"With All Your Heart"

 Reflections4LifeTM February 7, 2021

“With All Your Heart”

“But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 15; Deuteronomy 4; 6; Psalm 86; Luke 10:27…

Mr. Leonard M. Bishop

Anything worth having in life is worth the effort in attaining it. Anything worth achieving requires that we are willing to give our all to whatever it may be. Be it a career, a relationship, a family, a business, etcetera. Whatever we desire to succeed in, it must be met with the investment of all our hearts.

Today's Reflections4life is written to my family. We have suffered tremendously over the past five years. Our hearts have taken some huge hits and losses, and I know it feels like we are losing. I want each of you to know just how much I love you and pray for you dearly. I know it is easier said than done. The transitioning of our Beloved Brother, Uncle, Father, Cousin Leonard Bishop (Bish) has hit a bit differently. I can only say it's because we are used to him being the one that consoles us, and somehow making us smile through our heartache. I can only take comfort in the fact that I know he is no longer in pain, is at rest, and is rejoicing, holding the hugest concert Heaven has seen in a long time and reunited with his beloved, Aunt Nette. We are going to get through this, family. Though we cannot see it right now, and it seems impossible—we are strong. We are resilient. And we have God on our side. 

If I have not spoken to you in a while; if I have not reached out to you—please know, it is not because I have not wanted to. I just have not been able to. Not the way I want. Some of you may not understand what God has been doing in my life. And the truth is, I have not either, but when He lets me know and gives me a full understanding, I will be sure to share it all with you. In the meantime, please know that I love you. That I have been praying for ALL of you Every. Single. Day. There is not a day that goes by you are not loved or prayed for. So, hang in there. We have this as long as we stick together. Let us learn from our Beloved Uncle Lenny; let us love with all of our heart. Because we know, that is exactly how he loved. He loved with his whole being, and that is why this hurts so much more. Let us follow in his footsteps. Let us keep loving and forgiving each other and showing up for one another. It is the only way we will get through this, and continue to honor Uncle Lenny and all of our loved ones that have transitioned in these past five years.

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. Make a conscious effort to invest in yourself this week by spending more intimate time with the Father. Come to Him with all your heart and He will open up the windows of heaven as you have never seen before.

When we enter into a new relationship, most desire to give their all because they desire that intimate connection and the promise of a lasting and loving relationship. As time goes on, and the relationship matures, it is expected that one is giving all of their heart. That, they are all in; invested in the relationship and its success.

Then there are others who do not give all in a relationship. They give a bare minimum of themselves and then wonder why the relationship failed. They hold back and do not take the risk of getting hurt if it doesn’t work out the way they desired. So, instead of becoming vulnerable and giving in to getting to know that person, and having that person know them; the relationship cannot grow and soon dies out like all the others before it.

Anything in our lives worth having requires that we give our all. We must be totally invested to see any growth and reward. No matter what it is in life; we will not see success or manifest the best if we are not 100% invested in what we are doing.

We cannot excel in our careers if we are not willing to invest our time and give our all. With the exception of extreme cases of nepotism—when is the last time you witnessed someone being promoted to a highly esteemed position without being totally dedicated to that company? Proving that they give their all in the job that they are doing? The promotion comes when you have diligently and consistently worked for it.

Some may argue that that is not necessarily true. That, there have been many instances where one has given their all only to be disappointed, crushed, and devastated in the end; left feeling wounded and dejected. And not so willing to give their all the next time around.

This is true for many. But that is life. That is the world we live in. However, we cannot allow these circumstances and situations to cause us to stop being who we are and true to what we know is right. We must stand firm in who we are and not conform to the way of the world when we are hurt and disappointed. We must take the high road, and trust God to bring us through. Trust the promise keeper to keep His promises to us. Because the truth of the matter is, as believers, we are held to a different standard than the world. We have an example in Christ Jesus that we can look to. For He was rejected and betrayed when all He did was give His all. With all of His heart he served, He healed, He witnessed. And when He was betrayed? He still loved and gave His life with all of His heart.

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. We may not be Jesus, but He lives in our hearts. The same character that resides in Him resides in us. No matter what we face in this life; always give all of you. Do all things with all of your heart. Because at the end of the day, it is not to impress flesh and blood, but to honor the God we serve who gave His everything to save our souls. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Faith and Trust"

Reflections4Life September 22, 2019

“Faith & Trust”

“And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen.” Matthew 21:21

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 22; Matthew 6; 17; Hebrews 11; James 1…

There are times in life when we are thrown a fast ball—where circumstances in life will hit us quickly and unexpectedly, taking us off guard. And sometimes knocking us off course. Some of us will lose faith, and many of us will lose trust. It doesn’t take great faith for us to begin to believe again. But it takes much more for us to develop trust. Have the courage to step out on faith, and allow God to build your trust.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Though you may have been taken off guard in the past, and though you may have lost faith and trust—incline your ear to the Lord and follow His lead. Let the Father heal you, and give you what you need so you can get to the place where your heart is abundant in faith and trust.

Faith has always been key in my life. It has been faith that allowed me to tread places where others would probably never go. It has been because of my faith that I dare to do and believe for things that seem impossible to the human mind, but very possible to our loving God. It is no doubt in my heart and mind that God has blessed me with the gift of faith. It is far beyond just having faith the size of a mustard seed…it is the kind of faith that will believe and hold on even after everyone has let go and gone. It’s the kind of faith that will trust wholeheartedly in the word of my God, and see the dead be resurrected without of hint of hesitation or doubt.

At twelve years old, I had an encounter with faith. You’re probably wondering: how does one have an encounter with faith? Well, let’s just say it was my “road of Damascus” moment, in which God blessed me with the gift of faith and changed my life forever.

The prominent wall in the living room was painted black. I was sitting in a chair opposite that particular wall when I noticed something in the top left corner. At first, I thought it was a glare from the light in the hallway. However, when I turned the light off it was still there. Written in bold block letters, about three feet wide and two feet high was the word: FAITH. I rubbed my eyes, it was still there. I touched the wall, it was still there. But what really pushed me over was the fact that no one else in the house could see it. Only me.

Why on earth was I seeing this? What did it possibly mean? It meant everything. I wasn’t scared, but I was definitely shaken. Then I was in wonderment and awe. Then I started crying. I was saved when I was seven years old. Yet, I had a relationship with God way before that. Seeing faith written on the wall took me to another level. That day changed my life forever. From my bedroom I could see the wall and faith staring back at me. It was still there until I closed my eyes well past midnight. In the morning I was gone, but had become etched on the walls of my heart and embedded in my soul and spirit.

That one day changed my life forever. Faith has been an integral part of all that I do. Have there been times when I wanted to give up, not believe, and have had some doubts? Most certainly. But it has always been faith that wins out. I just cannot let go—no matter what things look like—of faith. Even if it is mustard sized, I can’t let go. Because faith has carried me and kept me. My faith in God. My belief that He will do just what He said, regardless to whom or what.

It has been my faith that has led me to trust. I don’t trust many people, but I do trust God. And even in trusting God, I can admit to faltering at times. Because in order to trust God with all your heart, you have to learn to let go completely. You have to be able to have faith in what He says and leap into the unknown, believing that God will not fail you.

Faith has paved my way for trust in God. Where I have faith in God doing just what He said; I had to learn to trust Him where I couldn’t trace Him. To, trust Him without knowing the plan. To have complete trust in Him by letting go and letting Him.

It’s a hard thing when trust has been broken. Because once trust is broken, it is the hardest thing to repair. You don’t know who you can truly count on. And everyone’s word becomes suspect. But, when you place your trust in God, and take your hands off a situation; He will let you know who you can trust. And the awesome thing is: God doesn’t require you to put trust in man, but to put your trust in Him. And to be confident in your faith.

Let me say this—and maybe it will help you to understand clearly the connection between faith and trust—Abraham had complete faith in the promises of God. He believed the father when He told him he would be a father of many nations. Even when God told him to sacrifice Isaac—he had faith. But his faith made room for him to trust God. For certain, Abraham didn’t know the course that God was taking. Did not understand this turn of events. It didn’t make sense to his human mind and reasoning. However, his years of faith in God, made room for his trust in God. To do exactly what Jehovah asked of him; trusting God when he did not know His complete plan.

I love the movie Man of Steel. There’s a scene where Clark Kent is talking to a minister, and he says he doubts he can trust the people not to turn on him. The minister says to him as he’s walking away: “Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith first. The trust part comes later.” How true is that? We must first have faith, then trust will come later. Faith is the substance that builds the bridge to trust. Have faith in God, and trust Him to do just what He said.

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. Sometimes it is the hardest thing to see past the moment, the day, or the situation. It is our act of faith that will lead us to a heart of trust. How can you not trust a God who loved His creation to enough to redeem us from ourselves? To give us the ultimate gift of Christ, knowing that He would be rejected, but knowing His Blood would save us? Only our God. Trust Him where you can’t trace Him. Let your faith speak for you. You are blessed. Now go…be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Holding On to Love"

Reflections4Life™ April 28, 2019

“Holding On To Love”

“But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:12

Scripture Reading For This Week: Genesis 1;2; Song of Solomon; John 3:16-17; John 17; 1 Corinthians 13; Galatians 5:22-23...

How can I possibly explain how much I love the Lord? I do not believe I have the vernacular to do justice to what my heart and soul hoards for the Father. I love Him with every fiber of my being; every single molecule. His love has set me free, and I never want to let go of Him. No matter what comes to me in this life; I will hold on to love.

I decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. There may be somethings that have caused you to draw back and not to love freely or unconditionally; but now is the time to get back in, and love unconditionally. No longer will you let go of love but hold on, give love, and receive the love you deserve.

What a powerful revelation the Father blessed me with concerning love. How can I even begin to tell you? I guess the best way is to just show you; through my actions, through my writing, through my service to the Father on a daily basis.

Do you know how powerful love is? Do you understand how love can change things and people? That, Unconditional love. That, God love. God, Himself. Oh my dear friends, when I understood that God is love and that He has created in me that same love; and part of Him is in me—I cannot begin to tell you how that revelation changed my life, and how I love and receive love.

It is a given that in this lifetime we are going to be hurt, disappointed, and discouraged. It will come. Yet, we cannot allow those things to stop us from loving unconditionally. Many of us love, but we love with conditions. This was not always the case. When we come into this world, all we know is to love unconditionally as a child, until we grow up and begin to experience life and put into practice what we've been taught. Taught through other's actions; mimicking the way others loved around us.

The only way to know how to love, to love unconditionally, is to be intimate with the Father; to understand how He loves and to know what it is He desires from us. Any other kind of love is temporal. It will not last or stand the tests and trials of our lifetime. It holds restraints and has conditions upon it.

However, the love of God—God Love—is refreshing, liberating, unconditional, mind and heart changing, and it is everlasting. Don't get me wrong; I am not saying that we will not experience hurt and disappointment while loving unconditionally, because we will. That is being a part of life on this earth. However, we can triumph over those hurts and love freely without having to contort ourselves into someone we do not know, filled with bitterness, regrets, carrying countless baggage, and never trusting anyone. That is not Christ! That is not God-Love! That is a prison sentence. God has set us free from that. We can live and love without any strings or conditions attached.

So can we agree that in this life we will experience disappointment and hurt? But can we also agree that we can and will also experience the joy and gift of love when we love God's way? We cannot allow unconditional love to slip from our spirits because we have been hurt. No matter how many times it has occurred. I know: easier said than done. But I don't believe so. Not when you allow God that place upon the throne of your heart, and you begin to love as He loves. When you allow the Father to teach you how to navigate and how to love as He does.

I learned a valuable lesson. I came to the understanding that many of us have allowed the way we love to be shaped by our experiences with others. Because of this, we hinder and short-change ourselves when it comes to giving and receiving love. We punish others for the missteps and hurts caused by another.

When you are hurt, you cannot allow it [hurt] to change your love. Love should be unconditional. When hurt or disappointed, there is the tendency to alter how we love, and not allow the next person in our lives to experience that unconditional love. Instead, we bring judgment, fear, and baggage from the past. This can keep us from the wealth of blessings that God has for our lives. Do not allow the pain heartache and disappointment from previous relationships; whether it's romantic, friendships, or even a relationship with a church—to change how you love and receive love. Allow God to guard your heart, as you continue to love unconditionally.

Again, in this life, there is going to be sorrows, heartache, pain, disappointment. But there is also triumphs, joy, peace, and yes, love. We mustn't allow the hurt we have experienced today to dictate how we love tomorrow. We find this, especially in romantic relationships. We get hurt by someone we loved deeply. Because of this, we may find that we are not willing to love as freely; finding ourselves placing conditions on our love. If the person does this, or if they say that, then it's over. We hold them to a standard created by the actions of another. In this instance, we never get to truly know or even love this person or receive the love they have for us because it is tainted by the hurt and disappointment from previous experiences.

The same thing can be said when we go to churches. I don't know how many stories I have heard and can testify to myself, where someone has been hurt by people in the church. They find themselves going from church to church; eventually giving up on any fellowship with a local church body. Why? Because as soon as we see anything resembling what we experienced, we are out the door! Is that fair? Did we sit down with the Pastor and discuss our experiences? Did we allow God to bring healing to our hearts? Dis we allow ourselves time to even heal before moving forward? Probably not.

When it comes to love—unconditional love—we need to hold on and never let it go. It makes all the difference in our experiences. It makes the difference in how we interact with others, how we see ourselves, and how we not only give love but receive love.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a “Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or 5 rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do.6 Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. 7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.8 Love never fails!”

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Let love reign. Let God be all up in your space, loving on you and teaching you to love. Hold onto love and never let it go. No matter the circumstances or situations, love will always and can always endure. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Love Yourself"

Reflections4Life™ February 10, 2019

“Love Yourself”

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14 

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 139; Matthew 22; Ephesians 5; 1 Corinthians 13; 2 Corinthians 12; 1 John 4:16

©Ruthe McDonald.

I cannot begin to express how important it is to love yourself. When you love yourself, the chances of you allowing anyone to treat you less than you deserve are slim to none. How can we say we love God, who resides in us, and not love ourselves, when God Himself, has chosen us? What’s not to love? We have to begin to see ourselves through the eyes of God and stop loving ourselves based on what we see in the mirror and hear from others. Loving yourself is a heart and soul matter, and if you allow God in, His love changes everything.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. Let this week fill your hearts with the words and love of our heavenly Father. Allow His love to blanket you and soothe all the rough and hurting places; bringing you comfort and a new perspective. Allow the Father to show you truly how to love yourself; to love yourself without pompousness or the exclusion of others but bringing a healthy dose of self-love and confidence.

Admittedly, there are those who have loved themselves and still found themselves in relationships that nearly destroyed them. Why? Because, although they loved themselves, they allowed their love for that person to supersede the love and concern they had for themselves. It is a beautiful thing to love with all your heart and soul, to give your all to another, not holding back. However, it is even better when you love yourself so much, that you don't forget to take care of your needs and recognize when you are being treated less than you deserve.

Love can be blind. Blind to the faults of others. And blind and deaf to our mind screaming for us to wake up and pay attention to those signals that are warning us about the danger. It may sound selfish and contrary to what you may have heard and been taught in the past; but after God, you must always put yourself first. You must take care of self, first. Love yourself the best first. At the end of the day, if you are not all right, no one else will be. And if you don't put yourself first, nine times out of ten, you will find yourself at the end of a relationship, used, abused, broken, burned out, not knowing who you are and how you got there.

I speak to you Beloved, from my truth. I speak from experience, not merely observations. If I can save you at least one-tenth of the heartache I have endured and experienced, then what I endured was not in vain but for a greater purpose. Love yourself, Beloved.

You know what else I have learned? 1. You may not see everyone’s intentions in the beginning—God may have designed it that way—but when it is time for the truth to be revealed, you can count on God making that known. That usually occurs when God is ushering you to a new level in your life’s journey. 2. Healthy self-love is one of the most beautiful and attractive things to witness in a person. Not arrogance or pompousness, but self-assuredness, a confidence that you can handle whatever comes at you, especially with God on your side, and the ability to recognize when others no longer love you, or only desire to use you, and those that just don’t deserve a relationship with you. And when people’s intentions and hearts have changed.

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. My self-love is not predicated on someone else's opinions or thoughts of me. Their opinion no longer takes up space; a space that is reserved for the encouraging and purposeful words of my Creator and the voice of self that has been developed and strengthened over the years of intimacy with God. You are blessed. Now go … and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Did You Ask?"

Reflections4Life™ March 19, 2017

“Did You Ask?”

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you…” Matthew 7:7

Scripture Contemplation: Deuteronomy 32:7; Joshua 9; 1Samuel 1; Esther 5; Philippians 4:6…

©Ruthe McDonald.

I declare and decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and enlightenment for your heart, mind, and soul; bringing you peace in every area of your life. Do not be afraid to make your petitions to Lord be known. Let this week find you walking in confidence and faith. Believe in God to answer your requests. Spend intimate with the Father so He may fill you with His wisdom.

Do we really ask for what we want, anymore? Do we ask God what He thinks; for His wisdom? Has disappointment and unanswered prayers kept us from asking God for what we desire? Do we no longer seek God for His instructions? Many have suffered disappointments. They find their faith, not at a level it may have been once before. Yet, God will remind us to ask; to speak aloud and ask for what we want and to ask for His wisdom.

There have been times when God has asked me, did you ask for what you want? Did you ask for My wisdom or opinion? I had to ask myself, did I ask God? Did I submit my petition to the Lord? Did I seek His counsel before doing forward with certain plans? Did I assume the answer would be no, or the prayer was not going to be answered? Did I think this was the will of God for me?  I had to search myself. Because there are times when my faith has not been on the level it should have been, and times I have acted hastily without seeking His counsel. Sometimes the cares of this world can overwhelm us that we begin to move with the current of the world, and not the current of God. We forget the promises, we stop seeking His will, we succumb to what only our natural eyes can see, and we often forget about all the answered prayers we previously received, Our memory becomes shortened because we have moved out of faith and have begun to walk by sight.

It is not hard to overlook the one simple act of actually asking. When we are caught up in the way things appear to be, often times God is the last One we go to. When we seek Him, we are not asking or seeking, but instead telling God what we need, and informing Him of made up plans. I am guilty of this behavior. I either have asked but did not believe or have confidence in what I was asking for. Or, I did not ask God or seek His will, and went ahead with plans that were not favorable or what God desired for me.

1 John 5:14-15 (AKJV) 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: 15 and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Jeremiah 29:11-12 (AKJV) 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

For many of us, our confidence has dwindled. We no longer ask boldly or according to God’s will for our lives because we have not spent any quality time in the presence of our God to know His will for our lives. We lack understanding, faith, courage, and wisdom. We have no confidence in God; no confidence that He will answer when we ask. We have come to this sad conclusion because we do not know God. We have no knowledge of who our Father truly is. If we have no knowledge of who He truly is, then how can we ask and believe that whatever we ask for, He will give it to us. How can we know that He blesses our plans?

Beloveds, it is time to seek the will of God for our lives. It is time to ask God to fill us with His knowledge and wisdom. So, that we will understand and believe in our hearts that whatever we come to Him for, He will indeed answer us. We have been on a lone search for answers for far too long. Too many of us are crashing and burning when all we need to do is seek God. Seek His will, the Kingdom of Heaven, and ask God in confidence for what we want.

We have made decisions in our lives and wonder at our failures or the uncomfortable situations we find ourselves in. This is when we ask ourselves, did I ask? Did I ask God for direction, His will, and His instructions? Or, did I just do what I wanted or what someone else said I should do without seeking wise counsel?

The pendulum swings both ways. Will we receive everything we ask for? No. For those with children, would you give your children everything they asked for? God has given us freedom to choose. That includes the paths we take. Whether or not we desire to listen and heed to His counsel. We cannot blame God for the actions we take when have not sought Him or His will. When we have not asked for what we want, or for His directions.

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 will answer, and sometimes His answers are not what we were expecting, but He is answering. Be confident in knowing that God does hear you. Never allow fear to keep your heart closed to a Father that only desires the best for you; whether you are seeking an answered request or His wisdom concerning a situation or direction; ask. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"You Already Are"

#MondayInspiration

"You Already Are"

Do you believe me when I tell you that everything

©Ruthe McDonald.

you need to become the person you already are, is already residing in you? It's true. What part are you having trouble with? The part that says it's already residing in you? Or, 'the person you already are'? Let's look at that first, shall we?

The person God created you to be? That person you want to be? That person who totally has their ish together and are whole and confident in themselves? Yes. That person. THEY. ALREADY. EXIST. INSIDE. OF. YOU. The person you will yet be is already waiting within. Waiting to emerge, to be birthed, to be born, to be recognized and given permission to come forth. When God formed us in our mother's womb, He created us whole and complete. He created as He sees us—in His image, Flawless, full of wonder and splendor, and whole in our heart, mind, and soul.

Everything we need to birth this part of us? Everything we need to bring them forth? It is already residing in us. All we have to do is believe it. Trust God on this journey of life, as He reveals to us everything that He has hidden within us.

Why is it hidden? Because, when we come into this world, we're not ready for the magnificence of the person we're yet to be. It would overwhelm us. We need to grow and learn and most of all, come to God, on our own, developing a relationship with Him. Every day is an opportunity for us to allow ourselves to become who God created us to be. Some of us are scared, afraid to seek that part of us because we're afraid that they don't really exist. Oh! We exist, Beloved. YOU exist! Each trial and test we go through in this life—believe it or not—brings us closer to who we already are. Our true, authentic, God designed us finally coming forth.

You're still here because you have not given up. That part of you; the person you already are, will not let you give up. They're waiting their turn. When they finally emerge, it will be like: What took me so long?

Blessings!

©Ruthe McDonald

#REFLECTIONS4LIFE™

"Free"

Reflections4Life July 5, 2015

“Free”

“Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.” Galatians 5:1 (MSG)

Scripture Contemplation: Galatians 5; Ephesians 3; 5; Hebrews 6…

As we celebrated Independence Day in America, many took the time to thank those who fought and continue to fight for our freedom. To fight that we may pursue our happiness—whatever that may be.

I thought about it (freedom) quite a lot yesterday. And I realized that so many of us are anything but free. Whether it is physical, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. Many of us are still bound. Bound to a way of life. To a belief. To a person, a lifestyle, an idea. Some are even bound to their negative thoughts.

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. As you delve into an intimate relationship with the Creator, allow Him to shape and mold and condition your heart. Let His love cover you, as He teaches you what it truly means to be free.

The ties that bind us are evident by what we witness in this world each and every day. The continued atrocities that occur against our fellow man based upon an ideal and belief system that makes some believe they have the right to treat others with such hate, animosity, and vitriol.

What right do have to judge others? Unless it is a righteous judgment?—Not self-righteousness but a godly righteousness. Wherein we see an injustice and want to correct it. Where we stand up and become the voice for those who do not have one. Who, have been vehemently wronged and bullied, taken advantage of, and stripped of their rights.

It is obvious that although many are physically free they remain bound in their thoughts and ideals. So many are walking around bound in heavy mental-chains when God has already freed us. But they hang on to hurt, pain, ideals and principles that keep them from truly living a free life.

Beloveds, you are free. Freedom is yours if you desire to walk in it. We cannot control what others think and the actions that they ultimately choose to make. But we can be free in our own lives and live accordingly. And we can continue to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.

We can break vicious cycles of hate and judgment by living our lives in such a manner, that we respect others and their right to choose and stand up for those who have no voice and have suffered by the hands of those who continue to be bound and abuse their authority and power.

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. To be truly free, we must be free in our minds and hearts, and fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. Don't allow this world to bind you with its troubles. Allow God to pour His love into you, and free you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2015. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"So Amazing"

Reflections4Life June 28^th, 2015

“So Amazing”

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 3; Acts 15; Ephesians 4:11-19…

©James Perilli

Lord You are so amazing
(Lord You are so amazing)
Lord You are strong and mighty
(Lord You are strong and mighty)
Lord You are full of mercy
(Lord You are full of mercy)
Lord Your name above all others
(Lord Your name above all others)

And I cannot imagine
What my life would be without You
I know I would be hopeless
I'm a wretch undone without You…

From: I Need You, by Tye Tribbett

In this vast, crazy, and sometimes mixed up world—God is still so amazing to me. The countless things that occur each and every day that come to shake our faith and strip us of what we believe, and God, somehow, like a gentleman, will speak to our hearts and bring us a healing word and ray of good that helps us to hold on.

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 amazing love of God wrap itself around you; bring healing and deliverance. Let the Father fill your heart until there is no room for anything contrary to His goodness and His opinion of you.

God is so amazing! No matter how many times we reject Him, deny Him, sin against Him; He is always; there still reaching towards us to love us unconditionally.

When I feel as though I cannot go on. When I feel like I have reached the last strand on a very thin string, God somehow strengthens me and lets me know that I can and will make it.

Oh, I have been angry many a time at God. I have rebelled. I have been silent. I have stopped praying. I even tried to stop believing. But once you have experienced the love and grace of God, it is not something easily forgotten. And when you have been intimate with the Father, that relationship is not easily broken. He knows your heart even if you don't know. He understands there is a difference in what your mouth speaks. Whether it is coming from a place of hurt, from your mind or your heart.

Yes. God is so amazing. I don't always understand His ways. I don't always understand how He allows such horrific things to take place. But I do know, God is able. And though it may appear as nothing is happening at the moment and that God has abandoned me; a knowing in my spirit lets me know that God has not forgotten me. That, He is moving on my behalf in ways I have yet to learn of.

So amazing is God. So amazing. Though we reject Him and sometimes defy Him, He stands with outstretched arms to receive us. To love on us. I don’t know, Beloved, what may be your plight today. I don’t know what heartaches you have endured. Yet, I do know that God is more powerful than anything you are facing right now, and He desires to fill you with His love and turn things around for you.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Though it may not happen overnight, He will deliver on His promises to bring and see you through, and to never leave or forsake you. Trust Him where you cannot trace. The amazement is not in what God does, but the fact that He does what He does in spite of how we may have behaved or believed. Truly unconditional love. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2015. 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.

"In Service of Others"

Reflections4Life May 24^th, 2015

“In Service of Others”

“I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1

Scripture Contemplation: Romans 9; 12; Philippians 2…

As we spend this weekend celebrating Memorial Day, it is an honor to remember those who served and have given their lives in service of others.

Each day we are granted is an opportunity to make a difference in not only our lives, but the lives of others. To be in the position to help others, gives us a chance to change lives.

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. Our Heavenly Father has given us a great gift: the opportunity to serve. When we understand the heart of a servant, then we understand the power we have to change lives. Allow God to show you how to serve and change lives.

In this life, I would hope that we could learn to give without the thought of only doing to receive something from someone in return. It is so much more than give and take. It is about selflessness. The ability to make a difference in the lives of others; even if you get no recognition for what you do. It’s not about being seen or heard, just about serving and making a difference.

I am in awe of each and every service person that makes a decision to serve their country. For whatever their reasons, it is a great sacrifice that they make. Not only for self, but also their families. Never knowing if one day may be their last while in service to their country and patriots.

When I think on the goodness of God, I think of all that He grants us each and every day. But mostly I think upon the freedom He grants us to choose how we will live our lives and affect the lives of others.

Life has its ups and downs, but it is how we live our lives personally that determines our quality of life. When we make a choice to serve others, we choose to give a part of ourselves. And when we do, we open up our hearts to unknown blessings and joys.

Not everyone gets it. Not everyone understands the heart of those who desire to serve. But everyone receives a benefit from those that choose to.

I give thanks and prayer for those men and women who have served and given their lives in service for the freedoms that we enjoy, and some take for granted. I honor you for the sacrifices that you have made. For the honor of your service. Happy Memorial Day. Blessings to the families that made the ultimate sacrifice in servitude.

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. May you be blessed with the heart that has the capacity to serve others; to make a difference in the life of someone who you may never even know. Be open to the will of god. It will change your life in unexpected ways. You are blessed. Now go and be a blessing.

©2015. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Just The Way You Are"

Reflections4Life  May 17, 2015

“Just the Way You Are.”

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18

Scripture Contemplation: John 3; Hebrews 6; I John 5…

For so many of us, we try our best to always look our best; even when we feel less than our best. There are also times when we try to be someone that we are not, just to be accepted.

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. Let the love of God wash over you. Walk into His embrace with the knowledge that God already know you, and knows exactly what you need.

Why? Why do we do these things to ourselves? Why do we accept less than we deserve just to be wanted and desired by others? Trust me: if you are not being you, your authentic self when beginning a relationship; you are short changing yourself. The truth of the matter is that you should be accepted and wanted just as you are. Not for the facade you put on. Sooner or later the truth will manifest. And when it does, then what?

Thank God He accepts us just the way we are. You don't have to pretend. You don't have to change. You don't have to hide or fake a thing. The Father accepts you AND wants you just the way you are.

Isn't that wonderful? Doesn't that feel liberating? To know that our Creator, when we come to Him, accepts us just as we are; faults, flaws, and all. We don't have to pretend with God. We do not have to worry about looking perfect, being perfect, or saying the right thing. The only thing God cares about is the heart. And that we desire Him.

So many "religious" folk and "church" folk have really screwed things up for people. Their religious pomposity and hypocrisy giving God a bad rap. This is why we must seek and know God for ourselves. To understand that, you cannot get yourself together first; you cannot come correct or perfect; you don't need the perfect garments; you don't have to be sinless; and you don't need money to come to God. You just need a willing heart and a teachable spirit. God will take care of all the rest.  He loves you...just the way you are.

 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 change yourself in any way to be accepted and loved by God. He already loves you and accepts you, and waits patiently for you to show up…just the way you are. You are blessed. Now go and be a blessing!

©2015. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Don't Let Go of Love"

Reflections4Life January 4, 2015

“Don’t Let Go of Love”

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” 1 John 4:18

Scripture Contemplation: Song of Solomon; 1 John 4; 1 John 5…

Happy New Year! Praise God for another year of life and opportunities. I pray that this year you will be filled with much joy and happiness. May you walk in health, peace and into the greatness that God has called you to. And whatever you do—don’t let go of love. Don’t let go of God.

I pray today’s Reflections bring comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Let the love of God fill your soul with every breath you take. Let the Father lead you where you cannot trace Him. Allow Him to fill the cup of your heart until it is overflowing with love.

I certainly pray that this year is one that brings you to a place of courage and strength and confidence when it comes to love; especially the love of God. This past week, a couple of friends of mine got engage. From the outside, many people would probably think it was typical. A typical New Year’s Eve thing that happens to many couples. However, if you knew my friend’s story, then you would know that there was far more to be celebrated than just an engagement.

Often times we can be living our lives and things seem to be going well. They appear to be going according to plans we have in our minds. Then life happens. Unpredictable, take you by surprise, crush your soul, take your breath, life happens. And everything you thought you knew is now questionable. Everything you once believed is now suspect. Yet, God remains the same through it all.

I shared a glimpse into my past and my friendships on yesterday that I very rarely share. I was inspired and compelled to open up about some things that I had experienced. But, in order to share that story, I had to have the blessing of my dear friend. Because it is just as much his story as mine. He gave me his full support.

Long story short; tragedy came and wreaked havoc in our lives. My friend lost a love so deep and so strong, he entered the darkest nights and years of his life; not knowing if he would ever come out of it. For him, there was no more trusting in love. There was to be no more love for him. His heart was shattered and there was no way it was going to be the same ever again. His relationship with God? Over. How could he believe in a God that would allow such heartache to him and his daughter? But now He understands that God was there all along. And that love—true, sincere, unconditional love was there; healing him, his heart and mind. And preparing him for a second chance at what he’d thought he’d lost forever.

His story is not necessarily unique. I am quite sure you have a similar story. I know I do. How can we not? Loss, grief, mourning—it’s all a part of life. Just as much as happiness, joy, and peace are.

How many times in our lives have we been hurt and disappointed, believing that we would never recover. That, the pain and ache would never go away? Too many times to count. Yet, through it all, it is love that keeps us. It is love that drives us and holds us and compels us to move forward and try again.

Love is powerful. Love is strong. Love is God. Whether we recognize it or not, love is all around us waiting to be embraced, acknowledged, and accepted. There are just many of us who cannot see past the pain and despair. We’d rather hold onto anger and bitterness and blame God for all of our wrongs. The truth of the matter is, God is the answer to the hole in our hearts; to the healing that needs to take place. It is God. He is love. And we must never let go of love. No matter what.

Life can be difficult. Hitting us with unexpected situations and heartaches that we may feel we will never recover from. But life is a journey meant to be lived, with opportunities for love—true, unconditional love to be recognized, accepted, felt, and experienced.

Tragedies and loss of loved ones will occur. Yet we must learn to embrace the love we had, the love we shared, and the love that waits for us. We can’t give up on life or love. Because the truth is, it’s the only thing that keeps us human and connected to spirit. It is our saving grace.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree the love of God saturate every area of your lives, filling you until love is overflowing. May you be desperate for God; for His word, for His love, for His presence. Don’t let go of love. Don’t let go of God. You can and will make it through, for God is with you. You are so blessed. Believe it. Walk in it. And share it. Now go…be a blessing.

©2015. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Stop Lying to Yourself"

Reflections4Life Sunday, November 30^th, 2014

“Stop Lying to Yourself”

“Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.” Psalm 51:6

Scripture Contemplation: Joshua 24:14; Psalm 15:2; Proverbs 12:22; John 8:32; Acts 5; Ephesians 4…

We can tell ourselves everything is all right. We can tell others everything is well. We can even attempt to tell God that we are fine. Even though we know God already knows. Yet we say these things when we are lying to ourselves. Lying about how we feel, about our troubles, about who we are and what we want. If you want to sincerely be free; to be healed and delivered; then you must come to the conclusion that you must stop lying to yourself.

I declare and decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Allow Holy Spirit into those secret places that you have even hidden from yourself. Let the light of God shine bright on those areas that need to be exposed, and healed, so that you may truly begin to live the life that God has ordained for you.

Sure, we can lie to everyone around us, and even convince them that we are well and happy with our lives. We can even convince ourselves that all is well, but that won't last long when God loves us way too much to leave us in a state of denial and lying to ourselves.

God has so many ways He desires to bless us, that He will not allow "us" to not face the truth, but ensure we stop lying to ourselves, and begin living the life He's ordained for us. Yes. There are things that have happened in our lives than have hurt us deeply. Situations and circumstances have arose to shake us to the core. Yet, we can no longer run from the truth or lie to ourselves if we expect to really move forward. We have to face the truth about who we are and what has been happening in our lives. There is healing that comes once we finally stop running, and start dealing with what is right in front of us.

The truth of the matter is, what we don't confront will continually show up in our lives. We will never be able to outrun a lie, when truth is always present demanding payment in full. If we say we are in a relationship with God, and we say we desire to live the life that God has ordained for us, then we must understand that everything about us must be lined up with who God is, and the path He has designed for us to walk.

Truth and lies cannot abide in the same place. Light and dark cannot occupy the same space. One will block out the other. When we continually lie to ourselves, and are not honest about what is in our hearts; it makes it fairly easy for others to lie to us also.

I don’t know about you, Beloved, but I don’t like being lied to. I have always maintained that I’d rather be hurt from the truth, than to be damaged by a lie. With the truth—though it may hurt and sting—it’s still the truth and will bring healing. But with a lie, it will cause havoc and pain that have yet to be seen. It will breed mistrust, doubt, and fear. Tell the truth. Let it be known from the beginning.

I don’t like lying. It is something that bothers me to the core; especially because I do not want to be lied to. We do reap what we sow. There was a time, however, when I lied to myself. I lied about what I wanted in life. I lied to myself about being happy. I was going through the motions of life, and doing what was expected of me. But I was not living my truth. I was not being authentic to who I am and who God ordained and called me to be. The end result was chaos, heartache, and sickness.

For a long time, my past held me in bondage. Things had occurred in my life that I never told anyone for a very long time. I carried those things, those memories for such a long time, that it was like a noose around my neck; a heavy weight in my heart. And in all honesty, it was quite painful and frightening to face.

In my mind, all I could think about was the pain and hurt I endured. And to think about it, only brought the memories of those feelings right back to the surface. Something that I did not want to feel or face. But, when you desire to move forward; when you truly desire in your heart of hearts to have what God has promised you; then at some point you’re going to have to be honest, stop hiding, stop lying to yourself, and face your truth.

It is part of the healing and deliverance process. To confront the things that we have buried and have evaded for far too long. To be able to look in the mirror, and speak the truth to ourselves. To say without censure what it is that we feel about our lives; about the people in our lives; about the things we have experienced, suffered, fought through, and even escaped.

When we stop lying to ourselves, and admit that we need help; that we need deliverance; that we are not happy, or that we have been lying about who we are—then and only then can we truly begin to live our truth. To live our authentic selves without fear of rejection. Because once you face your truth, and stop the lying; then it will no longer matter to you what anyone else thinks or says of you. The truth is liberating on all levels. And there is nothing the enemy can hold over your head or use against you, when you have bared your all to the Father, and accepted your own truth.

Be free today, Beloveds. Don’t give the enemy one more moment of your time or space in your head or heart. It is time to evict him, and for you to take back the keys of your life that Jesus gave to you when He defeated hell and death. You have an inheritance with the Father. But you must be walking in truth; your truth to fully appreciate it and receive the full benefits.

I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. There is nothing more liberating than living your authentic life. To walk in the truth of who you are. To have confronted your past, its hurts, disappointments, and have Holy Spirit pour into you his comfort and love. You are worthy of all that God has ordained for you. Receive it with an open and truthful heart. You are Blessed. Now go…and Be a Blessing!

©2014. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.