Reflections4Life: Celebrating The Milestones

Reflections4Life July 28^th, 2013

“Celebrating The Milestones”

“After that, the Word of God came to me: “Zerubbabel started rebuilding this Temple and he will complete it. That will be your confirmation that God-of-the-Angel-Armies sent me to you. Does anyone dare despise this day of small beginnings? They’ll change their tune when they see Zerubbabel setting the last stone in place...”” Zechariah 4:8-10 (MSG)

Scripture Contemplation: Zechariah 4; Habakkuk 2; Ecclesiastes 3; Hebrews 11...

More than anything, what is ringing in my soul is the importance of celebrating the milestones in our lives. Also, the importance of not despising small beginnings. For, it is those small beginnings that shape your foundation and lay the ground work for what is to come.

I want to give God the praise today for six years of Reflections! Woo-Hoo! What a beautiful milestone. I cannot begin to say how blessed and fortunate I am that the Father has blessed me each and every Sunday with fresh manna from Heaven. What a blessing these past six years have been to be able to fellowship, minister, teach, share, and connect with some awesome and beautiful souls! I am honored that God would use me. I am honored to be able to share the love of my Father with many! And I thank each and everyone who has been apart of this journey with me for your support, participation, prayers, love, and countless conversations. It has been a share joy in getting to meet and know so many beautiful souls. YOU have been a blessing, and I pray that God will bless you a hundredfold for all you have given to me these past six years of fellowship.

I declare and decree that this week's Reflections will continue to be a source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. May the blessings of God consume you and manifest in every area of your life. May every need that you have be met, and your heart open to the will and way of God that is best for you and yours.

Sometimes you do not know how a thing is going to turn out. There are times you don't know where God is taking you, but you just follow Him, and trust Him, because He's God! And of course, because you love Him. Even when you are not sure, or you cannot see where you are going, you can always count on God to have your back.

There are times when God will direct you to do a thing. You may not be certain, you may be scared; but you can rest in the knowledge that whatever God leads you to, He will not only provide for you, but be there with you.

Every dream, every goal, every vision has a beginning. Everything we do and accomplish starts with a beginning, and that beginning may be small. It is during these beginnings that we are laying a foundation that will hold the structure of our dreams and visions. And the foundation must be strong enough to hold the weight of the fulfillment our goals and dreams.

If you were building a house, you must be certain that the foundation of that house is laid properly. You must be certain that it is not only level, but strong enough to hold the weight and substance of a house, and sturdy enough to withstand any natural occurrences. The foundation must be strong enough and solid enough to withstand any destruction that may occur to the house, in the event that you may have to start all over.

Marriages must be built upon strong foundations. The foundation doesn't just begin when you get married; it is being laid and constructed well before you get married. The foundation of any relationship that will last, must be strong and solid, and sure. All relationships are tested. Marriages go through many seasons and changes. As we go from honeymoon stages, to living together, to having children, building a family, working, and providing, we must be certain that our foundations are solid and built to weather the storms that will arise.

Here's what I learned and know for certain: During the beginning of anything—a goal, a vision, a relationship, marriage, ministry, business—we must work diligently and show it the same love and respect as if it were already accomplished. Sometimes the work required seems laborious or not as necessary, and we take for granted the process, and may not like the time it takes, or the tasks that are necessary to ensure for a solid foundation. It is in those beginning stages that the tone is set for what is to come. If we cannot appreciate the beginning of a thing, and learn to celebrate the milestones along the way, then we will never really be able to appreciate the fulfillment of a goal or vision, or reach the point in a relationship or marriage where we can stand firm with one another, and love each other even after the storms have passed. For when the storms come, we will not be able to make it through because we didn't do what we should have done in the beginning, or appreciated what we had when we started out.

There is joy in celebrating the milestones. There is joy when you do not despise the process or humble/small beginnings. When we have a spirit of thankfulness and appreciation for our journeys in this life, we open ourselves to the Spirit of God to move in our life in unexpected and expected ways. A heart of gratefulness sets the stage for a life of blessings being manifested.

Each day the Father wakes us is a day to celebrate because we were given another day to get things right, to start over, to be thankful, to celebrate each victory that He has helped us to reach; to enjoy the fruits of our labor. God is awesome!

Beloved, wherever you may be in life at this present time, celebrate right where you are. Celebrate that God has blessed you with a new day of life. Celebrate that you are still here to see the promises of God fulfilled in your life. Do not despise where you are at right now. Learn from it. Grow from the process. And be certain that the foundation that you are building is built with the wisdom of God, the gratefulness of heart, the solidness of faith, so that it may withstand any and all storms that may arise. Let God be your Architect. Follow His instructions, and learn to enjoy this journey we call life.

I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity has found permanent rest in your life: spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and financially. Celebrate the milestones in your life. Be grateful for the process. Do not despise small beginnings. For, it is your foundation. Live, learn, and grow. You are Blessed so much more than you know. Now go...and Be a Blessing!

©2013. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

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Reflections4Life: "Truth Will Set You Free"

Reflections4Life July 21^st, 2013

“Truth Will Set You Free”

“Lord, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in Thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart...” Psalm 15:1,2

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 15; Psalm 51; John 1; 8; Ephesians 4; 2 Timothy 3...

Stop lying! Stop lying to yourself, to others, and stop trying to lie to God! A bit harsh? I don't believe so. It needs to be heard. Some of us need reminding. We have been living a lie for so long that we are actually beginning to believe those lies. Know this: the truth will set you free!

I declare and decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and enlightenment for your heart, mind, and soul. Allow yourself to walk in truth; to walk in the truth of who you are in Christ and what God has spoken of you. Forget what others have said about you. Forget the lies they try to put upon you. Stand in YOUR truth, and dare to live it each and every day.

There is no need for us to lie when we know who God is and we know and believe who we are in Him. Many have been living lies for a long time, and it is starting to take its toll and catch up with them. God wants you to be free. He wants your life to be full of joy, happiness, peace, and love. But how can you possibly have any of those things if you have been perpetrating a fraud? If, your life has been one lie after another? Aren't you tired? Isn't the load of trying to keep up with the lies tiring? Then stop lying and start living your truth.

There are some of us who do not even realize that we have been living a lie. We have not been living our authentic lives. Everything we do or say is to bring pleasure for someone else. Everything we do is to get accolades or acceptance and love from someone else. Whether it is parents, spouse, children, employer, friends—you are not living your own personal truth because you are living to please someone else.

I've been there! I have the T-Shirt to prove it! Along with the scars from the wounds of not living my authentic truth. I gave power over my life to others who thought and believed they knew what was best for me. I got real tired of that! I grew exhausted and angry. Angry at them, but especially angry with myself.

God has a plan for each and everyone of us. He has ordained each one of us to live out our own lives and destiny, and to walk in the greatness that He has created for us as individuals. It's just like our relationship with God: it is personal. No one else can walk your walk with God, but you. No other person can stand before God on the judgment day, but you. No other person can live your life, but you.

Sometimes our need to be accepted and loved, and to fit in, causes us to lay aside our own desires and wants, so that we can please another. Soon we find that we have forgot about who we really are. We have been far removed from the truth of what we desire and long to be and have in our own lives. We cannot survive like that. Sooner or later death will come. It will come to our dreams, our passion, our hopes, and even our lives.

Life is too precious and too short not to live our truths. Perhaps you do not even recognize your truth anymore. Then it's time for you to get to the throne of God, and pour out your heart to the Father. Repent, confess, and ask God to turn it around, and show you the truth about you and His will for your life.

That's one of the greatest things about the Father: His unconditional love. Even when we have walked away, and have turned from Him, it doesn't stop Him from loving us. It also does prevent Him from reaching out towards us; especially when we cry out to Him. He waits patiently for us to get the message from all the hints and whispers He's been sending our way throughout the years. And when we are finally tired of being tired, and truly and sincerely want to be who He designed us to be—He is right there to lead us in the path that we must go.

Are you living your truth today? Are you walking in the greatness that God says is your birthright? Do you believe what God says about you, or are you trapped in the lies of what someone else says of you, and the lies of being someone that needs acceptance and fears rejection?

Rejection is going to happen. Not everyone is going to like you, love you, or want you. Life is a journey filled with hills and valleys. In your life you will meet those who cheer for you and jeer at you. There are those who will comfort you, and those that will try and take from you. But ultimately, when it's all said and done: YOU are in charge of what you accept or do not accept. It's up to you what you believe and give power to. This is YOUR life. You get to choose. God gave that gift to you. The choice is yours. Live your truth or continue to live a lie. When you live and walk in your truth, lies have no power over you. What other people say or think about you will have no effect on you. Truth sets you free, and takes away the power of the enemy to hold anything over you or against you.

I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives: spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and financially. Walk in your truth. Be free in your truth. God cannot lie; whatever He has spoken concerning your life, believe it, hold onto it, run with it! You are worthy of walking in your truth and not in what somewhat else says about you. Stand up and live. Be bold. God has indeed anointed you! You are Blessed. Now go...and Be a Blessing!

©2013. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

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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: It Ain't Over!

Reflections July 7^th, 2013

“It Ain't Over!”

“As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proved; He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him.” Psalm 18:30

Scripture Contemplation: Philippians 1:6; Isaiah 45:1-7; Isaiah 10:27

Sure; it's not grammatically correct, but that is what I hear this morning ringing loud and clear in my spirit, in my heart, in my ears: IT AIN'T OVER!!! Not unless God says it is over!

I declare and decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement for your heart, mind, and soul. May you walk in the wisdom of God and the confidence that God is not finished with you! Know this: God will do just what He said He will do.

Now is not the time to give up or in! You are so close the manifestations of the promises of God in your life. I know, I know; how many times have you heard that before? Well, I don't care how many times you've heard it before. This time you need to believe it! It's is your belief in what God has spoken and promised to you that will make all the difference this time around.

Many of us have received bad news, and have been disappointed. Just when we think everything is going just right—BOOM!—something happens to try and shake our faith, and make us doubt what God has said. I know. I've been there. I'm there right now! The devil is whispering. Things have seemingly gone backwards. But there's a difference between you and I: I am going to keep believing, and knowing that it ain't over! It ain't over until God says it's over. And I will rest in His word that whatever He has spoken to me, that is exactly what is coming to pass. And I will see in my spirit what the Father has said. I will visualize it, believe, hold onto it, and prepare for it!

You have a choice before you today. Whatever you decide right now is going to determine how long you have to wait for the fruition of the promises of God in your life. You are either going to choose to believe God and see it in your spirit as done. Or, you are going to doubt God and believe that there is no hope. The choice is up to you! Do not allow the enemy to rob you of your sight. DO not allow him to blind your spirit to the vision that God has given you concerning your life. You must first be able to see it in your spirit before it manifests in the natural.

Yes, you have had some setbacks. Yes, it seems at times that God is far away, as though He has abandoned you. Yes, it seems as though the enemy is winning. Yes, the situation seems almost hopeless and impossible. Yes, the wait has been long! But beloved, you must hold onto your vision. You must hold onto the word of God. You must know that the circumstances and situations never dictate the whole truth. It is not an indication that is over. It is a sign that God is just getting started! Until you hear the Lord say unto you that it is over, that you should move on—do not give up! Do not lose the vision!

Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no vision, the people perish...”

I am determined, and I encourage you, as well, to be as Joshua and Caleb and not give up on the promises of God because of what your natural eyes can see or because of the report of those who look at the challenges and obstacles as too much to overcome.

No. Be like Joshua and Caleb—tenacious! Believing with all your heart that you can subdue the land and overtake the enemy because God is on your side. That, whatever God has promised you, He will make it come to pass in due season. Don't grow weary in the wait. Stand firm in what God has spoken.

Galatians 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

We are in a race. The finish line is closer than you think. But during this race, there is going to be bumps and rough spots, and some blocks and pits, and many hurdles. Along this race there will be detractors, naysayers, and obstacles that are designed to take you out and have you give up and either turn around, or not go forward, becoming stagnate where you're at. But there are also encouragers and helpers and trainers along this race. They cannot run it for you, but some will run it with you, some will show you where the pitfalls are, some will show you how to overcome the obstacles. Some will be there just to cheer you on. Some to give you a drink of water to refresh you, and some to come and take you by the arm, lifting you up when you feel like your legs are too tired to take another step. And along the sidelines are a host of witnesses that have gone before you and finished the race. They are there to cheer you on and let you know that all you have to do is endure. That, you are already a winner, and all you have to do is follow what God has said, see the finish line ahead, and run the course as He leads you.

Hallelujah! I don't know about you, but I just encouraged myself all over again! Thank you Jesus! Beloved, it doesn't matter how rough it gets. It doesn't matter what it looks like, or what obstacles come to try and prevent you from moving forward. When God has spoken a thing, that's what it is! When God has made a promise, He keeps it! We must keep our mind stayed on Christ. We must speak to ourselves each and every day what God has spoken to us. We must meditate upon His word day and night. We cannot allow one ounce of doubt to creep in. Because if we do, it is like a cancer that quickly spreads and is hard to get rid of! Say what God says! See what God has spoken to you! You must first see it in your spirit and believe it before God brings it to fruition! Believe God: It. Ain't. Over.

I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives: spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and financially. Know that unless God says a thing is over, it's not over! Believe on the word of God. Stand upon it. Meditate on it. See it. Believe it. Prepare for it. God is not a man that He should lie, nor the son of man that He should repent. Whatever He has spoken, He is surely bringing it to pass! You are Blessed. Now go...and Be a Blessing!

©2013. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

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Reflections4Life: Truly Free

Reflections June 30^th, 2013

“Truly Free”

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1

Scripture Reading For This Week: Psalm 119:45; Jeremiah 33:3; Luke 4; Romans 8; Galatians 5...

Are you free today? Are you free in your mind, in your soul, in your heart? Or, are you still bound up with the cares of this world, or your less than perfect past? God desires us to be free today. To be free from sin and our pasts. To help others to know, that true freedom lies within a relationship with God.

I declare and decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement for your heart, mind, and soul. May you walk in the truth that God has already set you free. Regardless to the situation you are in right now; God has declared that you are free. That, He has granted you liberty. And once you believe that, and receive it in your heart and spirit, the physical manifestations will follow suit.

Many of us are walking around with chains binding our hands, and minds, and shackling our feet to the point that we cannot think or move or go forward in what God has ordained for our lives. They may not be physical binds, but they are just as debilitating. These spiritual chains have a hold on many of us, preventing us from doing all that God has ordained for our lives here upon this earth.

Whether it is something from our past, old wounds, something someone has spoken over our lives, or familial curses that have plagued our family for generations—God says we are free! When you come into relationship with Him, and submit your all to Him; surrendering every part of your life to Him; you are truly free. Free to be who He has ordained you to be from the moment He created you.

Yet, there are so many of us—many of us believers and followers of Christ—that are bound. We are living lives without any passion, joy, or peace. That's not God! That is not what He has intended our walk to be like in Him.

We are bound by our past and worries of today. We allow the whispers of the enemy to become strongholds in our hearts and minds, blocking us from hearing God and receiving from God. Too many of us have began to doubt the promises of God. And each time we doubt, another chain is attached to our soul, rendering us immobile.

Isaiah 61:1-3“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek. He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound, 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn,3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.”

God has declared that we are free. That we have been liberated. But we must first believe this in our spirit. We must begin to see it in our spirit. We must what God has spoken concerning our lives before we can walk in it physically. We must believe first in the word of God and what He has proclaimed in our lives.

The enemy is excellent at pointing out our flaws, and reminding us of our past. He watches us diligently to assess our weaknesses and our Achilles heel. He attacks us when we are most vulnerable. Most of his attacks are not bold or brazen; they are subtle in nature. He is like a stalker, stalking its prey waiting for an opportune time to pounce. He will use subtle suggestions, whispering in our ears until we think they are our thoughts. He will use those we love to come against us. He will remind us constantly of our past and any mistakes we may have made. The enemy will try and make you doubt who you are and what God has said. And if that fails, he will suggest that you are not worthy of what God has promised you. He will suggest that you are not good enough to receive such blessings in your life. He will do anything to get the door open to your heart, where he seeks to come in, steal, kill and destroy. He will even use fear to get us to give up.

Yet God has given us the power to overcome the enemy, to stop him in his tracks: Jesus! The Blood of Jesus covers us, and has made a way for us. His love and sacrifice has set us free once and for all, and all we have to do is believe and walk in it daily, and speak what the Father has spoken concerning us.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not but to steal and to kill and to destroy. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

1 Peter 5:7-9 casting all your cares upon Him, for He careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Romans 8:1-2 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 3 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 through God for the pulling down of strongholds, 5 casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ...

We are free in God today. We must be proactive in our faith, proclaiming what the Father has already declared and decreed over our lives. The enemy has no power except the power we yield to him when we walk in doubt, fear, and disobedience.

Walking in the ways of God, our hearts totally surrendered to Him; we are truly free. There is not one thing the enemy can do to us, or take from us, or hold over our heads when we are surrendered to God and walk each day of our lives seeking to please the Lord. And should we fall, we must get back up, confess, repent, forgive ourselves ans God has forgiven us, and get back on that path of righteousness.

You know you are truly free when your past no longer has a hold on you, or when something someone says or does causes you to feel no guilt for that which God has already freed you from. And when you can see the gifts that God has blessed you with, and know that you are worthy of such awesomeness because God said so, and because He has forgiven you of your past and remembers it no more!

I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives: spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and financially. Walk in the freedom that God has granted you through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. Let go of the past, and all the things you thought you should have done, and receive what God has for you right now. Remember: God makes no mistakes. He's perfect that way! You are Blessed. Now go....and Be a Blessing!

©2013. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

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Reflections4Life: Our Strength in Joy

Reflections June 23^rd, 2013

“Our Strength In Joy”

“Then [Ezra] told them, Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold.” Nehemiah 8:10 (AMP)

Scripture Reading For This Week: Deuteronomy 28; Nehemiah 8; 2 Chronicles 20; Psalm 21; 1 John 5

What an awesome feeling to know that God is on your side. It fills your heart with peace and an unspeakable kind of joy. It is also liberating to understand the power that joy has and why the enemy is always trying to steal it. When we understand joy, then we will do all we can to hold on to joy and never let it go.

I declare and decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement for your heart, mind and soul. Allow the joy of the Lord to reside in every area of your life; strengthening you in your walk and commitment to the Father, and your resolve to hold on, as you wait upon the promises of God to be fulfilled in your life.

In my spirit, a song is ringing loud and clear: Joy, Joy, God's great joy. Joy, joy, down in my soul! Sweet, beautiful, soul saving joy. Oh, joy, joy in my soul. I find myself filled with so much joy. Joy that I do not, and cannot, and will not let go of.

The most important thing that I've learned about the joy of the Lord, is that it is my strength. It is what keeps me pushing forward when everything around me says to give up. It's what encourages me when I don't see no way out of a situation. It helps me to remember the plans of the Father concerning my life. Joy is what encourages me in the mist of sorrow and heartache.

“Then [Ezra] told them, Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold.” Nehemiah 8:10

Ezra was reading the law to the children of Israel so that they would understand. As the people heard the word, they began to mourn and be sad. But Ezra admonished them to rejoice. To not be depressed for it was the Lord's day, and that the joy of the Lord was their strength and stronghold.

What is the joy of the Lord? The joy of the Lord is His word. It is His thoughts. It is His promises. It is Jesus. The joy of the Lord is powerful. It transforms your mind, heart, and life. It is the Lord's strength that is placed in us to walk in this journey that we call life. The joy of the Lord gives us hope in a world that is filled with evil and sorrows.

There are times that we are surrounded with so much negativity that we begin to see things as impossible. It makes us feel as though mourning will never cease, and joy will never come. It is the joy of the Lord that enables us to see past the moment, to get through the grief, and to understand that mourning will occur—it is a part of life—but there will be a morning.

Psalm 30:5 For His anger is but for a moment, but His favor is for a lifetime or in His favor is life. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

We may not know how long the night is—for some of us it has been a very long night—but we do have the promise of our Father that there will be a morning. A morning that comes with joy. And while we are waiting for our morning, we can be strengthened by the joy of the Lord. We can allow it to be a stronghold over our heart and mind, and draw upon whenever we feel weak or afraid or even abandoned. God's joy will strengthen you. His word. His promises. His thoughts. His ways.

In order for us to hold onto this joy, we must be intimate with the Father daily. We must be in His word, meditating upon it, and keeping ourselves away, as much as possible, from constant negativity that would hinder us from seeing or hearing that which God is saying.

The joy of the Lord is my strength. Whatever I face in this world; I am not alone. For my God is with me. Through my mourning and weeping times; I have the courage to hold on knowing that my tomorrow will soon come. In fact, my morning has arrived. And I know it was the strength of my God—His joy that resides in my heart—that strengthened me to hold on, keep believing, and never give up. God said it. I believe it. My Morning has come.

I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives: spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and financially. Hold on to your joy. Let the joy of the Lord bring you comfort and peace of mind as it strengthens you through all waiting periods, and battles. Meditate on the word of God. Speak His word to the atmosphere and to yourself. God cannot lie. There will be a morning, and His joy will see you through. You are Blessed. Now go...and Be a Blessing!

©2013. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Reflections4Life: Honoring Your Father

Reflections,  June 16, 2013

"Honoring Your Father"

"Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. Psalm 103:13 NASB

Scripture Reading For This Week: Genesis 2:24; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16-17; Malachi 1:5-7; Matthew 15:3-7; Ephesians 6:1-3…

I would like to take this moment to wish a Happy Father's Day to all the father's and father's to be. May your heart be filled with abundant joy. I pray that you will continue to look to the Father for all instructions, allowing Him to lead you; even in the most difficult of times.  God will never leave you, but will lift you up and be your strength.

I declare and decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. As you honor your father, you are honoring God. No matter what path your earthly father may have walked, when you honor him as your father, God will move upon your behalf.

I loved my father. I honored him no matter what he did or didn't do. He was my father. Yes; I was a Daddy's girl. And most people believe that it is much easier for a daughter to look past or forgive their father's transgressions than a son. Maybe for some. However, I have come to understand, that unless both daughter and son can honor their father—no matter the actions of his life—they do themselves a disservice when it comes to their own life's journey and choices made in relationships.

Not all people make great parents. Some just do not have the skills it takes to do what is necessary. Yet, this does not cancel out the fact that God says we must honor them. We must show them respect; if not for the mere fact that because of them, you are here in the land of the living. He gave to you life. Let's face it: without his contribution you would not be here. So for that reason alone, if you can't find any other reason, he deserves  that much respect.

Did you know that the commandment: Honor thy father and mother, is the first commandment with a promise?

Ephesians 6:2-3 "Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth."

So that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth…That's the promise. Here's the deal: God wants us to show honor and respect to our parents regardless to what they may have done or not have done. He is concerned with our heart and our future and His plans for our lives. You don't think God knows about the atrocities that some parents make? You don't think He sees the abandonment? The failures? The broken promises?  Yes. he sees all of that. Yet, the Father understands that if we walk around with un-forgiveness, bitterness, hatred, disrespect towards our parents—the very ones who gave us life—then we are blocking what He has ordained for our lives. We trap ourselves, and may very well become the very person we have dishonored all this time.

Regard them, consider them, respect them.  Do not let your heart be burdened down with dishonor that you miss out on what God has for you in your life.

I honor my father. He was far from perfect. He did things that were not acceptable. But I loved him, honored him, and considered his life, as well. If it had not been for him, I would not be here. If it had not been for him, I would not be an author. He was the first person who told me I could. When he passed, I was only sixteen. I thank God for the Uncles I have who stood in the gap and nourished my broken heart. They are fathers, as well, who have made mistakes and were not perfect. But I honor them, just as their children do.

Honoring your father is not for his benefit; it is for yours. God knows exactly how to reach a parent who is not behaving accordingly. To honor them, in spite of, is a testament to your heart and where God wants to take you. When it comes down to it; to honor, respect, regard or consider them, has to do with where you want your life to go, and how long you desire it to be.

There are many fathers who are not being honored or respected for who they are. They have worked hard to provide, and to be the best father they could be; even when they had no example themselves of a good father. They make mistakes along the way, but they are not giving up. They are striving to do that which is right so that their children will benefit and receive what they never received growing up.

I take this time to honor every father. Whether you are considered the greatest of fathers, or the worst of fathers, I honor you today. I give God praise for you. For those who are not doing so well as a father, I consider you and all you may have gone through, and pray that the Lord will get a hold of you and direct your path; bring healing to your wounds, and forgiveness to your life so that you may truly begin to experience the joy and abundance of fatherhood. To every father that are doing all they can as a father; I honor you, and pray that your heart is continually filled with joy, and that your example of fatherhood and leadership will be passed on to your children, and that your children will honor you all the days of your life.

I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives: spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and financially. Honor your father. Whether he is the greatest or hasn't done all that well; still give honor to him as your father. For, God is looking at your heart, and it will determine how your days are upon this earth. Make peace so that your manifestations of blessings are not held up. You are Blessed. Now go…and Be a Blessing!

©2013. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

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Reflections4Life: It's About Faith

Reflections June 9^th, 2013

“It's About Faith”

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17

Scripture Reading For This Week: Matthew 8; Mark 2; John 16; Romans 1; 3; 10; Hebrews 11...

It's all about faith. Life. Everything we do, all that we believe—has to do with faith. Many of us exercise a certain faith without realizing it. Don't think so? You prepared for today, didn't you? You thought about what you had to do, what you were going to do, with the 'faith' that you were going to be here today to accomplish those tasks. That is faith.

I declare and decree that this week's Reflection is a continued source of encouragement for your heart, mind, and soul. Each day you are granted, may your faith be made stronger, and you yield to the Father concerning your life and its purpose.

I don't know what we'd do without faith. I do know that many take it for granted. We underestimate its power to change lives; to make an impact. We even underestimate ourselves in terms of our internal dialogue and the things we think and believe and hold onto.

What is faith again? “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. I like the Amplified Bible's interpretation: Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].

Faith is an action word. It requires you to have faith in something, not just anything. Faith needs a purpose; a hope. It must be based upon something. If you do not know what you are having faith in, then is it really faith? What are you hoping for? Believing for?

Just saying you have faith is not enough. It's like saying you have a plan, but have no idea what the plan is for or what it entails. You're just saying it to be saying it. You know what that is, right? Empty. Useless. No value or substance.

Faith is the assurance of what we have hoped for. It the insurance policy that guarantees what we may not see with our natural eyes but believe in our hearts. It is believing in what God has spoken to you, though you have been waiting a long while, and others may not see or believe it, but because God said it, you believe it.

This life we are living is all about faith. It is all about hoping that we get another chance to start over tomorrow. It's about hoping that the plans we have put forth come to fruition. It's about hoping that what God has promised us comes to pass. Faith is about believing that the time, effort, hope, and execution of what you have done and have believed for comes to fruition. That, it all pays off.

God made me a few promises, and I believe Him. I have faith in what He has spoken to my heart. I believe in the word of God. I believe in God. Some promises seem to be taking a while to come to pass, but because God said it, I believe in it. His word is my assurance. His word is my faith. He spoke it. I believe it. I hope for it.

Everyday we put for faith in something or someone. You believe that the work you do for your employer will garner you a paycheck at the end of that pay period, don't you? You work diligently, hoping to be rewarded for your efforts, do you not? You have certain expectations that you believe should occur when you do one thing or another.

I am convinced that what I believe and see in my spirit is surely coming to pass. I stand in my convictions that my faith in my God is justified. As longs as God spoke it, I will believe it. If I have asked my heavenly Father for anything, according to His will; then I know it is already done, and I have faith that it will soon manifest.

Sometimes the hardest part about faith is waiting. During that waiting time, many things can occur. And you must know that the enemy will do all that he can to shake and disrupt your faith, and try to make you lose hope. Hope is very important. When a person loses hope, they can very well lose themselves; even their life.

Many have joked at Reverend Jesse Jackson's famous quote: “Keep Hope Alive!” But he's absolutely right. We must keep hope alive. For, it is the basis for our faith. It is the “thing” that keeps us striving and believing. To have something to hope for, to hope in, keeps our faith growing; gives us something to continue to fight for. If we have nothing to hope for, then what does that mean for our faith?

I decree that the spirit of hope, of peace, and of prosperity finds permanent rest in your life: spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and financially. What do you have faith in? What are you hoping for? Who are you believing in today? Who are you listening to? Hear the Word of God and believe. Let your faith come forth boldly by hearing what God is saying to you. You are Blessed. Now go...and Be a Blessing!

©2013. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Reflections4Life: What Would You Do?

Reflections Sunday, June 2^nd, 2013

“What Would You Do?”

“But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 10:33

Scripture Reading For This Week: Psalm 23; Proverbs 3; Isaiah 12;Isaiah 65; Matthew 6; Matthew 10

We are faced with many choices in our lives. There are roads leading to various destinations; some proclaiming to get to the same location. Yet, there is only one road that leads to God. Only one way to get to heaven, and that is through Jesus Christ.

I am going to do something totally different today. I am sharing with you something written by Patricia Harris. She is a teacher, a pastor, an evangelist, a prophetess, and a mighty prayer intercessor, who just happens to be my mother. Yes. I am blessed to have this woman not just as my mother, but as a friend and encourager.

I declare and decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued and constant source of encouragement for your heart, mind, and soul. Do not let anyone deter you from the path that God has ordained for you. The enemy comes in many ways, but God will expose them all. Let God lead you. And know that He does answer prayers.

What Would You Do?

Suppose someone offered you five million dollars tax free? But with one condition: for one day you could not mention the name of Jesus. Even if someone came to you and asked, what does it mean to be saved? How does one get saved? What would you do?

Perhaps you have been praying for a breakthrough, and are backed up in so much debt. Possibly you just received a great offer for a business deal, and all you needed was capital. Maybe your mortgage is over due, and you're about to go into foreclosure; what would you do? One day not to mention the name of Jesus.

Suppose you went to visit a friend in the hospital, and when you get there, the doctor says they have maybe a few hours or day, at best, left to live. You know they've never received Jesus in their heart. Here you stand, with the question whether to say: just let Jesus come in, or Jesus loves you, that would bring them comfort. What would you do? In your ear it's ringing: Five million tax free dollars!

Perchance you have been praying for years, kept believing for a financial windfall. You begin to think, this could be your blessing. What will it hurt—just one day not to say anything at all? You begin reasoning with yourself. You'll give twenty percent to the church; you'll do this and that. But then you are told, you don't have overnight to think about it. Your answer must be within the next six hours.

Your phone begins to ring off the hook. Bill collectors are calling one right after the other. Your car just broke down. The house you wanted and needed just became available. It has the right amount of rooms. You don't have to do any work to it. Just one day not to mention the name of Jesus.

Maybe you're home-bound, and you can't get out, and a knock comes on the door offering you five million tax free dollars, and all you have to do is not mention the name of Jesus for one day. Your child comes home from school, he brings a friend home with him. They say: Dad/Mom, my friend wants to know about heaven. One day not to mention Jesus. What would you do? You ask the Father what you should do, but you don't hear anything in your spirit.

How about a husband and wife. Neither of you were saved when you got married. But now, you, the husband are saved but your wife isn't. You love your wife deeply. She loves you deeply. Before you were saved, you promised that when you became financially able to, you were going to send for her parents, bring them to the States and give them a real home. You have the opportunity with this five million dollars; but one day not to mention Jesus. What would you do?

Perhaps it is your child that stands in need of a life and death surgery. They require the best doctor and best care in order to make it. It's going to cost $250,000. This is your only child. $250,000? You'll have that and then some. Just one day not to mention the name of Jesus. What do you do? What do you say to your child, when you explain the situation, and as your child, he answers you and says: God got this, Dad. Just give me Jesus.

At the end of the six hours you make your decision; either saying yes or saying no. Not realizing it was a test, you were entertaining angels unaware.

Wow! Talk about powerful! What would you have done? Could you say you would have passed the test? We all have needs. We all are faced with some difficult decisions in life. But would you deny Christ to get what you wanted when God says that He knows what we need?

Matthew 6:8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”

There are times when we have denied Christ without even realizing it. Those times when we have acted other than a child of God. Those times when we have ignored the tugging of the Holy Spirit. Those times when we have not followed His instructions. Those times when we have not visited the sick and shut in, or those in prison, or have ignored hungry.

Matthew 25:42-45 “For I hungered, and ye gave Me no meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave Me no drink;43 I was a stranger, and ye took Me not in; naked, and ye clothed Me not; sick and in prison, and ye visited Me not.’44 Then shall they also answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when saw we Thee hungering or athirst or a stranger, or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister unto Thee?’45 Then shall He answer them, saying, ‘Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to Me.’”

I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives: spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and financially. Believe in the word of God. Believe that His promises for you are coming to pass. Do not deny Him,or else He will deny you. Stand up for God. And stand your ground against the devil. Got got you covered. And He is meeting every need. Youa re 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.

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No More Doubts

Reflections May 19^th, 2013

“No More Doubts”

“And the woman said to Elijah, 'Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in thy mouth is truth.'” 1 Kings 17:24

Scripture Reading For This Week: Genesis 15; 1 Kings 17; 18; 19; Habakkuk 2; John 10; 12...

It is so easy to lose faith and to be filled with doubt when we place our focus upon the circumstances instead of the word of God. God desires for you to believe Him with all of your hearts. And if you are struggling in any way—believing what God has promised you, then allow the Father to remind you of His promises and His power, so that you will have no more doubts.

I declare and decree that this week's Reflections will be a constant and continuous source of encouragement for your heart, mind, and soul. This is the week that all doubts will be eradicated, and your faith stirred up, as you stand upon the word of God and His promises to you.

Let's face it; when we first receive a word from the Lord, and we understand His promises and what He has spoken to our hearts—we are strong in our faith and we will declare what the Father has spoken concerning our lives with enthusiasm and complete faith. Then time happens. We wait, and we believe, but the seasons go by, the calendar changes and we are still waiting. Others seem to have received their promises. People begin to ask you: Didn't you say God said? The enemy begins to whisper: Did God really say that? Maybe you heard Him wrong. You know, He will not come through for you. Look how long it's taking. He's forgotten about you.

I know; I've been there. But neither time, circumstances, words of people around us, or whispers of the enemy changes what God has spoken and has promised. It will come to pass. Every. Single. Promise. We must continue to believe and have faith; even when it feels to painful to do so, or the situation impossible.

During my study time this week, I was reading 1 Kings 17. The Lord told the prophet Elijah to go to Zarapheth where He had instructed a widow woman to sustain him. At this time, there was no rain in the land, because Elijah had prayed so. Elijah asked the widow to bake him a cake. She told him that all she had was a little meal and some oil, that she was going to use to bake a cake for her and her son to eat and then die. He instructed her to bake him a cake first. He then told her that her barrel of meal and cruse of oil will stay replenished until the lord sends rain.

1 Kings 17:8-16 NASB “8 Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and stay there; behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath, and when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks; and he called to her and said, “Please get me a little water in a jar, that I may drink.” 11 As she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread in your hand.” 12 But she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I have no bread, only a handful of flour in the bowl and a little oil in the jar; and behold, I am gathering a few sticks that I may go in and prepare for me and my son, that we may eat it and die.” 13 Then Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go, do as you have said, but make me a little bread cake from it first and bring it out to me, and afterward you may make one for yourself and for your son. 14 For thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘The bowl of flour shall not be exhausted, nor shall the jar of oil be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain on the face of the earth.’” 15 So she went and did according to the word of Elijah, and she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The bowl of flour was not exhausted nor did the jar of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke through Elijah.

As I studied the 17^th chapter of 1 Kings, it occurred to me that at some point in time, perhaps this widow woman had begin to doubt; to doubt that Elijah was a man of God and spoke for the Lord. Yes. She'd seen the miracle of God in the meal and oil. But it still had not rained. The drought in the land was severe. Maybe Elijah was wrong? Maybe the meal and oil would not last? Maybe he was not a man of God, but one of Jezebel's prophets.

At some point, doubt entered into this widow's heart concerning what the Prophet Elijah had spoken. Even though she'd seen with her own eyes the meal and oil; time had effected her perception, and caused doubt. There was no rain, and the land was suffering.

It is easy for us to forget what God has already done for us, and what He has promised when we look at the situation we are face with, and the length of time that it seems to be taking for the promises to come to pass. While waiting, we may grow weary and begin to doubt that which God has spoken concerning our lives because we don't see anything happening, or it is taking some time for the promise to come to pass.

Here's my reasoning for believing that doubt began to settle in the widow. At some point during Elijah's stay, her son becomes ill, loses his breath and dies...

1 Kings 17: 17-24 NASB 17 Now it came about after these things that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became sick; and his sickness was so severe that there was no breath left in him. 18 So she said to Elijah, “What do I have to do with you, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my iniquity to remembrance and to put my son to death!” 19 He said to her, “Give me your son.” Then he took him from her bosom and carried him up to the upper room where he was living, and laid him on his own bed. 20 He called to the Lord and said, “O Lord my God, have You also brought calamity to the widow with whom I am staying, by causing her son to die?” 21 Then he stretched himself upon the child three times, and called to the Lord and said, “O Lord my God, I pray You, let this child’s life return [o]to him.” 22 The Lord heard the voice of Elijah, and the life of the child returned to him and he revived. 23 Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper room into the house and gave him to his mother; and Elijah said, “See, your son is alive.”

And this is how she responds, which is my reason for believing that doubt began to settle in:

verse 24: Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth.”

Beloveds, there are times in our life when God has spoken a word to us. He has sent His messengers, His prophets, His teachers, His shepherds. We receive the word. We wait. We even have been blessed and seen miracles and God move in such a way that we were certain it was God. Yet, there is still that promise; that one or two things that God said He was going to do that had yet to come to pass. And in the midst of our waiting, we begin to doubt. We begin to question if it will surely come to pass. Although we have experienced blessings in many areas. We have witnessed the move of God in many ways; doubt can still arise when we take our eyes off of God and begin to count the seconds and minutes of the clock.

It is in these times that I believe God will move exponentially in some way, and we will witness His hand in such a mighty way, that every doubt is eradicated. That, every voice that is contrary to what God has said is shut up. Our faith is recharged and we again can wait with expectation and hope that whatever God has spoken—no matter how long the wait—it will come to pass because God said so!

Perhaps the widow had her doubts from the beginning about Elijah. It was not uncommon for soothsayers and magicians in that time. For people, just as today, to say they spoke for God, but knew nothing of the One true God. In the midst of her waiting for the rain, and the surfacing of doubt arising, tragedy occurred, taking the life of her son. But God used his prophet, and restored the life of her son, and her faith in the Lord, and that Elijah truly spoke for the Lord.

What have you been waiting for the Lord to bring to pass in your life? What promises have you been waiting to see manifested. I have a few. And I refuses to give in. I will believe with every part of me that whatever God has spoken is surely coming to pass. And if there be any doubt in me, I pray that He'd remove it and deliver me from any unbelief. Because I do know: There is NOTHING impossible for God!

I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity will find rest in your lives: spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and financially. Believe in the word that the Father has spoken to you. Stand on His word. Meditate on it day and night; allowing it to wash away all doubts. You are blessed. Now go...and Be a Blessing!

©2013. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

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Conversations Affecting Our Black Children - African American Culture

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Happy Mother's Day!

Reflections May 12^th, 2013

“Abundant Love's Power”

“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3

Scripture Reading For this Week: Proverbs 31; Jeremiah 17; 31; John 3; 15; Ephesians 5; 1 Timothy 5...

Happy Mother's Day! I pray that this day is extra special for each and every mother, expectant mother, those who will be mothers, and those who mother other children as though they were theirs. May God continually bless you and shine His love upon you and all that you do!

I declare and decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued and constant source of encouragement for your heart, mind and soul. As you stand in receipt of your blessings, and continue to grow in the wisdom and knowledge of love, may you continue to reach forth to others and share that love.

Many things come to my mind when I think of mothers. My own relationship with my mother naturally comes to mind. My own skills as a mother come to mind, also. However, what comes to my mind the most is what God says about mothers and the gift that He has placed in each and every woman.

The first word that comes to mind when I think mother, is love. The love that is associated with being a mother; the caring, the concern, the loving and nurturing ways of a mother. Of course I know that not every woman that has birthed a child has motherly instincts or behaves like a mother ought to. For those women, I feel sorry for. Perhaps they never had the kind of healing love of a mother that taught and instilled in them the strengths and values of a mother who loves unconditionally.

Through out the word of God we see many mothers and their characteristics. Some were good, some were horrible, but there was a lesson to learn from each and everyone. We have prime examples in the word of God on how a mother should be. What God has ordained for the role of a mother.

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her: Proverbs 31:10, 27-28 KJ21

When I think of my mother, I think of unconditional love. When I think on my Grams, my Nana, my Aunties; I think of unconditional love. These women who raised and taught me, showed me nothing but unconditional love. I was surrounded with an abundance of love. It wasn't until I went to college that I truly understood that not everyone was as blessed as I was when it came to that kind of love.

Do you know that love makes a difference? Do you realize how powerful unconditional love is? Do you know what the presence of abundant love will do for a child? It makes all the difference in the world.

A home that is filled with abundant love will find that there will be peace in that home. Even if there should be a little turbulence at times, peace will settle in because the love in that house commands it to be so. Love is powerful that way. And I believe most miss it, because they miss the fact that love is God and God is love. And wherever God is, there will be peace.

Each one of us comes with an abundance of love. We are born into this world, created with abundant love, waiting to be nurtured and fed. Hate is a learned behavior. And where there is an absence of love, hate and bitterness, and selfishness have the opportunity to grow.

Mothers have so much power, that I don't believe many realize it. Even while a child is in the womb, the mother has the ability to influence that child. Not by just by caring for herself physically, but also emotionally and spiritually. The connection between that child and its mother is the difference between life and death. And a woman who understands the power of love and how it can change the life of a child, is one who understands about motherhood.

Whether you gave birth to a child or chose to adopt or are mothering other children; you already know the difference that love can bring into a child's life. Mothers have the power to change the world in the way in which they love and raise their children.

I think of Moses in this instance. His birthed mother loved him and knew to save him, she must let him go. Pharaoh’s daughter loved and raised him, and gave him the love and nurturing that help shape the man that he became. With her love and the exposure she gave him to freedom, Moses was in the position to become who God ordained him to be.

Hannah, who was barren, prayed earnestly. She longed for a child. Although her husband, Elkanah, loved her and lavished her with much, it did not take away the yearning in her heart for children. Before she became a mother, Hannah had a mother's heart. She thought like a mother, loved like a mother. And God blessed her. In that love, she too recognized the gift God have given her. She nurtured her son, pouring into him all the love she had. Then, she gave Samuel back to God.

God trusted Hannah. He trusted Jochabed and the Pharaoh's daughter. He trusted them to be the mothers he ordained them to be that would bring forth mighty men. In the like, God trusts us today. He trusts us with children, to raise and strengthen them and to do right by them.

When we walk in the unconditional love of God, the abundance of that love exudes in every area of our lives. It is evident in all that we do. And that abundance of love spills over into the lives of others, bringing healing, comfort, joy, and even strength.

I can't begin to say how many times that I have been hurt to the core of my heart, and how much healing and strength I received just by being able to speak to my Mom or my Grams, and receive a refill of their abundant love. It was refreshing, and healing, and comforting.

You know that song—What the World Needs Now (Is Love) ? It's true. It needs abundant love. It needs the kind of love that mother's had back in the day when my Grandmother was raising her babies. That unconditional love. The kind of love where it did not matter whose child you were; if you needed mothering, there was someone in the community who was going to shower you with that love and wisdom. We need God love. That unconditional love that makes room for every person, no matter what path they've taken in life.

I decree that this week will find the spirit of peace and of prosperity finding permanent rest in your lives: spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and financially. Love the way God loves. Love abundantly. There is someone who needs the benefit of that love. Once again, Happy Mother's Day! You are Blessed. Now go...and Be a Blessing!

©2013. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Honoring Our Mothers - African American Culture

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