"Conflict Resolution"

Reflectons4Life™ March 3, 2019

“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...

©Ruthe McDonald.

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. What many of us have forgotten and some do not know, is the root of this anger is hurt. Somewhere, at some point in time, somebody was hurt. Perhaps deeply wounded. That hurt caused anger. 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 decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration 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, as you learn to love in spite of and not solely because of.

Honestly speaking, we miss out on 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 remain 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.

There is only one solution that I know of to combat 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—the person that is hurt—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 it’s 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, 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 God 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.

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. 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. Updated ©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Responsibility and Accountability"

Reflections4Life™ January 28, 2018

“Responsibility and Accountability”

“Some Pharisees overheard him and said, “Does that mean you’re calling us blind?” Jesus said, “If you were really blind, you would be blameless, but since you claim to see everything so well, you’re accountable for every fault and failure.” John 9:40-41 (MSG)

Scripture Contemplation: Leviticus 24:13-16; Proverbs 22:17-21; Ezra 10; Hebrews 10; Galatians 6; 1 Timothy 5…

We can point our fingers at everyone else for our unhappiness, lack of success, not having everything we desire in our lives, and for things just not going the way we want. We all have a choice in life: to continue with what we know or have been raised and taught, or to find a different path, a better path, that will lead us into the lives we desire. It is time to take responsibility for our lives and accountability for the choices we make, and the lives we influence. It is time to walk in our destiny.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Spend quality time in the presence of God this week. There is so much that He wants to reveal to our heart and soul. When we are in the presence of God, we not only learn who God is, His desires for our lives, we also learn who we are and what we need to live our best life. God teaches how to take responsibility for whom we are and be accountable to not only ourselves but also for how our choices affect others.

I do not understand the reasons for some things happening or existing. There are actions taking place; decisions that people make which affect other people's lives in unbelievable ways—and yet, no one wants to take responsibility or be accountable for themselves or the lives of people they have influence over. I do not get it in my human mind. Not on the level of my flesh. However, my spirit gets it. That part of me that is connected to my Creator. The ONE who knows all sees all is all-powerful. That part of me gets it. I may not understand why something is allowed but God's ways are so far beyond us. His reasons are above what many can comprehend.

When you think you have it all figured out, God reveals something else, and you are like really, God? What is this all about? Then the Father goes and starts asking you some questions. When God begins to ask you the questions, it is important that we are listening because He is imparting answers and truth to our heart and soul that will give light to what is going on around us, and understanding to our hearts and minds concerning many things. Whatever we receive, we are responsible for that knowledge and wisdom gained and become accountable for how we use it, and how we treat and teach others around us, and how we are representing the Kingdom of Heaven and our Heavenly Father.

God posed some poignant questions to Simon Peter. He gave to Peter a responsibility to carry out, while making him accountable for those God was sending him to, fully knowing that Peter would deny Him three times. Yet, even in Christ questioning of Peter, He was redeeming him from his future denial.

John 21:15-18 “So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.” 16 He *said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep.”

Beloveds, God knows us. He knows all about us. He knows our past, our present, and our future. He knows our thoughts before we think them. He knows what we are going to do before we even think to do it. Still, He calls us. He loves us. He has forgiven us. In addition, He chooses to use us to show His love and glory to others. However, we must learn to take responsibility for our actions or inactions, and be accountable for the decisions we make—not placing the blame on others. This action allows God to not only bless us, but use us in such a capacity that brings healing, deliverance, and understanding and strength to others.

God knew we were going to mess up royally. What, you don’t think God knew you were going to reject Him a few times? You don’t think God knew you were going to make some bad decisions and take a bit longer to get to a place of understanding. God knows ALL of this, and still chooses you and calls you by name.

God even knows how the enemy is going to come after us. The enemy has to get permission from God to even mess with us! God knows what the enemy does not know and what we should know from spending intimate time with the Father is that we have already won! This is a test that we can win if we do not give up or in, to the enemy. Jesus Himself is praying for our strength, knowing how heavy it will get. Yet, God is allowing it to strengthen us and get us into a position for His glory to manifest in our lives. God is confident in our ability to overcome and to take what we have learned and gained and strengthen others. Tests teach us responsibility and accountability.

Luke 21:31-32 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has [a]demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Jesus chose Simon Peter that very first day while he was fishing, knowing that he would deny Him three times. He chose Simon Peter, knowing he was a hot-head and had a foul mouth and would get into arguments with Saul and the other Apostles. Jesus knew all of this, but yet, He still chose Peter, loved Peter, made Simon Peter part of His three confidants who He took up to the Mount of Transfiguration. Nevertheless, Jesus also knew that Peter would repent; that, Simon Peter, because of his past and experience; because of his closeness to Him, he would take care of His lambs and His sheep. That, even unto death, Simon Peter would never deny Christ again, but on him, God would build His church—a sure and steady foundation.

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. Beloveds, it is not how we start out but how we finish. It is not who we were but who God is calling us to be. When we believe God and take responsibility for ourselves, hold ourselves accountable for our actions and not place the blame on anyone else, we become the instrument that God will use and trust for His glory. Responsibility and accountability make us a vessel to show the love and redemptive power of our Lord and Savior. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2018. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Undisputed Champion"

Reflections4Life™   April 30, 2017

“Undisputed Champion”

       “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have            tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Scripture Contemplation: John 16; Romans 12; 1 John 2; 4; 5…

©RutheMcDonald.

If there is anything that I have learned it is that no matter what you are faced with; no matter what comes your way if you are in God and believe what He has spoken to you, you will come through. It may not feel like it. It may feel as though you have lost the battle. Yet, because Christ is, so are we: Undisputed Champions.

I declare that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Whatever you are faced with in this life, always remember that as long as you are in Christ, you have already won and the enemy has already been defeated. Walk in the knowledge that God has granted you the victory long ago.

This is what I know: EVERY situation in life is an opportunity to learn something new; to learn something new about yourself, about our Heavenly Father, and how low the enemy will go to seek and destroy you and all that you believe.

There is definitely a mental war against us. In a weakened state, where your defenses are down and you can barely think clearly, the enemy will find a way to slip in and try to undermine who you are, as well as your authority in Christ. Very subtle in his machinations, the enemy will most certainly try to have you doubt God, the power of prayer, and all that Christ did and secured for us by going to the Cross. If the enemy cannot get you to doubt God, he will try to get you to doubt yourself. He will have you question your faith, your walk, and your belief.

As we both know and should understand, the devil is a lie! He has already been defeated, and we are the champions. No matter how hard he tries. How he may try to rewrite history; he cannot. He is the undisputed LOSER! And we, in Christ, are the undisputed CHAMPIONS.

1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

I thought this morning, about writing Reflections and concluded that sometimes we have to be reminded of what God has spoken to us and about who we are and whose we are. We belong to the Father. We belong to God who has secured our victory on every level. We have to learn to walk in our salvation and victory every day with the understanding that the enemy is always lurking, looking for ways to destroy us and attack the Kingdom of God.

Yes, greater is He who is in us than he who is in this world. There is nothing the enemy can do to change the fact that Christ overcame the world. Because He did, we can. Because Christ defeated death and the grave and gave us the keys of life, we are the winners should we believe on Him, and walk in His light. Certainly, we will have our moments in the world we live in, We will we be attacked on every side. We will suffer terribly at times. We may lose everything at one time or another. Yet, it does not change the fact that we are the victors. The death and resurrection of Christ sealed our victory for eternity.

Whatever it may be that you are facing today; whatever attacks the enemy may want to come at you with; just remember that God already declared you the winner. Because Christ is, you are…an undisputed Champion.

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. There is nothing more comforting than knowing that the war has been won. The battle is indeed the Lord’s, and we can claim the title of undisputed Champion. Do not accept the lies of the enemy. You have already won and he’s already been defeated. Now go claim your title! You are Blessed. Now go…and Be a Blessing.

©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"It is Broken!"

Reflections4Life™ February 26, 2017

“It is Broken!”

“…Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and the keepers were guarding the door of the prison. And behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison; and he smote Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise up quickly.” And his chains fell off from his hands.” Acts 12:6, 7

Scripture Contemplation: Exodus 1:14; 2:23; Joshua 24; Ezra 9; Acts; 12; Romans 8; 12; Galatians 4; 5…

©Ruthe McDonald.

Whatever you believe is holding you back? It is broken. Whoever has had a hold on you—whether through their actions or words—it is broken! Those entire negative words that held you bound and hostage; making you feel impotent and insignificant? Broken! Beloved, whether you knew it or not, I am here to inform you, to remind you that those things that have long bound you are broken! How do I know? God has told me so, and I have experienced the revelation for myself

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. Let this week find you in deep meditation and intimacy with God. The Father wants to remind you of His promises and that you are no longer bound to the chains that once held you immobile. You are free. Now you just have to believe and accept that truth.

Beloveds, I must come to you from a place of love and experience. There is no need for me to sugarcoat my life's experiences. It is incumbent upon me to be transparent and have authenticity in my life and to who I am. To walk in and receive the manifestations of the blessings of God, then our minds must know and accept the truth. It must be free from the chains that have long bound us to a life of stagnation, fear, mediocrity, self-loathing and hatred, and a mind that is tortured and enslaved to the whispers of Satan.

Hear me today; there is more to your life than what some have led you to believe. There is more than you previous experiences have led you to believe. At the crux of it all is realizing and believing in your heart and mind that what God has for you is for you and that every chain in your life that has bound you; every shackle that has held you in a position are now broken. In fact, they have been broken for a long time, but you just needed to accept and believe this truth and see yourself through the eyes of our Creator, the One that created you in greatness, for greatness.

Our minds are powerful. We can literally think our way out of blessings, as well as into blessings. When we think on things for so long, and we entertain the constant lies and whispers of the enemy and the lies of the cohorts he has recruited to help steal from us, destroy us, and kill us—our heart begins to believe those things and our lives become a reflection of what our heart believes. We began to draw to us—like magnets—the very things that we do not want in our lives. Yet, our thoughts are on the negative. The constant barrage of lies and vitriol weakens us. Nevertheless, God desires for us to let go; to close our ears; to pull down those strongholds, and not entertain or think on the whispers and lies but instead speak His word and promises, counteracting the lies of the enemy before they are embedded in our hearts.

God has already released us. We are already free from those shackles. All we have to do is seek the face of God and His will. Meditate on His word and His promises. Denounce the contrary thoughts and whispers of the enemy and say what God says concerning us.

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. Declare and Decree what God has spoken, to the atmosphere. "I declare and decree that I am all that God has ordained me to be! I walk in the greatness that He has created in me, I am free and forgiven from all things in my past; including the harmful and hateful words, and lies spoke into my life. I denounce everything that does not line up with God's promise for my life. I walk confidently today, and each day in the victory already afforded to me! I am free! And every shackle and chain are broken!" You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Even Though God Already Knows"

Reflections4Life August 24^th, 2014

“Even Though God Already Knows”

“I love the Lord, because He hears my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live.” Psalm 116:1-2 NASB

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 3:5; Joshua 22; Job 28; Psalm 44; 69; Luke 16; Romans 8…

If there is one thing that I am absolutely certain of, is that confession is good for the soul. Releasing what is upon your heart and confessing to what we try so hard to keep inside, is the best thing we could ever do for ourselves spiritually, emotionally and physically.

Far too many of us are walking around like ticking time-bombs, ready to explode. Afraid that if one more thing happens in our lives, that we cannot handle or understand, we are going to lose it! Well, lose it! Explode! Get off of your chest everything that has been aching your heart, bothering your soul, and causing you pain. Tell it. Tell it all to the Father. Even though God already knows; He has been waiting for us to come to Him and “spill the beans” so to speak, so that He can bless us with the knowledge and wisdom we so desperately need to make it through this journey we call life.

I declare and decree that this week’s Reflections will be a constant source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Go to the Father. Let Him in to those places that you fear to allow others to tread. The Father already knows, but He wants you to trust Him enough to come to Him with all that is in your heart and soul; believing that He will see you through.

Yes. God already knows what we are facing, what we are going through in our lives. However, I have come to know and understand of the Father that, He is a gentleman and would never barge in where He has not been invited. He will lead us, woo us, speak to us, guide us, and make himself available to us 24/7, but He will never force Himself upon us. He desires for us to come to Him with an open and willing heart.

This is about trust. This is about establishing a sincere, intimate and honest relationship with our Creator. It’s about learning to see god for who he is, and not treat him as if He were man, and fallible. It’s learning to come to God in every situation, and allowing him to pour into us his love and wisdom.

Many of us have been let down and disappointed by many people in our lives. We have been destroyed by those who said they loved us and would take care of us. We have lost trust in humanity; in the idea of trusting anything with what resides in the deepest parts of our hearts. Let’s face it: there are many people in our lives such as, parents, spouses, children, and family that already know what is going on in our lives. They see the struggle. They see the pain we’re in. And when we seek them out for help, they do nothing. They give us excuses. Or, even worse, they exacerbate our situation, leaving us hurt and worse off than before.

Though God already knows our trials and tribulations, he wants us to come to Him. He desires for us to learn to seek Him and His counsel before we go to anyone else. He also wants us to be free. Confession truly is good for the soul.

I know first-hand what it does to one’s body when you bottle up everything and do not release the hurt, pain, and disappointment in your life. When you continue to swallow the hurt, and do not voice or let go of the stress. It eats away at your soul. It sucks the light of your spirit. It drains you mentally. And it weakens you physically.

It’s time for confession. It’s time to trust God. It’s time to be free and really start to live our lives.

Matthew 11:29-30 (NASB) 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

There is a path—two paths—before us. There is the path of life and the path of death. In our lifetime we will come upon these paths at different seasons in our lives. Sometimes we will not know until the middle of the path or near its very end which one it was. And there are times we will know exactly from the start where the path leads.

Sometimes, in our need to escape, to feel free from the pressures of this life, we will take the path that seems easier and less encumbered. However, what we cannot see is, it is a road paved with quicksand; sucking us in deeper and deeper. And even if we chose this path, there is one thing we should remember: God is always there. Waiting for us to call upon Him. To trust Him enough to love us.

Yes. God already knows. He knows about your problems. He knows about your hurts. He knows your pain and disappointments. And yes, He has the answers. But He waits for you to come to Him. He will not force Himself or His ways upon you. For it is a willing and contrite heart that He desires to come before Him. A heart that trusts, even though it cannot see the road ahead, and is filled with uncertainty; but trusts in spite of.

I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity have found permanent rest in your lives. Allow God to come into those places that you have long kept hidden from others, and at times, even yourself. Confess your all to the Father. Yes. God knows it all. But He desires for you to want Him, too. To come to Him freely, and willingly with trust, and a heart that understands that all He wants to do is love on you, and bless you as He’s always designed to do. Trust Him. The Father has just what you need. You are Blessed. No go…and Be a Blessing!

©2014. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

"Our Refuge in the Storm"

Reflections4Life August 10^th, 2014

“Our Refuge in the Storm”

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 NASB

Scripture Contemplation: Ezra 8; Psalm 5; Psalm 61; Isaiah 26; 2 Thessalonians 3; 1 Peter 1…

I cannot begin to thank God enough for His strength, love, and protection. While away this past week, I found myself in a very precarious situation—totally unexpected. Things could have went horribly wrong, but I trusted in my God. Especially when He was the One who opened this particular door for me to go through.

Both a figurative and literal storm took place, and I was caught in the eye of both. Yet, I did not fear, knowing in my heart and soul that I had a refuge in the storm…Jesus. I called upon the Lord and He not only heard me, He answered and sheltered me. And here I am; another beautiful Sunday, sharing Reflections, because I trusted my Refuge in the storm; which is what God desires of you to do, also.

I declare and decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Take refuge in the arms of God while going through the storms. Many storms will come in your lifetime. And God will keep you through each and every one when you trust Him, and allow Him to be your refuge.

Refuge: shelter or protection from danger, trouble, etc.: to take refuge from a storm. 2. A place of shelter, protection, or safety. 3. Anything to which one has recourse for.

There are a host of things we will have to face in our lifetime. Situations that will have us seeking shelter and understanding. This is a part of life’s journey and the world that we live in. Storms and situations will come. Trials and troubles will happen. Yet, through it all, we have a permanent refuge in God.

The Heavenly Father desires to be our covering in the storm. He wants to be our shelter from all danger; our protection. Sheltering us under His arms. Giving us that peace of mind to walk through any and all situations that we may face in our lifetime. We just have to learn to trust Him to keep us safe; especially when so many others have failed to do so.

Psalm 121:7 “The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.”

Psalm 91:1 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”

It is very easy to lose sight of the promises of God, or fail to recall all the many times the Lord has delivered us from certain situations, when you are faced with a brand new storm. Yet, God remains true. He is the same yesterday, today and forevermore. God will never abandon us. He will never leave us to be consumed or destroyed by the storms. Though the storms may continue to rage, we can find safety in the midst of the storm, in the arms of God.

At one time, I believed that the “eye” of the storm was the worst possible place one could be when it came to storms. I shared once before that, the eye of the storm is actually the safest place to be. As it turns out, in the eye of the storm there is peace and stillness, while everything around it is raging. It is in the eye of the storm that one is safest. God is the eye of your storm. His refuge is the safest place to be. He is your safety, your assurance, your shelter, your covering.

God will never allow a storm to destroy you, when you yield to Him and trust Him to lead you. Yes. I understand completely how difficult it may feel to trust God when everything seems to be going the opposite of what you expected. I know about the uncertainty and the fear that can grip you. I identify with the struggle to let go completely, when you can barely look pass what is right in front of you. But that’s what faith is: trusting in something that your eyes cannot physically see.

No matter what it is you are facing today; no matter what it appears to be, or how devastating a storm you are in; know in your heart, and believe that God is your best refuge in the storm. He desires to be your protector, your shelter, your deliverer. He will not allow the storms of this life to destroy you. He may not stop certain storms, because there is something to be gained and learned from each one—but He will be with you through every last one, protecting you and providing for you through it all.

I thank God for the wisdom I gained this past week—for the lessons learned. As I stood there, drenched from the downpour, and my heart navigating the inner storm; I learned just how strong my personal resolve is. The enemy couldn’t win. Not when God had already declared me victorious. I anchored myself to the Father—finding my place in the eye of the storm.

I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity will have permanent rest in your lives. Though the storms of life can seem to rage out of control, we have a place of refuge in the Lord. He is our Anchor, who we can remain tethered to. With the certainty we will have weathered the storm, gaining a heart of strength and wisdom as never before. You are blessed. Now go…and Be a Blessing!

©2014. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Reflections4Life: "Be Free"

Reflections4Life June 29^th, 2014

“Be 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: 2 Samuel 12:7-12; Isaiah 8:11-15; Isaiah 58; 1 Corinthians 7:32-35; James 1:25; 2:12-13...

In as much as we experience in this life, we may often find ourselves feeling bound, trapped, overwhelmed, and seeking a way of escape. Yet, many of the things that bind us begins with the choices that we make. God desires for us to be free. Be free from every hindrance. Free from the heartaches. Free from every chain and yoke that keeps us from living the life He has ordained for us.

I declare and decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Be free from those things that have taken hold of your life. Let go of the things that God has been long telling you to release. May this be the week that you heed the voice of the Lord and let go; experiencing a freedom like never before.

Why do we hold onto things? Why do we hold on to grudges? Unforgiveness? Bitterness? Anger? Why do we allow ourselves to be bound with the cares of this world and not relish in the freedom that God has granted us to live in each and every day? I gather, old habits die hard.

It's time for you to live a life that is free. The Father wants you to be free; to walk in the freedom that He has already granted you. Free from the pain and hurt of your past. Free from past mistakes and failure. He desires for you to live a life that is full of love and peace, with a renewed mind and strengthened heart. There is no joy or peace in continually looking backwards. Only heartache, pain, and regrets. In order to move forward we must learn to let go.

Isaiah 61:2-4 (MSG) “...He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, Announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners. God sent me to announce the year of his grace— a celebration of God’s destruction of our enemies— and to comfort all who mourn, To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion, give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, Messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.”

So many of us have been fighting ourselves. We have been fighting the goodness of God in our lives because we are having a difficult time forgiving ourselves for the mistakes we have made; for the sometime poor choices we make, and the failures. We have not allowed ourselves to move forward in our lives because we are too busy condemning ourselves where God has already forgiven us and made a way of escape.

We cannot see the way of escape or walk in forgiveness, because we have and are spending too much time visiting the past, beating up on ourselves, and allowing the enemy to run rip-shod through our lives and our mental. We have allowed the enemy a place within our thoughts, our minds, without bothering to kick him out and denounce his lies. Instead, we have meditated on what he has said; allowed him to use our past and failures against us, until our mind is befuddled, and our hearts grieved, and we are unable to see the plan of God or accept what He says is ours. It is time to put the enemy in his place. To use the authority that God has give us.

God says...

Luke 10:19 “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you”

Roman 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”

We are free, Beloveds. Free in Jesus, with every power and authority given to us by the Father to live a life that is free from those things in our past. To, live a life that does not have to be overwhelmed by our daily activities and commitments. We can be free in every area of our lives when we put the Father first, and seek His counsel in all that we do. What's the saying so many have adopted? No God, no peace. Know God, know peace. It is that simple.

Use what the Father has given you to remind the enemy that he has already been defeated. That, he lost a long time ago when Christ was victorious on the Cross and rose again, and ascended. Renew your mind daily. Think on the things of Christ. Pull down every stronghold, and cast out every evil thought and imagination. Walk in your authority. Speak what God says of you. Declare and decree what God has already declared and decreed concerning you! And if the enemy still wants to mess with you, throwing your past and mistakes at you, just remind him of his definite future...

Revelation 20:10 “The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”

Be free beloved. Be free in the love and grace of God. Cast all your cares upon Him, and let Him be Lord over your every day. Yield to Him, and walk in His anointing and freedom.

I'M FREE, PRAISE THE LO-RD,

I'M FREE

NO LONGER BOUND,

NO MORE CHAINS HOLDING ME

MY SOUL IS RESTING

IT'S SUCH A BLESSING

PRAISE THE LORD

HALLELUJAH, I'M FREE

(Milton Brunson)

I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in every area of your lives. Be free. Walk in the freedom that the blood of Jesus has afforded you. Walk in the truth of God that He has spoken concerning you. Do not allow your past, any mistakes or failures to hold you back from walking in the life that God says is yours. And when the enemy comes knocking at your door (and he will!) Remember to let Jesus answer it, as you speak the word of God into your life and the atmosphere, while pulling down every stronghold that would try and keep you bound. You are the one with the power, not the enemy. He's already been defeated; remember? You are Blessed. Now go...and Be a Blessing!

©2014. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.