"Are You All In?"

 Reflections4Life^TM November 8, 2020

“All In”

“But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29

Scripture Contemplation: Deuteronomy 4; Deuteronomy 6; Zephaniah 3:14; Colossians 3:23…

Are you all in? Are you participating 100% in your life? In your walk with Christ? What about your relationships? Are you all in, or holding back a part of yourself in case you get hurt and things do not work out? Beloved, in anything that you do; especially if you want it to succeed, you must be all in.

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. The heavenly Father has given us His all. He is all in. That was evident when He gave us Christ. Yield to God your all this week. Don’t hold back. Let Him have access to 100% of who you are.

Before moving on, let's address the elephant in the room for many of us: the election. It's over. Well, the election part. Whether the person you voted for won or loss, it is time to move forward together. You'll either be all in, part of the solution of rebuilding and repairing, or you will be the thorn in the side of many, causing unnecessary aggravation and continued hurt and the spreading of hate. If you truly love and trust the Lord the way you profess, then you will follow His lead and move forward and be all in when it comes to spreading kindness, love, grace, and mercy. Without any of those things residing in your heart—now—then it likely lends to the summation that you never had those particular characteristics to begin with. And you have only been serving God on the surface and not from the heart. It does not really matter, however, what others think or believe. This is between you and God. Yet, do know, that God knows, and is recording it all.

In moving right along. We have so many desires and wants. We want so much from life; from people, from God, but are not willing to risk putting everything on the line. Not willing to sacrifice all that we have in order to go after what we truly desire in our lives.

Whatever it is we desire to have in life, we must be willing to be all in; to risk everything (our heart) to see it come to pass. Whether it brings pain and discomfort with it. Everything we desire will not always come easy, and have nice, tidy, feels wrapped in a pretty bow for us to unwrap.

Some may disagree. That, you shouldn't have to risk anything; to sacrifice or give up anything to get what you want. And to them I would say: Then you have never truly experienced the reward of selflessness and sacrifice. You may have been the recipient of another person's willingness to be all in, but you yourself will never understand what occurs in the heart and soul of a person who is all in.

Yes. It is risky. But that is life. We take a chance every day we leave the comfort and safety of our homes. But we do it. We cannot split ourselves in half and only have part of us go out.

If we truly want the best in our relationships, our careers, in all that we do; then we must be willing to be all in. All of our heart, mind, and soul. Willing to lay everything on the line.

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. Give what you expect from others. Don’t be afraid to be all in. Otherwise, you are not just cheating others, but you are cheating yourself. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe Mcdonald. All Rights Reserved.

"A Time For All Things"

Reflections4LifeTM  November 1, 2020

“A Time for All Things”

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 15; Ecclesiastes 3; Psalm 104; Daniel 2; Galatians 4…

©Ruthe McDonald.

There is a time for all things under the sun. A season for different things that occur in our lives. There is a time to mourn and a time to laugh. A time to sow and a time to reap. A time to plan and a time to execute.

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Seek God daily. Allow His plan and purpose to be placed in your heart and soul, as He directs your footsteps. Align yourself with the heavenly Father, who knows exactly what season you are in.

We must be in the right season and time to see the things we hope for and work at, to come to fruition. We must also recognize when it's time to stand still or move forward. When it's time to hold on and to let go.

There will come a time in our life's journey when we will have to leave some people, places, and things behind. Though it may be difficult to do; it is necessary for our growth and development and where God is taking us.

For many, it's just time to grow up. It's time to walk in maturity and put in the work that is required in order to move forward and received the promises of God.

One of the hardest things for many is to face the reality that it is time to change your atmosphere, your sphere of influence, and some people in your life.

Listen; there are some people that will remain in our lives always. But then there are some who were only meant to be a lesson. Spend quality time with God so that you may discern correctly who was meant to stay and whose time has come to an end.

There are also decisions that we have made in the past that were right for that time in our lives. Now, it's time for new decisions and changes. Do not get stuck in your comfort zone. That's not where your blessings and victory reside.

What time is it for you? Many try to ignore or deny the season of change. It's understandable. Change can be scary. But what's even worse than change, is being stagnated and left wondering about what could have been.

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. Seize your moment. Discern the seasons. And make the necessary decisions that will bring you to the fulfillment of Gods' promises in your life. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

 

"A Solid Relationship"

 Reflections4Life^TM October 25, 2020

“A Solid Relationship”

“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. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:16-17

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 15; 2 Chronicles 7:14; John 17; Ephesians 6; Hebrews 6…

If there is one thing that many of us desire—whether we admit it or not—is a true, sincere, loving, and solid relationship. A relationship with a strong foundation that will stand the tests of time. Though some may think it impossible; especially in the world we live in. But nothing is impossible. Especially if we work hard for it, and we allow God to lead us.

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Seek God early. Seek Him daily. To know God is to know yourself and to ensure a solid relationship with your Creator.

Relationships are not easy. Each relationship requiring work and dedication. Whether we believe it or not. Our relationship with God requires work and dedication. Far too many treat their relationship with God as an afterthought. Many do not consider the fact that a relationship with God requires time. That is something that can either get stronger or weaker. Or, even be broken.  Some of us are guilty of treating God like He is a Santa Claus or a Magician. Or that man or woman we call at the last moment when everyone else is busy.

God is none of those things. And though He may forgive us, we can still grieve His heart with our duplicitous and deplorable actions. Just as we desire to be first in the heart of the ones we love, God desires the same from us. He does not want us to only come to Him when we are in need or want an answer to a prayer. No. He desires us each and every moment of every day whether it is a good or bad day. He wants us just as we are. He desires an intimate relationship with us, where we spend quality time in His presence getting to know His heart and learning of Him. That, we know His voice so well we can never be fooled.

God desires our foundation with Him to be solid and strong. Not for Him, but for us. So that we can be all that He ordained us to be and receive all that He has for us on this earth.

What kind of relationship do you have now? What is your relationship like with the Father? Is it strong, solid, and secure? Or does it need work? With God, all you have to do is come to Him, as His arms are always open, waiting just for you.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Build a strong and solid relationship with God. Get to know Him, and you get to know yourself and all your other relationships will fall in line. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"And God Said"

 Reflections4Life^TM October 18, 2020

“And God Said”

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 145; Matthew 5:16; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:13…

©by Phil Koch

We receive a lot of advice. Some asked for, some not. Some of it wanted, some not wanted. Some good, some not so good. Yet it still stands that regardless of what someone else may say or think, it does not change or trump what God has said.

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Let your intimate time with the heavenly Father build you and saturate your heart until you become immune to the false concern and opinions of those that have not received the message that, God has already spoken what is, and what will be concerning your life.

Do you know what God says about you? Do you know what your Creator thinks of you? I bet you are a lot harsher and judgmental of yourself than God could ever be. We often are, because we've yet to believe or see what God says concerning us: The truth.

Here's the deal, beloved: God does not see us as we see ourselves. When He looks upon us, He doesn't see the sin, the screw-ups, mistakes, or unworthy individuals. No. God sees the blood of Christ. He sees us as He created us to be: great, wonderful, beautiful, worthy of His greatest blessings. Because He sees us as we truly are, He speaks accordingly.

When God speaks of us, He speaks in the manner that states His work is done. That we are all that He ever declared and decreed us to be, as though all the work in us is complete.  Most of us have trouble with this because we have yet to see ourselves as God sees us—complete and whole. A finished work of greatness.

We tend to quickly believe the deceits of others and the enemy than what God has spoken. It's time to change that. It's time to embrace and believe what God says of you. We listen to the advice of those who know nothing about what's in our hearts. We allow those unsolicited comments to affect how we see ourselves.

Beloved, it's time to believe what God says. It's time to answer those negative decrees with, "And God said..." It's time to speak what God has spoken of you. That you are wonderfully and fearfully made in His image. That greatness is in you. That you are worthy of every good thing that God has spoken. That you are all that God has decreed. That every promise God has made to you is coming to pass. The very work that God has begun in you, He will surely complete. You are worthy, loved, and cherished.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Let your heart believe and your mind sees what God has spoken concerning you. Meditate in the Word of God. Spend intimate time in the presence of God, allowing His love and truth to penetrate your heart, mind, and soul. You are worthy because God made you worthy. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.  

"Gaslighted"

 Reflections4Life^TM October 11, 2020

“Gaslighted”

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” Romans 12:1-2 MSG

Scripture Contemplation: 1 Chronicles 28:9; Psalm 7; Romans 8; 1 Corinthians 2; Ephesians 4

*Note: Gas-lighting or gaslighting is a form of mental abuse in which information is twisted or spun, selectively omitted to favor the abuser, or false information is presented with the intent of making victims doubt their own memory, perception, and sanity.

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Though you may face some uncertain times in your life, be assured of the love and protection that God our Father has for you. Yield to His touch. Heed His call. Run into His outstretched arms. There is safety in the arms of God.

Beloved, there is a reason God tells us that the battle is not ours but His. If there is one thing we must come to understand is that we are no match for the enemy of our souls in one on one combat. For he has been around a long time and it is his number one goal to defeat and destroy not only who we are, but our relationships; especially our relationship with God. The enemy would love nothing less than for us to be separated from our Heavenly Father and not reach the promised destination that Christ has assured us.

We have been gaslighted by the enemy. We have been manipulated, lied to, and made to question what we believe; even as far as making us doubt our perceptions and sanity—filling us with doubt, fear, and eventually unbelief.

The enemy is crafty in his tactics. Using those we love against us. Using people to cause havoc in our lives. Even using those in leadership. This is why some people are toxic to our lives. Be it family, friend, or foe. Sometimes they are not even aware they are being used, and sometimes they are well aware of their actions.

When you are in a relationship and start to question your own sanity, things just are not adding up and you continue to see a pattern in circumstances and situations, you need to take a step back and listen; really listen to what God most likely has been trying to tell you for the longest time.

The enemy has one purpose for us beloved: to steal, kill, and destroy. And he has no qualms about who he uses to get it done. For this reason alone, our prayer life, our intimate time with God must be consistent and frequent. We must build our relationship with the Father that we know His voice. That we come to understand His ways. That we develop our spiritual gifts of discernment.

God's purpose for us trumps the enemy's plots and plans. God has given us power and authority over the enemy. The power and authority to shut down the enemy's camp. To stop him in his manipulating plots and ploys to destroy our lives and relationships.

Beloved, you deserve all that God has ordained for you. Too many have given their heart and love to those who did not deserve it, only to leave them with hardened hearts, broken spirits, no trust in God, and even some with their life taken. The enemy would love nothing more than to destroy who you are. To claim your life. But guess what? Greater is He in you than he that is in this world.

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.  Pray about everything, beloved. Seek God's face always. Allow God to develop that gift of a discerning spirit so that you may recognize the tactics of the enemy. And know: you do not have to remain a victim of the enemy's manipulation when God has declared and set you free. Move on from the past and grab onto what God has for you right now. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"In The Shadows"

Reflections4Life^TM October 4, 2020

“In the Shadows”

“There were those who dwelt in darkness and in the shadow of death, Prisoners in misery and chains… He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke their bands apart.” Psalm 107:10, 14

Scripture Contemplation: 2 Kings 20; Psalm 17; Psalm 90; Jeremiah 48; Matthew 4:16…

There are many things that are hidden in the shadows; answers to some of our questions. Things we have been running away from.

Many of us do not live our lives fully because of the constant threat of what lurks in the shadows. The shadows of the mind and heart. The shadows of the past. The shadows of things that haunt and bring fear to our heart and mind.

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Do not fear what is in the shadows of darkness or your past. But be confident in the shadow of the Almighty, where a covering and abundant love and forgiveness reside.

We risk forfeiture of our blessings when we allow what lurks in the shadows to continue to dictate what we do, how we live. We give( it) power to steal and destroy when we continue to run and hide from the truth in our lives and our past.

As we go forward in life, shadows present themselves as we dare and believe to move forward in our lives. The shadows stand whispering in order to hinder, prevent, and sabotage. It whispers things of our past. It whispers our insecurities, doubts, and fears. It whispers those hidden things that we try to hide and run away from. Things we do not wish to confront.

Trust in God and walking in His light can bring a halt to the pseudo-power that resides in the shadows. To defeat the shadows in our lives, the shadows of our heart, mind, and past, we must: Confess. Confront. And Repent.

Beloved, haven't you been running long enough? Are you not tired from running from what's in the shadows? Demons should be running from you! Not you running from them!

Confess what's in your heart. Release those hidden things. Confront those hard realities and painful memories. Do not give it any more power in your life. Repent before God and receive His healing and covering. The shadows of our lives will only cease having power when we have released those things we have been too afraid to confront.

When the enemy in the shadows begins to whisper; whisper lies about your defeat, bringing up your past, trying to bound you in guilt—remember what you laid on the altar before God. Remember that you are forgiven. And remember: that in you resides the light that shines and expels the darkness in the shadows and it holds no power over you.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you.  Be free, beloved. Do not fear what's in the shadows of darkness. Instead, search your heart and confront what needs to be confronted, and abide in the shadow of the Almighty. God will not reject you, but give you exactly what you need for victory. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

 

"Grab On and Hold Tight!"

 Reflections4Life^TM September 27, 2020

“Grab On and Hold Tight”

“Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass.” Joshua 21:45

Scripture Contemplation: Deuteronomy 28; Numbers 11; John 16:23; Galatians 3:16-21; 2 Peter 1:4…

We are often told to let go and let God when it comes to things of our faith, and situations that we have no control over. To let go and let God do what only He can do.  We are not often told, however, to grab on and hold tight to the promises and the visions that God has given us. This, too, is a part of having faith.

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration.  Beloveds, whatever dreams and visions you have; whatever God has spoken to you, grab on and hold tight! Do not let go of the visions, plans or promises. Trust God to bring them all to fruition.

We must be tenacious in our faith. We must be tenacious when it comes to the promises of God and the dreams and visions we are diligently working towards.  Some of us give up too soon. We are often so close to the manifestations of the promises and the dreams and visions, but allow fear and weariness to persuade us to walk away. Don't do it. Do not let go after all of this time. Grab on and hold tight.

Yes. Life's journey will throw us some serious curve balls. We will have some setbacks and delays while we work and wait for the visions and promises to be fulfilled. But that is life. It is not always easy, but well worth living.

I promise you Beloved, on the other side of the waiting, working, trials, and tribulations is a sweetness of life waiting just for you. There may be other tests. Other waiting times for new visions and dreams. But the reward for being tenacious and diligent far exceeds your expectations.

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.  Grab on and hold tight to the Father; to His promises; to your visions. Be like Joshua and Caleb who believed what God had spoken and wouldn't allow the obstacles and giants before them to defeat their belief in the promises of God. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Day Break"

 Reflections4Life^tm September 20, 2020

“Day Break”

“For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:52

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 32; Lamentations 3; Zephaniah 3; 2 Peter 1; Revelation 22…

©Phil Koch

There are times when our nights seem so long. As though they are going to last forever and morning will never come. Especially during this pandemic that has come and irrevocably changed our lives. It's in these times when we experience much pain, aches, uncertainty, and feel trapped in the darkness of a situation, that we must hold onto the promises of God and our faith.

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. May you hold on to the Heavenly Father, and trust Him to lead you through the darkness. Let Him hold you, as you expectantly wait for His promised morning to you.

We patiently wait for daybreak. For, the sun to shine through and expose all that has been going on in the darkness. Or simply to bring an end to the night; to the darkness in our lives.

Sometimes it is hard to believe that morning will ever come. That there will ever be a time when you can be free from all the heartache and pain in your life. Yet in Psalms it tells us that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

Many of us have been waiting for our morning to finally get here. We have been weeping for many a night; just about on the verge of giving up. But we can't. We must hold on!

Don't do it Beloved! Don't give up! Daybreak is almost here. Your morning is about to come. It may not come in the manner you thought, but it is coming. And when it comes with its marvelous light, you will understand why your night—your weeping lasted so long. You will understand and know when you see the plans that God has had for you all along. Yes. Even in and through this pandemic we are facing. God always has a plan. And all we have to do is ask Him what it is, and He will show us.

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. Hold on. Do not grow weary. You are closer to your day break than you believe. Trust God. Your morning is about to break forth, shattering every ounce of darkness. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Confidence"

 Reflections4LifeTM September 13, 2020

“Confidence”

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

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

For all the bravado that many of us portray, we still lack one thing that keeps us from fulfilling our many hopes and dreams. We talk the game well. Say all the right words. We even manage to encourage others. Yet, we fall short most times of our own goals and finish lines because we lack confidence.

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

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

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

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

Too many of us have missed opportunities because we lack the confidence to follow through. We lack the trust in God's word and in our ability to handle what comes next. Sometimes we lack the confidence to be successful.

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

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

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Beyond Measure"

 Reflections4Life^TM September 6, 2020

“Beyond Measure”                       

“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 49:25-26; Deuteronomy 7:12; 28; Psalm 128; Proverbs 28:20

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. May you know and see the blessings that God has decreed over your life. Lean on God for all understanding and direction. Count your blessings, they are many; especially the ones you cannot see!

If there is one thing that I understand today, it is that I am blessed beyond measure. I cannot begin to count my blessings because they are far too numerous. I am fortunate that they outweigh the bad by a very great number.

Yes, there are days when I do not "feel" blessed. Days when I do not think God hears me. However, I know that is just the circumstances and situations I may currently be facing, talking. My feelings and emotions, but never my heart.

Today is a very blessed day.  As well as, one of the hardest for me. Today's my Birthday. I am so blessed and grateful. At the same time, I am missing my Mom's presence. I miss her 4:33 am (the time I was born! My Mom was serious about this! Lol) birthday call and her birthday song to me. I miss hearing her voice, her touch, her kiss and her embrace. But I feel her love all the way from heaven. And it gives my heart joy to know she is still with me.

I don’t ask for much, if anything, for my birthday. I never did. On my birthday, I’d always asked my mother what she wanted. I desired to give. To give someone else joy and pleasure on my birthday. That was the gift I wanted. To see someone else happy on my birthday. So, with that in mind, I pray that you will receive today what your heart desires. I pray that your prayers would be answered according to the Father’s will for your life. May you walk in the blessings God has ordained for your life.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. I recognize my blessings today. More than any other. Because I know that my blessings are beyond measure. My beautiful mother taught me that! And as I celebrate life today, I pray for you. That you would be blessed and know your worth, and that everything that God has ordained for you, you will receive. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Keep Praying"

 Reflections4Life^TM August 30, 2020

“Keep Praying”

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6

Scripture Contemplation: 1 Kings 8; Psalm 86; Daniel 9; Matthew 6; 26; John 16; 17…

Listen; I understand. Sometimes that is the very last thing we want to hear. Many of us feel that we have prayed so much we are prayed out. We are frustrated, hurt, tired and angry. And yet, it still feels as though God has turned a deaf ear to our supplications.

I declare today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. As you exercise your faith, strengthen your prayer life. Allow God to lead you and minister to you. Sometimes you do not have to say anything, or ask for anything. Just be still in the presence of God and let Him fill you.

God hears us, Beloveds. He is indeed listening to our prayers and He is answering. Answering in His time and His ways. Ways we may not see or think is God.  There are things some of us are desperate for God's intervention. We are at the end of our ropes with nowhere to turn but God. He hears you, Beloved.

Do not stop praying. Nor stop believing. Though it seems like your prayers are fruitless and are never going to be answered; bear in mind that God knows everything concerning you and has already answered. Now we wait for its manifestations.

Beware; during this waiting time the enemy will do everything he can to distract us. To make us doubt God. To make us walk away from our heavenly Father. To desert our posture in prayer and give up before we see the promises that are closer than we can see.

Whatever you do, keep praying, Beloveds. Do not give up or yield to the whispers of the enemy. When you have submitted your requests to the Lord; when you have supplicated to the Father believing He has heard and answered you, let your prayers become prayers of gratitude and of thanksgiving. Let your heart and mind be at peace, knowing that regardless to how long the wait, you will see your prayers answered.

Continue to edify the Lord. It's very easy to stop praying. We do so often without realizing it because a part of us has given up and stopped believing in answered prayers. Trials and tribulations can have devastating effects upon our heart and soul. Keep your mind on how much God loves us. How much He has already given for us. And how far He is willing to go to bring peace to our hearts and minds.

Dear Father, I ask you to bless those who read this today and every friend, family and acquaintance that is in my life, with the fortitude and courage to keep praying. Give them what they need. Let their eyes become opened, and their ears attentive to Your will. Encourage them. And let them see what wonderful and loving experiences you have for their lives, as they take the lessons and waiting period in stride while praising your Name. Amen.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you.  Don’t stop praying. And don’t stop believing that God answers prayers because He does. Though the answers may seem to take a while in coming, they will manifest, as long you continue to believe and yield to the Heavenly Father. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Clean House"

Reflections4Life™ Sunday, August 23, 2020

“Clean House”

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?” 1 Corinthians 6:19

Scripture Contemplation: Isaiah 66; Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 6; 2 Corinthians 5; 1 Peter 2…

Growing up, my brother and I could not go out or watch TV on Saturdays until all house chores were done. When the seasons were changing, we might as well forget Saturday fun day! Our mother was a drill sergeant when it came to cleaning.

Keeping a clean house was a top priority. Our mom could not stand filth. We learned early how to clean properly, how to wash clothes, and to cook. As well as other vital life lessons. We also learned in the process about our spiritual houses.

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. There are situations in our lives that have caused our spiritual houses to become cluttered. It is time to invite the Heavenly Father in so that He may help us to clean house.

All of these lessons were to prepare us for life. To make certain that we were ready for the life ahead of us. My mother insisted on a clean house always. To tidy up as you went along. She said that you never knew who might stop by; who may want to come over. Who wants to sit in filth? Who would want to bless you with more if you cannot take care of the less you have now? She would ask.

She was right...of course. And the same can be applied to our spiritual lives. We must maintain a clean house. Our mind, our body, and spirit. We are exposed and take in so many different things, it is no wonder our spiritual houses are dirty, cluttered, and some torn down.

Many of us cannot hear or see God because there are too much clutter and debris blocking us from what God wants to tell us, show us, and give us. We need to clean house. To rid ourselves of those things that prevent us from living our lives to the fullest. Those things that keep us from hearing and seeing God. Those things that block our blessings.

We can begin with people, places, and things. There are some people that are too toxic for our lives. We need to let them go. Toxic people take your energy, steal your joy and peace, and manipulate and whisper lies to you in order to block you from your blessings. You'd be surprised how many wear the guise of a friend, family, girlfriend, boyfriend, and even spouse.

Then there are certain places that we need to stay away from. Places that make us feel heavy hearted or come away feeling ashamed. It doesn't have to be a physical place either. It can be a place we go to mentally. The enemy loves nothing more than to get into our heads and make us doubt the promises of God.

And there are certain things we participate in, knowingly or unknowingly, that cause our houses to be filled with debris. The things we take in through our ears and eyes, and even our mouths. We have become a generation of excess. We have so many things, except the one thing that will give us peace of mind: a relationship with God. But where would He fit in our lives? Where would he find room in our crowded and cluttered houses?

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.  It's time to clean house and make room for the Father. To make room for His blessings. God has so much He wants to bless us with. So much He wants to give to us. He's just looking to be invited, and He will come and help us clean house. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"It Will Not Last"

Reflections4Life August 16^th, 2020

“It Will Not Last”

“For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5

Scripture Contemplation: Numbers 11; Psalm 5; Psalm 30; Jeremiah 11…

The pain. The heartache. The disappointment. It will not last. The uncertainty. The loneliness. The despair. It will not last.  How can I possibly say it will not last when I don't know how long you've been suffering? Because I believe my Heavenly Father when He said: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Allow God into the hidden places that He may bring you joy and encouragement. Believe the promises of God. Yield to Him, as He reaches toward you with His love and greatness.

I may not know the cause of your heartache and suffering. As you may not know mine. However, I do know, with all my heart that my God loves us the same. And what He's done for another, He can and will do for me and you too, should we believe and let Him have His way.

Most certainly as we suffer these afflictions, it feels like there is never an end in sight. But God! He is a promise-keeper. And if we hold on, believe His word, hold onto the promises, we will not only make it through, we will thrive in the blessings of God.

Beloveds, do not give up. Do not give in to the whispers of the enemy. God surely does love you. He does have a plan for your life. One to prosper you and bring you to an expected end. That is fulfilled with promises of God. Though your mourning and weeping seem to be lasting longer than a night, trust God when He tells you that your morning is soon coming. What you are faced with now will not last. There is an end in sight.

Galatians 6:9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

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.  What heartaches, pain, trials and tests you are facing now, they will not last. Yet, they will make you stronger. Giving you a testimony that brings light to another person's dark night. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Your First Call"

Reflections4Life, August 9, 2020

“Your First Call”

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 5; Proverbs 3; Matthew 6…

There are countless people going through tough times. There are some we may never know, facing things in their lives that seem impossible to overcome. They do not know where to turn or who to turn to.

Who is the first person you call when you are in trouble? Many of us call a friend, a sibling, or our parents. When things in your life are not going well and you need direction, who do you call? When you’re looking for answers, who do you turn to?

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Allow God to be your first call. Seek Him first in all that you do. Allow God to direct you and fill your heart with His love and direction.

Many turn to everyone in their sphere of influence but God. Some even seek out psychics, spiritualists, and mediums. While God is last on the call list; if on the list at all.

Why not make the Father your first call? Sure; I can hear many saying: "I already prayed and it didn't work." Or, "God doesn't hear me or answer my prayers."

That couldn't be further from the truth. God cares. And He hears our supplications. And He not only answers but has the answers to every single question, dilemma, and problems we face.  Sometimes we just cannot hear God, or recognize His voice or His ways because we have not spent much time in His presence. We often make God our last call instead of the first.

Beloveds, God is always there. But many times we do not seek Him until we have exhausted every other avenue then seek Him as a last resort. Many times we believe He has not heard us or does not answer our prayers, when the truth of the matter is we have spent so much time apart from Him and His presence, that His ways are foreign to us and His voice unrecognizable.

Here's an idea: why not make God your first call? Your first call of the day. Your first communication. Instead if reaching for the phone or your social media app, how about giving God the first minutes of your day? We have 24 hours; would it be so hard to give the Father the first twenty to thirty minutes?

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.  Invite God into your everyday life. Develop your intimate relationship with Him so when you are in a position to need aid, He naturally becomes your first call. And when He answers, you will recognize His voice and His ways. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Don't Believe The Lies"

Reflections4Life August 2, 2020

“Don’t Believe the Lies”

“But the king will rejoice in God; everyone who swears by Him will glory, for the mouths of those who speak lies will be stopped.” Psalm 63:11

Scripture Contemplation: Proverbs 6; 14; 19; 30; John 8…

Today’s Reflections is very much personal than any other at this present time! God knows how I feel about lying. But especially about being called a liar! I abhor it! And beloveds, when the enemy knows what you abhor, he will try and use it against you every chance he gets.

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Whatever you do, keep trusting God, and spend intimate time in His presence. Only God can reveal to you what you need to know and give you peace about what is the truth and what is the lie. The Father is trustworthy.

There are going to be many things said about many people, places, things, and about you. Sometimes the things being said will be a lie! One lie can destroy an entire lifetime. An entire legacy. And before the lie is discovered or exposed, the damage is already done.

Do you know what the worst kind of lie is? The lies that the enemy speaks to us and we believe. That is the absolute worse! Because it can rob you of love, your birthright, your blessings, your peace, your self-esteem, your confidence, your hope, and even your faith and belief in God.

The enemy is strategic in his plots against us. He waits. Studying us. Getting to know our weaknesses; our idiosyncrasies. He waits for vulnerable times to strike. While all along he has been whispering lies to us and using our insecurities to weaken us. He uses that girlfriend, that boyfriend, that husband, wife, or family member; or that shady friend to take jabs at our armor, in order to weaken it enough for his onslaught. When we are most vulnerable, he strikes hard, and we often end up believing his lies.

Don't do it, Beloved! Don't believe the lies the enemy has spoken. Don't believe the hateful and jealous rants and whispers of people who wish your downfall. Don't fall for the backhanded compliments and empty gestures of those who say they love you and are for you, yet are secretly wishing and plotting your demise. Look to God for the truth. Look to God to reveal the heart of someone; their true intentions. And you…be strong. Do not let an enemy that has already been defeated rob you any longer. Plant yourself at the throne of God. Spend intimate and quiet time in His presence. Listen to what the Father says, allowing Him to strengthen and enlighten you.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you.  Trust me when I tell you: God has the best for you. You are His best. And in you is already greatness waiting for you to accept and walk into. Don't believe the lies, Love. Don't let go of God's truth about you. That you are wonderfully and fearfully made in His image. That, you are more than a conqueror. That, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.