Tell Me Where You Hurt

Sunday, March 17, 2019

"Call Unto God"

Reflections4Life™ March 17, 2019

“Call Unto God”

“This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.” Jeremiah 33:2-3 MSG

Scripture Contemplation: Judges 16:27-29; 2 Samuel 22; 1 Kings 18; Psalm 18;37; Hebrews 5:6-8...

©Ruthe McDonald.

Have you ever had those times in your life when you are so overwhelmed and you just do not know what to do or where to go? I know I have. And it is in those times that I cry out even the more, and call unto my God who I know has the answers. Even if the answers are not the ones I was expecting or recognize.

I decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Call unto God and He will answer you. Go before Him with an open heart, and allow Him to fill you and direct your paths. Trust Him; He knows what is best for you. Learn to trust Him where you cannot trace Him.

There are just times when we really do not know which way to go. We do not see a way out of our situation. Many have come to the end of their ropes and are just about ready to let go and give up. Don't! Do not let go unless you are letting it all go into the hands of God! Do not give up, walk away, and do something that you may regret because the road ahead of you seems to be dark, or the road you're on just seems to be too much to bear. God has you, beloved! He has you, and this is where you must call to Him, and believe that He will answer you and deliver you. You just have to believe and hold on. Even in the darkness.

Isaiah 65:24 “Before they call out, I’ll answer. Before they’ve finished speaking, I’ll have heard.”

God has you, beloved. He knows all about you. He has answered your prayers before you even asked them. Before you even finish speaking it, He has already heard you. How many of us truly believe that God has heard our prayers and that He is answered? How many of us can honestly say that our level of faith is still in the same place when we encounter very difficult times? Or, when we have been waiting and waiting for the promises to come to pass? Has your faith grown or faltered? Tough times will come, and they will try your faith and bring forth what's really in your heart.

I love the Lord. I love Him with every fiber of my being. And I am the first to admit that there were times when my faith was shaken. It wasn't taken, but it was definitely shaken. From all that I had endured, and all the heartache and tests and trials; I began to wonder if I missed something? Was there something that I wasn't doing? Did I miss the mark? Was my faith really not strong enough? Then the Lord let me know, that there are times when our faith will be tested. We will go through moments of stretching and pain, and grief, but we must know to call unto Him, and allow Him to stretch our faith, and grow our faith in these times of adversity.

The saying is true: No pain, no gain. Even in our walk with the Lord. Jesus was not exempt, and neither will we be. There will be trials and hard times in this life. However, they will never outweigh the love and joy and the victory that is in this life, if we would believe and hold on and trust God. Learn to call unto Him first and foremost. Our faith is strengthened through adversity. The tests and trials allow us to see what is in our hearts and what we truly believe.

Do you call unto God first when something happens, and you don't know what to do? Or, do you seek the counsel of man, asking your family, friends, counselors, etc., for answers and direction? Our first call should be unto God. He is there waiting for us to just ask Him; to call upon His name and seek Him so that He may show us what to do; where to go, and what steps to take, and even whose counsel to seek.

So often, God is the last one we call upon. We often go to God last, after we have gone to everyone else seeking for the answers that only God has. We must learn to go to God first in all things; whether they be big or small, we need to take them all to the Lord. We must seek out God; seek His will and answers concerning our lives and the road we need to be taking. God should be the first stop, not the last.

Troubles will come. Storms will arise. But I can promise you this: God will have you through it all. Put your trust in Him, and do not go by what it appears to be, but what God has spoken it to be. Lean not on your own understanding, but put all your trust in God who loves you more than anything and anyone.

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.”

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Let God be your first call. Trust Him to lead you to where you cannot trace Him. Be confident in the Lord, knowing that He has not abandoned you, but has only the best for you. Do not try to figure things out on your own. Go to God, and allow Him to speak to your heart and show you marvelous and wondrous things. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

Sunday, March 10, 2019

"Words of Encouragement"

Reflections4Life™ March 10, 2019

“Words of Encouragement”

“And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters; but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6

Scripture Contemplation: Joshua 1; Romans 1;12; 15:5; 2 Corinthians 7;Ephesians 6:22; 1Thessalonians 4; 5; Hebrews 13...

© Ruthe Mcdonald.

Be encouraged! Be encouraged! Be encouraged! Know that the Father in Heaven has not forgotten, nor has He abandoned you. Stand firm and know in your heart, that the fulfillment of His word in your life is soon to happen.

I declare that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Be encouraged today through the word of God. Stand on His word and promises. Encourage yourself in the word this week, and do not let go of what God has spoken concerning your life.

How much weight and power does the word of God hold in your life? Many of us have forgotten the word of God. We have long forgotten the promises He has made unto us because the trials of this life have overwhelmed us. We are discouraged with the passing of time; believing that if what God said was going to happen, it should have happened by now. Because of these thoughts, we prolong the manifestations of His word manifesting in our lives.

The spirit of discouragement has seized many of our hearts. So much so, that we have lost sight of the promises of God. We have become lax in our intimate time with God. We no longer read or study the word, or go before Him in prayer. Our internal conversations have become one of doubt, negativity, and almost silent.

It is easy to lose our sight when we take our eyes off God. We live in a world ruled by negativity. It thrives on destruction and bad news. Seldom do we see things of encouragement outweighing that of negative feedback. This creates a bleak picture. Should we dwell on these things, we too will soon have a negative outlook and give up on what God has promised us.

I encourage you today to stand strong on the promises of God. Do not give in to feelings. Emotions are subject to change. They are like a pendulum that swings, either way, depending upon the current winds. Stand firm in your faith. Do not go by what it looks like or feels like. Instead, walk and go by the word of God, and what He has spoken concerning you.

Surround yourself with positive energy. Surround yourself with like-minded people. It is a fact that when we continue to associate with negative people, we tend to be influenced more by their negativity than they are by our positivity.

Speak to your heart and to the atmosphere the promises of God. Say it aloud every day. Write it out. Put it in places that you can see so that you are constantly reminded of what God has said concerning you.

Beloved, the enemy, our adversary, is continually seeking to destroy us. He lies in wait waiting to pounce on us at any given sign of an opening. He presses in on all sides, whispering lies into our ears, stirring up controversy and negativity, and often coming as an angel of light to deceive us. His goal is to move us; to move us out of a position of receiving what God has ordained for us. He wants us destroyed, busted, broken, and out of focus.

1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour...”

1 John 10:10 “The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.”

Beloved, the enemy has already lost! He knows this! However, he will use every weapon in his arsenal to come at us and try to get us to forfeit the blessings and promises of God. His mission is to steal, kill, and destroy. To steal your dreams and visions; to kill you before you had the chance to live; to destroy your happiness and your peace of mind and your will to go forward! Don't you let him do that when God came to give you life and life abundantly!

This life, through its challenges and adversities, was meant to be lived with joy and love and hope! God sent Jesus for this purpose: that you would have eternal life. That, you would be redeemed by His blood. And that, on this earth, while we tarry, we would live an abundant life filled with love, joy, peace, and grace; even in the midst of the trials that come our way.

Be encouraged today. Be encouraged that troubles don't last always, and that joy comes in the morning! Be confident in the promises of God. Stay firmly planted in the word of God. Do not slack in your intimate time with the Father! It is your key to holding on and forging ahead through all the crap the enemy tries to send your way. For, those that keep their mind stayed on Christ will be kept in perfect peace. Those that stay at the feet of Jesus, know and understand that the battle is not ours, it is the Lord's!

Beloved, God has us. Yes. the devil is going to try everything he can do to discourage you and try to knock you off the path of righteousness. And if he could, he would take you out and destroy everything you ever hoped and believed for, and have you believe that he is the winner and you are the loser! But glory to God! The devil remains a liar, and we have already won! The enemy has no power except the power you give him. Stand your ground against the devil. Be encouraged in the word and promises of God. Keep your focus on God and not the circumstances, and stand firm in the word of God! He got you!

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. The Father is not slacking concerning His promises to you! He is answering. The manifestations are taking place. Know that God has already declared you the winner. I've read the book, and I know that we win! You are blessed. Now go … and be a blessing!

Sunday, March 03, 2019

"Conflict Resolution"

Reflectons4Life™ March 3, 2019

“Conflict Resolution”

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

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

©Ruthe McDonald.

There is so much anger circulating through our lives; in our families, our marriages, our jobs. Many are wound up tight and can explode at the slightest gesture. What many of us have forgotten and some do not know, is the root of this anger is hurt. Somewhere, at some point in time, somebody was hurt. Perhaps deeply wounded. That hurt caused anger. Until we can get to the root of the hurt, and learn that the answer to healing that hurt is forgiveness and love, we will remain in constant conflict.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Let the peace of God rest, rule and abide within you. Forgiveness is a gift and restorer for you. Walk in it, and in the love of God, and be free from the past that would try and hold you from a future that God has ordained just for you! You are blessed. Now go...and be a Blessing!

Sunday, February 24, 2019

"Have Confidence"

Reflections4Life February 24, 2019

“Have Confidence”

“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.” Hebrews 10:35

Scripture Contemplation: Job 4:6; 31; Psalm 10; Ephesians 6; Hebrews 4; 13…

For all the bravado that many of us portray, we still lack one thing that keeps us from fulfilling our many hopes and dreams. We talk a good game. Say all the right words. We even manage to encourage others. Yet, we fall short most times of our own goals and finish lines because we lack confidence. God admonishes us to not lose confidence in the face of adversity. There is a reward we stand in confidence.

I pray today’s Reflections is a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. I decree it be a continued source of comfort and healing. Trust God with all of your heart. Become bold in Christ and stand in confidence with the assurance that all that God has declared and decreed for your life shall come to pass.

It is not just confidence in ourselves—confidence that we can accomplish our goals. It is the lack of confidence that we have in God and His word. The disconnect that occurs within us when we do not believe and cannot see for ourselves the very promises of God for our lives and the words He has spoken over us.

Most certainly it appears to others that we have everything together. That, we are bold and confident in our lives. Even when we fall short from the mark or the finish line, we quickly assess the situation and say that God just has bigger plans.

What a bunch of malarkey that is ninety percent of the time! Sure, God has plans. However, part of His plans is that we succeed in our goals. That we cross that finish line. That we would finish what we started. It isn't God, but our own lack of confidence, insecurities, and lack of trust in the word of God and who we are in Him.

Too many of us have missed opportunities because we lack the confidence to follow through. We lack the trust in God's word and in our ability to handle what comes next. Sometimes we lack the confidence to be successful. we compare ourselves to others and what their success seems to be, yet not knowing their battles or trials or journey. Comparison is a thief of joy and confidence.

Then, there are some of us who have suffered for so long, having had more tragedies than triumphs, that we don't know how to handle success. We are afraid of the unknown of success and having to maintain it. We lack the confidence in ourselves to continue to grow and flourish and have continued success. Hence, we sabotage our own efforts. We began to question ourselves and our blessings. We start to doubt God and ourselves, making room for fear and unbelief which ultimately cripples us—stopping us from moving forward.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Don't be scared, beloved. Don't be scared of failing or making a mistake. Be confident in who you are. Have confidence that God will keep His word. Be confident in your successes. That they will not only last but continue to grow into the vision that God has shown you. Your past does not dictate if you're worthy or deserving of great success. No. You are deserving by the share fact that you belong to a great God that would have nothing less but the best for you. Be confident always. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

Sunday, February 17, 2019

"Remember Your Strength"

Reflections4Life™ February 17, 2019

“Remember Your Strength”

“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” Isaiah 40:29

Scripture Contemplation: Joshua 14; Job 4; 12; Psalm 18:2; Proverbs 8:14; 1 Peter 5:10…

Sometimes we have to revisit past lessons to remember who we are and whose we are. Life can get a little rough and the storms overwhelming; even for the strongest of believers. But it will never change who God is nor the strength that He has placed in us. We must continue to remind ourselves of how strong we are, because God made us so, even in our weaknesses.

Originally posted on March 5, 2017...

I declare and decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and enlightenment for your heart, mind, and soul; bringing you peace in every area of your life. Remember: The Joy of the Lord is your strength. Do not get quiet during the test and storms when it comes to praying and speaking what God has promised you, though it may seem as though God is silent; He is waiting for YOU to speak the words He has already spoken to you. Remember that you have been declared the winner.

I did NOT go through all of those tests and trials and tribulations to give up now. I DID NOT make it through horrendous times; heartbreaking times just to let the enemy gain the upper hand and steal my joy and cripple my faith. NOT. HAPPENING. I will remember the strength that is within me every time some new roadblock, twist, turn, or test comes my way. I will remember that I already have the victory and that the joy of the Lord is my strength. What He's done before, He will do again...and I win!

Far too many of us are giving up when the enemy comes knocking at our door or knocking us down. Get back up and remember whose you are. Remember that you have gone through other things and made it through.

Oh. Sure. You are probably saying what so many others and I have said: "Why? Why do I always have to go through something? Can I get a break?" Trust, I have been there, done that and the truth is, we do get our break. We can have peace in the midst of a storm. Just as it was spoken to me, I will say to you: To whom much is given, much is required. I know...that is not what you want to hear right now, but it is the truth.

God has equipped you and He has chosen you. The call and blessings on your life require a certain level of molding and shaping and testing; a certain level of heat. However, you will make it through if you remember that God is with you and that there is a purpose for your life. Also, a purpose for the pain you have and are enduring.

You will never know your purpose or full potential if you are not willing to risk it all and get out of your comfort zones. I did not want to settle. I did not want to get to a point in my life and wonder what could have been if I weren't so afraid or dared myself to keep pushing forward although the tests and trials seem so overwhelming and never-ending. I must—we must—endure like good soldiers, believing and standing on the Word of God.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. If you are not happy; if you know there is more; do not allow fear, weariness, any tests or trials, or the whispers of the enemy to stop you. Have faith. Remember all that God has already brought you through. Remember the strength that lies within you. You earned that! Now use it! You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

Monday, February 11, 2019

Author Ruthe McDonald - DIY Credit Repair Kit

Sunday, February 10, 2019

"Love Yourself"

Reflections4Life™ February 10, 2019

“Love Yourself”

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 139; Matthew 22; Ephesians 5; 1 Corinthians 13; 2 Corinthians 12; 1 John 4:16

I cannot begin to express how important it is to love yourself. When you love yourself, the chances of you allowing anyone to treat you less than you deserve are slim to none. How can we say we love God, who resides in us, and not love ourselves, when God Himself, has chosen us? What’s not to love? We have to begin to see ourselves through the eyes of God and stop loving ourselves based on what we see in the mirror and hear from others. Loving yourself is a heart and soul matter, and if you allow God in, His love changes everything.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. Let this week fill your hearts with the words and love of our heavenly Father. Allow His love to blanket you and soothe all the rough and hurting places; bringing you comfort and a new perspective. Allow the Father to show you truly how to love yourself; to love yourself without pompousness or the exclusion of others but bringing a healthy dose of self-love and confidence.

Admittedly, there are those who have loved themselves and still found themselves in relationships that nearly destroyed them. Why? Because, although they loved themselves, they allowed their love for that person to supersede the love and concern they had for themselves. It is a beautiful thing to love with all your heart and soul, to give your all to another, not holding back. However, it is even better when you love yourself so much, that you don't forget to take care of your needs and recognize when you are being treated less than you deserve.

Love can be blind. Blind to the faults of others. And blind and deaf to our mind screaming for us to wake up and pay attention to those signals that are warning us about the danger. It may sound selfish and contrary to what you may have heard and been taught in the past; but after God, you must always put yourself first. You must take care of self, first. Love yourself the best first. At the end of the day, if you are not all right, no one else will be. And if you don't put yourself first, nine times out of ten, you will find yourself at the end of a relationship, used, abused, broken, burned out, not knowing who you are and how you got there.

I speak to you Beloved, from my truth. I speak from experience, not merely observations. If I can save you at least one-tenth of the heartache I have endured and experienced, then what I endured was not in vain but for a greater purpose. Love yourself, Beloved.

You know what else I have learned? 1. You may not see everyone’s intentions in the beginning—God may have designed it that way—but when it is time for the truth to be revealed, you can count on God making that known. That usually occurs when God is ushering you to a new level in your life’s journey. 2. Healthy self-love is one of the most beautiful and attractive things to witness in a person. Not arrogance or pompousness, but self-assuredness, a confidence that you can handle whatever comes at you, especially with God on your side, and the ability to recognize when others no longer love you, or only desire to use you, and those that just don’t deserve a relationship with you. And when people’s intentions and hearts have changed.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. My self-love is not predicated on someone else's opinions or thoughts of me. Their opinion no longer takes up space; a space that is reserved for the encouraging and purposeful words of my Creator and the voice of self that has been developed and strengthened over the years of intimacy with God. You are blessed. Now go … and be a blessing!