"A Celebration of God's Grace"

Reflections4Life™ July 27, 2017

“A Celebration of God’s Grace”

“Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty heavens. Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to [the abundance of] His greatness. Praise Him with trumpet sound; Praise Him with harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flute.  Praise Him with resounding cymbals; Praise Him with loud cymbals. Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)” Psalm 150

Grace and Peace friends and family! I am overjoyed today because of the blessings of the Lord God Almighty. I am so grateful and my heart is bubbling over with joy!

Sometimes when you are facing so many things in life, and have been tested with life trials after trials, you tend to forget about the goodness and mercy of God. You may forget about what He has already done. You may forget those milestones and miss the victories and triumphs along the way because they may not seem that significant to you. However, they are! Every time you accomplish something, make it to a milestone, and you give God the glory is another black eye for and foot on the neck of the enemy!

We are celebrating TEN YEARS!—wow!—of Reflections4Life Blog and Ministry! Can someone help me give some praise to God! As I have said in a previous post, it almost passed my mind that this awesome milestone was happening. So much is going on in my life that a celebration really has been the last thing on my mind. However, God is just too great for me to not make the time and take a praise break for all of His kindness and blessings of His word that He has made possible over the past ten years! All of the phenomenal fellowship, powerful word, the precious friendships, answered prayers, and the powerful prayer circle! My goodness! I could go on and on! Seriously! But I won’t be before you long! I just want to share a bit of my heart with my Reflections4Life community and family! You guys totally rock!!!!

Ten years ago, I was in New York for the birth of my nephew. I was watching my other two nephews as their baby brother was being born. I sat in my brother’s living room with my laptop, filled with a grateful heart for life and God’s abundance. I figured I’d write in my journal. As I began to write the words, the more I felt encouraged. When I finished, God told me to share it with my current writing community. He said someone needed to be encouraged. To share, my testimony, and give Him the glory. That is how Reflections4Life came to be. It started as just, Reflections, then God said these are Reflections for daily life; thoughts that we can apply to our everyday living, and so it became, Reflections4Life.

I started writing Reflections4Life as a blog post. I did not see it as a ministry, just a way to share my heart, my experiences, and what I was reading and studying that week and how I was going to apply it to my own life. But when God has other plans, who am I to say no to God, when I know He has a proven track record? So, here I am ten years later, filled with a heart of gratitude overwhelmed with joy and wonder at what God has done in my life.

I want to thank you, my Reflectiosn4Life family and community. I want to thank you all for the fellowship and friendship over the past ten years, and look forward to much more for however long God chooses to use me in this capacity. I am open to His will and His way. I pray the blessings of God over your life. If there is anything that you stand in need of, I pray for you and stand in agreement with you that God is already taking care of it, in the name of Jesus! If there is any illness, by His stripes, you are healed and so we thank Him for the manifestations! Whatever you may be in need of, give it to God and believe for Him to open that door and to make a way for you in His Son’s mighty name! Amen!

As part of my gratitude today, and for all the gratitude in my heart towards you for the years of fellowship, I will be giving away three (3) paperback copies of my latest release, What Love Teaches Me, Volume 3 in my Reflections4Life Inspirational Series. The print version contains a special Reflections4Life Journal inside. I will also be giving away one (1) $25 Amazon e-gift card.

To be eligible, you have between today (July 27 2017) and Monday (July 31, 2017) by 8:00 PM EST to subscribe to my email list on my website at www.iamruthemcdonald.com Three names will be randomly chosen for the paperback copy, and one name will be chosen for the Amazon e-gift card. The contest is sponsored by Johnrue Publishing. All winners will be contacted by August 4^th, 2017. No purchase necessary to be entered into this giveaway.

The print version is available on Amazon. If you would like to purchase the eBook, please follow this link for a list of retailers: https://books.pronoun.com/what-love-teaches-me/

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. Thank you all once again for celebrating this day with me! You are appreciated and prayed for daily. Thank you for your continued friendship and fellowship. May the grace and peace of God be constant in your life. It is my prayer the coming years brings us closer, extending our family, and connecting us on greater and deeper levels. I love you and I pray for you always. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"History and Unconditional Love"

Reflections4Life™ July 16, 2017

“History and Unconditional Love”

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you [and approved of you as My chosen instrument], And before you were born I consecrated you [to Myself as My own]; I have appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 [AMP]

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 139:13; Isaiah 44; Jeremiah 1; Romans 15:4; Philippians 2:1-11…

©Ruthe McDonald.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and spirit. God knows everything about who we are. He shaped and formed us in our mother’s wombs. There is not a hair on our head, which God has not counted. We have a history with our Creator. Draw on that history this week, as you spend time in the Father’s presence. Seek His will for your life. Let no plan be implemented without first seeking the heart and face of God.

His·to·ry ˈhist(ə)rē/ noun: 1. the study of past events, particularly in human affairs. 2. the whole series of past events connected with someone or something.

This past week, while reading a story that discussed the importance of history, it brought to mind a dialogue between fictional characters in one of my upcoming novels, talking about relationships and how the history that develops over time connects two people that can forge something magical and powerful when based on unconditional love.

Much of my writing comes from what I know, believe, and have experienced. I am a firm believer that history in a relationship can either help or hinder where you want to go in the future, alongside a person’s perception and desire for that relationship.

Here is the gist of the conversation between the parent and their grown child in my novel: When you love someone unconditionally, you do not place conditions on your love. You do not continue to love them because they meet all of your expectations, and when they do not, you withhold that love. That is not, unconditional love. When you are building a history together, creating a unique connection, you will have difficulties, good, and bad times. There are days when you will feel like the sun, rises, and sets on your beloved, and other times when you may feel like you hardly know them. When you have been married for a while; have been in a relationship over time, you will develop a history with this person. In the beginning, you are so in love; blind to any faults and bypassing any differences. You cannot imagine anything ever going wrong that would have you not liking one another, arguing, or disagreeing about anything. It feels euphoric. Then, life happens. Trials and tests come; your connection tested as the enemy tries his best to disconnect you, but this is a part of your history building. With all history, there is good and bad. As time moves forward and the years of your marriage grow and you look back over your history with one another and can still say truthfully that you love one another; that history will remind you of how strong you really are; how strong your love truly is; how powerful you are together. It makes it [your love] seem magical, unbreakable. That is what unconditional love affords you. It grants you the opportunity to have and experience a love that can stand the tests of time and events; events that shape you and connect you with one another in such a unique and powerful way if you do not give up

This, Beloved, is what we have with God. We have a connection, a powerful history with the heavenly Father that is shaped in unconditional love. A history forged in love, by love, for love. The Father’s love for His creation, for us to have an eternity with Him, set a precedence for what we can have on this earth in our own relationships; our relationships with one another and our relationship with God Almighty.

We may not look at it, or even see, many of us take for granted, the unconditional love that God has for us, and the history that exists between our Creator and ourselves. The enemy would have us to believe that God does not know us, listen to us, or even love us. How can that be, when He was the One that formed us in our mother’s womb? He was the one who created us, and shaped and molded us. The One that knows the number of hairs on our head, our thoughts before we think them.

There is power in our connection to God, in our history with one another. A power that the enemy cowers under, and does everything to try to sever. If he is not working trying to make us feel guilty for our sins and mistakes, he is stealthy seeking ways to convince us that God does not love or care about us. Why does he do this? Because even the enemy understands how powerful the history and connection is between God and His creation. He trembles at the thought of us, coming into that knowledge, applying it to our lives, and walking in confidence, drawing strength from that connection. It is an anvil; a blow to the enemy’s camp and his weak hold on our lives.

There is nothing more threatening and more frightening for the enemy than those who know their history, walk in unconditional love, and exercise their authority and power in God every day of their lives. The enemy understands that knowledge is power and that once we gain wisdom and understand how to walk in that power, the shorter his days grow and the power he once held over us is when we were in ignorance, is no longer.

Another thing the enemy despises is family. A family forged in unconditional love, building a history together, is a blow to the enemy’s plans. His plan is to kill, steal, and destroy. If he can destroy that bond; keep any history from forming, then, he has a greater chance of destroying an entire legacy, generations that would come from that powerful connection and unconditional love.

We have a choice today, Beloved. We can either listen to the enemy, look at our history through muddy lenses tainted by the enemy’s machinations. Or, we can hold onto the promises of God, recognize our history with the loving Father, and walk in the powerful connection that His unconditional love has afforded us. No day is the same. We will face obstacles along the way but we do not have to face them alone. We have a history with our God; a history that has been forged and anointed in the unconditional love of God. It is up to us to follow through, remembering whose we are and what God has already done.

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. Know your history with the King. Have confidence in God’s love for you and the conviction to walk in the power and authority that He has afforded us through the death and resurrection of Christ. Unconditional love is powerful; creating a history that is forged in power and unbreakable. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Life"

Reflections4Life™ July 9, 2017

“Life”

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” John 10:10

Scripture Contemplation: John 1, 3, 6; Isaiah 2:22; Joshua 22:5; Ruth 4; Psalm 16…

©Rue Fox

Life; it is all around us, even among death. As one life transitions, another life is being born into the world that will either draw them to God or away from the ways of God. Because no matter what path is chosen in life, God is always there in our midst knocking on the doors of heart, covering us even when we have rejected Him.

I declare that this week’s Reflections are a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Rejoice in the Lord for life. It may not be everything you want it to be. You may have needs and are waiting for your prayers to be answered. In the meantime, celebrate the gift of life that God has granted you in spite of the ups and downs and hiccups on the road. Let this week find you thanking God for every single moment, every breath, and every opportunity to seize this gift of life and become all that God has ordained.

We are faced with many difficulties in our life’s journey. Sometimes it feels as though the world and God are against us. We ask God, why. Why me, Lord? What have I done to deserve a life with so much heartache, pain, and disappointment? Why does it feel like the enemy is always winning? We question if God is even here; if He is listening. Yet God reminds us that He is with us even when we cannot feel Him or trace Him. We are often touched by the evil, the sin that people commit. Their actions affecting us.

God has given everyone the freedom to choose his or her path in life, to choose to do right or to do wrong. Often times, people’s choices have a profound impact on our lives. Sometimes the consequences of their actions touch our lives in very painful ways. Yet, it does not mean that God loves us any less, or that He is not there with us through the storms. We must conclude to live our lives with such a determination that no matter what we experience, what comes to us, we will strive to live our best, making the most of what we have.

Life is not a guarantee but a gift each day. Life is not fair but God is just. Some people live their lives with no regard for anyone else’s life, let alone their own. The Father reminds us that it rains on the just and unjust alike. We may have difficulty reconciling in our minds the goodness and love of God when we have either experienced hardships or devastations personally or witnessed it among our loved ones and even perfect strangers. Yet, that is where faith comes in.

Though we do not understand now the cause, continued heartaches, disappointments, and hurts we sometimes suffer; we must continue to look to God to strengthen us and to make us stronger in our weaknesses and to carry us through those dark times when we feel abandoned and rejected by our Creator. We must diligently remind ourselves of the promises of God because it is easy to forget when we are faced with a storm so devastating it feels like we are going to drown.

God is there in the midst. Though it seems like He is not listening or answering our prayers, He is. The fact that we are still alive, in the land of the living, breathing another day testifies to His love and belief in who we are and what He has ordained for our lives. All we have to do is accept it. Trust Him where we cannot trace Him and live this life to the best of our ability by giving it our all and surrender all to Him each day we are granted. The Father will protect us.

The very things we have endured and have overcome are the very things that set us apart and prepare us for the call and anointing that God has placed on our lives. It brings life to our testimony and is the story behind God’s glory shining in our lives. Our harvest will come from the pain, trials, and tests we have endured. We will rise up, bless the name of God, and thank Him that we yet again, have triumphed and have defeated the plans of the enemy to destroy us and separate us from the Love of God for all eternity. I have read the book, Beloved and the ending is the same: WE WIN!

The enemy will continue to use his limited time on this earth to try and stop us any way he can because even he knows he has already lost. Occasionally you just have to throw your head back and laugh at the enemy! Oh, he tried it! However, God has already declared us the winner. We just have to believe it, and walk in that knowledge with all manner of confidence. No one and nothing can stop God's blessings on our life but us! No one has that kind of power unless we give it to him or her by falling for his or her lies. So...go on and laugh at the enemy and liars that tell you that you cannot. Walk with your head held high, basking in the love and light of your Creator; walking in the greatness that is already in you! Celebrating this life He has given you!

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. Life is a gift and what we do with our gifts has an effect on the people around us. The choices we make will always have an impact on others, whether directly or indirectly. Though the life being lived by others may have impacted us, God has made a way for us to escape, endure, and move on: through Jesus Christ our Lord. We are free. As with anything in life, it must first start in our minds and our hearts. When we are free there? Everything else follows. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Reflections4Life...Getting Ready To Celebrate Ten Years!"

Celebrating Ten Years of Reflections4Life Blog & Ministry!

Volume 3 is almost here! Thursday, July 27, 2017. A compilation of daily devotions to encourage, inspire, uplift, and to cause a heart and mental shift in your life; preparing you to receive and walk in the promises of God.

I can hardly believe that I have been blessed by God to share His word and love through Reflections for the past ten years! God has been so wonderful. He has been good to me and there is so much coming in this tenth year.

For those who have been fellow-shipping with me for a while, you are aware that I did a series of Reflections Videos. (My YouTubeChannel) I will be starting those up again this year, as well as a Podcast and an App. I look forward to the revamped website, where you will be able to connect with me even more! Sign up for our Newsletter, Bible Study, Workshops. Be able to check out our shop and make a purchase for you and/or your loved ones, and the ease of making a donation, and sign up for monthly giveaways! There is so much more!

I am so excited for this tenth year. I am just excited over what God has done in the past ten years and the people I have connected with, fellowship with, pray with, have Bible Study with! My goodness! I can hardly wait to see where the Heavenly Father is taking us the next ten, twenty, thirty years! God is just so Awesome! What an amazing God!

Stay tuned for future notices on how you can be a part of the celebration and purchase a copy of:

Reflections4Life: What Love Teaches Me Volume III

With Love and Warm Regards,

Rue

"Fortunate"

Reflections4Life™ June 25, 2017

“Fortunate”

“Consider yourself fortunate if God All-Powerful chooses to correct you. He may cause injury and pain, but he will bandage and heal your cuts and bruises. God will protect you from harm; no matter how often trouble may strike.” Job 5:17-19

Scripture Contemplation: Job 5; Isaiah 3; Luke 12…

There are days that I forget how fortunate I am to have the Lord on my side. I forget because I sometimes take my eyes off God and forget His promises and His word because I have allowed the circumstances and situations to overwhelm me. Instead of stopping, praying, and meditating on the Word of God, I meditate on all that is wrong; forgetting how fortunate I am that I serve a God that has already worked all things out for me.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Do yourself a great favor his week—humble yourself before the Creator and seek His face as never before. Let Him pour into you and you release all the things you have been holding in. It’s confession time and time to be made whole.

How fortunate are we to serve a God that loves us unconditionally? How awesome is it to know that we have a Father that does not judge a tenth as much as others and we judge us? Though you may be going through some very difficult times and facing things you may have never faced before; know that you are not alone. No matter what it looks or feels like, God is with you in the midst of it all. Because He is, we are fortunate. Fortunate that we have a Creator that knows everything about us; what we need; how much we can take; and when we are ready to receive what He has to say and give to us—His children—though we may be ornery, sinful, prideful, and rejecting Him and His ways.

Throughout my life’s journey, I have come to learn of the love, care, and concern that our Father hoards in his heart towards us. There were so many times that I have judged myself so harshly that I missed the blessing of God right in front of me. I was taught religion and that God was a vengeful and jealous God. Yes, that He loved us and sent His only begotten Son. However, I was not taught in the beginning about the depths of who God is. How huge His heart and love is concerning all of His creation.

None of this was taught but learned through a personal experience with God. It amazes me every day just how deep and wide the love of God truly is, and just how fortunate I truly am that He chose me. That, He holds me close to His heart and communicates with me one on one. Hat, He understands me and loves not in spite but because of. Because He is God. He is my Creator. My Friend. My Savior. My Redeemer. My King. My Everything.

Beloved, when you have an encounter with the true and living God, you will know. It is something that cannot be taught, bought, or experienced through another person’s story. It is through a first-hand account experience you will never forget. Your life changes forever. Even if you walk away and reject Him, you still will never be the same after a personal encounter with your Creator. It is like receiving a kiss on the lips from Heaven. Your heart is touched in a way that no words could accurately express. An encounter with the true and living God leaves you breathless, excited, hungry, and thirsty for more; for more of Him; more of His presence and more of His love. Then and only then will you know how blessed and fortunate you truly are.

I am so grateful today! My heart is bursting with so much love and gratitude for our Creator. If you have fellowshipped with me for a while now, then you know part of my story, my testimony. Oh! Beloveds, there is so much more to the story behind the glory of God in my life. So much more to the testimonies. As time goes forward, I look forward to the Lord releasing me to share it all. I will share this: I was saved at seven years old. I understood with all of my heart and soul that God was real. I had an encounter with God at the age of three. I was already His. My heart already believed and received Him. My young life was filled with just as much pain and sorrow as it was a joy. It was because of my relationship with God; His covering, that I made it through my younger years without going down a dark path that so many other young women have gone after experiencing all that I have. His loved saved. I am indeed fortunate. Fortunate that I had an encounter at such a young life. It saved my life, spiritually and physically, and most definitely mentally. God is more than good, He is great!

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. We are indeed fortunate to have a Father that loves us so much that He reaches and knocks at the doors of our heart; inviting us and giving us the freedom to accept or reject His offer. He stands with open arms, ready to receive us. How fortunate we are to have a Creator who will move heaven and earth just to get to us, wherever we are. We are never far from His reach or can escape His love. God is there; always. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Purpose"

Reflections4Life™ May 7, 2017

“Purpose”

“To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord: I am full of the burnt-offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he-goats.” Isaiah 1:11

Scripture Contemplation: Proverbs 15:22; 20:18; Ecclesiastes 3; Isaiah 14; Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 9; Ephesians 3…

©Ruthe McDonald.

I declare that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. In all that you do, let there be a purpose behind. Give it a purpose so that it may meet what is intended. Seek the counsel of God; seek out wisdom to guide you and each purpose will manifest according to the will of God for your life.

I do not think many of us really stop to think about the purpose behind the things we are doing. Others may ask us what our objective is because humans have a tendency to be skeptical of a person’s intent. Which is quite understandable considering the corruption we see all around us. Yet, rarely do we ask ourselves or search for the purpose and intent of hearts when we seek to or are doing something.

Oh! There are reasons. We understand the concept of reciprocity or giving to receive. Nevertheless, have we put a definite purpose behind our actions? There must be an objective, the desired result for what we do. Think of it as a resume. The first thing we often list is our objective, our purpose for our work experience and skills what we hope to gain. Maybe if we asked ourselves [what our purpose is] more often, we would not become so overwhelmed when we face difficult and hard times in what we are doing, because we have a clear picture of the end game in mind.

If we understand our purpose/objective the reason behind our everyday actions, then perhaps we can concentrate on, and remember our purpose, our intent when all hell breaks loose, and we find ourselves under fire and questioning whether what we are doing is worth it.

Knowing our purpose gives accountability and stability. It helps focus and anchor us in the midst of things falling apart or going not quite as planned or envisioned. It also gives a determination and sense of what it will cost those God has called us to and ourselves if we gave up or stopped what we were doing.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (AKJV) But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work…

This scripture passage is not solely speaking of giving monetary. It is about giving of your service, your time, your counsel, knowledge, and wisdom. It is about being of service in the Kingdom of God and the reason behind why you are doing what you are doing. It is about your heart service and the reasons behind your actions.

What is the pay-off? What are we seeking to receive as a result of what we are doing? We have our purpose now. We know the intent and what we are expecting to happen to result from having given our actions a purpose. Now, what is the payoff? What are we seeking in return for our discipline, time, and effort? What accomplishments and benefits do we hope to see? Using the example of our resume once again, when you apply for a position, you have stated what you can bring and add to the company. What do you expect the company to give to you? Other than a paycheck or a salary, what are you going to receive resulting from your dedication and hard work?

Why do you do what you do? If we do not know the why or are doing it because that is what someone else wanted us to do; then we need to take a step back and evaluate our motives and go back to our purpose/objective. Especially if everything seems a bit, overwhelming and we want to give up instead of fight, forgetting about the cost.

Beloveds, there is a reason why we all do what we do whether we understand it, accept it, or acknowledge it. There is a definite purpose behind our actions. Whatever our objectives are, it will determine the willingness and the depths to which we are willing to go to see our actions through to the end. We must ask ourselves, what will the cost be for us not to accomplish our objective? Who, other than ourselves, will suffer by us not completing our purpose?

If there is one thing I have learned in my journey of life with God, is that I am not on this earth for myself. I am here to serve. That, my life story is not my own to hoard and keep hidden. It a story meant to be shared to bring encouragement, enlightenment, strength, hope, and healing to others. I am a walking Epistle, an Ambassador for Christ. My purpose is to live my life unapologetically without fear and with selflessness, understanding that there will be difficulties along the way. Mountains and valleys along the journey, and hearts and minds that God has called me to reach. My purpose is to reach as many souls as I can while living the life that God has ordained for me. And to give not because I feel pressured or fear ramifications from God but because I know the love and care of my heavenly Father and desire to share it with the world.

My motivation is to see the Kingdom of God expand and lives changed for the better. My payoff is eternal life with my Heavenly Father, the satisfaction of accomplishing my life goals, walking and living in happiness and joy, and pleasing my heavenly Father. To live the life of my idea and vision of happiness for me. Yours may be different than mine but this is the pay-off that I expect to receive.

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. Whatever you do, know the reasons why you are doing it. Let your purpose be made known. Seek the counsel of Holy Spirit and those that God has placed in your life. Wherever your journey takes you, purpose in your heart that, God is leading you to the exact place that He has ordained you to be for that specific time and place. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Undisputed Champion"

Reflections4Life™   April 30, 2017

“Undisputed Champion”

       “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have            tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Scripture Contemplation: John 16; Romans 12; 1 John 2; 4; 5…

©RutheMcDonald.

If there is anything that I have learned it is that no matter what you are faced with; no matter what comes your way if you are in God and believe what He has spoken to you, you will come through. It may not feel like it. It may feel as though you have lost the battle. Yet, because Christ is, so are we: Undisputed Champions.

I declare that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Whatever you are faced with in this life, always remember that as long as you are in Christ, you have already won and the enemy has already been defeated. Walk in the knowledge that God has granted you the victory long ago.

This is what I know: EVERY situation in life is an opportunity to learn something new; to learn something new about yourself, about our Heavenly Father, and how low the enemy will go to seek and destroy you and all that you believe.

There is definitely a mental war against us. In a weakened state, where your defenses are down and you can barely think clearly, the enemy will find a way to slip in and try to undermine who you are, as well as your authority in Christ. Very subtle in his machinations, the enemy will most certainly try to have you doubt God, the power of prayer, and all that Christ did and secured for us by going to the Cross. If the enemy cannot get you to doubt God, he will try to get you to doubt yourself. He will have you question your faith, your walk, and your belief.

As we both know and should understand, the devil is a lie! He has already been defeated, and we are the champions. No matter how hard he tries. How he may try to rewrite history; he cannot. He is the undisputed LOSER! And we, in Christ, are the undisputed CHAMPIONS.

1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

I thought this morning, about writing Reflections and concluded that sometimes we have to be reminded of what God has spoken to us and about who we are and whose we are. We belong to the Father. We belong to God who has secured our victory on every level. We have to learn to walk in our salvation and victory every day with the understanding that the enemy is always lurking, looking for ways to destroy us and attack the Kingdom of God.

Yes, greater is He who is in us than he who is in this world. There is nothing the enemy can do to change the fact that Christ overcame the world. Because He did, we can. Because Christ defeated death and the grave and gave us the keys of life, we are the winners should we believe on Him, and walk in His light. Certainly, we will have our moments in the world we live in, We will we be attacked on every side. We will suffer terribly at times. We may lose everything at one time or another. Yet, it does not change the fact that we are the victors. The death and resurrection of Christ sealed our victory for eternity.

Whatever it may be that you are facing today; whatever attacks the enemy may want to come at you with; just remember that God already declared you the winner. Because Christ is, you are…an undisputed Champion.

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. There is nothing more comforting than knowing that the war has been won. The battle is indeed the Lord’s, and we can claim the title of undisputed Champion. Do not accept the lies of the enemy. You have already won and he’s already been defeated. Now go claim your title! You are Blessed. Now go…and Be a Blessing.

©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Do Not Stay Too Long"

Reflections4Life™ April 23, 2017

“Do Not Stay Too Long”

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1

Scripture Contemplation: Hosea 14:4; John 8; Romans 5; 8:2; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 7:21…

© Author Ruthe McDonald

I declare that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. There is so much that the Father has ordained for our lives; so much that He desires us to see and experience. Yield to Holy Spirit. Give God your all this week and follow His instructions, with the knowledge that are indeed free from anything that would hold you back.

I am convinced that at times we stay too long in situations that God has long freed us from. We have prayed and prayed but we are not listening to Holy Spirit. The answers have come for many of us, but sometimes our hearts want what our heart wants and we do not hear the subtle voice of God telling us to move on or to let go. Or, what His instructions on how to begin to fix what may be wrong.

There are times when we look back over our lives and get stuck in the past. We stay too long reminiscing only to be stuck as time passes us by. Instead of living in today, we are reliving our past and unable to move forward.

Many times, we hear what we want to hear and see what we want to see, based upon the strong desires in our hearts and what we desire God to do for us. Then, when things do not work out the way we want, or we suffer and heartbroken—we get angry with God and ask why He allowed going through these things. Yet, it was not God but our choices and unwillingness to move forward, let go, move on, and see what God has before us.

Sometimes we just stay too long because we are afraid of the unknown and too familiar where we are at. We are afraid of what may lie ahead of us, that thing we cannot see. Yet, God has been admonishing many of us to move on into what He has declared for our lives. What He has waiting for us.

Beloveds, there is no growth and no surpassing our full potential when we are stuck in a place of familiarity because of fear, comfort, easiness, and even love; a love that would blind us to what is best for us. Let me ask you this: What if your child, who you have never been separated from, had a severe drug problem and God had opened a door for them to receive professional help but it meant they’d have to leave for a year with no physical contact with you for six months, would you do it? Would you think that was the answer or would you keep praying because your child has never been out of your reach physically? More than likely, I am gauging that your answer would be yes. That is your child and you would do anything to get them the help they needed.

So, then why is it so hard to do the same thing for ourselves? Why do so many of us find it difficult to do what is best for us and let go and let God? Why do we stay too long in situations that bring harm to our heart, mind, and soul? Why do we get stuck in what was and turn a blind eye to what is, when God has so much He wants to establish and manifest in our lives?

We have prayed but our prayers are not for God's will to be done. They are prayers that ours will be done. That God will adhere to what we want based upon what we believe we want at the time. However, here is the rub with all of that; God sees what we cannot see. He knows what we do not know. Yet, if we yield to Him and listen to His instructions, we will be in a far better place than we are right now.

There is so much that God has for us but we are staying too long in situations that are slowly killing us; killing us spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and yes, even physically. Some of us are in desperate situations where we have prayed and prayed, and God has already given us the answers but because it was not in alignment with how we want things to go, we eschew it. Then there are those of us stuck in the past; staying too long in our memories of what once was that we are blinded to the glorious present or bright future God has ordained for us.

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 stay too long lingering in the past how things used to be. You may forfeit what is right in front of you for the memories of things long gone. Do not stay too long in situations because your heart doesn’t know how to let go or because you are afraid of the unknown that awaits you. Obedience to God is far better than what you are afraid to sacrifice. When God tells you to release all things into His hands, let go of what you are holding so tightly, knowing it’s time to go. You are blessed. No go…and be a blessing.

©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Rue Fox on Instagram: “#ThursdayInspiration "Be Who YOU Are!" #WritersConfession As an author, I write both fiction and non-fiction. My non-fiction is mostly…”

Rue Fox on Instagram: “#ThursdayInspiration "Be Who YOU Are!" #WritersConfession As an author, I write both fiction and non-fiction. My non-fiction is mostly…”:



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"Sacrifice is Necessary"

Reflections4Life™ April 16, 2017

“Sacrifice is Necessary”

Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?” Matthew 16:24-26

Scripture Contemplation: Matthew 22; 27; Mark 12; Luke 12; John 11; Acts 1; 1 Corinthians 15

Happy Resurrection Sunday! I declare that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Walk in the promises of God, receiving all that He has ordained for your life. Walk in the resurrection power of Christ, the revelation of knowledge and the power of His wisdom for your life and His love. We stand each day granted the opportunity to walk in the goodness of God with an open heart, receiving answers to our prayers. Those answers sometimes require sacrifice. The answer for our redemption came with the ultimate sacrifice of love—God sending His only begotten Son, and Jesus becoming the final sacrifice for the propitiation of our sins.

It always awes me what our Heavenly Father has done for us. To love us so much to sacrifice His only begotten Son to be the one and final sacrifice for our sins that would ensure us eternal life with Him in Heaven. Our Father in Heaven loves us so much that though it is our choice to sin and to reject Him, choosing to live our lives, as we will, He still has made a way for us. He still has extended to us His grace and mercy and has prepared a place for us in Heaven alongside Him, confident in those He knows will receive His precious gift of life, redeeming ourselves.

When I think of the sacrifice that Christ made for us. What He endured to assure us the keys of life—abundant life—, power, and authority over the enemy, overwhelms and humbles me at the same time, especially so when I think of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Mark 14:32-36 (LTB) ³² And now they came to an olive grove called the Garden of Gethsemane, and he instructed his disciples, “Sit here, while I go and pray.” ³³ He took Peter, James, and John with him and began to be filled with horror and deepest distress. ³⁴ And he said to them, “My soul is crushed by sorrow to the point of death; stay here and watch with me.” ³⁵ He went on a little farther and fell to the ground and prayed that if it were possible the awful hour awaiting him might never come. ³⁶ “Father, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take away this cup from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.”

As I study the Mark chapter 14, it becomes apparent to me how many characteristics are represented throughout that day. How many of us can see ourselves in that passage of scripture? I saw myself and quite a few people that I know and do not know. The enemy was already plotting His demise, and the acts of His betrayal were already in motion. There Christ sat with His followers, celebrating Passover, knowing that He was to become the spotless Lamb whose Blood was placed above the door posts, as represented in the book of Exodus, saving the lives of all those who believed and received. He sat amongst His closest disciples and boldly proclaimed the truth of His betrayal, and not just by Judas, but also by those who never thought they would never leave His side or deny having walked with Him and known Him. Yet, He spoke in love and understanding, knowing that this was all a part of the sacrifice that He would make to save theirs and the lives of humanity; ensuring them access to eternal life with Him and the Father.

He sat around that table, knowing what was coming in a few hours, yet took His time to tell them, prepare them, and assure them. Then He went to the Garden where the battle of his flesh and spirit warred. It warred over the unwillingness of the flesh to become the propitiation for our sins, for those that rejected Him and would reject Him, for those who did not and would not believe. Yet, His spirit knew and understood the reason He came here; the reason He was born of a woman to become the final sacrifice for humanity, reconciling us to the Father. His spirit understood that this was the only acceptable sacrifice to make the will of His Father to happen. He understood the pain that was to come, the sense of abandonment and rejection, the turning away of His father when He bore on Him all the sins of the world. He willingly made this difficult sacrifice for what He truly wanted: for us to be reconciled to God and receive Eternal Life.

Beloveds, there are things that we want in this life; accomplishments that we want to make, a certain life we want to live, and the will of God to happen for us. This takes sacrifice. We have to be willing to make some sacrifices in our lives for what we desire. We cannot expect to live a life of what we want; of joy and merriment and there not be some sacrifices made. Sacrifices are necessary to receive what God has ordained for us. We cannot continue to live just any kind of way with the thought that God will continue to extend His mercy and grace while we give up nothing and willingly sin and transgress. Not happening. I like to look at as a person preparing for competition. If you want to win, then you must put in the time and effort to place yourself in the best position to win. There will be sacrifices made if you are serious. You give up certain things, people, and places, and you become aware of what is necessary to succeed. If you cannot make some sacrifices in your life, then what you say you want, you really don’t.

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. To live your life to the fullest and to receive what God has ordained for you, there will need to be some sacrifices made along the way. It is a guarantee that your flesh will always rise up against your spirit and what is best for you. Yet, when you make the necessary sacrifices and become intimate with God; spending time in His presence, seeking His will, and following His plans—you will never miss what was sacrificed because the joy of the promises fulfilled and manifested will fill every part of your life with abundant joy and happiness. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Betrayal of the Mind"

Reflections4Life™ April 9, 2017

“Betrayal of the Mind”

“Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.” John 12:13

Scripture Contemplation: Psalm 118; Matthew 13; Mark 11; Luke 4; 20; John 12…

Happy Palm Sunday!

There is freedom when you walk in your truth, and no longer live to please and placate others but live your life, as you will, with a desire to please God alone.

It would be wonderful if those who love you would always understand and accept you, for who you truly are, and not for whom they think, you are or who you should be. However, people are people, and sometimes they just do not get it, nor do they see it, and sometimes, they will see what they want to see.

I declare that today’s Reflections bring comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. As we celebrate Palm Sunday, let us remember the road to our redemption and the cost. Hold in your hearts, that the price has been paid already, and there is no one left to charge us when Jesus has handled the bill.

There are people—some in our lives, and some not—that have the tendency to put us in a box; seeing us through one lens when there are so many different components to who we are. As we celebrate Palm Sunday, may we be able to identify with the life of Christ. Many saw Him as Rabbi, teacher, friend, and miracle worker. Some saw Him as a threat. However, few saw Him as the Son of God or the Savior. For many, He was defined only as the carpenter’s son, no one special; nothing more or less. Having placed him in a box in their mind and hearts, they could not receive from Him the blessing of His truth. For Christ, it hurt that they could not believe; not for His sake, but for theirs. Jesus knows who He is even when others do not and cannot accept it.

I am grateful for all that, Jesus has done; for giving His life; for sticking to the plan and not being deterred by the opinions of those who only knew and could only see and accept Him as the son of a Carpenter, and not for the promised Savior that was prophesied.

Yet, I would be lying if I said it did not hurt when those you love seem to have a betrayal of the mind and cannot see you for who you truly are and when the truth is right in front of them. It hurts my heart at times, to live and walk in my truth and those who say they love me and know me, treat me like a stranger and readily accept the lies of the enemy and cause rifts to come between us; sometimes irrevocable.

It is seen as a betrayal of the mind to begin to believe in your heart the deceiving whispers of the enemy when the character of the person you say you know and love; who has been there to support you and stand by you when everyone else has abandoned you, is maligned by false actions perpetrated by the enemy. However, as children of God, we know or should understand that times like this will occur in our lives. Though it will hurt and break our hearts, we will not only heal and get stronger but also identify the more with our Savior.

Can you imagine being Christ, having poured out your heart and unconditional love; having healed, delivered, saved, and fed the people you love, only to have them betray, accuse, deny, and crucify you over false accusations? To have the same people you fed with the miracle of five loaves and two fish, turn on you because the enemy has warped their minds.

Yet, we know and understand that was part of redemptions plan. Christ already knew what was to come, but it did not mean he stopped loving them, or doing the things He did, or ministering to them even though He understood that their minds would be twisted concerning Him.

That is where many of us have to get to today in our hearts and minds. We must determine in our hearts to love anyway and in spite of. We must learn to kneel in prayer and truly place these situations in God’s hands. Yes, beloved, it hurts. It hurts to have everything you have done in love forgotten or looked at as shady because the enemy has decided to play mind games. However, we must look to God and learn how to push forward and continue to pray for those we have loved and have given ourselves and time to freely.

People will place us into boxes. They will be blinded and deafened by the lies of the enemy. Those we love will be fooled sometimes by the whispers and manipulation of the enemy. For whatever reason, God is allowing it. If God is allowing it, then we know there is a greater purpose going on that we just have not seen yet, or has yet to be revealed. In the meantime, do not allow these circumstances and situations to cause you to suffer from a betrayal of the mind. Stand firm in your truth and the promises of God. You may have to pray longer, fast a few more times, close your mouths in retaliation or in defense of yourselves and just allow God to be your fence, your deliverer, your healer.

I thank God for the mother I had. She encouraged me to stand in my truth and discover all of me, and be comfortable in my skin. She knew I was more than what people saw or believed. She understood a box could never contain me. God created so much greatness in me, that it won't allow me to be defined by a few titles that some give me. No. I am a child of God with many different attributes. Walking in my greatness, enjoying and discovering the many facets of me. Though I may endure heartache because some that I have loved, have helped, and have stood by over the years, believe lies about who I am, or accept the machinations of the enemy as truth; I must continue to love and pray for them. Even if now, it is from a distance, because at the end of the day, God is still in charge and His will shall be done.

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 allow the opinions and the shortsightedness of others to confine you to a box. Do not stop praying and loving those who have been blinded by the enemy, and their minds betrayed and warped by his attacks. Pray for them diligently and believe God for their deliverance. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.