"Satan's Lies, God's Truth"

Reflections4Life™ July 8, 2018

“Satan’s Lies, God’s Truth”

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

Scripture Contemplations: 1 Chronicles 21; Job 1; 1 Peter 5; Isaiah 48; Romans 3; 9; 15…

©Ruthe McDonald.

There

 is so many duplicitous actions taking place in our world today, making it hard-pressed to trust anything that anyone says. When surrounded by a spirit of lies and deception, it makes it difficult to see, hear, and receive the truth. We raise a guard around our hearts and a filter over our ears to protect ourselves from deception and hurt. While at the same time running the risk of losing the blessings that God has placed in our lives, and ordained for us to have, because we have been manipulated by Satan’s lies, forgetting God’s truth that He spoke to us at the beginning of our journey, because nothing looks or appears, as it should. Yet, God admonishes each day to pull down the strongholds and to speak what He has spoken to our hearts and stand on His truth. Because just as those in the past—this is only a test—and if we faint not, not only will we reap the rewards of victory, all truth will be revealed as all lies are exposed.

I decree that this week’s Reflections are a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. All that God has ordained for your life is coming to pass if you do not give up before seeing the victory. Though what you are facing today and have been facing for a while is taxing and having a profound effect upon your heart mind and soul, I implore you to continue to trust God and hold on to His promises. Meditate on the word and promises of God. Take some extra time this week and not only visualize what God has spoken to your heart, but also write down the plans that you desire God to bring to pass. See and speak on your future—where victory has manifested—and leave the present to God.

Satan’s Lies

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

We may not understand it or even believe it, but God really is in control and Satan can do nothing without God’s permission. If God is giving Satan permission to mess with you, then you can believe that what God has for you is far greater than you could ever imagine. Whatever God is, allowing the enemy to do and bring into your life is designed to make you stronger, to open your eyes and heart, and prepare for the greatness that lies ahead of you.

There is no truth in Satan. He seeks to devour us. He comes to kill, steal, and destroy. To kill hopes dreams, faith, and lives. To steal our destinies, the promises of God in our lives, to steal our mind, our mental health. To rob us of relationships, marriages, and friendships. To destroy our joy and happiness.

The enemy does not care what he has to do to accomplish his goal, or who he will use. He will use those closest to you—husbands, wives, children, friends, family, etcetera. It does not concern him, as long as his intentions are fulfilled, and you have relinquished, or given up on the blessings and promises of God.

Make no mistake: the enemy is a master liar and manipulator and knows how to make something appear real just so he can destroy you; king all of your faith and the love that you have in your heart.

This is why the Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6 that we wrestle not against flesh and blood and admonishes us to place on the armor of God each and every day. We have to remember who we are and whose we are, as well as what God says concerning our walk and blessings in Him. Also the fact that the enemy has no power except for the power we give him; especially by what we are thinking and allowing our minds to dwell on, on a consistent basis without pulling down the strongholds and pleading the blood of Jesus over our mind and heart.

Satan is a liar. Even when it sounds plausible and like the truth, he twists things to fit his agenda—to kill steal and destroy God’s creation. This is personal for him and it should be personal for us, too.

God’s Truth

Numbers 23:19 God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

We may not understand the ways and thoughts of God but we can be assured that His word is the truth and what He has ordained for our lives will certainly come to pass if we continue to trust Him, believe Him, and walk obediently.

Beloveds; God cannot lie. His truth stands out from all darkness. Whatever He has ordained for our lives, whatever He has shown us and spoken to our hearts—we can believe that. He has a proven track record. However, many of us may have our doubts and we cannot understand how or why God would allow certain things to happen in our lives. Even when we cannot fathom why God would continue to allow lies to prevail when He knows and understands our hearts and what we hold dear—God will always speak the truth and make it known in His timing.

We all should be familiar with the story of Job. If not, please take some time and study it, and if possible read some commentaries on this pivotal chapter on withstanding the wickedness and taunts of the enemy. God had a plan for Job. To bless him twice as much. But there was some growth and strength that Job needed in his life. Some pride and pomposity that needed to be removed. God used the enemy, who came accusing God and his creation. God gave Satan permission to do what he will but he could not take Job’s life. Though Job went through a myriad of emotions, one thing remained true: Job’s worship and belief that God would see him through ushered him into a season of double blessings. Right into the place, that God had for Job all along.

Finally

This, Beloved, is what God desires for us, to manifest His best in our lives. Listen; God cannot and will not lie to us. No matter what something looks like, or how many times someone says, something to infer that God does not care about us. God is not a liar. We may not have an understanding to all the whys but we still have the word and promises of God before us, and all we have to do is stand our ground against the enemy and his lies and believe the truth that God has spoken to our heart and soul.

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. Whatever you do, Beloved, I implore you to not give up or to give in and fall for Satan’s lies. Trust God. Trust God’s truth. Allow Him to manifest in your life, the promises you have been waiting for. You are so close. Closer than you think. How do I know? Because the closer you get to the promises and manifestations of God’s promises and blessings, the harder the enemy comes against you. The more elaborate and convincing Satan’s lies become. Just remember these two things: 1. God cannot lie. 2. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2018. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Crossing The Finish Line"

Reflections4Life™ July 1, 2018

“Crossing the Finish Line”

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Scripture Contemplations: Ecclesiastes 9:11; Jeremiah 12:5; Nahum 2; 1 Corinthians 9:25; Hebrews 12:1

©Ruthe McDonald.

W

E are running a faith marathon. From the moment we enter this earth, the stopwatch begins. Throughout our life’s journey, we are running countless races within this one great marathon. Some races we win, some we lose, but at every race, the goal is to cross the finish line. The victory is not coming in first; it is in accomplishing the goal you have set for yourself; finishing the race, crossing the finish line.

I decree that this week’s Reflections is a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. Spend some quality time in the presence of the Lord this week. Allow Him to fill your spirit and prepare you for this marathon of faith and every race you will run. There is something great that God wants to bless you with this week but it will require you setting some things aside and having an open heart and mind to the move and hand of God.

Do Not Grow Weary

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

In our life’s journey and the countless races will run, tiredness and fatigue will come. Sometimes we will not have the energy to run at full speed but we will have to jog or walk, and that is okay as long as we do not give up and stop moving toward the goal of the finish line.

Every race, there are valuable life lessons to be learned. Some races we will win and some we will lose but in all races, we will learn something; gain knowledge and wisdom that we will take with us in the next race and that will equip us for this marathon of faith that we are in.

Do not grow weary of doing what is right and working towards your goals. Keep in mind the finish line, all that you have to gain, where you want to go. We can be distracted with the trials of life and the hurdles placed before us. It is a guarantee that the enemy will do everything he can to trip us, make us give up, and to turn away from what God has placed in our heart. That is the enemy’s plan and purpose—to make us give up when we are so close to reaching the goals we have set before us and receiving the promises that God has ordained for our lives. But his ultimate goal is to knock you out the marathon of faith. The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy who we are and all that God has ordained for us; his ultimate goal is to separate us from God for all eternity.

Though things may seem to be taking longer than you believe they should and almost every obstacle presents itself during your race, do not grow weary—to the point of exhaustion, where you want to give up and turn away from the path of righteousness. Let God be your strength and do not give up. Encourage yourself in the word of God. Surround yourself with likeminded individuals who will encourage you and inspire you, and even run alongside you in this marathon of faith.

It is Not about Speed or Strength

Ecclesiastes 9:11 Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all.

Zechariah 4:6 Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.

Many considered strong in faith have fell the hardest and the farthest. We can look at Samson to see his downfall. Many who are known to have speed and agility have been known to lose to someone who was once considered not as fast, such as the analogy of the tortoise and the hare.

The marathon we are in Beloveds is not about speed or strength. It is about endurance. Nor can it be won through might or our own power, but by the Spirit of God that works through us, giving us what we need to win not only the marathon, but also every race we find ourselves in along the journey of life.

We find in life that we will be up against many things that will try us as individuals, test our faith, and push many of our buttons. It is not always about how strong we are or how fast we can finish this race. It is about the lessons learned along the journey, and in each race, we run. Always something, we can take from every race that will help strengthen us for the next race we are in and that will aid us in the marathon along the way. We just have to let God lead us. Allow Him to be our Coach and to teach us and point out where we need growth, change, strength, and where we have done well.

We will only find this in our communication and relationship with our Heavenly Father. When we learn the pace of God, we gain wisdom and understanding, and we win more races, only to gain strength in our marathon. There is a lot to gain and see in the marathon of faith; a lot that God desires for us to have before getting to the finish line. Because the ultimate goal is not just crossing the finish line but also not crossing the finish line alone.

We Are Not in it Alone

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…

We are not alone in this marathon of faith, neither in every race. We have a cloud of witnesses on each side cheering us on; angels watching over us, and God poring His love and strength into us. They are there, whispering words of encouragement. Reminding us of the promises of God when we feel like giving up and wondering what this is all for. They are there to offer a cool drink of water. They are there to remind us of the call on our lives, the blessings that wait for us, the strength that resides in us, and there to cheer us on; giving us praise for not giving up but standing strong.

Of course, the enemy has his team on the sidelines trying to discourage us and make the load on our shoulders heavy and our minds filled with doubts and false images appearing real. They are there to trip us up, throwing hurdles and roadblocks, emptying our cups, so we have no water. Trying to deplete us of the nutrients we need to keep going. As well as having naysayers and negative people saying what we can’t do, reminding us of pasts and any and all mistakes we ever made.

However, God has raised up a remnant to run alongside of us. The more we continue to go forward, pushing pass pain and insecurities, all doubts and fears—we gain companions along the way. They see us, though we may not say anything—they are watching, some becoming encouraged in their own race. Before we know it, we are crossing the finish line one after the other and have gained many lives that are crossing the marathon finish line with us. For the true goal was never to cross it alone.

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. Run every race with valor and determination. Do not pay attention to the naysayers on the sidelines. Though you may lose some races, you will gain wisdom and strength and you will win in the most important race of all: the marathon of faith, bringing countless others as you cross the finish line into eternity with our Lord and Savior. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2018. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"It's Time For A Heart Check"

Reflections4Life June 24^th, 2018

“It’s Time for a Heart Check!”

“When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them.” Isaiah 41:17

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 4; 15; Isaiah 41; Matthew 25:31-46

What resides in your heart? Who does your heart stand in allegiance with? If you were to stand before the judgment seat of the heavenly Father, today—based on your actions of late and your heart and thoughts at this very moment—can you say that God will say to you, “Well done my good and faithful servant”, or will you hear: “Depart from me you worker of iniquity, I know you not? We have entered a crucial time in this earth. It seems that more evil is prevailing and many are doing nothing to stop it but instead are either celebrating it, ignoring it, tolerating it, doing it, or behaving like it is the most natural thing in the world; agreeing with the evil and not standing up to fight or prevent it. It is time for a heart check before we move so far into evil that we are exactly where the enemy wants us to be, separated eternally from God.

I decree that this week’s Reflections is a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. Spend some quality and quiet time in the presence of the Lord this week. Set aside some time to do a heart check, and search the contents of your heart. What resides in our heart often determines our actions. We often do or not do something based upon what we believe or do not believe in our hearts.

In Need of a Spiritual Enema

Jeremiah 18:12 “But they say, ‘That is in vain! We will follow our own plans, and will every one act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.”

Daniel 11:27 “And as for the two kings, their hearts shall be bent on doing evil. They shall speak lies at the same table, but to no avail, for the end is yet to be at the time appointed.”

One of the things that I know—God is aware of all things; especially the condition of our hearts and our state of minds. We cannot hide from God our intentions. We cannot lie about what we really mean or what we are really going to do, because God already knows. Many are following their own plans, their own agendas, while others refuse to admit when they are wrong or have made a mistake. The hardening of their hearts has caused them to be deaf, dumb, and blind, making their hearts not only full of greed but also evil.

We stand in need of a spiritual enema. Too many are desensitized to the atrocities that take place every day. Hearts have grown so cold, that they stand idly by and allow evil to prevail.

When we do not commit our ways, our thoughts and our heart to God, we run the risk of falling prey to our own ego, selfish thoughts, and ways. Everything becomes me, me, me. All about what self-wants, even at the destruction of innocence. Power is a drug. The more you have of it without God in the lead soon corrupts the person and all who are around them.

It’s time to do a heart check and repent before it is too late and we are utterly destroyed by our own machinations. Those who know God and are true believers must stand up, repent, and do as God has commissioned us to do; even if it is not the most popular thing to do at the time.

2 Chronicles 7:14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

We are our Brothers and Sisters Keeper

Genesis 4:9-10 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?” ¹And the Lord said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground.

Matthew 25:37-40 “…‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”

I cannot look at the state of affairs in the world we are living in and accept that this is God’s way when I know it goes against everything that God stands for and what those who are true believers stand for. Far too many of us have lost our way. Our hearts have become too darken to see the light or hear and receive the word and chastisement of our Living God.

Some have become their own gods in their mind; doing what appeases them while systematically trying to destroy anyone that may oppose them, and call it doing what is best for the whole. Though it may seem that these people are prospering and getting away with such atrocities, God says otherwise. Be certain whatever we sow, and whatever we have done to others will be done to us, to our children, and even our children’s children.

Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

Finally

Beloved, what is the state of your heart? Have you stood up for righteousness sake? Or, are you one to complain but never step up to the plate to make a difference? Is your heart malleable, supple in the hands of God Almighty? Or has it hardened so much that even the atrocities done to innocent children do not ignite anger on their behalf?

It is time to take a stand against evil, a stand against anything that opposes the will and plans of God. We are ambassadors of Christ. We are the reflection of God in this earth as believers. We cannot turn a deaf ear or blind eye to what is right in God’s sight because we fear being in the minority. We both stand up for righteousness and do what is right or we fall prey to the wiles of the enemy, destroy ourselves, and possibly curse our legacy for generations to come.

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. Let God have reign in your heart. Check the status of your heart daily, allowing the love of God to penetrate it. Do not be afraid to stand for what is right in a place full of people going left or in an opposite direction. God is calling us to a higher place and it requires a heart that sold out to Him. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2018. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"All You Need Is In Father, God"

Reflections4Life™ June 17, 2018

“All You Need is in Father, God”

“Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, and extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him— his name is the Lord. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” Psalm 68:4-5

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 2:24; Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Joshua 1:9; Psalm 103:13; Psalm 127:7-5; Ephesians 5:25-37; 6:1-4;11-18…

©Ruthe McDonald.

H

 appy Father’s Day! I extend greetings and exaltations to each and every father and father to be. Not just for today, but for each and every day that you are granted to be alive in this earth and having an impact in a child’s life. Whether you are a biological father, surrogate father, mentor, bonus-father (I don’t like to use the word step!) If you are a father figure in any kind of way, having an impact on so many impressionable lives and in the lives of young men who may be young adults but still need and yearn for a father in their lives. I salute you with the love of God, and pray that the blessings of God fill you, and surround you, as you yield yourself to the grace and will of God. Whatever you think you may lack, know that it all can be found in Father God!

I declare and decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. Yield all that you are and who you desire to be to God today. There is nothing you need or desire that cannot be found in the Father God. Even as mature adults, we never stop needing the love and guidance of our parents. Their wisdom is invaluable. Nothing matches Father God's wisdom. Spend quality time in the presence of God this week. You may have known Him as your Deliverer, Healer, Friend, and Savior. Now let Him be the Father you need.

Long Lasting Seeds

Proverbs 26:6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

A parent that loves that child will chastise them and lovingly discipline them when they are in error. The Word of God admonishes us to train up a child in the way they should go. Parents are responsible for instructing their children and raising them to be responsible and accountable for their actions. More times than not, a child will do what they see more than what they are told. Most children are a reflection of who we are as parents and what we believe. We cannot expect our children to do the right thing if they have never seen what the right thing is or have been taught.

It is not love or wisdom to give our children everything that they want. Nor is it wise to allow them to raise themselves or believe that there are no consequences for their actions. They will not only correct them when they are wrong but also praise them when they are correct. A Parent will lead by example. When they fail or fall, will not hide it from their children but instead, make it a life lesson, teaching their children responsibility, accountability, and humility.

What a parent teaches their child in their formative years, will never depart from them. It is a seed planted, growing throughout the years, a small acorn, growing into a strong and indestructible oak tree. Strong and mighty in all seasons.

My husband and I were talking about this earlier last week about the lessons and foundations we received as children. The foundations we received shaped who we are. However, our lives may have taken different paths, and though he may have studied and believed in another way of life for a while, at his core was always what he was taught as a child. It is what remains at his core and reminds him of who he is and what he truly believes in relation to his relationship with our Heavenly Father.

The teaching of our children is most important to our children’s self-worth and identity. There are far too many God-fearing believers missing from children’s lives.

All We Need is in Father God

Joshua 1:9  “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

There is absolutely nothing we stand in need of that cannot be found in Father God. Do you know how much God loves you? Do you know that He already knows your thoughts before you think them? Did you know that He would leave the company of 99 believers who have found themselves in Him just to search for you if you did not know Him and was lost, having trouble finding your way? You matter! You matter to God. Everything about you, God cares. All that you need and have been searching for is all in Him. God has it all. He knows where you need to be, needs to go, how to proceed—all of it! God knows all about you.

What is holding you back from going and yielding to Father God? What keeps you from trusting God? Was it a prayer you believe He did not answer? Is it current trials and tests that seem to be going on forever? Trust me, I understand. I am right there at this very moment in my life. Yet, I love God and believe that all that I need is in Him. He has the answers and the keys I need to unlock the doors. When the due season comes, I will use those keys as He instructs. He sees what I cannot see and when the time is right, He will reveal all and make the understanding known.

God admonishes us to be strong and courageous and not to be discouraged. He is with us wherever we go; even in mistakes, He will be there. There is nothing hidden from God. He knows everything! I do not know about you, but I feel comforted by that fact. For when I cannot find the words to pray; when I am at a loss and need direction, I can literally cry out to God, and my Daddy will be there, knowing what is best for me. Always! My Heavenly Father will never leave me or disappoint me; even when I feel let down by Him, somewhere down the line of time, I will be given understanding and insight, gaining wisdom that I am certain I will pass along.

Beloveds, do not mistake the chastisement and discipline of God as rejection. Do not pout like a child who does not get their way and plays on the parent’s heartstrings. God is bigger than whatever you are facing or will ever face. He is able to discipline you with love and still bless you with your heart’s desire. Not because of how good or perfect you seem to be, but by His grace and mercies, and because He has made promises to us and will not go back on His word.

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. All you need and desire is in Father God. His love is unconditional. Strength, peace, joy, healing, grace, creative ideas, purpose…all of it is in God. Allow the Father that place in your life; to fill every empty part with His love and presence. You will never regret saying yes to God. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2018. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"In The Arms of God"

Reflections4Life™ June 10, 2018

“In the Arms of God”

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” Psalm 91:1

Scripture Contemplation: Joshua 2; Psalm 5; Psalm 31; Psalm 91; Philippians 3; 2 Timothy 4; 1 Peter 5…

I

n our lifetime, we fall for many things: people, words, promises, lies. We fall, as well, into diverse situations, sometimes not aware of how we got there. Yet, in other instances, having consciously made a decision but are too ashamed to confess it, causing many to needlessly stay in a situation while their hearts and souls harden and they become desensitized to the word, voice, and a touch of God. Instead of running to God—straight into the arms of God—we have a tendency to run away and try to hide from God.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. Allow the Heavenly Father to pour into you. Let God grant you what you have been searching for all along but did not know how to find. Refuse the urge to turn away but instead fall into the arms of God. I guarantee, there is safety in His arms.

A Place of Power

Isaiah 52:10 The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

There is nothing on earth that can outdo the protective arms of God. The arms of God are a place of power and deliverance. It is a place of total assurance. There is no condemnation. There is no pain. There is no looking over your shoulder. There are no lies. Though there is a truth that may sting and hurt a bit; there is no harm.

In the arms of God, there is healing and unconditional love. Many of us are blind and have no understanding of this power because we have listened too long to the lies and whispers of the enemy. For so long, many have searched to fill a void, an emptiness in their hearts, with temporal things. At first, they feel satiated and complete. Then after a while, feelings of emptiness and longing stir once again. They’re soon looking to someone or something else to fill that emptiness, only to repeat a painful cycle.

While seeking and searching high and low to fill a void, to appease that ache, God is there. He is there waiting to receive us into the shelter of His arms. He calls to us. He reaches for us. However, all too often, we reject God. We reject His hands and His love. But the enemy will have us to believe that God has rejected us.

Know this in your heart and soul: Just because you may not have received an answer to your prayer in the way in which you were expecting, does not mean that God has rejected you. Just because you have prayed for something and it did not come to pass does not mean that God has rejected you. Just because you received a no, for now, does not mean that God has rejected you. God has not rejected or abandoned you. A no right now does not mean it will always be a no. It can simply mean, not yet.

God’s Greater Plan

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Numbers 23:19 God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?

Beloveds, allow this to ruminate in your heart and mind: Sometimes God has something far greater than you could ever imagine for yourself. He does things in His way and His time but it is always for our good. God cannot lie. He will keep His promise to you, and give all that we expected and more.

Many of us have placed our trust and belief in others and things, only to be sorely disappointed repeatedly. It has, for many, led to a jaded mind and heart, unable to believe anyone. As a result, some have placed God on that same level as man.

Rest assure; whatever God has spoken and promised to you, it will happen in the due season. We have to be certain we are ready, living our lives accordingly. Otherwise, we can find ourselves out of position to receive the manifestations of the blessings.

Beloveds, we have listened to the wrong people and the whispers of Satan for far too long. We have put our trust and faith into people and things that have no idea who we are and what God has ordained for us. We have fallen for the lies of the enemy, believing what he has spoken concerning God and us. To the point, that some have become so despondent, they have taken their own lives.

It is time to change the station and hear what God is saying, to listen, and believe His words of truth and deliverance. Fall into the shelter and love of God's arms. Let Him love us, restore, and strengthen us. What do we have to lose?—Nothing but past hurt and shame but so much greatness to gain.

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. Fall into the arms of God where there is always room for you. Fall into the shelter and safety of the arms that have been open for you since you entered this realm of time. Receive freely what Jesus has already paid for in full. Receive the comfort and peace that can only come from a Father who loves you, accepts you, and sees you just as you truly are. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2018. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"God Did Not Lie"

Reflections4Life™ May 27, 2018

“God Did Not Lie”

“God is not a man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” Numbers 23:19

Scripture Contemplation: Job 34; Psalm 25; Romans 1; John 8:32; 2 Corinthians 6; 2 Timothy 2…

There may be a delay in the promises; there may be a wait for answers to a prayer. Yet, if God has spoken a promise, a word to your heart; it is going to happen. If you are doing your part—following His instructions, continuing to walk in faith—then whatever God has spoken concerning you, will come to pass. God did not lie—no matter how impossible a situation looks. God’s word will prevail. God waits to perform His word in our lives; to bring to pass all of His promises, manifest His blessings, and all that He asks of us is to believe Him; to have faith the size of a mustard seed. We are responsible for the atmosphere surrounding our hearts and minds, our lives—preparing it to receive the fullness of God’s promises.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. Let the word of God marinate in your heart and mind this week. Remember that a delay in a prayer does not mean a denial. The more you study the Word of God and meditate on it; the more you exercise your faith, the more manifestations that take place. Give God all of you this week, allowing His truth to saturate your heart and mind.

Setting the Atmosphere

Jeremiah 1:11-12   And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see an almond branch.” Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it.”

When the Lord gives us a word, He expects us to ponder that word, believe that word, receive that word, and follow His instructions concerning what we do while we wait for that word to come to pass. Sometimes it comes immediately, and at other times, it takes some time. Yet, if we have been doing all that God has told us to do, and have been walking in faith, we set the atmosphere that is conducive for God to perform His word in our lives.

Of course, while we wait (patiently and prayerfully) the enemy is seeking to destroy our faith; to interrupt the flow of God in our lives, and to play a mental chess game with our minds until we either shut the enemy down or fall prey to his lies and trickery.

Maintaining a prayerful life, meditating and studying the word, sharpens our armor and resolve in waiting on God. While waiting for His word to manifest, are you doing all you can to charge the atmosphere with faith? Are you making room for the blessings?

We are responsible for doing our part in setting an atmosphere that is conducive to the promises of God to manifest and flourish. God will always do what He says. We must be the ones to keep a vigilant prayer life, to exercise our faith, and to charge the atmosphere with positivity. And though it may seem like the promises, our visions, the word of God is tarrying; continue to thank God, writing down the vision, and doing all that God asks and instructs of you for preparation in the fulfillment of His promises.

God Cannot Lie

John 8:31-32 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Beloved, God Himself is the truth. It is He who sets us free. There is so much that God desires to manifest in our lives, and He—above anyone else—knows what is best for us and when it is time for his manifestation to come to fruition in our lives.

God cannot lie. Circumstances may change, situations may change, the hearts and minds of man may change, but God himself and His word will never change, and what He has spoken will happen if we believe and walk in the truth of His word spoken in our hearts.

2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.

Put Your Armor On and Gird up in Truth

1 Peter 5:6-8 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Ephesians 6:10-12 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

We must be fully prepared to move forward in the promises of God. Being certain to guard our hearts against things that are contrary to that of what God says of us and has spoken to our hearts. Whatever God has spoken to you, Beloved; whatever God has promised; all of it will come to pass but we must be willing to do our part. To do as God has instructed.

Far too many are quick to blame God, denounce Him, and be angry with Him for things that have not gone our way. Yet, I ask, when was the last time you did something just to show you sincerely love the Lord? The Lord knows our hearts. He knows what is in there and in our minds, also.

He even knows how the enemy seeks to destroy us before we recognize who we are in Him and while we are so close to the manifestations of the blessings and promises of God. He warns us to not be deceived by the enemy; to know that he (the enemy) seeks to destroy us but that he cannot when we not only walk uprightly but when we believe with all of our heart and soul, and put on the armor and strategically fight against the enemy, while resisting his taunts, temptations, and lies. We must be girded; fully immersed—mind, body, and spirit—in the truth of God. The truth of His word and the power of His might.

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 and will not lie to you, Beloved. Whatever He has spoken over your life and it seems to be tarrying, check yourself, do a heart check, a faith check. If you have done all that God has asked, and there is still a delay; then patiently continue to wait in faith, knowing that God will always do just what He said. His word will not return to Him void but accomplish all that He sent it to do. Trust Him where you cannot trace Him. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2018. Ruthe Mcdonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Do Not be Deterred By Pretty Words"

Reflections4Life™ May 6, 2018

“Do not Be Deterred by Pretty Words”

“My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and who give lying divinations. They shall not be in the council of my people, nor be enrolled in the register of the house of Israel, nor shall they enter the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord God.” Ezekiel 13:9

Scripture Contemplations: 1 Kings 13; 22; Jeremiah 14; 23; Psalm 62; Ephesians 4; Hebrews 4

©Ruthe McDonald.

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here are a plan and a purpose for each of our lives. God knows who we are and has declared and decreed a plan for us before we were birthed or in our mother’s womb. As we grow and mature, experiencing life and come to a knowledge of who God is and who we are in Him, we should develop an intimate relationship with our Creator for ourselves. Getting to know who God is on our own and learning His voice and His ways. It is that personal relationship with God, the development of intimacy between our Creator and ourselves, that allows us to know and recognize His plan and will for our lives. No matter what things appear to be—we will be less likely to be deterred by pretty words or lying lips that would try to keep us from the promises of God designed for our lives.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. God desires to reveal and to make known to His children many things. Take the time to spend in His presence and get to know who He is for yourself this week. Determine to let this week be the week that you begin or start again, to set aside intimate and quality time with the heavenly Father. Get to know His voice, His character, His unconditional love, and plans for you. When you know God—truly know Him—you will not be easily deterred by the lies, whispers, or sweet sounding words of those who would prey upon you and desire your destruction.

Not All Things Are What They Appear to Be

2 Timothy 3:4-6 “treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions,

One year for my birthday, my Mom decided to surprise me and bake me a birthday cake. I never made a cake I wanted but whatever my Mom wanted. I always wanted to do something for someone else on my birthday. This particular year, she decided to surprise me and bake a coconut layer cake.

The cake was a beautiful three-layer confection with buttercream icing and mounds of coconut. It looked good. Smelled good, too. But it was a deceiving cake! That cake lied! We laughed long and hard about this cake. It looked and smelled like her other coconut cakes. But when we went to taste the cake? It was one of the worse cakes my Mom had ever made! I never took the first piece of cake. I always gave it to my Mom. She took a bite, and I saw her face. I asked her what was wrong. She shook her head and told me to try it myself. I took a forkful off her plate, and I knew why she made the face. That was a deceiving cake! It was so dry and had absolutely no flavor at all. I could not believe it. We stared at the cake for a minute then burst out laughing. It was truly a beautiful and good smelling cake, but it was like eating a piece of cardboard. Not even the icing saved it.

We never figured out what went wrong. We referred to that cake at the deception cake. We laughed so hard, and I said the cake’s appearance definitely did not match the truth of its contents. And just like that cake; all pretty and looking the way you would expect a coconut cake to look—are a lot of people walking around today. Some in our lives, pretending to be someone they are not and seeking to deter us by their deceptive words and false appearances. Yet, on the inside, they are empty, flavorless, deceptive, and sometimes jealous, hoarding plans to come and deter us from what God has ordained for our lives.

Beloved, if God has given you a word in your heart, and has instructed you to take a certain path, do not be deterred by the sometimes “well-meaning” words of those who may seem like they know God and walk with God. Not everyone who says they believe and are for God is. Not every person who has a title walks in the integrity of that title. Know God for yourself. Know the Father’s voice and be who God has called you to be; walking in the path He has ordained for Your life.

God’s Word is True

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

If there is one thing you can depend on, it is the word of God. Whatever God has spoken to you; whatever He has impressed upon your heart to do; believe it, and believe that He has equipped you to do it, and will be the provision for vision(s) He has placed in you. You must trust God. In order to trust Him, you must spend time in His presence, and in the word, getting to know Him, allowing Him to bring understanding and wisdom.

God is not a man that He should lie or that has to repent. Whatever God has spoken to you, no matter how long it may appear to be in happening, it will come to pass. (Numbers 23:19) Exercise patience and meditate on the word of God. Ponder in your heart the things that God has spoken to you, and do not rush or easily share with others what God have placed in you. There are a time and place for all things. Let God show you who people are. Allow the spirit and gift of discernment grow in you so you may make the correct choices in the right seasons.

Be Anxious For Nothing

Proverbs 27:6-7 Faithful are the wounds of a friend [who corrects out of love and concern], But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful [because they serve his hidden agenda]. He who is satisfied loathes honey, but to the hungry soul, any bitter thing is sweet.

Sometimes the truth hurts. Yet, it is that same truth that will bring healing, direction, purpose, and the fulfillment of plans, visions, and dreams. We do not always like the delay in the things that we are waiting for. We often want the promises of God quick, fast, and in a hurry. For most with this attitude, they will sometimes miss the blessings and deceived by the enemy many a time.

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. Do not shy away from God when He brings correction. Fill your soul and heart with the promises and word of God. Do not be anxious for anything, but do all things in God’s timing, trusting Him to bring you to that point of fulfillment in His plans of prosperity for you—spiritually, physically, and yes, financially. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2018. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.