"All Things New"

Reflections4Life™ April 29, 2018

“All Things New”

“And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also, he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:5

Scripture Contemplation: Leviticus 26:9-11; Isaiah 43:19; 48; 66:22-24; Acts 14; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12...

©Ruthe McDonald

T

here is nothing God desires more than for us to be with Him in paradise; to spend our eternity in His presence. To experience on this earth all that He has ordained. Yet, even God knew that things could not remain the same in our lives if we expect to receive all that He has promised. There is no room for new things in a room overcrowded with old things. Eventually, anything new added would only get lost amongst the clutter. God wants us to know that He is making all things new today. He is restoring us physically, mentally, spiritually. However, some things may be painful at times, and difficult to let go of and move on from. He is clearing away the things that have hindered and blocked us from His move and anointing in our lives. Make no mistake: God’s timing is perfect and He is making all things new.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. Determine in your heart and mind to let go of what things appear to be. Meditate on the word and promises of God. Contemplate on the scriptures given today, and allow them to feed your soul and strengthen you, as God begins to make all things new concerning you. Be a willing participant in your transformation by believing God, by exercising faith. After all, all it takes is faith the size of a mustard seed to make a significant change.

More Than Our Eyes Can See

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Our heavenly Father wants more for us than we could ever imagine. Sometimes we are trapped by our current circumstance, unable to see past our trials and heartache. We forget the promises and word of God because of how things appear. It is even harder to see the light and the bright side of things when your life has been a series of what feels like bad events. Yet, even in all of that, God wants us to believe that His plan is to prosper us—spiritually and physically; to give us a future and a hope.

Do you think that God did not know what lies ahead of you? He did. What many of us, however, do not know and what some of us have forgotten, is that our lives are more than what we can see. There is always a beginning, a middle, and an ending of a story. From the moment God created us, He designed us to withstand the goodness and the darkness of life. He has placed in us the ability to rise above and to push through adversity and affliction. However, we must see through His eyes, believe in our hearts, have faith in what God has spoken, even when it does not appear that way.

Clearing Away Baggage

Matthew 9:17 Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.”

Beloved, trust when I tell you, that God has great things for your life. He has promises that you have yet to discover, and you never will if you continue to hold onto old things, old ways, and what others may have done to you. It’s called baggage. Or as my Gram would say, a house of clutter.

We pray and ask God for a new life. We ask the Father to bless us, to change us, to increase our territory, but we have not done the work of cleaning out and taking care of what we already have. We have not done proper preparation that would enable us to be ready for the abundance or magnitude of the greatness of God manifesting in our lives.

Do you ever wonder why some people—like the lottery winners—can be broke in just a few years’ time? They were not prepared—mentally or emotionally. Some were overwhelmed, not financially educated, had the wrong people around them, and some were stuck in old ways and patterns of doing things.

Would you purchase brand new furniture for your home, having not gotten rid of the old furniture first? Imagine what that would look like. If you were beginning a new relationship with someone, knowing and believing in your heart you were going to marry; would you treat them as they deserved or would you hold them to a standard based upon a past relationship? Would you withhold trust and treat them based on the hurt that still resides in you from the past? What if that were done to you?

Some of us are holding onto old ways of thinking, doing, and behaving. We are holding onto old hurts, ideals, and even old love and memories that we have no room for anything new. We ask God to bless us but have yet severed ties from the past, or attempted to clean out our houses to make room for the abundance that God has for us.

All Things New

Leviticus 26:9-11(MSG) I’ll give you my full attention: I’ll make sure you prosper, make sure you grow in numbers, and keep my covenant with you in good working order. You’ll still be eating from last year’s harvest when you have to clean out the barns to make room for the new crops. I’ll set up my residence in your neighborhood; I won’t avoid or shun you.

We do not always know the middle of our life’s story. We do not know where our journey will lead us. However, when we have trust and faith in God, we can hold onto and believe in what He has spoken concerning the finish line, concerning the best years of life. With God, it is a guaranteed promise and not just wishful thinking.

My Beloveds, May the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. God cannot lie. He is making all things new. Having washed away the dredges of our past, all we have to do is believe and accept this awesome gift of the Heavenly Father; walking in His love and His promises. Let go of the past and its baggage. Have a new mind and new outlook; learning and receiving all that God has ordained for our lives. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2018. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"The Possible Journey Amidst Impossible Circumstances"

Reflections4Life™ April 22, 2018

“The Possible Journey Amidst Impossible Circumstances”

“But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 15; Deuteronomy 4:35-38; 2 Kings 17; 2 Chronicles 36; Luke 14

I decree that this week’s Reflections will continue to be a source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. There is a journey that we are all on called life. During this journey, there will arise many impossible circumstances—to the human heart and mind but not impossible for God and those who choose to believe. The journey we are on is a possible journey; one filled with many possibilities based on the belief in our heart and mind. Allow the heavenly Father to renew your mind and resurrect your hope, dreams, visions, and faith. Let God show you the possibilities in the journey before you, regardless of what you may have faced or are currently facing.

A Lesson in Endurance

Song of Solomon 8:6a (MSG) Love is invincible facing danger and death. Passion laughs at the terrors of hell.

This past weekend, my beautiful cousins laid their Mom to rest to join their father in eternal peace. My Aunt Sharon was there for me when my Mom transitioned three years ago. She was there for me in my times of need, calling me every day. She made daily calls and weekend calls to her family members just to tell them that she loved them. Every Sunday she would call me after reading Reflections and would tell me how much the word touched her heart and how did I know that was exactly what she needed to hear that day.

This woman of character, of substance, taught me that life is a journey filled with many lessons and possibilities. Life can be a beautiful, yet sometimes scary and lonely journey with difficulties, but a journey, nonetheless, that should be lived with expectations of love, passion, faith, and possibilities that surpass our imagination, no matter what comes our way.

Hers was a life of endurance. A life that spoke of possibilities despite impossible circumstances that may have arisen. When the love of her life transitioned 25 years ago, her determination to push forward showed me strength. What she showed her five daughters, and how she taught her fourteen grandchildren and two great grans about their grandpa Richard and their love was a testament, to me, about the power of truly unconditional love and that it sincerely is more powerful than death and stronger than the grave.

The Greatest Possibility is Love

Song of Solomon 8:6b-8a (MSG) The fire of love stops at nothing—it sweeps everything before it. Floodwaters can’t drown love, torrents of rain can’t put it out. Love can’t be bought, love can’t be sold—it’s not to be found in the marketplace.

Here is the greatest lesson I gained from my Auntie’s life: The trials and tests we face are there to strengthen us and to weed out all the people, places, and things that do not belong in our life. Life is not easy, but it is worth the fight to live it with love, joy, and happiness. We must know and believe in our hearts, that the love we will encounter will outshine and outlast all of the bad times if we choose to trust the process, endure the journey, have faith, to continue loving, and though difficult, forgive and move on.

On this possible journey we call life, the greatest possibility is love. Unconditional love. A love so powerful that it can turn impossible situations and circumstances into possibilities when we dare to believe and do not allow the lies of the enemy to blind us and deafen us to not only the love and redemption of God, but also the gifts of love that God brings into our life.

Unconditional love—like God—does not boast in itself. It does not say look at me, look at me. Nor does it keep a record or score of the wrongs done by those we say we love and who love us. Love is patient, kind, and understanding. Love is also freeing, healing, powerful, and very much possible. It is the greatest possibility that we have in our lives. The possibility that can change the course we are on if we are willing to believe in it and fight for it. Nothing in life worth having has ever stayed in our lives or is gained without one hundred percent dedication and the willingness to fight for what we believe in and desire.

Contrary to what some may believe or have been told, love—unconditional, sincere love—is not weak, it is strong and powerful. Nor can it be faked. It is real, life-changing, and healing. One of the reasons why the enemy does all that he can to destroy love, to divide and conquer, to separate and put asunder, is to destroy relationships, which in turn destroys families. Family—a united family—that loves and serves God is the last thing that the enemy wants. It despises a united front; a family that prays together surely does stay together. We are an example of the promises of God and His love and have the power to influence a whole new generation.

God designs a journey filled with possibilities; a journey of lifelong lessons, of hope and dreams, of love and victory. The enemy will throw in roadblocks and pits, and try to turn people—especially those we love—against us. He will work to create discord and disconnection. It is hard to see the sunlight and all the possibilities before us when all we see are impossible circumstances, have continuous negative thoughts, and constantly bombarded by the whispers, lies, and smoke and mirrors of the enemy.

At The Core of it All

Mark 9:23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”

Whatever you believe in your heart; whatever you give constant thought to, becomes your reality. Whatever you are speaking to yourself and declaring to the atmosphere manifests for you. There is power in our words and thoughts. I watched my Aunt come through some very difficult trials in life and still live the life she wanted and how she wanted. I saw her happiness and pride in her children and grandchildren. I saw the power of unconditional love and the belief in possibilities instead of a focus on impossible circumstances. Her love and passion were so strong, that she created an atmosphere of belief for her grandchildren and great grans. She would tell them about their grandfather and their great-grandmother—whom most never met—and it created a memory in their mind until those children could tell you stories about their grandfather and great-grandmother, as well Aunts and Uncles, as if they were there themselves to witness it. So now, their journeys are filled with examples of the power of love, faith, and belief. They will see the possibilities in the midst of impossible situations and know that they, too, have the same power to create their reality, no matter what they are faced with in this life.

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. Our life is a possible journey amidst impossible circumstances because of the love of God. There are possibilities before us, Beloved. The greatest of them being love. Unconditional love is powerful and healing and can change circumstances and hearts forever. If we believe. Don’t give up and do not allow the enemy to rob you. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2018. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Through The Eyes of God"

Reflections4Life™ April 15, 2018

“Through The Eyes of God”

“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

Scripture Contemplation: Deuteronomy 28; 1 Samuel 16; Job 4:6; Isaiah 55:8-9

©Ruthe McDonald.

Everything looks different through the eyes of God. In His presence, we will find the courage to do, to be, to see, to believe all that God says about us. What so many fail to realize is that, through the eyes of God, you are perfect. He sees a completed work. His Masterpiece. It is time for us to get into the presence of God and truly see ourselves through the eyes of God.

I declare that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. Determine in your heart and mind to get in the presence of God this week, and allow Him to feed you; to fill you with His love and goodness, and to stir up inside of you the truth of who you are in Him. Shut out the world. Limit all distractions and receive all that God has ordained for you—one day at a time, one moment at a time.

Letting Go of the Past

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to let go of the past. It can be difficult to shake the lies of what others have spoken over us. Whether it was family, strangers, teachers, people in authority, someone we may have looked up to and held in high regard. They may have spoken words to us that not only hurt but also placed a block in our hearts and minds about what we were actually capable of doing.

We are not our past or what people have said about us. Though our past affects our today, it does not have to define who we are right now, especially when God has forgiven us, and will create in us a new heart and mind when we dare to believe Him, and follow Him.

It can be difficult to let go of the past when constantly reminded of past mistakes and failures. When people refuse to see us for who we are right now; acknowledge the changes in us, or even see the potential that we have. Sometimes, in those instances we have to make the difficult choice of letting go and moving forward, pushing through all the darkness. That may look like letting go of people places and things. We may have separate ourselves, start over in a different place, move away from familiar things. Simply, cut people off and sometimes out of our lives. It is by no means easy but it is necessary. It is time to free ourselves and be open to all that God has ordained for our lives.

In The Presence of God

There is nothing more invigorating or life-changing than being in the presence of God. In the presence of God, there is peace, there is power, there is healing, there is the truth. So many of us run from God when we are facing difficulties or when we feel a certain way about ourselves. The flesh wants to hide. The enemy wants us to hide from God, also. Because if we run from God in the times of trouble and uncertainty, it gives the enemy the opportunity to pounce; to bombard us with his lying whispers that far too many of us fall for. He will remind us of every mistake we ever made. Every misstep; every negative situation, every lie ever uttered to us; Satan will be bringing it up.

We must run to God in the face of adversity and hardships. In His presence is where we need to be so that we may gain a sense of self and bask in the love and power that is our God. This—in His presence—is where we receive healing, strength, power, and the wisdom to move forward and push past the incessant attacks of the enemy. This is where we recharge and renew our minds and learn how to use the armor of God, as well as learning how to pray and how to strategically win each time against the enemy and be free from the lies that have plagued our lies and have stopped us from pursuing our dreams and visions.

Through the Eyes of God

Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Everything looks different through the eyes of God. After spending time in His presence you cannot help but to see things differently and to realize that we, indeed, have the power to change our circumstances by changing our focus, our thoughts and the words we speak to ourselves, and what we accept or do not accept from others.

When we see through the eyes of God, we understand that His ways and thoughts are so far above ours. We come to understand that God is more loving, forgiving, and less judgmental than we are with others and with ourselves. The truth of the matter is, when God sees us, we are whole, complete, and perfect because of His Son. He does not see our past, shortcomings, and mistakes. He sees potential, what will be if we yield to Him. He sees a beautiful, wonderful, masterpiece of His design, waiting to experience all the love and promises that He ordained for our lives.

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. It is now time for us to see through the eyes of God. To see what God sees, how He sees. To see the light in the midst of the darkness; to feel joy in the midst of sorrow; to experience love in the face of indifference. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2018. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"The Resurrection of Love and Hope"

Reflections4Life™ April 1, 2018

“The Resurrection of Love and Hope”

“Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept.” Mark 16:9-10

Scripture Contemplation: Isaiah 52:7; Matthew 27; 28; John 20; 2 Corinthians 13...

©Ruthe McDonald.

Happy Resurrection Sunday! The ultimate sacrifice and unconditional love of Jesus Christ, gave us the greatest gift man could ever receive: Salvation, an eternity with our Heavenly Father. When Jesus rose that third day, it was for all of humanity, past present, and future. By His grace, we’re afforded the opportunity to partake in the power of His resurrection every single day God grants us.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. If you do not take anything from today’s devotional but one thing, let it be that we have the power to change our lives and others by what we believe in our hearts. No matter you have faced in your life that may have you feeling hopeless and far removed from love; understand this: the Resurrection was not just for then or for our physical bodies to rise up to heaven. The power of the Resurrection extends to all things that may seem dead in our lives that God says needs to live again. Such as, dreams, visions, happiness, and even love and hope. Allow the power of the resurrection touch every area of your life, believing that God is doing just what He has promised, no matter how long the wait.

A Little Bit Different

I come before you a little bit different today, sharing with you about my family and our traditions on what many call Easter Sunday. We don’t always understand things or the significance of something as a child, but with age hopefully for most of us comes wisdom, and with that understanding.

On my life’s journey, I have learned that there really is no secret to happiness. No secret code to love and hope. Not for those who walk with God, spend time in His presence and read His word. Some of the things that we did in our childhood, with our families, the traditions we practiced, were really life lessons in love and hope. We may have felt stifled as we got older, thinking we were missing something out in the big world. The truth is, for many, the keys to our happiness were already received, and we just have to remember the lessons.

My Family Traditions

Can you remember being a child during the Easter holiday? I remember feeling excited. It was more than the new clothes, and the Easter candy. It was getting to go over to my Gram’s house, and sit in her kitchen, watching her work her magic.

What I also remember about Easter, as a child, was going to church. Funny how every Easter Sunday, the church would be filled with people who had not been in church all year. Yet, the Pastor was extremely happy and made sure he gave a sermon that was at least six sermons in one!

Resurrection Sunday has always been a very special time in my family. As I got older and understood the meaning of this holy day, it made it even more special and the fact that I could spend it with those I love, celebrating what Christ did for us.

Many feel a certain way about Easter, and point out its paganism origin. However, there were life and love lessons that came in those traditions that planted seeds of truth about the Resurrection and the real reason we gathered for what many called Easter. As children, it was not so much what was said (considering our short attention span) but it was the actions of the adults that would have lasting impressions on us, and shape who we would become, what we would believe, and how we would lead our own families.

My Grams showed in her actions the love behind the Resurrection. She went all out every holiday but especially Resurrection Sunday. When my cousins and I were children, she would make sure there was a basket for everyone filled to the brim. She would gather her family and we would all go to church together. All of us decked out in our finest clothes. My Grams with her Easter hat. After services, we’d go back to her house for dinner. As she was finishing preparing her meal for her family, all the children were hunting for Easter eggs, and sneaking candy from out of our baskets.

I would always find myself at my Grams table watching her. She had the hugest smile on her face and a song on her lips. What I remember the most is how happy she was; how much joy that she held in her heart. Tired was not in her vocabulary when it came to her family. She was just pleased that all her children were under one roof, healthy and loving on one another.

That is what many of us are missing today, that familial love, the joy, the simplicity of coming together. We weren’t the richest people monetarily. We definitely had our share of hard times. However, when we came together and celebrated the life that we had and the gift of one another, it made us stronger. It made us richer. We were wealthy in love and in each other. When we shared with our friends and neighbors, even strangers, it made Resurrection Sunday that more real and joyous.

There was love and hope at my Grams table, in her home. It was such an abundance of love and hopes that even those who were not family felt it and benefited from it. We did not need permission to invite anyone, we could just bring him or her, and they would be fed and loved on. Perhaps even filled them with hope.

I realized at the same time, it was the reason why so many people show up at Church on Resurrection Sunday. Even they know, somewhere in their hearts, that it is a sacred and special time where anything can happen. They came, out of all days, hoping to receive something. Perhaps they are looking for love; looking for a little hope in their lives. Who am I to judge why they came or why they have not been there since the previous year.

What I Know for Sure

Many are facing very difficult times. The last thing that many people have on their mind is celebrating. But isn’t that what Resurrection Sunday represents? Miracles? Optimism? Hope? When we gathered around my Gram’s table for prayer, it solidified why we were really there: To celebrate what Christ had done for us, and what He made possible. 

Though there are times we might not know where the next meal is coming from, or how the bills are going to be paid, we cannot count ourselves out. We are alive and breathing. They thought when they crucified Christ, that that was the end of the story. However, it was just the beginning. A miraculous thing occurred on that third day of that Passover: Christ arose.

There are things that we face in this life, and sometimes we have no control over some things. Yet we do have control over how we respond. Things might be a bit rough right now, but it won’t always be this way. One of the greatest lessons I learned from my Gram was to share. Share what you have, and God will always provide. I have an abundance of love and hope to go around.

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. An open fist can receive more than a closed fist. If you know someone that stands in the need of help, reach out your hands to him or her. Invite them over for dinner. Or send an anonymous food basket to their home. So many stand in the need of a miracle, perhaps you are that person’s miracle. Maybe you are the person God desires to use to resurrect someone’s love and hope this Resurrection Season. Be open to God today. You are indeed blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2018. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"A Reflection of Love"

Reflections4Life™ March 25, 2018

“A Reflection of Love”

“The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” John 12:12-13

Scripture Contemplation: Isaiah 53; Matthew 21; Mark 14:41; John 12; 2 Timothy 3…

©Ruthe McDonald.

Can you picture it today? Can you see it in your mind, your spirit, the triumphal entry of Jesus into Bethany? I can see it so clearly; His riding through as they yelled praises of adoration; throwing palms down, and singing, ‘Hosanna! Hosanna!’ The reflection of love on their faces, as the man, the Rabbi, the Prophet, the Healer, and miracle worker, rode through. Many of them healed and delivered by His touch or just one word from His mouth. Jesus, knowing each one by name, full of love and the knowledge of what was to come, still remained full of love, care, and concern. Two different perspectives; one would remain while the other quickly faltered in less than a week’s time. Which one are you? Are you like Christ, a reflection of love? His love? Or do you find yourself, like those people, only reflecting that love when there is something to gain?

I decree that this week’s Reflections is a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. When you say you love the Lord, do not let it be just words. Life will not always be easy, as many can attest. However, it is worth living, especially when you are in an intimate relationship with God, filled with His love, and can reflect that same love to those around, until your actions draw others to the love of God. Yield to God everything. Be sold out, and allow heavenly Father to fill you and teach you how to be a reflection of His love.

On The Surface

Mark 11:8-10 And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”

Jesus had done many miracles, had delivered many, and healed many others. Not too long before His triumphal entry, He had raised His friend, Lazarus from the grave in front of many witnesses.  The people were euphoric and praising His name, proclaiming Jesus as Master, the Son of God, and the greatest Rabbi. It was easy for them, having not sacrificed anything but receiving all that Jesus was giving, to appear to be the reflection of love. It was not the love of God in their heart reflected. Instead, it was gratitude for what He had done for them and the promises of what He would do. Though they did not understand the price that needed to be paid or how the promises of God would be fulfilled.

On the surface, many of us appear to love God. We are serving Him, praising His name, saying all the right words, and appear to be die-hard believers. We seem to be a reflection of love—God’s love. Yet, God is saying, it is only surface dedication, a fleeting form of adoration. The reflection that most are seeing is His grace and mercy shining on us, and not His love coming from within us.

When adversities, afflictions, and what appears as contradictions to our faith occur, we turn away from God. We stop worshipping, praying, and start accusing God instead of praising Him. We get angry with God and question where He is in our times of need; losing faith as quickly as a punctured balloon.

We have served God when it is easy. We have a surface relationship with no substance. We serve for what we can get and as long as everything is going well, we have no problem praising God and having a form of godliness, but our hearts are far from God, as we have not fully yielded or surrendered to Him and His ways. It is like a house made to look pretty for sale but when purchased, a deeper inspection uncovers wood rot and a weak foundation. One storm will take it out.

Are you reflecting the true, sincere, love of God from within? Or are you just conveniently mirroring His grace and mercy; serving Him with lip service until something goes wrong or does not go your way? Are your praise and worship sincere? When adversities come, where will you stand?

What Christ Knew

Matthew 26:24-26 The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.”

Luke 23:21 but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!”

Christ already knew why He came. He understood the price He was going to pay. He even knew that those same people, praising and singing Hosanna, would be the same people who less than a week later would yell, Crucify Him! Crucify Him! Yet, Jesus held none of this against them, just as He holds nothing against us but unconditional love.

However, the people did not truly reflect His love. What they held in their heart was not from a committed heart but only for what Jesus could do for them. It was a selfish relationship with no substance. Yet, Jesus was the reflection of love. He is love. God is love. Christ reflected the love of God for His creation, in that He did not open His mouth once against those who yelled to crucify Him. Though He could have called on a legion of angels, spoke one word, and things would have been different, He knew and understood why He came. He came for us. To save and deliver us. To be the final sacrifice. To shed His blood that through Him we might be saved.

What About You?

Beloved, where does your heart lie? Are you sincerely reflecting the love of God? Or, are you just projecting the love and mercy God is covering you with? Do you believe in your heart, that no matter comes your way—what trials and tests you face—you will still believe in God? That, your faith will still stand even if your prayers are not answered when you want them to be?

When people look at you, do they see the reflection of God’s love? Do they see love? Or do they see something totally different? I desire to be the reflection of love. A reflection of who my Father is. A person full of compassion, love, understanding, strength, and mercy. I desire for my life to be a walking Epistle of who God is to me. Whether things are going well or not. Whether I am praising God because things are well or praising Him in spite of the situation not being so great at the time. I want to be solid in my faith. For the reflection of love being seen to come from within, and not just a surface thing that I can turn on or off. I desire for others to see the love of God in me and desire to know how they, too, can have that same kind of love. I owe it to God, and so much more.

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. Be a reflection of the love of God. Allow the love of God be ensconced in your heart so deep that is reflected in all that you do and say. Let it be a light that draws others to love and saving grace of God. Don’t just praise God in the good times or for what He can do for you. Praise Him always and in spite of what may come your way. God is greater than anything you may face today or tomorrow. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2018. 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.

"Because God Said So!"

Reflections4Life™ January 14, 2018

“Because God Said So”

“For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.” Romans 4:13

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 15; 37; Proverbs 28:20; Mark 2; 4; 5; Romans 4; Hebrews 11

©Ruthe McDonald

Throughout my life’s journey and my walk of faith, I find myself, when being questioned numerous times, about not so much what I believe but why I believe; my answer has come to four small yet powerful and succinct words: Because God Said So. That is it concisely. I believe simply because God says so. It has been a journey to get to that point in my faith, but it accurately sums up the contents of my heart when it comes to my faith and trust in God and His word.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Make this the year that you get alone with God often. Do not neglect your relationship with the Heavenly Father, or take for granted His mercies and grace. There may be things that you do not understand. Decide in your heart, and mind to trust God anyway. Give God your time and your trust and watch what develops in your life.

I have heard many things throughout my walk with God. This journey that I am on, has brought me to many understandings. It has enlightened me to not only what others may feel or think of God and me, but also what I truly think of God and myself. Yet, what I know for certain in my heart and have learned is that we all must come to decision in our lives to either believe God, taking Him at His word, or walk with mistrust, doubt and anxiety. You will either come to know that, it is not what you can see with your eyes and physically touch that says faith. It is what you come to believe in spite of not seeing or having something tangible to hold onto. It is simply taking God at His word and moving forward because God said so.

Is it easy? No. Nothing in life ever is, especially when there will always be enmity between the flesh and the spirit. Our senses, logical mind, and preconceived notions sometimes have a difficult time believing and reconciling what we cannot see touch and feel. It does not make sense and the flesh wants to reject it. Yet, we have no problem breathing and believing that oxygen or air is there, so we take a breath without thinking about it.

Complete faith in God and getting to the place in your heart that you believe just because God said so—is that place in faith that is like breathing. You just do it. It has become a natural order of things in your life. Many arrive at this place when they have learned to block out the other voices and opinions of others, and have completely yielded to God and His ways. It is not to say that they do not have moments of doubts or insecurities or even impatience; because those times will come. However, you do not stay in that place. You learn, from consistent prayer, meditation, and spending intimate time with God, how to overcome and pray through those difficult times that try, test, and may pull you in all directions. A true test of what you believe and are waiting for to manifest.

I believe because God said so. He has a proven track record with me. God has done many of things in my life that I know, had it not been for Him, it would not be. God has always kept His word; even when there were times, I doubted and even gave up. God was still there. Many situations in my life—even at this present time—I may not understand and find it difficult, and my faith being stretched as never before—yet God has shown up and has proven time and time again that He is the same God; the same God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. What He did then, He can and will do today. The promises He made will happen and all I have to do is exercise my faith and believe with my heart and not my eyes or ears.

For me, God’s word trumps everything. In order for me to stay in this state of faith and to make certain it strengthens and not weakened, then I must do the things that promote and encourage my faith. Be obedient. Write down the plans. Speak what He has spoken. Surround me with like-minded individuals who can encourage and uplift one another in this walk of faith.

1 Samuel 15:22 Samuel said, “Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.

Habakkuk 2:2-3 Then the Lord answered me and said, “Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets, that the one who reads it may run. “For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.

2 Chronicles 18:13 But Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, what my God says, that I will speak.”

Acts 5:12 At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s portico.

This is truly a faith walk, not a cakewalk. Some days will be easier than others will. We can be certain that the enemy of God and of our soul will try his best to destroy our faith; to try and make us give up on God and turn away from all that we have come to believe and have been waiting for to manifest. Some of us will fall. Some will succumb to the enemy and stop believing. But even in that, God is still there. He will still call out to you, send His word, and give you something tangible to hold onto.

Abraham’s faith was counted unto him as righteousness. Abraham believed though he had moments of doubt. He even took ill-advised counsel from his wife and slept with her handmaid, Hagar, who gave birth to Ishmael. Sarah did not believe, and Abraham was influenced by that disbelief. Yet and still, God kept His promise to Abraham. When God told Abraham to take Isaac, the promise, and sacrifice him, Abraham obeyed. It was difficult, and Abraham could not reconcile with his flesh what God wanted and how the promise would be fulfilled, Abraham obeyed regardless. His obedience made way for the ram in the bush.

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. Though things may not look as the promise given, and circumstances have risen to give you pause and cause doubt to find a space in your heart—ask God to remove it and go forward in obedience in what God told you to do. You may not see the use or validity of what God is saying, but faith—complete faith—will cause you to do it anyhow. Knowing that God is going to show up and keep His word. He’s God; it will come to pass because He said so. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2018. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Can I Get a Testimony?"

Reflections4Life™ November 5, 2017

“Can I Get a Testimony?”

“And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death.” Revelation 12:11

Scripture Contemplation: Exodus 23; Deuteronomy 5:20; Psalm 132:12; Acts 8; 2 Corinthians 13; Hebrews 10:14-16…

©Ruthe McDonald.

When is the last time that you recall hearing a church have testimony time? Do churches still have that? I know that some churches, due to a “time constraint” no longer have in their “program” a time for testimonies. I have been hearing a lot of complaining, talking about a whole lot of other things, but I have not heard too many testifying of what God has done in their lives. Can I get a testimony?

I declare that this week’s Reflection is a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for the heart, mind, and soul. I challenge you this week that whatever God has worked out for you; whatever He presses upon your heart to share—share it. Share the goodness of God this week. I dare you to testify and let someone else know how good God has been to you. Let them know of the goodness of God. Do not be ashamed of what you may have gone through, also do not be stingy with telling others of God’s grace and mercy. We overcome by the word of our testimony.

Beloved, this is what I know today: there are power and healing in our testimonies. There are far too many people waiting on a word from God and guess what? We are that word! God uses us—believers, overcomers, beneficiaries—of His love and kindness to go out and share the good news of not only the saving grace and love of Christ but also the goodness of God and His favor and what He has brought us through.

Did you not know that we do not need a title, a position, a degree, or anything to minister the word of God? No. We do not need that to reach others. We also do not need to be perfect, have it all together, or pretend to have all the answers. All we have to do is share what God has done in our lives. Let someone else know that what they are going through, God can and will see them through. You know, because of what God has done for you.

Do you know how many men, women, and children are walking around—some in your own home—feeling alone, depressed, some even at the point of despair and wanting to take their own lives because they feel alone, forgotten, weird, or ashamed of things that nine times out of ten were not even their fault. Here some of us are; acting all perfect, sanctified as if we always had it all together and cannot relate.

We need to tell the truth, destroy the enemy’s plot to rob one more life and share our testimonies. I am not telling you to bare your secrets; those things that are only between you and God. However, I know there is something that you can share with someone to lift him or her up. To encourage them; even if you think it is insignificant. What may seem insignificant to you can be the very thing that someone else needs to hear.

God did not bless us, Beloved, for us to keep our mouths closed. He did not deliver us so we can stand smug and self-righteous with an air of piety and act like our lives are perfect and have always been perfect. God did not bless us, meet our needs, take us from poverty, give us food on the table, clothes on our back, and restore our health, renew our minds, for us to act like we did it all on our own, or pretend like we have never been through hardships.

It is reminiscent of growing up in a rough neighborhood, having dreams to make it out. When you do, you never look back, even though you know you may still have family there, and others—children, teenagers—who are like you were, and could benefit from seeing that someone can and did make it out; that, their beginning did not have to define their future. That God will open up doors if that is what they truly desire.

Yet, too many do not want to remember where they came from. They want to act as if they always had it together. They want to act as if they do not know what welfare, government cheese, second-hand stores, the neighborhood bodega or corner store are. Neither do they want to acknowledge that instead of learning about depositing a check and saving money, they were only used to a check-cashing place, and having to choose which bill to pay and what had to wait.

Come on now! Tell the truth about your life experiences and put all shame behind you! God wants to deliver people through our testimony today. He wants to use us to bring hope, healing, deliverance, and strength to a hurting people, to someone who is barely holding on and wondering if there truly is a God. Our testimony just may save a life!

Listen, I have a testimony that I have burning inside of me that God has not released me to share just yet. However, I have other testimonies that I share on occasion. Such as experiencing molestation as a little girl, physical and mental abuse, being told I that my dreams for my life were too lofty. My father being murdered. I’ve been on welfare after receiving a degree, fired for standing up for my truth, on the brink of losing my home within days before God opened a door, feeling depressed because I felt like my life was not as I hoped and planned. Feeling rejected, abandoned. Feeling like a total failure, feelings of self-loathing, self-hate, severe depression, as if God was not listening to me; feelings of hopelessness, and pain so deep it took my breath. This is in not only my distant past but also some recently. Yet GOD! His grace is sufficient and it is incumbent on me to tell someone else the good news of God’s grace and favor! I cannot keep this truth to myself, especially knowing that it has the ability to bring comfort and hope to someone else.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. God is a restorer, Beloved. God will do for you what you and no one else can ever do if you would give Him the chance to do it. Do not sit on your testimony. Someone is waiting on you, to hear what you have to say because your words and your testimony matter too. In case, you forgot: You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.