"Celebrating The Milestones"

Reflections4Life July 28^th, 2019

“Celebrating The Milestones”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity has found permanent rest in every area of your lives. Be grateful for the process. Do not despise small beginnings. For, it is your foundation. Live, learn, and grow. You are blessed so much more than you know. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"The Truth Will Set You Free"

Reflections4Life™ July 21^st, 2019

“The Truth Will Set You Free”

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

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

©Ruthe McDonald.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Know this: Rejection is going to happen. Not everyone is going to like you, love you, or want you. Life is a journey filled with hills and valleys. In your life, you will meet those who cheer for you and jeer at you. There are those who will comfort you, and those that will try to take from you. Ultimately, when it's all said and done: YOU are in charge of what you accept or do not accept. This is YOUR life. You get to choose. God gave that gift to you. The choice is yours. Live your truth or continue to live a lie. When you live and walk in your truth, lies have no power over you. What other people say or think about you will have no effect. Truth sets you free and takes away the power of the enemy to hold anything over you or against you. Stand up and live. Be bold. God has indeed anointed you! You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"When God Gives You a Rainbow"

Reflections4Life™ July 14, 2019

“When God Gives You a Rainbow”

“The rainbow that I have put in the sky will be my sign to you and to every living creature on earth. It will remind you that I will keep this promise forever.” Genesis 9:12-13

Scripture Contemplations: Genesis 9; Genesis 15; 17; 2 Samuel 23:5; Daniel 12:7; Galatians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Romans 4:20 …

©Ruthe McDonald.

Beloved, allow these words to encourage you today. Whatever you may be going through; whatever trials, tests, situations, or circumstances—remember that God is a promise keeper. Every word that God has spoken to your heart; every promise you have been patiently waiting to come to fruition; God is bringing to fruition if you do not give up and walk away.

I declare and decree under heaven, that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. There is absolutely not one promise that God has forgotten concerning you. Though days have passed; even months and some years, God’s promises do not have an expiration date. His word will not return to Him void but will accomplish all that He sent it to do. Even if those promises are fulfilled through your children and grandchildren.

I rarely talk about what I am going through because I am not looking to gain sympathy. 

However, I will ask for prayer, to be lifted in prayer, for those who know how to pray, to stand in agreement with me for the word of God to manifest. To, be strengthened while I wait. While waiting, the Father blessed me with a rainbow; a reminder of His promises me and that in just a while, all will be right.

The waiting gets most of us, because, we have time to think, to worry, to doubt, and for some, to give up. This is why the Father admonishes us to pray daily, to pray often and fervently, and to pull down strongholds, put on the mind of Christ, and to think on the things that lovely, good, and pure. The things that are of Holy Spirit. Of God. 

It is easy to get caught up in what things appear to be; especially when so much is going on and the wait for the promises has been a while in coming to pass. However, just when our soul is beginning to grow weary; when it looks like we are slipping, our fingers are letting go of the rope that has us tethered to our Heavenly Father; God shows up and gives us a rainbow. 

The Father is not about to allow us to slip through His fingers or to give up without a fight or a reminder of His promises. No! He loves us too much. He will send a word to encourage us. He will send messengers in various forms to uplift and encourage us to hold on. These are His rainbows—Physical reminders of His spoken word and promises for our lives.

Beloved, God is not about to allow us to slip through His fingers, to fall out of His hands, or away from His grace and mercies. No. He loves us unconditionally and knows the plans that He has ordained for our lives in this earth, in this season. We have to remind ourselves, as well. To do our part and be consistent in prayer, walking the walk, talking the talk, and being brave in the face of adversity.

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Honor your father. Put on the armor of God and saturate the atmosphere with praises to our Mighty God; thanking Him in advance for His promises manifesting and the answers to your prayers. When God gives you a rainbow, the manifestations of His promises are closer than you think! Remember; You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"When God Has Said Yes"

Reflections4Life July 7, 2019

"When God Has said Yes"

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

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 28; Psalm 51; John 14; Romans 12; Colossians 3; James 1...

 

©Ruthe McDonald

What lessons have you learned about yourself, and about the grace of God? There will be situations in our lives that will come and disturb the flow of the way we have been living our lives. It may cause upsets, setbacks, disappointments, and even discomfort and discouragement.  Yet, God is there in the midst of it all, reminding us that He has given us a yes. A yes to our hopes and dreams, a yes to His will being done in our lives. When God says yes, there is nothing that can stop His word from manifesting.

I decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. As you embark upon a brand new week, leave behind the burdens of yesterday, while still embracing the lessons learned. Allow the set-backs and adversites that may have occurred to catapult you into a transformed life for every yes God has spoken over your life.

What you determine to do for God, will bring about change in your life. It is obedience and the willingness to sacrifice that will bring about a transformed life. And the truth is: it begins within our minds.

If there was any lesson that I have learned well, it was about the power of our minds.What we are thinking definitely manifests in pur lives in some shape or form.  It is no wonder the enemy tries so hard to mess with our minds. It is often said that the mind is a battlefield and the devil's playground. I believe that whatever we think upon will most certainly manifest. And if our thoughts are not on the things and promises of God, then chances are that we have brought to pass in our lives some very harsh realities. I do know for certain, that our perception determines our reality. Whatever we perceive to be true or real, will most certainly manifest in our lives.So, why is it so difficult for us to accept, that when God says yes, that settles it.
 

If you consistently say to yourself: I knew this would happen, then chances are great that you have been operating in a negative mindset. Whatever we believe, beloved, we draw unto ourselves. We are a magnet. Whatever we are, whatever we think, we will most certainly attract to us. Be it situations, circumstances, or people. Our experiences become a reflection of our perceptions and how we think.

Philippians 4:8-9 “Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.” (THE MSG)

In order for us to begin to see the YES that God has spoken, we must  be renewed in our mind and our thoughts. You can say to yourselves that you are going to do things differently. However, unless you have a made up and determined mind; a mind that is renewed daily; a mind that is set upon the things and ways of God; a mind that seeks after the will of God; the chances are great that you will repeat the same things of the past.

Yes. Our mind is a battlefield, at war with the truth of God, and the lies of the enemy, who has shown up, seeking to kill, steal, and destroy us and our dreams and visions. Yet, on the battlefront of this battlefield is the Lord, Jesus Christ Himself, declaring you the victor, with the promise of abundant life, a renewed mind, a transformed life. Declaring His love for you, lifting up the blood-stain banner of His sacrifice for you, that guarantees you a blessed and abundant life—should you believe, and begin to see through His eyes, the glorious, transformed being that you are, and the YES He has spoken to all the visions and dreams He has placed in you to begin with.

Take all the hurts and wounds, and lay them all at the altar. Plead the blood of Jesus over your thoughts and mind. Commit yourself to Lord and to the reading of the word daily. Spend more time in the presence of God. Think on those things that are of God. Hear and believe the yes, that God has spoken to your heart and soul numerous times. Renew your mind daily, and be confident in the fact that greater is He that is in you, than he that is in this world. Though things may appear one way, determine in your heart that you will believe the report of the Lord.

Remember: the enemy is a master illusionist. Making false evidence appear real, which is just FEAR. But God has given us a spirit of love, power, and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) And when we think on the things of God, and we are in constant fellowship with our Father, our lives will begin to reflect that. We will have a renewed mind, and a transformed life.

My Beloved, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Walk in the promises of God by keeping your mind renewed daily. Take the lessons and adversity you face, and allow them to propel you forward in the will of God. God said YES! Whatever you believe; whatever you think on; whatever you perceive, will become your reality. Believe in His promises to you. Stand on the word, and do not waver. God is doing just what He said. Believe it. Expect it. Receive it. You are blessed. Now go...and continue being a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Rewind: "AWAKENED"

Reflections4Life June 30, 2019

"Rewind: Awakened"

(c) Ruthe McDonald.

Sometimes we need a reminder of what God has spoken to our hearts. We need to look back over previous lessons, refreshing our hearts and minds; knowing that God has already worked things out for us. We just have to believe and walk in His truth.


Here's  a link to a previous post that I believe God is reminding us of today.

Have a blessed and gracious week.  A safe fourth of July for all who celebrate.  Love one another fiercely.  You never know when today may be your last.


God bless!


Grace & Peace!

Many of us have been sleeping. Sleeping on the promises of God, while our faith is diminishing. It's time to awake! Awake to the voice and word of God being spoken over your life. God cannot lie! Whatever He spoke concerning your life, will happen if you do not give up or lay down in defeat or fear. bit.ly/R4LAWAKENED

May the blessings of God be evident and manifest in every part of your life. Yield to God. Do not be fooled by what it looks like but believe with all your heart the words coming from our Heavenly Father. No one loves you .ore th han He! You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

(c)2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved. 

"Building Character"

Reflections4Life™ June 23, 2019

“Building Character”

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5

Scripture Contemplation: Job 1; Psalm 15; John 8; Romans 5; Hebrews 6

We may often ask ourselves, or God; what is the purpose for all that we are going through? Why, Father, are some bombarded with so many trials, while others seem to go through life, with nothing ever phasing them? This is the point where I usually stop myself, if God has not already, and remind myself that comparison is the thief of joy. That, all things are indeed working for the good, if I have been diligently walking in the Lord, and maintaining faith. Every trial, every shaking-my-faith moment, are all meant to build character. Character, that is immovable, above reproach, and able to withstand an overabundance of the manifestations of God’s blessings in my life, because, they [His blessings] are just that awesome.

I decree that this week’s Reflections are continued encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. Beloved, whatever trials you may be currently facing; however difficult and heart wrenching they are—know that God will see you through, as He is building and strengthening your character. He is fortifying you, through these fires, to prepare for the bounty of blessings He is manifesting in your life. So, thank Him and keep pushing through.

Romans 5:3-5 (MSG) There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience, in turn, forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

I absolutely believe that there is nothing that you cannot accomplish once you put your heart and mind to it. I believe that every hardship we encounter is an opportunity to build our character if we do not run from its lessons.

Let's face it; we all know that life can be quite difficult and throw us some curve balls we were not expecting. Either we can choose to learn from the lessons and grow as a person and in our character, or we can run from its lessons and never take the time to build one's character that will benefit us in life. 

We will not always like or be content with the things that we encounter in life. It has its vicissitudes. However, everything—the good and the bad—are all lessons waiting for us to learn and grow from. Yet, it is the hardships that build the strongest character when we yield to the lessons being taught. 

God is not making mistakes. Nor has He made a mistake in choosing or calling us. Neither is He making a mistake when He allows certain tests and trials to enter our lives because He knows what lies ahead of us. He sees the road before us. He sees every bump, roadblock, stumbling block, and He also sees every victory, every milestone, every conquered path, and the manifest blessings He has earmarked just for us. He knows, what many of us do not see or understand, that it will take a certain strength, fortitude, and character to embrace and carry the manifestations of His blessings ordained for our lives.

I like to think of it as boot camp. A soldier, in actual preparation, for what may come their way during their military career, is prepared for almost every kind of scenario. They are trained, put through rigorous and strategic obstacles to hone in them the character of the optimum soldier. Some make it. Some do not. Everyone learns something. Some build the character that they need to be a soldier, while others build a character that lets them know they are not soldiers but would better serve as a civilian; utilizing their skills on the outside.

Do not run from hardships, Beloved. Stay and learn the lessons needed to build your character that will benefit you throughout your life. Stand strong and do not waiver. You will never regret it.

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Yield to Holy Spirit; even through every trial and unforeseen hardship. Remembering that God has you covered and has already given you the victory to go through, preparing you for the abundance of the blessings He has ordained for your life. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Honoring Fatherhood"

Reflections4Life™ June 16, 2019

"Honoring Fatherhood"

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

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

©Ruthe McDonald.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Honor your father. Whether he is the greatest or hasn't done all that well; still give honor to him as your father. For, God is looking at your heart, and it will determine how your days are on this earth. Make peace so that your manifestations of blessings are not held up. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!


©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Live! Live! Live!"

Reflections4Life™ June 9, 2019

“Live”

“I knew that You always hear Me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me.” When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.” The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” John 11:42-44 NASB

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 143; Ezekiel 18; John 11; 2 Timothy 9; Galatians 2; Ephesians 5...

©Ruthe McDonald

     The Father has loosed you from your grave clothes. When Jesus was resurrected, you were resurrected with Him. It is time for you to live. To live for Christ. To live your lives. To live it abundantly. To let go of the past along with any regrets, shame, or mistakes. It is a brand new day filled with the promises of God.

     I declare that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. You are blessed today because God has spoken it. May you understand this week just how much God loves you, and has already prepared a way for you, so that you may live this life to the fullest, and abundantly.

     What is keeping you from living your best life? What has you bound today; afraid to move in the space that God has already ordained and regulated for you? Where are the faith walkers? God has decreed that you are no longer bound. Every chain, every bondage, has been loosed by the death and resurrection of Christ. It is time for you to live.

      Many of us wait for circumstances and situations to be “just” right before we extend ourselves, or begin to do things that we enjoy and love. Some of us have been waiting a long time for conditions to be the way we desire before we start to live our lives. To start doing the things we have been holding and planning in our hearts to do.

     Guess what? If you continue to wait for everything to line up just right, you may be waiting for an eternity. Life will pass you by, and you will have nothing but regrets; wishing you would have just taken that first step—that step of faith. You find, once you start, that is when things begin to fall into place and begin happening as you desire. The key is to first start.

     We have a list of things and ideas that we want to accomplish in our lifetime. But everything will not always line up the way we desire before we start living the life we desire. We just have to begin living out our dreams now. When God is for you and has ordained you, and has blessed you; you do not have to wait for the situation to be just right. All you need is the green light from God, and go forth in faith!

     I can guarantee that there will be times when God will tell you to go forth now, and you will look at the circumstances, and they will not be conducive to what you want to do. In fact, it will seem impossible for you to do what God is telling you to do. But that is how God does it most times. This is a faith walk. To live our lives to the fullest will require that we walk by faith and not by sight. It will require us to know and understand that God will call upon you to go forth, and you may not have support, finances, or the knowledge to do so. All you will have is the word of God. All you will have is His promises to provide, and guide you. When God gives you a vision, He will be your provision.

      So many of us spend our lives wishing, hoping, and dreaming. At some point, we have to start being and doing, or we will miss many opportunities. It is time for you to live, beloved. It is time for you to come forth, and shake the remnants of the shackles off (Because God has already broken the chains) and begin to live your life; your abundant life.

Galatians 2:20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

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

     It is time to allow Christ full reign of your heart, and to allow Him to live through you. He will show you how to walk in your abundant life. The enemy wants to keep us bound by situations and circumstances. He [enemy] desires for us to be filled with anxiety, fear, and self-doubt. Binding us, and eventually destroying our dreams, and killing our spirits, and even our very lives.

     Yet, God has said that you shall live and not die if you believe in Him. The Father assures us that the enemy has no power to defeat us when we are walking in relationship with the Father, abiding by His will, and living our lives as He has ordained.

      Just as with Lazarus, God is calling us to come forth. He is calling us to live our lives now. To, follow in His path of righteousness and holiness. To, release the fears and to take our eyes off of the flesh and the seemingly impossible, and put them on Him, and believe with every fiber of our being the word that He has spoken over our lives.

     At some point, we have to be the one that makes that decision to go forth. We have to be the one that decides that regardless of our present situation or conditions, that we will and can live. Live for Christ. Live our lives. And believe with all our hearts, that God will make the necessary changes in our lives, as long as we are seeking to please Him, and living for Him.

     Here is what I know for certain: No matter the condition of your life right now. No matter the hardships, or limitations—be it physical or financial—when you make up your mind and heart to go forth and live your life, live for Christ and put your best forth; God will indeed take care of the rest. When your focus becomes the will of God, and not your lack or limitations; you will see God move on your behalf in the supernatural. We often say we are waiting on God. But the truth is: God is waiting on us. Waiting for us to push forward in faith and to trust Him with our everything.

     It's time to live, beloved. It is time to come out of those grave clothes, and begin truly trusting in God, and living your life right where you are at. God has you, and He will never leave you. And, He has already freed you. It's up to you, now, to begin walking in that freedom.

     My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you.  Live. Your. Life. God has untied the binds. He has released you from the past. It is time to live your abundant life. Not by what you see or feel; but by the word of God that has been already decreed over you. Let Christ in you arise and live. This is your time! You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.