"Breathe"

Reflections4Life July 12, 2015

“Breathe”

“Then He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they come to life.”’ Ezekiel 37:9

Scripture Contemplation: Joshua 1; Psalm 1:2; 4:4; 27:4; Song of Solomon 4:6…

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. Did you know there was a proper way to breathe? That, you can release stress, gain energy, clear your mind with just the way you breathe.

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. Meditate on the goodness of God and allow Him to breathe into you a new life, along with His peace and joy. Release the heartaches and pains, as His cleansing breath, restores you.

Did you ever realize how often we hinder our breathing when we are under pressure? How many times have we told someone to breathe when they were hit with something traumatic? Because, it is at that moment that most of feel like the breath has been taken from us. That, perhaps holding our breath will stop whatever is happening from happening.

I know I have been there countless times. Your heart is aching so badly. Your brain is tumbling from all that has occurred. You can't seem to get a hold of your thoughts and what to do next.

Breathe. Take a deep breath, hold it, exhale slowly, and then repeat. Breathe in the strength and calmness of God. Allow Him to relax your mind and direct your path.

Meditation is a wonderful way to work on our breathing and learning to clear our minds. In the word of God, it tells us to meditate on his word day and night. Meditate on the goodness and promises of God.

Do not meditate on the problems facing you. Meditate on the One who can solve them. Breathe in His goodness and mercy. Let His peace envelop you. We carry so many burdens in our heart. We hold onto so much fear, trepidation, and anger. It's time to let it all go. Time To inhale the peace of God and exhale the worries and chaos.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. When a crisis hits, and the enemy is attacking, take a moment and breathe. Take slow, cleansing breaths and let the calmness of God overwhelm you. Breathe, my friend. Breathe. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2015. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Reflections4Life: Conflict Resolution

Reflections4Life September 29^th, 2013

“Conflict Resolution”

“And even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and turns to you seven times and says, I repent [I am sorry], you must forgive him (give up resentment and consider the offense as recalled and annulled).” Luke 17:4 AMP

Scripture Contemplation: Proverbs 17:9; 19:11;Ecclesiastes 10:4; Matthew 11; Acts 24; Ephesians 1; James 5...

There is so much anger circulating through our lives; in our families, our marriages, our jobs. Many are wound up tight and can explode at the slightest gesture. However, what I've come to understand is that underneath all of that anger, is hurt. Somewhere, at some time, someone was hurt. Perhaps deeply wounded. And that hurt causes anger. And until we can get to the root of the hurt, and learn that the answer to healing that hurt is forgiveness and love, we will remain in constant conflict.

I declare and decree that this week's Reflection will be a continued source of encouragement and enlightenment for your heart, mind, and soul. May you be free from all hurt and anger by allowing the spirit of forgiveness to find its place within your heart. And to learn to love in spite of and not just because of.

We miss out on so many joys in life, because we are allowing anger, resentment, and unforgiveness, keep us bound—bound to the past. Bound to the past and the people that have hurt us in some way or another. When we do not let go of the hurt, we are in constant conflict. Not just with that person we have an offense with, but with others, also. Hurt has many tentacles. It grows with every passing day we do not resolve it. It spreads like cancer throughout our lives and relationships; often times in places we would never think, taking on a new form, under a new name.

Hurt will mask itself as anger, resentment, bitterness, disinterest, hate, conflict of any sort. I am certain you've heard the saying: Hurt people, hurt people. Well, it is true. When people are hurt, whether it is on purpose or not, they will hurt others. It is a vicious cycle that can spiral out of control if the hurt is not addressed and dealt with.

Here's the solution to the hurt: forgiveness and unconditional love. Forgiveness will bring healing to the hurt and bring resolution to many conflicts. Yet, many do not understand that forgiveness is not for the offender, but it is for you; to free you and keep you from being bound. Forgiveness brings healing to the hurt and releases you from being bound to a person that hurt you. Unconditional love enables you to love the person, in spite of their actions. You do not have to like their ways. But you can love them; even if its from a distance.

Often, we will hold onto the hurt and anger as a badge to remember what we have been through. More often than not, however, the person who has hurt us doesn't remember, doesn't know, or doesn't even care. They often move on with their lives, as we stay stuck in a moment. A moment that can take over our lives, and leave us stagnated and filled with rage and anger and bitterness. A person who no one wants to be around. A person who is incapable of giving or receiving love.

James 5:16,17 “Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.” MSG

James 1:19-21 “Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.” MSG

1 Peter 4:8 “Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].” AMP

There is a reason the Word of God admonishes us to be free of anger, to let love lead us, to have a heart of forgiveness; God knows, and we must understand that forgiveness is healing. Forgiveness releases us from that spirit of hurt that can cause us to live a life that is far less than what God has ordained for us. And to love as God loves frees us from trying to make a person someone that only can make them. All we can do is love; even it's from a distance. But when we love, we are allowing Holy Spirit to live and love through us, and we are no longer bound by the actions of another; but free to move on in our lives and will that God has ordained for us.

Don't allow the actions of another to dictate the content and quality of your life. Forgive for yourself. Free yourself from the hurt and pain. Love them in spite of. Move forward and live your life the way God has ordained. You cannot live a life that is full and rewarding if you are bound by a spirit of unforgiveness and hate. Don't allow those to have hurt you—no matter who they are—to hold you hostage to a moment in time. Release it. Release the hurt, the anger, the resentment. God has so much more for you than what you feel you may have been robbed of by another. Allow God to fill your cup, and bless you the way He desires. Forgive. Love. Move on. And receive the abundance that God has ordained for your life.

I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives: spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and financially. Let the peace of God rest, rule and abide within you. Forgiveness is a gift and restorer for you. Walk in it, and in the love of God, and be free from the past that would try and hold you from a future that God has ordained just for you! You are Blessed. Now go...and Be a Blessing!

©2013. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Reflections4Life: "We Don't Always Understand"

Reflections July 14^th, 2013

“We Don't Always Understand”

“Who can measure the wealth and wisdom and knowledge of God? Who can understand his decisions or explain what he does?” Romans 11:33 (CEV)

Scripture Contemplation: Deuteronomy 28; Joshua 22:5; Micah 4; Romans 11...

There are things that occur in this world that we just don't understand. There are things that happen that make you ask: Why God? Why does God allow such things to occur? Why does He allow such atrocities to continue to take place? Why?

We don't always understand why things happen the way they do, but we can believe that God is still God on the throne, and that He has the final word in all that happens upon this earth. It's hard to sometimes see that, or to even believe that when you are the one constantly in the line of fire.

I declare and decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement for your heart, mind, and soul. Hold on to the hands of God and never let them go. Though it may seem like evil continually wins; know that God is not sleep, and neither is He winking. For those of us that believe, we must continue to believe and walk in faith, and follow the instructions of our God. Listen; God is speaking.

Heart heavy. Mind filled with confusion. Thoughts unable to wrap around the continued miscarriage of justice. Where does one begin to understand what is going on? How can we say God cares and understands when we obviously keep getting the short end of the stick? We say God cares and understands because He does. Regardless to circumstances or situations, God certainly cares and understands, and has made away for each and everyone of us.

We may not always understand the way in which God does things; but a closer, intimate relationship with the Father will bring understanding of His nature and how He does things. Make no mistake: God is not sitting back and blinking at the evil that men do. Or, the injustices that are occurring each and every day around the world. However, for those of us that say we love the Lord, and are in a relationship, should know and recognize that these are the times that we must be upon our knees and turning down our plates. We must also remember that we are not fighting against flesh and blood.

Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Sometimes it is truly hard to wrap our mind around the fact that we are up against such evil, and spirits, because we contend with the flesh each and every day. It makes it difficult for us to understand the battles that we face and why. It sometimes makes no sense at all. And this is why we, as children of God, must be continually prayerful. We must be fully dressed always in the armor of God. We must constantly be before the Lord, seeking Him, and following His directions.

There are times when we forget that God has given each person the freedom to choose. The Father does not force anything upon us. We all have the right to choose the path we walk, who we believe; if we accept God or reject Him. With these choices are consequences. And sometimes the choices of others bare evil and hurtful consequences for us.

Yet, in knowing all of this, we mustn’t grow weary or give up on God or His promises. Yes. Many a thing are easier said than done. But God is our strong tower, even in the midst of heartaches, disappointments, and the evil that men sometimes do. We won't always understand the reasoning behind why certain things happen; why God allows certain things. But we can rest assure that God gets the final word on each and every matter, and He will indeed strengthen us to endure.

Isaiah 40: 28-31 28 Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of His understanding. 29 He giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might He increaseth strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall; 31 but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.

No, we will not always understand. But God is still God, and He will have His way. Let us remember to pray, to stand firm in the word of God, and to fast and believe. Though the enemy seem to be winning, we can rest assure that God is not slack, and that He shall recompense to each person what is due them. Don't lose hope or faith. Instead, put it all in the hands of God and follow whatever the instructions the Father gives. It will lead you to a place of victory...always.

I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives: spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and financially. Allow the hand of God to rest on you; giving you comfort and strength in times of uncertainty. Remember that we are not up against flesh and blood, but the wicked spirits that inhabit lost souls. Pray continually. And Believe God for His understanding. You are Blessed. Now go...and Be a Blessing!

©2013. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Reflections4Life: "Is It a Godly Anger?"

Reflections Sunday, May 26^th, 2013

“Is It a Godly Anger?”

“When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down.” Ephesians 4:26

Scripture Reading For This Week: Exodus 34:5-7; Deuteronomy 6:15; Job 35; Psalm 103; Proverbs 16:32; Proverbs 22:4; Ephesians 4...

When one considers the circumstances occurring in this world at this time, how can one not be filled with anger? Yet, is it a constructive anger; a godly anger, or anger that leads to bad behavior, malice, and bitterness? It is very easy to cross the line and sin in our anger, when we allow our emotions to rule and do not take everything to the Father in prayer.

I declare and decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement for your heart, mind, and soul. Should you be facing a situation that has caused anger to rise up in you, I pray that you would go to the Father and allow Him to lead you, so that you may not sin in your anger. Or, allow anger to turn into bitterness and regrets. A spirit of anger can cripple you. God has far more for you to do.

How many times have you become so angry that your emotions got the better of you, acting upon that anger, only to have profound regrets later? That's usually what happens. We blow up, acting out of anger, and we end up feeling worse than we did before. Anger can cause a vicious cycle if we are not careful.

Anger breeds anger. Angry people who do not check their anger, become bitter people and spread their anger like a virus to the lives of others. The emotion of anger can be contagious. All it takes is one angry person to come into a room and change the atmosphere. If those there do not know how to process or channel anger, they will find themselves becoming angry, as well.

It is one thing to have a godly anger; to be angry at the injustices and actions of another that are causing hurt and pain to a person or people. To have a righteous anger for things that are out of the will of God, and a desire to see things as God has ordained. However, it a whole other thing to be angry and filled with rage, that you have a difficult time letting go, or releasing that anger; causing you to act out of character or to bring harm to another, whether verbally or physically. To be filled with such wrath that it sets the tone for your day, and it inhibits your life from moving forward, allowing a spirit of bitterness and contempt to settle in.

Have you ever encountered a bitter person? I have. It was the most unpleasant encounter. No doubt, that bitter person was filled with so much anger, that they couldn't let it go. It caused them to close their heart off to others; allowing the anger to settle in that they could not forgive or move forward in life. The anger had consumed them so much, that they pushed everyone that loved them away. Anger robbed them of joy, happiness, peace and even love. It left them with a spirit of bitterness, loneliness, and also a spirit of self-righteousness. It was truly a sad thing to behold. Everyone else was wrong, and they were right. And, they believed they had a right to be angry because of what was done to them.

Yes. We have a right to get angry. But we do not have the God-given right to stay angry, and to allow that anger to bring sin into our lives. We do not have the luxury of time to allow a spirit of anger to rob us of what God has ordained for our lives, or to bring that spirit of anger into the lives of others.

Ephesians 4:29-32 (NASB) “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

When we read the word of God, it is quite clear the damage that comes from a spirit of anger. The Father admonishes us to steer clear of a spirit of anger; to not let it rule us or govern our lives that we miss out on the blessings of God for our lives.

Anger unchecked and allowed to fester grows into a monster that is hard to put back in its bottle. It is like trying to place an adult back into the womb—not going to happen! It can cause irreparable damage to not only self, but those in the crossfire of that anger. Before one knows it, actions have occurred for which there is no returning from.

Yes. We may get angry at a situation. We may get angry at what someone has done to us or those we love. However, we must not allow that anger to dictate who we are and what we do. We must learn to give that anger to the Lord. We must teach ourselves to respond, rather than react to the anger. We must also learn how to release anger in a healthy way.

The emotion of anger can be toxic physically, emotionally, and mentally. It can cripple us if we do not know how to deal with it, or to let it go. And rest assure, however we deal with anger, we teach our children to do the same. Constantly reacting to anger and lashing out and exploding, we pass on that same behavior to our children. And chances are they will do the same—creating a behavior that can go on for generations to come.

Proverbs 16:32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, he who rules his [own] spirit than he who takes a city.

Proverbs 19:11 Good sense makes a man restrain his anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression or an offense.

Proverbs 22:24 Make no friendships with a man given to anger, and with a wrathful man do not associate...

Do not allow a spirit of anger to rob you of the blessings of God. Do not allow anger to turn into bitterness and contempt, making your life full of regrets and loneliness. In your anger, take it to God. Allow Him to direct your paths and to your knees in prayer. Don't sin in your anger, making things worse. Give it to God and allow Him to free you, and to bring a spirit of peace and calm.

I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your life: spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and financially. God has granted you a spirit of peace to transcend all anger. Respond to the wisdom of God, rather than react to the emotion of anger. Walk in the peace and comfort of God, knowing that whatever comes your way, you can get through it with God on your side. You are Blessed. Now go...and Be a Blessing!

©2013. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.