain sight. He will protect us, while also preparing us for the right time. When we're ready, we will shoot forth like an arrow, hitting its intended mark; claiming the victory, winning in unfamiliar territory.

Beloved, get in your word every day. Fill your heart and mind—saturate it—with the will of God. See what God sees. Hear what He is saying. If we know the heart and mind of God, then we will know how to stand against the enemy and how to use our armor. We do not learn these things by skimming the word of God and occasionally praying or only praying when something goes wrong. No. We must saturate our hearts and minds in the things of God; renewing our minds daily, pulling down strongholds. We cannot fight the enemy on physical terms or by wit. We must armor ourselves in truth and under the direction of the Holy Spirit, following ALL of His instructions, lest we succumb to the lies and evil plots of the enemy. Remember who you are and what has been given to the body of Christ. We cannot fight a spiritual fight without spiritual armor. That would be like going to a gunfight with a knife. And, we cannot always stay in the same place and expect to win when God said to move and go another way.

Exodus 13:18 So God chose a different, longer path that led the community of His people through the desert toward the Red Sea. The Israelites marched out of the land of Egypt like an army ready for battle. 

Zechariah 4:6 “…‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ saith the Lord of hosts.”

1 Samuel 17:47 And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.”

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. Spiritual warfare has been launched against the children of God. Designed to destroy and separate us from the love and promises of God. At some point in our walk with God, He will take us on a journey in unfamiliar territory. Be obedient and follow His lead. He is ensuring our victory on this earth so that we not only win against the enemy but will also receive God's best for our lives. He will cause us to win in unfamiliar territories where the enemy didn't even see us coming! Put on your armor of God; spend time in His presence, filled with Him and the knowledge and wisdom needed to navigate through a war that has already been won and a battle that is not ours, but the Lord’s. Trust; He got us. We have already won…a long time ago. You are blessed. Now…go and be a blessing!

©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"The Beauty of My Heart"

 Reflections4Life™ May 08, 2022

“The Beauty of My Heart”

“Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God-you're breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.” Psalm 139:13-14 MSG

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 139; Proverbs 31; Ruth 1; Job 24; 1-12; Isaiah 49:15-18; John 19…

Happy Mother’s Day! 

I declare that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Honor those who gave you life and those who mothered you but may not have birthed you. Let them know each day how much you love them. Remember the lessons of those who have transitioned. For they are life and will guide you to the manifest blessings that God has ordained for your life.

No matter what kind of relationship you may have with your mother, honor her for the simple fact that you have a life. I understand that there are many who are estranged from their mothers. You have your reasons. Yet, even in that, God admonishes us to honor our parents. To honor our mothers for the simple fact that they gave us birth and that is the vessel that God chose to bring us into this world.

No mother is perfect. Some go far and above as mothers, sharing their love and concern with countless others who may not have had such a great relationship with their own or even know their mother. Then you have mothers who are at the other end of the spectrum. Such is life; it is good and bad in all things. Yet, I am convinced that for those who have found themselves in the latter experience, I believe that God has raised up women to come into their lives and mother those who need mothering. He has raised up a select group of women to carry out the love of God through mothering not only their children but other children and adults who need to know sincerely what a mother’s love is and what it feels like.

I take this opportunity to share with you about my mother. My heart. The beauty of my heart. I am because she was. She transitioned seven years ago, yet it feels like yesterday. I still hear her voice, feel her embrace, and at times smell her scent and feel her presence. She is never far from me. As close as we were before she transitioned, there was a time when we were not close at all. I gather many mothers and daughters go through this speed bump as daughters are growing up and thinking they know everything. Yet that was not the reason for our distance. 

My mother confided in me that she thought she had to be extra strict with me to ensure that I did not follow her example. She wanted me to do more than she did. To accomplish all of my dreams. To go to college and do the things that were in my heart. So, she became very strict and rigid in her discipline—in her fear—to keep me walking that “straight” line. The result, however, was that I did not want to be around my mother. I loved her but hated her behavior towards me, which only made us bump heads. There were things I wanted to share with her. Things I needed to share, that she should have known but was too fearful and angry at her to open up and develop a close relationship that we shared when I was a very little girl.

Fortunately, God stepped in, and when I graduated college, my mother and I became best friends. We were able to communicate as women who had grown and who had things in common that went beyond our love for God. The trials and tests we endured made us stronger, and that is why I can say, my mother will always be the beauty of my heart. She is that beauty that resides in my heart constantly. Through her, I learned how to be a mother, a friend, an aunt, and a humanitarian. I learned how to pray, how to intercede, and how to be that Proverbs 31 woman. I am blessed. Because even though she is now resting in the Lord, she has left me a treasure; an inheritance that makes my brothers and me wealthy beyond natural means. She left us with the truth of what it means to be a true child of God.

Strength

This is my Mom. She taught me just about everything I know about being a strong woman. About, coming back stronger after being down for so long. About overcoming obstacles and triumphantly destroying the plans of the enemy. She taught me about prayer and how to pray. She taught me how to forgive and to love unconditionally.

This is my Mama. My friend. My heart. My teacher. The woman who showed me that nothing is impossible for God. That you can indeed overcome when everyone else has counted you out. She taught me how to stand in my convictions and not back down. To hold onto what I believed and to go after God tenaciously, and that it is okay to remind God of His promises, and to definitely ask the question why. 

This is my Mother. Who loved me better than anyone, Who prayed for me when I couldn't pray for myself. Who listened to me and did not interrupt. Who knew what I was feeling just by the look on my face or the aurora of my spirit. I didn't have to say a word. She just knew. Who listened patiently and didn't ask a question; even though I called her at four in the morning but didn't speak until 4:25. She just listened, while I was silent or cried. Then afterward, she lifted me up in prayer, not commenting n anything I just shared. Because she understood, I just needed my mother's ear.

This is my Mommy. Who left this earth seven years ago. Leaving me to wonder what I was going to do without my partner in crime. Without my intercessor, my prayer warrior, my encourager, my teacher, my mother, my friend. What was I to do? It hurt so damn bad. And it still does.

This is my Teacher. Who taught me strength just by being who she was. Her life was a testament to her strength and irreproachable character. She was far from perfect, and she owned it. Never did she hide the truth about who she was and what she did, to the point it felt that I knew too much! But she was honest and wanted you to know, that whatever you faced, you could get through it also.

I hope there is someone in your life that you can always turn to and have a source of strength to glean from. I hope that you cherish every lesson, admonishment, and correction that they have to give. Because it is all a part of teaching you to stand and be strong; becoming the person God has already said you are.

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. Honor your mother whether or not she was good, bad, there, or not. She was the instrument that God used to get you here, on this earth, and receiving of all that He has for you. Do not let a day go past that you do not tell the ones you love that you love them. If you see someone who needs some mothering, then mother them. DNA has nothing on motherhood. It is about the heart and the power and beauty that reside within a woman’s heart and the power that lies in motherhood. Happy Mother’s Day! Rejoice in your assignment. It is a gift from God. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved. 

"Bound"

 Refelections4Life™ May 30, 2021

“Bound”

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound…” Isaiah 61:1

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 39; 40; Psalm 68; Isaiah 61; Mark 5; Luke 13; Romans 8…

I know you want to be free. I know in my heart of hearts that you do not want to continue in a cycle of pain, hurt, anger, and disappointment. I know this because God tells me so. I know this because of your actions. I know this because of the words you have spoken, and the heartache I hear in your voice, along with the hurt I see in your eyes. You have been bound long enough, Beloved. It is time to be free. And it is up to you—to not free yourself—but to accept your freedom.

I decree, today’s Reflections, will bring comfort and peace to your heart, mind, and soul. I pray it is a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Let this be the week that all doubts are eradicated, and your faith stirred up, as you stand upon the word of God and His promises to you, and you accept and walk in your freedom; letting every bondage be broken once and for all.

Far too many of us are bound by our past. Bound by the words that someone else has spoken over our lives. We are bound by our sins and the sins of our fathers and mothers. It is like a perpetual curse that leaps from generation to generation seeking to destroy the very seed of a family until we have utterly given up on God and never knew that we once had a relationship with Him.

We are bound by the things that have happened to us. The thoughtlessness and unconcern that others have shown toward us in our lives. The pain and heartache inflicted upon us by those who said they loved us, and those that were supposed to love us. It has caused us to be bound to a time, place, and situation; not really knowing how to become free. How to move forward and walk in the life that God has ordained and promise us.

It is not easy to let go of a past. Especially when that particular past is all you have ever known. How do we recognize and know genuine love? How do we know that the love of God is sincere and true and everlasting? The truth is, we really do not know until we are in the midst of it. It takes faith and it takes time. It takes for us to be vulnerable at least one more time.

Beloved, there is nothing more that God desires than to see you happy, flourishing, and basking in His love for you each and every day. But it’s going to take a leap of faith on your part after being hurt and disappointed so many times. But I can promise you this—from my own experience—when you allow God into those secret places; the places in your heart and soul that you have not allowed anyone else into—sometimes not even yourself—God will come in and rescue you. He will soothe you, heal you, and give you hope for each and every day moving forward.

Is it easy? Nope. Not at all. Trust never is. But God loves you more than you will ever know. He has already sent His Son to die on our behalf. He has already opened up doors that are just waiting for us to walk through. Yet, to partake in this; to receive the full benefits of what God is offering—we are going to need to have a little bit of faith. All that is needed to see a change in our lives is faith the size of a mustard seed. To believe; even if it’s just that small.

I know it is scary. I know that you have been hurt and disappointed many times. But I know that God has what you need. I promise you: God knows your heart and knows exactly how to take care of you. Take this leap of faith, and be free from the shackles that have tied your hands and your life. There is nothing too hard for God.

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. You do not have to fight to free yourself. God did it for you. You just have to claim your victory. Walk-in your freedom and the promises that God has made for your life. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.