"No Limits"

Reflections4Life October 13, 2019

“No Limits”

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Scripture Contemplation: Joshua 23; Psalm 4; Song of Solomon; John 13; 1 Corinthians 13…

©Ruthe McDonald.

What do you really know and understand about love? Most of us have conditions for our love. Yet, the word of God says that God kind of love is, unconditional. It doesn’t put restraints or hold judgments. There are no limits to unconditional love.

What do you suppose it would be like if we began to love—truly love with no limits? If we allowed ourselves to truly and sincerely love the way God loves? In order for us to do this, we must first ourselves have that kind of relationship with the Father. For only He could inspire such kind of limitless love, and teach us how to reflect it.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Allow the love of God to fill you and to soften those places in your heart that have hardened because of disappointments and discouragement. Let the Holy Spirit teach you about the limitless love of God, and how it can change your life forever.

Many of us are gun-shy when it comes to love. I think that many are afraid to really lay their hearts on the line and to love freely and without limits because of their love history. Who can blame them? Especially if their foundation has been one of hurt and perhaps even abandonment by those who were supposed to care for them.

It is hard not to limit your love or place conditions upon it when you have experienced any kind of lack of your parents and family; those who are supposed to love you no matter what. It is a difficult task to fix what is broken when those responsible for teaching you have failed at loving and protecting you.

Yet, it is not so with the love of God. His love for us knows no bounds, as it was quite evident in Him giving His only begotten Son in exchange for us. There are no limits to God’s love. There is no limit to God. God is love. He is the essence, the embodiment, the definition of love. I can exchange the “love” in I love you, with God, and say I God you, and it will mean exactly the same.

There is so much that God desires to share with us, to give us, and show us if we would allow Him access to our hearts; allowing Him the seat of honor upon the throne of our hearts. Yet, so many of us run from God. We run from His kind of love. Many fear that kind of love. They only fear it because they do not understand it or recognize it.

Why is it that we show no limits to the things that are bad for us, but limit the things that are good for us? Such is the way of the human mind and heart. However, with God, we can know an entirely different way. A way in which we come to understand and know what it truly means to love with no limits. To, not set any constricting boundaries or conditions upon our love for others and even for ourselves.

God does not judge us the way we judge ourselves or one another. Neither does He see us as we see ourselves and others. The Father knows who we are through and through. He knows our thoughts before we think them. He knows what we are capable of. He knows the contents of our hearts and still, He sent His Son to die for us, knowing who we are and what we would do. He’d already seen the betrayal, the rejection, the lying, and the pain. But yet, He still went forth. And Jesus still went to the Cross willingly. Because—there are no limits to the love of our God. There are no conditions that say He would stop loving us if we did not conform to His ways.

Loving God’s way comes with freedom…and responsibility. We have the freedom to not be bound by what our past has done to us. We are free from every false teaching and belief that had us place restrictions and conditions upon love. And we have a responsibility to share this love. We have a responsibility to love in the manner in which God has loved us: unconditionally.

Here’s what I know for certain: We are not responsible for how someone else chooses to love. We also do not have to repeat anything that has been the opposite of who God is and what He teaches us about love. Because once Jesus came, and He sacrificed Himself for us, it freed us from the curse of generations and anything that was passed down. But it must be a conscious decision on our part to separate from what we were taught and to receive, believe and live in the manner in which God has demonstrated.

Love—God love—knows no bounds or limits. It does not count all the wrongs done to us. It does not hold grudges or punishes because of hurt or betrayal. It is not constricting but liberating. It is unconditional in every sense of the word. It does not give up but knows when it is time to move forward.

What if we allowed ourselves to love with no limits? To give of ourselves completely without fear of being rejected or hurt? You see; when we love without limits, it is not about the other person, but about self. We give 100% of ourselves—no holds bar—with the understanding that no matter what happens, we were true to ourselves and gave ourselves the opportunity to receive what God has ordained for us.

It is true that we are a magnet, and that whatever we are, we attract to ourselves. If we live with a heart that is open, and we love with no limits with the manner in which God instructs us; then we will attract to us that which resides in the innermost being of our hearts. If you love with no limits; in the same manner that God loves, then you will find it reciprocated more times than not.

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity have found permanent rest in your lives. Do not put a limit on love. Do not place conditions where God says there should be none. Love with your whole heart. Give without reservation, trusting that God will protect your heart, and give you exactly what resides within your heart. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"New Things Are Happenning"

Reflections4Life™ October 6, 2019

“New Things are Happening”

 “You have heard; look at all this. And you, will you not declare it? I proclaim to you new things from this time; even hidden things which you have not known.” Isaiah 48:6

Scripture Contemplation: Jeremiah 31; Isaiah 42; Isaiah 43; Isaiah 48; Isaiah 65; Matthew 26...

©Ruthe McDonald.

 “My God is so big, so strong, and so mighty. There’s nothing my God cannot do! My God is so big, so strong, and so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do!” That one verse is ringing in my ears and in my spirit quite loudly. Along with that, is the knowledge that God is doing new things in many of our lives. I don’t know what that “new thing” might be in your life; but I know that God is doing something new; that whatever you have been praying and waiting for, God is doing it. However, we must listen carefully and pay attention, because it is a new thing, and may not come in the form or fashion we expect or are used to. God is about to blow our minds…in a very good way!

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. The Spirit of the Lord is moving in our lives in a way we may not fully comprehend now. I encourage you to yield your all to the Father. That, even in the moments where you do not understand, that you would trust God anyway, and allow Him to do a new thing in you and for you.

I wish I could adequately explain exactly what it is that is burning in my soul and spirit at this moment concerning the word of God and the promise that He has made. Just how close we are to a new thing occurring in our lives.

There is an excitement; a joy bubbling in my soul at what God is about to release in the lives of His children; especially those who have been waiting patiently, haven’t given up during the struggles and hard times; for, those who have kept the faith and stood still, even when many around them have given up. A truly magnificent blessing for those who have weathered the storms and believed God, held onto faith, even when the flesh has seen no reason to. Yes. That new day is upon us.

It is hard to hold on to our faith and belief when we have experienced many setbacks and hard times. It is hard to keep believing when you have come so close so many times, only to feel as though the rug has been snatched right from under you. Yet, God cannot lie. If we continue to believe in Him and trust Him, we will see that new day with that new thing taking place in our lives. And all the sorrow and ache from those waiting years will soon become memories, and part of the lessons of life that we learned to prepare us for the abundance of blessings of the new thing that God has given to us.

Isaiah 43:18, 19 “Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. “Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness; rivers in the desert.” 

We have to let go of the past. In order to fully embrace the new thing that God is doing in our lives, learning to not dwell on the former things; to not continuously keep our mind stayed on the things that hurt us, destroyed us, bound us, disappointed us; the failures, the mistakes, the hurt, the anger. We must release all of that.

There is something right before us waiting for us to embrace. Our past can sometimes blind us to it. For many, the Father has provided a new thing in their lives—an answer to prayers—that has been bypassed because the focus has been on the things of the past. Whether it was previous good times; bad times; hardships; pain or regrets, sometimes we can be stuck looking back. We become so immobile, that we cannot move forward and miss the new thing that God has brought to our lives.

Let it all go, Beloveds! Let the past go. Take the lessons learned and move forward into the promises of God. Embrace the new thing He desires to do in your life by trusting God to guide you and knowing He only has the best for you.

Do not short change yourself by looking for something familiar, or by assuming how God is going to move or bless you. Be open to Holy Spirit and let Him lead you into the place that He has already prepared and ordained just for you.

Let the fear go. Sometimes we become afraid of change because we have become too comfortable with the pain and mess we are in. Prepare to be uncomfortable. Because what God has for you, and where He is taking you is unlike any other place or thing you have ever experienced. The only way to get there is to move forward and not look back.

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. God is doing a new thing. It may not happen in the manner you are expecting. It may not look like something you are used to seeing. But rest assured: It’s All Good. Because it’s coming from the Lord God Almighty! Trust Him. Believe Him. Embrace Him. Love Him. Because God certainly loves you, more than your human mind can comprehend. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Stand on Your Truth"

Reflections4Life™  September 29, 2019

“Stand on Your Truth”

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

Scripture Contemplation:1 Samuel 12:24; Psalm 15; 25; 51; James 1; 3 John 1...

Freedom In Your Truth

 Many of us live our lives in between what we believe and the opinion of others. We give a lot of our power and self-worth to those who truly do not know us or understand us; trying to please people who are not even living their own truth or have the conviction to stand on their truth.

     Stand on your truth. Be confident in who you are and what you believe. Be boldly right or boldly wrong. But never be wishy-washy concerning what's in your heart.

     I decree today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Stand on your truth daily. Seek the Lord; be intimate with Him, so that you can learn the truth of what's in your own heart. To know God, you know yourself. The self that He has ordained before realms of time.

     Trying to please others is a full-time job that doesn't leave you much time to be yourself. God is our only judge. He knows the secrets of our hearts. There is so much He desires for our lives, if we would have the courage to say what it is we really want, and not what we think He or anyone else wants us to say. We live in fear. Fear of what others say or think. Fear of making a mistake. Fear of being rejected. Fear of being alone.

     Fear immobilizes us. It keeps us trapped in a perpetual cycle of lies; living life for others, but not for ourselves. Then one morning we awake to the truth, that we do not recognize ourselves any longer. Our hopes and dreams long forgotten, and our lives a pale comparison of what it once was. That is not living. That is just existing. But existing for what?

     Beloved, what is your truth today? What truth have you buried or forgotten? What truth have you pushed to the side so that someone else may live their lives? What about you? What about your hopes and dreams? What about your life and

where God desires to take you? We cannot live the whole truth of the manifest blessings that God has ordained for our lives, if we cannot find the strength and courage to stand on our own truth, and express what it is that we desire in the sincerest parts of our hearts.

Psalm 51:6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.

     What's in you, Beloved? What truth(s) have been overlooked, buried, forgotten, and laid aside? We can only lie to ourselves for so long. And We can never lie to the Father. The truth is always seeking to come forth in all that we do and say. The truth will never be denied its payment. It shows up whether we are ready for it or not; sometimes in unexpected ways. Until we confront the truth, tell the truth, and live our truth—we will always live a stagnated life, that is far less than what God has ordained for us.

    My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. I decree that the spirit of truth inhabits your heart and soul, and the life God has ordained for you has become a reality. Be truthful with yourself. Stand boldly on your truth. Live authentically. Because at the end of the day, you have no one else to blame for the choices you've made. Yours is the only reflection in your mirror of truth. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Faith and Trust"

Reflections4Life September 22, 2019

“Faith & Trust”

“And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen.” Matthew 21:21

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 22; Matthew 6; 17; Hebrews 11; James 1…

There are times in life when we are thrown a fast ball—where circumstances in life will hit us quickly and unexpectedly, taking us off guard. And sometimes knocking us off course. Some of us will lose faith, and many of us will lose trust. It doesn’t take great faith for us to begin to believe again. But it takes much more for us to develop trust. Have the courage to step out on faith, and allow God to build your trust.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Though you may have been taken off guard in the past, and though you may have lost faith and trust—incline your ear to the Lord and follow His lead. Let the Father heal you, and give you what you need so you can get to the place where your heart is abundant in faith and trust.

Faith has always been key in my life. It has been faith that allowed me to tread places where others would probably never go. It has been because of my faith that I dare to do and believe for things that seem impossible to the human mind, but very possible to our loving God. It is no doubt in my heart and mind that God has blessed me with the gift of faith. It is far beyond just having faith the size of a mustard seed…it is the kind of faith that will believe and hold on even after everyone has let go and gone. It’s the kind of faith that will trust wholeheartedly in the word of my God, and see the dead be resurrected without of hint of hesitation or doubt.

At twelve years old, I had an encounter with faith. You’re probably wondering: how does one have an encounter with faith? Well, let’s just say it was my “road of Damascus” moment, in which God blessed me with the gift of faith and changed my life forever.

The prominent wall in the living room was painted black. I was sitting in a chair opposite that particular wall when I noticed something in the top left corner. At first, I thought it was a glare from the light in the hallway. However, when I turned the light off it was still there. Written in bold block letters, about three feet wide and two feet high was the word: FAITH. I rubbed my eyes, it was still there. I touched the wall, it was still there. But what really pushed me over was the fact that no one else in the house could see it. Only me.

Why on earth was I seeing this? What did it possibly mean? It meant everything. I wasn’t scared, but I was definitely shaken. Then I was in wonderment and awe. Then I started crying. I was saved when I was seven years old. Yet, I had a relationship with God way before that. Seeing faith written on the wall took me to another level. That day changed my life forever. From my bedroom I could see the wall and faith staring back at me. It was still there until I closed my eyes well past midnight. In the morning I was gone, but had become etched on the walls of my heart and embedded in my soul and spirit.

That one day changed my life forever. Faith has been an integral part of all that I do. Have there been times when I wanted to give up, not believe, and have had some doubts? Most certainly. But it has always been faith that wins out. I just cannot let go—no matter what things look like—of faith. Even if it is mustard sized, I can’t let go. Because faith has carried me and kept me. My faith in God. My belief that He will do just what He said, regardless to whom or what.

It has been my faith that has led me to trust. I don’t trust many people, but I do trust God. And even in trusting God, I can admit to faltering at times. Because in order to trust God with all your heart, you have to learn to let go completely. You have to be able to have faith in what He says and leap into the unknown, believing that God will not fail you.

Faith has paved my way for trust in God. Where I have faith in God doing just what He said; I had to learn to trust Him where I couldn’t trace Him. To, trust Him without knowing the plan. To have complete trust in Him by letting go and letting Him.

It’s a hard thing when trust has been broken. Because once trust is broken, it is the hardest thing to repair. You don’t know who you can truly count on. And everyone’s word becomes suspect. But, when you place your trust in God, and take your hands off a situation; He will let you know who you can trust. And the awesome thing is: God doesn’t require you to put trust in man, but to put your trust in Him. And to be confident in your faith.

Let me say this—and maybe it will help you to understand clearly the connection between faith and trust—Abraham had complete faith in the promises of God. He believed the father when He told him he would be a father of many nations. Even when God told him to sacrifice Isaac—he had faith. But his faith made room for him to trust God. For certain, Abraham didn’t know the course that God was taking. Did not understand this turn of events. It didn’t make sense to his human mind and reasoning. However, his years of faith in God, made room for his trust in God. To do exactly what Jehovah asked of him; trusting God when he did not know His complete plan.

I love the movie Man of Steel. There’s a scene where Clark Kent is talking to a minister, and he says he doubts he can trust the people not to turn on him. The minister says to him as he’s walking away: “Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith first. The trust part comes later.” How true is that? We must first have faith, then trust will come later. Faith is the substance that builds the bridge to trust. Have faith in God, and trust Him to do just what He said.

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. Sometimes it is the hardest thing to see past the moment, the day, or the situation. It is our act of faith that will lead us to a heart of trust. How can you not trust a God who loved His creation to enough to redeem us from ourselves? To give us the ultimate gift of Christ, knowing that He would be rejected, but knowing His Blood would save us? Only our God. Trust Him where you can’t trace Him. Let your faith speak for you. You are blessed. Now go…be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Detoxify Your Life"

Reflections4Life™ September 15, 2019

“Detoxify Your Life”

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (NASB)

Scripture Contemplation: 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 51; Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Corinthians 7:1…

There are times in our lives when we must take a step back, stand still and evaluate who and what are in our lives, and the purpose they are serving. Not everything and everyone in our lives is good for us and the path that God has ordained for us. Even those things and people that seem good, seem right, seem to be working out; could be the very thing that is stalling us, keeping us from moving forward in the life that God has ordained for us.

There comes a time when we must detoxify our lives; purge ourselves of the things that have been poisonous to our lives, our goals, and our vision. Sometimes it is not what we are doing that’s wrong, sometimes it’s the people, places, and things we have surrounded ourselves with.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Allow the Father to lead you and show you the places in your life that need detoxification. Let Him lead you through the process, so you can be ready to receive the abundance that God has ordained for your life.

Life will throw us some hardballs and twisted curveballs. One moment we can be riding high, and the next, we are down and out for the count. Yet, one thing remains the same: God’s love for us, and His wisdom and instruction that never fails.

With our life’s journey comes many ups and downs, along with bumpy rides and rocky roads. However, if we will yield to the Father’s instructions we will be able to navigate the storms and trials of this life and be the better for them.

Along our life’s journey, mistakes and missteps will occur. We will sometimes trust in the wrong people, go the wrong way, get stuck in a place, and fumble at times. Yet, it is nothing that we cannot overcome and get through, as long as we follow what God is telling us to do.

I have learned in my journey that it is not necessarily what one is doing that’s wrong or stalling the process of our reaching our destination. No. Sometimes it is the people, places, and things we have surrounded our lives in. Not everything is good for us. Not every person has good intentions for us. Not every place is the right place to see our visions come to pass.

We must be intimate with the Lord, seeking His will daily, and following His instructions so that we know what we should do if we ever find ourselves in a place of stagnation. The solution can be as simple as moving, changing a routine, or letting some people go.

Many of us do not even know this, but our lives have been clogged with poison. There are toxins that must be purged from our lives in order for us to move forward and receive the full manifestations of the blessings of God.

Far too many of us hang on to people when God has told us to separate ourselves from them. There are places we have stayed when God has spoken to our hearts and told us to move on. There are things in our lives that God has told us to let go of, and we haven’t. Obedience unto God will save us unnecessary sacrifices down the road.

One of the things I know for certain is that not everyone is meant to go where I am going. Not everything I have is meant for the next level. And not every place I reside is the place for me to grow and move forward. There are people I must separate from. Things I have to let go of. And places I need to move away from, if I truly desire to walk in the ordained life God has for me and mine.

No. it’s not easy. Especially when you have become attached to certain people, places and things. Don’t get it twisted: there may be nothing wrong with the people, places or things. They may very well be good people, great places, and helpful things. HOWEVER, they are not good for the plan that God has ordained for YOUR life. Sometimes we cannot see the problem, because we are not looking through the eyes of God. This is where we must trust God where we cannot trace Him. This is where we must believe in God with or whole hearts, even when we may not understand…yet.

Beloved, it’s time…it’s time to move forward into the promises of God for our lives. And part of moving forward is learning to let go and truly walk in faith. In order for you to get to that next level, and to be where God has called you to be, then you must be willing to accept the truth about some things and have a willing heart to do as God has ordained.

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. Stagnation is a sure sign that detoxification must take place in your life. Allow God to lead you through the purging process. Follow His instructions; even if it means walking away from some people, moving from certain places, and letting some things go. Remember: whatever you have to give up only pales in comparison to what God wants to give you. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Are You Living?"

Reflections4Life™ September 8^th, 2019

“Are You Living?”

“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...

©RutheMcDonald.

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.

I decree 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 how much God loves you and has already prepared a way for you, so that you may live this life to the fullest.

Beloved, Are you living or only existing? What are you waiting for? What is it that is keeping you from living your life? What has you bound today? 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 an awfully long time for conditions to be the way we desire before we 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 and match the picture you have held in your imagination, you may be waiting for an eternity. Life will pass you by, and you will have nothing but regrets; wishing you would have taken that first step—that first step of faith.

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!

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 in you 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 Him, 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. He has already freed you. It's up to you, now, to begin walking in that freedom.

My Beloved, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in every area of your life. 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.

"Take Rest"

Reflections4Life September 1, 2019

“Take Rest”

“Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.” Genesis 2:3 (NASB)

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 2; Deuteronomy 12; 25; Psalm 37; Matthew 11; Hebrews 4…

©Ruthe McDonald.

There is just too much noise. Too much clutter. Too much going on that it is a distraction. We find ourselves so busy. Busy doing what? Sometimes I think we don’t even know. It is as if we have been wired to mundane tasks that are automatically apart of our day. We live each day feeling less inspired and more tired because we have not taken the time out to properly rest.

Our rest does not consist of us going to sleep only. It includes our whole being: body, mind, and spirit. And when one part of us is lacking rest, we lack in all areas. It is time to take rest in every area of our lives and receive what God has for us.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. May you walk in a spirit of rest; completely rejuvenated in your soul, from time spent in the presence of God. Make time to take rest. Slow down, and not only hear what God is saying, but also receive what He is giving.

We often cry out to God and ask Him to help us. We cry out, shaking our fists, mad at God because when we feel He has not answered us. That, our petitions of prayer have fallen on deaf ears. The enemy has duped many into believing that God is taking too long, or that He truly does not understand what we are going through.

We ask God but don’t wait long enough for His answer. We ask, and we ask but are never quiet long enough to hear His answer. Have you ever tried to hold a conversation where everyone is talking at the same time? What a confusing and jumbled mess! We need to learn how to be still, and quiet in the presence of God. To truly understand what it means to rest in Him.

Are there times when you desire to shut the world out—all the noise—and get some peace and quiet?  Once you steal away, do you not feel refreshed and energized? Your brain has had the opportunity to slow down, and you are not as bombarded with the constant activity that life often brings. You find yourself being able to think more clearly.

There is so much going on in the world. So much activity. So many things going on, yet people still do not seem to be any happier or closer to achieving their goals and dreams. We have forgotten how to take rest. How to rest our bodies, our minds, our souls. We have forgotten what it is like to truly rest in God, and have Hos love and strength restore and rejuvenate us.

I have given some thought to this: I think it should be Labor-Free Day. We plan so much on our Holidays that we really don't get to enjoy them. I want to be still and enjoy the day. I don't want to work hard to enjoy it. I do not want to put so much effort into, that I'll need another Holiday just to recuperate.

I'm going to spend my holiday being still and getting in the presence of God, so I can hear Him, and receive what He has for me. I pray that however, you spend your Holiday, that you enjoy it. I hope that you consciously make the decision to take rest and to do so often so that you can receive the blessings that God has for you.

My Beloved, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your life. Take rest in the Lord. Take time out to be in the presence of God, renewing and recharging your mind, body, and spirit. Do not neglect any area of your life. Let the Father into every area of your life, as you receive His goodness and love. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"When Love Hinders You"

Reflections4Life™  August 25, 2019

“When Love Hinders You”

“I wish you would put up with a little foolishness from me. Yes, do put up with me. For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy, because I have promised you in marriage to one husband—to present a pure virgin to Christ. But I fear that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your minds may be seduced from a complete and pure devotion to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:1-3

Scripture Contemplation: Exodus 25; 34; Deuteronomy 5; 32; Joshua 24; Ezekiel 34; Joel 2; 2 Corinthians 11…

I am pretty certain that some are raising an eyebrow and questioning the title of today’s Reflections. I understand. Because I felt the same way when God gave me the title, well before He explained what He meant. Of course, I trusted Him to do just that. And I also knew that this would be something that would open my eyes and heart, and prayerfully it will for you, too.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. I implore you to take time this week and explore your relationship with the Heavenly Father. Really look at it, and see if you have truly and totally surrendered your absolute all to Him. Ask yourself: Does God have all of my Heart? Am I doing all that I can? Do I trust Him sincerely? Do I really believe what God says about me? Does the Father truly have the number one place in my heart and soul? My only God?

Do you know that feeling you get when you fall in love for the first time? That feeling of free-falling? Always wanting to be in that person’s presence? Wanting to know everything about them? Wanting to share everything and get to know their heart and soul, as well as everything else? Yes. That feeling. That is an awesome thing. It is a wonderful feeling that we can cherish and celebrate. It is also a feeling that we should have towards our God every day. It’s definitely what God has for us; even though He knows us so well, and knows that we will, at some point, become distracted, preoccupied, disenchanted, and even for some—out of love with Him. Yet, we can be certain that the Father’s love for us will never, ever change.

For some of us that love deeply, however, who have such huge hearts, that we find ourselves pouring our love out on so many, and loving some so deeply to distraction—we miss out on our intimate relationship with God. We neglect what should be our number one priority and relationship. When this occurs, slowly but surely, other areas in our life start to take a hit; even if we do not recognize it.

Sadly, many of us do not even realize that we have allowed our earthly relationships to not only hinder our heavenly relationship, but we have given God’s place in our heart to someone else. Even still, there are others who have allowed their earthly love and devotion to become their god, forsaking their relationship with the Heavenly Father.

God is a jealous God. He desires to be number one in our lives. He desires to be our only God. Our covering. Our Savior. Our Healer. Our everything. He yearns for our devotion so that He may bless us in the manner that He desires. He wants to blanket us in His love while protecting us from the machinations of the enemy. God desires our attention, Beloveds. Far too many of us, however, are preoccupied, allowing our horizontal relationships to dictate our vertical relationship and receiving all that God has ordained for our lives.

It is not that God does not want us in relationships or to love anyone else. Not at all. He, however, doesn’t want it to hinder us from all that He has ordained for us while in this world. God wants us to be balanced. To be well rounded. To not be so broken over a man or woman, boy or girl, that we begin to worship the creation instead of the Creator. That we allow the love in our earthly relationships become so consuming, that we are doing any and everything to please, keep and sustain them that there is no room for God. We have abandoned our core and key relationship, chasing after fallible love.

Come on; be honest. How many times have you, or are still so gone in a relationship that it has affected your time with God? How many times has a relationship hindered you from doing all that God has asked of you? When was the last time, your time spent with God, was longer than any of your earthly relationships? Think about it. Really think.

There is nothing wrong with being in love. There is nothing wrong with loving people for who they are and where they are at in life. There is nothing wrong with wanting them to have the very best, and supporting who they are and their dreams. But, what is not all right is neglecting, forgetting, forsaking, and disrespecting God in your life. And please, don't get it wrong; we can also be in this position with our family. Our children, parents, etcetera. Anyone that is placed above God in our actions, reverence, and worship; even if we don't believe so in hearts and minds.

How many times has God reached out to you, but you didn’t hear him? Or, you ignored Him? Or you chose that earthly relationship over being obedient to God and what He has asked of you? Far too many, I might say.

Some of us do not even realize that the love we prayed for, asked God for, has become the very hindrance to God moving in our lives. Don’t get it twisted: Once again, I’m not saying there is anything wrong with loving someone deeply, but it is something wrong when that love causes us to do things out of the will of God and become someone that is not pleasing to God. God will not take a backseat or second place to anyone. He loves us way too much for that.

There are also the times when we love so much and so deeply that we make excuses for certain behaviors that we know is not of God. We accept things that we shouldn’t. Turn a blind eye instead of speaking up. We allow ourselves to be treated in a manner that is not becoming or acceptable unto God. I’m going to say this: DO NOT ALLOW LOVE FOR SOMEONE ON THIS EARTH TO MAKE YOU FORFEIT WHAT GOD HAS ORDAINED FOR YOUR ABUNDANT LIFE. Do not allow yourself to be treated in any kind of manner; like sheep being led to the slaughter by the enemy in disguise. Don’t allow the enemy to darken or taint a gift from God by you choosing to worship the creation and no longer the Creator.

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. Take a step back and evaluate your heart and motives. Give God what belongs to Him, and He will continue to do what He has always done for you: Love you unconditionally. Maintain a healthy balance by first seeking God for all things, and allowing God the honor to be not only your covering but to be your all in all. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Brand New"

Reflections4Life August 18, 2019

“Brand New”

“Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, 'Write, for these words are true and faithful.'” Revelation 21:5

Scripture Contemplation: Isaiah 43:18-20; Jeremiah 31:30-32; Philippians 1:6; 1 John 1:6-8...

©Ruthe McDonald.

     It's a new day! A new beginning; a fresh start. Each day is a fresh start when we are blessed to wake up. When you yield to God, He makes you brand new; brand new heart, brand new mind, brand new sight, a brand new life.

     I decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Allow Jesus to cleanse your heart and soul from old baggage that has been weighing you down. Allow the Lord to make you brand new all over—your heart and mind. This is a new day with new opportunities. God has given you a reset. What are you going to do with it?

     Do you recall how it feels to get something brand new? The feeling of something fresh and new is exciting! I think about those of us who, growing up, had to wear hand-me-downs, and the first time you were able to buy something new just for you. How did that feel? Wonderful, didn't it?

     What about that feeling you have after a storm in your life has passed, or you let go of things that should have been let go of a long time ago? Or, when you clean out your house of all those old things, or you walk into a brand new home? Exhilarating!

     That is what a relationship with the Father is like. He makes all things new. He comes into our lives (the home of our hearts) and makes all things new. He cleanses us and gives us the opportunity to see things through fresh eyes, a clean heart, through His eyes. God has given us a reset button for our lives when he grants us a brand new day. What a precious gift to be given by our Heavenly Father. To be alive with the chance to do things over!

     Yes. There are consequences for all of our actions. Our sinful behavior has repercussions. The sinful and wrong acts of others can have devastating effects on innocent people's lives. Yet, when we come to God, He gives a new perspective, a new determination, and new grace to help us walk and get through the consequences of those actions. We will have a brand new mindset, and a brand new start at a new life, where we can walk in His love and guidance, and in obedience to His will. Yesterday cannot be changed but how we do things today can be.

      It's a brand new day, and God desires to do brand new things in your life for today. Aren't you tired? Aren't you tired of promising yourself something different, only to find yourself in old habits, doing the same thing over and over, never feeling complete or whole? Then yield to the Father. Allow the cleansing blood of Jesus to restore you, and reset your life clock. Allow Him to elevate you. To erase your past, and bring you into the future He has ordained for you.

     There are lessons we can take from our past, but we do not have to linger feeling sorry for ourselves, reliving what we did, wishing we would have done something different. No matter how you try, you do not have the ability to change your past. Only God can do that. But what you do have is the ability to move forward, and live a life that is filled with hope and expectations for greatness. You have the opportunity to walk in a brand new mindset, with brand new insight, and brand new determination. All you have to do is believe and walk the path that God has ordained for you.

      We are not limited by our past experiences. Our past and any mistakes do not determine the entirety of our life. What WE do right now and believe in our heart, determines our life. The choice is ours. We can either reach towards God and receive what He has. Or, we can linger in the past, and allow the whispers of the enemy to taunt us, and cripple us from moving forth. The choice is ours.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

John 5:5-9 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” 7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.

     There is brand new life waiting for you every day God grants you to wake up. A brand new mindset. Brand new experiences. Brand new joy and anointing each and every day. So what are you going to do? Are you going to stay stuck in the past? Or, are you going to reach forth and touch the hem of His garment? Are you going to have faith and believe what God says about you? The choice is yours. There is a brand new life with your name on it. The life that God has ordained for you before the existence of time. And all you have to do is believe, have faith, and receive. God has already declared and decreed it!

Isaiah 65:24 “It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.

      My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in every area of your life. Let God create in you a clean heart, and a right spirit, and a renewed mind. Let the Blood of Christ reset your life clock, so that you may live a life that is full of love, grace, purpose, peace, and the joy of the Lord. You are so very blessed. Now go... and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"See The Good"

Reflections4Life™ August 4, 2019

"See the Good"

         “Thus says the Lord who made it, the Lord who formed it to establish it (the Lord is His name): ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know."  Jeremiah 33:2-3

Scripture Contemplation: Joshua 1; Jeremiah 33; Daniel 6; Romans 8; Hebrews 11 ...

(c) Ruthe McDonald

        Far too often our focus is on the negative. Especially concerning ourselves. But that's because we live in a world that tends to highlight what's wrong more than they celebrate what's right. Can you imagine a news service that would deliver at least two news stories for every bad news report? Would it make a difference? I don't know. But I do believe that whatever you put into the atmosphere is constantly being regurgitated and manifested back onto the earth.

       I decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. Let the Lord God touch your eyes--spiritually and physically--that you may see as He sees. Let His words be a soothing balm to your heart and mind. Let God's vision become more than a word or hope; allow it to become your truth, as you grow in your trust and truth in the Father.

       So, what if we decided to charge the atmosphere every single day with the good that we see? Sure. I hear you: "Are you serious, Rue? Don't you see all this hate and crazy stuff going on? And you want us to see the good?" Yes. I know you know, and even those doing the bad know that there are horrific things taking place. But I firmly believe that bad wouldn't exist without good being present. So, there is good around, if we would train ourselves to see it. 

      Are you telling me there is no good in your family? There is nothing good happening in your life, in the life of at least one person you know? Do you mean to tell me that you didn't see the sunrise or the sunset and you still made it alive to the next day?

      Don't think so hard about seeing the good. See the good in people before you immediately start ticking off the bad traits. See the good in the situation; how things could be turned around and the situation used as a learning lesson. See the good in people before making the decision to write someone off based on a bad first impression.

      My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity will be evident in every area of your life. I challenge you this week ahead to see the good. To find the good. To speak of the good. To point out the good. To charge the atmosphere of the good. And, to expect the good. Expect something good to happen to you each day. Anticipate it, Look for it. Be it. Be good. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!


©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.