"Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives"

 Reflections4Life™ May 29, 2022

"Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives"

"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, and develops well-formed maturity in you." Romans 12:1-2 (MSG) 

Scripture Contemplation: Daniel 10; Romans 12; James 4…

©Ruthe McDonald.

God is doing extraordinary things through the lives of ordinary people. It is not extraordinary people doing ordinary things making a difference. Ordinary people—who follow God's lead and determine in our hearts to walk in obedience, are doing fantastic, marvelous, and extraordinary things. Extraordinary to others but the same old thing for us because we are doing what we love for Who we love.

I declare that this week's Reflections is a continued source of encouragement for your hearts, minds, and souls. God desires to give us understanding and insight into the parts of our hearts and souls where we may have felt stagnated. Lay it on the altar, giving it all to God for direction. Trust God to lead you into the places He has ordained for your life.

It is amazing when I see and hear the extraordinary accomplishments that everyday, ordinary people are doing. It encourages and inspires me to continue to go forward in the plans of God, allowing Him to lead me on the paths that He has ordained for my life. What I have learned on my life's journey, is that our ordinary, everyday self can and will do amazing things on this earth when we take a moment to first think about the needs of someone else.

The average person may often look at their life and feel what they do and contribute is not much. That, the extra sandwich they made and shared; the bag of clothes and shoes, the nearly used purses filled with toiletries, that bottle of water, that cover, that blanket, that cupcake or cookie sale--were all just very small things that really do not make much of a difference. They were just doing their part, but not really making much of a huge difference. That "average" person would be wrong. With a selfless heart, that ordinary person just did an extraordinary thing. Sometimes they may never know how great an impact they truly had, but the blessings of God will visit them in return.

That extra sandwich? It fed someone that had not eaten in days and gave them hope that someone does care. That bag of clothes and shoes? It helped someone who needed new clothing for a job interview that would change their lives and their family's lives. Some child was able to feel comfortable going to school with clean and new clothes. Three more outfits than what they had which were none. The purses filled with toiletries went to women and teen girls that are homeless and have no extra money for the basic necessities that we take for granted. The generosity touched their hearts and encouraged them to keep pushing forward. They feel clean and human again. They were so inspired they turn around and give from what they had and now are inspired to give back and work with the people they used to be. That bottle of water? It was not only used for thirst but to wash. It gave life. That blanket? Kept people warm and shielded from the cold and the other elements of the weather. That bake sale? Helped pay for several family meals for three months. Enough time for that mother, father, and guardian to gain employment, and does not worry about putting food on the table and feeding their children until they could provide; especially after being turned away from a food bank because they just ran out of food.

It is the ordinary people that are rising up in light of the tragedies that have befallen many that will make the difference in moving forward. Ordinary people who desire to help others are the ones that end up doing extraordinary things that change the world for the better. Out of tragedies, ordinary people do extraordinary things that change the course of people's lives for good.

I would be remiss not to mention the ordinary men and women that did the extraordinary every day when they made the decision to serve this country. We honor each serviceperson for the sacrifice they have made to ensure the safety and liberty of their country. Blessings to the families of those extraordinary men and women. We are forever indebted to their sacrifice and we remember and celebrate them this Memorial Day and every day that follows.

Ordinary people do what they would normally do but have extraordinary impacts. Ordinary people do extraordinary things because they dare to follow their hearts and take a chance on humanity and find themselves creating organizations, inventing products, saving lives, organizing grass-root organizations, raising funds, giving freely of themselves, and changing lives for the better forever. Giving their lives.

Beloved, God uses ordinary people. You do not have to come from a rich family to be wealthy. You can be wealthy in heart, mind, and spirit, wealthy in character, in love, and a desire to serve and make a difference. God is using ordinary people with a heart that is malleable to His touch; with a teachable spirit, to do extraordinary things every single day. He just looks for a willing heart to follow His lead.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. You do not need any special skills to be used by God, to be His instrument, His hands, feet, and voice on the earth. He just needs a willing heart ready and willing to serve and share the love. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Get Back Up!"

 Reflections4Life™ May 15, 2022

“Get Back Up”

“Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

Scripture Contemplation: 1 Samuel 17:20; Psalm 121:8; 140:4; Isaiah 43; 61; Hebrews 4; 13…

©Ruthe McDonald.

I declare that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Give the Father your time. In Him, you will find your strength, courage, and power to keep pushing forward and walking into the life He has ordained for you. Failures may come but in God, they all become life lessons and the reason you do not stay down but get back up.

We cannot stay down, Beloved. God has too much for our lives and those He has assigned to us. Yes. We are on assignment on this earth. We are not here by accident. We are here on purpose with a purpose. We must remember whose we are and who has us covered no matter what we face on this earth.

Yes, it would appear so easy to stay down and wallow in mistakes, failures, oppression, and depression, and have them easily fall into the category of self-pity. However, God has invested too much in us to allow the enemy to come and continue to steal from us our peace, joy, strength, and sound mind.

Get. Back. Up. It does not matter what you failed at or who left you. That failure is another lesson to be learned and a testimony earned. That person who left? Their loss! God saved you further heartache down the line. Rise up and remember who you belong to and what He has promised you.

The word of God admonishes us not to grow weary in well-doing. It may feel easier said than done but the truth of the matter is that with God, it becomes easier to bear. Our burden becomes light and yoke becomes easier all because Christ has taken upon Himself to bear the infirmities, the weaknesses, the doubts, fears, the uncertainties, the heartaches, the angst, anger, and vitriol, and all else upon Himself.

Now is not the time to give up, Beloveds. It is, however, time to cast it all on the Lord. Leave everything at the feet of Jesus; begin to worship, and praise God for the manifestations of His promises. Now! Now is the season, the moment, the time that you have diligently prayed about. The very season and reason why you so diligently sought after Him. He has already filled your cup; now begins the overflow. The overflow of anointing. The same anointing that destroys the yoke of the enemy. The overflow of answered prayers; knowing that God has not only heard but has answered and is bringing to pass every prophetic word being birthed this hour. You just have to believe and take your position to receive.

A Prayer for This Week

Lord God, thank You for another day, another gift of life. An abundant life filled with the manifestations of blessings and answered prayers. Thank You, Father, for eyes and ears being opened and a heart conditioned and mind regulated to receive the overflow of the blessings ordained for my life. Thank You, for being my God, my Father, my Help in the time of trouble and in need; my Deliverer, my Answer. Thank You, for being my everything and conditioning my heart to know who You are and whose I am.

 Thank You, Lord, for not allowing me to give up or to throw in the towel as I am in the season of NOW. The season of manifestations and miracles. Thank You, Lord, for signs and wonders following me and for Your word being in my heart and on my lips. Thank You, Lord, that as it is and has always been in Heaven, so it is now on the earth concerning me and mine and every soul you have commissioned to come into my sphere of influence. Thank You, Lord, that I can, because of You, walk, in confidence and boldness because I am Yours and You have conditioned my heart.

Father, I am expecting great and mighty things in this new week. Doors are open, roadblocks have been destroyed, fear has been obliterated, and naysayers have been quieted. Thank You, that I do not walk alone but have You and a cloud of witnesses cheering me on and encouraging me in every area to follow Your lead and make things happen. You have withheld no good or great thing from me. Instead, You have ushered me into my wealthy places.

Thank You, for enlarging my territory and sphere of influence. Thank You for the gift of giving and that of discernment and humbleness. I stand on Your word and in Your presence and truth; walking in confidence, boldness, joy, and happiness, with peace all around me, in me, and working for me. I am covered in righteousness and everything I speak in accordance with Your will comes to pass swiftly, with no more delays. Thank You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Do not give up! Just when you think God has abandoned you. Just when you are about to give up and throw in the towel; that is the moment you are closer than ever to the manifestations of the promises and blessings of God. Get back up, shake the dust off, and go forward with boldness, knowing, believing, and trusting the word of God in your life. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"The Beauty of My Heart"

 Reflections4Life™ May 08, 2022

“The Beauty of My Heart”

“Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God-you're breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.” Psalm 139:13-14 MSG

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 139; Proverbs 31; Ruth 1; Job 24; 1-12; Isaiah 49:15-18; John 19…

Happy Mother’s Day! 

I declare that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Honor those who gave you life and those who mothered you but may not have birthed you. Let them know each day how much you love them. Remember the lessons of those who have transitioned. For they are life and will guide you to the manifest blessings that God has ordained for your life.

No matter what kind of relationship you may have with your mother, honor her for the simple fact that you have a life. I understand that there are many who are estranged from their mothers. You have your reasons. Yet, even in that, God admonishes us to honor our parents. To honor our mothers for the simple fact that they gave us birth and that is the vessel that God chose to bring us into this world.

No mother is perfect. Some go far and above as mothers, sharing their love and concern with countless others who may not have had such a great relationship with their own or even know their mother. Then you have mothers who are at the other end of the spectrum. Such is life; it is good and bad in all things. Yet, I am convinced that for those who have found themselves in the latter experience, I believe that God has raised up women to come into their lives and mother those who need mothering. He has raised up a select group of women to carry out the love of God through mothering not only their children but other children and adults who need to know sincerely what a mother’s love is and what it feels like.

I take this opportunity to share with you about my mother. My heart. The beauty of my heart. I am because she was. She transitioned seven years ago, yet it feels like yesterday. I still hear her voice, feel her embrace, and at times smell her scent and feel her presence. She is never far from me. As close as we were before she transitioned, there was a time when we were not close at all. I gather many mothers and daughters go through this speed bump as daughters are growing up and thinking they know everything. Yet that was not the reason for our distance. 

My mother confided in me that she thought she had to be extra strict with me to ensure that I did not follow her example. She wanted me to do more than she did. To accomplish all of my dreams. To go to college and do the things that were in my heart. So, she became very strict and rigid in her discipline—in her fear—to keep me walking that “straight” line. The result, however, was that I did not want to be around my mother. I loved her but hated her behavior towards me, which only made us bump heads. There were things I wanted to share with her. Things I needed to share, that she should have known but was too fearful and angry at her to open up and develop a close relationship that we shared when I was a very little girl.

Fortunately, God stepped in, and when I graduated college, my mother and I became best friends. We were able to communicate as women who had grown and who had things in common that went beyond our love for God. The trials and tests we endured made us stronger, and that is why I can say, my mother will always be the beauty of my heart. She is that beauty that resides in my heart constantly. Through her, I learned how to be a mother, a friend, an aunt, and a humanitarian. I learned how to pray, how to intercede, and how to be that Proverbs 31 woman. I am blessed. Because even though she is now resting in the Lord, she has left me a treasure; an inheritance that makes my brothers and me wealthy beyond natural means. She left us with the truth of what it means to be a true child of God.

Strength

This is my Mom. She taught me just about everything I know about being a strong woman. About, coming back stronger after being down for so long. About overcoming obstacles and triumphantly destroying the plans of the enemy. She taught me about prayer and how to pray. She taught me how to forgive and to love unconditionally.

This is my Mama. My friend. My heart. My teacher. The woman who showed me that nothing is impossible for God. That you can indeed overcome when everyone else has counted you out. She taught me how to stand in my convictions and not back down. To hold onto what I believed and to go after God tenaciously, and that it is okay to remind God of His promises, and to definitely ask the question why. 

This is my Mother. Who loved me better than anyone, Who prayed for me when I couldn't pray for myself. Who listened to me and did not interrupt. Who knew what I was feeling just by the look on my face or the aurora of my spirit. I didn't have to say a word. She just knew. Who listened patiently and didn't ask a question; even though I called her at four in the morning but didn't speak until 4:25. She just listened, while I was silent or cried. Then afterward, she lifted me up in prayer, not commenting n anything I just shared. Because she understood, I just needed my mother's ear.

This is my Mommy. Who left this earth seven years ago. Leaving me to wonder what I was going to do without my partner in crime. Without my intercessor, my prayer warrior, my encourager, my teacher, my mother, my friend. What was I to do? It hurt so damn bad. And it still does.

This is my Teacher. Who taught me strength just by being who she was. Her life was a testament to her strength and irreproachable character. She was far from perfect, and she owned it. Never did she hide the truth about who she was and what she did, to the point it felt that I knew too much! But she was honest and wanted you to know, that whatever you faced, you could get through it also.

I hope there is someone in your life that you can always turn to and have a source of strength to glean from. I hope that you cherish every lesson, admonishment, and correction that they have to give. Because it is all a part of teaching you to stand and be strong; becoming the person God has already said you are.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Honor your mother whether or not she was good, bad, there, or not. She was the instrument that God used to get you here, on this earth, and receiving of all that He has for you. Do not let a day go past that you do not tell the ones you love that you love them. If you see someone who needs some mothering, then mother them. DNA has nothing on motherhood. It is about the heart and the power and beauty that reside within a woman’s heart and the power that lies in motherhood. Happy Mother’s Day! Rejoice in your assignment. It is a gift from God. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved. 

"It's Not Always What It Looks Like!"

 Reflections4Life™ May 1, 2022

“It’s Not Always What it Looks Like!"

“But just as it is written, “Things that no eye has seen, or ear heard, or mind imagined, are the things God has prepared for those who love him.” God has revealed these to us by the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NET)

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 64; 1 Corinthians 2; Matthew 25; Daniel 2; 1 Corinthians 13; 14

     I declare that this week’s Reflections4life will continue to be a source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Seek God early every day, with a heart of expectancy for all He desires to pour into you. Allow God to lead in your life. The Lord wants to fill us with not only, what we need and have asked of Him but also things we have not even thought to ask.

     There is so much more to life than we could ever comprehend when living it in Christ. There are many more colors than what is seen in a rainbow. Life is a kaleidoscope of events, circumstances, and situations, culminating in a life’s journey. The Father loves us without pause and desires our journeys to be filled with His love, healing, understanding, life-long lessons, reconciliation, redemption, and self-love. God desires for us to walk in abundant life lacking nothing but to be overflowing with His promises that we share with others. Prayerfully, those who receive will also believe in the love and power of God Almighty.

     Each of our lives is different. We may share similarities and experiences; have been through the same kinds of trauma and heartaches. However, who we are as individuals, makes our experiences unique, and different from anyone else in this world. Yet, we can still empathize with one another. Showing sympathy for losses, hurts, and heartaches. As well as, understanding and kindness when the right words escape us, but we want to show our support and love. We can also show our happiness for their celebratory milestones and achievements. 

     We never really know what a person may be going through unless they share it with us. A person can walk around, interacting with a smile on their face, a lilt in their voice, and never reveal the agonizing pain they may currently be in. They may dress in fine clothing, look put together every time you see them, showing up at church, work, and family or friend functions, but we would never know they have lost their job, their home, and are fighting thoughts of suicide, depression, rejection; all while smiling in our face. They present a picture as though all is well. The truth is, it is God’s grace holding them together.

     It is not always what it looks like. What we are seeing with our natural eyes does not always give us the whole picture and sometimes, not even half of the picture. This is the reason we need to nurture our relationship with God so that we gain knowledge of what is going on around us. God will give us understanding so we may make wise and correct decisions that are right for all involved. We must learn to look through our spiritual lens; through the eyes of God when interacting with one another. To, have our spiritual ears and eyes open, receiving our instructions from God and how to care, love, and hear one another.

     Even when it comes to our personal lives and relationship with God. Many have been believing in the word and the promises of God. Circumstances and situations arise, and we are shaken. Oftentimes, we do not admit to the doubts and fears that arise after we have been waiting a while for the manifestations of God’s promises in our lives. There are times when the wait seems so long that we may feel God has forgotten about us or abandoned us and the promises we have been waiting on to manifest. However, that could not be further from the truth of what God has planned for our lives. Our story is just beginning.

     

    Often, it is never what it looks like with God. What we are seeing in the natural is far from the gifts that lie ahead of us, waiting for us to claim them. Yet, have we to imagine the blessings for our lives. The magnitude of their greatness. We can believe when seeking God, having learned something magnificent about our Lord, there are yet mysteries that God desires to reveal. Too, those with a heart after His goodness and righteousness will see and understand this.

     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 your time in the presence of God this week, listening to His voice and instructions. Allow Holy Spirit to lead you into all truths. Not everything is as it seems. Do not allow what appears to be to fool you. To fool you into giving up, or making decisions that God has not sanctioned. Trust God. Believe His word and promises, and He will soon reveal all that you need to know and understand, about others and yourself, in due season. Let God lead. You are Blessed. Now go...and be a Blessing!

©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"We Are Brand New"

 Reflections4Life™ April 17, 2022

"We Are Brand New"

"Therefore we were buried together with Him through immersion into death—in order that just as Messiah was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life." Romans 6:4

Scriptures for the Week: Romans 6; Matthew 28; Luke 23; John 2; John 19; James 2

https://youtu.be/gT9_ebl34cU

Happy Resurrection Sunday! Glory to our God in the highest! The resurrection assured us redemption, forgiveness, a new life, freedom from our past, and the peace that God is taking care of everything that concerns us today! He has come to set the captives free, delivering us out of all of our troubles! Praise God right now. Thank Him for saving you and bringing you from all problems. Hallelujah! He's made us brand new!

I decree that this week's Reflections4Life will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. It is Resurrection Sunday! If you do not believe in miracles and the supernatural at any other time of the year, believe it now! Believe in this season, and the power of the resurrection will cause mighty things to occur in your life! When you accepted Christ as your Savior, you were redeemed and raised again with Jesus! You received a new life with new opportunities. Study this week's Scripture readings and yield to the moving of the Holy Spirit. There is something that the Lord wants to blossom in your heart. Receive your gifts. Let the Father fill your cup!

We have been made new through the Blood of the Lamb. When accepting Christ into our hearts, He lives in us. He renews us. We are now the recipients of His love, His grace, His mercies, and all of His gifts. God has opened up doors for us that we have yet to discover. The more we yield to Him and learn who we are in Him, the more we reveal who we are and our purpose on this earth. But make no mistakes; you are a new creation in Christ. You are brand new! 

The Crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of Christ sealed our fates once and for all. Jesus became the final sacrifice for all man. Reconciling us to the Father, He did away with the sin-sacrifices that were law in the Old Testament. We are no longer under the law but are under grace because Jesus became our repudiation for sin. Not just past sins, but all sins--past, present, and future sins. The Blood of Jesus covers us. Our fates were sealed when Christ went to the Cross and rose again on the third day. He fulfilled His Father's requirements. A debt we could never have repaid. 

Here we are in the land of the living with opportunities to, live brand new lives and become everything God ordained us to be. To be that new creation, washed in the Blood and restored by the Lamb of God. 

Beloved, no matter what anyone else says, you are brand new! Though you may look the same and even feel the same, you are not the same! You are a new creature in Christ. A whole new person. When Christ rose, we rose with Him. As whole new beings, shedding our past. Ditching our grave clothes and the person we once were. Now, we're who God has called us to be. With this new person comes new gifts and rewards that can only come from the Father Himself. We are filled with Holy Spirit. We are clothed, now, in righteousness and holiness. We now have access to the armor of God. We are seated in heavenly places with Christ, as He intercedes on our behalf. The battles are not ours, but they are the Lord's. We now answer to a new name: saved, beloved, child of God, delivered, special, set apart, a Royal diadem! We are chosen by God, blessed, anointed, and favored! These are just a few! Study the word of God, Beloved. Learn who you are in Christ. Learning who Christ is and all the benefits He has provided 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. You don't have to answer to who you once were. You do not have to be that person to please someone else. God has freed you. Do not linger in the past or allow anyone to keep you boxed into who you used to be. They only saw the caterpillar or the grub. They did not see the butterfly that was coming forth and who you now are! You are brand new. Accept this about yourself, whether anyone else does or not. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved. 

"Here Today Gone Tomorrow"

 Reflections4Life™ April 10, 2022

"Here Today Gone Tomorrow"

"they took branches of the palm ntrees and went out to meet Him, and began shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of theh Lord, indeed, the King of Israel!" John 12:13

Scriptures for the Week: John 12; Matthew 21:10-11; Zechariah 9:9; Psalm 118:25-26; 2 Kings 9:13; Luke 19:38; John 3:16-17; Psalm 1

Happy Palm Sunday! May our hearts be filled and encouraged when we think about all that God has done for us. May we be encouraged to see the hand of God in all things and how He will deliver us and sanctify our hearts and minds. He will heal us from hurts that may abound from those who were with us today but gone tomorrow.

I decree that this week's Reflections4Life will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Anytime we get to spend time in the presence of the Lord should be a time of reverence and gleaning. As you spend intimate time with the Father this week, allow Him to fill you up, preparing you for what is ahead of you. There is nothing under the sun that Jesus is not already acquainted with. Allow Him to give you the benefits of His knowledge and wisdom.

How many times in your life already, have you been hurt or surprised by the actions of people that you thought were here for you? Betrayal is not an easy thing to get over. Nor is it something that we forget easily. Oftentimes, when we experience betrayals, we tend to linger in the feelings that it produces, carrying those same emotions into future relationships. Sometimes we are not aware we have done so until we find ourselves measuring people's character and judging them by the actions of those who previously hurt and betrayed us.

That is no way to live life. Neither is it healthy for any relationship. Whether it is a personal or business relationship. we have to learn to move on; to let go of what others have done and always begin with a clean slate moving forward. Is it easy? By no means is it easy. However, when you have God on your side, He makes difficult tasks seem easy because He takes our burdens and heavy yokes on Himself, leaving us to walk a smoother and lighter path. But we have to trust Him and follow His instructions exactly.

There are no escaping betrayals. Not in our lifetime. Someday, somewhere, someone we care about or have given our trust to will do something that will hurt us and change our opinion of who they are. Some will do it on purpose, others not intentionally. Not everyone in our lives but some. We have to learn to forgive and move on. To, let what one person did be left with them, and not judge others by the actions of others. Yes. Be cautious and more prayerful. But do not allow it to make you so judgemental and fearful that you close your heart and miss out on the splendors of the beauty and abundance of life and relationships.

As Jesus road upon the donkey, the people called out praises to Him, singing Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest! All praises to the King of Israel! He already knew the same people would be chanting Crucify Him! Crucify Him! Crucify Him! a week later. Yet, Jesus continued on, blessing them, healing them, feeding them, and preparing them. There He sat, at the table breaking bread with those closest to Him, with the knowledge that one of them was on his way to sell Him out for thirty pieces of silver. While others still, would be running and hiding and denying having known Him. 

Can You imagine the heart of Jesus? Can you imagine spending all these years teaching, singing, worshiping, fellowshipping, pouring your all into others, only to have them betray you or deny having ever known you? If that doesn't hurt, I don't know what does! But yet, Jesus knew the bigger picture. He did not allow what others did at that moment to change what He was sent to do, to save and deliver us by way of the Cross.

We cannot allow the actions of others to stop us from doing what God has called us to do. we cannot allow the betrayal and broken trust of another to determine our relationship with others or keep us from giving others a fair opportunity to get to know who they are on their own merits. Can you imagine if Jesus said, Nah! I'm good. I'm not saving no one! If they're anything like the ones who betrayed me and denied me, then You can have them, Father! I'm saving myself! There would be no 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. There will be some that will come into our lives. They will be for us one day and the next they will turn away from us. Some will break our trust. However, we will not and cannot allow it to break who we are and who God called us to be. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved. 

 

"Heavy Load Sharer and Burden Bearer"

Reflections4Life™ April 3, 2022

"Heavy Load Sharer and Burden Bearer"

"Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you..." Isaiah 46:4 

Scriptures for the Week: Isaiah 46:4; Psalm 55:22; Isaiah 58:6; Matthew 11:28-30; Isaiah 41:13; 1 Peter 5:6-7; Isaiah 40:11; Psalm 34:17; Isaiah 41:10; Galatians 6:2

There is nothing that God cannot delivers from if we truly desire to be delivered. There are no burdens or loads too heavy that He cannot carry or bear. If only we would trust, that God is and will always be, our heavy load sharer and burden bearer, things would get a lot easier for us!

I decree that this week's Reflections4Life will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. I encourage you this week to release what you have been holding so tightly, for fear it will either go wrong or break. Release into the capable hands of God, the heavy load you have been carrying, that has weighed you down over the years, robbing you of joy and peace and the happiness that God has promised you. You really do not have to do it all. God really does have you...if You let Him.

Why do we do it to ourselves? Why do we carry these heavy loads, burdening ourselves down in impossible situations until we break down?  If there is one thing we know how to do as human beings, is be a martyr! When did this start? More than likely we saw our mothers do it or our fathers do it. Yet, we conveniently forget how worn down and burdensome they became in the process. That was no way for them to live and it is definitely no way for us to live; especially when we have a Heavenly Father waiting to relieve us of those heavy burdens. Whether they are physical or spiritual burdens.

I witnessed my mother carry many burdens on her shoulders, in her soul. It wore on her so heavily that she suffered at one point in her life, from a dissociative disorder. This was where her mind splintered into a different character that would take over mentally when she could not bear or face what was presently occurring. This went on and off, for years. There would be long stretches where she would work, live her life, and take care of my brother and me with no incident. Then what seemed out of the blue, she would be gone! In hindsight, there were signs leading up to it. But for us, it appeared all of a sudden, out of nowhere. It was not until my mother accepted Christ as her Savior again (she was saved at thirteen but was in a backslidden condition) that He delivered her from that state of mind. She surrendered all of her burdens to God, trusting Him with every care and concern she had. From the moment she recommitted her life to the Lord to the day she transitioned, she never had another episode. One of the things I was most proud of my Mother for, was that she did not hide her past or run from it. In fact, she openly testified about it. Hers was a powerful testimony of the love and power of God. It was a prime example of God being our heavy load sharer and burden-bearer! Her willingness to be transparent and authentic helped win many souls for Christ and answer many questions for others who were suffering as she had.

Here we are, in a world riddled with confusion, anxiousness, and mistrust. We are burdened with heavy loads that seem to multiply day by day. Yet, God is still the same God. He can handle anything that we are going through. Whatever may be too heavy for us to carry, He can and will. All we have to do is give it to Him! Let God into our hearts. Release the tight hold we have on our shame, secrets, and burdens. The same burdens that are killing us. The same burdens that are causing some to commit suicide and others still contemplating it. The same heavy loads that have people losing their minds and their souls.

Beloveds, cry out to the Lord! He not only hears you, He knows you and has made a way of escape for you. There is nothing too hard or difficult for God. There is nothing new under the Sun that He has not already been acquainted with and has an answer for. He is the answer. He is who and what your hearts have been searching for! Crying out for! There is not one thing you cannot bring to the Heavenly Father that will surprise Him or turn Him away from you. He loves you and has already paid the cost for you to be free! All you have to do is believe and accept it.

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. There is absolutely nothing too difficult for God. There is nothing too heavy or too burdensome that He cannot handle. All you have to do is trust Him and give all of your heavy loads and burdens to Him! He loves you unconditionally, no strings attached! You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved. 

 

"God Faith and Favor"

Reflections4Life™ March 20, 2022

"God Faith and Favor"

"God is faithful, and you were called by Him to partnership with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:9

Scriptures for the Week: 1 Corinthians 1; Exodus 34:6; Deuteronomy 7:9; 32:4; Romans 16; 1 Peter 1; James 4

God, faith, and favor go together like peanut butter and jelly! Like, ice cream and cake! It's available separately but when combined, is an explosion of flavor and better. We can believe in God and accept Him into our hearts. Yet, many are not walking in faith or utilizing the favor available to us. The believer who consistently prays, communicating with the heavenly Father, discovers the power of the combination of life under this trifecta!

I decree, that this week's Reflections4life will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Determine to take your relationship with God to a new level of intimacy. Let God into your heart where you have been so guarded. God is not going to hurt you. He is going to love on you, opening your heart and mind to different levels of faith and His anointing of favor. Your life will never be the same once you understand and experience the powerful combination of God, faith, and favor at work in your life.

There is something absolutely amazing that happens in your life when you understand the power of God, faith, and favor all working together, at the same time, in your life. It is a powerful, life-changing, thing. And the truth is, many of us will not know this or even experience this if we do not let go of who we think God is, and the weak perception of what we believe faith and favor are. 

God is more than a deity. He is more than a prayer answered. He is more than we have the vernacular to describe or the mental capacity to understand. Yet, we can know Him through an intimate relationship. It is through this intimacy that we learn what God says is faith and how His favor works. Also, how they work together. God is the key to the mysteries in this world. He has the answers we seek for every question we could ever have. He is our Creator, our Father, our Friend. He is our Teacher and Counselor, as well. God Almighty is so many things that those who maintain an intimate relationship with Him will soon come to understand. God never leaves us in the dark. In time, He reveals all the things that need and should be revealed in His timing.

Here is the important thing that I learned about God's favor and faith. When God blesses you and tells you that He has filled you with His gift of faith-- a supernatural amount of faith that goes beyond just believing --and has covered you in His favor, He does not take it back! This blew my mind! When God makes a declaration over your life; He is not just making it for that moment; He is decreeing, making a law that now governs your life for as long as you are on this earth. Even if afterward, down the line you turn away from God, you stumble in your faith, His favor and faith remain in you. They are buried under sin and bad choices and decisions. They are overshadowed by troubles and by things you have now put higher than God. BUT...they are still there because God placed them there and they cannot be removed unless God removes them! It is God, through your repentance, that will remove the debris and layers that now cover faith and favor once you come back to Him.

Before God blessed us, He knew what we were going to do. He already knew if we would rise to the occasion, fall back in old ways, reject Him because of life's circumstances, or forget who we are because of fear and the enemy. He knew all of this, and still, He blessed us with Himself, a gift of faith, and His covering of favor. We are the ones that must come to this powerful revelation. We are the ones that must come to this understanding. We are the ones that must decide if we are going to finally stand up and be who God says we are and live in the space He has ordained for us, using faith and favor to achieve what God has already ordained in our lives. 

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. Know this: EverythingGod has promised you is already in you. Everything you need to succeed is already in you. God has placed in you all that you need to conquer every obstacle that comes your way. You just have to believe it! Should you lose hope and fall away, know that He has not left you. He is there; waiting on you to recognize that what He placed in you hasn't died but lays dormant waiting for you to repent and take your rightful place. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved. 

"Staying Connected to Holy Spirit"

    Reflections4Life™ March 13, 2022

"Staying Connected to Holy Spirit"

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you." John 14:26 (NASB)

Scriptures for the Series: Ezekiel 10; 12; Psalm 51:11; 1 Corinthians 15; John 14; Matthew 3; 12:32; Acts 1

There is much angst, worry, anger, and frustration on the earth. GOD is admonishing those that know Him, are in a relationship with Him, to represent Him well. People, including ourselves as believers, need hope. We need something to hold onto in the midst of the chaos that currently surrounds us. Pandemics, war, poverty, and the list go on. Yet, God wants to fill us and keep us filled with His presence. That, we, as believers do not lose hope or faith while going through these storms. But instead, we would stay connected to Holy Spirit, follow His instructions, and allow Him to lead us on the paths we should go. Staying connected to Holy Spirit is imperative to our relationship with our Father. We need to hear from God. We need to stay strong and fed and our cups filled, so that we may help others who stand in need.

I decree that this week's Reflections4Life will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Take your time this week in the presence of the Lord. Take your time in prayer and meditation. Slow down when reading the Word of God. Savor it. Savor the passages, not rushing through the scripture. Let the words of our Heavenly Father settle in your heart while ruminating in your mind. This connection is the difference between life and death. Not just for you but also for who God sends you to minister.

In this world are many things, happening all at once, that is frightening and traumatizing. It has caused many to not only doubt God but also lose faith. For others, it has pushed them further into believing there is no God. As believers, we have an Anchor in God, Holy Spirit. He is our Teacher, our Comforter, our Source of Strength. We can draw from Holy Spirit any time, all day, and receive the refilling that we need when emptied from life's circumstances and situations. There are many in this world who do not have this source, but they can. Yet, they will never know if no one tells them or shows them.

As believers, we must stay connected to Holy Spirit. He is our balance; keeping us aware of our self truths and warning us when we are moving away from Him and our Creator. When we get off track and out of line, He gently lassos us back into position. A position and posture to receive from our Heavenly Father. To have our spiritual gardens pruned and any debris from the world, cleared away. Holy Spirit tells us where we need to grow and where growth and development have occurred. He is the barometer for where we are in our relationship with the Lord, and our Teacher for navigating the traps set by the enemy.

Staying connected to Holy Spirit, in the mind and heart, should not be an option for any believer, but a mandate. It is something that we should strive for every day we are granted the blessings and miracles of life. Our bodies are the very temple of the Holy Spirit. (That's a whole other topic I will delve into at a later time!) There are people hurting in this world that need hope. They need some good news to hold onto. How can we honestly offer these souls the good news if we are not connected to Holy Spirit? How would we know what to say and when to say it? Everyone is not the same, so we cannot witness to everyone the same. We need Holy Spirit to teach us how to reach people where they are at. Only Holy Spirit can show us who needs what and when; who will be receptive or not. We will not know if we do not stay connected to the Source, Holy Spirit.

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 your time in the presence of God. Be attentive to Holy Spirit and His instructions. Yield your heart, mind, and soul in His presence; allowing Him to fill you and speak to your heart. Each time with Holy Spirit is a new experience, unlike the last. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved. 

THE DECLARATION SERIES: "I Declare, I Will Keep My Vow to God"

   Reflections4Life™ March 6, 2022

"I Will Keep My Vow to GOD!"

"You look to Egyot for security and help without consulting Me. You seem to think that Pharoah is the answer. That Egypt will protect you from harm. But because you cling to earthly power of great nations, you will be disappointed and ashamed..." Isaiah 30:2,3 (VOICE)

Scriptures for the Series: James 4; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 119:11; Lamentations 3:40; Psalm 51:10; Proverbs 11:28; Psalm 37:4; 42; Luke 3:4; Psalm 66:9; Isaiah 30:2,3

Welcome to part ten and our final declaration in the Declaration Series. I Will Keep My Vow to God. It is easy to say the words; to make a vow/promise to GOD when you feel on top of the world or even when you are going through and are desperate to get out of a situation. We vow to God to trust Him and follow Him always. Sometimes in the middle of following the will of God, we are faced with opposition. Some so strongly that they would rather turn back to their old ways in order to find comfort and safety in what was. 

I decree that this week's Reflections4Life will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Keep your vow to GOD. Whatever you have promised God to do, or made a vow to do, do not go back on that vow. Take time this week to revisit all of the vows or agreements you made between you and God. Have you honored them? Have you continued in the path He created for you? Sometimes what lies between us and the manifestations of our blessings are keeping the vows we made to Him. 

We pray and we pray, asking the Lord to show up on our behalf. We even make promises to God. We promise to do such and such if He would deliver us and bring us into a new place. If He would deliver us from our current circumstances. We vow to serve Him always; to never look back and go back to the person we once were.

Perhaps you made a different kind of vow to the Lord. Maybe you vowed to sow seed every month for a year. But somewhere along the way, new bills popped up. Emergencies appeared and your money was funny. Who knows the reasons but you and God. In any case, you did not keep that monetary vow to the Lord. Though it was going to a ministry or cause, the vow is still between you and God. Time pasts, but you never revisited those vows. Guess what, Beloved? You still have to honor those vows, unless God tells you otherwise.

Maybe you are like the children of Israel. After years of bondage, you are free. Free from a bad relationship, an unhealthy way of living, using drugs, abusing your body, stealing, etcetera. You know what God brought you out of. Now, you are walking in your freedom. You are thriving and pushing forward. But then, just as you are getting comfortable with your freedom, and you are starting to thrive, here comes the enemy. God is allowing the opposition to come at you. It is threatening your peace and a new way of life. It's a little bit harder fighting for what you have and what you want. Now, doors seem to be closing. The progress you were making is at a standstill. In fact, some of you may have lost some things, while others may have lost everything. Now the enemy is whispering in your ears that it was easier when you were not saved. You had it better when you were doing your own thing. Or, you try convincing yourself that the abuse wasn't so bad. That at least you have a roof over your head and food to eat. At least you did not have to wrestle with this new kind of enemy; where nothing is familiar. You start thinking you would rather go back to what you know than to go any further ahead, uncertain. 

Like the children of Israel, you start to justify the sins and bondage of Egypt. at least you had food to eat, a place to sleep. At least you did not starve. The food was okay. You didn't have to worry about if your own crops would make it. Responsibility wasn't on your shoulders.

Beloveds, it always looks easier when you look backward. It is easy to forget the harshness of the past when what you presently face seems overwhelming and not to mention scary. The unknown before you seems impossible, while the past now seems okay for what it was. The Devil is a Lie! Beloved! That is a smoke and mirrors trick from the enemy. Nothing in the past that God delivered you from is worth breaking your vow to God. Your vow to serve Him, trust Him, believe Him, love Him, rely upon Him. 

This world cannot give you a tenth of what God has for you. It cannot comfort you in the manner that God can and does. The world's systems will always seem right and fair at first. But in time, you will see the truth and understand that God is the only entity that will always have your best interest at heart. That, in God, lies the answers to the fulfillment of your dreams and the vows made to God. To, love Him, serve Him, and follow Him with all of you. Ride out the storms of life and trust God in the midst of all things. 

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. God will finish the work He has started in you. He has, in fact, already finished His work. But you will never know this if you do not keep your vow to Him; to follow and serve with all of your heart, mind, and soul. He is doing great work in your life. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2022. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.